“Curse you, Zelda! Curse you, Sages! Curse you, Link!” Ganon screamed as he disappeared into beams of lights in the colors of green, red, blue, purple, orange, and white.

He was gone.

Banished away into the Evil Realm forever…

Link wiped the blood from his sword and looked up. He was no longer standing on the ruins of Ganon’s castle…he was standing on clouds…clouds?

“What the…?”

He panicked. He envisioned himself of falling to his death.

“How ironic,” he thought. “After everything I’ve been through. After saving the world from peril. I am going to fall to my death!”

“No you won’t.” Zelda’s voice told him. “These clouds will hold. Don’t be afraid.”

Link looked up into the beautiful face of Princess Zelda, The Princess of Destiny, The Sage of Wisdom. Link had a good look at her. She was a cute little girl when he first met her…seven years ago…but she is absolutely beautiful!

Her long blond hair was the color of honeydew, her eyes of a bright blue sea in the morning light; her lips were the delicate color of rose buds. She wore her royal purple and white gown.

She smiled, her eyes shining.
“Thank you Link…thanks to you, Ganondorf has been sealed inside the Evil Realm!”

Link blushed. A girl never looked at him, nor smiled at him like that…never.
Zelda stepped closer to Link and smiled at his shyness.

“Thus peace will once again reign in this world, for a time. All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing…” Zelda bowed her head in shame.

“No, Zelda…” Link started but Zelda continued.

“I was so young…I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm.” Zelda said with her head still bowed.

Oh how Link wanted her to smile at him again. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair. Hold her. Kiss her passionately, but something stopped him from doing that.

Why?

“Now is not the time.” he thought.

“Zelda, you’re too hard on yourself. This was Ganondorf’s doing, not yours. Zelda…”

Zelda held a hand to silence him.

“Please Link, let me finish.”

Link nodded.

Zelda lifted up her head looking into Link’s eyes.

“I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my past mistakes…”

“Zelda, what are you saying?”

“What is she getting at?” he wondered.

“You must lay the Master Sword to rest and close the Door of Time…”

“Yeah? And? Get to the point already!” Link wanted to shout.

“However, by doing this, the road between times will be closed…”

“What do you mean?” Link asked.

“You need to return to your childhood.”

“But why?” Link didn’t want to leave her. Not now. Not when he…

“Link, give the Ocarina of Time to me.”

Zelda held out her hand.

“Zelda please! I don’t want to go!”

“Link, give me the Ocarina of Time. Please.” Zelda said in an almost ordering tone.

“Zelda, no! Please, you can’t. I can’t leave you now! Don’t you understand? I almost lost you seven years ago. I can’t lose you now! I love you Zelda!”

“Link, please! Don’t make this any harder than it is. Give me the Ocarina of Time.” Zelda pleaded.

Link hesitated.

“Please understand. This is something we must do. We’ll meet again, eventually. I promise. I can feel it.”

Very hesitantly, Link held out the Ocarina of Time to Zelda. Zelda clasped her hands over Link’s.

“As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.”

Link let the ocarina slip from his fingers into Zelda’s delicate hands. Her hands…so soft…he wondered if her lips were just as soft. Link looked into Zelda’s eyes, he saw a single tear trickle down her cheek.

“When peace returns to Hyrule…It will be time for us to say goodbye…now go home, Link.”

“I love you, Zelda!”

Another tear slid down her cheek. Zelda smiled a sad smile.

“Regain your lost time! Home…where you are supposed to be…the way you are supposed to be…”

“I am supposed to be here with you! I’m supposed to stay and tell you how much I love you. I’m supposed to hold you and kiss you and never leave your side!” Link’s mind screamed.

Zelda raised the ocarina to her lips and played the familiar melody that started Link’s adventure.

The most beautiful melody on this earth, in Link’s mind.

Zelda’s Lullaby.

“Zelda…”

Link reached out to touch her, but he was engulfed in blue light, pulling him away from his beloved princess.

“Thank you…Link…Goodbye…I…”

“Zelda? Zelda…? Zelda!”

“ZELDA!” Link screamed as he bolted upward from his bed.

Link put his hand on his forehead and shook his head.

“Oh, that dream again, eh?” a small, young sounding female voice said.

"Oh, Saria. Hi, going on one of your midnight strolls to the Lost Woods again?" Link asked the green haired, green eyed, kokiri female.

Saria nodded.

"It was the dream again, eh?"

"Yes. Been seven years since Zelda sent me back to my original time..."

Saria smiled her knowingly smile and sat on the foot of Link's bed.

Saria gasped and put her hands on her forehead and whimpered. Link jumped out of the bed an put his arms around his childhood friend.

"What is it, Saria?"

Between gasps Saria said, "I...can...sense...something..."

Links eyes widened.

"What? What do you see?"

Saria let out something between a scream and a gasp.

"Evil! I sense a great evil...!"

Then she fainted.

Link held Saria's small, child-like frame.

"Saria! Wake up! Please wake up!"

*********************************************************

He watched Princess Zelda as she combed her long, shimmering blond hair. It fell in soft waves at her waist.

His red eyes almost glazed over when she turned. She wore a pale violet, almost near sheer nightgown.

He smirked.

Although he was in the same room with her, Zelda couldn't see him, but Dark Link could see her.

Ever since Zelda turned 13, he stalked her. Always at this same time, watching her comb her hair before she went to bed. How he would love to watch her undress and see her full glory, but he decided against it.

"Better to be surprised when i finally make her mine." he thought.

Zelda slipped under the covers of her luxurious, pink and white, silk and satin bed. Her long blond hair spilled over the pillows.

Dark Link watched as she drifted away to sleep. So beautiful. So peaceful. She almost looked like a newborn in her sleep. Her eyes framed with long, lush eyelashes were completely closed in sleep.

Dark Link stroked her hair gently.

"Soon, Princess. You and Hyrule will be all mine. Now dream, dearest. Dream a sweet nightmare of Link and a sweet, loving dream of me."

Dark Link laughed a cold, evil laugh in anticipation of his plan and in knowing that no one will hear his laugh.

***********************************************************

"Zelda...Zelda, wake up."

Slowly Zelda opened her eyes and stood up.

"Where am I?"

She looked around and realized that she was in the garden of the castle courtyard.

"What? Did I fall asleep here?"

"Zelda..."

"What? Who's there?!"

"Zelda it's me..."

Zelda reached for her dagger at her belt.

"Show yourself!" she ordered.

"Lie down on your bed of roses and close your eyes 'til I tell you to open them."

With a sigh Zelda dropped back on the bed of roses and closed her eyes, still clutching her dagger.

"Your dagger, you don't need it."

Zelda let the dagger slip through her fingers. She felt footsteps coming closer and closer, felt someone standing over the top of her. She felt someone brush their lips on her cheek.

"Open your eyes."

Slowly Zelda opened her eyes and gasped.

"Link!"

She clasped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest and wept.

"Zelda, it's been too long."

"Yes it has. Oh, Link! I'm so sorry that i haven't been visiting you lately in the forest. It;s just that I've been so busy in the castle and..."

Link put a finger to her lips to silence her.

"Zelda, you don't need to explain. It's all right. We're here now."

Link swooped Zelda up in his arms and spun her around. They let out a loud, burst of laughter, then Link set her down on a hill of daisies.

He dropped to one knees, and slipped something sparkling on her finger. Zelda looked down at her finger. It was a golden band with 2 twin diamond hearts on it.

"Oh, Link!" Zelda gasped.

"Zelda, will you marry me?"

Zelda's whole face lit up.

"Oh, Link! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Zelda hugged h im and their lips met in a passionate kiss. Then Zelda looke up lovingly into Link's face.

Zelda gasped.

Something was not right. Link's face was pale, his eyes glazed over. He fell on both knees and was coughing uncontrollably.

"Link!"

As Link was coughing, Zelda noticed dark red drops coming out of his mouth.

Blood.

Link lost consciousness and fell into Zelda's arms.

"Somebody get a doctor!" Zelda cried out.



Zelda wept as she saw Link's lifeless body on the guest bedrooms bed. For hours she spent in the hallway facing back and forth as the doctor examined him. Then after the sixth hour the doctor came back out of the room and confirmed that her lover was dead.

The cause was unknown.

Zelda fell back on the foot of the bed, clasped her hands over her face and wept.

"Now, now. What are those tears for?"

Zelda looked up, Link was sitting up in the bed, alive and well!

"Link! Oh, Link! I was so afraid!"

Zelda threw herself on Link and hugged him, weeping.

"Yes, I am glad too," he laughed.

Zelda froze. That was not Link's laugh. It was a cold, cruel, evil laugh.

"I am not Link!" he said.

Zelda watched in horror as her beloved was formed into a frightening shadow with blood red eyes.

He laughed again.

"Now you and all of Hyrule are mine at last!" he said

He raised his arm and showed something shinning.

"Look familiar, Princess?"

He was holding the triforce! All the pieces have somehow gone together.

"No! No! That's impossible!"

He laughed and put his hands on her shoulders and shook her.

"No! No! No!"

"Wake up, child! You were having a nightmare."

Zelda woke up from her dream state and looked up at her "attacker".

"Impa!"

"Impa, what happened? One minute a dark sinister man was shaking me and the next I'm back in bed."

Impa put her muscular arms over her chest.

"You were having a nightmare, child." Impa said with a shake of her head.

Impa was the last remaining survivor of the shieka race. How she became the Princess' royal nursemaid, no one really knows. She just suddenly appeared in the Castle one day and told King Harkinhan and Queen Lilliana that there will be a time when little Princess Zelda will need a protector. She vowed to be Zelda's nursemaid.

Then six months later....

Impa watched as little Princess Zelda was clutching her doll for comfort in one hand and wiping away her tears in one hand.

"Mommy is sick," she said to her doll. "but maybe if we're good, she'll be better." she sniffled.

It broke Impa's heart to see such suffering in one so young.

"Lady Impa,"

Impa tore her gaze from Zelda and to a saluting guard.

"Yes?"

"Her Majesty requests that you come to her room."

Impa paused for a moment.

She nodded.

"Yes, of course."

Impa stepped into King Harkinhan and Queen Lilliana's room. King Harkinhan greeted her.

"Hello Impa,"

He had a grim smile on his face. His youthful appearance looked haggard and worn. He looked exhausted which he should be, for her slept on the hard sofa for two months ever since this strange illness struck his dear Lili.

"Harkinhan..." Queen Lilliana barely whispered out weakly.

King Harkinhan rushed to Lilliana's side.

"Yes, dearest?"

"Please bring Zelda in. I need to see her...one last time."

Tears formed in Harkinhan's eyes.

"Lili, you mustn't talk that way..."

"Please, Harkinhan."

Harkinhan sadly nodded and left the room.

Lilliana smiled.

"Come, Impa. There is something i must tell you."

Impa walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. Lilliana grasped Impa's hands.

It was a weak grasp, her hands were ice cold.

"I...I am not expected to live through the night. Impa, I need to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"Please take care of my little girl. She'll need a mother figure when I'm gone. A protector."

"Yes of course, Majesty."

"You have foreseen that this was to happen?"

Impa nodded.

"Impa, I'm glad we found you. I don't know if Harkinhan would be able to raise her on his own. It's such a burden, and I don't want my little Zelda to be a burden for anyone."

"You have my word. I will guard her with my life!" Impa put her hand over her heart and bowed.

A sign of an oath.

"Impa, thank you..."

"Mommy!"

Princess Zelda ran to the bed and looked up at her mother. Tears were running down her cheeks.

King Harkinhan took Lilliana's hand.

"We're all here. Did you ask her?" Harkinhan asked.

Lilliana nodded. She put Zelda's face between her hands and kissed her forehead.

"Mommy isn't going to be better. Mommy is going to be away for a long time." Lilliana half whispered.

"Why Mommy? Where are you going?"

"To Heaven, sweetheart."

"Mommy, if I'm a good girl, will we see eachother again?"

"Yes, dear. But that won't be for a long, long time."

More tears spilled over Zelda's face.

"Now, now. No more tears. You have to be Mommy's Brave Big Girl. Promise me one thing: be a good girl while i'm gone. Always mind Aunt Impa and Daddy. Do you promise?"

Zelda sniffled trying to hold back the tears. Impa heard Harkinhan choking back a sob.

"Yes, Mommy. I promise."

"That's Mommy's good girl..." Lillian's voice was getting fainter and fainter.

"Harkinhan....help Impa take care of Zelda...I love you both...Impa...Protect Zelda with your life...I..."

Then she was still.

Harkinhan bowed his head in grief.

"She's gone." he said.

Zelda, forgetting to be the brave big girl like she promised wept hopelessly. Impa put her arms around Zelda in a comforting hug.

"I promised Mommy that I would be a brave big girl..." Zelda sobbed.

"Shhhh...there are exceptions. I'm sure Mommy will understand."

"Impa?"

Impa shook her memories away from that day and focused her attention on the grown up Zelda.

"Now, tell me about that nightmare of yours."

Zelda was still trembling when she told Impa everything in the dream.

"Impa..." Zelda said, fighting back sobs. "is it just a dream? or is it one of my prophesies?"

"Princess, pardon me for saying this, but as the Sage of Wisdom, the Leader of all Sages, I think you know."

Finally the sobs broke through to uncontrolable tears.

"No! Oh, please no! It can't be! How can this man get a hold of all the pieces of the Triforce. Unless...."

A chill went through Zelda from her head all the way down to her toes.

"No..."

"Curse you Zelda! Curse you Link! Curse you Sages! As long as I have the Triforce of Power..."

"NO!"

Zelda pulled her knees to her chest and trembled.

"What is it, Princess?"

"Ganondorf..he had the Triforce of Power when we sealed him in the Evil Realm. But not anymore...a new force of evil has it. I can feel it."

"You've sensed it. It's that man in your dreams. It has to be."

Zelda grabbed Impa's hand.

"Impa! You must do me a favor."

"Yes, of course Your Highness. What would you have me to do?"

"It is time for the Hero of Time to rise again. You must go to Kokiri Forest and imform Link that there is an urgent message from the Castle."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Impa said with a salute by putting her hand over her heart and bowing.

The same special salute she did by Queen Lilliana's death bed.

"Must I go now?" Impa asked.

"No, go to him in the morning. Surely evil will wait another day."

"Or will it?" she thought.

"Hey, Link. Wake up!" Saria's voice roused Link.

Link stretched as he yawned.

"Hey, Saria. You o.k.?"

Saria nodded.

"But I still cant get over the feeling that something...bad is going to happen."

Saria shook her head as if she was trying to shake away the memories of what happened last night.

"But that is not what I came here for. Lady Impa, Zelda's nursemaid, has come from the Castle. She wishes to speak to you."

Link nodded and jumped out of bed. He fished through his drawers for a clean pair of trousers and his red tunic.

"Tell her that I'll be out as soon as I get dressed."

Saria nodded and climbed down the ladder from his tree house.

Link quickly washed up from his was basin and changed into clean clothes. He strapped on his belt and his quiver with his bow and arrow. Why he thought he needed to equip a weapon..he did not know.

He climbed down from his tree house and saw Saria talking to Impa. He walked over to them.

Impa nodded a greeting.

"Been too long, Link. Hero of Time."

"Yes, you look well. Impa, Sage of Shadow."

"I'll leave you two to talk in private." Saria said as she walked away from them.

Link saw Mido walking up to Saria and stopping her and beginning to talk to her.

"Probably giving her his latest pickup lines." Link thought, rolling his eyes.

Link turned back to Impa.

"How's Zelda?"

"Not too good. That's what I'm here about. See-"

"What's wrong? Is Zelda all right? Is she hurt? Is she-"

"Calm down, Link! It's nothing like that."

"Then what is it?"

"It's something I think the Princess should discuss with you. She had me summon you. You do have an ocarina?"

"Yes."

"Good. Summon Epona. And make haste!"

"Yes, Lady Impa!"

Link nodded at her and ran. He almost ran into Mido, leader of Kokiri forest in mid-sprint.

"Hey, Link! What's your-"

But Link payed no notice of him. His only thoughts was hurrying to the Castle before dark.

At the entrance to Kokiri Forest, Link whipped out his fairy ocarina and played "Epona's Song."

Then there was a trotting sound and a loud nigh, as a beautiful, Chesnut, female horse approached him.

Link pat Epona's head.

"Good girl," Link mounted her and smack her rump. "to the Castle! Epona! Make haste!"

"Zelda! I'm on my way!"

"Link! Wait!"

Link steadied Epona to a halt. It was Impa on her white horse galloping toward him.

"Yes, Lady Impa?"

Impa out of breath said, "You...can't enter the Castle unless...a royal offical...is with you. I shall accompany you, Link, Hero of Time."

Link nodded.

"Yes, please. I am honored."

"No, Hero of Time. The honor is all mine. Not everyday I get to accompany a national hero."

Link grinned.

"And it's not everyday a national hero is accompanied by a Lengendary Sage."

They laughed.
*************************************************************

Impa lead Link to the entrance of the Castle Courtyard. She pointed.

There she stood. Clothed in an elegant gown of blue silk and satin. Honeysuckle hair that spilled in flowing waves at her waist.

Princess Zelda, Leader of the Sages, Princess of Destiny, Link's beloved.

Impa grinned at him and gave him a gentle push.

"Go. She is waiting for you."

Nervously, Link walked through the entrance. Seeing this place brought so much memory. Seven years ago he stood at this very place, peeking into the Castle window with Zelda.

And she was standing on that very same spot. Her back was turned to him, she was obviously thinking about something. Link cleared his throat.

"Zelda..."

Zelda gasped and spun around.

"Oh, Link! You came! I was so...Oh, Link!" Zelda cried as she threw herself at him in an embrace. Zelda clutched a handful of his tunic, pressed her face against his chest and wept.

Link wrapped his arms around her and stroked her head gently.

"Hey, hey. What's all this?"

Zelda's soft sobs were growing louder and uncontrolable.

"Shhhh...hey, it's all right. I'm here."

"Link, you don't have to say anything. Just hold me for a few minutes."

Link held her for what felt like an eternity. It was heaven. He could smell her fragrant (sp?) hair, feel her body pressed against his. He wanted to kiss her tears away.

Zelda let go of Link and turned away.

"Zelda, Impa summed me to you. She said it was urgent that you talked to me?"

Zelda turned to him.

"Yes, Link. Please sit down."

Link sat down on the steps that lead to the Catle. Zelda paced....no, not just pacing--trembling.

Link stood up, put his hands on Zelda's shaking shoulders and looked into her eyes. There were tears.

"Zelda, what's wrong?"

"I...had a prophesy."

"Oh? Is this what this meeting about?"

"Yes, I dreamt that you...died."

"What?!"

"Oh, where to begin?" Zelda sighed.

She told him everything.

From the prosposal to Link's supposed death to his ressurection in an evil shadow of him.

"That man...he had all the pieces of the Triforce..." Zelda said.

"But how can that be?"

"Ganondorf still had the Triforce of Power when we sealed him in the Evil Realm."

"Well, yeah. But how could that guy obtain the Triforce of Power? I thought only Sages coud enter the Realm."

"I thought so too. But maybe Ganondor was able to use the Triforce of Power to summon his minions to carry on what he didn't finish."

Zelda shuddered.

"I think I'm going to be sick." she groaned.

There was a long awkward pause. Then...

"Zelda, what did you say that man looked like?"

"He...was a shadow of you. Everything on him was black. Everything...except for..."

"What?"

Zelda let out another shudder.

"His eyes! Oh, his eyes! They were a blood red. Like rubies. They burned with evil. I'll never forget those eyes!"

"A shadow of me...blood red eyes, like rubies."

"No."

"Heheheheheh...don't think you won, yet. Link, Hero of Time. One of these days...I will get my revenge..and you and your precious Hyrule will suffer! Hahahahhahahahhahahahaha!"

"It...can't be! That's impossible! i thought i defeated him!"

"Link, what is it?"

Link looked inot Zelda's eyes, he could see the fear.

"Link, you know something! Tell me!"

Link turned away, his face in his hands.

"Tell me!"

Link turned to her and grasped her hands.

"Link?"

"That man...it's Dark Link."

"Dark Link?"

"Yeah, I fought him in the Water Temple. He was obviously a sore loser," Link said with a bitter laugh. "He swore vengence on me. He said if Ganondorf should fail. he would finish his work. He even said he would..."

"What?"

"Your precious little Princess will be mine!"

"I think I've said enough, Zelda."

"Link,you must tell me!"

Zelda grabbed Links shoulders and looked him in the eye. She had a pleading look. Oh, what that pleading look did to Link!

"Please!"

"He said that he would stalk you and would make you his Queen. But before that he would take over my body, kill me. He would have the Triforce of Courage...then he would transform completely into me. You would be tricked into thinking it was me and become his dark Queen. The Triforce of Wisdom, you, and all of Hyrule would be under his control! I thought it was just a sick joke...guess not."

Zelda gasped and fell to her knees.

"This is too much to take..."

"I'm sorry, Zelda. Please forgive me?"

"For what?"

"I don't know. I just feel responsible for what's happening. You and Hyrule will suffer. I don't care if he comes after me...but why does he have to involve you?"

"Link..."

"He can take my life if he wants but I swear if he.."

Link clasped Zelda's hands. He pulled her close.

"I love you, Zelda. I always had. That's why I want to protect you!"

"Link..."

"Please, Zelda. Please say you'll be my wife. Please...will you marry me?"

Zelda with tears in her eyes looked into Link's eyes and said,

"No."

Link looked at Zelda incredulously.

"What?"

"I...I can't marry you!" Zelda cried.

"Why?"

"I just can't!"

"That's not good enough!"

"Link, please..."

"Is it because I'm a commoner? Is that it?"

"No, no!"

"Then what is it then?!" Link shouted.

He looked at her...tears where running down her face. She put her face in her hands.

"I..I'm just so afraid!"

Link put his arms around her, Zelda sobbed softly.

"I'm sorry, Zelda. I'm so so sorry. It's the prophesy isn't it? You're afraid it will come true.."

Zelda looked up and nodded at him.

"Most of my prophesies do come true."

"But not all, right?"

Zelda hesitated.

"Zelda, I don't care what happens to me. If I die, I would rather die protecting you, than die not being able to help you. I love you. And by the love of Nayru I will not let Dark Link succeed! You have my word. I'll stop him."

"Swear it."

Link did the Salute of Oath and went down on his knees.

"I swear, lest the Goddesses strike me dead!"

"Oh, Link..."

"Please accept my humble proposal."

Link chuckled.

"What?" Zelda said.

"Well here's one part of your prophesy not coming true. I don't even have that twin diamond heart ring. I don't have any ring at all! Didn't really come prepared." Link laughed.

Zelda laughed and gave him a fierce hug.

"I don't need a ring. As long as we have eachother."

She laughed.

Link chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"This is crazy!"

Zelda cupped Link's face in her hands.

"You are so crazy and wonderful! I accept your proposal. Yes, I will be your wife."

Their lips met in a long passionate kiss. Zelda took Link's hand.

"Come on, let's tell Father the good news!"
*************************************************************
"Well, Link. This is a pleasant surprise!" King Harkinhan greeted.

Link bowed.

"Yes, a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty. You look well."

"Please, please. How long have we known each other? There is no need for formalities."

"My apologies, Your Maj- um Sir...ah...Harkinhan." Link stuttered.

Zelda took Link's hand.

Harkinhan chuckled.

"So tell me, Link. What can I do for you?"

"Father, Link and I wish to be wed."

Harkinhan smiled.

"Is that true, my boy?"

"Y-yes s-sir, Harkinhan...I promise I'll be a good husband to her and protect both her and Hyrule of any threats. You have my word."

"You seem rather nervous, my boy. Perhaps you'll relax when I accept your proposal to my daughter?"

"Oh, Father!" Zelda cried as she gave her father a hug.

"Oh, thank you, Harkinhan sir!"

"Link, my boy, you're going to be my son-in-law. It's just 'Harkinhan.'" then to Zelda, "A fine, choice, my dear! You couldn't of picked a finer man."

"Thank you, Father."

"Now then, if you'll excuse me, I have an engagement party to arrange for tonight."

Harkinhan grinned at the young couple's bewildered faces.

"Be in the Ball Room by seven 'oclock this evening."

As he left Zelda and Link laughed.

"Well, I guess we have no choice. How can we refuse?" laughed Link.
************************************************************
"Ah, Zelda. You'r having a grand party tonight, and after all these years you didn't invite your favorite stalker?" Dark Link said to the emptiness of Zelda's room.

"Well, no matter. Time for the surprise guest to pretty up for the party. Everything is going according to plan."

Link tugged at the collar of his pale blue dress tunic. He sighed.

"How long does it take for one woman to dress for a party?" Link asked King Harkinhan.

Harkinhan laughed and slapped him on the back.

"Get used to it, my boy. She takes after her mother." Harkinhan said with a wistful look in his eyes. Link could see a glimpse of tears.

"Does everyone dress like this in a royal party?" Link asked, indicating his dress attire.

"You do not like the attire my servants picked out for you?"

"Oh, no it's not that. It;s just that my peasant attire is a little more comfortable."

Harkinhan laughed.

"Plus, I look like an absolute dork in this!" he wanted to add.

He was wearing a pale blue dress tunic with a shiny black belt strapped around his waist with a decorative sword and a high necked white collar, and matching dress trousers with shiny, knee high, black dress boots. Since it was a formal occassion he wasn't allowed to wear a hat. That made him feel very naked and awkward. The fact that the servants washed and dressed him mad him feel even more awkward.

He crossed his arms.

"Come on, Zelda! Just pick a dress!"

Finally, the two great doors opened and Impa walked in with Zelda. Everyone in the ball room bowed. Impa did the Salute of Oath to Zelda and walked over to stand with the King's Personal Guards.

Link's heart jumped in his throat. Zelda looked absolutely ravishing! She was dressed in a pale blue, drop the shoulder, satin gown. Her hair was up in an elegant bun.

She smiled.

"Good Evening, darling. You sure look handsome tonight." she said with a mischievious grin.

"Evening, Z-Z-Zelda! You look absolutely beautiful!" Link said, flabbergasted.

Zelda laughed.

"Can you say that without your tongue hanging out?"

"M-my tongue isn't hanging out! You know how hard it would be to talk with my tongue hanging out?! It's not hanging out...is it?"

Zelda snickered.

"I was just teasing you! Would you do me the honor of giving me the first dance?"

"The honor is all mine!" Link said.

He bowed to her as she curtsied and offered her his arm, leading her to the dance floor.

"I'm next!" Harkinhan declared.

"All right, Harkinhan. But it might be a bit awkward dancing with you!" Link said with a laugh.

"Oh, Link," Harkinhan laughed.

Everyone watched as the young couple danced. Some would say, "Is that Link, Hero of Time?" or "What a pretty pair they make!"

Nobody noticed a tall hooded figure moving toward the young dancing couple. Zelda giggled with delight as Link twirled and dipped her.

"Ah, yes! What a pretty pair they make, indeed!"

Link and Zelda froze.

"We meet again, Link, Hero of Time!"

"You!" Link bellowed

"Ah, Princess Zelda! Leader of all Sages! Sage of Wisdom! Princess of Destiny! After all these years of watching you...and you don't even show your gratitude to me by inviting me to your engagement party? You cut me deep!"

"That voice!" Zelda gasped.

Impa with sword drawn approached the hooded figure.

"Who are you? How dare you speak to the Princess so! Show yourself, or you'll meet unhealthy circumstances!"

"Ah, Impa, Shadow Sage. Last remaining survivior of the Shiekah race. Do you not remember that it was your race's sharp tongue that made them meet their unfortunate demise?"

"Silence, you!" Impa order and raised her sword in a threatening stance.

The hooded man sighed.

"You'll just never learn. Will you?"

And with that he raised his hand and Impa was sent flying across the room, crashing into the wall with a loud "thud." Everyone screamed and gasped, some ran out of the ball room.

"Impa!" Zelda screamed.

"You monster!" Link shouted.

The hooded man cackled again.

"Fear not. She is not dead, but she will be if she tries another stunt like that again!"

The hooded man threw off his hood. People in the ball room gasped. Zelda almost fainted.

"Dark Link!" Link exclaimed.

"Long time, no see. Time to fulfill my promise I made to you in the Water Temple."

Link shook his head violently.

"No! Do whatever you want with me, but please, i beg of you! Dont involve Zelda!"

Dark Link laughed.

"Ah, what a Knight in Shining Armor you've become! It is not you I want! Not yet."

He raised his arms in the air. There was a loud booming sound, then a blinding flash of light. As the light cleared, Dark Link was no where in site. As Link looked around, he realized that Dark Link wasn't the only one who left.

"Zelda!"
************************************************************
"Zelda?"

Zelda was lying on a bed, unconscious. She stirred a bit at the sound of her name. She moaned.

"Zelda...darling, wake up. Open your eyes."

Zelda opened her eyes and saw a figure in pale blue clothes and blond hair. She jumped up, hugged and kissed him.

"Link! Oh thank goodness! I was so afraid. Let's get out of here!"

Link sneered at her. He pushed her back on the bed.

"I'm afraid that's not possible, Princess." he hissed.

He gave her a leering look.

"No!"

"Impa! Lady Impa! Are you all right?" Link said, kneeling by her side.

Impa groaned.

"Ugh. I'm fine, Link. Just banged up a bit."

"Can you stand?"

"I...I think so."

Link held Impa's elbows as Impa held on to his and gently pulled her to her feet.

"Thank you, Link. But what about you, are you all right?"

"Besides being P.O.ed about Dark Link taking Zelda...yeah, I'm all right."

"I feared that this was to happen. Even though Ganondorf was sent to the Evil Realm, I could still feel evil still lurking."

"Saria could feel it too. I remember last night when Saria came to my house, then she started acting very strange, screaming and crying. She said she could sense a great evil."

Impa gasped.

"That was the same night Her Majesty had her prophesy...the time has come...come with me!" Impa said, grabbing Link by the wrist and leading him to her room.

Impa walked over to her dresser and pulled out one of her drawers.

"I always keep this here for save keeping."

She pulled out an object...an instrument in the color of a familiar blue.

Link gasped.

"The Ocarina of Time!"

"The time has come for the reawakening of the Master Sword. You must use this to open the Door of Time. Please take it." Impa said, holding the ocarina out to him.

Slowly and reluctantly Link took the ocarina from Impa's hands.

"Dark Link dwells in the Shadow Temple. As a Sage of that temple I shall assist you."

"How do you know that he is hiding there?"

"I recently went over there for a visit and saw him. We fought and I ended up being banged up against the wall. Then he disappeared. I thought it was just one of the ghosts that float around the temple every now and then, but my heart tells me that it really was him."

"We've no time to waste then. Come, Impa! Have the guards ready our horses. Equip yourself well, for after we stop by the Temple of Time, we head straight to the Shadow Temple!"
************************************************************
Link looked in awe as he stepped inside the Temple of Time. He walked over to the Alter of Time. The three Spiritual Stones were still floating above it, yet the Door of Time was closed.

Seven years ago he stood at this very place, to play the song that would open the Door of Time and turn his life upside down. The Kokiri Emerald, Goron Ruby, and Zora Sappire still shone with brillance even after seven years.

Impa put her hand on Link's shoulder.

"It is time, Link, Hero of Time."

Link nodded.

He put the Ocarina of Time to his lips and played the "Song of Time." Slowly the great stone Door of Time opened, revealing a room with a sword in a pedestal.

"So much memory..." Link sighed.

"I know how much of a burden it is for you, Link but..."

"No, it's not a burden. Zelda is in trouble. And not just her, Hyrule is in peril. I will do anything for Zelda and Hyrule. Even put my life on the line."

"Then go, Hero of Time. Time to awaken the Master Sword once again."

Without hesitation Link stepped up to the pedestal and gropped the hilt of the Master Sword. With a loud grunt he pulled the Master Sword from the pedestal holding it captive.

Link could feel the power within it. How he forgot the true power of the Master Sword! He stood there for a long time just staring at this mystic sword in his grasp, imagining how he would punish Dark Link for making Zelda suffer so.

"Link?"

Link put the Master Sword at his belt.

"Our next stop, The Shadow Temple and the final confrontation with Dark Link!"

Dark Link pressed his lips against Zelda's in a fierce, hungry kiss. Zelda shuddered. Even though Dark Link made himself to look and act like Link, his touch wasn't identical. It was not gentle and loving like Link's, it was rough and cruel.

"First you and I will have some fun, then I have business to attend with the Hero of Time." he said with a leer.

"Let me go, please!"

"Not until I've had my fun."

"Why are you doing this? Let me ask you this: How did you manage to obtain the Triforce of Power?"

"Ah, trying to stall me are you? Very very clever, indeed! But very well, I shall tell you."

He released Zelda and stood by the bed.

"I made a promise to Ganondorf that if he should fail in his plan to conquer Hyrule, that I would finish his job. He laughed, he thought he was invinsible but he agreed none the less. When Ganondorf was sealed in the Evil Realm he summoned me, he told me that he would allow me to finish what he started only if once it was done that he would be ruler. I told him that i was to be ruler and he just laughed at me."

Dark Link smirked.

"I killed him! He wanted to hog all the power and not give someone else a turn to conquer. And people who want too much power deserve death."

Zelda shuddered.

"But why-"

"That's enough talk! Time to fulfill our destiny!"

Dark Link jumped on top of Zelda, pinning both of her arms above her head and pawing at her clothes with the other.

"No! No! Please!" Zelda said helplessly.

Dark Link just laughed. He continued to touch her in ways that made Zelda feel the need to bathe ten times.

Zelda brought her knee up and slammed it against his groin. Dark Link groaned but still held her firm.

"So, you like it rough, eh?"

"Somebody, help me! Please!"

"You little fool! No one can hear you. Your Knight in Shining Armor isn't here to save you now!"

He laughed.

"Get your hands off of her!"

"Huh?!"

Dark Link jerked his head up.

"Link! Impa! You've come!"

Link was holding his bow, aiming a light arrow at Dark Link as Impa was crouched in a fighting stance with sword in hand.

"Release her, Villian!" Impa ordered.

Dark Link jumped off the bed, placed his hands on his hips and laughed.

"Ah, so the Knight in Shining Armor and the Last Remaining Shiekah has returned!"

"Shut up! Step away from the bed!" Link shouted.

Dark Link smirked.

"Or what, Hero of Time? Kill me? HA! You may have defeated me easily in the Water Temple, but with the Triforce of Power in my grasp I have become more powerful than the late Ganondorf himself!"

"Link..." Zelda said fearfully.

"Get back, Dark Link! Now!"

Dark Link smiled a sly smile with a shrug.

"All right, as you wish, Hero of Time."

And he stepped away.

Link ran to the bed and embraced Zelda.

"Link! Oh, Link! Thank the Goddesses you've come!"

Zelda straightened her fumbled dress.

"He didn't...?"

"No, no he didn't but he tried to. Oh, Link i was so frightened. If you wouldn't of come he would've.."

"Shhh...it's O.K. now, darling. I will deal with him."

"Oh, how sickenly sweet!" Dark Link taunted.

"Silence, Snake!" Impa shouted.

Dark Link sighed.

"You just never learn, do you? Typical Shiekah!"

He waved his hand and Impa was sent flying against the wall, her sword crumpled to the floor. She was unconcious.

"Impa!" Zelda cried and ran to her side.

Link was trembling with anger. He saw red. Dark Link has inflicted so much suffering in others. He killed Ganondorf for the Triforce of Power, even if Ganondorf was his enemy it was still murder! He stalked Zelda, captured and tried to rape her! And he hurt Impa not once, not twice but three times.

"The time for you to stop flicting pain on others has come!"

Dark Link cackled.

"You think you can defeat me? Very well. Your ignorant courage is admireable!"

"Link! Be careful!" Zelda warned.

Link pulled his Master Sword from his belt.

"Ohhhh! What a pretty toy you have there! But it's not enough to defeat me!"

"Just cut the crap and fight!"

Dark Link laughed and raised his arms in the air. He transformed into his true self, his blood red eyes glimmed.

He pulled his sword out.

"I am ready when you are, Hero of Time!"

Link slashed his sword but it was met by Dark Links sword. Link slashed again again and once again Dark Link parried. Link did a back flip and Dark Link mimicked. Every time Link attacked Dark Link would mimick the attack.

Dark Link laughed.

"You see, Hero of Time? Your skills are useless! I am undefeatable! HAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

"HIYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAH!"

Impa had come up from behind Dark Link and slashed him at the side. It was enough impact to knock him down.

A small glittering object tumbled out of his pocket. Zelda grabbed it.

"Nooooooo!" Dark Link wailed.

"The Triforce of Power!" Zelda gasped.

"Give me that! Give it to me!" Dark Link hissed, trying to get up but Link put his foot down on Dark Link's chest to steady him.

Zelda took out the Triforce of Wisdom and put it together with the Triforce of Power.

"Link! The Triforce of Courage! Hand it over to me!"

"Nooooo!" Dark Link screamed.

"Silence!" Impa said.

"Here!" Link said as he tossed the Triforce of Courage to Zelda.

Zelda caught it and put it together with the other pieces.

"There!" she said triumpantly.

The Triforce shone with the brillant colors of red, blue, and green. It spun around and moved toward Link.

"You are a person of a pure heart. What is it you wish for?" It said.

Link looked at Dark Link and smirked. Dark Link had a terrified look on his face.

Link turned back to the Triforce.

"I wish for peace to reign on this earth for a long time!"

"Your wish is granted."

And with that the brillant colors of red, blue, and green poured out from the Triforce and into Dark Link.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!" Dark Link screamed in pain.

His body shook violently and then turned to ash.

Vanquished.

Dead.

Link, Impa, and Zelda stood there for a long time, not believing what had happened. Link walked over to Zelda, who fell on her knees from the shock.

"Zelda? Darling, are you all right?"

"Yes." Zelda said softly.

Link gently pulled her up and put his arm around her. Zelda buried her face in his chest and wept.

"How about you, Impa? Are you all right?"

"Yes, Here of Time. I had quite a beating back there a while ago, but I made up for it. Didn't I?" Impa said with a grin.

Zelda and Link laughed.

"You sure did, Impa."

"It's over, it's finally over." Zelda muttered.

"Well then, Ladies. Let's go back to the Castle for our Engagement/Celebration for peace on earth party!"

5 years later....

"Oh, Zel. She looks so perfect!" Link said to his wife, Zelda.

Zelda had just given birth to thier first child, a healthy baby girl.

"She looks so much like you. No wonder she looks so perfect!" Zelda said giving Link a kiss on the cheek.

Zelda squeezed the baby's tiny hand.

"Welcome, little one. We've been waiting for you to come into the world." Zelda cooed.

"And Mommy and Daddy sure had fun bringing you into the world." Link said, giving Zelda a wink.

Zelda playfully slapped Link on the shoulder.

"Stop that!" she said, blushing and giggling.

Link chuckled.

"So Zel, what do you think that next week...when your feeling up to it, we could pretend we are newlyweds again?" Link said winking.

Zelda blushed.

"Well, maybe.."

Impa walked in from the door, along with King Harkinhan.

"Where is she? Where is my granddaughter?" Harkinhan said excitedly.

Impa playfully punched him.

"Never mind that! Where is my Goddaughter?"

"She's right here, guys." Link said, waving them over.

They gasped in awe at the child.

"Oh, she's beautiful!" Impa breathed.

"Of course she's beautiful! She's related to me!" Harkinhan said.

That brought in peels of laughter from everyone in the room.

"Look, Impa. She's a female version of Link! She has his little nose and eyes." Zelda sighed.

Impa hugged Zelda and Link.

"Congratulations you two!" Impa said.

"So, have you two come up with a name?" Harkinhan asked.

"We sure did! Go ahead, honey. Tell them." Link said, looking lovingly into Zelda's eyes.

"Father, Impa, we named her 'Lilliana.' Does it suit her?"

Impa and Harkinhan with tears of joy in their eyes said, "That's perfect!"

It would be another two years before Link and Zelda would have another child. A boy, bearing a strong resemblance to Zelda, named Silas.

For many years Link and Zelda reigned as the King and Queen of Hyrule and became known throughout Hylian history as one ot the greatest royals to ever rule.

Link and Zelda would die on the same day, but two years before their death at the age of one hundred, Zelda had her last prophetic dream. She dreamed that there was dark cloulds overshadowing all of Hyrule, symbolizing that a great evil will take place after they are gone. But then through the darkening clouds there was a faint beam of light shining through, symbolizing that another hope, a hero will rise again to defend Hyrule.

On the day that Zelda and Link died, two important births will take place. The first in Hyrule Castle by Link and Zelda's great granddaughter, Liola and her husband Henry. They named her Zelda, Future Princess of Destiny.

The second birth would take place in a small village by a farmer and his wife, they named him Link, The Destined Hero of Hyrule.

The End