Chapter V: Fires of Love and Hate

Link was shocked. Standing in front of him was his own brother. The same man who, under the curse of Dark Link, had tried to kill him not two hours before. Now the same man, and yet a different one at the same time stood before him, his curse broken. It was unmistakable, and yet Link still could hardly believe it.

"I- Impossible..." Link stammered, eyeing the birthmark on the man's wrist.

"Far from it..." Darian said trying to maintain his own composure.

"You're... My brother?" Link asked still shocked. Zelda, Malon, and Cyrus remained silent, unable to grasp what was happening before them.

"I know... It's hard to believe..." Darian said lowing his head. "I searched for you. for eleven years. That is, Until Ganondorf trapped my soul in that walking prison..."

"What happened to you...?" Link asked slowly regaining his barings.

"Long story short, After you handed me my ass at Lake Hylia..." He said smirking, then turned serious. "I encountered a strange sorcerous who unlocked my memories of my past and destroyed Dark Link, releasing me."

"So you were the presense we felt in him." Zelda concluded.

"My memory of that isn't much, though I do remember bits and peices..." Darian admitted. "But yes... That presense was my soul trying to break free."

"And that's why Dark Link held back... You were stopping him." Link said.

"Yeah..."

"I can't believe this..." Cyrus said finally finding his voice.

"Believe it... I have a brother." Link said managing a weak smile.

"Wow..." Malon whispered.

"Well..." Darian began. "I guess I should be congratulating you Link."

"Why?" Link asked.

"Oh come on! I may have been trapped in a living shadow for almost seven years but I think I'd know a wedding reception when I see it!" Darian said smiling.

"Oh!" Link nearly jumped out of his skin. He'd forgotten to introduce their new family.

"Darian, This is my friend Cyrus, Commander of the Hylian knights." Link said gesturing to Cyrus. Cyrus bowed slightly.

"My- Our cousin, Malon." He corrected himself. Malon Curtsied.

"And this..." Link began taking Zelda's hand. "Is my wife, Zelda."

Darian's eyes grew to the size of saucers.

"Zelda? As in Princess Zelda?!" He exclaimed.

"The same..." Link said.

"I know you saved Hyrule and because of that I had a feeling your wedding would be as grand as this..." He started. "But marrying the crown princess of Hyrule?! I can't believe it..."

A wide grin spread across Darian's face. Indeed, he couldn't believe it, but it was true. His own brother was now the Prince of Hyrule, the heir to the throne.

"You saw us all together at Lake Hylia..." Link said confused that his brother was acting in this way.

"No I didn't. Dark Link saw you there I'm guessing. All I remember is fighting agianst him to regain control." Darian explained.

"Oh..." Link said feeling a little foolish.

"So much has happened today..." Zelda said softly reflecting over the events that happened just that day.

It was true. So much had happened today. The Wedding, the trip to Lake Hylia, the fight, and now... It was doubtful that even Link's quest agianst Ganondorf yeilded more surprises in one day... And that was saying something.

"So what happens now?" Darian asked.

"I guess it's time for us to catch up... I never even knew I had a brother..." Link said managing a smile.

"Yeah..." Darian said more to himself than to Link.

The enening went on, with still more festivities. Darian told them the story of how he returned to his normal self. The strange sorcerous, the flashbacks... The four Hylians sat awestruck listening intently to every word. It was an impossible story, but they'd seen the impossible before, and they knew the words were true. They each recapped their lives, lost in reminiscence of both good and bad points. Their conversation lasted late into the night until nearly all the guests were gone, leaving only them, The King, and the Sages. The sages and Daphnes approached the young couples and their mysterious guest.

"Made a new friend?" Impa asked grinning as she approached.

"Impa?" Link said turning up his head to see the seven of them approaching. "Well... I guess you could say that."

"What do you mean?" Saria asked.

"Well... He's my brother..." Link said matter-of-factly.

All of them nearly doubled over at that statement. Their faces wore the same expressions the two couples displayed earlier when Darian gave them the news.

"But... How?" Darunia asked. He'd always known Link as his own "Sworn Brother" but never did he think that he had a real, blood bound one.

"Well..." Link and Darian both replied in unison.

They told the story agian to the shocked listeners, lasting well into the night. When they were finally finished they all retired to their respective rooms. Darian himself was offered to stay in the castle for however long he needed, as an honored guest.

"What a day..." Link said kicking off his boots and removing his sword, sheild, and belt.

"Yeah..." Zelda said as Link sat on the bed beside her.

"I still can hardly believe all this happened just today." Link said.

"I can't either." Zelda said turning to face Link. "Still, this had to be the best day of my life."

Link smiled and pulled her over to him, kissing her gently. "Mine too..." He said.

The two lay there, unmoving, unspeaking, in each others arms. They were lost in each other's eyes, enjoying a companionable silence. Not even the excitement of the day could tear their minds away from each other. Slowly the two lovers fell into a deep sleep, dreaming only of each other.

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A month passed without much incident. Link, Zelda, Darian, and the others had much time to catch up, something Link and Darian specifically had lost alot of. Not much happened in the past few weeks. There were a few bands of renegade moblins that tried to stir up trouble, but Link, Cyrus, and Darian sent them running relatively easily. Darian himself Proved a competant swordsman. The land of Hyrule was at peace still. However the Counsel planned not to let the heros rest easy for long.

"ARGH! How much longer do we have to wait?!" Xavier yelled in frustration.

"In less than a year the stars will be aligned perfectly." The man with the yellow eyes said. "You must have patience Xavier."

"Patience... Patience?!" Xavier repeated. "Patience for what?! How important could that damned orb of yours be Demoria?!"

Demoria had dark hair, solid yellow colored eyes, and his skin was a pale grey color. He wore coal black armor and had a vicious demonic sword at his side. The  massive blade was a shadowed grey color with streaks of red, which looked like streams of blood,. The hilt and handle was etched with various demonic runes, thats pulsed with power from time to time.

"Sit down Vampire!" Demoria snapped his eyes changing to a menacing blood red color for a few seconds.

Xavier grumbled lowering back into his chair.

"With all do respect..." One of the elderly voices spoke up.

"I think we could all do with some entertainment." The other one finished.

"And it would allow us to observe the heros more thoroughly..." The first spoke agian.

"Hmmm... Even after your deaths you still hold your wisdom, Koume and Kotake."

Koume and Kotake were two twin witches. Both of them had long crooked noses, and their sagging eyelids held eyes the size of bomb flowers. Their green tinged skin was wrinkled beyond comparison upon which they wore dark robes. Their only difference was the jewel's embedded in their headdresses. Koume's was red signifying fire, while Kotake's was blue Signifying ice. Demoria had resurrected them months after their defeat at Link's hands in the Spirit Temple

"Thanks in no small part to yourself." Kotake replied.

"If it wasn't for your resurrection of us, we'd still be floating in the afterlife..." Koume shuddered at the memory.

"Very well... Severius?" Demoria addressed the quiet man.

"Hmmm?" Said the hooded man.

"I think it's time to test that spell you have been working on." Demoria grinned evilly. "Send our heros an... Old friend."

"I think... I know just the one." Severius said.

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Link slowly awoke as the first rays of the morning sun spilled across his face. Making as little noise as possible, he shifted to his side, his eyes falling upon the beautiful form of Princess Zelda. Her golden hair shined in the morning light, and a small smile was spread across her face. Link silently pondered what she was dreaming of. The sun's rays fell across her pale face, and she stired. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, meeting the gaze of Link.

"Morning..." She said sleepily to him.

"Did you sleep well?" Link asked grinning at her.

"Mmmhmm." She murmured softly.

Link smiled, brushing a few golden strands from her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the temple, before rising from their bed. Link stretched, then turned to his large closet. Deep down he wondered why the King had bothered having one made for him. He hadn't much in the way of clothes, most of which were forest green tunics. Shaking his head entered, and almost immediatly he noticed something he hadn't seen before. Before him on an otherwise empty shelf was white box with a note attached. He took the note and read it:

Dear Link,

I hope you enjoy this gift. I had the Royal Tailors make this for you a few days ago. You've given me so much over these short months we've been together, and I felt I needed to show you how much that means to me.

Love Forever,

                  Zelda

The letter alone brought a wide smile to Link's face. Zelda always knew how to brighten his day, even when she didn't need to. Link opened the box and his smile only grew bigger. Inside was a pair of black leggings, and a deep green tunic, trimmed with gold. Link put on the new garments, they fit him perfectly. Looking down he saw something else at the very bottom of the box. Reaching down he pulled out a solid black cape, the end of which was trimmed with the same gold fabric on the tunic. Link placed it over his neck. He then grabbed his favorite green cap, and his boots placing the letter in his pocket. After putting them on he headed back into the room.

Outside Zelda looked at him and smiled. She wore a pink upper dress with thin shoulder straps and white skirt with a banner like strap of cloth tied around her slender waist, upon which various symbols were artistically woven, the most notable of which was the Triforce set near the very top. They were quite similar to the clothes she'd worn the day they defeated Ganondorf, and confessed their love for each other, though weren't exactly the same.

"You found it." Zelda said smiling. "Do you like it?"

"This is the best gift anyone's ever given me Zelda." Link said swishing the cape a little. "You know you didn't have to do this..."

"I know." Zelda said walking up to Link and wrapping her arms around his neck. "But I wanted to."

Link smiled wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss. After some time they broke apart still holding each other. Link smiled wanly.

"Mabye it's the second best..." He corrected himself.

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Severius stood in the center of the island of rock surrounded by magma and began to mutter an ancient dark chant.

"Vengeful spirits hear my command. Bring this creature into the graces of undeath. Let her rise once more. Let the darkness flow through her bones and return to this plane as my slave!"

"Dark Renewal!!!"

Dark energy floated from Severius' body, seeping into the magma around the island. Seconds later bones, surrounded by dark power floated into the searing air around the place, unaffected by the sheer heat of the molten rock they rested in. The bones began to form into a serpent like body, which had to curve in order for to avoid the wall. The skull of an ancient dragon with enormous emerald eyes positioned itself at the front of the long chain of bone, and a mane of fire spread half way across the creatures back.

"Volvagia..." Severius said darkly.

The skeletal dragon looked upon the necromancer, waiting for her new master's orders.

Severius focused dark magic in his hand, pointing to the nearby wall of the magma chamber. The rock face began to split and crack, slowly opening revealing the crater of Death Mountain, and the world beyond.

"Fly to the forest, my servant. Burn everything there, and attack anything you see fit. You know what to do when the Hero of Time comes..."

the undead Volvagia turned its snake like body and flew out of the hole made by Severius and out through the top of death mountain.

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Impa had awoken early in her house in Kakariko Village. She'd moved back there a few months after Ganondorfs defeat. As the Sage of Shadow it had become her duty to watch over the Shadow Temple and the village itself. She'd rather reluctantly stepped down as Zelda's attendant on Zelda's eighteenth birthday, and returned to the village to be near her new charges.

"Lady Impa!" A villager called bursting into her door with a look of desperation on his face.

"What's wrong?!" Impa asked startled at the outburst.

"You might need to see this!" The man said rushing outside.

Impa had no idea what was the cause of this man's distress, however by the look on his face she knew it couldn't be good. Without a word she rose from her seat nearly knocking it to the floor and rushed out after the man. Outside she saw a horrible sight; An enormous serpent-like skeletal dragon was flying swiftly out of the crater of Death Mountain, turning due south in the direction of the forest.

"What in the name of Din..." Impa gasped at the sight before her.

"I came to get you as soon as I saw it." the villager said in as much shock as Impa.

"I must go tell the Royal Family!" Impa yelled dashing out of the village in the direction of Hyrule Castle Town.

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Link, Zelda, Cyrus, Malon, Darian, and Daphnes had just finished breakfast when a guard rushed inside.

"Lady Impa of Kakariko has come. She says it's urgent." The guard said.

"Send her in!" Daphnes commanded.

The guard bowed and left, and seconds later Impa entered. Her face was red, and it was obvious she had ran at full speed the entire way. Zelda quickly grabbed a pitcher of water and poored a goblet full for Impa who drained it gratefully.

"What's wrong Impa?" Link said concerned.

"Link... Zelda... There is... There is..." Impa stammered.

"Calm down. Please tell us what is wrong." Zelda said softly.

"A dragon!" Impa exclaimed. "A skeletal dragon is headed directly for the forest!"

"WHAT?!" Link yelled. "Quick Impa, tell me what it looked like!"

"It was... A huge snake-like dragon with a mane of fire, and large emerald eyes." Impa explained.

"Shit..." Link muttered.

"Link what is it?" Zelda asked turning from Impa who had recovered her breath, to Link

"I'd know that dragon anywhere... It's Volvagia!" Link exclaimed, and Zelda clapped a hand to her mouth.

"Does this mean Ganondorf is back?!" Malon asked her eye's widening with fear.

Link shook his head.

"No... Ganondorf fully revived Volvagia last time." Link explained. "I don't think he'd settle for a simple necromancy this time. This is the work of an actual necromancer. A powerful one to be able to be able to raise a Greater Dragon such as Volvagia."

"So someone else is behind this." Cyrus reasoned.

"Impa said it was headed toward the forest Link." Zelda reminded him

Link snapped out of his thoughts.

"Oh no..." He said quietly. "I have to warn the Kokiri!"

Link quickly took out the Ocarina of Time and played the cheerful melody of Saria's Song.

"Saria!" Link called telepathically.

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Saria was in the middle of her morning ritual of cleaning her small house. She'd finished breakfast and now was busily dusting away at a wooden table. A voice inside her mind snapped her out of her trance.

"Saria!" It called.

"Who's there?!" Saria asked startled

"Saria, it's Link!" The voice of Link replied.

"Link? What's wrong?" Saria asked sensing the distress in his voice.

"I don't have time to explain." Link said. "The forest is in danger. Gather the Kokiri and take refuge in the Forest temple's main chamber, I'll be there soon to explain."

"Link? Link?!" Saria called, but it was to late, Link had already cut off the connection.

Saria darted out of her house to gather the rest of the forest children. After gathering them all in the middle of the forest Saria faced the crowd of confused Kokiri.

"Everyone." She began. "Link gave a message. I'm to take you all to the Forest Temple. It's dangerous to remain here."

"What's wrong Saria?" Mido asked from the front of the group.

"Whatever it was, Link didn't have time to explain but from his voice I know it's dangerous." Saria replied.

The crowd mumbled among themselves, not many of them ever been into the lost woods before, much less gotten all the way to Sacred Forest Meadow. Saria could see the scared looks on the children's faces.

"Link will meet us there..." Saria said trying to comfort the children. "He wouldnt want us to leave unless he was truely concerned for us."

The Kokiri nodded in agreement, knowing what Saria said was true. Link would never ask them to go to their deaths.

"Good. Follow me, quickly!" Saria said.

With Saria in the lead the children swiftly made their way to the lost woods, twisting through the natural maze to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow, and the Forest Temple beyond.

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Link was frantically gathering the equipment he would need to fight Volvagia. He took up the Master Sword, Mirror Shield, Megaton Hammer, Bow, Quiver full of Arrows, and a few potions. He looked like he was going off to war rather than just a simple battle when Zelda appeared in the room with a determined look on her face.

"Zelda? What's wrong?" Link asked when he noticed her.

"I'm going with you Link." She said.

"Zelda..." Link said. "I can't let you go, If you got hurt I-" Zelda cut him off.

"I'm not letting you fight these battles alone anymore Link." She said her voice softening considerably. "When you were fighting on your quest agianst Ganondorf, I could do nothing but stand by and watch as you struggled agianst those impossible odds. I wanted so much to help you but I was afraid of giving myself away to Ganondorf. It hurt so much watching you risk your life for every one else, it was more than one person should have to bare. I'm not going to let you bare it alone anymore. Thats why I'm going to come with you."

She gave him a look that seemed to say "I've made up my mind and not even the Goddesses themselves will make me change it". Link finally conceded.

"Alright... You did help agianst Ganondorf, Volvagia shouldn't be a problem." He tryed in vain to comfort himself.

"Thank you Link. I promise I won't be burden." Zelda said

"You'd never be a burden to me Zelda." Link said softly. "I just don't to see you get hurt."

"I wont." She replied smiling up at him.

Zelda clutched Link's shoulders with her small hands as he took out the Ocarina. He played the Minuet of Forest which Zelda had tought him during his quest. The two of them were surrounded by a bright green light which they dematerialized into as it flew them out of the castle in the direction of the Sacred Forest Meadow.

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In a flash of light Link and Zelda stood on the risen platform near the Forest Temple. Saria had repaired the stairway leading to the temple with the help of some of the other Kokiri. Link and Zelda accended the stairs and entered the temple. The walk to the main chamber was not far. After walking through the small hallway beyond the temple entrance they entered it. The main chamber was the same room which housed the torches with colored flames. in the center, surrounded by the torches was the elevator which lead to the temples prayer chamber. The temple no longer held the eerie darkness which had infested it during Link's quest agianst Ganondorf. Now, It was pleasently lit by an unnatural light, the large spiderwebs had been cleared, and there was no more hint of any evil left.

Inside little heads jerked up as the Kokiri turned to see Link and Zelda enter. Almost immediatly all of them crowded around the two, hugging them and smiling warmly at them, as Mido and Saria looked on grinning. Both Link and Zelda felt tears well up in their eyes. For over ten years of his life, Link lived among these innocent children believing he was one of them. Now they gathered around Link and Zelda like children greeting their own parents. Link knew he owed it to them to protect both them, who had taken care of him as a baby were others may have left him to the Wolfos.

Link eventually stood up to address all of them.

"Everyone, I guess your all wondering why I asked you to come here." He said his expression growing serious.

Immediatly he was bombarded with questions like "What happened?" or "Are we going to be ok?"

"Calm down everyone." Link said trying to still the scared children. "I asked Saria bring you all here because the village is not safe. You all remember the stories I told you about my adventures right?"

The Kokiri nodded, they'd always loved hearing of Link's quest and he'd told them all about it so they knew the story well.

"Well, it seems someone has revived one of my old enemies, and has sent her here. As for who, or what would do such a thing I don't know."

"Who is coming here Link?" The little girl who liked to sit on the roof of the forest shop asked.

"Volvagia..." Link said.

The Kokiri gasped at once. Link had told them all about that evil dragon, from the legend told to him by Darunia's son, Link who was named after him, to his battle with the beast in the Fire Temple.

"Someone has revived Volvagia... Or at least partially." He explained.

"What do you mean "partially" Link?" Mido asked.

"Volvagia isn't alive in the flesh... Someone brought her back through necromancy."

"What's necromancy?" asked a Kokiri boy, the rest of them nodded wondering the same thing.

"Basically, raising the dead without fully restoring the body, or the soul."

"Like a ReDead?!" one girl asked shaking with fear.

"That's one way they are made... Yes." Zelda answered.

The scared faces of Link's childhood friends nearly broke his heart. He never wanted them to have to go through this agian, and yet here it was. His old home and family were threatened once agian.

"It'll be ok everyone." Saria said stepping in front of the two Hylians. "Link and Zelda will protect our home!"

"Saria's right." Link said grinning. "I won't let anything happen to all of you or your homes, we're going to stop Volvagia."

The Kokiri erupted in cheers flinging their arms around the heros agian. The joyous scene was short lived however as Link backed away from the children.

"We have to get back to the forest before Volvagia gets there. We'll come back to get you once it's safe." Zelda said.

Link and Zelda turned to leave the temple and return to the forest with cheers of thanks and wishes of luck from the grateful children followed them. Link and Zelda swiftly made their way out of the Meadow and proceded back to the village of the Kokiri to confront the dragon.

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Volvagia looked over the peaceful forest, there was no one there, but she cared not. Her master had ordered her to set the village ablaze and that's what she would do. She quickly set to work burning every last part of the forest with her fiery breath. She made short work of every plant, tree, or strange house she came across. No one was there to stop her and she delighted in the destruction. She paused for a moment to admire her handy work. Glancing about the burning forest she smiled as much as a dragon could. It was taking some time to burn, but no matter. Forest magic was strong but nothing could protect this place from her fiery wrath. It would simply allow her to enjoy the fruits of her labors for that much longer.

She glanced to the east, and saw a part of the forest which had not yet witnessed her carnage. A small canyon leading to a large meadow, dominated by a huge tree long dead. Volvagia quickly slithered her way through the sky toward this new area, and when she reached it, her twisted happiness only grew stronger. At the base of the dead tree, was a young sproutling, of the very same essence of the titanic tree behind it.

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Link and Zelda rushed through the Lost Woods making their way swiftly to the forest village. Upon entering the final tunnel leading to the village they were met with a terrible sight. The forest was up in flames. Link noticed something however, though the fire raged the forest itself didn't burn. It was likely the magic of the forest was preventing it's destruction. Suddenly Link felt his heart jump into his throat at a sudden realization.

"The Great Deku Tree!" He yelled.

Link sprinted off into the burning forest with Zelda on his heels, brushing the tears from his eyes formed by the smoke, and his own sadness at seeing his home. They lept across the pond and sprinted through the canyon, ignoring the withered Deku Babas which got in their way. At the end of the canyon Link saw her. Volvagia was staring at the young sprout with a sickening smile spread across here skeletal face. Link knew what she was planning to do, and he wasn't about to let her do it. Raising his bow he nocked back an arrow and fired.

Volvagia hissed in pain as the projectile struck he neck. The wooden shaft quickly disentigrated under the sheer heat of the Lava Dragon's body.

"Looking for me you overgrown worm!?" Link shouted in anger at the dragon.

Volvagia turned her head in the direction of the voice. No sooner had she seen the source of her pain did her eyes light up in realization. It was him! the one who had killed her in the Fire Temple. The clothing was different but the glint reflecting from the Master Sword and Megaton Hammer was all the proof she needed to know that this indeed was the same one. Volvagia let out an ear peircing screech and dove down angerly at the hero, and the strange girl at his side.

Link and Zelda dove in opposite directions, rolling away from the angry fire drake. Volvagia's serpent like body didn't allow her to slow herself, much less stop, and instead she ran straight into the wall of stone surrounding the meadow. The deafening crash of rock agianst bone caused the two Hylians to wince slightly. Volvagia's diamond like skull was barely phased by the impact and turned to the heros once more. To late.

"Antarctic Ice Ray!!!" Zelda screamed.

A pale blue ray of light shot forth from Zelda's palms. It struck Volvagia dead on causing the dragon to roar, and twist in pain from the ice magic. Volvagia struck her head agianst the hard ground with incredible force as the last of the magic struck her. Link swore he heard a crack.

Volvagia wasn't done yet, but she was furious. She rose once agian. This time eyeing Zelda with a murderous glare. Zelda for her own part was exhausted, That attack took absolutely every last drop of magic she had, and still it wasn't enough. Volvagia slowly opened her mouth wide. Inside of it she formed a large concentration of fire ready to incinerate the Princess of Destiny.

"Zelda!!!" Link screamed as the dragon unleashed her attack.

Link dashed forward faster than he'd ever ran in his life. He positioned himself between Zelda and the fire, raising his shield in a defensive stance. The fire collided with the polished surface of the mirror sheild as Link pushed agianst the onslaught of flame. The fire was slowly absorbed into the sheild making it pulse red as the trapped dragonfire flowed within it.

Volvagia was shocked. How could that have happened? There was no way a simple sheild could guard agianst her fire much less absorb it! Was this so called "Hero of Time" some devine avatar of the Goddesses themselves? The green and black garbed hero suddenly looked like a nightmare from Volvagia's early years thousands of years ago. Link saw the dragon's already large eyes widen with fear and knew Volvagia did not expect to survive this.

"Thanks for the gift." Link began. "I feel like I should return the favor!"

With that he unleashed all the absorbed fire in a single large sphere, launching it directly back at the dragon. Upon contact the sphere exploded like a bomb sending Volvagia flying backwards into the wall with such a force the rock face cracked and split from the impact. As Volvagia fell to the ground once agian Link drew the Megaton hammer. Volvagia gazed at the hammer from her helpless position and knew the end was near.

Link approached the dragon with a rage hotter than Volvagia's fire. He rose the Megaton Hammer above his head and brought it down on Volvagia full force. The dragon didn't even feel the blow as it's skull shattered into dust. The rest of the dragon's bones shook from the quake the hammer caused then were still.

"There..." Link said. "Now nothing can bring Volvagia back..."

Link walked over to Zelda who remained on the ground exhausted and amazed by Link's display.

"Are you ok, My Love?" Link asked kneeling down so his gaze met hers.

"I'm fine..." Zelda stammered.

Zelda was to weak even to stand. She used all her energy in that one attack. Link could see the fatigue in her eyes even though she desperatly tryed to hide it.

"No your not." Link countered. "That attack took everything you had."

Link pulled out a bottle of blue potion and brought it to Zelda's lips.

"Drink." He said in a gentle yet firm tone.

Zelda obeyed drinking the contents of the bottle, allowing the magical liquid to ease her exhaustion and renew her energy. She coughed a little from the taste but her energy had returned and she rose to her feet along with Link. Together they approached the Deku Tree Sprout and bowed respectfully.

"Are you ok Great Deku Tree?" Link asked.

"Well, I'm not a great tree yet... but I'm ok." The sentient plant said cheerfully.

The Deku Tree's Sprout was a stark contrast to thousand year old tree which He was born from. Were as the old tree spoke in old Hylian, and maintained a wise, and serious nature, His sprout was often cheerful and very down to earth.

"He's fine." Link said to Zelda.

"I'm using my energy to stop the forest from burning anymore, but I don't know how long that dragon fire will last." The Deku Tree Sprout explained.

"So that's why nothing was burning under the fire..." Zelda reasoned.

"Don't worry my friend." Link said taking out his ocarina. "I'll stop the fire."

"Thank you Link. You truely are the Chosen Hero."

Link smiled and, with Zelda, walked back to the center of the burning village. Link placed the Ocarina of Time to his lips and played the mysterious Song of Storms. Rain clouds formed over the forest and thunder filled the sky. Link pulled Zelda close to him.

"Nayru's Love!" He shouted as the large droplets of water began to fall.

A large magic barrier surrounded the two of them, sheilding them from the rains as the storm set to work extinguishing the flames. Once the short storm ended and the fire flickered it's last Link and Zelda looked upon the forest. The roofs of the houses were charred slightly but not much, and the natural magic within the forest would make short work of what little damage had been done.

Link and Zelda smiled as they headed back to the Forest Temple to bring the Kokiri back to their home.

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The Kokiri were gathered around the large room. Shortly after Link and Zelda left many of the Kokiri began to get restless wondering what could be happening to their home, and hoping The Hero of Time and Princess of Destiny would return soon. Saria sensed this and attempted to calm them by telling them the story of Link's time in the Forest Temple.

"...And then I gave Link the Forest Medalion and sent him back to Hyrule." Saria finished.

The Kokiri cheered. Saria, though she was younger than most of them, held a wisdom that made them look upon her as an older sister. She was very good at story telling, which the Kokiri loved, and knew more than anyone except perhaps Link and Zelda themselves of his adventures. As if summoned by the story Link and Zelda opened the old door and walked inside. The Kokiri turned to the sound of the opening door. Seeing Link and Zelda they ran up looking at them with eyes filled with childish eagerness, waiting for the news.

"Volvagia has fallen!" Link called. "Your homes are safe."

Immediatly the children rushed knocking Link and Zelda to the floor of the temple, hugging them gratefully like sons and daughters hug their parents after being given a new toy. Link and Zelda laughed along with the children as they crowded around the heros of their village. After the joyous spectical died down some Mido approached Link and Zelda.

"Link, Zelda." Mido addressed them. "As the leader of the Kokiri, I thank you on behalf of us all for saving our home once agian."

"Don't worry about it Mido." Link said standing up. "Though I don't live here anymore, I still consider Kokiri Forest my home. I'll never allow any evil to befall this place while I live. And as the Hero of Time it is my duty to protect all the lands of Hyrule."

"And as the Princess of Destiny I will protect this land at his side." Zelda said adding her own words to the speech.

After some time they returned to the village. The forest magic was already at work quickly repairing the damage caused by Volvagia. At the exit to the Lost Woods the children gave their final thanks to the heros before they left to return to the castle. Zelda placed her hands on Link's shoulders as he removed the Ocarina from his pocket. He played the Prelude of Light and in a flash of golden light the two of them soared to the Temple of Time.

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

"Well that was an intresting show!" Xavier said baring his fangs in a toothy grin.

"Indeed... but what a waste of dark magic on such a pitiful creature..." Severius replied.

"Your magic does hold power however, Severius." Demoria countered. "I expected they'd have much less trouble with that dragon than they did..."

"Such is the advantage of undeath..." Severius said lazily. "More time to hone my necromantic powers."

"It is not often a lich maintains his humanity after the transition." Angata countered. "You were a skilled necromancer even before your accension."

"You give me to much credit." Severius shook off the compliment, leaning back in his chair.

"Never one to accept praise when it is due?" Kotake asked.

"Nope." Severius replied.

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

It was late when Link and Zelda returned to the castle. The moon had already completed half of it's climb into the night sky. Cyrus, Malon, Darian and Daphnes greeted them as they returned. They began discussing the events of the day over dinner.

"Were the Kokiri safe?" Malon asked.

"They were. Saria got everyone to the Forest Temple before Volvagia got there, and we killed her before she could do any real damage..." Link explained. "though it was a little close for comfort..."

"Why's that?" Cyrus asked.

Zelda gave Link a look that seemed to beg him not to mention her close call.

"Well... Volvagia almost got to the Deku Tree's Sprout." Link covered.

"It's good you got there when you did." Daphnes said.

"Who could have been powerful enough to raise that dragon?" Cyrus asked.

"I don't know." Link admitted. "But something tells me Ganondorf has nothing to do with it."

"So he's still in the evil realm." Malon said.

"Yes but who could be pulling the strings this time?" Darian asked.

"No idea... For all we know that could be the last of it." Link said. "Though my gut's telling me otherwise..."

Zelda, who'd been silent for most of the time finally spoke up.

"I'm a little tired." She said standing up. "I think I'm going to get ready for bed."

"Ok. I'll be up in a few minutes Honey." Link said smiling.

Zelda left to her and Link's room.

"Is she ok?" The king asked.

"This is really only the second battle she's fought." Link said. "She must be tired."

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After dinner Link decided to check on Zelda. He told everyone else she was probibly just tired, but something told him that wasn't true. She left without warning, and barely seemed tired at all. When he entered he saw Zelda sitting on the bed still in her normal clothes, though her high heels were set to the side.

"Zelda?" Link asked. "Why did you leave dinner all of a sudden?"

Zelda slowly stood up and walked over to Link.

"Link..." She said softly. "I've been thinking about this for a while today..."

"About what?" Link asked.

"Seeing you with the Kokiri children today. They look at you like a father."

"Yeah." Link said. "I guess its natural sense we're the only adults they ever see."

"Link, I have to ask you something." Zelda said.

"Yes?" Link said smiling at his wife.

"At first I wasn't sure if we were ready... But now, after what happened with the children," Zelda began. "I feel like we would be great parents."

"Zelda!" Link said realizing what she was getting at. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

Zelda nodded.

"Link, do you feel it's to early to want a baby?" Zelda asked.

Link pulled Zelda close planting a kiss on her lips. He shook his head.

"No..." He said grinning. "I think it's perfect. I know you'd make a great mother, and nothing would make me happier than to give you a child."

"Oh Link..." Zelda said pulling him into another embrace. "I love you so much."

"I love you to, Zelda." Link said caressing her cheek with his finger.

Link pressed his lips to hers in another kiss and the two slowly began backing to the bed. Zelda pulled Link's cloak over his head, knocking his hat off in the process letting them both drift to the floor as he kicked off his boots and removed the tapastry-like cloth from Zelda's waist. Link slowly lowered Zelda onto the bed. He straddled her planting rapid kisses on her lips and face slowly moving down to her neck. Link pulled the straps down her arms slowly removing her blouse, exposing her well formed chest. Zelda unbuttoned Link's tunic and through it over his head and to the side. She traced his muscular chest with her finger smiling to him as Link himself smiled down at her. Link moved down from her as he removed his leggings. He looked into her loving eyes for a time, then slowly proceded to remove her skirt.

"The Goddess' must be jealous..." Link said eyeing his beautiful wife up and down.

"Why do you say that?" Zelda said giggling slightly.

"Because you are more beautiful than Nayru herself..." Link said grinning.

"Link... Your embarrassing me..." Zelda said softly.

"Sorry." He said moving up to her once more.

"Don't be." Zelda said touching his face with her small hand.

"Are you sure this is what you want, My Love?" Link asked wanting to make absolutly sure he wasn't forcing her into anything.

"I've never been more sure of anything Link." Zelda said confidently. "Make me your's now, my Hero."

Link obeyed and carefully moved forward trying to be as gentle as his princess deserved. Zelda gasped slightly as they became one. Link kissed her lightly.

"Was I to rough?" He asked worried he may have hurt her.

Zelda simply shook her head.

Link began to make love to her trying to stay as gentle as his body would allow. Zelda's soft breathing became heavy as her pleasure increased.

"Liiiink..." She moaned softly.

"Does this please you My Goddess?" Link asked grinning seductivly at her.

"Yes... Link!" Zelda cryed lightly.

Zelda arched back causing Link to go deeper still. It became more heated with every second like a fire had erupted in their hearts, more powerful than even Volvagia, until the two were nearly screaming each other's names, no longer caring if they were heard. Guards rarely came to this part of the castle sense Link began staying there, so it was doubtful they would be heard anyway. They made love deep into the night until both of them were tired and exhausted.

"That... Was wonderful, Link." Zelda panted, staring into Link's eyes with her arm draped around him.

"I don't think... Even my fight with Ganondorf tired me out that much." Link joked through short breaths.

Zelda closed her eyes sleepily.

"I love you... Link..." She said before drifting off to sleep.

Link kissed her forehead lightly. He swore he saw the small grin on her face widen slightly. He stared at her for sometime before brushing some of her golden hair from her face.

"I love you, too. My Goddess." Link said with a smile before sleep took him as well.

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Author's note:

Like always please read the chapter before reading this cause it has spoilers.

 

First off I probibly should added the very first part to the end of Chapter IV instead of putting it at the beginning of this one but, I rather liked the ending of the last chapter, and well. What's done is done.

Secondly, I bet a couple of the new Identities in the counsel turned some heads :). I hope a few of you put together Koume and Kotake, How many nearly identical witch-like sisters are there in Hyrule? Also Demoria. I bet some of you thought he'd be Ganondorf, because of the yellow eyes. Nope I threw a curve ball. He has no relation to Ganondorf, he's acting on his own.

Third up, Volvagia. Meh... I like dragons, and we all know Volvagia kicks ass. I know theres a bit of a unspoken debate on Volvagia's gender, rather he/she is male or female. I chose female. Why? well normally with lizard creatures the females are bigger, stronger, and more feirce than the males, and given that Volvagia is a very angry, very strong fire wyrm, I felt female would be good. Also let's face it, That mane kinda makes her look female :).

Lastly. Ahh the romance scene... Come on, What did ya think would happen? Don't worry, theres a reason for it, and what that is rather obvious :P.

 

 

 

 

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