CHAPTER ONE: HERE, THERE, AND BACK AGAIN...
Far to the north, where the only weather was snow, where ice never melted, in the Arcturian Sector of the Aldarian Empire, far out on the glacial ice, two riders, on hover-bikes, rode to the east, at speeds exceeding any velocity that a horse could achieve, for no riding animal could survive these temperatures. The riders, however, were fine, clad in insulated black body-suits, with hooded white cloaks over them, black scarves covering their mouths, and goggles over their eyes.
Soon, they'd reached their destination: the Polaris Arcturian Research Outpost. The Outpost was built right into the glacial ice, extending far below the glacier's surface, deep into the frozen water, where Aldarian deep-submergence research vessels could easily arrive and depart, to explore the unknown frozen deeps. The Outpost itself was composed of violet domes of Adamite – a metal-crystal hybrid compound, which only the Magi knew how to make, which composed all their Skyships, Skycities, and other structures. Surrounding the Outpost was a large, gleaming energy dome: a protective shield, one of the many technologies Aldare possessed.
The lead rider took out a small, electronic device, and tapped a key on it. Instantly, the shield lowered, allowing the riders to enter, before raising itself once more. The riders zipped into a docking bay, and powered-down their hover-bikes. The second rider removed his hood, scarf, and goggles, revealing the face of the Outpost's Commander, a tough, yet well-meaning man in his mid-forties, with brown hair, light skin, and brown eyes. "Well, Prince Link," he said, "what did you think of Polar Site Five? Does it not merit further research?"
The lead rider removed his hood, scarf, and goggles, revealing the face of Link Wingnar, the Hero of Time, Defender of Hyrule, and Crown Prince of Aldare. Link was a young man of 18, tall, and well-built, his frame striking the perfect balance between lean and muscular. He had short, sandy-blond hair, with a few spiky tufts falling down across his forehead, and storm-blue eyes, as well as long, pointed ears, typical of both the Magi and the Hylian people of Hyrule.
Link had come to the Outpost as one of the training missions for his Fleet training; as an infant, before he'd been separated from his parents, he'd been identified as an incredibly gifted child, and was now enrolled in an accelerated training program. The Fleet needed able officers fast, for, in a year-and-a-half – or less – the Shadows, an evil race at war with Aldare, would assault their planet, taking advantage of a Space-Fold, an actual folding of space, allowing the Shadows to "jump" right over the Aldarian forces who had pushed the Shadow fleet back to their home system...and come here.
Link had participated in several training missions, which had been mostly tactical exercises in space, with himself and other cadets crewing Skyships in orbit above the planet. His instructors had been impressed with his tactical and leadership abilities.
As useful as these exercises were, he also enjoyed the research missions, like this one.
"Polar Site Five definitely merits further study, Commander." Link said, grinning. "Those crystals we found are an important find. There may be deposits of them elsewhere, other than here in the Arcturian Sector." Polar Site Five had been where a research team had located a cache of crystals that apparently had curative properties; the energies they gave off were similar to the magic of the little healing Fairies that often dwelled in hidden Fairy Fountains, but of a much larger energy-output. It had been estimated that these crystals each had the curative energy of a hundred Fairies, or more. If these crystals existed elsewhere, then they could be used safely in the infirmaries of Aldare's less-advanced allies, including Hyrule. Also, these crystals, upon further study, could yield new insight in curative magic. Finally, several researchers at the Outpost were theorizing that the crystals were actually a by-product of the Fairies' magic; perhaps Polar Site Five had once been a Fairy Fountain, but the Fairies had migrated when the climate became too cold. That fact, if true, could have implications on the former climate of the Arcturian Sector.
The Sector may have once been warm.
"I'm glad you agree, Prince Link." the Commander replied. "With your report, we should be able to continue researching Polar Site Five, as well as continue exploration here in the Arcturian Sector."
"Well, I wish I could stay longer and see what you find," Link said, "but I have to get back to Hyrule." He'd taken this mission during a quiet week in Hyrule, when there seemed to be no real threat to the country.
The Commander nodded. "Well, Your Majesty, we're all glad that you came." he said.
Link chuckled. "I'm glad to have been here, Commander; being here, on the cutting edge of research and exploration is as exciting as being on the front lines!" At that, the Commander joined in Link's chuckles, as both men left the docking bay.
Within the hour, Link had moved all his belongings from his own quarters in the Outpost to his own ship, a Herald-Class Speeder. After he'd gathered the last of his things, still clad in his Fleet uniform – a black body-suit with the white vest of a Cadet, as well as black fingerless gauntlets, black boots, and a silver belt – Link headed to his the docking bay where his Speeder was docked. In a few minutes, he'd reached the Speeder: a sleek, rectangular-parallelogram-shaped vessel, about the size of a house. Its hull was a very light tan, with dark lines indented regularly about it, the edges rounded. Its wind-screen was on the face pointed at an acute angle, its hatch on the other side. The Speeder was the fastest, most maneuverable ship in the Fleet. It had fairly strong shields, but only a relatively light armament of weapons, as well as the revolutionary Quantum Slipstream technology which all ships had, enabling them to safely fly faster than light. As Link approached it, he took out his Command Module, a small electronic device that acted as a remote-control for the Speeder. He tapped a button, and the hatch opened, allowing Link to walk in, before automatically closing.
Now in the Speeder's cargo bay, Link kept walking, coming into the Speeder's cockpit, consisting of about eight chairs, with two control chairs, and two control consoles, consisting of crystalline keyboards with circuitry in them. Link set the last of his belongings down, and sat down in the main control chair, placing his hands on the console. Instantly, the Speeder whirred to life, as the Heads-Up Display popped up on the wind-screen, showing flight path, ship status, and other things. Link took the controls, and guided the Speeder out of the docking bay, the officer in the Flight Control Center clearing him for launch; outside, the Speeder's engine-pods extended from its sides, as the ship began flying out of the bay. The Outpost's shield lowered, letting Link out, before raising again, as Link headed for Hyrule.
"Computer," Link instructed, once he was away, "engage autopilot. Maintain heading, and notify me when we are 200 clicks from the destination." The computer instantly complied, taking over the controls. Getting up, Link walked over to his pile of regular clothes, to change. As he did, he said, "Hey, Navi, I'm sorry that you didn't get out much, this time."
At that, a tiny winged ball of blue light darted out of Link's cap. She was Navi, Link's guardian Fairy. "I'm sorry I couldn't help, Link!" she cried. "I was afraid that if I left your quarters on the Outpost, my wings would freeze off!"
Link chuckled. "That's okay, Navi." he assured the tiny pixie, moving to the cargo bay to change. "But I don't think that would have happened unless you actually went out into the Frozen Wastes."
Within a few minutes, Link had donned his usual garb and gear: white tights on his arms and legs, under a green tunic shirt, with a brown belt around his waist. He also wore brown leather boots, and brown leather fingerless gauntlets, with a green floppy cap on his head. Strapped to his back was the Master Sword, the mighty Blade of Evil's-Bane, the sword that could not be defeated – it was a fine, claymore-type broadsword, longer than his arm, made of shining holy steel, with a blue metal two-pronged hilt-crest that could unfold when drawn, and fold in on itself to lock it in its sheath, as it was now. Clipped over it was an elongated-hexagonal shield of red metal, with a polished silver mirror-surface – the Mirror Shield.
With the Speeder on autopilot, Link allowed his mind to wander, to reflect. It had been six months since Zelda had gone to the Eletale School, and she would be returning soon. Fall and winter had come and gone, and spring was here, and with it, Hyrule's yearly Carnival of Time, to mark the passing of another year, as the Dragon Star – a large comet, Link now knew it was called – made its annual passing of Hyrule. Already, Hyrule Castle Town had been busily preparing for the Carnival, even before he'd left, and Link wanted everything to be perfect when Zelda got back.
Since she'd left, Link had re-doubled his own training; his fight with the evil Vaati had taught him that he had to be ready for anything. Also, he'd had the Aldarian Imperial Library as a resource, for both his regular training and his Fleet training. His father, Kondar Wingnar, the Emperor of Aldare, had been pleased with his progress.
His father.
Link was still getting used to the idea of having parents. He'd at first accepted the idea of him being the humble, common Defender of Hyrule, and perhaps simply being Zelda's consort in the future…but now he was the Prince of the most powerful nation of all, and it was taking time to get used to it. In the times he'd visited his parents, the visits had been pleasant, but there was a…a distance, an awkwardness between them. Link supposed that that would eventually fade.
He'd visited his parents several times in the floating city of Aldarus, the Empire's capital Skycity, as well as visiting the Imperial Library, where he'd learned a great deal. He'd learned to modify some of his weapons, as well as enhanced his magical abilities by reading the texts in the Library. First, he'd learned to crystallize his magic into throwing-star-sized crystal blades, which he called "Spell-Strikers"; basically, they were ready-made magic spells that activated when they impacted against a foe. He kept the Strikers in a belt-pouch for easy access. He'd also modified his Grappling Hook into a device that attached to his gauntlet; this device allowed him to fire the Hook with considerably more force than a simple throw, allowing him to latch onto further objects and swing from them. He'd also modified the Hook itself; he'd altered the hook-end into a deadly claw, making it a deadly weapon, enabling him to fire it at a foe, catch the foe, and reel him into range of his Master Sword. In his studies, he'd also strengthened his elemental magic, and begun to truly master his Time Magic. Finally, he'd been patrolling Hyrule; he wanted to make sure Hyrule was safe when Zelda got home.
As he thought of her, Link smiled. She was what his dreams were made of: kind, sweet, intelligent, charming, gentle...not to mention breathtakingly beautiful. Plus, she loved him, too. He had to be the luckiest man in Hyrule...no, the world, to have her in his life. When he'd visited her once at the Eletale School, they'd had a bit of an argument. Link was glad that they had worked it out so soon; he couldn't stand the idea of her being mad at him for very long. And, over the last six months, more and more, he began to wonder if, just maybe, she'd like to be the one he could spend the rest of his life with...
"Attention: target is 200 clicks away. Estimated Time of Arrival: fifteen minutes."
The computer's toneless announcement shook Link alert. Promptly, he sat down and took control of the Speeder, piloting it towards Hyrule's port-town. He recalled the King, Zelda's father, having mentioned that he was expecting a letter in a week the day that Link had departed. Link decided to drop by the town and pick it up for him; he knew he could reach the Castle easily on horseback, and Epona, his horse, would appreciate the run.
In minutes, the Speeder was over the town, and Link set it down, disembarking, before programming it to continue on to its docking area, in Hyrule Castle, to re-fuel itself at the recharge station Link had assembled there. As the Speeder flew off, Link took out his deep blue Ocarina of Time, and played Epona's Song, the melody that called his faithful horse to his side. Link then proceeded to the post office, to give Epona time to arrive.
He likely needn't have waited, for as soon as he left the office with the King's letter, Epona – a fine, deep-red-coated, white-maned mare – came galloping up to him, her head nuzzling his face affectionately. "Hey, girl, I missed you, too." Link whispered. Then, Epona whinnied, slightly angry with him. Link instantly understood. "Epona, I'm sorry I didn't take you, but you wouldn't have liked it. The Arcturian Sector is cold; much colder than winters here." Epona calmed, understanding. Then, Link mounted Epona, and rode off, towards Hyrule Castle.
Across Hyrule, past the bustling Hyrule Castle Town, stood the gleaming, white stone Hyrule Castle, its ivory spires reaching towards the sky, adorned with colorful flags, for the upcoming Carnival of Time. Inside the Castle, in the throne room, the King of Hyrule, Andreus Nohansen Hylandia the Third, was supervising the decoration of the throne room. Andreus was an older man, in his fifties, somewhat short, and a bit stout. He had short, white hair, a fine white beard, and blue eyes, with a light complexion. He wore white pants and a blue long-sleeved shirt, with a fine red overcoat over it, and a crown atop his head.
As the decoration continued, Andreus smiled. The preparations were going well, and the Carnival was less than four days away. Things were going swimmingly...
"Your Majesty!"
Andreus sighed as he saw who it was: young Lord Caspian. Caspian was a young man of 17, around the same height as Link, but of lighter frame, since an aristocrat like him didn't train as Hyrule's Defender did. Caspian had short, dark brown hair, brown eyes, and light skin, clad in a gold-and-silver overcoat, and black pants. Behind him were numerous other nobles.
'Caspian, what are you up to, this time?' Andreus mentally groaned. Ever since it had been revealed that Link was Aldare's Crown Prince, Caspian was the only noble left in the Royal Court who openly opposed Link's presence. Almost ever since his daughter had left for the Eletale School, Caspian had tried to have Link politically removed, or tried to disgrace and humiliate him.
And Link had outsmarted him every time.
"Yes, Lord Caspian?" Andreus asked calmly. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Indeed there is, Sire." Caspian replied, his noble accent betraying his privileged status, only amplifying Andreus' dislike of the boy; he'd never once lifted a finger to help Hyrule, and yet he was so critical of Link, who'd risked his life to defend a country that was not his birthplace, saving all its people, including him.
Not for the first time, Andreus was glad that he'd allowed his daughter the freedom to choose her own future husband.
"And that would be..?" Andreus asked.
"We only wish to humbly remind you of your duty, Sire," Caspian said, "to think of the immediate needs of Hyrule, and not of some insane war effort against a foe we have nothing to do with."
Andreus sighed; this was one of Caspian's favorite tactics. He was trying to convince him to break off Hyrule's alliance with Aldare...and thus send its Prince back home. "Do you continue to push this topic, Caspian?" he said.
"Sire," Caspian huffed, "our alliance with Aldare is putting us in danger from attack from an enemy far deadlier than any we've so far seen! This is an enemy who, under different circumstances, would have no quarrel with us..."
Andreus laughed. "Young Lord, are you so blind?" he said. "I have spoken with Aldare's Emperor; he tells me that the Shadows were going to come here even if Aldare wasn't here. For the Shadows, Aldare's presence is a bonus; the proverbial 'icing-on-the-cake'. Aldare is the only nation capable of standing against them, and it has been victorious many times against them. They are our best chance!"
"I disagree, Sire...with respect." Caspian said, and the other nobles reluctantly nodded. "If we ended our relationship with them, we could come to a separate peace with these creatures..."
"You would only waste your time." Andreus said. "These Shadows are unearthly creatures; spidery, six-legged horrors, who think of two-legged creatures – like us – as lower life forms. They would simply laugh at you...before they kill you."
Caspian scowled. "Regardless, Sire, your pursuit of relations with them has placed us in peril. If the Aldarian Empire loses, the Shadows will destroy us with even greater vengeance for having allied with their enemies. And if Aldare wins, we are still in peril; their society is...is...unnatural! A Senate, where the people have a say in matters of state?! No nobility?! No peasantry?! That is unheard of!" The other nobles nodded. "New technology...new ideas...Sire, Aldare's existence is a threat to our way of life! And who's to say that once the Shadows are gone, they won't invade us?"
Andreus chuckled. "Caspian, I have seen what Aldare is capable of. If they truly wished to attack us, I doubt we'd be here talking about it; they would have overrun us without effort."
Caspian's scowl grew. "Sire, your alliance with Aldare gives them too much influence over us! Why should they invade, when they can destroy our way of life without lifting a finger to do so?!"
"You are making quite a large assumption, Lord Caspian."
Startled, Andreus turned...and smiled warmly when he saw who had just come in. "Link! Welcome back, my boy!"
Link returned the smile, removing his cap. "It's good to be back, Sire." he answered, respectfully. Turning to Caspian, he added, "You are assuming that Aldare wishes to conquer Hyrule. I can assure you, my Lord," the last two words held a trace of sarcasm, "that this is not the case. Why would we wish to invade you? It is one of our highest laws to never interfere in the natural development of another civilization. Conquest would be breaking that law in the most horrific way."
Caspian sneered, not noticing that his followers were backing away. "Save that drivel for someone else." he snapped. "You and your Empire are the greatest threat to Hyrule yet."
"Caspian." Andreus warned. "That's enough."
But Caspian went on. "You and your people aren't too keen on sharing all that technology of yours. Fearful of losing control of us, are you?"
Link just laughed. "My Lord, you just said that you wanted to maintain your way of life, and now you demand the technology to change it!" he replied. "Even if we did share knowledge with you, Hylian engineers would be unable to implement it! It would take years and years for engineers to even begin to grasp the concepts that enable our ships to fly, let alone how to operate them or even build them! The King already understands this. You, however, clearly do not, as your conflicting statements indicate." His eyes narrowed. "How can you expect to outwit me...when you are at war with yourself? When you are certain of what you want, then try to argue with me."
Andreus chuckled. "Well said!"
Caspian snarled, and looked back to his followers...only to find that his entourage had left him. Flushing angrily, he stormed off.
The King turned to Link. "I'm sorry that you had to endure such a poor welcoming, Link."
"Do not worry, Sire." Link replied. "Oh, and I managed to pick this up for you; I believe it is the letter you were expecting." He handed Andreus the letter.
Andreus nodded in thanks, then sighed. "What am I going to do with that boy?" he asked aloud. "Caspian has a lot to learn about how a Lord of the Royal Court should behave."
"I suppose, in a way, it's to be expected, Sire." Link said softly.
Andreus instantly understood. Six months ago, during Vaati's attack, it had been revealed that Lord Ruthlage, Caspian's father, had played a part in the plot, as well as in Ganondorf's campaign before that. In Vaati's final attack on the Castle, Ruthlage had attempted to kill Andreus, but Link had stopped him, and used the Switch-Shot – one of his many amazing weapons – to save him, and cause Ruthlage's own treacherous attack to backfire, killing him, instead. And now, Caspian had seemed to have found out about it. "Ruthlage was a traitor." he said to Link softly. "He would have ended badly, regardless, lad. You stopped him before his treachery did more harm. You deserve no ill will." Then, he added, "Now, I have a few things to say to you in private. Follow me." Then, the King left the throne room, and Link followed.
Andreus led Link out into the Outer Courtyard, overlooking the Castle Town. It was mid-afternoon, on the fourth day before the Carnival. "Link, as you know, the Carnival of Time's eve is in three days." he said.
"Yes, Sire." Link agreed.
"We have a legend, that those young couples who are wed on the day of the Carnival will have their union blessed by the Goddesses." Andreus continued, smiling. "Also, by Hyrulian law, a Princess cannot marry until she is 19, but she can become betrothed – or engaged – before then; traditionally, by the age of 18, a Princess has usually been betrothed." He looked Link in the eye. "I've believed in letting my daughter choose her own future husband, Link...and, in her heart, I know she's made her choice."
"Sire, what are you saying?" Link asked.
Andreus chuckled, and put a hand on Link's shoulder. "Lad, I'm saying that, if you decide to ask her, I won't stop you." he said. "Now, go and enjoy the day." With that, he walked away.
Andreus couldn't help but smile to himself. His daughter and Link were madly in love; they had the kind of love that stories were written about. He'd been the middle-man when his daughter had written to Link, and seen the joyful expression on the young hero's face as he read them. Also, he had always gone to the Eletale School with Link to visit Zelda, and his talks with his daughter had only confirmed the suspicion that he'd held for a while.
Zelda wished to marry Link, and Link had been thinking of proposing to Zelda. All they needed was a tiny little nudge in the right direction.
'And, hopefully, I just gave Link one.' Andreus thought to himself, smiling, as he walked on.
As the King left, Link processed what he'd been told...and grinned with goofy joy as he understood it.
The King had just given him his blessing.
"YAHOO!!" Link crowed, laughing. "Navi, did you hear that?!"
Instantly, Navi darted out of his cap. "I sure did!" she squeaked. "Link, I'm so happy for you! I just know Zelda will want to marry you! There's nothing stopping you, now!"
Link nodded; the King's blessing had calmed his nerves about when he should ask Zelda. Now, he was certain: there was no other in his life that he wanted to be with. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Link whistled for Epona, who came galloping up to him. Mounting her, Link rode off, out of the Castle Town. He had to get an engagement ring for her...and he knew exactly where to get the perfect ring for the woman he loved. Plus, he'd intended to do a patrol of that area. He rode on, towards the Kokiri Forest.
When Caspian returned to his family's home, he was still furious. He headed to his study, sitting in his favorite chair to sulk.
Link had embarrassed him again. The stupid piece of gutter-trash simply would not stay out of his way. It was now public knowledge that Link actually was Aldare's Crown Prince, and was future ruler, by blood, of the most powerful nation in the world.
'Well,' Caspian thought angrily, 'lineage alone does not a ruler make. By upbringing, he's a peasant.'
Regardless, it was now impossible to move against him directly, and none of his former allies among the nobles would dare try, for fear of a reprisal from both Link and his country's unimaginable military force. Worse still, every time he tried to disgrace Link or have him politically removed, the scum managed, somehow, to outsmart him.
Well, Aldare's Prince or not, Caspian would never allow Link to take Hyrule's throne or the Princess. The country was his by right; his blood was noble, of Hylian descent, not some sky-born usurper with freakish powers. And Zelda...she was his; he'd make sure of that. Ever since he'd learned of her half-Fairy nature, since he'd seen her in her Fairy-form, she'd plagued his mind. She'd become even more desirable to him. The spell of her beauty was upon him, and he'd make her his. Caspian grinned at that. Oh, yes, she'd be a fine prize.
Just then, he heard a voice in the shadows. "Having a bad day, are we?" it hissed. Then, a cloaked figure came into view. "Oh, you needn't worry, My Lord. Soon, Link and the King will crumble away. The kingdom, and its Princess will be yours, and Link will die."
"No." Caspian snarled.
"'No'?" the figure asked, surprised.
"That isn't enough." Caspian snarled. "I want him humiliated. I want you to make him so repulsive that Zelda wouldn't come near him. I want him to die last, so he can see Hyrule become mine, so he knows how completely he failed."
The dark entity known as Majora chuckled. "My Lord, you are my kind of people." he said. "And Link will suffer. I guarantee it."
As the sun began to set across the verdant expanse of Hyrule Field, a carriage rode towards Hyrule Castle, carrying two passengers. One was a young lady of 18, having celebrated her birthday about a month-and-a-half ago, with Link, her true love. She was a bit shorter than Link, her perfect little nose only reaching the level of Link's chin, and she was delicately built, with long, sunshine-golden hair flowing down to the middle of her back, two golden tendrils curling down in front of her pointed ears. She had sapphire-blue eyes, and lips as red and moist as rose petals, her skin the lovely color of moonlight. She wore her usual royal gown, consisting of a simple, long, trim, light rose-colored skirt, covering her slender legs, and a deep purple top, fitting just close enough to modestly accentuate her slender but substantial curves, with golden, ornamental shoulder-pads covering her delicate shoulders. She wore long, light rose-colored gloves, reaching up to her elbows, with her favorite Triforce-shaped earrings in her ears, and a golden tiara encircling her forehead. She was Zelda Aurora Hylandia, Crown Princess of Hyrule.
Across from her sat an elderly lady, in her mid fifties, with long white hair tied in two buns atop her head, emerald eyes framed by spectacles, and creamy skin. She was tall, and elegantly built, clad in a simple, yet stylish light violet, slim school-teacher's gown. She was Delia Orianis, Headmistress of the Eletale School for the Magic Arts.
Zelda was looking out the window, watching as sights became familiar, as her Headmistress took a little nap. Zelda was so anxious to get home...and to see Link again. She blushed to herself as she thought of her true love, the man of her dreams. Link was everything a woman could ever want in a man: he was kind, honest, caring, funny, intelligent, charming, honorable, handsome, tender...he'd be a perfect husband...
Zelda smiled to herself. Did Link want to marry her? She certainly hoped so. With those happy thoughts, Zelda decided to take a nap of her own.
She and Link were atop the highest tower of Hyrule Castle. The sun of a new day was streaming in, making Link, her hero, her wonderful true love, seem to glow with an ethereal light. A loving smile was on his face, as he got on one knee before her, holding out a beautiful ring to her. "Zelda, will you marry me?" he asked. Zelda squealed in pure joy, embracing him and saying yes, and Link placed the ring on her finger, before he lifted her into the air, and they melted into a kiss...
Time had passed in seconds, and they were in the Temple of Time, to take their vows before all their friends and family. Clad in their wedding finery, they spoke their vows, and were pronounced husband and wife. When it came to seal their vows with a kiss, Zelda shyly moved towards her husband, but Link swept her off her feet, giving her an amazing kiss. Zelda sighed happily, knowing that her new life would have so much joy, now that she and Link would be part of each other's lives forever...
When Zelda awoke, she was in a bed, wrapped lovingly in the sheets. Confused, she partially unwrapped herself and sat up. Suddenly, she felt a chill strike her chest. Looking down at herself, she understood why...and squeaked in surprise, covering her bare form.
"Zel?" came a sleepy voice, as Link sat up beside her...with no clothes on, the blankets covering his lower body, with only his upper body exposed...revealing his flawless physique. Zelda knew that he trained often, was a man of iron discipline...and it had done wonders for him. Then, she noticed the simple gold wedding ring on his finger...
...and the identical one on her own.
"Link...are we married?" she asked. It seemed too good to be true...
Link smiled. "I certainly hope so," he sweetly teased, "otherwise we've been committing a horrible taboo for the past few hours."
Link's witty remark made her laugh...until she considered it fully. Her body was giving off all the signals of a satisfied woman; every inch of her tingled with bliss. 'Oh, sweet Nayru, matron of the heart,' she silently prayed, 'please don't let this be a dream.'
Link smiled at her, loving concern in his voice. "What's wrong, Zel?" he asked. "Don't you remember?"
Zelda smiled radiantly at her husband, the man who had blossomed her. "I love you." she cooed.
"And I love you, my darling." Link replied, his smile growing. "Are you okay?"
"It's just...everything's a bit fuzzy." Zelda confessed.
Link grinned slyly, a smile which made Zelda go weak in the knees. "Then maybe I should refresh your memory." he whispered, in a husky tone that made Zelda's heart simply melt.
Slowly, with loving care, Link lowered himself onto her, giving her loving kisses, and Zelda's heart felt like it would explode from pure happiness. 'I can't believe this is happening...' she thought. Then, she saw Link's loving face, and trusted him completely.
"Zelda..." Link whispered, "...my darling Zelda..."
"Zelda!"
Miss Orianis' call fully awoke Zelda from her dream. "We're almost there, dear." her Headmistress said kindly. "We'll be there, soon."
"Yes, Miss Orianis." Zelda replied. Sitting back, she sighed to herself. She'd had that dream.
Again.
She'd been having it ever since her 18th birthday, when Link had visited her. She and Link had had a bit of an argument during one of his visits; she'd wanted Link to help her learn to use a sword, and Link had been a bit reluctant. As a result, some harsh words had been exchanged. After the fact, Zelda had been horrified at herself; this was Link, the love of her life that she had yelled at. She was so glad that they had made up so quickly…and even gladder that Link had agreed, despite his initial warning at how hard it would be. She smiled as she recalled his exact words: "You're thanking me now…but three hours into the training, and you'll be cursing me, my father, and my father's father."
The training had been difficult, but Zelda hadn't felt the need to curse her beau's family to the depths of the Evil Realm. Before he'd had to leave, Link had told her that she was a natural, and had encouraged her to practice on her own. And now, she had some experience with handling a blade, as well as being much more well-versed in the magic arts.
The age of 18 was when most Princesses became betrothed. She'd been secretly hoping that Link would ask her, soon – she would marry no other man but him – but she didn't want to pressure him into it, just as he never pressured her into anything.
And, in her dreams, she acted out her secret desires and fantasies.
She sighed to herself, again. She wished she could control these dreams, or at least not stop them when they started to get good...
She blushed madly at that thought. She was a Princess; she shouldn't be thinking like that, not until she was properly married! By the time Zelda managed to order her thoughts, the carriage had arrived at Hyrule Castle.
As the royal retainers unloaded her luggage, Zelda and the Headmistress got out to greet Zelda's father. "Zelda, welcome home!" the King declared.
"Daddy!" Zelda exclaimed, hugging her father. "I'm so happy to be home!"
"I'm glad you're back, sweetheart." her father said. "So, how did you do in your first semester?"
"She did superbly, Sire; she took to magic as if it were second nature." the Headmistress said, smiling. "Her grades were outstanding, and she was an absolute little darling; a joy to teach!"
"Um, Daddy, is...Link here?" Zelda asked, shyly.
"Oh, you just missed him!" the King said. "I believe he was heading towards the forest. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have bade him to stay. We all thought you were arriving later!"
"I wanted to surprise you all!" Zelda said. Then, smiling, she added, "Now, I think I'll go surprise Link!" Then, she closed her eyes, and willed herself to change to her Fairy-Form. The familiar energy-wave washed over her, cleansing and energizing her.
When it was done, Zelda now wore a sparkling, sleeveless, silver-blue, halter-style tank top, accentuating her curves perfectly, leaving her slim midriff exposed. She also wore a matching, sparkly silver-blue short skirt, covering her to mid-thigh, as well as high-heeled, silver-colored shoes. She had light blue, long, silken gloves, extending up to her elbows, and a light-blue-metal tiara with a single pink gem encircled her forehead – the Glimmer Tiara, a gift from her mother's spirit. Extending from her back was a pair of semi-translucent, light blue fairy-wings, resembling those of a butterfly, but more extended, the upper part slightly more prominent than the lower part of the wing.
Zelda concentrated, and her wings began to flutter rapidly, lifting her into the air. "I'll be back soon!" she called, and she flew off towards the forest.
As she flew, Zelda's now-heightened emotions took hold of her, as her joy in seeing her sweetheart multiplied tenfold. She wished she could fly faster, so she could see him sooner...
Suddenly, a terrible sensation tore through her, and she stopped in mid-flight. She sensed something horrible, something evil. She had no idea what it was, but it was coming from...
...the Lost Woods.
Zelda flew for the Lost Woods as fast as she could. Something was wrong.
Link was in danger.
Night had fallen over the Lost Woods, and Link had found no threats on his patrol. He'd then headed to a secret place he'd found in the Woods, where the magic of the Woods was strongest, turning the trees to beautiful, living-crystal versions of themselves.
The Crystal Vale.
In the Vale, one tree had given Link the smallest portion of one of its branches, which he fashioned into a ring. He then formed a rainbow-colored gem with his magic, forming it into the shape of a tiny flower, and infused it into the ring. His task complete, he left the Vale, to exit the Woods and call Epona, since he'd left her in the care of Lon Lon Ranch for the time being.
By then, it was very late at night. Link started to head for Kokiri Forest and the path to Hyrule Field, when all of a sudden, two fairies, like Navi, darted out – one was light yellow-white, and the other was a dark purple. The two fairies began buzzing around Link, circling him rapidly. "Hey, cut it out!" he exclaimed.
Just then, a shadowy form darted past Link, and then, up on a tree branch, not even half as tall as Link was, stood a scarecrow-like creature, clad in a fall-colored jacket, shorts, and broad-rimmed hat – it was a Stalchild. This Stalchild, however, was wearing a mask. It was shaped like a heart, but with two points on its top, and six on its bottom – three on each side. It was purple and black, with red-and-yellow eyes, eyes that seemed to stare deep into the soul.
He was holding Link's Ocarina of Time.
"Hey!!" Link yelled. "Give that back!"
The two fairies crowded around the Stalchild, trying to see the Ocarina. "Hey, c'mon, Stal!" the purple fairy squeaked, clearly a boy. "I wanna see!"
"No way, Tael!" the white fairy, a girl, said. "You'll break it!"
"Aw, Tatl, I'll be careful!" Tael cried.
Now Link was getting cross. He drew the Master Sword and Mirror Shield, the blade's blue-silver light illuminating the night, its sweet victory music sounding. "That's enough." he growled. "That Ocarina was given to me by someone very special." It had come from Zelda as a child, and he wouldn't let this little pest steal it. He raised the blade. "Give it back, now."
The Stalchild – Stal – chuckled, some...unnatural tinge in his voice. "Aw, what's wrong, Hero?" he sneered. "I think you need to lighten up, and I know exactly how." Then, the eyes of the mask began to glow, and waves of orange-and-violet energy shone from them, bombarding Link, causing him to pass out.
When Link came to seconds later, he felt...different. "Wha..?" he began, and he froze. His voice! It was...all squeaky! He looked down at his reflection in a pool of water...
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Link screamed. He was now a Deku Scrub! He was only one sixth of his former height, the size of a teddy bear! His hair was still short, sandy-blond, and spiky, with his green cap, only now it trailed behind him, down to his feet. His eyes were pure yellow, with no iris or pupil, and he had the snout-nozzle nose-mouth-hybrid that all Deku Scrubs had. His body was soft but wooden, his arms were short, with fingerless gloves, and his legs were shorter, with small boots, and he wore green shorts. His gear could no longer be used like this.
"Hee hee hee!" Stal cackled. "Now that's a good look for you!" Then, the cruel Stalchild began to float away, taking Tael with him, leaving Tatl behind. Then, Stal and Tael vanished.
"Hey! Stal! Tael! Come back!!" Tatl wailed. To Link, she cried, "This...this is all your fault!!"
At that, Navi darted out of Link's cap, and confronted the rogue fairy. "How dare you?!!" she shrieked, and Tatl shrunk back, as Link realized that Navi was a bit larger than Tatl. "It's your fault Link is like this!! You helped that twisted little maniac?! How dare you call yourself a fairy!!!"
Tatl sniffled. "Please..." she sobbed, "...Tael's my baby brother. I have to help him...but Stal's too strong, now. I need help..."
"You should have thought of that before." Navi puffed. "Let's go, Link."
"Navi, we can't." Link said, in his new squeaky voice. "She made a mistake, and she needs our help." To Tatl, he added, "We'll help you, but first I have to find a way to get back to normal." To himself, softly, he added, "Because there's no way I can ask Zelda looking like this." He gently held the ring in the pocket of his green shorts.
"Oh, thank you!!" Tatl exclaimed. "I promise, you won't regret it!"
"We'd better not!" Navi declared. "Because if you start slowing us down, you're on your own! Nobody jinxes my friend and gets away with it, so you'd better behave!"
"Okay, Navi." Link said. "I'm sure Tatl understands. Now, is there any upside to this Deku body?"
"Hmmm..." Navi murmured, flying around Link, considering his new body's abilities. "From the look of it, Link, you're a lot lighter than before, so you can jump on the water's surface like real Deku Scrubs can. But be warned: Scrubs can only jump five times in a row – after that, they sink. You can't run as fast, but you can Spin Dash to accelerate and attack at the same time. You can also use your magic to use the Bubble-Blaster attack to fire enchanted bubbles – it's a lot stronger than it seems. Finally, you can burrow into Deku Flowers and leap out and fly for a short time. You're too little to use any of your weapons, and your magic is diminished in this form, so you'll have to make do with your new abilities."
"Okay." Link said. Then, he saw that the sun was coming up. "Well, I'd better go see the Great Deku Tree. He should know what to do..."
"Link? Are you here?"
Link froze. That was Zelda's voice! He couldn't let her see him like this! Quickly, he dove into the bushes, but before Navi or Tatl could follow, Zelda, in her Fairy-form, touched down.
"Oh...uh...hi, Princess Zelda!" Navi chuckled. "You're...home early..."
"Oh, hello, Navi!" Zelda said, cheerily enough. Then, she became worried. "W-Where's Link? Is he okay?"
"Uh...um..." Navi said, stalling.
"Oh, no, is he hurt?!" Zelda cried.
"Uh...no, he isn't hurt." Navi admitted. "He just...can't see you, right now."
"But...why?" Zelda asked. "Did I...did I make him angry?" Link heard tears in her voice. "Did I...upset him?"
Hearing her like that broke Link's heart. No matter what he looked like, he wouldn't let Zelda beat herself up over something that wasn't her fault. He spoke up: "It's not your fault, Zel."
"Link?!" Zelda called, joy returning to her voice. "You're here!" Then, she became confused. "But...why is your voice different?"
"I'm sorry, Zelda...but I can't let you see me." Link said. "I...don't look the same."
"Link, I don't care what you look like." Zelda said. "Don't hide from me."
"Zel, I'm serious..."
"So am I." Zelda said firmly. "Please, come out."
"You won't like what you see..." Link warned.
He heard the smile in her voice: "Let me be the judge of that."
Link sighed, and slowly walked into view. Now he could see her, as well. She was just as beautiful as he remembered.
Slowly, Zelda smiled. "Oh, Link, is this what you were worried about?" she cooed.
"You...aren't disgusted?" Link asked.
"Link, you are the man that I love. Nothing could make me hate you." Zelda said. Then, smiling, she walked over, reached down, scooped him into her arms, and cuddled him to her like a teddy bear. "Besides, I think you're just adorable." she cooed. "You're certainly more cuddly this way."
"Well, being cuddly is better than nothing." Link said, and he returned Zelda's embrace as best he could with his little arms. "Well, we'd better go see the Deku Tree. The sooner we go, the sooner I get back to normal." Then, they set out for the Tree, Link leading, with Navi and Tatl circling him, followed by Zelda.
By the time they reached the Tree, morning had come; only three days remained until the Carnival of Time. Link walked up to the Tree, and the Tree spoke: "Hello, Link. I see that a terrible fate has befallen thee." The Tree was a mighty redwood, with two bushy eyebrows and a wooden moustache in its trunk. "Aye, lad, I knew 'twas thee. Thou possess great power, power which cannot be mistaken." He saw Tatl. "It has been a while, young Tatl, since thou and thy brother flew in my grove. Thou hast been missed."
"I know." Tatl sniffled. "I'm sorry I ran away, Great Deku Tree!"
"Hush, child. Thou art forgiven." the Tree said. "Verily, I say that, if thou dost not act, Link, a horrible fate will befall all of Hyrule. If ye do not lose hope, Link, thou shalt be victorious." Then, the Tree returned to his slumber.
Link turned back to Zelda and the two fairies orbiting his head. "I don't know how to stop this disaster, or what it is, but I will stop it!"
"Very good."
At that, everyone turned to see who had spoken. It was a mildly tall, spindly, red-haired Hylian man, clad in a purple, long-sleeved shirt and pants, with a large backpack full of masks of all sorts strapped to his back. "Hey, aren't you the Happy Mask Salesman?" Zelda inquired.
"Why, yes, Your Majesty." the Salesman replied, bowing as much as he could with his backpack. "I travel all the lands in search of rare and valuable masks. As I was passing through Hyrule, a little imp stole a very rare mask from me – the imp who cursed your boyfriend, Milady. I happened to overhear your dilemma, and perhaps we can help each other. If you can recover what that imp took from you, I can show you how to return to your former self. And, in return, you can recover the mask that the imp stole from me. But, I must ask that you do so within three days. I fear that if I linger here too long, something terrible may happen!"
Link stepped forward. "I'll do it!" he declared. "We'll get that mask back for you!"
"Wonderful!" the Salesman exclaimed. "I know you can do it! But, please hurry! There isn't much time!" At once, Link and Zelda began to leave the Kokiri Forest.
Outside the Kokiri Forest, Zelda, in her normal form, and disguised by a simple cloak she'd conjured with her magic, walked towards Hyrule Castle. To the simple leather purse she carried over one shoulder, she said, "How are you faring, Link?"
A very cross Link poked his head out of the purse. "This has to be the dumbest thing I've ever done." he muttered.
Zelda giggled. "It's the only way you can come safely." she said. "It's a good thing that you're so light enough to carry like this. I couldn't fly with you because you might be blown away by the winds up in the sky!"
"I know, I know." Link grumbled, hiding back in her purse. Then, the disguised Princess saw a caravan in the distance, and walked towards it.
Zelda managed to get a ride with the caravan as it headed for the Castle Town. When night came, the caravan stopped, to set up camp, and Zelda kept back, for fear of being recognized, and to let Link hop out of her purse. Zelda smiled as her now-tiny boyfriend stretched and began to move about. When he'd gotten his land-legs back, he looked at her. "So, you really don't think I'm ugly?" he asked.
"No, Link." Zelda said. "No matter what you look like, you're still you. I still see a kind, brave, honest, caring, noble soul, and nothing can change that."
At that, Link's eyes brightened, and Zelda knew that he was smiling. "Thanks, Zel." he said. Then, he yawned. "Well, I'm turning in." he squeaked.
Zelda smiled, and motioned to her lap. "You can sleep here." she said. "I trust you."
Zelda giggled to herself as she saw Link's eyes widen in surprise at first, then calmed. "O-Okay." he said. Then, he walked over to her lap, and lay down. "You...have a very soft lap, Zelda..." he murmured, and then his eyes closed in sleep.
Zelda smiled, as she softly stroked the hair of her lover. She'd meant every word: no matter how he looked, she loved him still. Her smile grew; it was so strange, to have the man who'd saved her – and Hyrule – in her lap like this.
Was this a hint of what it was like to be wed to him?
By the time they reached the Town, dawn had come; only two days remained until the Carnival. Link stayed in Zelda's purse until they were inside the Town Library, to research the mask that Stal had been wearing. Zelda took him to the farthest part of the Library, where no-one went anymore, and Link hopped out of her purse. Link then could only watch as Zelda began to research the mask; he was too little to help.
After a while, Zelda called, "Is this the mask?" Hopping up onto a nearby chair, Link looked at the illustration.
It was the same mask.
"That's the one, Zel." Link confirmed. "That's the mask he wore."
Zelda looked stricken. "Link..." she murmured, "...that mask...is Majora's Mask. Ages ago, Majora was said to be the patron deity of an evil cult that terrorized Hyrule. My ancestor, Hyrule's King of that time, led the Knights into battle against the cult and destroyed them. Without his worshipers to sustain his power, Majora changed into a mask – that mask. It is said that any who wears the mask will receive Majora's dark and terrible powers...but if the wearer keeps the mask on too long…Majora will possess him...permanently."
"Oh, no!!" Tatl cried, darting out of Link's cap. "We have to save Stal! He isn't a bad guy! I mean, sure, he likes to pull pranks, but he isn't evil!"
"Calm down, Tatl." Link assured the tiny pixie. "We'll rescue Stal and Tael." Then, Link noticed four books, each one on a pedestal, and each one locked tight. "What are those books?" he inquired.
"I don't know." Zelda admitted. "Those books have been locked tight for as long as I can remember."
"Well, we'd better head to Hyrule Castle." Link sighed. "If Majora is on the warpath, he may try to attack the Castle." At that, they all headed for the Castle.
Caspian had simply been out for a walk when he saw the green-capped Deku Scrub leave the Library, and he darted out of sight, keeping an eye on him. He could scarcely contain his glee. Link was repulsive! At last, the usurper had gotten what he deserved...
But then Zelda walked out after him, clearly unaffected by Link's appearance.
Caspian was furious. Zelda was supposed to be repulsed by Link!! Couldn't that stupid Majora do anything right?!
Caspian, sulking, headed for his home. He needed to think of a new plan to break those two apart.
By the time Zelda had snuck Link into the Castle, the sun was setting. She'd managed to talk to her father alone. Then, she'd let Link out of her purse.
To say that her father was surprised was an understatement.
Once Link had explained what had taken place, the King nodded. "...and you believe that this...Majora will strike here?" he asked.
"I believe so, Sire." Link said. "All we can do is wait until he makes his move."
"I see." the King replied. "Well, I'll keep my eyes open. In the meantime, I'd advise the both of you to get some rest. It's been a long few days."
Link and Zelda nodded. Link scooted off to his room, and Zelda was about to head to hers, when she happened to glance out the window at the coming night sky. In the sky, off in the distance, was a flickering red light. It was the Dragon Star, the comet that passed Hyrule yearly by. Its path left the skies ablaze with color as it passed, just as the morning sun rose on the day of the Carnival of Time, and it was often seen in the distance a few days before the Carnival.
But Zelda had never seen it look this big, before, no this early.
Her father joined her at the window. "Hmm..." he murmured thoughtfully, "...the Dragon Star looks...closer, this year."
Zelda retired to her room, uneasy about the looming comet. It seemed as though the comet was bringing ill tidings instead of good, this year.
Link woke up late in the morning; now less than a day remained until the Carnival. Link stayed in his room, awaiting Majora's attack, visited by Zelda, who shared her worries about the coming Dragon Star with him, and Link felt that this was no coincidence.
It was near sundown when Link felt his Triforce of Courage warning him: evil was nearby. Quickly, he darted out, to find Zelda, to warn her.
He found her in her own room, and they quickly hurried to the throne room, where the King, Caspian, and Delia, who'd chosen to stay for the Carnival, were. Just then, a form of blazing dark fire formed – Majora's face. "Hello, King of Hyrule." the dark entity hissed.
"Majora." the King said.
"Indeed." Majora sneered. "Your rule – as well as your entire kingdom – is doomed."
"But why?" the King asked.
"Your family drove out my followers." Majora snarled. "The Royal Family is about to learn the price of crossing Majora!! Your land is done."
Link stepped forward, his courage preventing him from standing by. "Not if I have anything to say about it!" he declared.
Majora laughed. "You?! A squeaky little Scrub?! Against a god?! Don't make me laugh!!"
"You're no god, Majora." Link said. "You're nothing but a..."
"SILENCE!!" Majora roared. "Enough is enough. I was going to save this for tomorrow morning, but I won't wait any longer!" Then, all of a sudden, everyone in the throne room was teleported away.
They all reappeared atop Hyrule Castle's ceremonial tower, upon the ceremonial stone floor, with only the night skies above them...and the blazing Dragon Star. Link was in shock at how close it was: he could clearly see the crags and craters in the ancient space-rock. There was no mistaking it, now.
It was on a collision course with Hyrule Castle and the Town.
Then, Link saw Stal, possessed by Majora's power, floating high above them, holding the Ocarina of Time, with Tael floating beside him. "Your land will burn in dragon's fires." Majora cackled.
"The Dragon Star...you're going to make it crash..." the King murmured.
Then, Navi and Tatl darted out of Link's cap. "Sis!!" Tael cried as he saw his sister.
"Tael!!" Tatl cried. "Hang on, little brother!"
"Tatl, listen!" Tael called. "Swamp. Mountain. Ocean. Canyon. Hurry! The four who are there...you've got to bring them here!!"
"Huh??" Tatl asked. "What are you talking about?"
"SHUT UP!!" Majora screamed, backhanding Tael. "Don't speak out of line, you stupid pixie!!"
"No!" Tatl cried. "Stal, fight it!"
"The puppet is mine." Majora hissed. "And the rest of you...are dead." Then, he raised his arms to the comet, and let out a loud cry, waves of energy leaving his hands. At that, the comet began to fall faster, coming down in minutes instead of hours, a deadly red corona surrounding it as it entered the atmosphere.
Link met Zelda's gaze, and he saw the utter despair of certain doom there. She was thinking what he was thinking.
Hyrule would never see another Carnival of Time.
But part of Link refused to give up, to give in to this. There had to be a way – Tael had given him a clue, but he needed more time to understand it.
Time...the one thing he didn't have.
'No.' Link thought. 'I won't give up.' There had to be something he could do now. He saw the Ocarina in Majora's hand; maybe if he could knock the Ocarina away with a projectile...
His Bubble-Blaster!!
Link took aim, and took a big gulp of air. Focusing, he gathered his magic, and began to slowly exhale, blowing a big bubble. With the rest of his air, he let the bubble fly, and it struck Majora, stunning him and blasting the Ocarina loose, letting it clatter to the ground. Link darted over and reclaimed the Ocarina. He now had what he needed to go back to normal..but there wasn't enough time. 'Please!!' he mentally cried to the heavens. 'I need more time!'
'YOU CAN HAVE IT.'
The reply echoed through his mind. 'Huh?" he thought. He hadn't expected an answer...
'WHEN ZELDA GAVE THAT TO YOU, SHE TAUGHT YOU A SONG. USE IT.' Then, the mighty, time-spanning voice was gone.
The Song of Time, the song that had opened the Temple of Time..how could that help?
By then, fragments of the comet were starting to fall, impacting the tower's surface. Zelda ran to Link's side. "Link...we're out of time..." she murmured.
"Maybe not." Link said. "Zelda, do you trust me?"
"With my life."
Link held out his hand to her. "We'll be okay." he said. Smiling now, Zelda knelt to his level, and took his hand.
At least, if this didn't work, they'd be together.
Link put the Ocarina to his nozzle-mouth, and it instantly changed to a tuba-like set of Deku Pipes, so he could use it properly. He then played the Song of Time, the slow, meaningful melody that seemed to echo across Time itself, made somewhat screechy by the Pipes. Once he'd finished, he gave Zelda's hand a comforting squeeze, holding on tight.
Time seemed to stop. The comet froze in place, as did Majora, the King, Delia, and Caspian, as if all of their actions were now recorded, and only Link and Zelda left with freedom of action. Then, light flashed, and they began to see the past few days' events begin to re-play, but in reverse: coming to the Castle, the Library, the Deku Tree...and then, it all went dark.
When Link came to, it was to the familiar sounds of the forest. He sat up, and saw Zelda beside him unconscious. Slowly, she, too, sat up. "Link?" she asked.
"Zelda, are you okay?" Link asked, worried.
"I...think so." Zelda replied. "But...where are we?"
"We're...in the Deku Tree's grove..." Link murmured. "But...what..."
He recalled that the Dragon Star had been falling, but saw no signs of it here. It all looked...
...exactly as it had three days ago, as it had when he and Zelda had come here.
"How is this possible?" Link asked. "What's going on?"