(Fan/Act/Rom) The Legend of Zelda: Empire of Darkness [T]

Author’s Note: This is my first chapter that I wrote 11 months ago, so please excuse the crappy writing.
EDIT (6-23-07): I started writing this story July 29 of 2004. It's be nearly three years since I started writing this fanfiction. Since then, I have been developing my writing, my characters, and my plot. Thus, I have discovered dozen of plot holes, unrealistic events, out-of-character behavior, and just my sheer crappy writing. I plan to go back after completing this story and rewriting it into a final and complete version, edited, and hopefully in its perfect form (as perfect as I can get it to be). So I can understand how others can find the beginning of this story ... unsatisfactory. I find it that way as well. I hope to improve this story tremendously and, therefore, making it enjoyable for all. ~ Shrub

Chapter Updates (8-18-07)

In Progress:
Chapter One: Dark Omens

Complete:

Awards
*Best Writer, Winter 2005*
*Best Zelda Fiction, Summer 2007*

Chapter One:
Dark Events

He looked up and found what he had been waiting for: Home. This young man clad in a green tunic and a hat to match rode quietly upon the plains of a land he knew very well. On his back he bore a very large sword and a Hylian shield, riding on a friend of his that had always proven loyal to him, a beautiful horse with a marvelous coat of fur that appeared to be almost a blood-red and had a pure-white mane.

Link wondered which of his friends he should surprise first. He first left home when he was eleven; seven years having past since then and now he was eighteen years of age, finally a man. He had made many of friends on his travels, but the people who lived here were the people he was born and raised with and so he would never forget what they had done for him. Link came to a conclusion; he would visit Malon first, because she was closest.

His horse galloped down a dirt road in the direction of a ranch, which he had known since his childhood, but when he saw the place he had been looking for, he stopped. Link felt his heart drop into his stomach: the place had changed a lot since he had last been there. The ranch had doubled in size and there was what appeared to be Hylians, except their skin was black and their hair was white. Link watched as a wagon pulled out of the entrance of the place, which was surrounded by a giant wall. The wagon held a huge metal cage with true Hylians inside. Most of them looked as if they were about to die; their clothes were worn and dirty as were their faces. Their shabby faces held within them many hard years of agony and suffering.

Link approached the entrance stealthily, unsure if he would be permitted entrance. He leapt from his horse, landing with one hand in front, balancing his weight. His sapphire blue eyes studied the dark-faced guards through the strands of shaggy blonde hair that on his travels he has had to pull back in a ponytail. Link found he recognized what the guards were: They were Dark Elves from a different world he had encountered before. This was not a good thing however; Link, understanding the nature of these people, mounted Epona and rode in. As he rode in he stared around at what he had remembered to be a peaceful place; realizing it was now a hell-hole. Many Hylians young and old were being dragged around in chains. There was only one thought that had filled his head. He had to find Malon.

Link stopped at a pub were he would try to find answers for what had happened here. He dismounted and walked into the dark pub that was, of course, infested with more Dark Elves. He seated himself at a table and kept to himself, hoping no one would notice him. At least until he heard a familiar voice that spoke to him said,

“What will your order be?”

Link looked up and found the red-headed friend of which he had been searching for. Her red hair had lost the shine that had once been there, and her blue eyes appeared to be extremely tired. Her plain, light blue dress and apron were smudged and dirty. For a moment she stared at Link trying to remember his face.

"Excuse me, but do I know you? You look very familiar,” she asked the familiar stranger.

“Malon, it's me. Link, the fairy boy,” replied Link, hoping she would remember him. Malon gave a gasp, and then whispered quietly to him.

“Oh my Gods! Link, where are have you been all these years?” She asked as she stared at him in question, but her eyes glittered in happiness for seeing someone friendly.

“There's no time to explain that, but tell me what happened here,” said Link, as he made sure no one could hear him.

“Well, it’s sort of a long story,” said Malon. “Just a few months after you left Hyrule a huge army of Dark Elves came and took over Hyrule Castle and Kakariko. Most of the townspeople were imprisoned and sold as slaves, but they haven't taken Kokiri Forest,” began Malon, but then Link asked,

“Why is that?”

“I don't know, I don't think anyone knows. They tried to take over the Gorons too, but the Gorons left Goron City. No one knows where they went. Weird, huh?”

Link just prayed that Darunia was still alive.

“The Dark Elves can't find the Zoras—they don't know where they are.”

Link gave a chuckle, for he knew exactly where to find Zora's Domain. Malon brought her voice even lower and asked,

“You know where to find it, don't you Link?”

Link nodded, Malon beamed at him as she continued her story.

“Anyway, they're trying to make peace with the Gerudos and get them to join the Dark Elf Empire. So far no one knows where the Gerudos stand. The worst part is who leads the Dark Elves.” Malon stopped for a moment to look around and make sure no one was watching.

“No one knows what he is exactly, but they say he was born without a soul. His eyes are completely white, and his name is Nottuu,” Malon finished, and then Link said to her very quietly.

“What happened to the Princess?”

“They say she is still up at the Castle, held prisoner by Nottuu.”

“Listen closely Malon, because I'm only going to say this once,” began Link staring around the pub. “Finish taking my order and then later tonight I need you to sneak out and I'll get you out of here.”

“But Link; do you know how dangerous that is? I've tried millions of times,” whispered Malon, doubt painted on her face.

Link just gave her a look of pure determination, and she nodded.

“Where is Talon? Maybe we can get him out of here too,” said Link, but then he noticed how she looked down at the floor and fidgeted with her dirty apron.

“Malon ... what happened?” asked Link as a frown began to form on his face.

“... He's dead.”

Link felt his heart slide slowly down to his stomach again. No ... Not Talon, he thought miserably.

“The Dark Elves killed him when they raided the ranch, and now look at it: It's become the slave trading center.” Tears began to shine in her eyes. Link clasped his hands to sides of his head and stared down at the rotting table.

“Oh Malon, I should have never left. I've been gone way too long. I'm so sorry,” said Link as he reached out and held her hand.

“I promise … things will get better.”

Malon shook her head. “Link, what could you have done if you had stayed? Don't beat yourself up about it; nothing would have changed.”

Link however, doubts this very much. He had saved Hyrule before. He couldn't help but feel responsible for whatever happened to it. So he was not going to stand around and watch this happen to this beautiful land he had fought so hard for. Malon finished taking his order and went back to the counter to tell the chief the order; the Dark Elf owner asked accusingly, “What the **** took so long?”

“Picky customer,” Malon replied simply and walked away.

Link came to the entrance of the pub and saw that at night it was guarded by two Dark Elves. He crept up silently behind them and bumped their heads together. They made no protest, but simply dropped to the ground. Link then dragged their bodies away and hid them in a dark corner were they would not be seen until sunrise. That's when Malon finally came out of the pub. This time she was decked out in black. Her black shirt that's sleeves only reach to her elbows held tightly to her figure, her hands were hidden in small black gloves, her baggy, black pants were held up by a black leather belt, and her black combat boots clunked heavily on the ground.

Link stared for a moment; he had never seen her dress like this. Malon noticed Link gazing at her.

“What?”

Link shook his head. “Nothing, I've just never seen you dress like this before.”

“Well, I'm not going to escape from Dark Elves in a dress,” said Malon, raising her eyebrows at Link.

“Do you know how to fight?” asked Link. Malon pulled out a very long and slender knife from her belt and replied,

“Link, I've lived in a world ruled by Dark Elves for seven years. I had to learn how to fight to survive.... I'm not the innocent girl you knew seven years ago.” Link said nothing and just stared at her for a moment.

They went to make their escape, but they found that the entrance was heavily guarded.

“Listen Malon, when I say 'now' I'm going to attack the guards. I need you to run ahead of me. Don't worry—I’ll be right behind you.” Link kept his eyes on the guards ahead of them. Malon nodded in agreement.

“Now,” Link whispered and he darted ahead, smashing a guard in the face with his shield. While the guards became distracted by Link, Malon was able to slip by unnoticed. Link kept his word and was right behind her. They found Epona waiting for them outside.

Link swung onto her back and pulled Malon on after him. Link handed her his shield and said,

“Use this to block the arrows.”

“What arrows?” asked Malon, but didn't get an answer because they found themselves in a rain shower of arrows. Arrows banged against the shield Malon now had, covering their backs.

“Where are we going?” asked Malon as she held on to him with one arm and blocked arrows with the other.

“Hyrule Castle,” replied Link, keeping his eyes on Hyrule Castle as they approached it.

“What for?” Malon questioned as the arrow shower began to fade.

“To save Zelda.”

Malon gasped, “Have you gone completely nuts!”

Link didn't answer.

They reached the Town gate, which seemed to be open all the time now that the Dark Elves were in control. They both jumped off Epona. Link pointed in the opposite direction and said to Epona,

“Go!”

Epona sped off in that direction. Link grabbed Malon by the arm and pulled her across the gate.

“Why did you send Epona away?” asked Malon gasping for breath as they ran into the Market, which just like everywhere else was infested with Dark Elves.

“She would gather too much attention,” Link answered simply, who didn't seem to be out of breath.

They ran through the Market and made it to the castle entrance, which hadn't changed much except it was now being guarded by Dark Elves. Link guessed Nottuu wasn't much for remodeling like Ganon had been. The Castle looked just like it did before Link had left Hyrule.

Link and Malon slid along the dirt wall until they came to some vines that were clinging to the wall.

“Oh,” whispered Malon, apparently remembering the time when she had asked Link to find her father at the Castle for her and how Link had climbed the vines. First, Link pulled out his ocarina and said to Malon,

“Try to follow along with this tune.”

Malon didn't question Link; she has learned to just do as she was told. She began to whistle along with Link and as she whistled the tune made her think of rainy days on the ranch. Soon after, clouds were bellowing in the sky and it began to pour. Malon realized that it was the song that had made it rain.

“How did you do that?” asked Malon as they became soaked from the rain.

“It's the magic from the song. Usually the storms aren't as powerful as this when it's only one person playing the song. I did it so it would be hard to see us in the rain. Now, come on, let’s climb these vines,” Link finished as he started to climb the wall.

Malon came up right after him. They ran along the edge of the wall, and then Link found a hole inside of the gate and climbed down a ladder that was in it. Malon had no idea how Link saw the hole in the rain, but it made her think that he had memorized exactly how to get in the Castle. Once they were down in the small room inside of the gate Link began to speak.

“I do hope that you know the nature of Dark Elves—” Malon cuts him off.

“Dark Elves are violent creatures to which the concept of honor is meaningless,” Malon finished with a great tone of bitterness in her voice. Link was a little shocked to hear her voice like that and stared for a moment at her. Malon realizing this said,

“Sorry, it's just ... my life will never be the same thanks to them.”

Link knew more than ever now that what she had said before, ‘not being the same girl from seven years ago,’ was indeed very true. She had to endure seven years of being enslaved to a dark race that knew no mercy.

“Do you want revenge, Malon?” Link asked her as he stared into her determined face.

“Yes.”

“Well, then if revenge is what you want then follow me wherever I have to go, because I on the same boat as you. I will not allow them to destroy what I have fought so hard to save!” shouted Link, the same look of determination on his face.

Malon nodded, even though she did not understand the last part Link said: ‘what I have fought so hard to save.’ It didn't make sense.

“Okay, we're going to have to be careful,” said Link, surprisingly sounding a lot calmer. “If we get caught they might try to kill us.”

“Might,” said Malon doubtfully. More like they will kill us, thought Malon, as they crept out the door.

It was still pouring when they got outside. Malon could barely see through it. Link had been right about the guards may not be able to see them, but they were not able to see the guards and Malon had no idea where they were going. Even though Malon didn't know where she was, Link did. He knew this place like the back of his hand. He soon found a familiar edge and climbed over it. Once he had helped Malon over they found themselves right in front of the Castle moat.

Link gestured toward the moat; Malon followed him over to it, understanding that they were going to have to swim through it. They both slipped quietly into the water and swam just as quietly right against the right side of the stream so that the guards would not hear or see them. They finally reached the end of the moat and got out of the water. Malon noticed that her clothes were not much wetter from the rain than they were from the water.

Link pointed across the stream from them to a small hole in the wall and said,

“See that hole?”

Malon nodded.

“That's how I got in the Castle when I was a child, but since we're too big we're going to have go through this door.” Link gestured to the door in font of them.

“But they must have locked it, didn’t they?” pointed out Malon, but Link just walked over to the door, kneeled down and pulled out a needle that he kept on his belt. On his travels Link had learned the very useful skill of picking locks. In just a few minutes he had the door open.


A depressed, young woman sat on a beautiful, red silk couch facing the back of it with her arms resting on it. She wore a beautiful, blue dress with long, white draping sleeves. She had gorgeous, shiny, blonde hair and ocean-blue eyes that were dazing off into thought. Her imprisonment in the castle brought her to be depressed all the time.

Zelda had tried to escape before but it had never worked: he always caught her. She often wondered where Link was and if he would ever come back to Hyrule. For seven years she had hoped he would return and save her from this dark place. Zelda had always been independent from men, but Link was the only man she would depend on when she was in time of need. Link, will you ever come back? thought Zelda, or will you keep me waiting for seven years again?

Zelda had laid her head on her arms as she felt her eyes burn with tears, but she closed them, not allowing them to fall. She had already cried enough these seven years; she won't cry anymore. She had to be strong now. Please Link, share some of your courage with me now, ‘cause really, I need it, thought Zelda. Her thoughts, however, became interrupted, when her lounge door opened, and there stood someone she did not want to see.

“What is it that you want, Nottuu?” Zelda asked coldly as a man with white hair and white eyes to match walked up to her. His skin was not black like a Dark Elf would have. As a matter of fact, his skin was unusually pale, but she never really believed he was a Dark Elf. His outfits were always simple: black shirt, black pants, and black boots. The fact that he wore black made his white hair and eyes stand out even more than they would have. For the seven years Zelda had known this pale man, she had never seen an expression on his face. She had always believed that he had no soul, for she had seen him kill many people without even blinking, not one emotion had ever shown on his pale face.

“I hear that you are depressed,” said Nottuu, looking down at the beautiful Princess.

“I am always depressed, Nottuu,” replied Zelda, who shivered because she hated when he would look at her with those chilling eyes.

“Not nearly enough, my princess,” he said as he walked up to her balcony that was across the room.

“Don't call me that! I am not yours!” she said as she glared at her door, because she preferred not to look at him.

“I do hope you are not thinking of escape,” continued Nottuu, ignoring her comment as he stared at the rain pouring outside. Or at least she thought he was. She could never tell where he was looking, except when his head was turned in that direction, because Nottuu had no color or pupils in his eyes.

“....”

“Or are you thinking of Link, who you believe will rescue you someday?” said Nottuu, his voice matching his blank face. It was empty of feeling just like his eyes.

“How did you—” began Zelda, but Nottuu answered before she could finish.

“You're not the only one who can read minds.”

“....” She did not know what to say.

“Do you really believe he will come back? He has been gone for so long that it is possible that he is dead.”

There was silence.

“You have a will like a flame, princess. I know this so—I’ve worked hard to control it. If you’re not careful, you can get burned, but if you learn to control it; it can be yours forever,” said Nottuu, slightly turning to look at her. She flinched. Even though she could not see him, she could always feel his eyes on her.

“Like I said before, I'll never be yours Nottuu,” she continued to stare at the door.

“If you keep this up princess, I'll have to punish you. I had hoped you had done well to remember the last time you acted out.”


Link and Malon slid quietly along a wall of a dark corridor to make sure they would see a guard before he would see them. Thunder rumbled outside the castle as the rain continued to fall.

“Link, where are we?” asked Malon as Link peeked over the corner to make sure no one was coming.

The truth was Link had no idea. He had never really been inside the Castle, only the courtyard and when Ganon had control over it. Still, Link was confident that he would be able to find the princess without being seen. On his travels, Link had been in many places just like this that were even more heavily guarded.

“Link?” said Malon, for he had not answered her. She never knew because that's when they ran into someone.

“Ouch!” shouted the voice of the person they had run into. When Link looked up he found that both he and the person had been knocked to the floor. He had been expecting it to be a Dark Elf, but ... it wasn't.

It was a Hylian that looked around the same age as Link. He had black hair that stuck out at odd angles, except for one strand that fell in his face. He did not wear a Dark Elf uniform either; he wore instead a dark blue tunic with a white undershirt whose sleeves only went down to his elbows. His loose, black pants hung over his black boots and his black leather gauntlets clung to his hands and forearms. His midnight-blue eyes were very shocked to find Link there. Link found the Hylian was not alone, either.

A younger girl that looked a year younger than he was was with the Hylian. She had long, silver hair that went down to her waist, and emerald-green eyes that were staring curiously at Link. She, too, did not appear to be a Dark Elf; a gray dress that went down to her knees with slits on the sides, the top of the dress had no sleeves—just straps. The gray dress came with a black belt around her waist, and she had black boots that went up to her knees.

Both Link and the Hylian bolted up. Link took out his sword and the Hylian brought out two katanas.

“What's the matter? Not calling your friends to come help you?” said the Hylian, waiting for Link to attack. Link, however, did nothing. He did not think this man was with the Dark Elves.

“What? We're not with the Dark Elves,” said Malon, peeking out from behind Link.

“What?” said the Hylian, just as confused as her.

They didn't get to finish their conversation, because they heard someone coming from down the corridor. Both Link and the Hylian ran down the opposite end of the corridor with the silver-haired girl and Malon trailing after them. Once they had lost who ever might have been there, the Hylian said,

“So if you're not with the Dark Elves, then what are you doing here?”

Malon answered, “We're here to save the princess. What are you doing here?”

“We're with the Rebellion—” began the Hylian, but Link interrupted,

“The Rebellion?”

“You don't know what the Rebellion is?” asked the Hylian, raising an eyebrow at him. Link shook his head.

“Well, when the Dark Elves first took over Hyrule, some of the people managed to escape them. Those people came together and formed the Rebellion against the Dark Elf Empire,” explained the Hylian as more thunder shook the Castle.

“Okay, so you're with the Rebellion, but that doesn't explain what you're doing here.” Malon pointed out.

“Oh yeah, well, we're here to assassinate Nottuu,” replied the Hylian.

“Since we're both here and against the Dark Elves, maybe we can help each other,” said Link.

“That's right,” began Malon. “You could help us find the princess and then we'll help you kill Nottuu.”

Link was very surprised to hear Malon say that. He could definitely tell she was becoming more rebellious.

“It's a deal,” said the Hylian, offering his hand to them. Link shook it and so did Malon.

“First,” began Malon. “We need to know your names.”

“Oh, well my name is Khaz, and this is my sister Leita,” said Khaz, gesturing to the silver-haired girl who smiled at them.

“I'm Malon, and this is my friend Link,” said Malon as she pointed to Link, who nodded in greeting.

“So do you know your way through the Castle?” asked Malon. Khaz smiled and replied,

“As a matter a fact I do. Some spies of the Rebellion were able to snag a map of Hyrule Castle, and I happened to have memorized it.”

“Do you know were the princess is?” asked Link, for all he could think about was Zelda.

“You bet,” Khaz replied.


Again there was silence between Nottuu and Zelda, but it did not last long, for there was a loud bang as the door flew open. Zelda sat up to see who had entered; she felt her heart skip a beat. It was Link.

“Zelda,” said Link as he stared at her. Tears began to shine in her eyes. She tried to say his name, but she couldn't speak. He had finally come back ... to save her.

Zelda stood up and was about to walk over to Link to have him hold her in his arms, but she felt Nottuu's cold hand close around her wrist. Zelda turned to look at him, but before she could say a word, Nottuu brought his hand up and hit her hard across the face. Zelda fell to the floor.

Link gasped as he saw Nottuu hit her. Hot anger shot up inside him. He clenched his fists as he felt power surge inside of him and the back of his hand burn as he tapped into his Triforce. Malon was very startled; she could feel Link's power and she saw the gauntlet on his hand glowed with the shape of a triangle.

“Link—” but she couldn't finish her sentence. She backed away from Link, for his eyes had turned completely bright-green. This was a Link she did not know, the Link that had saved Hyrule, the Link that held the power of the Triforce of Courage.

“You must be the Hero of Time,” said Nottuu, his face always blank.

Link's eyes returned to normal as he gazed upon this man that he was expecting to be a Dark Elf, but appeared to have pale skin, standing seven feet tall. Link's power remained a constant flow inside of his body. Link said nothing to this man. He drew his sword and shield; prepared to fight for Zelda, even if he died trying. Nottuu did nothing.

Link charged forward, hitting Nottuu in the face with his shield. Nottuu hadn't been expecting Link to be so strong. He didn't think it would have affected him as much as it did. Nottuu went flying into a wall, which crumbled slightly when he hit it. Link, believing Nottuu to be dead, put away his sword and shield and kneeled down next to Zelda. Link felt his heart ache as he stroked her beautiful face while he held her in his arms. Her face remained beautiful even though there was a bloody mark on the side of her head. Link was about to pick her up when Khaz shouted,

“Link, watch out!”

Link looked up right as Nottuu hit him in the face. Link went flying across the room just like Nottuu had and hit the wall, but it didn't stop there. Malon screamed as Link slammed into the wall, braking through it and hit the wall of the corridor outside the room, which slightly crumbled. Link gasped as pain shot through him. Link realized that this man was very powerful, even more than Ganon. Link stood up and took out his sword and shield. This time, he wouldn't take Nottuu so lightly, for he as well had much more power than when he had fought Ganon.

“Oh my Gods! Link … you're all right!” said Malon with disbelief in her blue eyes.

She surely thought he had died when he had hit the wall. Khaz could say nothing, for he was in shock. Link ran through the opening towards Nottuu, but this time rolled off to the side and brought up his sword. When Nottuu went to dodge it Link appeared behind him, instead. Link smashed Nottuu in the back of his head, which sent him flying across the room again, but this time Link hit him a lot harder and Nottuu smashed through the wall. Link didn't stop to think. He ran over to Zelda and picked her up.

“We're going to have to escape!” Link shouted to his friends across the room.

“I have an idea. Follow me,” said Leita, Link noted this was the first he had ever heard her say anything, but they followed her to the balcony.

“Jump,” she said to the group.

“Are you crazy?” shouted Malon, looking down from the balcony where the ground was very far down.

“I know a useful spell. Don't worry—you won't get hurt,” replied Leita. Link didn't let Malon complain. He grabbed her wrist as he held Zelda with his other arm and jumped. Malon screamed as they pelted toward the ground. Link held Zelda tightly in his arms, not wanting her to fall from him. Just before they hit the ground they slowed to a stop and touched down softly. Leita and Khaz came shortly after them.

“I didn't know you use magic,” said Link, looking curiously at Leita, who just smiled in reply.

The four of them ran through the field, which was still being poured on by rain. They made it back up the hole and through the Market. They only stopped when they reached the gate. Khaz whistled and a black stallion with a white mane came thumping toward him. Link brought out his ocarina and with one hand played Epona's Song. She came thumping toward him. Khaz looked at Epona and said to Link,

“Nice horse.”

“Yours is nice too,” replied Link, smiling as he mounted and held Zelda on his lap.

“Okay, it's really not the time to admire horses!” said Malon, reminding them that they needed to go as she got on after Link.

“Right! Okay, follow me,” said Khaz. He darted forward as his sister held on to him.

“Where are we going?” asked Link charging after him.

“To Gerudo Valley, that's were the Rebellion is,” replied Khaz. Link smiled, as he knew Nabooru would have never joined the Dark Elves.

Awesome, amazing, just as the first time I read it. The only thing that would have you do is put 2 spaces between your paragraphs. It makes it muych more easy and appealing to read. Fore example:

Instead of:

I didnt know what was going on, "kill the fool!" they said, working at my chains, "he must die!"
Suddenly, guns fired in the distance. "What the hell was that?!" I yelled.

Try:
I didnt know what was going on, "kill the fool!" they said, working at my chains, "he must die!"

Suddenly, guns fired in the distance. "What the hell was that?!" I yelled.

Nice story. Though I will say you forgot the rating and what type of story it is. Another thing though dark elves? Come on...Those have been in so many diffrent things. Where i've seen is in DnD called drow. Black skin white hair. Try somthing a bit more creative reamber go big this your story. Well can't wait to see more.

Link twin, you have no idea what you are talking about. That idea came out of her head. So don't pull things out of your butt. Anyway, this must be the fiftieth time I've read the first chapter, and its still great. Obviously not as good as your writing now, but great nonetheless. Loved it. Post your other chapters soon

Nice story. Though I will say you forgot the rating and what type of story it is. Another thing though dark elves? Come on...Those have been in so many diffrent things. Where i've seen is in DnD called drow. Black skin white hair. Try somthing a bit more creative reamber go big this your story. Well can't wait to see more.

Yes, Dark Elves have been in many things but so have other creatures and I like the idea of Dark Elves and I don't feel the need to replace them with anyother creature, they fit the bill for me. Thanks for your opinion.

I remember reading this on the old fanfic. I could never finish it. But it's good.

I read it again just for the heck of it. Of course I loved it! And how come you keep saying you're a cruddy writer? you aren't bad! You ARE good at writing!!!!

I have to agree with these other guys, it's just as good as the first time I read it, it might even be better due to the appreciation I have for the story after the other chapters. Have you written anything new since the Tejison or whatever the hell it was called. I can't wait to see more Shrub, it was good as always.

Keep up the good work.

Author's Note: Thanks for all the support guys!

Chapter Two:
Son of a Dark King

The four of them thumped across the bridge in Gerudo Valley when the sun was rising. Gerudo Valley itself, Link found, had changed a lot since he had left. They came to a giant wooden gate, which was definitely new to Link. Khaz showed his membership card to the Gerudo guards and they opened the gate. Link gasped with surprise as they entered the Gerudo Fortress. It had tripled in size and so had the population, but this time it was filled with Hylian and Gerudos alike.

“Where can I find Nabooru?” asked Link, looking to Khaz for the answer.

“You know Lady Nabooru!” replied Khaz in shock. Link nodded.

“Jeez, you’ve got friends in high places buddy. Actually, I’m not sure where to find her, but for now let’s put away our horses,” said Khaz, as he went off in the direction of the stables.

Once Link got off he laid Zelda down on some crates and held her hand against his face, praying that she would be all right. Leita came up to Link and said,

“I can heal her.”

She held her hands over Zelda and closed her eyes in concentration. A blue light covered her body and the bloody bruise on the side of her head faded away. When the light had faded, Zelda opened her eyes. When she saw Link, a smile appeared on her lovely face. She sat up and looked around.

“Where am I?” she asked as her gaze came to Link.

“Gerudo’s Fortress,” replied Link as he smiled at her.

“You mean, you saved me? I’m not at the Castle?” said Zelda, tears started to spill from her eyes. Link nodded as his hand stroked her shiny hair. Zelda threw her arms around Link as more tears fell from her eyes.

“I knew you would come back. I knew you would come back and save me from him. I waited seven years just like last time and you came back. You always do,” said Zelda, crying softly while they held each other.

“I’m so sorry. I’ve been gone for too long,” said Link, holding Zelda tightly in his arms.

Khaz, Malon, and Leita were a few steps back waiting by the horses to give the two privacy.

“Are those two together or what?” asked Khaz, looking to Malon for an answer.

“I-I really don’t know,” replied Malon while she watched the two hold each other.

Finally they stopped and Zelda got up. She took another look around and asked,

“What happened to Gerudo’s Fortress?”

Khaz answered her,

“Well, when the Rebellion came to Gerudo’s Fortress they had to make some installments.”

“The Rebellion! Finally I can help take back what is rightfully ours,” began Zelda. “What am I doing walking around with the Rebellion dressed like a lady?” She shook her head, and then with a flash of light became Sheik, but this time she looked different. She still had her womanly figure, but with Sheik’s clothes. And the cloth the usually hides her face was gone. You could see her short blond hair and her red eyes, but her face remained feminine.

“Uh, what just happened?” asked Khaz, who looked very confused.

“A transformation spell, impressive,” said Leita, who obviously knew her magic.

“Yes,” began Link. “But I haven’t seen this form of Sheik before.”

“Well, I got sick of walking around looking like a boy, Link. So I made some changes,” said Sheik as she smiled at him.

“Sheik?” said Malon, who looked just as confused as Khaz.

“It’s my nickname when I’m in this form,” replied Sheik.

“Let’s try to find Nabooru,” said Link, as he walked off to do so.

Sheik followed him and so did the others. Sheik slipped her hand into Link’s, Link looking over in surprise as she smiled at him. Link felt his insides tingle as she smiled. Link, who liked the feeling he was getting, smiled back. It didn’t take long for them to find Nabooru.

“Look! There she is,” said Sheik, who was the first to see her.

She was standing on top of one of the buildings that had stairs on the side leading to the top. Her red hair danced in the wind that swept across her face as she stared out into the desert. She was wearing her usual blood-red outfit. Link and Sheik ran up the stairs to greet their old friend.

“I can’t believe it. They’re running right up to Lady Nabooru” said Khaz, staring at the two of them as they ran.

Nabooru didn’t notice Link until he was right next to her. She gasped with surprise when she saw him and gave a yell.

“Oh my Gods! Link, where in Hyrule have you been?” asked Nabooru, as she hugged him tightly. Link just smiled in reply.

“It’s great to see you Nabooru,” said Sheik, as Nabooru looked up.

“Sheik, you escaped from the Castle?” she asked as she gave Sheik a hug.

“Not really. Link rescued me. He’s my hero,” replied Sheik, smiling as she leaned her head on Link’s shoulder and slipped her hand into his. Link’s heart did a back flip when Sheik did this, but he squeezed her hand in return.

“Well, he is the Hero of Time,” said Nabooru, smiling at the two.

“Link, guess who is here with me?” continued Nabooru. Link gave her a curious look.

“The Gorons and Darunia,” replied Nabooru, Link beamed at her.

“And Impa,” said Nabooru, looking at Sheik.

“Impa is here?” said Sheik, as if she could hardly believe her ears.

“Well then, let’s go see her,” said Sheik, who could hardly wait.

“We will, but first I want you to meet someone,” began Nabooru. “Hey Blaze, come out here for second,” Nabooru what appeared to be a through the doorway behind her.

The man called Blaze, came out from the doorway. His sleeveless black shirt held tightly to his well developed muscles, he had the usual baggy Gerudo pants that were black which hung slightly over his matching boots, and his trench coat, that had no sleeves with red bordering down the sides, swirled in the warm desert wind. His tan skin told Link that he was a Gerudo. He had an air of confidence about him, but those red eyes were a little too familiar for Link.

“You’re a Gerudo, but how is that possible? A male Gerudo is only born every hundred years,” said Sheik not believing her eyes.

“Well, my mother was a Hylian. I guess that had something to do with,” replied the red headed man.

“You see the gene that makes the Gerudos female only exists on the mother’s side of the family,” explained Nabooru.

“Well, if his mother was a Hylian then his father would have had to have been….” But Sheik didn’t finish. She was now staring wide eyed at the red haired man.

“Ganondorf, the Gerudo King,” finished Nabooru, who was now looking at Link.

“Link, this is Blaze. Ganondorf’s son,” said Nabooru, and then waited to see what Link thought of this.

Link stared at the son of a man who had once brought much pain to the land of Hyrule. The son of a man that Link himself had sealed away forever into the Dark Realm. Link could do nothing, but stare at him for all words were lost.

“Link, I know very well about what my father did, and I don’t blame you for your actions. You did what you were destined to do and I plan to make up for my father’s mistakes,” said Blaze, who now offered his hand to Link.

“Friends?”

Link looked into Blaze’s red eyes and found there was neither greed nor selfishness in them. Only confidence. Link shook his hand. Blaze smiled until he felt someone clinging to him.

“Well, hi Trisa,” said Blaze, as he pulled out someone from behind him.

It was a young girl about the age of fourteen. She had short red hair that stuck out at odd angles and her golden eyes held much innocence within them. She wore tight black pants that seemed to blend in with her tight black shirt that sleeves reach out into a point that connects to her middle finger. Her black boots were smudged with the desert sand, and her blood red traveling cloak blew in the wind behind her.

“Oh, I would like you to meet my daughter. Her name is Trisa,” said Nabooru, smiling at her young daughter.

“You’re a mother?” said Link, very surprised since she never said anything before. Nabooru nodded while Sheik looked down at the girl.

“Hello, my name is Zelda, but you can call me Sheik,” she said to the young teenager.

“Hello Sheik,” said Trisa, who was staring back at her curiously.

“Link, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” asked Nabooru, looking behind Link at the three who were waiting patiently.

“This is Malon, her father used to own Lon Lon ranch and this is Khaz and Leita,” said Link, turning to look at them.

“Right, Khaz and Leita Spiritwood, the two who thought they could kill Nottuu,” said Nabooru, as she shook her head with disbelief.

“Oh yeah, how about that?” said Khaz, as he nervously rubbed the back of his head.

“Well, now that we’re all introduced let’s go see Darunia and Impa,” said Nabooru as she headed down the steps of the building.

The group followed Nabooru down the steps and onto the ground. They followed her until they came to what appeared to be the training grounds of the Rebellion. There were many groups of Hylians and young Gerudos being trained by the older, more experienced Gerudos. As they walked into the training ground Link noticed how much the Hylian race had in seven years turned from being peaceful people to a warrior race. Again, Link had been absent those seven years to help the people of Hyrule through terrible times. Not only the people he didn’t know, but his friends, too. They had needed him so much and again he abandoned them to suffer for seven years. I should have never left, thought Link, looking around the training ground.

“Link, are you okay?” asked Sheik, awakening Link from his troubled thoughts.

Link just nodded and continued to stare around the training ground until he saw Darunia and Impa, who were practicing shooting arrows.

“Hey, Darunia! Impa! Guess who finally came home,” called Nabooru.

Darunia and Impa looked up. They didn’t appear to have changed one bit since Link had left. Darunia still looked big and strong, and Impa clever and serious. When Darunia saw Link he ran over, shook the ground as he did so, and gave Link a huge hug that almost broke his spine.

“Brother! Where have you been these seven years?” exclaimed Darunia, while he squeezed Link.

“Darunia, I need air!” gasped Link, who could hardly breathe.

“Oh, right. Sorry brother,” said Darunia, as he let Link drop. Link stood up gasping for air.

“Impa!” called Sheik, who again had tears in her eyes.

Impa looked over then dropped her bow. Sheik ran up and almost knocked Impa over as she hugged her long lost caretaker.

“He didn’t hurt you did he?” asked Impa urgently, looking Sheik in the eye after their long hug.

“No, but Link, he saved me from him,” replied Sheik, looking over at Link, who by this time could, again, breathe.

Link, noticing her looking at him, walked over to them. Link smiled at Impa in greeting, who too smiled back.

“Where have you been, Hero of Time?” asked Impa.

“I heard you went off to save other worlds,” said Nabooru, who like everyone else was looking at Link.

“Yes, I did, but I should have realized this world was the one that needed saving the most,” said Link, gazing around the training ground looking at the Hylian race, which he could barely recognize because they wielded weapons.

Everyone was silent.

“Hey, Link!” called a voice from across the training ground.

Link looked up and could hardly believe his eyes. Link ran over to a group of three people. Two of them were women and the other you couldn’t tell because he was hidden under a black traveling cloak, but Link already knew who it was.

One of the women had very short, brown hair and dark blue eyes. She wore so much dark blue armor that she looked like a knight, her gray traveling cloak was draped over her clanking armor, and you could see the hilt of her sword peeking over her shoulder.

The other had jet-black hair that was done up in a bun and her eyes were a light green. Her blood-red tunic hung over her short, black skirt with slits on the sides, black gauntlets held tightly to her arms and all the way to her elbows. Two long, slender swords were strapped to her back.

“What are you guys doing here?” asked Link, when he had finally got over to them.

“Followed you, of course,” said the one in the red tunic.

“We had to make sure you didn’t get into any trouble,” said the one in blue armor.

“Link, aren’t you going to introduce us?” asked Sheik, with the others standing behind her looking curiously at the three.

“Everyone, this is Kira,” said Link, gesturing to the one in the blue, “Tila,” Link pointed to the one in the red, “and this is Rontu.” Link finished with the one in the black cloak.

“Kira, Tila, Rontu. This is Nabooru, Darunia, Zelda, Impa, Malon, Blaze, Khaz, Leita, and Trisa,” said Link, finally finishing all the introductions.

“Can we see Rontu?” asked Nabooru, staring curiously at the hooded stranger.

“… I think it would be best if we were inside for that,” replied Link, getting a curious stare from the group.

“Well all right, let’s go inside for some breakfast then,” said Nabooru.

“How’s Sheinron?” asked Link, as he looked over to Kira, who looked a little startled by this question.

“Well, you know. He continues to rule over the Dark Elves,” replied Kira, as they followed Nabooru into the vast Fortress.


They all were seated down at a large table, except for Rontu, who was staring through a window across the room from them. The two groups talked only to the people from their own worlds, until Kira called over to Rontu,

“Hey, come over here and eat something, Rontu.”

The dark figure hesitated, but came over and sat down between Link and Kira. Rontu removed his cloak and showed himself. Rontu was a Dark Elf, his long, white hair was pulled back in a tie, and his eyes were a shimmering gold. Under his cloak he wore a large, black trench coat, a black shirt, and black pants.

Those who didn’t know Rontu, gasped in surprise. There was tense silence now that Rontu was sitting down at the table. This appeared to annoy Rontu as the silence continued….
“I’ve had enough of this!” said Rontu angrily as he stood up from the table.

“No, Rontu, stay,” said Kira as she pulled on his trench coat.

“I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable!” said Rontu, with great bitterness in his voice.

“No, please stay,” began Zelda, who was not in her Sheik form for breakfast “We’ve been terribly rude. It’s just you don’t know what we’ve been through-”

“No, I know exactly what you’ve been through. This is not the only world were Dark Elves are despised and hated. So don’t give me that ****,” said Rontu, cutting her off. However, he sat down.

“So … how do you know Link?” Malon asked Kira.

“He helped our land of Ranelu against the Dark Elves in the war they had declared on us. I do believe he took down a dragon,” replied Kira.

“Not the only time either,” began Darunia “He killed Volvogia and saved my entire race.”

As their subject turned to Link, he began to feel an uncomfortable tingle along his spine. Whenever someone started to talk about the things Link had done in his life; Link always felt uncomfortable and self-conscious. Link stared down at his plate as he felt his cheeks burn, his appetite no longer there. Link felt Zelda’s hand slip onto his. Link looked up to find Zelda’s beautiful face smiling at him as she squeezed his hand. Link smiled back no longer remembering what the others were talking about. All he could think about was Zelda’s hand caressing his.

“Hey Link?” said Khaz, bring Link back to the conversation.

“Why does everyone call you the ‘Hero of Time?’”

“Yeah,” began Malon “you never told me anything about being a Hero of Time.”

“Yeah, what’s that about?” asked Kira, looking down the table at him.

“I want to know too,” added Tila, who was also looking at Link.

Link shifted uncomfortably in his chair until Zelda brought her gaze to him. All she had to do was squeeze his hand and he would feel…. Link didn’t know how to explain it but he didn’t feel self-conscious anymore. He felt like nothing could bother him as long as Zelda kept holding his hand.

“Link,” began Zelda “these are your friends and they deserve to know what you’ve done in your life.”

Link just nodded as he smiled at her.

“I’ll tell the story,” she said to Link and everyone there.

“It started when the Great Deku tree summoned Link to him and…”

Link began to think about Zelda, admiring her beautiful face, how she always moved around with grace. Soon Link could hear nothing of what was being said, only thing he could focus on was Zelda and how she kept her hand on his and how her finger kept sliding along his hand. When Link came to he found Zelda was already half way through the story.

“Then Link, after defeating the creature in the Water Temple, returned the water to Lake Hylia….”

He was again swept off to gaze at her beautiful lips as she spoke. So smooth, so perfect … he began to wonder what it would be like to kiss those marvelous lips…. The warmest feeling buzzed in his heart when that thought came into his mind. Link didn’t understand why