Authors Note: This is the prequel to Nothing Like His Father, and the sequel to I'm Always In Your Heart.  You might want to read the second before reading this one.

 

Evil laughter echoed through the Spirit World.

"Yes!" exclaimed Dark Link. "The day has finally come!"

"What's so great about Thursday?" asked Damien, Dark Link's hench-wolf.

"Not Thursday you mutt!"

Damien growled and sat down.

"Anyway, as I was saying, tonight, there will be a lunar eclipse, and a portal will open to the living world. If I can get through it with my army, I can take over Hyrule!"

"That is if you don't get killed."

"Ugh," groaned Link's evil duplicate. "I've old you over and over, Damien. If a Hylian is foolish enough to kill their dark form, they will die too. Of course on the exception of smashing our immortality pendants. However, if a dark form kills their Hylian form, they will take their place. You see? I'm invincible!"

"But, aren't Hylians impossible to kill? They're immortal!"

"Not if you swipe their immortality pendant..." Dark Link said, smiling evilly. He pulled something out of his pocket. It was a metal charm, shaped like an eagle on a leather cord.

"This," Dark Link explained, "is Link's immortality pendant. Now, his life is in my hands."

"How did you get it?" Damien asked.

"Every full moon, I can temporarily walk into the living world. I can't kill, but I can take what I want, unnoticed. So while Link was snoring away yesterday, I swiped it."

"Does he know it's gone?"

"I don't think he does. And stealing this gives me an added bonus.

"What's that?" the wolf growled. Dark Link looked away and chuckled.

"Link's only mortal now," he said, sinisterly. "And a mortal cannot have the Triforce."

He took the leather strap that was knotted to the pendant, and tied it around his neck.

"So, who has the Triforce of Courage?"

Dark Link held up his left hand. A faint Triforce symbol was beginning to form on it.

An evil smile formed on his face as he said, "I'll give you three guesses."

 

            In a short while, Dark Link and Damien, on Zorratha, (Dark Link's dragon from "World's Apart") were at the head of an army of 5,000 spirits.

"Gentlemen," Dark Link began. Zorratha roared. "...and lady, in a short while, you will be free from the Spirit World! Those Hylians crammed us into this crowded place for the rest of eternity! We must destroy them and take their places, and see how they like it here! Who's with me?"

The army cheered.

"Then let's go!" Dark Link shouted as the portal slowly opened. "Tonight, we ride!"

 

 

In Hyrule Castle, Zelda's husband, Link heard dragon wings, screams of terror, and collapsing of buildings. It all seemed like a bad dream, until Link realized he was awake! He looked out the window to see the marketplace and Kariko Village burning to the ground. Link had absolutely no idea what was going on. No Gerudo had come to the main part of Hyrule since Ganondorf was killed. Nobody in Hyrule could cause this much disaster. So, who was behind it?

 

Soon, Link found himself in the middle of the Castle Town. Looking around, he soon realized that everyone was dead. Link walked around, occasionally kicking a random charcoaled piece of wood. He stopped in front of the fountain. A chunk of the roof from the Happy Mask shop had fallen on top of it. He shook his head and turned to head to Kariko Village, but there as a soft moan from under the roof. Link turned around and shoved the burnt roof off of the fountain. A young man and woman lay in the rubble. They were bathed in ash and dust . The man did not have his immortality pendant on, yet he was alive. The man looked up. He looked about 20 to 25.

"Help," he muttered. Link reached down for him.

"No..."

The man motioned to the woman lying next to him. She continued to moan, under the protective embrace of her husband. Link noticed that she was pregnant.

"Please help my wife," the man mumbled. "She's clinging to life, only by her pendant." Link tried to pick her up, and heard a snap. The leather strap that held her immortality pendant broke, and there was a crash. The dove that represented her pendant broke into pieces as it hit the dry fountain floor. The woman's pupils grew so small they disappeared and she went limp.

"No," the man cried. "No!"

He embraced his dead wife tightly.

"No, Haliena!"

Then his eyes grew small and he soon joined his wife. Link looked up to see a spirit's sword through the poor man's back. He toppled over and was dead. Link drew his sword. The spirit merely laughed and disappeared.

"How weird," Link said in Kakariko Village. "I can't find a single immortality pendant! You would think that a murderer would just cut it off and throw it aside... It's like they actually wanted an immortality pendant, but why? Doesn't everybody have one? This is one peculiar murderer..."

Link quickly left the city. The aftermath of the mass slaughter was a bit creepy.

Out in Hyrule field, Link was inwardly panicking. Nobody he had seen so far was alive or had their immortality pendant, except for the couple that had just died. What was happening? Link decided20to look for someone by Lake Hylia and turned Epona around.

Dead silence. There was nobody there, except for a solitary person who was shaking in fear.

"Do you have any idea what's going on?" asked Link.

"There... was a... d-dragon," the man replied. "It killed my wife and son."

A dragon?

"Curses!" he exclaimed. "I wonder if there's anybody out in Gerudo Valley. Come on, Epona. Let's go."

After a long ride, they finally got out to the Gerudo Mesa. Link looked around for anything ali ve at the Gerudo Desert. Nothing. Suddenly, he heard a distant hoof beat... somebody was coming. Link pulled out his sword again, but only to see…

"Link?"

"Nola?"

Nola was a Sheika who was so ashamed of something she did; she left Hyrule and lived in the desert. The only exception was Link's and Zelda's wedding. When the Gerudo race was annihilated, Link thought she had been killed too... until now.

"What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? I LIVE here! What are YOU doing here?"

"Looking for someone."

"I'm the only one here. How's Zelda? Any kids?"

"She's fine and no," said Link, looking out onto the fortress. There was light coming from one of the windows.

"Nola, I don't think you're alone."

 

Nola and Link rode over to the abandoned building and sneaked inside, following the light through the halls. Finally, they heard somebody's voice, and they were speaking in ancient Hylian. Link knew a few words, so he listened carefully. He heard,

"By...power...Triforce...resurrect..."

Link immediately knew what was going on and bolted out of there with Nola at his heels.

"What happened back there?" Nola asked.

"Somebody's trying to use an old spell to resurrect someone from the dead... and it could be somebody..."

For some unexplainable reason, Link passed out. Nola was glad he didn't fall off of Epona, and led the mare and her horse, Fallon, back to Hyrule Castle.

 

After a few hours, Link woke up. He asked nobody in particular, "What's going on? Why did I just pass out like that?"

Nola was sitting on a stool next to his bed. There was a creak in the door.

"Link!" Zelda exclaimed. "Bless you, you're awake!"

She rushed over to him and kissed him.

"What happened?" he asked again.

"Well," Zelda began, "Nola told me somebody was trying to cast a resurrection spell, and those require a lot of energy power. You were the closest person when the spell was cast, so it stole some of your life energy and made you pass out."

"Will I be okay?"

"Yes..." Zelda's mind was obviously on something else.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"In order to resurrect somebody, you need the Triforce. But Ganondorf is dead, I was here the whole time, and you witnessed it, so who did it?"

"I wonder..."

"Link?" Nola asked.

"What?"

"Don't freak out," Zelda sighed, "when you do this, but look down at your left hand."

Link wondered what was going on and held up his hand, and immediately realized what20was going on and held up his hand.

"The Triforce!" he exclaimed, his heart rate skyrocketing. "It's gone!"

"But how?" Nola wondered out loud.

"I think I know," Zelda said, as she was squeezing Link's hand. "Link how long ago did you take off your immortality pendant?"

"What are you talking about? I never took it off!"

Zelda clenched her stomach.

"Nausea?"

"Yea, I've been having a lot of it recent..."

"Well," Nola interrupted. "Fine. Then take your pendant off and show us you didn't take it off."

Link reac hed for his neck, expecting to feel the familiar worn leather cord... but he soon realized all he was touching was his bare neck

"Okay, so it's gone," he said, rather a bit too casually. "But what does this have to do with anything?"

"Well, your immortality pendant was apparently taken by someone in Gerudo Valley, so they received you Triforce, as well."

"But, who would want the Triforce that much in order to steal it?" Nola asked. "And who would they resurrect?"

 

Out in the Gerudo Fortress, Damien was hiding under a table, watching Dark Link cast a spell. In front of him was something on the table, covered with a long cloth. Damien had no clue what... or who, it was, but whatever it was, it was really big.

"Damien?" Dark Link asked.

0A

"Yes?"

"Look around for an immortality pendant in here..."

"Do you have any idea what it looks like?"

"Uh... I think it looks like a snake or something, or something evil. I don't know otherwise."

The wolf began to search the room. It was dark, wet, and so quiet you could hear a pin drop. There were spiders everywhere, and Damien thought he saw a Keese hanging from the ceiling.

"Uh, Sir, where are we?" he asked.

"We're in a tomb. Keep looking."

"Whose tomb?"

"I said, KEEP LOOKING!" Dark Link shouted. Soon, he heard an echo of his voice.

"Hmph," Damien growled, and continued to look.

After a while Damien exclaimed, "I believe I found it!"

"Good what does it look like?"

"A cobra."

"I knew it."

He swiped the pendant from the wolf's mouth. Damien growled under his breath. Dark Link tied it around something under the cloth.

"Now, duck if you want to keep your tail for the rest of your life."

Damien did as he was told, and as soon as Dark Link said a few more words in ancient Hylian, there was a blinding flash of light and a loud bang. As soon as the light died down, the thing under the cloth started to move. Whatever it was, it sat up and stared at Damien.

"So, how are you.... Ganondorf?"

"I've been in a restless tomb! What do you... hey my pendant!"

Ganondorf then glared at this person who looked strangely familiar.

"Have I threatened you before?" he asked.

"Somewhat," Dark Link replied.

"So why did you bring me back to life?"

"I have an army gathered outside. I'm trying to take over Hyrule..."

"Say no more," Ganondorf interrupted. "I'm in."

&n bsp;"Dark Link!" Nola shouted. "That's who!"

"What makes you say that?" asked Link.

"He's been trying to take you Triforce for years, since he wants to be you!"

"But who is he trying to bring back?"

"I dunno," said Nola.

"I bet it was Ganondorf," Zelda suddenly piped up.

"Of course! That makes tons of sense!" Link exclaimed, kissing Zelda. He had a smart wife. It was all starting to make sense. "Dark Link would want Ganondorf back from the dead, so he can have enough power to finally take over Hyrule! That's it!"

How are you going to stop him?" Zelda asked.

"The same way20I always do," Link said, reaching for the sword that he had been giving after he returned the Master Sword to its resting place. As soon as he got up to leave, Zelda stopped him.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" she said.

"No..."

"You aren't immortal anymore, You could..."

"Die?" Link suggested.

Zelda nodded, her eyes starting to fill with tears.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. The gods will protect me."

"How will you know if they will!?"

Link thought for a minute.

"I don't," he said. "I just hope they will. If I live , terrific. If I die, so be it. At least I died trying."

He went for a chest under his bed. He opened it to find his old Hero's outfit. There was his green tunic, and his green hat. There was his other equipment that magically shrank into his utility belt. And he also saw his Hylian shield.

"I guess we're back in business," Link said to himself.

 

Link headed for the door, Nola following him. He was about to reach for the handle when Zelda spoke up.

"But if you die, you'll never meet your children!"

Link and Nola stopped in their tracks, and Link's hand retreated from the door handle. Suddenly, the room was so silent, you could hear a fairy's breath.

"Zelda," Link breathed, "what are you talking about?"

"Link," said Zelda, tears finally flowing down her face, "I can't believe I haven't told you this yet, but... I'm pregnant."

Link was speechless, so Nola spoke for him.

"Woah... that was totally unexpected... Link, are you okay?"

Link said nothing. He just stared at his wife in awe, and his breath was shallow.

"Link!"

He dropped to his knees. His green cap fell off and landed on the hard tile floor.

Zelda walked over to him and went down on her knees to get to his level. She put her hands on his shoulders.

"Link?" she whispered. "Aren't you happy? Don't you want a family?"

Link still said nothing, yet his mouth was wide open. He was like a statue. More tears were forming in Zelda's eyes.

"You're not happy are you?" she sobbed. She choked and ran away, her wailing fading into the walls of the silent corridors. Nola knelt down.

"Link," she said. "Why did you let her go?"

"I don't know," he finally said. He got up and put his cap back on. "Let's go."

He headed for the door.

"Go where?" Nola asked. Without looking back Link responded, "To get my pendant back, you fool."

With that he left. Nola shuddered at his sudden change in attitude, but none the less followed him out the door.

 

Out in Hyrule Field, Nola came out on Fallon, following Epona to the Gerudo Desert.

"So how are we going to get it back," she asked the silent Link. "And don't you ever call me a fool again."

"Shut up," he said. Nola stared wide eyed at him.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" Link snapped. "Shut up!"

Nola pulled out her curved dagger, and held it to Link's nose.

"You have got a serious attitude problem, buster, and you've better change it if you want to keep your sense of smell."

"Yes, mother," he sarcastically muttered. Nola sheathed her dagger, and cursed under her breath.

"Wha t has gotten into you!?" she cried. "You've been acting like a snob ever since you left the castle."

Link said nothing. All he did was kick Epona to make her go faster. She whinnied painfully and galloped away. Nola groaned and galloped after them to Gerudo Desert.

 

Zelda sat in her bedroom, sobbing. She knew she shouldn't cry about these things, but this was important. She was pregnant and Link seemed to not even be happy. Nola had to speak for him!

"Why?" she whispered. Impa came in and sat down next to her on the bed.

"Zelda," she said. "What's wrong?"

"You know I'm expecting," Zelda said, turning her head. "It's probably just a mood swing, or something."

"I thought you would make that excuse."

She put her arm around the princess and squeezed her shoulders.

"Link is just surprised, that's all," Impa said. "He'll come back."

Zelda sobbed harder.

"Oh, now Zelda!"

"It's not that!" she said. "About a week ago, I mentioned a family and he said that I was all the family he needed. What if he doesn't like the baby?!"

"Okay, now you're being unreasonable," Impa sighed. "He will soon realize that he needs this child more than he thinks."

"I don't want to lose my husband," she sobbed.

Impa got up and placed her hands on her hips.

"Come on," she continued. "Let's get you some dinner."

Zelda's crying stopped at the mention of food. Here we go, Impa thought.

 

Out in Gerudo Desert, Link was still giving Nola grief.

"Come on," he snapped. "Hurry up!"

Nola muttered something under her breath and followed him down the halls of the Mesa. There were spider webs hanging from every corner. Link was unusually quiet for a few minutes.

"So," whispered Nola, "do you know how we're going to get your pendant back?"

"Just be quiet," said Link. "I'll figure something out."

Nola grumbled. She pulled out her dagger, expecting a Stalfo or something to pop out and attack. But nothing was there. They continued down the corridors and came to a room that looked like it had been sealed, but blown open.

"It's a tomb," mumbled Link. "Come on."

They went inside. Nola looked around and found an open spell book. Link picked up the white cloth that hung from a table. Something was once under there.

"Link," said Nola. "Come over here and look at this."

Silently Link obeyed. He peered over Nola's shoulder at the book.

"Can you read ancient Hylian, Nola?"

"Yes, a little."

"What's it say?"

"This is a resurrection spell. Whoever was in here was trying to bring the dead guy to life."

"Ganondorf."

"That's my first guess."

Nola shut the book and carried it out.

"Come," she said. "Let's go back to the castle. We missed whatever was here."

"No we didn't. Dark Link already cast the spell, and took some of my life force and the Triforce."

None the less, Link stalked out of the room and jumped out a window onto Epona, below. Nola followed onto Fallon and away to the castle.

 

Link and Nola reached the castle. The guards were off duty, and the next one didn't come for another five minutes. They entered the palace and sat down in the library.

"This is weird," said Nola. "How did Dark Link swipe you immortality pendant without you knowing?"

"I was sleeping," Link muttered. "He must have somehow gotten out of the Spirit World."

"Well that was careless."

Link simply stood up and walked away.

 

Link kicked a suit of armor in the hallway. It sent an echo through the empty way. He sat down at a random painting and drew his sword. He looked at the sharp blade and caressed the purple hilt. The day one of his best friends, Midna, had left, he felt something leave him. And he didn't care up until now.

"Why is all of this happening?" he thought allowed.

"Sometimes death does not come as the way or time we wanted it to."

Link looked up to see Impa standing over him.

"What?" Link murmured.

"Lad, you'd better straighten up unless you want me to sick the dogs on you."

"Sorry," Link said. Impa came down and sat next to him.

"I know your entire life has been painful. But sometimes these things have to be for a reason."

"Oh yeah?!" he said. "What was the reason for Midna's departure! Or my parent's death! What were the reasons for those?!"

"Sometimes," Impa said, "we do not know what the future can hold for us. But we must have faith that they happened for the better good."

Link sighed and stood up to place the painting back on the wall and walked off. Impa got up and went in the other direction to clean up the nursery.

 

Nola awoke to a cloudy day. She had spent the night in the castle for once. The journey back to the Gerudo Desert would be long. So far she hadn't seen any sign of Link or Zelda.

"Where are they?" she asked herself.

 

Link woke up on the library couch, using the book, "101 ways to use Din's Fire" as a pillow. He popped his neck and went out to the stables. Epona was munching on some oats, Fallon next to her. Link untied his horse and led her out to Hyrule fields. They galloped around like they used to do before all this had happened. He wanted to ride to Kakariko Village see what was in town, bu t he knew there was nothing there. Instead he played the Boreal of Fire and teleported to the Death Mountain crater. He rushed out of it before th heat could burn him alive. Then he found himself in Goron City. There were Gorons everywhere. They could live through anything. He walked through the stone city and up the flight of stairs. He saw Darunia snoozing away near some flower bombs. Link smiled for the first time in a long while. He didn't want to go back to the castle for the rest of the day. All he wanted to do was think. How was he going to get his pendant and the Triforce back? And why does Dark Link choose now to attack?

"Link?"

He turned around to see Darunia sitting up.

"Watcha' doin' here?" he asked. "I heard Zelda's expecting. And what happened to everyone? I haven't seen one knight come down here to get a sword reforged or repaired."

"Well, maybe=2 0the reason is that just about everyone in Hyrule is dead.

"Dead?!"

"Yea. And everyone's immortality pendant is gone!"

"Weird."

Link nodded and walked away. Darunia shrugged his shoulders and went back to sleep.

 

Out in Kakariko Village, Link couldn't believe his eyes! There were people, walking around, running errands, like nothing had happened. Link saw Impa looking confused as she walked around.

"Impa!"

She turned around.

"Link, what is going on?"

"I don't know. Everyone's back!"

Impa crossed her arms and tapped her foot, pondering this odd incident.

"Well," she said. "Maybe we all just had a dream or something."

"All the same one?" Link asked. "And what about my Triforce?"

"I never said that was a dream. Maybe just the killing was. Anyway, you should get home to Zelda."

"Maybe I shouldn't," Link retorted and walked off.

 

Dark Link stood in the shadows of Kakariko Village's windmill. He saw Link talking to Impa at the corner of the potions store. He cocked his head to hear what they were saying.

"Maybe it was a dream..."

Dark Link chuckled; the eagle pendant shook on his chest. Now he was ready to execute his plan of action. He was ready for revenge.

 

 

The next day, Link woke Nola up early to go to the Gerudo Mesa to look for more clues.

"Come on," he said. "We're going back to look."

Nola yawned and blinked lazily at him.

"Huh?" she moaned.

"Get up!"

Nola fell out of bed and rolled to his feet. She got up and dusted herself off, glaring at Link.

"I'd watch your back, Link," she said.

"Why?"

"Cause I'll be kicking it!"

Link rolled his eyes and walked out to the stables.

"Link!"

He turned around to see a young boy running up to him.

"Hey," said Link dully. "Need something' kid?"

"There's a weird creature attacking Kakariko Village! I had to escape and tell you!"

Link's expression changed. He mounted Epona, picking up the little boy and placing him in front of him on the saddle, and took off.

 

Epona stopped at the village. Link dismounted and looked around. There wasn't anyone here. However, everyone in Kakariko Village was in one big group at the center. The boy and Link walked towards the villagers.

"Is something wrong?" asked Link. None responded. "What's wrong?"

There was a flash of dark light that temporarily blinded Link and knocked him off his feet. He rubbed his eyes and found himself gazing back at an enormous group of spirits.

"Damn it," he cursed. "I am so stupid!"

"Yes, Link. You are."

Link got up and looked around. The spirits had circled around him. Only he and the boy stood in the center.

"Kid," said Link. "You might want to run."

"Why would I want to run?"

Link turned around to face him. The voice that had come from his mouth was like that of a grown man.

"Kid?"

The boy's black hair fell over his face and his eyes were red. Link had just noticed he had a sword in his hand that was much too big for such a small boy. He smiled maniacally at Link.

"I'm no kid," he said. The low voice startled Link. He bowed his head and low rumbling erupted around him. His limbs grew and his hair faded from black to gray, and a black cap replaced the cow-lick on his head. His ragged clothes turned into a black tunic and the sword now fit him perfectly.

"I'm no kid," Dark Link repeated.

"Oh crap,8 0 Link moaned. Dark Link launched himself at his lighter form and swung his sword at him. Link drew his sword with lightning speed and blocked the attack.

"Hello, brother," Dark Link sneered, and jumped away.

"Brother?!" Link laughed. "You're a dark replica of me!"

Dark Link growled and flung his sword at him. Link dodged to the right, his shoulder catching the edge of the blade. He cursed again and clutched his arm.

"I hate you," he said.

"Get in line," retorted Dark Link, pulling out a hook-shot. He fired at Link numerously amount of times. Link used his shield to block the point of the blow. The had moved and rotated in the circle so much that Dark Link was able to recover his sword that was stuck in the side of one of the buildings.

"Now where was I," he said.

"AAAAAAAAAH!"

Slash! Bang! Swoosh! Link stared in awe as Nola leaped out of nowhere and into the fray, slashing and stabbing at Dark Link. Dark Link hit Nola's gut with the hilt of his sword. She doubled over in pain. He raised the sword to decapitate her when Link jumped back into battle, driving him away from Nola, who right then wasn't capable of fighting.

"Does Link have a new girlfriend?"

"Shut up!"

Link's sword manoeuvres increased in speed.

"I'm just saying," Dark Link jeered, casually blocking Link's attacks, "you saved her from being beheaded. You must care about her."

"She's my friend! And it's called being totally selfless. Something you wouldn't know about."

"Oh I'm sure. And you must care about Zelda seeing as though she's never hurt or abused."

"Oh and I suppose you could make a better husband!"

Dark Link's face turned red with fury. His eyes burned with anger.

"Die!" he shouted, stabbing furiously at Link.

"No!"

Nola recovered and the odds were now 2 to 1. Damien jumped into the battle and fought with Nola. She held back his razor sharp fangs. His saliva was flung everywhere as he flailed around trying to get to Nola's weak point. She flipped behind the wolf and stabbed him in the back. Damien howled an was no more. As Link continued to fight his dark side, Nola backed up and whistled. Dark Link punched her in the head, knocking her unconscious. The spirits surrounding the battle cheered and laughed, but then a fraction of them were knocked over as Epona and Fallon burst through the crowd. Link kicked Dark Link to the ground, picked up Nola and jumped onto Epona. They galloped away and back to Hyrule Castle.

 

Nola slowly opened her eyes to see Link and Zelda staring at her.

"Ugh," she moaned, rubbing the bump on her head. "My head..."

"You saved my life," said Link. "And I've been nothing but a jerk lately."

Nola smiled weakly.

"Well someone's got to make sure you don't hurt yourself."

"Well, you saved his life none the less," added Zelda. Link made a sidelong glance at his wife and sighed. He gave Nola a small smile and walked out of the room. Zelda gasped and turned around as she heard the door shut behind them. Then she turned back and bowed her head in sadness.

"Why does he not want a family?" she asked.

"He does," said Nola, putting a hand on hers. "He just doesn't realize it... yet."

 

Link kicked a pebble over the cliff of the Gerudo Falls. He hated coming here but he felt he had to.

"Why?" Link asked himself. He then fell to his knees and cried to the heavens, "Why? What have I done to deserve all this pain! What have other people done? My parents didn't deserve it! Zelda didn't deserve it! Everyone didn't deserve it! What did I do?"

He fell on his face and pounded the red earth beneath him. Life itself was pulling away from him. His life was falling apart. Everyone in Hyrule was dead again. Link just couldn't take it anymore. He just wanted to lie down and die. But one thing kept him from making that terrible choice: Zelda. He couldn't just abandon her, especially at this time. So he got up, dusted himself up and walked back to Hyrule castle.

 

 

Dark Link kicked everything in sight. He stomped to his room in the Gerudo Mesa and sat down in his chair. He held his fingers in his hair for a few seconds and then ran them through with a sigh.

"What must I do to kill him?" he asked himself. "I can't even kill him directly..."

Then it hit him.

Directly.

"Of course!" he said, standing up. "To get to him directly, I have to get to something he holds dear."He chuckled to himself.

Zelda.

"He will surely come to rescue his beloved bride, for sure!"

Link laughed and walked out of the room. He had to run an errand.

 

Zelda sat in her room and looked in the mirror at herself. She turned to the side and felt bitter-sweet about the small bulge in her belly.

"Impa's going to have to take out the hems in these dresses. I'm going to get fat soon!"

She sighed and sat down, reaching for her fruit bowl. She was about to grab a pear when the door creaked open. Zelda smiled to see Link at the door.

"Hello, darling," he said.

"Oh, Link," she cried, rushing to him. "I'm so glad you're talking to me again."

"Why wouldn't I not want to talk to you?" he asked, coiling his arm around her waist.

"Well I thought you weren't happy with me."

"I would never be mad at you," he said softly. He leaned in and kissed her, crushing her to his chest. Zelda pulled away.

"Careful, Link," she said. "You're hurting me."

"Sorry," he apologized. "I'm just feeling romantic."

Zelda raised an eyebrow.

"Well you'll have to wait at least 8 more months," she laughed.

"Why?" Link said. He took her up in his arms and led her to the bed. "Why not now?"

"Link stop." Zelda's tone was a bit harsher.

"Why?" he asked. "What's wrong?"

"Link, you know why. Stop playing."

"But it's fun."

He placed her on the bed and kissed her.

"Mm... Link! Cut it out. You know I'm pregnant!"

Link jolted upwards and tried not to act surprised.

"Hmm," Link murmured. "Okay, I'll stop."

Zelda sat up and straightened out her hair.

"Thank you..."

"I just wanted to have some fun with you before I capture you."

Zelda stopped fixing her hair and stared at him.

"What?" she stuttered.

Link's hair turned gray, his eyes turned red, and his tunic faded to black.

"You!" Zelda gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"I had to pick something up," Dark Link sneered. He jumped forward and snatched the screaming princess, and jumped out the window. He landed on a black horse. Ganondorf was carrying the unconscious Nola.

"Did you have any trouble?" asked Dark Link.

"I had to knock Link unconscious, but I got her," Ganondorf hissed.

"Excellent," he replied, and rode off into the night.

 

"Zelda?" cried Link. "Zelda!"

Link ran all around the castle and looked for his wife. He had heard her scream. His heart was racing. What if something had happened? He dashed all over the castle. Where was she? He heard her! All he remembered Ganondorf knocking upside the head. He was alive!

"Zelda!"

He burst through the door of their bedroom. He noticed the bed sheets had been disturbed and he know she had been in here. The windows were open. He looked out to see night sky, and that was it.

"Impa!"

She came in.

"What is it?"20she asked.

"Have you seen Zelda?"

Impa shook her head.

"I've turned the castle upside down and I can't find her. I heard her scream."

Impa gasped.

"What do you think happened?"

"She was attacked and kidnapped," said Link, eying the messed up bedding. "Dark Link must be behind this."

"A war is about to start," said Impa. "You know what you must do."

Link looked at her with a confused look. Impa put a hand on his shoulder.

"Take up the sword and your old title... Hero of Time."

 

Link was in the temple of time, gazing at the three Spiritual Stones. The Door of Time once again opened to the sound of the ocarina. Link slowly walked in. He saw the Blade of Evil's Bane in its pedestal. He approached it and bowed his head in respect. Then, he gripped the purple hilt and thrust the Master Sword out of its eternal slumber. A triangular prism encased him and the room was bathed in light.

The Sacred Realm

And there was darkness.

 

Zelda woke up in... A bed. Its soft velvet covers felt comforting against her skin. But where was she? She looked around the room. It was adorned with artistic carvings into the wooden furniture that looked of cedar. It was beautiful. Around the bed, thin red curtains were tied up with golden lace. The room looked so romantic. On the bed side table drawer was a bowl of fresh fruit, but Zelda didn't dare touch it, despite her cravings. She was terrified even though the room had a soft glow to it from the fragrant cand les that were lined in groups in various parts of the room.

"Where am I?" she asked herself. All she could remember was that she was in her room and Dark Link had... Dark Link! She remembered! Dark Link had kidnapped her. She can't remember when she had lost consciousness though. But how did she get here? Did someone rescue her?

"You're in the Gerudo Mesa."

Zelda turned her head so fast that her neck hurt. A spirit came in and bowed. She looked like a ghost, but her features were noticeable.

"Kaliena?!"

Kaliena was a servant that worked at the castle.

"What happened to you?" Zelda asked.

"I really don't know," she said. "Lord Dark Link might know."

"Lord?"

"He has crowned himself king. There has been no sign of Link."

"Wait... how long have I been sleeping?"

"A couple of days. You were drugged."

Zelda cursed to her surprise and Kaliena's.

"You're Highness!" she exclaimed.

"Sorry," she said, clenching her forehead. "What is going on?"

"I thought you knew you were expecting."

"I do," Zelda said, smiling a little. "I just wish I knew what was really going on around here."

Kaliena heard her name being called and bowed.

"I must tend to my chores," she said. "I wish you the best of luck."

She disappeared through the door without making a sound. Zelda curled her knees up to her chest as much as she could and hugged herself. She placed her head on her kneecaps and sobbed.

Link where are you?

 

The Sacred Realm was dark and empty. Link stood on the Triforce platform and looked around for Impa ... Saria ... even Ruto ... okay maybe not Ruto. But he looked around for any of the sages.

"Hello?" he called out. His voice echoed through the endless dimension.

"Hello Link."

He whirled around to see Nabooru standing on her Sage of the Spirit medallion platform.

"Nabooru!" cried Link. "Where is everyone else?"

The Gerudo shrugged. Link had forgotten what they had looked like after all of them had died out. Her tan forehead was covered by a diamond shaped pink jewel, and her clothes were baggy.

"What's going on?" asked Link. "Why and I back here?"

"You pulled the sword out of its resting place."

"Oh no," Link breathed. "Don't tell me I'm going to be asleep for 7 more years!"

Nabooru laughed.

"No no, nothing like that," she giggled. "But you must stay here and train until you are strong enough to face Dark Link.

"I am strong enough!"

"And I suppose you got away from Kakariko Village single handed?"

Link looked down at his boots and grumbled something under his breath.

"You will start your training with me," she said, drawing her two curved swords. "Now come at me!"

 

Nola rubbed her sore head. Why was she constantly being punched in the head? She looked around and found herself in a prison cell.

"Ugh," she moaned, lying down on her back. "Not again. Why is it always the prison?"

"Nola?"

She looked up to see no one there.

"Who's there?" she demanded, instinctively reaching for20her dagger that obviously was no longer there. She cursed. "Who's there?" she repeated.

"Nola!"

Nola saw a mirror come from the cell next to her. She saw a familiar face reflecting at her.

"Luna?"

"Good Din, Nola, where have you been!"

"I left Kakariko Village. I can't bear to go back again."

Luna was Nola's old friend from her childhood.

"Why? No one remembers what you did."

"Yes they do. They just never talk about it."

Luna sighed. She pulled back a lock of black hair that had fallen in front of her face.

"Look," she said. "I'm sure they've forgiven you."

"LUNA!" Nola screamed. "I killed a man! No one could forgive me for that."

"I did. Even though I miss father, I know he's always with me, in my heart. And I know you never meant to kill him."

Nola leaned back on the hard stone wall and sobbed.

"I'm sorry, Luna," she cried. "I'm sorry for everything I've done."

Luna stuck her hand through the bars and over to the other cell. Nola took it in friendly softness.

"Nola you're like a sister to me. I'll always love you no matter what."

"You're my sister too, Luna."

 

"Left, right, duck, move your feet Link!"

Nabooru swung her swords around the realm trying hard not to hurt Link, but at the same time giving him a challenge.

"Come on, Ganondorf can move faster than you!"

"I'm trying! Oof!"

Nabooru lodged the hilt of her sword into his stomach, causing him to fall over. He felt cold metal on the back of his neck.

"Dead," Nabooru joked. She sheathed her sword and helped him up. Link grumbled and dusted himself off.

"You really need to brush up on your swordsmanship."

"Well sorry," Link sarcastically muttered. "In case you haven't noticed, I have a wife to take care of. And soon I have a kid to take care of!"

"So, you love birds are finally having kids. It's about time."

"Yea," he muttered. "That's just what I need: time."

"What are you talking about?"

Nabooru put her hands on her hips and eyed him.

"I don't know. It's just... I don't know if I'm ready to be a parent. It happened so fast."

Nabooru sighed and drew her swords again.

"Come on. Some sparring will get it off your mind."

Link gave a small smile and then drew his sword.

 

Zelda walked around her room and explored the unfamiliar territory. She ran her hand across the cedar desk, acknowledging its smooth texture. She stroked the curtains and let the carpet run under her feet. This place was amazing, but for all the luxuries... she felt uncomfortable and alone. Dark Link had tried to use her!

"Two-faced, player," she mumbled.

"Now that's not nice."

Zelda whirled around to see Dark Link leaning against the door post. Her eyes shrank into malevolent slits.

"You!" she murmured. "What do you want?"

"Is that any way to treat your king?" Dark Link said, walking over and lifting her chin up. "You are not my king!" cried Zelda.

"And who is?" he sneered, pulling her face closer to stare into her eyes. "L ink?"

"Get off me!" she yelled, jerking away from Dark Link's grip. She tried to back away, but he caught a hold of her arm, and grabbed her shoulders.

"I could have you beheaded," he said. "But then again..."

He stroked her smooth pale face, and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Who would want to ruin such a pretty little face on such a beautiful figure?"

He gazed down into her eyes. And then he studied her features: Deep blue eyes, perfect chin, golden hair, and a figure to match. His eyes went up and down her body. He stopped at her stomach and groaned.

"What?" she retorted, hiding her pregnancy with her arms. "Is the miracle of life so bad? Or are you just disappointed that this is Link's child?"

Dark Link chuckled, turning h is head to a small angle and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You are young, Zelda," he said. "Young and naive."

"How dare you!" she cried. She walked up and tried to slap him, but his reflexes were too fast. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it, forcing her to her knees. Zelda gave a small cry of pain and fell to the floor. He clicked his tongue and wagged his finger.

"You should know not to maim your king."

Zelda looked up and grumbled. Her hair strewn around her face.

"You are no king. And you never will be."

Dark Link frowned, and as she tried to stand up, struck her across the face. She tasted blood in her mouth and felt the carpet meet her nose. He knelt down and looked her in the eyes.

"Your arrogance will cost you dearly."

Then he got up and left the room, leaving her on the floor, weeping.

 

Link finished his sparring with Nabooru and collapsed onto his behind on the floor.

"You've improved, Hero of Time."

She sat down next to him and let out a big sigh.

"8 more months to go," she said. Link choked on his own breath.

"What?!" he exclaimed. "8 months!"

"Yes. Link you must train hard if you are to overcome Dark Link."

Link hid his face in his knees and let out a grunt.

You do realize anyone I know could be killed by then."

"That is a risk you will have to take."

And so for 8 long months, Link trained in combat and magic. The other sages taught him different things. The training period was long and hard, and Link endured it all with one thing on his mind the entire time.

Zelda.

 

 

In the Gerudo Mesa, it had been 3 months since Zelda's capture. She had been abused and made fun of. But one day took it all to a new level.

Zelda was out on the roof of the mesa, heating sand with her magic, turning it into glass. Then she reformed it back into sand. The days at her prison were long and boring.

"Link..."

She felt abandoned and alone. Where had her husband gone? Why was she here?

"Zelda!"

Zelda looked up to see Dark Link walking towards her. She sighed and stood up.

"What do you want?" she asked. "Don't bother me. I'm having a pretty decent day so far without you in it."

Dark Link glared at her.

"You seem to forget who you are talking to," he growled. Zelda stared at him with the bravery and determination of the princess she was.

"I know who I talk to," she said. "You are a cruel, nasty, coward who thinks he can win me over with force. You are not my king and you never will be!!!"

She tried to walk away, but Dark Link clamped his hand hard on her arm.

"Let me go, scum!" she demanded. Dark Link pulled her in. Surprisingly she hadn't gotten any bigger. He glared into her angry eyes.

"You think you are strong, Zelda," he said. "But the truth is, you are a damsel, waiting to be rescued. Your mood swings and your food cravings put you at a disadvantage and the only reason I'm not dragging you down is that you are pregnant."

He looked at the small bulge in her stomach and smiled evilly.

"And I can change that with a snap of my finger."

"I have more power in my little finger than you have in your entire body, you coward!"

"Coward?!"

He threw her to the ground on her knees and sneered.

"You think I'm a coward!"

He threw out his hands and shot a mist of dark magic that swirled around Zelda's small frame. Her face contorted with pain as she clenched her stomach.

"Stop!" she cried. "Please stop!"

Dark Link paid no attention to her. He continued to emit poisonous magic into her body.

"I'm begging you!" Zelda sobbed eyes full of tears from pain. "Don't do this!"

He didn't stop. Zelda scratched the ground with her fingernails, drawing blood. But she didn't care.

"Stop!" she begged. "No! Please end this madness !"

He finally stopped. Zelda fell to the ground on her side and sobbed in pain. Dar k Link lowered to her level and whispered into her ear, "Try me."

And he walked off. Zelda got to her knees, using one arm to support her, and the other to clench the pain in her stomach. She knew at that very moment that she would never have the child she had carried under her heart for so long.

 

Link felt a small shock in his heart for no particular reason.

"What was that?"

Impa came over and put her hand on his heart and closed her eyes. Link felt her penetrate his spirit. For a moment it remained like that until she opened her eyes and frowned sadly.

"Link," she said. "The reason you feel this way is that... someone very meaningful to you has just passed on."

"Who?" asked Link.

"I don't know... but it was someone in your family."

"No...NO!"

Link dropped to his knees and cried.

"Zelda has been my only real family! I can't lose her now! Oh all the times I've wasted complaining about the baby! Now I'm too late!"

His eyes turned vengeful and angry.

"Dark Link..."

 

 

Nola sat in her cell, rapping her fingers against the floor. It had been months since she had been captured. She was about to go mad!

"Nola?"

"I'm awake, Luna."

"I'm bored."

"Join the club."

"I wish we could get out of here."

"Scum!"

Nola looked to see a spirit bringing Luna and Nola each a pitcher of water and a loaf of bread. He handed it to them and grumbled.

"Honestly," said the spirit. "I wouldn't even give you this much."

Luna and Nola snatched the food and scowled.

"I wouldn't give you any," Nola retorted. The spirit cursed at her and walked off.

"Nola," Luna whispered. "I have an idea."

Nola leaned against the wall to hear her.

"I've learned that you can manipulate stone so it's more breakable when it's wet enough.

"We would need a lake to do that!" Nola silently yelled. "And why didn't you think of this before?"

"They've been drugging me so my memory hasn't been at its best. I've been fasting because the drug was in the food. Act like the bread is a sponge. Do you have a bench in your cell?"

"Yea. But it's just one big plank."

"Perfect. Okay tilt the bench and pour the water onto the wall. Let the bench catch the water and put the bread at the bottom to soak it up. Squeeze the water out back into the pitcher and repeat the process. It could take a while. But I will be doing it too."

She stretched her hand out, a nd Nola slapped it.

"Let's do it!"

So they each began. Nola positioned the bench and the bread and poured the water. When Luna had wrung the water into the pitcher it wasn't as clear as when she had first got it but she didn't care. She and Nola continued to pour, soak, and squeeze. Pour, soak, squeeze. After an hour or so, Nola's arms became tired. Her feet ached and her back screamed.

"Almost!" said Luna. "Now back away!"

Nola did and Luna burst open the wall, bench in hand. She dropped the plank and rushed to hug her friend.

"Okay," said Nola. "Less hugging, more moving. We have got to get out of here."

Luna nodded and they both made for the second wall.

 

Zelda walked through the halls of the Gerudo Mesa. She passed Ganondorf, who smiled evilly at her.

"Poor Zelda," he sarcastically laughed, and walked past. Zelda fought back tears that were welling up inside her. She ran faster and tried to reach her room. She stopped when the door was locked. Her tears died down as confusion arose.

"What the?" she pondered. She heard a small and very soft thump next to her and turned to see Dark Link leaning against the wall.

"Hello," he hissed. Zelda said nothing to him. She tried to jiggle the handle so the door would open but it would not budge. She swore. She turned to Dark Link, who had an evil grin on his face.

"What do you want?" she spat. Dark Link raised an eyebrow at her and and his eyes traveled up and down her body.

"I see you've gotten your figure back," he harshly joked. "You looked so unhealthy with that lump in your stomach."

Zelda's face grew hot. She tried to slap him but he stopped her again, than she changed her tactics and kicked him between the legs. He fell to the ground, and she took off. She ran as fast as she could through the halls, not even stopping to breathe. Her head felt light and her steps became crooked. She forgot how long she had run, but as she saw a door to hide through, her mind went out and she fainted. Dark Link walked up behind her, his face red with rage. Then his expression changed as he saw her lying unconscious on the floor. He picked her up and walked back down the hall. He was amazed at how far she had run. It took him an hour to get halfway back down the corridor. Then Zelda woke up. Her vision cleared and she scowled up at him.

"Put me down!" she demanded. She started to kick and flail in his arms. She was eventually dropped to the floor with a painfully thud. She stood up and brushed off her dress. Dark Link was amazed at how long it was since she had been pampered or even bathed. Had she been refusing his hospitality?

"Why are you so filthy?" he asked.

"I should be asking the same question," she said. "With a different meaning, you..."

Dark Link snapped his fingers and her mouth was sealed shut by some magnetic force.

"Hold your tongue, shrew," he said. "I try to make your stay comfortable, but you seem to forget who you talk to, so I have been forced to punish you more than once. Kaliena!"

The spirit appeared around the corner and bowed.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Draw a bath for her. She reeks."

Kaliena winced from the cruel insults to her first mistress.

"Yes...Master." and she drifted off.

"You stink, Zelda. It ruins your natural beauty. Go bathe!" he snarled and walked off. The only reason Zelda followed was because she couldn't endure any more pain.

 

"Now... kick!"

Nola and Luna kicked the last remaining wall open and dashed out.

"Where are we going to go?" asked Luna. They ran across the Gerudo falls and out to the field.

"Zora's Domain," Nola answered. "I'm just making it up as I go."

They ran to the water fall and Luna whistled Zelda's lullaby. The water parted and they jumped inside. They fell to the ground.

"That was... the longest... I've ever... ran," panted Luna.

"Ya know what?" breathed Nola. "Me... too..."

 

Zelda reluctantly put on her new dress. She looked at herself in the mirror. The red fabric hugged her curve. The sleeves hung three feet down, and the top was draped just at the peek of her shoulders. She had to admit the dress made her look exquisite, but her heart was heavy. She hated it here. The only place she wanted to be was in the arms of her husband. She longed to be free of this luxurious prison. She wanted another child.

"Want want want," she told herself. "I've been doing nothing but complaining. Even though I have every right to..."

"To what?"

Zelda sighed and turned around, looking into red eyes.

"What?" she said. "Why do you follow me? Do you take pleasure in my suffering? Or do you really need to answer that?"

Dark Link laughed.

"You look divine, Zelda. That dress fits you perfectly."

"I'd rather be wearing a burlap sack," she grumbled. She stared into his eyes with no fear at all. She saw mockery in those red circles. They laughed at her bravery and marveled at her beauty.

Dark Link wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Zelda felt too weak to pull away. She felt his breath on her face as he drew her closer to his body.

"You are so easy, Zelda."

She held her head away from his face. She closed her eyes shut, wishing this were all a bad dream. She did not wake up. She felt Dark Link's hand touch the back of her neck, pulling her head forward. Her eyes remained shut tight. She did know want to see what happened next. Dark Link tilted his head to the side and kissed her. She felt anger well up inside her. He then leaned her over and continued to deeply kiss her.

"You are too tempting," he whispered. Zelda felt herself straighten up and his fingers inched up her waist, and around to her back. She forced herself out of his reach when she felt him finger the laces in her dress.

"Never," she said, fury burning inside her, "touch me like that again."

"Zelda, I can give you everything you want," he said, walking around her. "Freedom, luxury, comfort, children."

Zelda's back stiffened as she felt his hand play with her hair. He leaned in and whispered in a soft, snake-like voice, "All you have to do is become mine."

He walked to her front and looked at her with lust.

"Happiness is just a word away," he said. He cupped the left side of her face in his hand. Zelda closed her eyes for a moment and then jerked away.

"You think you can win me over, Dark Link, but the truth is, you'll always be alone. Alone and miserable. You don't love me. You love the fact that if you have me, Link will be miserable. Your just scum on the floor. A waste of space, and air. You know nothing of love..."

She was about to go on, but Dark Link struck her with the back of his hand. She fell to the floor again.

"I'll take you little speech as a no," he said. "If you won't be mine easily. I'll just have to force you."

He grabbed her arm and dragged her into her room and shut the door.

 

 

Link pounded the ground with his fist. A spark erupted from his hand and then a dome of flame circled around him. It lit all the torches in no time at all.

"Very good," said Darunia.

"Now try Nayru's love, " said Ruto. Link curled up into a ball and a blue diamond formed around his body, protecting him from the arrows that came at him. He flinched as one hit the barrier in front of his face.

"Watch it!" he cried.

"Good," said Ruto.

"Farore's Wind," said Saria. Link moved his hands in a circle and then shot them up towards the sky. A green light shot out and transported him to the other side of the realm. He felt dizzy from the travel and fell on top of Saria. She laughed.

"I'm never going to get used to that," Link huffed. Saria got up and put her hands on her hips.

"Well you need to!" she said. "Or else you'll never get to rescue Zelda!"

Link felt tears form in his eyes.

"I thought you knew she was dead," he said. "I felt it in my heart."

Ruto sighed and knelt down. This was the first time she had ever felt pity for him.

"Link it wasn't Zelda who died," she said. Link looked up in surprise. "It was her unborn child..."

Link stared in awe at her and then got up.

"W-what?" he stammered.

"I'm sorry, Link," she said. "Dark Link caused her to miscarriage."

Link suddenly felt fury burn up inside him. Tears of anger flowed down his face as he clenched his fist.

"I'm going to kill him," he said. "If it's the last thing I do."

 

Zelda sat, alone, in her room, crying. Dark Link had just caused her to miscarriage, and he used her! She hated him with all her strength. But she couldn't use her powers. She had to eat, but the drug was in the food. Plus she was just so tired. She couldn't even lift her hand up if she tried. She lay in her bed, letting her tears fall down onto the pillow.... Tears! The Sheika symbol! Zelda's mind raced through her memory. She clenched her head as numerous images flashed in her head.

Tears, Sheika, Triforce, Wisdom, Link, Ocarina, Songs, Harp, Short hair, Eye of Truth...

Sheik!

Zelda sat up in bed, a new strength surging through her. She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes changed from deep blue to a dark violet. Her body contorted. Her limbs grew lean and strong. Her muscles grew stronger, and her mind, clearer. She looked at herself. Her Sheik's outfit was different. Instead of it having the Eye of Truth embedded onto the chest of her shirt, a steel breastplate rested there, and armor plates shielded her shoulders. Her hair remained long, and bare, revealing her pointed ears, instead of short bangs and a capped bandage-like hat. Her hands were covered in gloves with finger h oles in them, instead of pieces of cloth covering them. She was new and improved. But she was still that warrior of the harp.

Sheik.

 

"Link!"

He came up to Nabooru. She bowed from the waist up and smiled.

"You are ready," she said.

"Wow," Link said sarcastically. "Nine months sure went by fast."

"Oh stop your complaining. You're done, right?"

She handed him the Master Sword.

"Go. Save Hyrule. Take up your title as king again."

"Woa woa woa. King?"

"The king has passed away since these past months."

Link bowed his head in respect.

"Dark Link has crowned himself king."

Link clenched his fist.

 

Later, Link was riding to the Gerudo Desert with Impa. He saw a dark storm cloud envelope the sky.

"That there's not natural," said Impa. "Storm clouds are never red and purple."

She was right. Swirls of crimson and violate danced across the sky.

"What do you suppose that means?" she asked.

"It means Dark Link has gained power in my time of absence."

They trotted a little slower to the Desert, careful now to become victim to an ambush. They hid behind a rock for a few minutes.

"Ugh," Link moaned. "I can't do it."

"What?" Impa said. "Why not?"

"I don't have the Triforce of Courage anymore, plus as an added bonus, no immortality pendant!"

"Link," she said. "You don't need the Triforce to be courageous, or immortal. You're just Link, Hero of Time."

"Link!"

He looked up to see Nola and Luna running towards them.

"Nola! Luna?"

"How did you escape, Link?" asked Luna.

"I was never captured."

Nola gave him a weird look. Then she gasped.

"Where's Zelda?!"

"She must still be in there! We have to save her," exclaimed Luna.

"Together!"

Link felt knew energy flow through his veins. He stood up and walked towards the Mesa.

 

Zelda ran through the halls, a new energy bursting forth, her hair swishing around her face. Her boots that hit the ground with a steady dash were fused with the rest of her outfit, as it was with her old Sheik uniform. She felt free as she ran. Of course, that all changed in a manner of seconds. She screeched to a halt in a large, circular room. There standing on the other side was Ganondorf.

"You!" he said.

"Me," said Zelda. "What about me? Do I look too strong for you?"

"I though you were too weak to even stand up!" Ganondorf cried, drawing his sword.

"Big mistake," she said, pulling out her new curved sword. It gleamed in the moonlight, which showed that the room had no roof.

"You're no match for me, Zelda," Ganondorf sneered. He lunged at her, his sword raised high in the air. It fell upon her sword with incredible force. But her blade did not budge. She held it back with all her might and forced him to back off.

"I-impossible!" he stuttered.

"Improbable," Zelda corrected and dashed for him. The battle was on. Zelda swung her sword to the side, and was blocked by Ganondorf's sword. He twisted it around, taking Zelda behind him. She brought down the blade and was shocked to see the sword once again blocking his weak points. He held it behind his back and then twisted around to face her. Than a rapid fray of clangs and sparks erupted from the swords. They began to sweat. Zelda tried to stay focused. Left, right, left, up, twist, dodge duck, swing! She showed no signs of defeat. She's playing with me, thought Ganondorf. He was at only 2 disadvantages: She was smaller and faster than he. But he was more powerful and stronger. The moon moved across the sky as the battle raged on.

 

Link, Impa, Luna, and Nola ran towards the Gerudo Mesa. The sky was black and they were not noticed. They snuck in through the side door and around the halls.

"Check every room," whispered Link. They snuck around the Mesa, opening every door, checking every window. Link's ears perked up when he heard swords in the distance. He assumed it was just a spar, but his instincts told him otherwise.20He followed the noise to the arena and gaped at the sight. A small young woman fighting Ganondorf. That was her woman.

"Zelda!" cried Link. Zelda turned around and gasped.

"Link?" She kicked Ganondorf and ran to him. "Link! It's really you!"

She jumped into his arms and kissed him. He held her aloft, her feet dangling in the air, playfully.

"I thought I'd never see you again," she said.

"You have no idea," Link joked. Zelda looked past his shoulder.

"Link, duck!"

He hit the floor just as an arrow whizzed by his head. He put Zelda down and found himself staring at Dark Link.

"Link!" he exclaimed. "You're supposed to be dead!0

"Too bad," said Link, drawing the Master Sword. "Bring it on."

The dark and the light finally met to decide the fate of the world. Their swords clashed in the dead of night and their cries were heard from far off. Ganondorf resumed his attack on Zelda, and the double duel raged on. Impa, Nola, and Luna found the arena and then found themselves encased in a force field of magic.

"Come on!" Nola whined. "In a cage again?!"

Zelda floated around the room with grace and power as she fought Ganondorf. But he caught her off guard and sliced her cheek. She didn't seem to notice the cut until he aimed for her head and just grazed it, leaving a cut under her bangs. She sliced at him, waving her sword like the warrior she was. But she was getting tired, and she faltered. Ganondorf sliced a cut on each of her arms, forcing her to drop the sword. Then he aimed for her waist and left a gash there. Then her thigh was cut. Zelda slid to the ground and swung her foot so it tripped Ganondorf. He then took his sword and cut at her left leg leavin g three slices. She fell to the ground, too weak to fight. She felt the hilt of her sword at her fingertips as she saw Ganondorf raise the sword for the final blow. She gripped her blade and lunged it forward, driving it through his chest. He stopped and choked on his breath.

"I guess you were not as weak as you look, princess," he said, laughing at death.

"Aye," said Zelda and stuck the sword further in, killing the great Gerudo. She dropped her sword and lay back on the ground, not even having the strength to move.

 

Link leaned back as Dark Link took a swipe at his head.

"You were stupid to come here without your pendant," jeered Dark Link. "I can easily kill you now."

"Well I don't give up the fight that easily," taunted Link. They danced around the arena, completely unaware that Ganondorf was dead, and Zelda was near death. They kicked up sand as their feet shifted on the pressure of each other's sword.

"Die!" said Dark Link, thrusting the sword straight at him. Link swung the Master Sword and knocked away the blade that now aimed for his heart. Dark Link heard a clang on the floor and saw Link pointing the Master Sword at his nose. Then he laughed.

"Go ahead," he said. "Kill me! It'll be the last thing you ever do!"

Link's eyes searched him for something that could destroy him. All he could see was his eagle pendant and cursed in his mind. That was the only way he could destroy him. He kept the sword at his duplicate and looked around the room for Impa, Nola, and Luna banging on what looked like glass. Then he saw her. Zelda sprawled out on the floor. His eyes widened at all the cuts and bruises all over her body. Tears sprang to his eyes.

"What's the matter?" asked Dark Link. "Don't know which to choose? Revenge, love, revenge, love."

Link yelled and swiped his sword, sl icing the leather strap off the pendant. It fell to the floor with a crash and shattered. The eagle pendant was no more. Dark Link laughed before he died.

"Wrong choice," he said, and then disappeared into a black mist, sailing into the Spirit World. Link felt his life slowly evaporate too. He knew he only had a few minutes left. That was his pendant. He rushed over to Zelda and picked her up.

"Zelda," he said. "Zelda!"

She slowly opened her eyes.

"You came back," she whispered. Her right hand rested in her lap as Link held her behind her back and under her legs. Her left hand was dangling at her side. Link saw the Triforce symbol on her hand fading.

"No," he said. "No!"

"I give up my Triforce for your life," she said. Her eyes contorted with the pain of death. Link felt a new strength enter his body as her Triforce failed.

"No, Zelda, I'm going to help you," Link desperately searched for words. "I'm going to save you."

"You already did."

She looked at him with weak compassion. She smiled at him one more time and then closed her eyes; her head leaned against his shoulder, limply.

"No, Zelda!" He hugged her close. "I can't live without you! What good is life without you?!"

Her body began to feel cold and limp. Her blood stained Link's tunic as her cuts continued to bleed. Link had just noticed her new Sheik's outfit. But he didn't care. He held her head close to his, feeling her sweaty hair against his cheek.

"You can't leave me now," he whispered. "Please..."

Link's neck felt heavier, and he looked down to see a pendant dangling by a leath er strap on his neck. It resembled a sword with an eagle feather wrapping around it. He pondered the thought for a few seconds, and then returned to Zelda. The barrier that held Impa, Luna, Nola broke and they dashed to his side.

"Zelda," cried Impa. "Wake up!"

Tears sprang to her eyes.

"Zelda," whispered Luna, "please, come back. You're the center that holds all of us together."

"We can't live without you." Nola wiped a tear from her eye. She looked at Zelda's pendant and started crying. It was also resembled a sword, but a rose as wrapped around it.

"You and Link were meant for each other!"

Link looked up at Nola with a blank expression. It was true. He couldn't live without her. He hid his face in Zelda's hair and closed his eyes.

 

 

There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Then there was a flash.

Link found himself still clutching Zelda's body. But he recognized this place as not the arena he had fought in just moments ago. It was the Sacred Realm. He saw all the sages around him as he knelt on the Triforce platform.

"She made a huge sacrifice, Link," said Impa, a tear trickling down her face.

"I didn't want her to," he said dully. He still clung to her body which had stopped bleeding. He nuzzled his face in her hair and sighed sadly.

"It's time to let go, Link," said Nabooru. Link looked furiously at her.

"No!" he shouted. "I can never let her go!"

"You can't hold onto her body forever," said Saria.

"Watch me!"

Impa sighed. The Sages lifted their hands up and Zelda's body began to rise from Link's arms. Link held on to her with all his strength.

"Let go, Link," they said. Link's grip slipped and he fell back.

"No!"

She disappeared, her spirit sailing away to rest.

"No! Bring her back!" he demanded. "There must be a way!"

The sages talked amongst themselves for a while and then gave him his answer.

"There is one way," said Nabooru. "But it comes with a price."

"Anything," Link sobb ed. "I'll do anything."

"Time."

"Space."

"Love."

All the sages spoke in union. Light began to leak into the chamber. Link saw time go in reverse. The battle had ended once more.

"Now do the right thing," the sages spoke in Link's head. His sword was once again pointed at Dark Link's throat.

"Love, revenge, love revenge."

Time was repeating himself.

Do the right thing, Link thought. He looked at his sword, then at Dark Link, and then back at Zelda, dying on the ground.

"No!" Link cried. He stepped away from Dark Link and fell to Zelda's side.

"Right choice," Dark Link muttered. "But in a way, wrong. I'll be back, Link. Just wait. Hyrule will be mine once more!"

And he vanished into a dark mist that evaporated into the night sky. Link picked Zelda's body, still clinging to life.

"Impa!"

The cage disappeared and the group rushed over.

"Can you heal her?" Link asked desperately.

"Yes," Impa replied. "Come, let's get her into a bed."

 

Minutes later, Zelda rested in the very bed she had been placed in when she was captured. Link sat by her side as Impa worked her magic.

"Oh the goddesses on high!" Impa gasped. "I don't believe it!"

"What?" Link asked. "Is she dying? Will she live? What?"

Impa gave him a look of utter disbelief.

"She's…still…"

A short pause followed her stuttering.

"She's still pregnant."

The room froze.  A mixed sense of relief and disbelief swept over the room.

"You mean…" Link's eyes shot to his wife's belly. It didn't look like she was expecting at all.

"The babies are very small. Developed, but small."

"How can you tell?"

"Being the Sage of Shadows has its advantages."

"Is Zelda going to live?" Nola asked fearfully.

"She's going to be fine," Impa answered. A swell of relief flowed into the room. Everyone's muscles relaxed.

"And the baby?" asked Luna. Impa smiled.

"They're going to be fine," she said."

"They???" everyone said in unison. Link leapt to his feet and stood over Zelda.

"She's having more than one baby?" he asked.

"Yes."

"What? When?"

"In about one more month."

Link sat back down in his chair and took off his cap. Shakily he ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck. There had been a period of time where he had thought he wouldn't be a father and no longer a husband. For a minute he was no longer a husband20or future father. The power of time had truly worked its magic on him.

"There is one problem though."

Link snapped his head up.

"These will be the only ones."

A sort of knot tied in his stomach. Was Zelda now sterile?

"Why?"

"I've been reading into Zelda's memories as a prisoner and I saw some things that you would not be able to handle."

The knot suddenly caught on fire in Link's gut.

"What did he do?" he growled.

"He violated her more than once and then cast a dark spell on her.

"It was supposed to cause her to miscarry. But she didn't. It just made her sterile. I don't know how the babies could have survived. Zelda has been through so much. I think it was her determination as a mother to keep her children alive."

Impa's first sentence pushed Link past his limits. He jumped up and knocked a bowl of fruit off of the table next to the bed.

"HE DID WHAT TO HER?!"

It took Nola and Luna to hold him from hurting someone. They escorted him to his chair and almost pushed him into it. He gripped the arm rests so hard he cracked the wood, leaving20splinters in his hands.

"Link, get a hold of yourself," Impa ordered. "She's fine now. I've healed her as much as I could. The only thing wrong with her is that she cannot have any more children. These will be your only ones. Cherish them."

Link's mind flashed back to when he had first realized Zelda was pregnant. He had isolated himself from everyone and avoided Zelda at all costs. He wanted to beat himself for that. He was not going to make the same mistake again. He was going to love these children with all of his heart. He was going to go into their room every night and pray over them, thanking the goddesses that they blessed him with two wonderful and lucky children.

"So are they twins?" asked Nola.

0Yes." Impa smiled warmly at the Sheika.

"Boy twins or girl twins?" Luna wondered out loud.

"Both."

"What?" Luna and Nola said together.

"One is a boy and one is a girl," Impa explained. "They're fraternal twins."

"Twins," Link quietly repeated. "Twins."

"You're going to be a very lucky father, Link."

Link didn't respond. He knew that already.

 

 

*Epilogue*

0D

"LINK!"

Impa's deep voice echoed throughout the castle, ringing in the ears of everyone kept within its stone walls.

"LINK!" she called again. "Get up here! Zelda is having the twins!"

Link sped from the library and up the stairs, taking three at a time. He burst through the doors of the delivery room and saw his beloved wife lying on the bed, clutching at Nola's hand.

"Link, this is your job!" she said. "Get over here and comfort your wife! She's in blasted labor for goddess' sake!"

Link rushed to Zelda's side and stroked her sweaty hair.

"It's fine," he said. "It's going to be fine. Just hold onto me."

Zelda forced a pained smile as she breathed in and out through her teeth.

"Impa," she hissed. "What do I do?!"

"Just keep breathing," Impa said, at the foot of the bed. "Now…push!"

Zelda's shrill cries now echoed through the corridors. Her white knuckles clenched so tightly around Link's hand, they looked as if they were going to pop out of her skin.

"Just hang in there, Zel," Nola urged on. "Come on."
"Another…push!" Impa ordered. Zelda grunted loudly sweat sticking to her hair. Link dabbed it off with his cap.

This process went on for hours. Finally, when the sun began to set in the distance, Impa's voice rang out in a cheerful song.

"It's a boy!" cried Impa.

"First born son," said Luna. "You must be proud, Link."

Link didn't answer. He was hugging his wife, whispering to her how wonderful she did and it was only one more baby left.

"Alright, Zelda, now the girl is coming."

"Wait! Stop!" Impa yelled. "Zelda, don't move, the umbilical cord is wrapped around your son's neck!"

Impa took a silver knife and sliced it off, trying to untangle Link's son from the noose.

"Nola, come over here, he won't breathe!"

Nola tried to fit her fingers between the infant's neck and the cord that was still left attached to him. Her slender fingers carefully slid through and unwound the knot, allowing the baby to breathe.

"He's alive," Impa sighed with relief.

"A true gift from the gods," Luna breathed.

"Link."

Zelda's voice was weak and tired.

"Yes, my love?"

"Where is he?"

Link looked up to see Impa cleaning off his son in water warmed by the fireplace.

"Impa is bathing him."

"What will we name him?"

"Zelda, think of names later, your daughter is still not born. Get ready to push again."

Zelda began to cry.

"I can't," she said. "I'm too tired."

"Zelda, you can't give up," said Luna. "Your baby girl depends on it."

"It hurts!" Zelda wept.

"Come on, Zelda, hang in there for just a little longer."

 

Another hour passed, as Link looked out the window, a sudden burst of color painted the sky in a rainbow of light. He lifted his swaddled son, who was now awake, his mother's eyes so dark blue they were almost black with amazement at this new world he was in. Link smiled. The feeling of being a father was like none he had ever felt in his life. A son. Who would have thought the Hero of Time would have a son.

"Aurora borealis," said Nola. "They don't normally appear this far south."

Before anyone else could respond, a high pitched wail came from the foot of the bed as Link and Zelda's second child was brought into the world.

"She's here!" said Impa joyfully. "Now rest, Zelda."

Zelda never heard her. She was already asleep.

"Poor Zel," said Nola. "She must be exhausted."

All was silent while everyone listened to the peaceful breathing of the Queen of Hyrule. Her golden hair damp with cold sweat and circles under her eyes still did not take away the sheer beauty of this new mother. Her chest softy rose and fell with her soft breaths, exhausted from one of the greatest moments of her life.

"Can I hold him?" asked Nola. "I think your daughter wants you."

Link took his daughter in his arms so softly, afraid to drop this precious jewel. She was so beautiful, so small, and so fragile. Why was she so small?

"Impa," Link spoke softly, afraid he might wake his wife. "Why is our daughter so tiny in comparison to our son?"

Impa came over and took the baby girl from Link's arms and examined her.

"My only guess would be that the son took most of the strength in the womb." She handed her back to her father. "It is nothing serious. She will just be very small for the next few months. Then she will attain her normal growth period."

The girl opened her eyes and saw her father for the first time. Her eyes were bright blue, just like the ones she was staring into.

 

Time passed and Zelda awoke to her twins in her arms, fed by one of the wet nurses.

"Link," she said, the strength in her voice returned from her rest. "We should name them now. How about you name the girl and I will name the boy?"

Link took his baby girl in his arms once more, kissed his wife's forehead and said, "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

"Will you name him after his father?" asked Nola. Zelda shook her head.

"If it is alright with Link, I want to name him after my older brother who died before I was born, Matthew."
"Such a common name," said Luna. "Why not a more regal name?"
"Because he is already regal in my eyes. Matthew."
"Matthew it is," said Link.  He smiled at Zelda and then looked back out the window at the colorful skies, painted in the rainbow of lights.

"And the girl?" asked Nola, her curious side breaking through. "What will her name be?"

Link never liked girl names, except for Zelda, but he wanted his daughter's name to be unique and feminine at the same time. His eyes made one final sweep across the skies and then down towards his daughter. He would create a name for her.

"Aurora."
"What?" Impa asked. "I've never heard that as a name."
"Well you have now," said Link. "Little Aurora, for what broke through the skies the second she was born."

 

And so, the names of the new heirs to the Hyrulian throne were Matthew and Aurora, children of the saviors of Hyrule. As Link and Zelda placed their newborn miracles in their cribs, the aurora outside slowly faded away, except for one area where the lights aligned to form a particular shape in the sky. Three triangles touched together with the three magnificent colors, red, green, and blue. And then all of a sudden, it flashed gold, and then disappeared, gone forever into the night on which one of the greatest miracles on earth faded into existence.

New life.

 

The End

 

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