Chapter IV: Revelations

Author's Pre-note: This chapter is dedicated to my father, Richard. I miss you Dad. Rest in peace.

 

 

 

The dawn was breaking over the horizon to the east of Hyrule castle, filling the sky with shades of pink and yellow as the sun began it's steady climb into the sky. A soft melody drifted from the balcony facing the sunrise, causing any who heard it to stop, and listen to the sweet notes of the ocarina, and the lyre. This had become one of their favorite things to do. the Ocarina of Time was pressed to Links lips, he swayed with the sound of the melody. To his side, Zelda stood holding the golden lyre she'd often played as Sheik. Malon and Cyrus both sat to the side, listening intentently to the calming melody of the Song of the Royal Family, letting it ease their nervous minds. This was the day. The day they'd be bound to each other in a way far stronger than any other other. They silently remembered the day they made their promise's to each other...

 

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A month and a half earlier...

 

The day started out much like any other. Cyrus and Link were in the castle gardens sparing. Seeing Zelda and Malon approach, they quickly sheithed theiy blades and turned their attention to the two girls. Malon ran up to Cyrus planting rapid kisses on his lips, much to his surprise.

 

"Well you two are getting along nicely!" Link joked

 

No sooner had he finished his sentence, when Zelda pulled his face to her level, planting a long kiss on his lips.

 

"...Wow!" Link said when Zelda broke off the kiss. Zelda simply giggled.

 

Link noticed a mischeivious look in her eyes. The look she always gave when she wanted to ask him something important involving them.

 

"Um..." Link stammered still surprised by Zelda's action. "What are you two doing?"

 

Cyrus' eyes were wide and unblinking. It was obvious he was as surprised as Link.

 

Zelda and Malon backed up. and faced the men.

 

"Well Malon and I were talking and we think you guys will like this!" Zelda said glancing at Malon.

 

Malon held up her right hand. On her ring finger was a golden band with etchings of waves pushed by an unseen wind, in the center as a large perfectly cut sapphire, flanked by two smaller diamonds on either side.

 

Link's eyes lit up in realization and he turned abruptly to Cyrus. "You didn't..." He said, a smile beginning to form.

 

Cyrus's face turned bright red as he looked to the ground in a pathetic attempt to hide it.

 

"You did, didn't you? You proposed?" It was more a statement than a question.

 

"Yeah..." Cyrus said with a nervous smile.

 

Link clapped Cyrus on the shoulder. "I wondered when you would!"

 

"Thats actually what we came to talk to you about." Zelda said matter-of-factly.

 

"Huh?" Link said turning to Zelda agian.

 

"It's like this..." She began. "Well our wedding is in less than two months now Link. If Cyrus and Malon get married then we'd..."

 

"We'd all be Family?" Link supplied.

 

"Yeah... so Malon and I figured..." Zelda continued nervously

 

"We could have a double wedding!" Malon chirped.

 

"You were nervous to ask that?" Link asked.

 

"Well I wasn't sure how you'd take it..." Zelda said lowering her head.

 

"Zelda..." Link said pulling her to him. "I'd could never be upset for you asking this. I love you more than anything, how could I be anything less than supportive of something like this?"

 

Link turned to Cyrus, who was suffering from one of Malon's puppy dog faced looks she always used to get her way.

 

"What say you Cyrus?" Link snickered holding back a fit of laughter seeing Malon's hilarious face

 

"Sure." He said without hesitation, showing Malon she didn't need to make the face.

 

"So it's decided then." Link said. "The Hero of time and the Princess of Hyrule, and The General of the Hylian Knights, and a Ranch Noble's Daughter..."

 

"A first in the history of Hyrule..." Cyrus finished for him.

 

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Link and Zelda finished the Melody, breaking from their music induced trances to the applause of Cyrus, and Malon. They bowed jokingly to the small audience. The four of them had been spending so much time together of late, that anyone not from Hyrule would have thought they were already a happy family, and indeed, even though it was still not official, that's exactly what they felt like. Today however, they would finally become one, bound by blood, mind, and spirit.

 

"The best musical duo in all Hyrule!" Cyrus exclaimed, causing Zelda and Link to blush slightly.

 

"Today's the day!" Link said confidently taking Zelda by the waist.

 

"I could never be happier..." Zelda cooed softly resting her head on Link's chest.

 

"Me either!" Malon said in her typical perky way. Cyrus simply smiled.

 

A ring sounded from below, in the dining hall signaling breakfast. Link suddenly realized how hungry he was, as did Cyrus. Malon and Zelda noticed the look in their eyes and giggled.

 

"Sounds like it's time for breakfast." Zelda said matter-of-factly.

 

Malon gave Cyrus a peck on the cheek grinning impishly. "Race ya!" She said darting off the balcony and down the stares.

 

"Hey!" Cyrus yelled caught off guard. "No fair!" He was soon racing after Malon.

 

Link and Zelda looked at each other and shook their heads laughing slightly.

 

"She always knows how to get to him." Link said smiling.

 

"Well she is your cousin..." Zelda said smugly.

 

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Link said with fake hurt.

 

"Oh, nothing..." Zelda said kissing him on the cheek.

 

"Suuuure..." Link said sarcastically.

 

They then walked hand in hand down to the dining hall joking all the way.

 

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Dark energy flowed through Dark Link's arms as he built up his strength. His hands pulsed with a black aura spreading to his entire body. He grinned, his red eyes glowing with power, and he flung his fist at the large boulder before him. A sphere of dark power erupted from his fist slamming into the boulder. With a defening explosion the rock was blown apart into fragments. One of the larger peices flew directly at Dark Links skull. With lightning fast speed he rose his blade cleaving the fragment in half as it flew at him. The two peices fell harmlessly to his side.

 

"The time has almost come..." He said. "Once I defeat that foolish "Hero" my revenge will be complete."

 

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The table in the middle of the dining hall was packed with foods of all kinds, from fried cucco eggs from Lon Lon ranch to fresh fish from Lake Hylia.

 

"The cooks certainly out did themselves this time!" Link exclaimed eyeing the food.

 

"Well it is a special day for us." Zelda replied

 

"Hey, are you guys gonna just stand there or are you going to eat?" Malon called from her seat.

 

"Calm down, we're coming!" Zelda yelled back laughing a little.

 

Link and Zelda moved to their seats beside Cyrus and Malon. Link generously held out Zelda's seat for her before moving to his own.

 

"Aww... that's so sweet!" Malon said in a high pitched voice, resulting in glares from both Link and Zelda.

 

"Can we just eat?" Link said feigning annoyance by Malon's constant playful attitude.

 

"Sorry..." She said softly noticing Link's irritation.

 

"Oh, come on. I was just messing around." Link said realizing she took him seriously.

 

"Oh. Oops." Malon said embarrassed.

 

Cyrus leaned over and kissed Malon on the forehead. "There is that better?" He asked grinning.

 

Malon kissed him on the cheek. "Much!" She said back to a normal mood, or at least normal for Malon.

 

King Daphnes and Impa stepped into the room to join the four of them. Both of them grinning having seen the lighthearted display. They each waled to their seats across from the two couples.

 

"Ready for the big day?" Impa asked.

 

They each nodded.

 

"The Temple of Time is all set for the wedding!" Daphnes declared. "Everyone in Hyrule is going to be there, I wonder if the Temple can hold them all..."

 

"It'll be fine." Link said simply. "I'm sure everyone will be able to get in."

 

"You're right Link. I don't know why I questioned it. I guess I'm just nervous." The King replied.

 

"That's understandable. Your daughter is getting married. Any parent would be nervous." Impa said wisely placing a hand on Daphnes' shoulder.

 

"Thank you Impa. You always know what to say to ease my mind." Daphnes said breathing slowly to let off some tension.

 

"It's my job." Impa said smiling.

 

After breakfast was finished they all parted to get ready for the wedding. Link and Cyrus returned to their respective rooms to dress into their ceramonial tunics. Malon and Zelda went into the Great Hall were the finest seamstresses in Hyrule were waiting to help them dress into their newly made wedding gowns. Soon it would be time.

 

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Citizens of Hyrule, from as close by as Kakariko Village, to as far the Gerudo Valley flocked to the Temple of Time. Word had spread fast during the last few weeks as the royal couriers delivered the news to the furthest reaches of Hyrule. Races from all across the land gathered for the special event. The stone like Gorons, The aquatic Zora, The golden eyed, dark skinned Gerudo, and even the Kokiri, the forest children were present for the event. The latter group Link had taken upon himself to spread the news to, as only those with hearts as pure as his could enter the forest for such a period of time.

 

The sages themselves stood seperate, five of them standing in a line near the Door of Time. From left to right stood Impa, Darunia, Saria, Ruto and Nabooru. Navi, and Saria's own fairy Saniba sat on her shoulders. Standing ahead of them, was Rauru, who was to perform the ceremony.

 

The crowd looked toward the stone alter were the three Spiritual Stones rested, Standing in the light emited by the stones were Link and Cyrus, each garbbed in an identical black tunic, trimmed in silver thread, with the golden image of the Triforce adorning the shoulders. They wore their typical white leggings and undershirts underneath. They turned to the Temple's Archway-like entrance waiting expectantly for their brides.

 

As if on que, Zelda and Malon entered side by side, followed by the castle servants, all of whom wore elegant clothing for the occation. Malon and Zelda, for their own parts wore pure white wedding gowns, identical, much like the grooms' tunics. The familiar image of the Triforce blazed on the midsection. Their heads were cloaked in transparent shrouds sheilding their faces but still allowing them to be seen. The crowd of people respectfully stepped aside, and the servants themselves joined the splitting crowd, as Zelda and Malon slowly approached the alter were their wide eyed grooms awaited.

 

As Zelda and Malon came to the sides of their respective grooms the four looked up to face Rauru, who then began to speak.

 

"On this glorious day in Hyrule," He bellowed in a low pitched, but warm voice. "We gather to join these two couples. Each of these noble people have, in their own way aided in delivering Hyrule from the seven years it faced under the rule of evil."

 

The crowd muttered amongst themselves remembering the seven years of fear they had lived while the wicked Ganondorf Dragmire was in power. Rauru patiently waited for the crowd to fall silent once agian before continuing.

 

"Now, the goddesses have seen fit to bless us with this union. If anyone has any objections, speak now!" Rauru shouted the crowd.

 

All were silent.

 

"grooms, please step forward." Rauru said, Link and Cyrus complied stepping toward the alter.

 

Rauru turned to Link. "Link, Hero of Time. Do you now take Princess Zelda Hyrule to be your wife, until the end of time?"

 

"I do." Link said loud enough for wall to hear.

 

Rauru then turned to Cyrus. "Cyrus Valdir, Commander of the Hylian Knights. Do you now take Malon Lon, to be your wife, until then end of time?"

 

"I do." Cyrus said in a tone identical to Link's.

 

"Brides, please step forward." Malon and Zelda stepped to the alter to join Link and Cyrus.

 

Rauru first turned to Zelda. "Princess Zelda Hyrule. Do you now take Link to be your husband, until the end of time?"

 

"I do." Zelda said in a soft, but confident tone.

 

"And Malon Lon, of Lon Lon ranch. Do you now take Cyrus Valdir to be your husband, until the end of time?" Rauru said repeating the familiar question to Malon this time.

 

"I do." Malon said in a tone like Zelda's.

 

"It is now with great pleasure that I join you, with the blessings of the Goddesses of Hyrule." Rauru said, trying to keep his own happiness at bay until the ceremony was complete.

 

Rauru raised his right hand, and a small sphere of red light formed in his palm. The energy left Rauru's and floating away from the alter coming to a stop above the couples as Rauru lowered his hand.

 

"By the grace of Din, Goddess of Power and Fire. May Her power grant you the strength to overcome any obstacle, and may Her fire fill your hearts with passion for each other, and those around you."

Rauru rose his hand once agian. This time a small sphere of blue light appeared, floating from his and resting beside the red one.

"By the grace of Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom and Love. May Her wisdom never allow you to be lead down false paths, and may Her love never fade from your hearts, so that your own love will remain true."

He rose his hand for a third time, and formed and identical sphere of green light coming to rest at the opposite side of the red light from the blue, mirroring the positions of the sacred stones upon the alter.

"And finally, by grace of Farore, Goddess of Courage and Wind. May Her courage fill your souls with the determination to overcome any hardship, and may Her wind always blow you in the right direction.

Rauru and the rest of the sages behind him crossed their arms, palms outstetched in a single fluid motion. With this gesture, the three lights hovering above the two couples combinded, shifting from red, to blue, to green, and finally to a brilliant gold. The crowd sheilded their eyes from the small sun-like energy blazing above the four people standing before the alter.

"By the Divine Goddess' of the Triforce, we, the Six Sages of Hyrule, now join you together. May you always walk a path true to your destinies!"

With that the sages uncrossed their arms, placing their index fingers, and thumbs together in the shape of a triangle, and bowed to the couples. The crowd repeated the gesture. As the eye's rose to the couples once more, the light above them flashed brightly, exploding into thousands of tiny particles of golden energy, showering all inside the temple.

Cyrus and Link turned to their brides, and with seemingly rehearsed motions pulled back the shrouds from their faces. Link took Zelda's face in his hands looking at her with loving eyes, while Cyrus took Malon around the waist pulling her close. They then both kissed their respective brides passionatly, as the crowd behind applauded wildly. After a time, how long, no one was certain, they slowly moved apart, though still locked in each other's gaze.

"I've thought about this for so long..." Link said brushing Zelda's cheek with his thumb.

"As have I." Zelda agreed.

"We've got the whole future ahead of us..." Link said, never taking his eyes off Zelda for even a second.

"And I'll gladly face it all, with you." Zelda said softly.

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"Awww... How sweet..." Angata said watching the wedding on a screen of mist.

"Why do we have to sit through this agian?" The raspy voiced man said from his seat

"We must keep watch over our enemies if we are to learn how to defeat them, Xavier." Said Agahnim wisely

"I know Agahnim... But I simply can't stand these pathetic romances we have to sit through while we wait for something good to happen..." Xavier said, leaning back in his chair slightly.

He looked similar to a normal man, except his face was pale and his eyes were a menacing copper color. His most distinquishing feature however were his needle-like fangs that were clearly visible each time he spoke. He wore an elegant grey tunic with a matching cloak. Signifying that he is, or perhaps more specifically was long ago, of noble status.

"Patience, Vampire Lord. I have a feeling it will get intresting very soon..." predicted the deepthroated man, still hidden in shadow.

"I hope..." Xavier deadpanned.

"Just wait..." the man replied in a deathly whisper.

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The reception was set in the Great Hall of the castle. The royal musicians were playing a cheerful tune, while the kitchen staff were preparing foods of all kinds from fresh lake fish for the Zoras, Hylians, and Gerudo to Rock Sirloin for the Gorons, to suit each cultural croup present. the two couples were dancing to the sweet music the minstrals  played.

"Were did you learn to dance Link?" Zelda asked.

"I haven't..." Link replyed.

"But you dance so well... You never learned?" Zelda asked incredulously

"Never." Link affirmed.

Link was suprised himself how well he was keeping up. Living in a forest for most of his life he never really had any need to learn how to dance. Also he couldn't well have learned while he was searching for Zelda and the Sages, let alone during his seven years sealed in the Sacred Realm. How he was doing so well right now eluded him, but right now he didn't really care, so long as Zelda was happy.

After an hour of dancing, with little more conversation, they decided to sit and rest for a while. Link went and got some food for Zelda and himself. It was late in the afternoon and having not eaten sense breakfast both of them were pretty hungry, though Zelda would never admit it.

"Do you always think about your stomach?" She asked giggling slightly.

"Hey, you know me better than that..." Link said with a mischevious grin. "Of course I do!" Zelda shot him a playful glare.

After sometime Malon approached them, practically dragging Cyrus along with her.

"This party's getting boring lets go do something fun!" She whispered to Link and Zelda.

Link grinned impishly at Zelda. "How about it? wanna sneak out agian?" He joked.

"You are such a bad influence on me you know that?" Zelda joked.

"You love me anyway!" Link shot back playfully.

Zelda pushed Link lightly nearly making him drop the plate of food. "Alright." She said directing her attention back to Malon.

"Then it's settled!" Link declared.

"Link and I will take Epona, You and Cyrus can take Starblaze." Zelda told her.

"Ok, lets go!"

Once out of the Great Hall it was rather easy for the four of them to sneak out of the rest of the castle. All of the guards were present at the party, celebrating like everyone else. Link took note to grab the Master Sword and his Mirror Shield. Ganondorf was gone true enough, but there were still threats on the open field so it was best to go prepared. They made there way to the stables, Link and Zelda to Epona's and Malon and Cyrus to one which housed Starblaze, an elegant white stallion with a silver mane. Leading the horses outside they approached the gate, luckily the guard was at the reception like the rest of them, so they didn't need to worry about him. Link slid the gate open and the couples mounted the two steeds and kicked off into a steady canter.

"So were to?" Asked Cyrus once they were outside of the town.

"Hmmm..." Link thought for a moment. "How about Lake Hylia?"

"Why the lake?" Cyrus asked.

"It's kind of uhhh... sentimental for me and Zel..." Link said, causing Zelda to blush slightly. "Besides were else could we go? Everyone else is at the reception..."

"That's true." Cyrus affirmed.

Malon nodded in agreement.

"Ok then it's settled. Lets go!" Link shouted tapping Epona with his heals, sending her into a gallop. Cyrus and Malon quickly followed on Starblaze.

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Dark Link was wandering through Hyrule Field passing the western edge of Lon Lon Ranch after slaying a small band of Stalfos, no doubt more remnants of Ganondorf. He was satisfied with the strength he'd gained, now all that was left to do was find Link and exact his revenge. Suddenly he sensed a presence rapidly approaching. He couldn't afford to be seen. If people knew of him, and found out he was still alive it would make his quest for vengance even more challenging. Not wanting to take that chance he ran to the shadow of a nearby tree, blending himself into it to remain hidden. From there he watched, wondering who could be approaching.

 

"It's probibly just that wandering running man agian..." He thought to himself

 

Upon the hill he saw the images of two horses approaching his position.

 

"Two horses... One red, one white." He thought. "Two men in black tunics? Hmmm... No, wait. Two women are with them. White gowns... A wedding?"

 

He thought over who they might be. As they passed realization struck him like an Iron Knuckle as he saw the unmistakable blue hilt of the Master Sword.

 

"Link...!" He whispered murderously.

 

Dark Link couldn't believe his own luck! The one he was searching for had unknowingly found him. He walked out from the cover of shadow to discern were his nemesis was headed. He saw them heading due south, and there was only one place in that direction.

 

"Lake Hylia!" Dark Link said to himself. "The same place you first defeated me... A fitting place for your death 'Hero'"

 

Wasting no time Dark Link shot out completely from his hiding place, rushing after the Hero of Time, and his companions.

 

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The four Hylians came upon the edge of Lake Hylia. The sun was begining to set casting a golden glow over the water. They made their way to the center island by way of the rope bridge. The island looked like a paradise in the middle of sea of gold at this time of day. Soon they reached the end of the bridge and stepped onto the grassy surface of the island. Slowly they sat on the lush grass of the island, watching the calm golden water ebb agianst the banks. Neither of them said a word, as if the slightest sound would cause the beautiful sight to vanish, like a candle blown out the end of the day.

 

"A stunning sunset... Is it not?" A voice said from behind them, causing them all to jump to their feet.

 

Turning around they saw him. A perfect copy of Link, but shrouded in darkness, his red eyes glowed menacingly. Link was stunned by the site. Standing before him and his companions was Dark Link, his evil shadow.

 

"You... How...?" Link stammered completely shaken by the site.

 

"Good to see you agian to, Link..." He said, not bothering to hide the sarcasm.

 

"Link... Is he-?" Zelda began.

 

"Yes..." Link said anticipating her question. "Dark Link... The one I fought in the Water Temple almost half a year ago."

 

"So glad you remember me, Hero." The shadow said, A devilish grin spilling across his face.

 

"Why are you here?" Link said, his composure returning after the initial shock.

 

"That should be obvious." Dark Link said his grin, changing to a vengeful scowl. "I'm here for revenge... On you!"

 

"Ganondorf is gone." Link reasoned, "Theres no point to-"

 

"This has nothing to do with Ganondorf!" Dark Link exclaimed cutting him off. "I may have been created by Ganondorf, but I was given free will. This has nothing to do with avenging him, he can rot in that void for all I care! This is about my revenge on you, for my humiliating defeat!"

 

"I don't want to fight you Dark... We fought, I won, can't you accept one little defeat?" Link said, trying to reason with his dark copy

 

"Well now..." Dark Link smirked. "Is the 'Hero' to afraid to fight?"

 

"You lousy, worthless, son of a Deku Scrub!" Cyrus growled.

 

"Uh oh... Looks like I struck a nerve." Dark Link said with mock fear in his voice

 

Cyrus took a threatening step toward the shadow. Link blocked his path with his arm. Cyrus stepped back still glaring daggers at Dark Link. Malon took his arm trying to calm him.

 

"You truely want to fight me then?" Link asked.

 

"So you've finally found some of the 'courage' your so known for?" Dark Link shot back.

 

"Very well..." Link said slowly unsheathing the Master Sword.

 

"Link don't!" Zelda called.

 

"I have to Zelda..." Link said regretfully. "He's not going to let us go and I'll be damned if I'm going to let him threaten you three as well. I have to do this."

 

"Link..." Zelda said softly.

 

"I love you Zelda. Don't worry, I wont loose this fight." Link said bringing his sword to a ready position.

 

"Touching..." Dark Link deadpanned. "But can we please get on with this? I'm growing impatient..."

 

"Zelda, Cyrus, Malon." Link addressed his companions. "Go wait on the bridge. I'll be fine."

 

They all reluctantly moved around the island, staying out of Dark Link's range. Crossing the bridge Zelda looked back to Link, her eyes filled with the worry.

 

"I love you Zelda. Please... Believe me, I'll be fine." Link spoke telepathically to her.

 

Zelda managed a weak smile. "I believe you. Just please, be safe..." She thought back, she then turned to join the others on the far side of the bridge.

 

"Shall we begin Link?" Dark Link asked cooly.

 

"No distractions Dark. Just you, and me." Link said in a calm but determined voice.

 

"I would have it no other way..." Dark Link said barely above a whisper.

 

"Let's just end this." Link said. "Have at you!"

 

The two Link's each yelled a battle cry as they charged each other, their swords clashing as they reached the middle of the island. The sound of metal scraping agianst metal could be heard clearly across the lake to the bridge were Link's three companions watched. Link pulled away, neatly sidestepping the downward strike of the Shadow Master Sword. Coming around to Dark Link's side he made a horizon slash. Dark Link quickly caught slash with his sword parrying the blow and jumping away from a follow up strike. Dark Link charged agian his eyes burning with rage. He jumped high into the air coming down hard to try to cleave the Hero of Time in half. Link raised his mirror shield, catching the blow then arching backwards, flipped Dark Link over his head sending him sprawling to the ground.

 

Link looked at Dark Link with amazement.

 

"What's going on?" He thought to himself. "His whole form is sloppy... Nothing like how he was in the Water Temple."

 

Dark Link pulled to his feet rushing madly at Link who simply stepped to his side, driving the blade of the Master Sword into his shoulder. Dark Link howled in pain and dropped to his knee clutching the wound, and cursing under his breath.

 

"It's almost like... He's desperate." Link continued to wonder why Dark Link acted this way.

 

Dark Link rose to his feet agian, his face contorted in an insane rage. Yet his hands were trembling, like a child just learning to use a weapon. Link suddenly saw a shift in his expression. His rage vanished for but an instant, revealing emotions Link had never seen in his nemesis. Concern, sadness, and above all, guilt. No sooner did these strange new emotions appear when they vanished, shifting back to a blind rage. Dark Link agian charged but this time he began to stumble, as if he was...

 

"...Holding himself back..." Link whispered to himself.

 

Suddenly it clicked, Link could feel another presense inside the body of Dark Link, trapped inside a prison of shadow trying to break free. The presense he felt was filled with the same emotions he'd witnessed on the shadow moments before. Link had to end the fight, but without killing Dark Link, for inside of him was an innocent spirit trying to gain control.

 

In his desperate flurry of attacks, Dark Link's body was wide open. Seizing his chance Link thrusted the Mirror Sheild into the dark Hylian's chest, sending him doubling over on his back. Before he was able to rise agian Link rushed forward, pointing his own sword menacingly close to the shadow's throat.

 

"Yeild!" He commanded. "You can't beat me Dark Link. Not as you are now..."

 

"Damn..." Dark Link muttered. "Could that wizard have really been right?"

 

"Yeild..." Link repeated, calmer this time.

 

Dark Link didn't want to surrender like a coward. He didn't want to be defeated agian, and much less spared to live with yet another crushing defeat. However agianst all his codes and morals he finally uttered, "Fine..." Returning his sword to it's sheath for emphasis. Link did the same without reluctance. His companions ran back to were the Hero of Time stood over his fallen enemy.

 

"Link you did it!" Zelda exclaimed, embracing Link.

 

"Yeah..." He whispered into his wife's ear. "I told you I'd be fine..."

 

"What are we doing with him?" Cyrus asked eyeing Dark Link, who was still on the ground.

 

"Leave him." Link said firmly.

 

"What? Your just letting him go?" Malon asked confused.

 

"Link, he tryed to kill you. He's dangerous. We can't just let him leave..." Cyrus reasoned.

 

"He's not like Ganondorf's other creations... There's something more to him." Link explained. "Somehow, I feel this is the last time he will attack us..."

 

"But Link..." Malon protested.

 

"No..." Zelda said watching the shadow. "Link is right. Dark Link won't attack us agian, I'm sure of it."

 

Cyrus and Malon finally conceded. Link turned to Dark Link who was now struggling to stand from the beating Link gave him. Link pointed the Master Sword to the bridge connecting the center island of Lake Hylia to the mainland..

 

"Go..." Link commanded in a firm, but not quite threatening tone.

 

Dark Link muttered a string of curses under his breath. He finally managed to rise to his feet, stumbling across the bridge clutching the shoulder Link had struck. Managing one final glare towards Link and his companions he darted across the bridge, disappearing behind the line of trees which bordered Lake Hylia and Hyrule Field.

 

"Well... That was fun." Link droned.

 

"Link... He wasn't nearly as skilled as you said he was in the Water Temple. He looked like he could barely hold a sword." Zelda noted.

 

"I know. He was holding back." Link explained.

 

"But why? Cyrus asked. "He seemed pretty hell bent on killing you to me."

 

"There's something else inside of him." Zelda answered for Link.

 

"Yeah... I felt the same thing." Link said. "It's like there's a presense inside of him, that's trying to gain control. A soul, and it isn't his own."

 

"Then who's could it be?" Malon asked still a little shaken.

 

"I don't know..." Link said.

 

"We better get back... I think I've had enough excitment for one day." Zelda said, trying vainly to lighten the mood.

 

"I agree, and we need to get back back before everyone notices we've gone to." Cyrus said.

 

"Everyone, stand on the alter in the center of the island, I can get us back quick." Link said pulling the Ocarina of Time from his pocket.

 

Zelda, Cyrus, Malon immediatly stepped onto the stone platform. Link joined them standing in the center of the Triforce mark. He rose the ocarina and played the Prelude of Light. The stone alter acted as a focus point. Soon the four of them were surrounded by a golden light Their bodies dematerialized into the light as it spiraled into the sky turning to the direction of the Temple of Time.

 

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The mist screen faded as the Counsel watched the golden light disappear.

 

"Well!" Xavier said baring his fanged teeth in a smile. "That was intresting..."

 

"Indeed..." Agahnim said. "I told that fool he couldn't win..."

 

"Very soon... It will be time..." Said the quiet deep voiced man.

 

"Remember our agreement..." Said one of the elderly voices.

 

"Of course..." The yellow eyed man said.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

A golden stream of light flew onto stone platform in the Temple of Time, followed by a bright flash of light. The light faded as soon as it came and standing on the platform were the four Hylians. They began to walk toward the doorway when Link suddenly stopped. Looking behind him he saw Zelda, her head turned to the ground and tears falling from her eyes. Cyrus and Malon turned and saw it to.

 

"Cyrus..." Link said. "Can you give us a minute?"

 

"Whats wrong with her?" Malon asked concerned.

 

"Come on Malon. They need some time alone." Cyrus said.

 

Cyrus took Malons arm and lead her outside. Once they were gone, Link walked up to Zelda, and took her hand.

 

"Hey..." He said softly. "What's wrong Honey?"

 

"Seeing Dark Link today..." Zelda said between sobs. "It brough back terrible memories..."

 

"What of?" Link asked.

 

"Five months ago..." Zelda began. "After we defeated Ganondorf, I almost lost you."

 

"What?" Link asked wondering what she was talking about.

 

"If you hadn't stopped me... I would have sent you back in time. I never even thought to ask you what you wanted. I nearly threw both our lives away that day Link.

 

"Zelda..." Link said caressing her face with his hand. "I could never leave you for anything. You only did what you thought was right. The point is, I did stop you, and now look at us... Husband and Wife."

 

"Link..." Zelda said slowly.

 

"I don't want you to think about the past... Think about our future. We have our whole lives ahead of us."

 

"I know, I just don't know what I would have done if-" Zelda began, before Link silenced her, placing a finger to her lips.

 

"Don't think about what could have been, Think about what's ahead of us now. New adventures, becoming king and queen of Hyrule, children. I don't want to dwell on what happened in the past, what matters is the future."

 

"Your right Link... I'm just being foolish." Zelda said.

 

"Hey... Don't say that. You are the furthest anyone can be from foolish. The goddesses gave you the Triforce of Wisdom for a reason."

 

"Thank you Link..." Zelda said smiling weakly. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."

 

"Your welcome..." Link said.

 

He then pulled her to him kissing her passionatly. Zelda rested her head on Link's chest listening to his gentle heartbeat. He held her around her waist with his right arm, stroking her hair with his left.

 

"I love you..." Zelda whispered to him.

 

"I love you too, my goddess." Link said smiling.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Dark Link couldn't run anymore. He was to weak from that fight to even stand. He collapsed to his knees just near the hidden path to Kokiri Forest. Why did it end like that? Why did he have to loose yet agian? question after question popped into Dark Link's mind. Questions he knew not the answers to.

 

"Why can I never beat him?!" Dark Link yelled punching the hard ground as hard as he could.

 

"Do you really want to kill him?" A calm voice echoed from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

 

"Of course I do! It's what I was created to do!" Dark Link yelled, not knowing why he felt the need to respond to a voice who's source he could not see.

 

"Were you not created with free will? Do you even know how you were created?" The voice replied.

 

"I... No, I don't." Dark Link admitted.

 

"Then how could you know what you were born to be, if you don't even know how it happened?" The voice asked agian.

 

"What are you saying?" Dark Link asked. "How could you possibly know who I am?"

 

"I know more about you than you realize... I know of all the peoples, animals, and, creatures of this land." She replied.

 

"Who are you? Why will you not show yourself?!" Dark Link asked trembling.

 

"You wish to see the source of my voice? I understand, very well..."

 

A cloud of magic formed in front of Dark Link slowly condensing and forming a blinding white light. The light suddenly took the form of a Hylian. When it faded there stood a woman, in a pure white dress with silver hair and eyes. her wrists had silver bands around them, with large diamond on each. Though young in appearance her eyes radiated knowledge spanning from even before time's beginning.

 

"Who... are you...?" Dark Link stammered, awestruck.

 

"In time... I am here now to free you from your torment. Don't fear, I only mean to remove the curse you bare." The woman replied.

 

She then placed her hand on Dark Link's forehead, muttering a chant or prayer under her breath. Suddenly a white light enveloped Dark Link. Visions flooded into his mind, as if he was looking into his own past. A past he had forgotten.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Darian, wake up!" a voice called.

 

A six year old boy opened his eyes to the call of the familiar voice. Blinking the last traces of sleep from his eyes. The boy who was wearing a grey tunic with brown leggings, rose from his bed. He had dark brown hair with the typical blue eyes of a Hylian. The man who woke him wore a royal blue tunic with white leggings. His blond hair falling over one eye, but the other was the same blue as the boy's. His sword and scabbard were strapped on his back and his exposed eye had a look of unquestionable concern.

 

"Dad...? What's wrong" The boy asked groggily

 

"I have to take you away from here... Come on!" The boy's father said grabbing his sons arm and leading him out of the house.

 

What the boy saw outside terrified him. The entire town was in flames. The man and his son raced to the stables near their homestead. The man guided a brown horse with a grey mane out of the stables. He hoisted the child onto the saddle and climbed up himself behind the boy. He spurred the corse into a gallop trying to make as much distance between himself and the town as possible.

 

"What about Momma, and Brother?!" The boy yelled.

 

"Momma's taken your brother somewhere safe." The man explained trying to calm his son.

 

He heard the sound of a war horn nearby, there was no mistaking what it meant.

 

"Damn..." The man whispered. "They found us!"

 

Suddenly a large moblin mounted on a enormous boar like creature gave chase. Raising a cruel bow he fired an arrow, striking the man in the back. The man cryed in pain.

 

"Dad!" Darian yelled.

 

The man pulled a dagger from his belt. Turning, he hurled the dagger at the persueing Moblin. The projectile struck the demon in the skull, sending it flying from it's mount and to the ground in death. The father and son rode for a while longer becoming to a halt just near the entrance to Gerudo Valley. The wounded father dismounted from the horse taking his scared son with him. After placing his son on the ground, what little strength he had left failed him, and he fell forward, the arrow still stuck in his back. Fresh blood poured from the wound.

 

"No!" The boy yelled running to his fallen father.

 

"My Son..." The father said gasping. "Listen to me... Whatever happens... Never give up."

 

"Dad..." The boy said softly tears falling down his eyes.

 

"Find your brother... He's special." The dying man said. "Protect him."

 

The man, with great effort removed his sword, handing it to the boy.

 

"Take Knightfire... Find your brother." He said

 

The father smiled dispite his pain. "I'll always be with you. I love you."

 

"I love you too Dad, please don't go!" The boy cryed.

 

"Be strong... Goodbye... My son..."

 

With those final words the father closed his eyes, letting the peaceful embrace of death carry him to the afterlife.

 

"Dad?" The boy asked.

 

No answer.

 

"Dad?!" He called louder

 

Silence.

 

"Dad!!!" The boy yelled. dropping to his hands crying, clutching the arm of his dead father.

 

After many hours, he could cry no more. He picked up the sword of his father, taking one final look at the man, he left. His father's dying wish echoing throughout his mind.

 

"I will find him Dad..." Darian said, his eyes blazing with determination. "I will find Link!"

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Dark Link's body shattered like glass. In it's place was a twenty four year old man with dark brown hair, and blue eyes. He wore a deep red tunic with black leggings. On the ground in front of him the Shadow Master Sword was nowhere to be seen. In it's place was a magnificent blade, The golden hilt in the shape of a dragon's head. From the mouth of the dragon a steel blade, gilded in silver extended, thinning slightly on it's way to the point.

 

"The curse of Dark Link is lifted..." The silver haired woman said smiling. "Rise Darian... Brother of the Hero of Time!"

 

"Link is... My brother?!" Darian asked saddened.

 

"Does this upset you?" the woman asked.

 

"You don't understand..." Darian said trembling. "I tryed to kill him! How can I face him now, knowing what I've done?"

 

"He will understand."

 

"But how was that curse placed on me?" Darian asked.

 

The womans face saddened. "It was the work of Ganondorf. Would you relive the memory now?"

 

"Yes please. I want to know why."

 

"Very well."

 

The woman placed her hand on Darian's forehead once more. The familiar white light enveloped him agian as more memories rushed to him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Darian stood on the coast of Lake Hylia. He'd been everywhere, and he had heard nothing helpful to aid him in his search for his little brother. Had the goddesses cursed him with a quest he couldn't complete? Simple as it sounded, was there even a chance that his brother was still alive? It seemed unlikely. A newborn baby, not even old enough to walk. What chance could he have?

 

"I've looked everywhere..." Darian said.

 

It was a year after Ganondorf's rise to power. The world had gone to absolute hell. Hyrule castle was destroyed and in it's place the black tower of Ganondorf loomed to be seen by all. Monsters walked the earth spelling terror for all who dared oppose the King of Evil. Darian's mind however never forgot his father's dying wish. His final words repeated over and over in the young man's mind.

 

"Find your brother... He's special. Protect him..."

 

Darian had looked for his missing brother for over ten years. The only ones who knew anything about a boy named Link were the Kokiri. Could that have been his brother? One Kokiri said the boy left the forest after "killing the Deku Tree" but Darian had no idea how that could have been. It would have taken serious feat of strength, or a powerful curse to kill the Guardian Spirit of the Forest, A minor god, and Darian doubted that a ten year old boy could do that, even if he wanted to. For all the information he discovered about the mysterious boy, he had also discovered that he had been missing for over a year. Darian knew the legend, 'If any forest folk shall leave the protection of this sacred wood, he, or she will meet with death'. This boy had been missing for over a year, he was probibly dead, and therefore it couldn't have been his brother if he was indeed Kokiri.

 

"I'm sorry father..." Darian said falling to his knees in dispair. "I've failed..."

 

Grief had taken him. He had failed his father, unable to carry out his dying wish. Darian had lost all hope...

 

"You have lost everything you hold dear, haven't you?" A strange voice said.

 

"Who are you?!" Darian asked startled.

 

"A friend..." The voice said.

 

"I don't even know you... And why would you care about me? I've lost everything... My family, my friends, my home... And I've even failed my father..." Darian stammered.

 

"I would make a deal with you..." The voice said ignoring Darians grief

 

"What?" Darian questioned,

 

"Swear allegance to me, and I will remove all your pain, all your regret..."

 

As if being moved by an outside force Knightfire, the blade of Darian's father, removed itself from it's sheath. it floated to the front of the young man, much to his amazement. The blade began to widen, and straighten, the hilt and blade turned into a shadowed grey. The Dragon head hilt morphed into a wing like shape, and a blood red jewel formed at it's center.

 

"Touch the blade, and your pain will end. In return, you will surrender your soul to me for a time." The voice explained.

 

"I don't know..." Darian said, eyeing the evil looking blade suspiciously.

 

"An eternity free of pain, for a little bit of work for me? You've nothing to loose..."

 

Darian thought for a time. What did he have to loose? The answer was already given to him in the form of the mysterious voice. Nothing. He had nothing left in this life, and if this strange being had the power to stop his suffering, he would gladly do anything it asked.

 

"I've lost everything, I've nothing more to live for, I will accept..." Darian finally conceded

 

He reached out, touching the hilt of the blade. As soon as he did, an pall of shadow surrounded him. He began to change, his skin and clothes became a shadowed grey, matching the sword. His eye's glowed red with an otherworldly light. In his hand he held the blade.

 

"Greetings Dark Link..." The voice said agian, This time, in the unmistakable tone, of Ganondorf.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"How could I have been so foolish!" Darian yelled hanging his head.

 

"In your dispair, you were vulnerable to Ganondorf's influence." The woman explained.

 

"But why me?" Darian asked.

 

"He needed someone similar to the Hero in order to form his nemesis... You were as similar as anyone could be."

 

"Thank you... But I must find him!" Darian said rising to his feet. "I still need to honor my fathers final wish!"

 

"Indeed you must." The woman said smiling.

 

"Before I go, please tell me." Darian asked. "Who are you? How do you know all this?"

 

"Now is not the time for me to answer this question, but in time you will know..."

 

With that Darian's savior vanished as quickly as she came.

 

"I have to find Link!" Darian said to himself.

 

He ran in the direction of Hyrule Castle town, somehow he knew it was there he'd find his brother.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The four Hylians re-entered the Great Hall. No one seemed to notice them enter, in fact, no one even seemed to notice they were gone in the first place. Except one.

 

"Did you four have fun?" Impa said approaching the the two couples.

 

"Impa... You knew?" Zelda asked