Outsider Chronicles: Legend of Lief
Getting reborn as the hidden prince of a nation consumed by Darkness is not fun. Especially if that means you're basically going to be forced to go on a pretty intense scavenger hunt to find a bunch of magic stones. Of course, that alone would be to little of a headache for the bastard who put me here, so I naturally have to have a glowing birthmark on my hand. This is really gonna blow...
So here we go with another idea that, frankly, I have no idea how far it'll go. When I was a kid, I loved the Deltora Quest books, so it was pretty much inevitable that I'd eventually come back to them. However, theres no fun in having a weakling like Lief as a protagonist, so lets give him something new and powerful. I toyed with the idea of giving him Ddraig again or possibly Albion, just for shits and giggles, but then it hit me. A Dark king, a blond hero, a massive scavenger hunt...DEAR DIN, ITS PERFECT! Plus I've been wanting to do a LoZ story for a while. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 1
Let me tell you, death by a giant, fiberglass devil falling on your head is not fun. Still, apparently Death is not the end for me and I found myself waking up as a baby. I think I'll skip over my childhood so we can get to the good stuff, although to be fair, I also don't really want to talk about it. Lets just say that theres a bloody good reason you can't remember that time and leave it at that.
Actually, theres one more thing I should mention. My new home isn't my old one, not even close. Actually, it seemed like I'd been reborn into the Dark Ages...right up until I realized I recognized my parents and my new name. My Parents were called Jarred and Anna, an apparently simple blacksmith and his wife living in the city of Del with their son, Lief. Thats me by the way. So yeah, reborn as the hidden Prince of the kingdom of Deltora and future target for a Dark Lord of unknown power as I head out on a scavenger hunt for a bunch of magic jewelry. My life's gonna suck…
Still, I suppose its not all bad. While I'd always enjoyed the Deltora Quest books, I'd always been mildly annoyed at how weak Lief seemed half the time. Plus, I knew exactly what we'd end up facing, so I made it a point to do my best to become as strong as I could. It certainly helped that I seemed to be unnaturally talented with a sword and shield to the point where I mastered them in no time flat. Of course, I also learnt the arts of blacksmithing (I was less good at that), made to memorize entire passages from the Book of Deltora and so on. I also made it a point to learn how to fight bare handed, mostly through play with the other kids, but also from the few lessons I took last time through. The final thing I taught myself was free running and climbing, mostly because half the time Lief got into trouble it was because he wasn't fast enough at climbing.
I was floating high above a large, open space surrounded by dark clouds and with what looked like a reflective pool as the floor, watching from above as two figures clashed blades again and again in a shower of sparks. At first glance, it appeared that one figure, a hulking monster of a man with black scale armour and long, glowing hair that moved like flames, had a huge advantage over his opponent due to his size and apparent strength as he was swinging a sword larger than me around with one hand. However, despite the size difference, his opponent, a young man in green, was holding his own. More than that, he was winning. Eventually, the green clad boy managed to break through the monsters guard and drove his sword into its chest, striking a finishing blow. The Monster staggered back, black blood leaking from its wounds. It regained its balance and fixed the hero with a glare, opening its mouth and….
"LIEF, GET UP NOW!"
"YIKES!"
THUMP!
"Owww…"
I groaned as I pushed myself up off the hardwood floor. You'd think I'd have learnt by now not to sleep in or else my Mother would either drag me out of bed or shout loud enough to scare me out of sleep. However, despite spending the last 16 years doing just that, I still managed to sleep in more often than not. It certainly didn't help that I'm rather lazy by nature and often took naps in the sun when I could get away with it.
I rolled to my feet and stretched, yawning widely as I walked over to my dresser to get dressed. As I did, I paused as I remembered what day it was.
"Guess that today's the day I go on an adventure," I muttered as I pulled on my trousers.
As I expected, my parents allowed me to take the day off for my birthday, so I spent it getting into trouble with my friends and ending with a meal of apples from a forgotten old tree. Unlike the original Lief however, I wasn't about to risk getting caught out by the Gray Guards, so I headed home before sunset, much to the relief of my parents. I think they were worried I might be late and end up dead in a ditch somewhere. Like I'd ever be that stupid.
Anyway, we sat down for our evening meal and, once that was done, Father led me into his study area and sat me down where he proceeded to tell me his tale, how he used to be the 'friend of the King' and all that. I already knew it of course, but I still acted suitably surprised.
"And you didn't tell me this until now because…?" I said.
"We thought it best to keep silent until now, Lief," said Mum from where she was stood by the fire, "It was so important, you see, that no word reached the ears of the Shadow Lord."
"Thats fair enough I guess," I said, "But why now?"
Mum and Dad glanced at one another.
"Because, now that you are old enough, we have something we must ask of you," said Dad, "As you know, the only thing that can defeat the Shadow Lord is the Belt. Over the years, I have spent my days keeping my eyes and ears open for any information I could find on the possible locations of the Gems so that it could be restored and the Heir found."
"Until you were ten your father believed that he himself would be the one who would go to seek the gems of Deltora, when the time came," said Mum, "But then —"
She broke off, glancing at Dad sitting in his armchair, his injured leg stuck stiffly out in front of him. He smiled grimly.
"Then the tree fell, and I had to accept that this could not be," he finished for her, "I can still work in the forge, enough to earn our bread, but I cannot travel. And so, Lief, the task is left to you. If you are willing."
"Do I have a choice?" I asked sardonically, before sobering, "But the Belts useless without the Heir, right? I assume you know something about that as well, otherwise reforging the Belt would be a waste of time."
"When we reached the forge the king and queen made themselves look like ordinary working people," said Father, "In haste we discussed the plan for escape while outside the wind howled and the darkness of the Shadow Lord deepened over the land. And then we parted."
His face was furrowed with grief and memory.
"We knew that we might never meet again. Endon had realized by then that by his foolishness and blindness the people's last trust in him had been destroyed. The Belt would never again shine for him. All our hopes rested with his unborn child."
"That doesn't answer my question," I said, "How do we know they are even still alive? They could have been captured and killed or even died on their own."
Dad heaved himself to his feet and removed his belt. He cut the stitching at one end with his knife and pulled out what was hidden inside. My breath caught. Sliding from the leather tube was a fine steel chain linking seven steel medallions. I knew what the belt looked like from the books and Anime depictions, but to see it in person...well, lets just say that a mere description or animated depiction could never do the belt true justice. Despite being fashioned from steel, the entire thing shone like polished silver and its clasps were designed to look like a pair of spread wings when closed.
"Is that…" I breathed.
"The Belt of Deltora," said Father, apparently pleased by my awe, "I reforged it from the pieces Endon and his wife recovered, ready for the day that we could recover the Gems. It is also how I know that Endon's blood still lives. If his line had gone, the Belt would have crumbled to dust."
Well, that and he was Endon himself, but that was kinda irrelevant for now.
"Take it Lief," said Father, holding out the Belt, "I cannot be its bearer any more. It is up to you to watch over it until it is complete and its true bearer found."
I hesitantly reached out and took the belt, inwardly marveling at how light it was. Hard to believe that all the hopes and dreams of everyone in Deltora rested on this thin bit of metal. I lifted my shirt and placed the belt around my hips where I had no doubt it would remain for a very long time to come. As soon as the clasps met, there was a faint flash of light, nearly unnoticeable, but knowing what I do, I did see it. What I didn't notice until later however was that a new symbol had appeared on the clasp.
"What now?" I asked as I scratched the back of my left hand that was itching slightly for some reason.
"Now you must find the Gems," said Father, "The gems were scattered, hidden in places no one would dare to find them."
"Let me guess, they are hidden in places so dangerous that no one with an ounce of sanity would go anywhere near them?" I asked.
"So I fear," said Dad as he picked up a parchment from the table beside his chair and began slowly to unfold it, "Seven Ak-Baba were flying together around the palace tower on the day the gems were taken. They separated and flew off in different directions. We believe that each was carrying one of the gems, and each was going to one particular place to hide it. See here. I have drawn a map."
He spread the map on the table and pointed at the marked locations.
"The Lake of Tears, City of the Rats, The Shifting Sands, Dread Mountain, The Maze of the Beast, The Valley of the Lost, The Forests of Silence …" I muttered aloud as I read them, "Yep, that'd do it. Typical Dark Lords…"
"Indeed," said Father with a slight smirk, "We know little about each location, other than they are incredibly dangerous and infested with dangerous creatures. Knowing this, are you still willing to go?"
I sighed.
"Well, I can't say I'm entirely pleased about doing so," I said, "But I honestly have no choice. If we allow the Shadow Lord to keep his hold on Deltora, this age of Darkness will never end."
I opened my eyes and looked at my Father with determination in my gaze.
"I'll do it," I said, "Dangerous or not, I can and WILL succeed!"
As if in response to my declaration, the belt hummed slightly and the back of my hand tingles slightly. My parents both looked shocked, before Father burst out laughing.
"I honestly don't know what I was expecting," he said, "You always were courageous Lief, possibly a little too courageous. Then again, I suppose in this dark time, we need people like that. A Hero to burn away this Darkness, just like so many do in the legends."
I smiled back, before turning to my Mother, who was crying, despite her smile.
"Don't worry Mum," I said, "I won't die. I promise."
Mum chuckled weakly.
"I know you won't," she said, "You are blessed Lief, blessed by the Goddesses. But despite that, I still don't want to let you go."
I stepped forwards and hugged my Mother, rubbing her back as she clung to me.
"What mother wants to let their child walk into danger like that," she said.
"I know, but I have to do this," I said.
Mum stepped out of my arms and nodded.
"Of course you do," she said.
"Courage and strength of heart are all well and good, but you will need more if you intend to win," said Father as he bent down and drew something from under his chair, "Here, a birthday gift for you."
He placed the bundle on the table and I quickly unwrapped it, revealing a sheathed sword, a cloak and a wooden shield, painted with a depiction of the Belt. I blinked at the last item. Well, that was a tad unexpected.
"I made it on our own forge," said Father, tapping the sword with his finger, "It is the finest work I have ever done. The shield I bought from a traveling Merchant when they came through, but it is also a fine work. Care for them well, and it will care for you."
"The Cloak is from me," said Mum, "The fabric is... special. I used every art I knew in its making, and wove much love and many memories into it, as well as strength and warmth."
Father stood up and put his arm around her. She leaned against him lovingly, but tears shone in her eyes. I looked at them both.
"You never doubted that I would agree to go on this quest," I said quietly.
"We knew you too well to doubt it," said Mother, trying to smile. "I was sure, as well, that you would want to start at once. Food and water for the first few days of your journey are already packed and waiting. You can leave within the hour, if you wish."
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded.
"That may be best," I said, "If I wait until morning, I may change my mind."
"There is one thing more," said Father, limping to the door, "You will not be alone on your quest. You will have a companion."
He swung the door open, revealing Barda standing there. The disguised Guard stepped into the room and dropped his cloak, revealing his rough, but but clean clothes and neatly trimmed beard and hair. He straightened to his full height (which was tall enough that he would need to duck to enter most doors), pushed back his tousled hair from his face, tightened his jaw, and lifted his head. As he did, I couldn't help but notice something I never had before. His eyes were red and his skin was far darker than anyone in town, even those who worked in the fields daily.
"Good evening Lief," he said.
"So, thats what you've been hiding," I said.
Barda snorted.
"I guess you're more observant than you appear," he said, "Thats good, it'll keep you alive."
I huffed at being underestimated by the big man.
"Alright then, its time for you to leave," said Father, moving over to a bookcase and pulling out a book.
The entire wall swung out, revealing a secret passage.
"Your first stop will be the Forests of Silence," said Father as Barda picked up a pack Mother had just bought into the room, "Be careful son, this will be a very dangerous journey."
"I know," I said, "We'll be back before you know it."
Father nodded and pulled me into a hug that Mother quickly joined.
"Lief, we should hurry," said Barda.
I reluctantly broke away from my Parents and followed the former guard into the tunnel, the door closing behind us.
Third Person POV
"Do you think he will be alright?" asked Anna as her Husband returned to his chair.
"He will be fine," said Jarrad, "Barda will keep him safe. Besides…"
He smiled.
"You know as well as I do the truth of that mark on the back of his hand," he said.
"Yes, and thats what worries me," said Anna, "The Shadow Lord is bad enough, but if the legends are true…"
Jarrad reached over to the bookshelf and removed a book, letting it fall open on the table.
"Then Lief will win," he said, "After all, he is the Hero."
He chuckled lowly as he looked down at the picture on the page before him. It was a boy clad in a green tunic, holding a sword with the tip pointed to the sky and a golden triangle made of three smaller ones behind him.
The Forests of Silence
High in the trees of the Forest, a young girl stirred slightly in her sleep as her left hand clenched, revealing a faintly glowing triangle on the back as she dreamed of a boy clad in green.
The Shadowlands
In his chambers, the being known as the Shadow Lord awoke from dreams of conquest as a rather strange feeling washed over him.
"Hmm? Whats this?" he mused as he sat up, "I feel like something has changed...is it the Belt? No, that is no threat to me, not any more…"
He pushed his flaming red hair out of his eyes, before pausing and looking down at his left hand. There, clearly visible against his dark olive-green skin, was a triangle made up of three smaller ones with the top one fully shaded in while the other two were empty.
"Could it be..?" he muttered, "No, thats impossible. Besides, without that cursed Sword, they haven't a hope of stopping me."
He frowned.
"Then again, I cannot afford to be reckless."
He clambered out of his massive bed and quickly sent out messages to his many Servants with orders to keep an eye out for anyone matching the description of the Hero or Princess. He would not allow to defeat him, especially not that accursed Hero!
And done. Yeah, I really don't know why I bothered with trying to hide the fact that the Shadow Lord is Ganondorf in this reality, its freaking obvious. You can probably guess who the 'Zelda' of this story is as well if you know anything about Deltora.
So yeah, this is a genuine crossover. Deltora is Hyrule way into the future to the point that the Blood of the Goddess is no longer on the Throne (although it still exists). However, that does NOT mean that the old tribes of Hyrule are no longer present. In fact, I already have plans for how its all gonna work. It does mean that a few things have been changed, but thats the nature of Fanfictions.
Hmm, I wonder why the Belt changed when Lief touched it? Could there be more to it than first appears? Actually, I think thats a given.
Let me be perfectly clear about this. As of right now, Lief has NO idea that the world he lives in is also part LoZ and this isnt a case of denial. There is literally no way he would ever have figured it out. Sure, hes heard a few legends that refer to the Hero, but they have changed so much over the years (or at least, the ones he has have) that he could never have figured it out. I suppose that the Triforce on his hand could have tipped him off, but I'm pretty sure that they are usually invisible unless in use. At least, here they are.
Oh, before I forget, could someone clear up for me whether or not Zelda is also reincarnated? I know that Link usually is as he inherits the Spirit of the Hero, and Ganondorf definitely is, but I'm not sure about Zelda. The 'Blood of the Goddess' implies that its her line rather than her being incarnated into each step of the cycle.
And with that, I am done. I actually kinda want to continue with this since I like Deltora Quest and I've come up with two pages worth of notes already, but knowing me, I probably won't. Anyway, don't forget to leave a review!