This chapter was a pain in the butt to revise, however its here. Not as long or deep as chapter 1, but I'm sure it will do just fine. Also I done a poor job of even thanking darkskarmory for their review in the last chapter, so thanks to them, I continued working on this story.

Just like in chapter 1, I don't own any characters from Legend of Zelda.

Chapter 2: Destiny Unfolds

~8 Hours Earlier~

Walking around on the grassy plain Leo looked around; seeing far into the regions that surrounded him within the dark and gloomy land. "Where am I?" he asked puzzled. A small ranch laid to the left a few yards away from where he stood. Ahead of him, tops of a castle could be seen on the horizon; a mountain laid in the horizon off to his right. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear clashing of swords as well as mocking laughter.

"What is going on?"

With the only choice he had to go on Leo decided to go investigate the noise of the brawl. The fierce sounds became louder as he made his way towards the source; the clashing becoming more and more severe as he neared the battle grounds that lay before what appears to be a market place. He saw the source and cause of the noise as the battle continued to unfold itself; enclosed in flames. "What is meaning of this?"

What he saw before him in the enclosed flames stood a woman dressed in a long elegant dress that came down to her feet; upon her dress were that of blood that had stained the once bright colors after handling severe wounds. Her skin glowing brighter than the darkened sky, her face however did not match that beauty; Leo was seeing the face of a determined and willing person as she stood her ground bearing a sword tightly in her blood-stained hands. Just a few feet behind her outside the flaming circle, laid a male; battered and scared upon his body, the blood that had long since drained from his body now had dried up with fresh wounds staining the once lush green grass. His torn clothes bore the marks of torment and defeat.

Just a few feet in front of the sword-wielding woman stood a dark-skinned male who grinned menacingly down upon her. His eyes burned of a flame of confidence, the expression upon his face was that of a demon; a killer. The body that the figure had was that of the fierce warrior. In his right hand, the figure also bore a sword of great length. His face along with the sword he wielded sent fear into the people that had ever caught sight of him. His cold heart and mind only knew of one thing that it desired most, and it lust for it greatly as he struck the woman down; power.

Suddenly the vision that Leo was seeing went black. He gazed about the darkness, wondering if it was over before covering his eyes from the oncoming light. As the light brightened then dimmed, he found himself back on the field; however, something was off. Gazing around he saw the familiar settings of the ranch and the mountain that surrounded him, only this time, he found himself right into the heat of the battle.

As the power-hungry figure ready his sword for an attack, Leo also found himself drawing a sword of his own as he gazed into the two flames that stared back, loathing him; wanting him dead. "Where am I!? What is this place!?" The figure just grinned at him before launching himself forward. The battle ignited as the figure closed the distance; Leo readied himself for the block. With his feet posed firmly on the ground he blocked the dark figure's attack; the mighty clash sent him back a bit before he was finally able to gain his footing.

Seizing the opportunity Leo charged forward with his sword ready to strike a blow only to find that his opponent had blocked the attack. Leo never saw what happened next; as their eyes met each other, the dark figure chuckled before hitting him with a swift and powerful punch towards his chest. Feeling the wind being knocked out of him, Leo fell hard onto the ground; his vision becoming a bit hazy. As he tried to gather himself together; stunned from the intense shock with his vision on the villain fading, Leo felt himself being picked up as the merciless figure; laughing before tossing his body aside. Feeling weightless, he flew airborne for a few seconds before finally hitting the ground a few feet away.

Laying face down on the ground as Leo's vision slowly came into focus, a victorious laugh echoed into the darkened sky. He could only watch as the great enemy began approaching his wounded victim that lay near the two people he had seen just moments ago; the expression of defeat played upon their faces as he neared her, his smile showing his victory.

The young girl bore a figure of exotic beauty that brought out her red skin tone; lying wounded with a few cuts and bruises on her body. Watching the horror happen right in front of him; his vision slowly fading, Leo could hear weak protests from the girl, making their way to the killer; only to be ignored as he picked up the body by the throat, his laughter louder than ever, carried into the stillness of the land as he held the sword towards her body; ready to make a killing.

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"No!" was all that he said as he opened his eyes hoping for the nightmare to end; except, it did just that.

Leo had just awoken from a horrible nightmare. "What was that dream all about?" he asked as his vision came to focus in the dark room. "It felt so real."

Getting out of bed to get dressed, he could not even replace the images that he saw as he gazed out the window. The dream was so real Leo thought that he was actually apart of it; but what did it all mean? What did the dream have to do with him? Most importantly, who were those people that wanted to do battle with each other?

Seeing that it was still dark out, Leo decided to get ready for the start of the day; the break of dawn was soon to happen, so he figured on watching the moment of sunrise while he tried to make some better sense of the dream; hopefully to find some answers.

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A cool breeze had begun setting in as Leo stepped out on the front porch of the house. Stars lit up the early morning sky as he made his way across the porch where an old man sat rocking in his chair; his gaze set towards the direction of the sun rise. He looked up just as Leo sat down in a chair next to him.

"Ah, you are awake."

The old man's hazel eyes met the young boy's blue as he took a seat in the chair next to him; his eyes set to the wooded floor.

"Something you do not understand is troubling you for you to wake so early."

Leo looked up at the old man; taking a deep breath before he spoke. "A dream." Leo continued to look at the wooden porch floor. "However, this one was different, like it's telling me something is going to happen." The old man nodded in interest. "Go on, I got time." he said becoming comfortable in his chair.

Leo set his gaze on the raising sun before starting his tale of the dream he had. He told the dream in its entirety, leaving no detail untold; from the description he laid down of the land to the clashing sound of swords he heard coming from a heated battle. The old man listened in content and awe as he continued on; finishing up the story with the details and features of each person that was in it.

Rocking in his chair; apparently deep in thought, both became quiet for several minutes as Leo looked at him for any answers that he might have. He seemed old, but his body was strong-willed. He had much wisdom upon his years for he had journeyed all around the world and gained much experience. Despite all that experience, he had decided to become a blacksmith; and Leo had wanted to follow in his footsteps. He pretty much had an answer to everything. Leo looked up to him as a mentor; a type of father he never had.

"It seems that destiny has called upon you, Leo." He finally spoke his eyes not once had moved from the beauty of the sun as it rose from the eastern horizon. "It's interesting that you brought this forth. I am however, conflicted for I do not know the true answer. Only you can find the answer that you seek."

He nodded though confused, he understood. Getting up, Leo stared out in the distance. "If I must find out about this destiny, then when that time comes I will go and face it."

The old man stood up out of his chair, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "In time, I'm sure you will know the truth." Before heading to the end of the porch He motioned with his hand. "Come now, we have much to do." Leo smiled feeling confident; though he wasn't satisfied with the answer given to him, he would soon know the absolute truth about his dream; though he may not like what truth it would hold.

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When it came to spring chores Leo didn't complain; doing chores gave him a sense of peace, especially since the dream has yet to leave his head as he watered the garden in the backyard of the house. The house itself was made of wood treated by hand. He had heard the story that before the build, there was nothing in its place except the trees that were once there.

As the morning sun continued rising, his mind wondered about the people that were in the dream, especially the woman in the blood-stained dress. She seemed to have been through so much that she was more than willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her people. Another person that gnarled at his mind was not just the young red skinned girl who was injured, but the young man that was lying with a great deal of pain; his life slipping away. As for that dark man, he shuddered at just the thought of his deathly grin. The thing that had stood out to him the most though, was the fact that he a triangular mark on his left hand.

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By the time all of the chores were done the sun had climbed high in the sky; indicating that noon was approaching. Neither Leo nor the old man had talked about the dream since before sunrise. His mind was so wrapped up that he didn't know that he was there beside him as he gazed at the blue sky.

"It's time for us to eat; we still have a long day ahead of us." He spoke before turning around to head back to the house. Leo nodded, before following him back towards the house to help fix lunch. As he help prepare the table for the meal, his mind was trailing on something that didn't become a topic in the earlier conversation; his ears.

For as long as he can remember, he was told that his ears came from an ancient race and that his ears were special. As far as being special, Leo knew this. With his ears, he was able to hear sounds farther off than anyone else. People who came in contact with him would wonder and ask many questions regarding them. As he walked outside, carrying a pitcher of brewed tea, he questioned, "Ray, when I told you the features of the people in my dream, about their ears, there was something more to it. You took a long time to answer as if you were reflecting on something."

Ray's face seemed to light up then, Leo wondered if he was taking in the new detail smoothly. Time seemed to have stopped as silence stretched between them as he went to go place the pitcher of tea at the table on the porch; Ray snapped to attention. "Thought, I did not want to tell you this truth, I sensed that the moment would finally come once you were ready." He began as he sat down at the table. "As you may have already figured out, you are not one of us." Feeling perplexed about what he was hearing, he questioned his mentor. "W-What are you saying? Why did you keep this from me?" The aging man took a deep breath before continuing.

"It was a rainy day many years ago as I was enjoying myself to a cup of tea; I watched from the window the serene beauty of the rain that was falling. As I got up to get ready for bed, my eyes caught sight of a symbol much like the one you described." He explained as he trekked away from the table. Leo looked on as he continued with the tale.

"I watched the symbol with wonder, wondering what it could be. Suddenly, a beam of light stretched forth down towards the ground just a few feet away." He turned, looking at Leo, who had a questioning look upon his face. He had never known that the old man had kept such a secret from him.

"You might have been wondering as to why you don't remember."

He nodded his head answering, "I have, for I do not recall such an event in my life." Ray acknowledged his response. "That's because you were brought here when you were little. I feared that whoever sent you here was most likely because your life had been threatened. So I took you in to raise you as my own."

"So you hide my identity in hope of what was happening has ended. And now, seventeen years later those dreams, those very dreams I have had all this time are finally starting to make sense; I'm not of this world but the world from where I came."

Thunder rumbled just then; startling the two. "That's strange, storm clouds out of nowhere? How peculiar. I have never seen storm clouds come so quickly." Ray wondered; staring at the quickly, darkening sky. Leo pointed up at the clouds. "Do storms have shapes illumining within its clouds?" The young man asked. As they continued to watch, the shape became clearer as a triangle could be seen:

The symbol from long ago.

Suddenly a bright beam of light stretched forth towards the ground yards in front of them. As they stared at the light; shielding their eyes from the sudden intensity, a voice came forth from it, reaching only Leo's ears. "Chosen Hero, destined holder of the Triforce of Courage, enter into the light." They looked at each other before making a decision. Ray looked on as Leo began stepping forward towards the light.

Everything seemed to come to a halt as he pressed on. As he faced towards the beckoning light, Leo looked back at his mentor as he nodded. The light enclosed around him as he entered. His body began to rise as the world around him started to spin; no his own body was the only thing in motion.

What seemed like an entirety, Leo was only levitating in the air for only a few moments before finding his footing with the ground. As Ray helped him to the table Leo placed his hand to sit down, only to be filled with surprise; Ray became just as surprised as his eyes focused on what was on the young boy's left hand. It was the three-triangle symbol that he had seen and described from his dream.

"So this is the symbol of all my dreams." he asked, mostly to himself as he looked it over. "The Triforce of Courage." He was too lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice Ray telling him that it was time to eat. "You must eat, Leo and place the matter aside for now." Nodding, he turned toward the meal; grabbing for the bowl of potatoes.

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After the meal; both of them ate their fill, it was time to clean up. As Ray cleared the table Leo went inside to clean up the kitchen. For once, he had forgotten about the dream and the mark on his hand; it felt like he had an ordinary life.

He felt extremely happy as he began washing the dishes. It seemed so normal to him that he didn't want that moment to end. "This whole thing can't be real. Though it may have been real; a dream is a dream." He thought; yet how could he explain that strange light and the mark? Thinking about it, Leo shook his head. "I can't worry about it now, I have work to finish." He then proceeded to washing the last of the dishes.

Nothing was said after they finished cleaning up the kitchen. Ray thought it be best not to continue after standing by the door; watching Leo finish up his end of the chores. After all, they both had enough excitement for the day.

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His mind began to wander back to when he was out at the shop, working on an order by one of the neighbors. As he hammered at the heated metal, Leo, who was twelve at the time, wandered from the house looking for him, Ray wasn't aware that the young lad was there until he looked up from his hammering.

"Oh Leo! I didn't see you there." He looked, smiling as he walked closer. "What are you doing Uncle Ray?" The young Leo asked staring at the heated metal. He smiled as he answered, "I'm making an ax for Mr. Beauregard." The young boy then asked him a question he never expected. "Can I help Uncle Ray? I want to become a blacksmith just like you." Ray felt as sense of joy as he continued to play the memory. It was that first time that he had decided to take up in learning the art of blacksmithing.

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Once they were finished with the cleaning, Ray turned around outside to see more storm clouds approaching the area however, these clouds seem more dense as lighting strikes could be seen in all direction.

"Shall we stay inside and weather out this storm?"

"It doesn't appear to be normal." Leo observed from a nearby window. The clouds seemed to be sifting in a clock-wise motion as they drew closer.

Light began to pierce the darken clouds as it grew with intensity. Ray took his place with Leo as they held firm, the clouds becoming fiercer; the light piercing through as it stretched closer to the ground; twenty yards west from their house. As the intensity of the light began to dim, Leo could very faintly make out two figures stepping forth from the light.

Stepping from the light was a young woman around Leo's age if not a little older. She was followed by a ball of light. Once out onto the grassy area, it began floating around as it began to take in the scenery. "Where are we, princess?" The little fairy asked as she looked around the area surrounding the small wooden house.

The young woman was looking around as well; seeing the small house. "I'm not entirely sure." She answered puzzled as well. "I hope whoever lives there in that house could shed some light with an answer as to where we are." She said pointing in the direction of the house. With that in mind, the duo began heading towards the house. Cautiously, she walked up the wooden steps of the porch. "I don't know about this, are you sure that we are in the right place?" The fairy asked in question. She looked to her right shoulder. "This is most likely the place." She looked down at the back of her hand; her mark of the triforce glowing brightly before looking up. "I sense an energy coming from this house." She responded in a low voice. Taking a deep breath, the woman approached the door and knocked.

Footsteps could be heard inside the house as they waited. Just then an old man appeared, opening the door. "Good afternoon, how may I help serve you today?" He greeted them, warmly.

A second person appeared next to the old man. The young woman immediately locked eyes with him in mental shock. Is this the person whom Impa have spoke of that she helped the sages save from the clutches of the war? She thought to herself, gazing down at his left hand. Though he has the ears of a hylian...

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Leo could not believe what he was seeing once Ray had opened the door. Is it even possible? Is it even so possible that this woman from my dreams is actually standing here at our door? Leo noticed that they had locked gaze upon each other and were both staring directly into each other's eyes. He didn't take notice of the ball of light that was with her until it began flying around him; inspecting him.

The young woman stepped forth, motioning the light towards her. "Please forgive my companion, we are travelers from a far away land, may we refresh here?"

The old man smiled and exclaimed. "You are most welcomed to come and refresh here, if that is what you would like." Both the woman and glowing companion accepted their generous offer before entering.

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"Would you like some tea, ma'am?" Leo asked after their guests settled down in the small living room. She looked up at him from the couch she settled in with a smile. "That sounds lovely, thank you."

Nodding, he walked over towards the kitchen to make the cup of tea. Leo couldn't help but feel the sharp gaze that he was receiving; looking at his gloved hands before he took the iron pitcher off the fire and began pouring some of the water in a cup.

Ray was out finishing up with the spring chores which left him tending to the guests. As he dipped the teabag in the cup and began stirring it within the water, he looked over his left shoulder, catching sight of the tranquil eyes that were staring in his direction; He started to feel uncomfortable.

He headed back towards the duo, with the cup of tea at hand. "Your tea, madam." He said, handing her the cup. "Such a kind person; please sit here next to me." She motioned with a smile towards the space on the couch next to her. Leo felt like denying the request; but didn't want to dissapoint her. "Sure, I would be honored." He answered before taking his seat next to her.

Ray came in the house after finishing with the rest of the spring chores. He noticed that Leo was seated next to the young woman as the three of them talked back and forth "You like your tea?" He heard Leo ask as she took a sip. "Still a little hot; but it's okay; thank you." Ray began running the water in the sink to wash his hands from the day's work. "It seems to me you three are getting along nicely." He acknowledged as he then began filling his cup.

"Yes we are, we just haven't been properly introduced yet." Said the little ball of light in a high pitched voice as it fluttered nearby.

The old man that came in replied with a smile; coming into the living room with a cup of water in hand. "Well, I guess we have had enough time to settle in, so I'll start." He gestured comfortably in the chair across from them. "My name is Ray; I am a blacksmith by trade in this area." He began.

Leo placed his cup down on the table before turning to face the person seated next to him. "My name's Leo, pleasure to meet you." He smiled. She smiled back, nodding before she began to speak. "My name is Princess Zelda, a pleasure meeting both of you." She then gestured with her hand towards the ball of light. "And this is Navi, she will be your fairy companion." The fairy fluttered up from her hand speaking. "It's nice to meet you both."

Ray placed his cup on the table. "It's an honor to meet you princess; both of you. So what brings you here to this pleasant home of ours?" Zelda then replied with a question of her own. "Is this place Earth?" She asked; puzzled.

The old man replied. "This is Earth, ma'am." Zelda proceeded with another question. "Are people of your planet supposed to have cars, schools, and cell phones?" Leo immediately leaned back slightly against the arm of the couch as he replied to her question. "We just choose to live life separate from the rest of the world." Leo added into the conversation. "We just like to keep things simple."

Zelda nodded, understandingly. "I see. I wish my life was that simple. I have come from a kingdom far away; hoping that I can find a hero who bears the mark of the Triforce." She then looked down at her cup in gloom. "You see, I left my homeland hoping to find this chosen one with a mark that was sent here by the hero of time."

"But why are these pieces of such importance?" The old man questioned as he leaned forward in his chair. Zelda looked content as she answered, "You both deserve an explanation."

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She then proceeded to tell them the story about the Triforce and how the three chosen ones end with their piece. Zelda then, with help from Navi's side began telling them the story of Link; covering every detail of his adventure; how she helped him, under the guise of Shiek, free the sages by teaching him songs on the Ocarina of Time, to his final battle with the desert king, Ganondorf. She continued the story with her and Link planning, then having the picnic at the lake up to his capture by Ganondorf's army.

She took another sip from her cup, before fixing her gaze on Leo. "May I ask you a question, Leo?" He looked up from his own cup of tea towards Zelda; her eyes full of question. "You may, princess." She reached out, taking his left hand in hers; staring at the mark on the back of his wrist. "Do you why this mark is on your hand?"

Gentle pulling his hand from her grasp, Leo looked out the window behind them; his mind fixated on the dreams he been having. "For as long as I could remember, I would have these dreams of a far away land; as of another realm. I would find myself in these different situations surrounded by dark clouds."

Zelda's questioned turned into a smile as she replied. "That piece of the Triforce was given to you because of your courage. As you may have already guessed Leo you are not from this planet. You were sent here by the sages of my world to escape the clutches of war. Much like Link escaped his fate and fulfilled his destiny, you must fulfill yours. Just like myself you are from Hyrule." Leo stared out the window as he played her response in his mind; becoming calm for a few moments.

"Hyrule." He repeated.

"Yes, your homeland." She replied. "You are a hylain."

He then looked down; his fists clenched in her grasp, "If its destiny that I am chosen to save a land from evil then I must heed her call." He slowly retracted his left hand from Zelda before standing. Navi lightly landed on his right shoulder, her color glowing a light blue. "Don't expect your journey to be a walk in the market; we still have to ready you for when the time comes to battle." The fairy spoke.

Looking up at Leo, Zelda smiled as she reached out; taking his hand as he helped her to her feet. Ray, who hardly said a word, stood as well. "I guess you have the answers you seek?" He seemed a little sad as Leo approached him as Zelda and Navi headed out; placing a hand on his shoulder. "It seems so, but there are still questions that are left unanswered." Ray smiled back. "Right, I guess I better see you off then." They then proceeded after the two out the house.

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The afternoon sun was mid way from the horizon as the group arrived at the spot where Zelda and Navi first stepped out of the portal. Leo stood by with Ray; as they watched Zelda hold an instrument in her grasp; deep in concentration. After a few minutes of waiting, they watched as the instrument cam up to her mouth; a beautiful melody sounded forth; the notes filling the air. Leo looked on in awe, as he let the notes fill his ears.

After the last note played rang forth, a spectacular display of light began swirling purple; creating the portal that Leo and Ray saw them come from. "This is it." Zelda turned; gesturing towards the portal. Is there anything that you need to take care of before leaving?" She asked Leo. He looked back at Ray. "Are you going to be okay, Ray?" The old man nodded with a smile. "Go on, I have taken care of myself before you came along. Don't worry about me." Turning back to face Zelda, he nodded. "Alright then, let's go." With that said Ray saw them off, waving as he watched the trio disappear with the portal.

So Zelda and Navi found our hero much faster than they had originally thought.

Will he be the key to help win against the darkness?

What adventures lay in wait for our trio?

Find out in the next chapter of Child of Destiny!