style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>By: Midnightkey267

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style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:yellow'>Prologue: The birth...

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Before
life began, before the world had form, three golden goddesses descended upon
the chaotic land of Hyrule. They were Din, the Goddess of Power, Nayru, the
Goddess of Wisdom, and Farore, the Goddess of Courage.

Din, with
her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land to create the earth. Nayru poured
her wisdom onto the earth to give the spirit of law to the world. Farore with
her rich soul created all life forms who would uphold this law.

These
three great goddesses returned to the heavens, leaving behind the golden sacred
Triforce. Since then, the Triforce has become the basis for Hyrule's
providence. Where the Triforce stood became the Sacred Realm, Golden Land of
the Goddesses.

At the
exact point where the three goddesses left Hyrule and entered the heavens, they
left behind the three mystical golden triangles. Together these three triangles
came to be known as the holy Triforce. The three essential parts of the
Triforce are the Triforce of Power, the Triforce of Wisdom, and the Triforce of
Courage. As a whole, the Triforce has the power to grant the wishes of the one
who touches it. However, the means of how Triforce grants these wishes are
based on the reflection of that one’s heart. If one pure of heart touches it
with all three essences in balance, the world would enter a golden age. If one
with an evil heart touches it without all three in balance, disaster will
strike. So when Ganon finally seized control over the Triforce, it reflected
what was in his heart and turned the Golden Land into the Dark World...

            Tonight was not a
normal, quiet one for Link and Zelda, tonight was a bit different from the new
lifestyle they had grown accustom to. At Hyrule Castle, stronghold of the elves
she lied there in labor, Zelda was about to give birth to another child. Link
was not there to support her at that very moment and she was becoming very
frustrated. The entire time she was constantly thinking...Link, where in all
of damnation are you!!! “Oh dear Goddesses, I think he’s coming.” the pain
filled queen expressed.

            “Okay Zel...
just...push and breath, come on.” said Krysal who had grown to be one of
Zelda’s heartfelt friends.

            “Thank
you...for...being...here...unlike some...other people who shall not be named.”
Zelda stressed in between breathes.

            “Where could Link be?
And to think you’d expect him to be here-” she was cut off by Zelda grabbing
her hand and squeezing it... tightly. “...Ow...” Krysal finally let out
“damn...you...Link.” she muttered under her breath.

            Off somewhere in
Hyrule Field a company of six riders could be spotted racing across the flat
terrain and not much farther behind them a pack of wolfos were hot on pursuit. There
won’t enough time to raise the drawbridge without leading those wolfos into the
city the lead rider thought to himself. He then came up with an idea. “Okay
men at about 1200 feet reverse into uni-delta position and stead fast, when the
enemy is about 600 feet away, ride head-on drawing your sword to your left and
as the enemy rides near bring your sword upright killing it instantly!” The
leader yelled, as if he were a sergeant. “Immediately after riding past the
pack, withdraw from your horse and kill the rest, leave none alive!!” And with
that the crew of men did just as they were told and readied themselves for
position. As the pack of infuriated wolfos gained speed the six riders began to
ride head on with the pack. “Watch your legs, that is what they will aim for!”
The lead rider said, telling his men to check there leg armor, even though he
wore no armor, only a green tunic and some black boots. They kept heading
onward Ready... 3, 2, 1 “Attack!!!” were the leader’s word as they
clashed violently with the wolfos. All six riders brought their swords upward
with a strong thrust. After riding past the pack which had been cut in half,
the six men got off their horses and ran toward the rest of the pack. Each
knight took on one of the six wolfos and after two had fallen, the remaining
four tried to flee, when all six of the men circled around them and pinned them
with their swords. Closing in on the wolfos, it looked like they would die
easily when one of the wolfos ducked and slashed at the leaders’ legs, the
leader managed to get one leg out of the way but the other was not spared. He
fell on the ground and dropped his sword.

            “Link!” yelled one of
the knights named Scot. Scot was your typical Hylian, brown hair, green eyes;
he had the same build as Link just a bit taller. With this opportunity the
wolfos broke free out of the concealing circle and scattered. Scot tried to get
to Link, but a wolfos prevented him form getting any further. He began to work
at killing the fiend. Over back to Link, while on the ground one of his fellow
knights tried to aid him when a fifth wolfos jumped out of nowhere and pounced
on the knight, knocking him out. Three more wolfos came running down the field
toward the party of knights.

            “They have
reinforcements!” Link yelled sitting up on the ground. He shouldn’t have done
this, because now he had brought attention to himself. Oh shit he
thought to himself. Then one of the sprinting wolfos stopped and pinned
down Link, gnarling in his face. “Woo,” he remarked “that doesn’t smell all
that great” he joked, but Link was notorious for laughing in the face of death.
Just then Scot threw his sword at the fiend’s back. Even though he killed it,
it fell on top of Link, forcing him to stay down.

            “Your welcome!” Scot
yelled, fist fighting with a nearby wolfos.

            “I wasn’t going to say
thank you!” Link joked, trying to get the dead wolfos off him, when another
came over to him and tried to bite his face. Link countered and socked it hard
in the nose, and in the next second broke its neck. It also toppled on Link
making the weight increase. Link moaned in pain, and was forced to smell the
god-awful stench of both wolfos. “Well, I guess none of you bathe then.”

            While Scott was
fighting one of the wolfos with his fists, he was scanning the field for a
sword. It’s a good thing I wore those brass knuckles today, he said to
himself as he ducked a slash from the wolfos and gave it an uppercut to the
gut. After stunning the beast he grabbed the sword that was lying next to the
unconscious knight and him and the other three knights began hacking at the
rest of the wolfos.

After
Scot had slain the last of the wolfos, he went over to Link and got the dead
fiends off him. “If you had taken any longer-” Link got cut off by Scot.

            “Shut up, shut up”
Scot shot back. “We have to get Farg`en back to the castle and we have to see
your baby boy.”

            “How do you think
it’s going to be a boy?”

            “Well all your others
are boys so I thought...”

            “Yeah well I hope
it’s a girl this time...” Link started “Well either way as long as the baby’s
healthy”

            “You’re right. Oh by
the way which one will be the heir to the throne, I mean I’m pretty sure which
ever kid it is they’re all going to be blasting at each other.”

            “I think this baby
will be. Either future King or Queen of Hyrule.”

            “Why this baby?”

            “Because this baby
won’t have any ‘magical’ enhancements, so I thought it would be fair. Zelda
didn’t almost drown or get burned or get crushed by a boulder or
read minds or any other crazy stuff when pregnant with this child.” Link
answered. He remembered that thoroughly, when Zelda was pregnant with their son
Onua. He must have been thinking something and she got offended and didn’t talk
to him for a week.

            “Ohh” Scot replied.
“Well let’s hurry up and get there... you sure your leg’s okay?”

            “Yeah it just needs
some bandaging.”

            Back at the castle
Zelda was sitting there pushing, moaning and breathing still cursing a blue
streak at Link when Malon walked in. The red head still looked the same as when
she was seventeen, except her hair was pulled back, almost like Zelda’s but her
hair was out not up it a bun. “I went to the watch tower and Link and the
others are headed here now. They just had an encounter with a pack of wolfos.”
she told them.

            “Where?” the queen
asked gritting though her teeth, almost in anger.

            “Just some yards
outside the castle gates.” she replied.

            “Was anyone hurt...
like Link?” Zelda asked still breathing in and out.

            “Yeah he got slashed
at and he cut his leg, and another soldier was knocked uncon-” Malon was cut
off.

            “Ha! Serves him right
for not being here.” Zelda interrupted, now squeezing Krystal’s hand even
harder.

            “Uh.... Zelda?”
Krystal hissed.

            “Not now Krystal”
Zelda said.

            “You should be
breathing.” Krystal said through her shut teeth trying not to lose it.

“A-T-H-M”
Malon expressed very very clearly.

            “Oh... you were
saying?” Zelda asked.

            “Yes, someone was
knocked unconscious...” Malon said finishing her sentence.

            “Oh... who?” Zelda
asked concerned.

            “I dunno, but they’re
all on their way now.” Malon responded.

Just then a man clad in green
burst through the doors, it was Link. “Why hello your highness” Malon
said sarcastically.

            “Ha ha... you’re not
funny; your boyfriend’s waiting for you outside.” Link said.

            “Whatever fairy
boy.” Malon replied, referring to their childhood days when they first met.
She walked out into the hall and greeted Scot with a long passionate kiss
knowing everyone could see them thought the window.

            “Get-a-room!” Link
said jokily through the glass to the two love birds as he limped over to his
wife.

            “Okay I’ll talk to
you after all this is over Zel... I’d say you two need to talk.” Krystal
said giving Zelda a smile and walking away. As for Link she didn’t give him
such a welcoming look.

            “Hi... Krystal?” he
said nervously as she glared at him.

She gave him no response, just
showing him her red numbing hand. “I’ll get you for this.” she hissed, and Link
knowing her since they were kids knew she meant it.

            “Nice to see you too
Krystal...” he said gently. He turned toward his wife. “Zel?” he said
cautiously.

            “And you weren’t here
for what reason?” she asked him.

            “You don’t see my
current situation?” he asked her.

            “And you don’t see
mine!” she yelled at him.

There was a long silence and they
both stared into each other’s royal blue eyes. “I love you Zel...” Link said
breaking the silence.

            “I love you too
Link.” she said forgiving him.

“You
know, I’ve been trying to come up with some names...”

            “I don’t think we
should name the baby until we see him.”

            “You think it’ll be a
boy too?”

            “I’d be surprised if
it wasn-” she started breathing deeply again and took Link hand and squeezed
it. Link curled up his face in pain and understood why Krystal was so mad at
him. And through the window to the hall, Malon and Scot had their faces pressed
against the glass and Krystal was laughing hysterically at Link’s face. “This
is it this baby’s coming out... NOW!!!” she screamed. Just then the doctor came
to Zelda’s aid and began the procedure.

            “Okay Zelda now push”
the doctor said. Zelda did so and as she did the chandelier hanging from the
ceiling began to glow and it became a great ball of light. Link and all the
others except Zelda and the doctor began staring it, it was almost hypnotizing.
“Alright Zelda now one big push!” the doctor yelled.

            “AAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Zelda screamed and the great ball of light moved outward until it disappeared.
The doctor took the newborn boy, cut the cord and cleaned him up and
gave him to his mother. Zelda let go of Link’s hand and he shook it out... with
Krystal laughing again at his misfortune. Link sat on the bed next to his wife
and newborn son.

            “Another boy,” he
said laughing “Well that makes I believe eight, eight little rascals.”

Zelda moved her son’s dirty
blonde hair away from his crying face. Scot, Malon and Krystal ran in to see
the baby. “Oh he’s so cute!” she said in a baby voice.

            “He looks just like
you Link.” Scot replied.

            “Yes, he does doesn’t
he?” Malon cut in.

Just then the little baby boy
opened his eyes and shocked Zelda “Look at his eyes... they’re cerulean.” she
said attracting everyone else’s attention.

            “Well what are you
going to name him?” Link said asking the obvious question. There was a long
silence when finally, Zelda broke it.

            “I’ve got it!” she
exclaimed “We shall name him after one of Hyrule’s greatest rulers... since he
too will be a great ruler.”

            “Who... Me?”

            “No not you Link...
sometimes you’re too conceded. His name will be...

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            It was a beautiful
afternoon at Hyrule Castle... well maybe for a young princess or most royalty,
but a young warrior was situated in the castle courtyard, training. The warrior
stood still, with his blade fixed in front of his face, he looked about nine or
so. Sweat beaded down his face as he concentrated. Then he moved his dirty
blonde hair from in front of his closed eyes, and he was completely still. Then
a rustling came from the bushes near by. The young warrior opened his deep
cerulean blue eyes and fixed them upon the bush. He then closed his eyes and waited.
Then someone clad in red ran from the bushed faster than the eye can see. The
young warrior moved back as fast as he could and dodged the blow from this
unknown character, then brought his sword down as fast as he possibly could in
an attempt to hit the target, but with some amazing speed the target moved and
tripped him. “You’ve got to be faster than that if you want to even think about
hitting Me.” said a young man in a red vest and baggy sweat pants.

            “That isn’t fair
Tahu, you’re faster than most people alive.” the other said getting up off the
ground.

            “Yeah... so? There
are still some that are close to my speed Zin.” he said to younger brother.

“Well
that’s what your here for” he said, trying to meditate again.

            “Ha ha your so
funny...” he said sarcastically “so how you been?” he asked.

            “You just saw me
yesterda- well now that asked I was...” he was searching for the words, trying
to make a joke “fine before you got here.”

            “Oh well excuse
me” he said zooming away.

            “What you have to do
for a little piece and quiet around here...” Zin muttered to himself. Then as
if to spite him a man walked out into the courtyard with some books in his
hand, he was fairly tall and his attitude was very somber. Zin sheathed his
sword and looked at him as he approached. “Yes Dr. Mantel?” he said to the man
who was one his teachers. The man took his glasses from around his neck and
placed them on the tip of his nose. He opened one of the books he carried.

            “Yes um... you have
not finished your work.” he finally said.

            “Yeah but-” he tried
to defend himself. He was always doing written work and barely had time away
from his books.

            “No buts, your mother
says she wants you to complete it,” he said “now follow me.”

            “Give em a break
Eric, I’ll talk to Zelda.” said Link stepping from the shadows.

            “Yes but the queen
says-” he tried to speak.

            “Don’t worry I’ll
talk to her... Now you go ahead take a break for once, you’re always working
yourself to death.” Link told him.

            “Yes sire.” he said bowing
and then walked away.

            “Dad?” he asked.

            “Yeah I’m here to
meditate with you...” he responded.

            “But I though you had
a meeting...” he said surprised.

            “It was canceled,
thank the goddesses” he said relieved. Even though he was the king he dressed
like an ordinary person, besides the cape that draped along his right shoulder
indicating he was royalty. He wore a black tunic, but not a hat like he used to
when he was younger. Link’s hair was slicked back, but fell in front of his
face in a matter of time. “I thought I should spend some time with you before
me and your mother left tonight.”

            “Where are you
going?” Zin asked.

            “I’m taking her to a
secret place in the forest so we can watch the sunset.” Link said.

            “Eww... too much
info.” Zin said jokily. Link responded by pushing his son. Zin fell but got
back up and pushed his father. Link stumbled and pinned his son to ground and
then Zin caught him off guard and grabbed his legs bringing Link to the ground
as well. They both lied on the ground and started laughing. Then they lied
there for a while in silence and looked up at the clouds that danced across the
colorful sky like a rainbow, lost and trying to find its way.  

            “Well I better go
before your mother bites my head off.” he said getting up. Zin sat up.

            “Don’t be surprised
if you come back and the castle is in ruins.” he joked.

            “I know what you
mean, but don’t worry I left Matinu in charge, so hopefully there won’t be any
catastrophes.” he said laughing. He then walked away, out of the courtyard. Zin
lied back on the plush grass and stared at the sky. After a while Zin got up
and went in the castle which was spotless as usual. Zin jumped when something
zoomed down the hall, he noticed it was only his brother Tahu from earlier
today. He was the 6TH born of all 9 children that lived in the
castle. Tahu had the elemental enhancement of fire. He could manipulate as well
as conger the great power of flame, another one of his many abilities is super
speed due to the power of fire. He was 10 years old. Tahu then zoomed back down
the other and started screaming.

            “I’m free, I’m
free!!” he exclaimed very well.

            “Oookaaay...” Zin
said almost freaked. He continued down the hall until he heard ocarina music,
it was his 2ND oldest brother Kopaka. This 14 year old didn’t have a
specific power but he could almost alter time, was the smartest of all of his
brothers and was very well trained in the martial arts. Not to mention the fact
that he was extremely well at playing the ocarina and was the future protector
of the Temple and Ocarina of Time. Zin walked in his room which was fairly
large, besides the semi-huge training arena and walked to the bed and sat next
to his brother. Kopaka wore a white vest, headband and sweatpants, and his eyes
were an icy blue.

            “Hey bro...” he said
stopping the notes of the mythical Ocarina of Time.

            “Whoa... mom and dad
actually let you play that?” Zin asked.

            “Shh...” he whispered
“someone might hear you... well actually since mom and dad were gone I thought
this could be my chance.”

            “For what?” Zin
asked.

            “To play the Ocarina
of Time... it’s been a while since I played it.” Kopaka explained.

            “Well don’t you thing
somebody will hear you with you playing it?” Zin asked.

            “Of course but it’s
not like anyone will come in here to see which ocarina I’m playing.” Kopaka
said.

            “You’re right.” Zin
said, “Where are the others?” he asked.

            “Probably off some
where in the castle ready to throw a house party... I’ll have nothing to do
with that.” Kopaka said, and with that he went back to playing his tune. Zin
walked out and went to his brother Gali’s room to see what he was doing, Gali
was the 5TH oldest and was a very unique 11 year old, he had all the
attributes of a Zora but looked like Hylian. His room was even more amazing; it
looked like a minuscule Zora’s Domain. There were rocks sticking out the wall
but with water falls coming out of them, with all of them leading down thin
streams to a medium sized pool in the middle of the room. It was about 11 or 12
feet deep. Zin didn’t know how the room got this way; it was like that all his
life. Just then Gali popped up out the water, wetting Zin the process.

            “What do you want?”
he asked, not so welcomingly. He was dressed like all his other brothers but
his outfit was a royal blue, and he wasn’t wearing his vest.

            “I just wanted to
know where Lewa, Onua and Pohatu were.” he said, “Have you seen them?”

            Gali stared at Zin
for a second and then said, “Go look for them yourself... they’re downstairs
somewhere and were talking about some party they were going to throw.” And with
that he dived back underwater and evaporated. Zin walked out of his room and
started on his way down stairs. He still to this very day didn’t understand way
Gali didn’t like him, Zin had done nothing to deserve the treatment Gali gave
him. When Zin made his way down to the grand hall it sounded more like a
tavern, some band was playing music and Zin could hear there were people...
lots of them. Those three are in trouble. Zin thought to himself. Zin
noticed that some of the servants were trying to enter the hall, which was now
clouded by darkness but were stopped by some invisible force. “Onua...” Zin
said to himself. Zin walked to the force field and called to his brother. He
received a telepathic message from him.

            “Go AWAY!”
Onua said empathically annoyed.

            “It’s me Zin.”
he thought back

            “Oh hey Zin...
wait a minute I’ll let you in.” Onua thought. Just then Zin was teleported
into the giant bubble of black vapors. He could see though, and there were
different colored candles flickering in the chandelier... brightly. He looked
and saw alot of people below the raised table dancing... like animals and
noticed the band that was producing the loud music across the room on another
floating table. Then Zin turned around to see his brother Onua staring him dead
in the face. Zin, completely shocked, backed up until he fell off the table,
but instead of pummeling to the ground he was floating in midair; Onua was
levitating him. “You really ought to be more careful Zin.” he said using his
telekinetic powers to bring Zin back on the table.

            “And you really ought
to stop sneaking up on people like that.” Zin said facing his brother Onua, who
had the strange power to read others thoughts and contact them with it. He also
had telekinetic powers to levitate and teleport objects and himself over short
distances. He was 12 and the 4TH oldest.

            “Well what do think?”
asked Pohatu, who had the immense strength of about 5 men! He also had the
power to transfigure himself into any thing or anyone he touched. He was 13 and
the 3TH oldest.

            “About what?” Zin
asked.

            “About what...” he
said laughing “the party stupid!”

            “Oh... well” Zin started
“Good luck with trying to pull this off without mom and dad finding out.” he
said.

            “Don’t worry we’ve
got a plan.” Lewa the 7TH oldest who is 9 said. He unlike the rest
of them had a guardian fairy named Nuary, who glowed green. He also had the power
to summon the earth and forest animals to his aid. Lewa like the rest of his
brothers wore a green vest, headband and sweatpants, Onua wore purple and
Pohatu wore a browned orange.

            “Okay... where did
all the people come from?” Zin asked.

            “Oh just friends,
Onua teleported them here.” Pohatu explained.

            “And the band?” Zin
asked.

            “Well they were in
town so Onua teleported them here and we offered them 2000 rupees to play here
for a while.” Lewa explained. “Then he created a force field and covered it with
black vapors, and... vuala! You have a party.”

            “Ok... well can you
put me out now?” Zin asked.

            “You won’t tell
anybody, now will you?” Pohatu asked.

            “My lips are sealed.”
Zin said, and with that Onua levitated Zin once again and he began to move out
toward the force field, which would let thing out but not in. He was teleported
up the stairs away from the crowd of servants trying to enter. At that moment
Matinu the oldest of them all who wore a yellow vest, headband and sweatpants
came to the stairs. He looked down at Zin and messed up his crazy blonde hair
even more.

            “Hey little bro...”
he said moving his blonde hair from in front of his face. Zin looked back up at
the tall 15 year old and into his hazel-yellow eyes.

            “Hey Matinu.” Zin
said back.

            “Have you seen Lewa,
Onua and... P o h a t u?” he asked slowly as he looked toward the grand hall
and saw nothing but blackness coming from the big dining room. “What is that?”
he asked himself more than Zin. Zin just shrugged his shoulders and looked toward
the darkness. Matinu then noticed what had produced it and his expression
became one of anger. “ONUA!!!!!!” he screamed. Matinu then, also with super
speed, zoomed down the stairs and examined the dark bubble. Then a little girl
came to the stairs and rushed next to Zin, it was the youngest of all of Link
and Zelda’s children and also the only girl; Nyra Princess of Hyrule. She, like
Zin had no magical enhancements and was 7 years old.

            “What is Mattie
doing?” she asked.

            “He’s trying to get
to Onua.” he explained to her.

            “Well where is he, I
don’t see him.” she said. Zin responded by directing his pointed finger to the
dark bubble.

            “In that big black
shell...”

            “Oh... well he’s
going to be in trouble.” she said.

Matinu had examined the dark
bubble and figured out how to crack it. He began to float up in midair, other
than Onua he was the only other one who could fly. He lifted his hands and a
ball of light grew in them, it grew larger and larger until he was satisfied
and threw it toward the dark shell. It began to crack slowly and then
shattered, the dark vapors then descended to the ground revealing what was
within. Everyone within the hall froze instantly and looked up at Matinu
floating in mid-air. Then everyone began to scream and run. Onua concentrated
hard and teleported everyone outside... including the band.

            “But what about our
pay-” the lead singer tried to blurt out, but was teleported outside.

            “Well that takes care
of our money problems...” Pohatu joked.

            “Onua put everything
back... NOW!!” Matinu yelled. Onua, with his telekinetic abilities moved
everything back to its original state, and all three brothers Pohatu, Lewa and
Onua were forced to face the wraith of their older brother.  

            “They are going to be
in trouble when mom and dad get back...” Nyra said to Zin who had disappeared.
“Zin? Oh well.”

            “Go now you fool,
this is your chance... and if you fail me Shuirti you know what’s next...” spoke
an evil voice to a Gerudo Thief hidden within the shadows of the castle
courtyard. “Yes master.” she said to the voice. She saw the young prince Zin
her next victim through the library window. She began her way up to her
destination and the final piece of the ultimate plot. After slipping past the
guards, which was much too easy she readied herself to use her invisibility
spell. “If the Triforce was here, it would have stolen by now...”she said to
herself camouflaged with the walls and floor. Just then Tahu came zooming down
the hall and then stopped.

            I would have sworn
I sensed something he thought to himself. But as he advanced toward his
target his thoughts stopped and so did all his functions, he fell to floor and
his vision went black.

            That was too
close... I could have been spotted... maybe sneaking around this castle was
more complicated than I first anticipated, but alas I must complete my mission.
The Gerudo Thief thought to herself as she dragged the body of Tahu to the
nearest closet... she then continued on her way to the library, cloaked with
invisibility. When finally she made her way to the library and was in awe at
how big it was. This place is gigantic; I hope I find him... soon. She
thought to herself as she began searching for Zin. She finally spotted him and
when he went to go get another book she took out the artifact that would bring
along his family’s destruction; the cursed Ubine Crystal. The bright gem
illuminated an orange-blue mist inside its walls. She set it on the table and
ran away from any detection, still peering from behind a bookshelf. I must
make sure he breaks it... but how? She thought to herself.   

            Zin had come to the
library with many thoughts. He wanted to know if anyone else in Hyrulian
History ever had such a divine piece of jewelry such as the one he wore. The
small golden emblem of the Triforce, attached to the sterling silver chain,
gave Zin this driving ambition to triumph over his hardships; both mental and
physical. When Zin found the right book he came back to the table and was about
to set it down, but stopped when he noticed he almost set it a crystal that
somehow appeared there. He put down the book, picked up the crystal and began
to examine it; he had never seen anything like it before in his life. It had a
strange eerie orange-blue glow about it and sent chills down his spine, but
curiosity got the best of him. He walked out the library and headed toward the
dining hall. Matinu would know what it was.

            How, how, how...
How to I get him to break it? Shuirti thought to herself. She was still in
her stealth-like mode roaming the halls of the castle; servants passed her
without any recognition. Wow they really aren’t that bright are they?
Just then she saw Matinu turn the corner, she ran down a few halls around
another corner to see Zin was there. She stood there, it would be less than a
minute before they found each other and if that happened then she would be...
done. What to do, WHAT TO DO! She thought frantically, and then she
caught herself. A Gerudo does not panic like this... I must calm myself...
I’ve got it! She then went to the corner Matinu would be turning soon...
then she called out to him as if she were Zin. “Matinu,” she called out in a
weak voice much like Zin’s “help me...” She then stood against the wall and
watched as he ran right pass her and around the corner, she carefully followed.
His high panic must have clouded his abilities to sense her.

            “Zin! Where are
you?!” he screamed. He was about to approach Zin when he turned the next
corner.

            Zin continued to look
into the crystal... almost hypnotized by its gaze, not hearing his brother’s
call, when he was put out of the trance by a loud call. “ZIN!!!” Matinu
screamed at the top of his lungs. Zin suddenly hearing the loud call was
startled and his hands let go of the crystal.

            Yes it’s working
Shuirti thought as she saw the crystal pummel to the floor. Then she saw
Matinu, who recognized the crystal; dive for it, she put her foot out causing
him to fall.

            Zin saw the crystal
dropping and he grabbed for it and missed. It was all in slow motion as he saw
the crystal fall to the floor. Matinu again made another quick dive for the
crystal using his super speed. He had almost reached the crystal when the last
thing he saw was the crystal breaking to pieces; he was too late, they were
doomed. He got up and saw the shards of glass spread on the floor. “Oh no...”
he muttered as he saw the mist from the gem circle Zin and then spread in every
direction. Matinu tried to run from the mist, but to no prevail. He was
engulfed by it and fell to ground powerless. “What have I done...” he muttered,
“what have I done?” he asked closing his eyes letting darkness overtake him.

            Perfection! I have
succeeded. Master will be pleased... The Gerudo Thief thought to herself as
she made her escape. She was soon out into Hyrule Field, where she saw the
chariot that held Link and Zelda. What drama they will have to deal with
when they get home. After the chariot passed she undid the spell that had
cloaked her with invisibility and headed west; toward the desert...

style='color:yellow'>~Back at the castle~

            Gali was still
swimming in his room when all of a sudden he breathed in water, but strangely
it went to lungs. Panicking, he breathed in more water and began choke, he
strangled for the surface. When he made it up to the air, he got out and went
to a rock when he noticed his body was glowing. “What the...”

            Tahu was zooming
around the castle when he began closing to Kopaka’s room, but as he ran there
he noticed he slowed down greatly, he ran at his top speed, but he still was
slow. He stopped at Kopaka’s room when he noticed his body was glowing. As he
peered into the room he noticed Kopaka was glowing too. “This has got to bad
Tahu...” Kopaka said acknowledging Tahu was there.

            “Yeah your right...
it must” he replied.

style='color:yellow'>~Back at the dining hall with Lewa, Pohatu and Onua~

            “How did our party
get crashed and we got in trouble?” Onua asked levitating a knife above his
head constantly throwing it against the wall.

            “Maybe because
someone’s telekinetic abilities weren't strong enough” Pohatu said, mainly to
Onua.

            “Whose idea was it to
throw the party in the place?” said Onua strongly toward Pohatu. Then they both
began to bicker with one another. Just then Lewa burst in the conversation.

            “Will you two stop
arguing? We should be grateful that Matinu is letting us of the hook.” he said
getting his point across.

            “Yeah, he’s right, we
should be grateful...” Pohatu said.

            “Okay I’ll stop
arguing” Onua said. He was going to put the knife down, but before that
happened it began to fall-toward him. He conjured up his powers and threw it
against the wall. “What going on?” Onua asked trying to levitate a nearby
chair, finding it very hard to accomplish. Then all three of them noticed that
they began to glow...

            Who knows what I
unleashed, why couldn’t I catch that crystal? Why? Now I don’t know if I’m
going to survive. How did Zin get a Ubine Crystal in the first place?
Matinu’s mind was racing with thoughts when he finally noticed he could get up.
As he did he walked over to Zin who was in total shock and just stared at him
with a dropped jaw. He wondered what was wrong when he noticed Zin was no
longer looking up at him... they were the same height. Matinu looked at his
hands and was surprised how child-like they looked. “No it can’t be...” he said
in horror. He ran to a bathroom, looked in a mirror and all his horrors were
realized... he was eight years old- again. As he ran back to where Zin was he
saw all of them standing there, looking the exact same way. They were all
eight, including Nyra.

            “How did this happen
Matinu?” Gali asked on the verge of tears.

            “We don’t have all of
our abilities.” Onua said.

            “That crystal, it
must have...”

style='color:yellow'>~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~/~

            “... had the curse
that makes one’s siblings become of the same age.” Link said reading from a
book out of the library “Yep that’s what the book says...” Link stated. “This
curse will be upon you all except for Zin as long as you all shall live. What
are we going to do about this?”

            “Well I don’t know
about you but I think this is great.” Nyra said happily.

            “Yeah... for you,
because you become a year older, while we all get younger, or at least look
younger.” Lewa said.

            “Is there any way we
can reverse the effect?” Pohatu asked looking at his former state.

            “No it’s permanent; I
think only an object as strong as the Triforce itself can break it.” Link
replied.

            “Who do you think is
responsible for this?” Matinu asked.

            “Apparently someone
who wields great power...” Zelda said walking in the library looking out the
window into the night sky. “They are not to be underestimated.”

            “Why did this have to
happen?” Zin asked, saddened.

            “Don’t worry Zin it’s
not your fault, you didn’t know what the crystal would do, and you did the
right thing trying to go ask Matinu.” Kopaka said putting a supportive arm
around his little brother.

            He did the right
thing?! He did the right thing turning me into this? He did the right thing and
it’s not his fault?! Now because of him and his mistake I must suffer, I was
gaining so much experience with my powers, I was so advanced with them, and now
I can barely breathe underwater. Damn you Zin, damn you and all the hell you’ve
put me through! Gali angrily thought to himself. He then stormed out of the
colossal room.

            “What’s his problem?”
Nyra asked in her new body.

            “He’s probably mad
over everything that’s happening.” Link stated.

            Oh like you won’t
believe dad, like you won’t believe... Onua thought worried. He heard
Gali’s angry thoughts and figured he would go talk to him later.

            “Well it doesn’t
really matter to me,” Lewa said, putting an arm around Zin “it only brings me
back a year, no big difference.”

            “Yeah, same hear. I
can always regain my speed.” Tahu said.

            “Plus look on the
bright side, we can train ourselves even better, and extend our powers even
further from where we left off.” Matinu said. He went and hugged Zin. Zin
lightened up and smiled.

            “Go off to bed now.”
Zelda said to her children. “I love you all... sleep well” she muttered.

style='color:yellow'>*Later on that night Link and Zelda were still up talking
after all other had fallen asleep*

            “Link don’t you think
now would be a good time to tell them?” Zelda asked.

            “No, I don’t won’t
any of them... especially Zin to go through what I did,” Link replied, “no one
should have to carry such a burden, as I did on their shoulders.”

            “But don’t you think
they will find out eventually?” she asked.

            “No, not as long as
the Door of Time stays sealed and everything concealed within a secret.” he
explained.

            “Fine... who do think
is responsible for this? Ganondorf?” she asked shuttering at his name.

            “That’s impossible,
he’s sealed away... for good.”

            “Are you sure the
dark dimension can conceal his power?”

            “Now that the
Triforce of Power has been extracted- yes it will hold him.”

            “Might we have
another enemy?”

            “I’d hope not.”

            “Me too... Good night
Link.”

            “Night Zel...” Link
put out the candle and they fell asleep...

            I’ve been having
these weird dreams lately... like is any of this for real or not? I wonder...
Zin was there in the Temple of Time, in his night clothes. The seats to the
church were empty until... people began to appear. They started popping up like
daisies. Fortunately none of them could see him. He walked to the front alter
and saw a cradle; he looked inside and saw a baby boy... Zin felt like he had
seen him somewhere before, and then he realized it was him. He went to go pick
himself up when his hands passed right through. “Oh yeah I forgot... I’m not
real here.” Then Link popped up beside him, Zelda soon followed. They picked up
the baby. Then out of nowhere all of his brothers popped up to look at his
former self. After a moment appeared three orbs of light; one red, one blue,
and one green. They manifest into the three Goddesses of the Triforce. There
stood Din; Goddess of Power, Nayru; Goddess of Wisdom, and Farore; Goddess of
Courage. Everyone turned to them and froze. Zin wondering what had happened
looked at the Goddesses and saw Nayru had her hands up- she had frozen time.
Then everyone disappeared; leaving only Zin, the Goddesses and the whiteness
around them as far the eye could see. The Goddesses turned toward Zin and
walked over to him. Zin looked down and noticed his necklace wasn’t there; the
necklace they gave him wasn’t there.

            “Don’t speak Zin, I
know that you worry, but don’t... everything will be alright.” said Nayru.

            “But why did this
happen?” Zin asked.

            “Everything happens
for a reason...” said Farore.

            “You’ll soon find out
why this happened... You can make it through this, we know you can, which is
why we gave you this...” said Din putting up her hands, followed by Nayru and
Farore.

            “Courage!” Farore
shouted.

            “Wisdom!” Nayru
shouted.

            “Power!” Din shouted.
Then the Triforce appeared in front of Zin, but smaller. It was put on a
sterling silver chain and then appeared around his neck. “Good bye Zin... and
use it well...” Din said as all three Goddesses disappeared. Zin looked at his
necklace and then the cradle that held his former self in it appeared.

            “Use it well... remember
that.” Zin said to himself. Then the baby started laughing. “Hey little guy,”
he said letting the baby hold his finger, “hey...” Then the necklace started to
glow until Zin’s vision went white and all disappeared...

            “Wha-” Zin said
waking up out of bed. Was that a dream... or a message? I wonder... 

style='color:yellow'> 

style='color:yellow'>The greatest loss is the loss of someone who you care for,

style='color:yellow'>someone who is loved and loves in return.

style='color:yellow'>Someone who has been there for you and you for them.

style='color:yellow'>Caring but fining,

style='color:yellow'>firm yet glib.

style='color:yellow'>They find you more important than this whole world,

style='color:yellow'> and yet are not appreciated until they are gone.

style='color:yellow'>They love you with as much as their heart can give,

style='color:yellow'>and yet you push them away.

style='color:yellow'>The greatest loss is the loss of a loved one...

style='color:yellow'> 

            Zin again was sitting
within the castle courtyard, his eyes blindfolded, and his ubiquitous strands
of blonde hair rustling though the gentle breeze that blew all throughout the
courtyard. He stood up and drew his sword. Just then 5 fireballs jetted out the
window from his left, toward him. An older, wiser, more experienced Zin began
to swing the sword. Bringing it upward, he blocked the first fireball, dodged
the second, horizontally slashed at the third and fourth, and held his sword
upward to his face, blocking the fifth.

            “Show-off...” Tahu
muttered to himself. “Your skills are growing Zin...”

            “And yours are
not...” Zin interrupted, removing the blindfold from his eyes.

            “You’ll do fine... at
the tournament.” Tahu finished.

            “You’re getting
slow-again.” Zin teased.

            “Is that a
challenge?” Tahu asked. Zin nodded bringing his sword in front of him.

            “Ready whenever you
are.” Zin said. Tahu zoomed in front of Zin, and Zin swung to hit his
adversary, but did not succeed. Tahu then started to circle around Zin faster
than the eye can see. But Zin stood there; he closed his eyes and waited... Wait
for the enemy to attack you he thought. Just then Tahu went to strike Zin,
he side-stepped and... Countered! He swung his sword and hit Tahu in the head,
(with the flat edge) sending him flying backwards. Tahu sat up, his eyes
wandering with dizziness and shock. “I believe we have been here before, but
vice versa.” Zin stated, towering over his dazed brother. Zin extended his
hand.

            “You just got lucky,
that’s all” he said grabbing his brother’s hand “Well I feel sorry for anyone
who ends up fighting you tomorrow. Man, your skills really have improved.”

            “And you need to work
just a bit harder at yours.” Zin said sheathing his sword.

            “Well I’m not as fast
as I use to be... or maybe you just got faster.” Tahu said. Zin and Tahu began
to walk back inside the castle when Tahu blurted out “But you could never beat
me in a game of... tag-you’re it!” he tapped Zin and zoomed down the hall.

            “Well that was always
true.” Zin said to himself. He began running down the hall after his brother,
but eventually stopped, knowing he wouldn’t be able to catch him. “Ah well...”
Zin sighed. Just then Tahu reappeared next to him.

            “Well what are you
going to do for the rest of the day, besides train?” Tahu asked. “Man, I am
fast. I swear you must have gotten lucky to hit me, just because I look like
I’m twelve, I’m faster than anything out there.” he said proudly.

            “Oh yeah... even
faster than Me.” said Matinu, the oldest of Zin’s brothers. Or at least he
acted like he was the oldest. If Zin and his brothers were put next to each
other, you wouldn’t be able to tell who was the oldest.

            “Oh you Matinu... you
would eat-my-dust.” he said challenging his older brother.

            “Would you mind
proving that,” Matinu said “Zin if you would do the honors.” Both Matinu and
Tahu readied themselves.

            “On your mark... get
set... GO!!!” Zin said as both his brothers ran past him with amazing speeds.
Zin continued down the hall and up the stairs, and down the next hall, and up more
stairs, until he got to his brother Kopaka’s room. He was there in his personal
training arena, practicing his martial arts skills.

            “What’s up bro.” he
said as he kicked his foot landing in mid-air. “Come join Me.” he motioned for
Zin to come over to him.

            “No I’m fine, besides
you’re going to win anyway...” he said trying to turn down the offer.

            “Aw, come on. I
haven’t had any competition all day.” Kopaka urged.

            “Ok, but just for a
little while.” Zin said taking off his boots and artillery. He walked over to
his brother who was now meditating. Zin followed.

            “Feel your
surroundings, become one with the background.” Kopaka said inhaling deep
breaths; Zin did the same and closed his eyes. “Now concentrate...” he trailed
off. Zin and Kopaka sat there in silence for a while, until Kopaka got up “You
ready Zin?” he asked.

            “I guess.” Zin said
unsure as he stood up. Both Zin and Kopaka bowed to one another. Then out of
nowhere Kopaka attacked, but Zin dodged.

“Good
Zin, your hand to hand combat is getting better” Kopaka said. He was grateful
for this moment; he hadn’t had any good adversaries for weeks.

“Yeah,
just a little bit.” Zin said as both of them began looking at one another
moving in a circle. “But you are still the best martial artist in Hyrule.”

“Zin,
even if you feel that someone is invincible, they’re not.” Kopaka said as he
dodged one of Zin’s attacks. “Never let anyone discourage you, as long as you
have faith in your heart and courage in your soul, you can succeed.” Just then
Zin attacked again, with a hi-kick, but Kopaka ducked and countered with a fist
to the gut. “You just must find your opponent’s weak point.” he said as he
pinned Zin to the ground.

            Zin, as he was pinned
to the ground, studied how Kopaka had one foot one his chest and the other on
the floor. Zin took advantage of this and spun his body the slick floor, and
brought one of Kopaka’s feet off the ground, causing him to fall. Kopaka, went
to get up, but was pinned to the ground by a foot at his neck. “You mean like
that?” Zin asked in triumph.

            “Yes, exactly like
that...” Kopaka responded. He then used a similar move and knocked Zin to
ground “But you must be ready for anything.” Zin knowing he was defeated used
his brother’s out stretched hand to get up. He put back on his equipment and he
and Kopaka began walking around the castle. “So what were you going to do for
the rest of the day?”

            “I don’t know, maybe
go see dad...” Zin trailed off.

            “You know he’s in a
meeting right now...” Kopaka started.

            “About the...”

            “...repaved streets,
or something.”

            “Oh well perfect, we
can sneak out and do something. It is really boring around here, and I know the
last thing dad wants to be in is a pointless meeting.” Zin then started running
down the hall toward the meeting quarters. “I’ll see you later Kopaka!” Zin
yelled from the far end of the hall. Soon Zin found himself outside of the main
meeting hall. He pressed his ear against the door. He heard people talking,
just not Link, He might be sleeping... Zin thought. Unsure if Link was
in the room, he knocked on the door. A few seconds later a servant opened one
the colossal doors and stepped out.

            “How may I be of
service to you young master?” he said with a bow.

            “Is the King in that room?”
Zin said pointing inside.

            “Yes, but he
currently engaged in a meeting.”

            “May I please speak
with him, it’s extremely important.”

The servant re-entered the room,
excused himself, and walked over to Link. The servant whispered something in
his ear and pointed to the door. Link got up from his chair and walked to the
door. “As you were gentlemen. Excuse me, I won’t be that long.” Link said
walking out of the room, closing the door. “Hey Zin... You’re bored aren’t
you?” Link asked without Zin having to say anything. “Me too.”

            “How ‘bout we sneak
out of the castle into town.” Zin suggested. “Do you think they will...?”

            “Don’t worry about
them. I wasn’t saying anything when I was in there.” Link said “But first I
have to change.”
            “Why?”

            “Well, people may not
know what you look like, but they would recognize me.”

            “Okay, I’ll wait for
you in the Main Hall. Then I’ll direct you from there.” And with that they both
went their separate ways.

            After about ten
minutes or so of waiting Zin saw what looked like his father walking down the
hall. When the person got closer, Zin saw it was Link. He was wearing a green
tunic and a pair of brown boots, with his hair fallen freely upon his face and
his hat, which looked more like a night cap. He looked much like he was a
teenager again, except now he had a goatee. “Well... no one will notice you in that.”
Zin said.

            “Ha Ha” Link replied
sarcastically. After a few minutes, when the hall was clear of any inhabitants,
Zin lead his father down to a long tapestry that reached to the floor. Zin
moved it and revealed a small crack. Zin motioned for Link to squeeze into the
crack after him. Link did so with a little difficulty. Link expected the hidden
corridor to be dark, but it was well lit due to the sunlight shining through
the cracks in between the stone bricks. The hidden corridor eventually led to
another small crack that led outside to the castle’s west wall. Zin was the
first out and jumped into the moat. Link followed and they both swam to a small
platform that had stairs leading up to the other side of the moat. Link looked
over to his right and saw the small water that lead into the courtyard, it was
where he had met Zelda so many years ago and he remembered that moment very
well. After taking a few minutes to dry off, Zin lead Link down to the gate and
removed a loose bar that they could fit through. He replaced it, and they both
snuck down the hill. Since they both were wearing green tunics, they
camouflaged with the grass around them avoiding any detection.

            Finally they were
out. Zin and Link emerged into Hyrule Castle Town, which looked more like a
city. Zin looked around in astonishment; it had been a while since he had
gotten out of the castle. Link on the other hand wasn’t so amazed. Although the
town had grown a great deal since he was a child. Since then Hyrule had moved
beyond the Death Mountain Range, they had even found out that the part of
Hyrule they lived on was only a small fraction of the true island of Hyrule.
The part of Hyrule they lived on was known as East Hyrule and to the west
across the Great Sea was West Hyrule; a much larger part of Hyrule. The entire
day Zin and Link did nothing but have fun, from the Archery Gallery to the
Bazaar. It was close to dusk when Zin suggested that they go home. “Wait just
one more game” Link said.

            “That’s what you said
half an hour ago.” Zin said.

            “Really, just one
more.”

            “I’ll just wait for
you outside then.” and with that Zin walked out of the Bombchu Bowling Alley.
He walked over and sat at the Great Fountain. It was located directly in the
middle of the city, and was a sign of purity. Zin looked up at the sky, he saw
the moon and a few stars. Wow they really are beautiful, Zin thought to
himself, I wish I could fly around up there one day... Zin was knocked
out of his daydreaming when he saw a cloaked figure out the corner of his eye.
There was no one else out tonight, so no one else saw him. The figure walked
toward him, and Zin just sat still, then the character simply walked past him
with not even as much as a look. Zin couldn’t see his face due to hood he wore,
nor could he see his hands, he was completely covered. But he wielded a staff,
it looked like a magician’s staff but Zin wasn’t sure so he asked him. “Excuse
me” Zin said getting his attention. He turned looked at Zin briefly and then
kept walking. “Excuse me,” Zin said running up to him “Are you a magician?” he
asked walking along side him.

            “Leave me alone kid.”
the figure replied.

            “But wait...” Zin
said. The cloaked fellow was a not a very patient person, and was beginning to
get aggravated. He took his staff and with one swift motion knocked Zin to the
ground. He removed his brown skinned hands from the cloak and raised his staff
up and chanted something.

            “Cosmos Erectus
Ignis” and then the gem atop his staff began to glow, and from that a ring
of fire began to spread from its source. The ring hovered above Zin, still on
the ground. He was then enveloped within it as there was scream. The ring then
as quickly as it appeared, evaporated. Zin lay unconscious on the ground with a
few minor burns and most of his clothes burned to ashes. “Yes, I am a magician”
The cloaked figure said as he searched through what was left of Zin’s pockets
taking several golden rupees. Just then Link emerged from the Bombchu Bowling
Alley.

            “Zin! Zin where are
you?!” Link screamed at the top of his lungs. He looked around and saw the
cloaked figure next to Zin’s unconscious body, and this simply blinded him with
rage. He drew his sword.

            The cloaked figure
looked up and saw Link running toward him. “Time to go.” he said running toward
the drawbridge that lead out into Hyrule Field. It was not yet 8:00 so the gate
was not yet closed.

            Link began running
after him “Stop that man!” He yelled to the guard posted at the bridge.

            “Who do you think you
are buddy?” one of the guards asked.

            “Your King!” Link
yelled furiously removing his hat.

            The guard at first
laughed and then noticed it was Link and apologized at once, “Sorry your
Highness.” He then ran to the bridge yelling, “Close the bridge by order of the
King!”  The soldiers at the bridge did so at once and the drawbridge began to
close.

            The cloaked figure
then began to for bridge fearing his identity and life would be in danger if he
was caught. He ran up the half closed drawbridge and jumped. He landed on the
other side of the moat,

            Link ran to the
watchtower and saw the cloaked figure who was soon identified as the Cloaked
Menace jump across the moat and land on the opposite side. “Damn!” He yelled,
“We almost had him!” Just then Link heard the Menace yell something. He turned
and saw the Menace remove his hood, but Link couldn’t see it due to their
distance.

            “Remember this as the
day that Hyrule’s great “King” was out witted by not a man… but a boy!”
The Menace yelled raising his staff in the air with triumph. He then turned and
walked south, toward the forbidden yet enchanted wood: Kokiri Forest.

            Zin awoke in his bed
with bandages on his head, and around his chest. He was very mind boggled. Then
his memories slipped back to last night, that cloaked fellow tried to
incinerate him. Zin hadn’t really seen his enemy, but his hands and feet were
brown, indicating he was a Nubian. The last thing he remembered was the fire,
all around him. Then everything went black. He shook himself from the trance
and got up out of his bed. He looked out of his window; the sun was barely over
the horizon. Zin judged it was 6:00 in the morning. He then glanced at the
clock on the wall and saw it was 5:10. Then the obvious fact shocked him...
today was the tournament! He went to his closet and put on his robe. He had his
night pants on, but no shirt. Then he removed the bandages from his head and
chest to reveal two burn marks in both spots. He staggered over to the door,
when it flew open. There stood Zelda; his mother.

            “You should still be
in bed” she said looking groggy herself.

            “But I have to get
ready for the tournament.”

            “You’re not in it”

            “Why not.”

            “Look at you; you’re
in no condition to be fighting.”

            “But it’s just a
couple of scratches, I feel fine.”

            “No!” and with that
Zelda exited the room and slammed the door. Zin ran to his bed and jumped in
it. He angrily barricaded himself under the covers. He was so angry he didn’t
even feel himself drifting away into sleep. His eyelids became heavy and he was
finding it hard to resist. Finally giving in he closed his eyes and fell asleep
once more.

            Again he was in the
Temple of Time. He could not feel his body, nor could he see... but Zin was able
to sense things around him from his mind’s eye. It was just more then a blur
but he could see the wall behind that alter with the strange symbol begin to
glow. Then out of nowhere three glowing stones appeared on the alter, one
green, the other red and the last one blue. The small glow slowly tuned into an
immense light. As it died down the glowing wall behind the alter started to
spread apart... like a door. Then Zin’s vision moved beyond the door, to see
what lay within. But instead of the secret being revealed, there was a glow.
Though small, it was bright enough to keep the secret concealed, as he moved
beyond the so-called ‘door’. At first the glow was only small, but then it
grew. It grew to the point that all Zin could see was white. Then his vision
went black...

            Zin awoke with a
start. His mind was racing with millions of thoughts at one time. What was
that dream supposed to mean... what lies behind that door that it calls me to
it so strongly? Then he remembered the tournament, and how he wasn’t going
to be in it. He was so hungry and wanted to get some food, but he was depressed
that he decided to just go back to sleep. As he got under the covers he heard
his door open, but acted as if he didn’t. He didn’t want to be bothered. Then
the someone who had invaded his room began to shake him. “Leave me alone” Zin
groaned.

            “Come on if you don’t
wake up you’re going to be disqualified from the tournament.”

            “Ha ha very funny
Tahu...”

            “This isn’t Tahu.”

            “Well who ever you
are just leave me alone.” Then the stranger pulled off Zin’s covers. Zin looked
up and saw Link staring down at him. “Dad?”

            “Don’t worry I talked
to your mother,” Link said with a smile on his face “Now, you can be in the
tournament as long as you feel alright.”

            “I’m stronger than
ever!” Zin exclaimed jumping from his bed to get dressed. Link walked outside
the room to wait for him.

Man...
such energy he has, he would have been a great Hero of Time... Even better than
myself I think. He deserves to know the truth... I’ll tell him tonight.style='color:yellow'> Then Link saw Zin run out the room. He had on his
traditional sleeveless green tunic, along with his brown boots and golden bracers.
Zin whipped his cape around his neck so it draped down his back. They began to
walk down the hall. “Before we go you have to get something to eat.” Zin nodded
“Got everything?”

“Wait
now that you mentioned it...” Zin zoomed back to his room and emerged with his
sword: Relentless, which was appropriate for him since he was very persistent.
He also held a shield, Link’s old shield: Rising Sun. Link remembered the day
he got that shield as a gift from one his closets friend... Loki. They were
like brothers, inseparable he and Loki. But Loki wasn’t here now; he had gone
off to live in the Orient for a while. “Now I’m ready,” Zin said breaking the
silence. “Oh yeah, Dad?  Thanks.”

The
tournament was the great event of the day. Many people of different races
filled the seats of the crowded Spectrum Hold, cheering the fighters that represented
their race. Spectrum Hold was a new addition to Kakakiro which had grown to be
one of the major towns of Hyrule. Spectrum Hold was situated where that one
barren tree stood when Kakakiro was still a village. When Link saw that the
tree had died he used the remaining wood and set it in a golden goblet that was
blessed by Din. He set it ablaze and the fire sat at the north end of the
arena, never being blown out since. The Hold rose in the air about 50 feet,
using the stone wall beneath it and cliffs on either side of it as support. The
Hold’s thick wall also served as a last defense of Kakakiro.

The first
event of the tournament was the Clash of the Titans, in which all of Zin’s
brothers excluding himself fought one on one battles with one another. Matinu
was the winner, unsurprisingly. But Zin’s favorite match was the one between
Tahu and Kopaka. While Kopaka tried to alter time, Tahu sped through it. Tahu in
the end was victorious, but Kopaka swore that he win next time around.

            The second part the
tournament: Quarrel Among the Many was the part Zin would take place in. Zin
fought several times, one being with a boy from the Orient in which he was not
able to use his sword. Zin won, thanking Kopaka greatly afterward. Then a Zora
who proved to be quite the adversary with the bow. And finally a Goron who
tried to use his brute strength to defeat Zin, but did not stand a chance.

Now that
it was in the afternoon there was the third and final part of the tournament:
Final Bout. Zin had made it to the Finals, but had not yet seen his opponent.
He waited there anxiously when a cloaked figure in black stepped out. Instantly
Zin was taken aback. Was it the same person who had attacked him last night?
Then as if to answer his question Link whispered in his ear “Don’t worry it’s
not the guy from last night. He called The One and comes from Arabia. So go on,
get out there and show this guy no mercy.” Zin nodded his head and walked onto
the battle arena.

As Zin
stepped out onto the battle field he saw his family and friends cheer for him.
This encouraged Zin a little more, and raised his self-esteem. “Our first
competitor is from Hyrule and has trained very hard for this moment, our very
own Prince Zin!” the announcer yelled. There were great cheers and many rooting
Zin as the announcer said his name. “And our other contestant comes from
Arabia, and he too has worked very hard to get here... The One!” As the
announcer called his name, there was a cheer, but not as strong as Zin’s. After
the cheering calmed the announcer yelled, “Fighters take your stance and...
FIGHT!” At first neither one dared to move, they stared each other down, both
trying to intimidate their enemy. Then they ran at each other. Zin brought his
sword down while The One brought down his two curved swords. They clashed,
making a loud noise. They both pushed toward their enemy, testing one another’s
strength. Seeing that it was going nowhere they both gave it up and backed
away. Zin ripped off his cape while The One removed the cloth around his arm
and the cloak, which revealed his copper colored arms. But his face was still
hidden. He stared into Zin eyes and as Zin looked back into his, chills went
down Zin’s spine. Something wasn’t right with this guy he felt an evil presence
as he looked into his deep red eyes. His pitch-black pupils seemed to explode
into his crimson irises. Zin then charged at him, and brought his sword down,
but One dodged it to the left. One used this opportunity to strike Zin, who
raised his shield. Zin taking the defensive was forced to back up. Then Zin
swiped his sword beneath One, trying to take his feet from under him, but One
jumped. Zin used this opportunity to take the lead, as he swung his sword
several times. After the third swing Zin managed to cut One across the chest,
causing him to bleed. The anger swelled up in One’s eyes. He then swung at Zin
but stopped. Zin raised his shield but never felt the impact, instead he saw
One fly above him, bringing his sword down. Zin turned to block the blow, but
not in time. He managed to get his right arm cut. Then both opponents backed
up. Zin threw down his shield and One threw down his left sword. They ran at
each other once again. They began to parry and then tried to trip one another.
But every swing was met with a block and every foot avoided by a jump. Until
One began to move very quickly. He jumped from one spot to the next and tripped
Zin. Zin dropped his sword and was pinned to the ground by a foot and a sword
pointed at his face. Zin thought he had lost when he had a flashback. He
remembered how Kopaka pinned him down. Then Zin spun his body, making One fall
to the floor, dropping his sword. Zin picked himself up and grabbed his sword.
Zin pointed his sword at One’s face, but from the top of his head.    Zin cut
the turban, revealing One’s face. The first thing Zin saw was the bright red
hair. “A Gerudo!?” he exclaimed.

“Prince
Zin is the Winner!!” the announcer exclaimed. Then One's escorts came and
picked him up. As Zin began to walk over to his family, mainly Link, his
thoughts were racing. How is he a Gerudo? I thought dad said he an Arabian.

Just
then out of nowhere One began to throw a temper tantrum, as he shook his
escorts off him. He then ran in the middle of the arena and began to float in
midair. “You will die today Zin!” Then Matinu and Onua flew up to try
and stop One, but as they advanced, black flames rose from the ground scolding
them both. As each of the brothers tried to do the same, their outcome was too.
Then One lifted his hands in the air and chanted something. Out of nowhere a
ball of dark energy formed in his hands and he hurled it at Zin. Zin completely
shocked at the turn events could only stare on as the ball of destruction
advancing toward him. Then as if he were a guardian angel, Link jumped in the
way to save Zin. As the dark energy absorbed Link’s body, you could hear his
blood curdling scream. Link’s body fell to the ground and Zin ran over to him.

“Dad?”
Zin asked sobbing.

“I’m not
going to make it”

“Yes you
are! Don’t say things like that!”

“Zin, I
love you”

“I love
you too dad... I... I’m... sor.. sorry...

“Don’t
be... it’s not your fault... besides. I would. much rather. you. live...”

“But...but”

“Zin
always remember, that the secrets that hold us together can also tear us
apart... tell your mother and sister and brothers. That I love them.. good bye
Zin...” And with those last words Link’s life slipped away. Now Zin only held a
lifeless body.

“NOOOO!!!”
Zin exclaimed beyond control.

“Yes, if
I can’t kill the Prince then the Hero of Time is okay.” One did his little
victory dance as he succeeded in doing what his father never could.

“Who are
you anyway?!” Matinu screamed sitting up, his body still partially paralyzed.
One chuckled and gave an evil grin.

“All
remember my name and tremble... Gronondorf, Son of Ganondorf! I am the King of
Evil!” One exclaimed revealing himself.

“You!
This is all your fault!” Zin screamed, he was furious. Then his necklace began
to glow, so bright it was beyond sight. The crying Nyra and Zelda stopped their
sobbing and stared at the bright glow. As did the seven brothers who stood on
the sidelines. Zin’s eyes began to glow and it seemed that for a couple of
seconds his body too seemed lifeless, until there was a voice. It was Zin’s but
had a deeper instinct behind it. Then as all the specters looked on, they saw
Zin floating in midair, his eyes an icy blue like Kopaka’s but it seemed as
there was no pupil. Then Zin held his hand toward Gronondorf, and he began to
fall. Then his body was being held in midair by Zin. “You have scolded me in a
way that can not be forgiven. Now must come your death.” Zin said sounding
hypnotized by the voice. Then Zin raised his hands in the air and beams of light
began to shine from the ball he had manifested. He threw it at Gronondorf.
Gronondorf saw this coming toward him and dodged it slightly, not taking the
full blast, but enough to knock him into a brief coma. Then Gonondorf’s limp
body fell to ground. Then out of the shadows came several Gerudos (evil ones)
and the picked up Gonondorf’s body. One of them began to chant a spell, and
before anyone could stop them they teleported out of the Hold. Meanwhile the
glowing emblem around Zin’s neck stopped and his pupils returned to normal. Zin
closed his eyes and fell to the ground.

style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:yellow'> 

          style='color:yellow'>It was a nice sunny day, which was very normal in the land
of Nubia. Nubia was fixed just outside the southwest of Termina. Clocktown had
expanded much to the west. There was even a small boardwalk town along the
shore, since many people traveled from Clocktown and Nubia.

            Not much was going on
today along the boardwalk. Mostly everyone was in Clocktown, more specifically
South Clocktown near the Clocktower. The occasion, someone was performing a
Summoning. It was performed by a Nubian Magician. When that magician learned an
elemental spell, they could use it to summon a creature of that element.

            Many people stood
cramped in South Clocktown, black and white. Atop a stage stood a Nubian girl,
she looked about 14 or so, and was a very beautiful sight. Her black hair
reached down to about her elbow, her skin the perfect complexion, with a
beautiful face and hazel-brown eyes. She wore a dress made of silk that wrapped
around her body and draped across her left shoulder down to the floor.

            She raised her bronze
staff into the air as all eyes were upon her, and chanted her spell. “Accedo
amplus animus aer, cuius alatus devenio caeli, accedo Aquilo...” With those
strange words, she raised her staff toward the heavens. As she did so, the
ground beneath her began to glow all seven colors of the rainbow. The seven
lights shot upward into the sky and formed what looked like a portal. From this
portal emerged a great creature whose angelic wings where a most beautiful sight.
The creature used its awesome wings and swooped down to the ground below.
People moved back, as not to be in the way of the great creature, but the girl
stayed and stared at it. The creature had a big beak, and the most magnificent
blue eyes. Although it had no arms, it was clear that its wings made up for
that. It landed on its feet, which had sharp claw upon them. The young magician
stared at her creation in awe and was a bit scared at first, but built up the
courage to get closer to the creature. She began to pet the creature, and from
that moment on she knew she had a special connection with it. The creature softly
purred as it was being stroked by its creator. Soon the girl’s mother and father
came upon the platform to commend her, as did everyone else watching with their
applause. Her two brothers soon followed.

            “Excellent job Saniyyah.”
her mother spoke, hugging her.

            “Yes this is a fine
job...” said her father.

            “Yeah, for a
princess.” interrupted her older brother Kenyi. He was quite impressed since at
her age he could barely summon his beast of fire, Acenndo. Kenyi was 2 years
older than Saniyyah, who was 14.

            “What are you going
to name him sis?” asked the smallest; Koji who was 9. Saniyyah thought for a
second.

            “Aquilo, which means
‘North Wind.”

            “Well aren’t you
going to take him for a ride?”

Saniyyah look eagerly at her
parents, who motioned for her to go ahead. “Well aren’t you two coming?” she
asked.

            Kenyi shook his head
“I’m not so keen on heights.”

            “I’ll go...” Koji
said, running toward the winged creature. He approached the beast with a bit of
anxiety, but over came it quickly. Saniyyah hopped on Aquilo first, and helped
Koji on. Saniyyah gently tapped Aquilo in his side, and he spread those angelic
wings again. He began flutter them, and soon they were above the town walls.
With a swoosh of those great wings they were gone, leaving everyone in awe.

            “Be careful!” their
mother yelled waving.

            They flew at a great
speed, over Termina Field, toward the West. Soon they were soaring over the
ocean of Great Bay, leaving everyone who saw them awestruck. Along the
shoreline and across the boardwalk, many Zoras and Nubians saw the great beast
fly overhead. After a while they were soaring through the clouds. “So how is this?”
Saniyyah asked Koji who had quite a tight grip on her.

            “Love the scenery.”
Koji said laughing. “Do you trust this thing?”

            “With my life.”

            “How are you sure?”

            Saniyyah simply
responded by standing up on Aquilo’s back. “Hold on tight” And with that Saniyyah
jumped off Aquilo, screaming as she flew, spun, and flipped though the clouds
in the sky. “Woo Hoo!!”

            Koji, who was a bit
worried, held onto Aquilo tightly. Aquilo retracted his wings and made a dive,
twirling on his way down. Koji wanted to close his eyes, but couldn’t. And he
was glad he didn’t, since that was the best ride in his life. After Aquilo was
beneath Saniyyah, he spread his wings. Saniyyah landed on his back, facing
Koji. “See?” she said proving her point.

            Koji, Saniyyah and
Aquilo spent the rest of the day soaring over Nubia and Great Bay, admiring the
great point of view. The sun was beginning to set, so they decided to go home.
And home right now was their little vacation shack, just a little southwest of
Clocktown. When Saniyyah and Koji made it to the shack, their family was
waiting outside for them. After they landed Saniyyah dismissed Aquilo. He rose
in the air, Saniyyah waving to him, and with a bright flash was gone. The two
walked to the shack which was a little smaller than they were use to, but since
they were on vacation they liked to think of it as ‘cozy’ not small.

            It was almost
midnight and the royal family of Nubians was quietly sleeping in their shack.
This was until Kenyi awoke from his dreams. He usually woke up in the middle of
the night, and it was a habit now. He quietly got up from the bottom bunk he
slept on, and crept his way his way to the door which was block by several
tapestries. After he grabbed his staff and made his way outside, he lay on the
plush grass of the field and looked up at the stars. Tonight the sky was
crystal clear, and the stars and moon shone brightly in the big night sky. He
continued admiring the stars and was slowly drifting off into sleep when he
heard a rustle in the bushes. He was knocked from his trance for a split
second, and looked over at the bush. A bit alarmed he sat up and grabbed his
staff, ready to investigate. Just as he was about to near the bush a squirrel
scurried from it. Satisfied he placed his staff next to him, and began to stare
at the stars once again.

             As Kenyi was
watching the stars, a cloth suddenly was placed over his head. The stranger who
was responsible began to hit Kenyi in the face. Pissed and anxious to find out
who was doing this Kenyi grabbed his staff and swung it at the unknown force.
He seemed to have battered it away, so he removed the cloth and stood up to
several elves and Gerudos surrounding him. A few held swords and one held a
chain. “HELP... MOM, DAD”

            Gemini  hearing a
strange call of panic jumped from his bed to find his oldest son not in his
bed. He heard the call again, and knew Kenyi was in trouble. “Wake up
everyone!” Then his wife Naomi and his daughter and youngest boy jumped up from
bed, and looked at him. Before anyone of them could say anything, he was
already yelling instructions. “Everyone grab your staff and run for Clocktown!
I’ll meet you there!” He grabbed his staff and ran outside.

            “Ignis, Ignis,
orbis Ignis!”  Kenyi chanted rapidly, raising his staff in the air. As he
did the top of his staff began to glow with fire. He slammed his staff on the
ground, and it made a minor quake as it did. The fire from the staff blew out
in a ring that began to burn everything in its path. Three of the six men
surrounding Kenyi were set ablaze, and their screams of agony could be heard as
they fell to the ground helplessly. He then took the staff and spun it around,
tripping the three men. “Take that you bastards!”

            “You ain’t won you
dirty Nubian!” one man screamed, standing up. “We’re gonna get rid of all you!”
Kenyi now blinded by rage of the man calling him out of his name, charged at
him with his staff ready. But before he could reach him, Kenyi’s father had
already knocked the fool to the ground.

            “No one calls my
son out his name!” Gemini screamed. With one swift motion, he broke the man’s
neck. He turned to his son. “Run to Clocktower, and take the secret passage to
Hyrule, you’ll be safe there.”

            “Huh?”

            “Your father is
right, someone must inform King Link.” said a stranger from behind him. Kenyi turned;
ready to strike this person, but his blow was stopped. “Don’t worry it’s me.”
Kenyi then realized it was Dengu, his father’s second in command. He was quite
tall, well taller than he and his father, and much more muscular. The two men
on the ground (one an Elf, the other a Gerudo) got up and tried to seize this
opportunity. “I’ll take care of this... Stand back.” Dengu then raised his
staff like Kenyi had done, but his staff was surging with electricity. “Attono,
Attono ictus Attono!” he chanted. Then as he slammed the staff to the
ground, lighting ran across the ground, and electrocuted the men to death.
Their burnt bodies fell to the ground smoking.

            “Dengu what’s going
on?” asked an anxious Kenyi.

            “Yes, explain.”
Gemini added.

            “Well you see back
home, a small army Elves and Gerudo men invaded claiming that Nubians were a
cause of the demons and should be sent back with them.” Both Gemini and Kenyi’s
jaws dropped. “They took many of our villages by surprise, and are either
killing us or holding us captive. I had to come and warn you, but as you can
see I didn’t get here in time. My greatest apologies Sire.”

            “No need to
apologize. But who were they sent by? Certainly not Link.” Gemini said

            “No, in fact they
spoke of overthrowing his empire after they were through with us.” Dengu
answered.

            “Kenyi go with your
bother and sister. You must get to Hyrule Castle, then speak with Link... warn
him, and tell him to send help.”

            “Yes dad.” Then Kenyi
ran inside the shack to find it empty. He ran back outside and saw the two
waiting for him. Then as he looked toward Clocktown he could see a fire
beginning. Then as he looked toward the west, he could see figures running
toward them, many of them. “Come on you two let’s go”

            “But what about mom
and dad?” Koji asked.

            “We’ll see them when
we get to Hyrule, now run for Clocktower and don’t stop!”

            “Bu. But.” Saniyyah
began to cry.

            “Go!” Kenyi screamed
as he hustled the two.

The three began to run across the
filed toward Clocktown. The fire within it was now consuming most of the town,
but not near Clocktower... yet. As they ran, Kenyi looked back and saw the
shack on fire and two figures fighting the group of angry men.

            “Dengu go, make sure
they get there”

            “Gemini I won’t go
without you and Naomi.”

            “I appreciate your
loyalty... but go.”

            “Yes sire...” And
with that Dengu left the burning shack behind and ran for the three figures
ahead of him.

            They were nearly
there, and Kenyi looked back again to see one of the figures holding a bomb.
“Oh No” he said to himself. He wanted to go back, but knew he couldn’t. “Koji, Saniyyah
get down!” The three fell to the ground, and heard a loud explosion. Kenyi got
back and looked back at where the shack was supposed to be. It was gone. Before
Koji or Saniyyah could ask any questions, Kenyi was pushing them to move along.
Although he was now sobbing. Kenyi was so emotionally crushed that he didn’t
even see the Elf on the horse to the side of them. The man took his sword and
ran it through Kenyi’s chest. He then grabbed Saniyyah, but managed to not even
see Koji. Koji, who was completely shocked at the turn of events, fell to the
ground and tried talking to him brother during his last moments. “Koji... go.
to Hyrule” Kenyi began to studded, as he coughed up blood. “Go to Hyrule and
warn King Link... tell him. th. that someone is trying to kill him... Koji... I
love you. now fly...” And with those last words, Kenyi slipped into death. Koji
who was now sobbing was still trying to accumulate this information. Then he
heard Saniyyah’s scream. He took his staff and stabbed the man on the horse in
the leg with it. The man screamed and dropped Saniyyah. Then Dengu came up and
drew the man’s sword, and decapitated him. Koji ran for Clocktown, knowing Saniyyah
would be in good hands. It was only about a few feet away, and Koji, not
hesitating jumped through the fire and ran though the streets of South
Clocktown.  He saw the colossal doors of Clocktower and opened them. As he
walked in he noticed how dark it was, and tried to use the light trick Kenyi
taught him “Lux Lucix...” he said. The top of his staff began to glow,
and he pounded it on the ground, making it glow even brighter. He slowly walked
down the ramp, and across the bridge, until he saw a door. He didn’t see any
handle, but could make out a hand print. He placed his hand in the handprint
against the door, and to his surprise it opened. Koji walked thought the
entrance, not knowing what lied ahead...

            “Where’s Koji?!”
Dengu yelled to Saniyyah, over explosions, and loud rumbling.

            “He ran into
Clocktown!”

            “Why?!”

            “He muttered
something about Clocktower, but I couldn’t make out everything he said!” Then
the fact hit him like a cold wind. He gasped and shook his head. “You know what
he’s up to Dengu?!”

            “Yes, but I hope we
can reach him before it’s too late! Come on jump in my arms, we’re going to see
if we can go along with him!”

            “Where are we going?!”

            “You’ll see, just
come on!” Without any hesitation, Saniyyah let Dengu place her in his arms.
After he thought she would be safe from harm, he ran toward Clocktown. When he
reached the gates, he jumped right through, so the fire would not scold them.
Dengu then ran as fast as he could to Clocktower, people evacuating motioned
for him turn around and leave, but to no prevail. It was within sight, and as
they advanced nearer and nearer to Clocktower, the heat was beginning to
intensify. Just as they were about to come within reach of the tower, burning
planks of wood began to fall from atop the tower. The entrance, being
completely blocked off force Dengu and Saniyyah to turn back. Dengu then began
to run even faster, but as he neared the exit the heat was becoming more
unbearable by the second. He covered Saniyyah with his arms, so she would not
be burned. He saw the exit within a few feet, and closed his eyes, not
completely sure they would make it. He made one last jump and fell to the
ground.

            Dengu felt an ice
cold sensation on his face. He opened his eyes and figured out it was buckets
of water. The water stopped and Dengu got up. “Good thing you’re awake, I
thought I lost you buddy.” said an Elf, wearing a white trench coat. “What were
you doing in there anyway?”

            “Someone was in
Clocktower.”

            “Well I’m sorry to
say, but they are dead, because Clocktower collapsed.”

            “What?!”

            “Just now.”

            “Koji... no.” Saniyyah
began to sob.

            “I’m sorry...” The
doctor said walking away.

After Dengu had comforted Saniyyah
for a little while he stood up, it was about the crack of dawn and he thought
they should get a move on. “Come on let’s go.”

            “Okay...” The two
walked to the west. After they had reached Great Bay, they saw how much of a
wreck it looked like. The boardwalk was nearly destroyed, and many people were
wandering trying to figure out what to do. There were several carts, set up
with merchants selling things to people who needed food, cloths, or anything to
get back on track. Although they were raggedy, they were good enough to last
for a while. Dengu went to the cart with the merchant selling food. There were
many people in a group, trying to get something to eat. Dengu pushed his way up
to the front and grabbed several loafs of bread, some dry meat and a big
container of water. He took out a purple and blue rupee, and placed them on the
counter. Without a word he pushed his way out of the crowd and found Saniyyah
sitting on the shore. He walked up next to her and looked down. “Hold this
please.” he said handing her the bread and meat. He then reached for his sack,
which was empty that hung from the side of his waist. He opened it and Saniyyah
placed the food in it.

            “What’s all this
for?”

            “It’s going to take
about a day to get to Derinma, and once we get back on our feet we go to West
Hyrule, and from there East Hyrule.”

            “Why Hyrule?”

            “We must warn King
Link. Wait here and watch the food.” He walked away and walked down the shore
until he reached the rock wall. He got in the water and swam to a small cove
off to the side, there was his boat. It was big enough to fit a fair amount of
people in it, so it would surely suit him and Saniyyah. He pushed the boat to
the shore, and dragged it over to Saniyyah. “Get in.” Saniyyah grabbed the
container of water and got in the boat. Dengu grabbed the sack, and got in the
boat. He began to row with the two paddles attached to the side. It would be a
long journey, but they could make it. They soon were a distant image, as they
rowed toward the direction, in which the sun soon would set...

            He lost his mother,
his father, his brother and maybe even his sister. His whole family lost within
seconds.

The dense woods were very foggy
and uncomfortable, but he had to move on. Koji was beginning to doubt himself,
and his current situation wasn’t helping either. He continued his journey
through the foggy, dense woods. He was beginning to get hungry, and he was
already tired. It was daytime, and the sun was out, but Koji could barely tell
from the thick trees. The only way Koji could tell it was day light was when he
had seen light shining down on an old tree stump he past. On one side of it he
had seen a carving of what looked like a skull kid, two fairies, a young boy
and four giants. Koji was beginning to think that these woods had no end. Now
Koji was beginning to getting real hungry, and the feeling was unbearable. Just
when Koji thought it was the end for him, he fell to his knees. “Mom, Dad,
Kenyi, Saniyyah... I’m coming...” With those words, Koji fell to the ground and
closed his eyes, excepting his fate.

            “Look at that kid
walking...” said a stranger, in camouflage up in a tree.

            “You think he’s got
any money?” said another.

            “Don’t look like it.”

            “Still he might have
something of value.”

            “Fine let’s go...”
But before either one of them could get out the tree, they saw the boy collapse
to the ground.

            “Hey boss look.”

            “You think we should
help him or leave him here?” Neither one said anything; they just stared at the
limp body and the bronze staff it held.  

            Koji opened his hazel
brown eyes, and found himself in a bed. He looked to his left and saw a glass
of water sitting there. He sat up, and felt the pain as he did so. Then he
grabbed the glass and drank the water. He then looked to his right, and out the
window. It was raining. Koji thought for a minute. It wasn’t raining when
I... Koji gasped and remembered what happened. The last thing he saw was
his face hitting the ground, and he fell out after that. How long have I
been out? Besides where am I? As if to answer his question, the door opened
and an Elf walked in with a tray. As Koji examined the tray he found it had a
bowl of hot soup and a loaf of bread on it. He figured it was for him, but
before he started eating he wanted to find out who this was that saved him.
“Who are you and where am I?” Koji asked. But his words seemed to fall into
nothing, since the Elf looked strangely at him. “What?” Koji again got the same
response. Then he realized what was wrong. This Elf wasn’t capable of speaking
his language. Koji then tried again, but this time he spoke Elvish. The Elf
faced changed as he understood what Koji was saying now.

            “My name is Troy, and
we found you unconscious in the woods.”

            “Where we are now,
are we in Hyrule?” it was clear that Koji was eager to know.

            “No still in the
woods, but not far from it... Why?” Koji didn’t just want to spill out his business
until he thought he could trust this guy.

            “No reason.” 

            “Well come you need
to eat, you been out for more than two days.” Troy placed the tray on the
nightstand next to him. “When you’re ready come out and meet the guys.”

            “Okay.” Troy
proceeded to the door, but before he left Koji stopped him. “Wait, Troy...
Thank you.”

            “You’re welcome...”

            “Koji.”

            “You’re welcome
Koji.” After Troy left the room, Koji placed the tray on his lap. He looked at
the tray for a second longer and then began to devour the food.

After Koji had finished the food,
he got up from his bed and walked out the door. As he went into the next room,
the five teenagers playing cards looked at him.

            “Hey Koji... I’d like
you to meet the guys.” Troy said, standing up. “This is Elk, Leon, Ken and
Julius.” He said pointing to each of them. Koji only stared, a bit edgy. The
group of four stood up and walked toward Koji. As they came upon him they shook
his hand, greeting him. They pulled up a chair and offered Koji to have a seat.
“So where were you headed to anyway Koji?”

            Koji hesitated on if
he should tell them his tale. “Well...”

            “Come on Koji, what’s
your story?”

            “You see it all
started two nights ago, when these men attacked us...” As Koji got deeper into
his story, there was complete silence. There many surprised faces as Koji
neared the end of his tale. “... So that’s why I’m on my way to Hyrule and
hopefully I’ll find my sister there.” Troy was in shock, never had he heard
such a terrifying story.

            “So you lost your
entire family in one night... That’s terrible. I’m sorry.”

            “Don’t be, it’s not
your fault.”

            “Well Koji you’re
welcome to stay here with us.”

            “I appreciate that.”

            “But under one
condition...”

            “What?”

            “You can never tell
anyone where our hideout is or what we do. If you’re going to stay here, you
must keep our identities a secret.”

            “What’s so horrible
that you have to live out here?”

            “Well see, all five
of us were committed of a crime we didn’t commit... Our parents believe we
tried to rob the jeweler’s parlor in Hyrule Castle Town.”

            “Did you?”

            “Of course not! But witnesses
said that it was us they saw, when it was a former friend of mine who framed
us. So we had to run here to avoid being sentenced.”

            “Who sentenced you
Link?”

            “No, I don’t even believe
he is aware of it. It was that damned Captain of the Guard who threatened he
would have our heads if we were caught.”

            “So how do you all
survive out here but for so long?”

            “Every once a month
one of us goes to Hyrule Castle Town, cloaked, and we collect food to share
among us.”

            “How do you get the
money?”

            “Well see we either
rob passersby of some of their money, or we have to steal the food. Now we are
assumed as one person called the Cloaked Menace.”

            “So is that what you
were going to do to me?”

            “Unfortunately yes...
sorry bout that. Well I can’t let you go out there by yourself; I’ll have to train
you first.”

            “But what about
Link?”

            “Don’t worry he can
take care of himself. You see let me tell you something about Link that you
would never hear on the streets. You know the legendary Hero of Time, who is to
save us from the ultimate destruction?” Koji simply nodded. He had heard
stories about the Hero of Time, but didn’t really know the entire story. “Well
Link is that Hero.”

            Koji looked at him in
shock. “Are you sure?”

            “Yep, when I was a
child, a little over 5, I saw first hand how he saved the world from being devoured
by these evil dark dragons, and one thing I noticed he held was the Master
Sword. Then my father later told me of how he saved Hyrule once before, from
the evil man named Ganondorf. So I think a foolish man won’t stop him. I’m not
trying to stop you, but just saying there’s no immediate hurry.”

            “You must be old to
know that.”

            “Yep I’m on the verge
of turning 20.”   

            Troy looked out the
window and saw it was nightfall. “You can go to bed now if you’d like, your
room is the one you just came out of. Oh yeah Koji, everything I just told you
about Link, you can never tell his kids.”

            “Okay... and Troy
thanks again.”

            “No problem man.”
With a handshake, Koji walked into his room. Koji lied on his bed, and before
he knew it he was fast asleep.

            It had been over a
month since Koji’s incident, and he was still allowing Troy to train him. Not
only did Troy know how to use hand-to-hand combat, but he also knew how to use
a staff. When Koji questioned him, he revealed that he too was part Nubian,
mixed with Elvish and Gerudo. His mother was half Gerudo, half Nubian, and his
father was an Elf. His mother passed when he was about Koji’s age, which is
probably why he and Koji could connect. When Troy was looking through his
things, he found an old book of his mother’s, which had different chants and
spells to cast with a staff. Over the course of about a year, Koji was finally
ready. He was now 10 years old, and knew many spells to protect and defend
himself. It was that time of the month, and Julius let Koji go to Hyrule in his
place. Koji set out a day earlier to see the tournament that was being held. It
was to hold many different competitors, ranging as far as the Orient. After the
tournament, Koji would go and speak with Link.

            Koji climbed down
from the tree house, and began to walk through the dense foggy woods. It was
about 3:00 in the morning and Koji had a long way ahead of him. Besides the burgundy
lion cloth, which he always wore around his waist and the sandals upon his
feet, he wore a black hooded cloak. He also held his staff, a map Troy gave
him, so he would be able to find his way out and back though Kokiri Forest and
the Lost Woods, and money that one of Troy’s friends provided for him, so he
wouldn’t have to steal. The sun’s vibrant rays of light began to shine over the
horizon as they walked though the trees. The strange thing about it was that
this was the only time of day that the sun’s light would shine throughout the
woods.

            As Koji looked at his
surroundings he could feel magic as well as evil mixed though the air. This is
when he knew he was in the Lost Woods. He took out the map and began reading
it. After a while Koji was beginning to feel that he had followed the maps direction’s
wrong and began to worry. He then calmed himself and remembered what Troy told
him. “If you are to get lost in the woods, listen for the music... the music
will lead you out...” Koji stood completely still and rested his emotions.
He listened for the music, and soon heard a catchy tune. He dashed to the next
clearing until he heard it again. He continued following the music until he
found himself in a wooden tunnel. “I guess this is the way out.” He walked out
and as the sun shone on him, and he realized he was in Kokiri Forest.

            Now that he was out
of the Lost Woods, he figured it would be easy to get out of the forest. After
Koji had climbed down the cliff and walked from behind one of the wooden houses
he saw a small stream that lead to a small lake and waterfall. As he walked
toward the lake he spotted several children. Some were playing, others working.
Then he heard a gasp from behind him, and tuned to see one of the small
children looking at him in shock. Koji just walked on, over to the lake. He
then knelt down and splashed some water on face and drank his fill. He turned
around, as he heard footsteps from behind him. “Who are you and what are doing
here?” asked one of the children; well actually he sounded more like an adult
with an attitude. He was wearing green just like the rest of the children he
had seen. Koji figure he was their leader.

            “Just passing
through... This is Kokiri Forest right?”

            “Please go back to
where you came from and never return here.”

Koji was completely shocked. Then
as he looked at the short man’s face he remembered what Troy told him. “When
you get to Kokiri Forest you’ll probably be stopped by this short man with red
hair and freckles. He is Mido, second in command of the forest; he has a very
short temper so be careful. Tell him I sent you...” Then the short man drew
his sword ready to strike Koji. Koji held up his hands. “Whoa, wait a minute
there, I was sent by Troy and mean you no harm.”

            “Really, then what
would be his password?” Koji leaned over and whispered something in his little
pointy ear. Afterward the man then sheathed his sword.

            “I am Mido: Second in
command of Kokiri Forest, sorry for the inconvenience, but we must be wary of
spies. Please come speak with the Great Deco Tree.” Mido motioned for Koji to
follow him. As they walked along a path across the water they began to talk.
“So what is your name and from where do you hail?”

            “Koji: Prince of
Nubia.”

            “Well, well you have
come a long, and a prince. The Great Deku Tree will be most pleased to see
you.” As they emerged into a clearing, settled with the most beautiful meadow
Koji had ever seen, Mido bowed.

            “You may go now
Mido.” Spoke a deep voice from somewhere close. Then as Koji looked up what he
saw amazed him. There before his eyes stood the legendary Deku Tree of Hyrule.
Mido soon walked from sight of the meadow. “What brings ye here thy brave
warrior Koji?”

            “I’ve come with a
warning, a warning for the King of Hyrule.”

            “Oh Link? How long it
has been since I had seen him. Why I remember when he was but a small seed
himself. I will not bother thee of the warning, but please stay for as long as
ye may like and eat and drink thy fill.”

            “Thank you oh Great
One, but if I am to make it within the gates of Hyrule Castle I must leave
now.”

            “I understand thy
mission. Go do not let me hold thee back.”

            “Thank you your
Grace, now if you’d excuse me.” And with that Koji began to walk from the
meadow.

            “Koji! The best of
luck on thy trip!”

            “Thank you!”    

            It was late in the
evening about sunset, and Koji still had not found the house that belonged to
the friend of Troy. The sun had set and it about quarter to eight when Koji
decided to call it quits and go to the castle. It was a clear sky tonight, but
Koji wasn’t worried about that. He closed his cloak and put on his hood. As he
walking toward the castle gates he saw a kid yell something to him. Koji knew
the child was talking to him, since there was no one out in the Town Square
that night. Koji just ignored him and continued walking, he was very frustrated
and annoyed and his feet were aching from the long walk and last thing he need
was some kid asking him 21 questions. But this little boy would not give up. He
ran up to Koji and was still talking. He looked a few years younger that Koji,
and wore a green tunic and red cape. For some reason he was still talking, and
Koji was just about fed up with him now, about to crack.

            “Are you a magician?”
he asked.

            “Leave me alone kid.”
Koji gritted through shut teeth.

            “But wait...” That
was it Koji had had it, and his emotions took control over his body. With one
swift motion, Koji took his staff and tripped the poor fellow. He then began to
chant a spell.

            “Cosmos Erectus
Ignis!” Koji chanted rapidly. As he did a ball of fire rose from his staff
and spread into a ring. The ring hovered over the boy and enveloped him within
walls of fire. A scream was heard as it did, and after the spell dissipated the
boy’s body lay on the ground unconscious.  Then Koji began to run though his
pockets taking several golden rupees. Then a man emerged from the Bombchu
Bowling Alley. His faced was mixed with fear and anger, as he held his sword.
Koji saw this and began to run for the bridge. As he looked back he saw the
angry man run up to the guard and point at him, the guard started laughing
until the man pulled off his hat.

            “I’m your King!” he
yelled loud enough that Koji could hear.

Koji almost stopped in his
tracks. I’ve attacked King Link’s child? I must stay hidden; he mustn’t see
my face... Koji then turned back toward the bridge and saw it going up.
Koji then jumped on the bridge and when he was at the edge he jumped. Koji
closed his eyes as he jumped, not expecting to make it. Unexpectedly he made
the jump. Koji began to gloat, as he removed his hood, sure that Link couldn’t
make out his face. “Remember this as the day that Hyrule’s great “King”
was out witted by not a man… but a boy!” With Koji’s last words he ran for
Kokori Forest. He would rest there for the night and come back to talk to Link
after the tournament tomorrow. 

            Koji awoke in a small
bed, inside one of the small houses. As he walked out he felt the sun’s rays
hit him, through the trees. He really appreciated the shade of the forest, it
was much more comfortable than in the field. There were many trees in the
forest which protected it from the bright hot sun. That was except the big tree
in the middle of the village that held some sort of gem at the top, around it
was the only small clearing in the entire village. As Koji walked outside he
looked at the sign to see which house he had slept in. Since he had reached the
forest late last night he searched for an empty house, and to his surprise this
one was. The sign read: The house of Saria, Sage of the Forest. “No wonder no
one was in here...” Koji ran inside the house and made up the bed. As he ran
outside again he met Mido at the door. “Sorry Mido, it was the only empty
house.” Koji tried to explain.

            “It’s alright, she’s
never here anyway.” Koji was relieved for that. “Come you need to eat
something.”

            “Alright.” Koji
followed Mido to his house which was the one next to the cliff. He walked in
and saw a small table in the middle of the room; it had two small chairs and
two small bowls. “Man I guess everything here is small.” Koji muttered under
his breath.

            Mido chuckled. “I
heard that... You see we Kokori are small and though we may look like
children, you cannot always believe what you first glance at.”

            “What do you mean?”

            Mido simply responded
by removing his hat, revealing several gray hairs. “Oh so you all only look
like children, but live a normal life.”

            “Something like that,
it’s complicated. Well go ahead eat.” Koji picked up the spoon and began to eat
the porridge that sat in front of him...

            He had finally
reached Spectrum Hold. He was late for the Tournament so he couldn’t get a
seat. So he simply creped down to the sidelines, near the door with the guards.
They must not have seen him, or didn’t really care. Koji had a perfect view of
what was going on.

            It was finally the
last match and was about sunset. The announcer said the names of the
contestants. One being Prince Zin, and the other being an Arabian Warrior. As
Koji looked closer at the Prince he saw it was the same boy who he had attacked
the night before. Koji was bit surprised to him up and running after witnessing
that powerful spell. Now Koji would see what he would have had to deal with had
he not have caught the boy off guard. The battle began and Zin got the hit. His
opponent returned the favor. Zin mad threw down his shield and One did the same
by throwing down one of his swords. The battle was very entertaining, and it
was hard to say who was going to win. This was until Zin disarmed One, claiming
the match. Wow he’s pretty good... he’d make a fine opponent... Koji
thought. Zin cut the turban that hid his face and revealed what looked to be a
Gerudo. Then out of nowhere One’s body began to hover in midair. Zin brothers
realized what he was trying to do, and attacked him. But before they could
reach him, black flames rose from the ground and scolded all seven of them.
Koji tried to run out and help Zin, but was stopped by one of the guards.

            “Wait little man, we
don’t want to loose you too. Stay back.” He said holding Koji’s arm firmly.
Koji gave in and stayed back. One began to laugh and evil laugh.

He then
raised his hands in the air and manifest a ball of dark energy in his hands. He
hurled it at Zin who was shocked and could not move. Then Koji saw the most heroic
thing. Link jumped in the way as to save Zin’s life. Link’s screams could be
heard as his body was absorbed in the dark energy. His body fell to the ground
and Zin ran over to it. Everyone in the Hold began to run for their lives, out
every exit they could find, but Koji stayed and speculated on what would happen
next. If it came down to it Koji would fight One. As Koji looked over to Zin
and Link he couldn’t help but begin to cry, since he once felt the same pain
Zin did. When Zin got up, Koji knew Link was dead. Koji was too late he never
told Link anything of what had happened. He had failed his brother.

“I’m
Gronondorf, son of Ganondorf! I am the King of Evil!” One yelled
revealing himself.

 “You!
This is all your fault!” Zin screamed, he was furious. Then his necklace began
to glow, so bright it was beyond sight. Zin’s eyes began to glow and it seemed
that for a couple of seconds his body too seemed lifeless, until there was a
voice. It was Zin’s but had a deeper instinct behind it. Then Koji saw Zin floating
in midair, his eyes an icy blue like Kopaka’s but it seemed as if there was no
pupil. Then Zin held his hand toward Gronondorf, and he began to fall. Then his
body was being held in midair by Zin. “You have scolded me in a way that can
not be forgiven. Now must come your death.” Zin said sounding hypnotized by the
voice. Then Zin raised his hands in the air and beams of light began to shine
from the ball he had manifested. He threw it at Gronondorf. Gronondorf saw this
coming toward him and dodged it slightly, not taking the full blast, but enough
to knock him into a brief coma. Then Gonondorf’s limp body fell to ground. Then
out of the shadows came several Gerudos (evil ones) and the picked up
Gonondorf’s body. One of them began to chant a spell, and before anyone could
stop them they teleported out of the Hold. Meanwhile the glowing emblem around
Zin’s neck stopped and his pupils returned to normal. Zin closed his eyes and
fell to the ground. Koji decided he should leave since there was nothing else he
could do.

Koji ran
to Hyrule Castle Town and got the supplies. He placed them all in Troy’s
Endless Sack; a prize Troy had won from The Great Fairy, while forlorn in the
Lost Woods. It would hold many things and still be as light as a feather, and
as empty as space. After buying the supplies Koji ran to Lon Lon Ranch and
bought a horse with the money he had stolen off Zin. He named his horse Kenyi,
in honor of his brother. Kenyi was the perfect size for Koji and would grow as
he did. Koji rode his new horse through the Lost Woods and back to Troy’s
hideout...

It had
been a long while since Link’s death and Koji never left the hideout again
after that. He stood in the training room, meditating. When Troy walked in.
“Koji? You mind if I join you?” Troy asked.

“Not at
all Troy...” spoke Koji his eyes still closed.

“Koji we
need to talk...”

“About
what.”

“About
what you need do.”

“Huh?”

“Koji
how old are you?”

“14,
why?”

“Would
you call yourself a man?”

“Yes.”

“Then
you should act like it and go and tell Link’s family the truth, it might not be
too late. You still might be able to save them.” Koji got up and left the room.
He ran to his room and locked the door. Troy didn’t even bother trying to talk
to him. He would give him time and talk in the morning.

Late
that night Koji crept out of the hideout and to the stables. He left a note on
his bed to inform Troy of where he was going. He woke up his horse Kenyi and
mounted him. He took off on his horse into the mysterious night. When he
reached Kokori Forest it was about the crack of dawn. He continued to ride
until he reached the gate of Hyrule Castle Town. “Should be opening any minute
now.” and as if Koji spoke magic words, the gate lowered, allowing him to cross
the moat. He continued to ride though the still sleepy streets of Hyrule Castle
Town until he reached the Castle Gates. There a guard stood, looking sleepy
himself. Koji cleared his throat awakening the guard.

“Yes
Sir?” he asked, standing at salute.

“May I
have admission to the Castle?”

“Why should
I let you into the Castle?”

“I am
Koji, Prince of Nubia.”

“I need
proof.” Koji simply showed him his family emblem, which he bore around his neck
on a chain. “Yes Master Koji... Open the gate!” The guard yelled. After the
gate had opened the guard pointed Koji in the direction of the stables. As soon
as Koji was in the castle stables he dismounted Kenyi and handed him over to
the old stable keeper.

“Take
good care of my horse now.” Koji said to the elderly man.

“Yes
Sire. I will. Now you take care.”

“You
too” Koji walked out of the stables and back around to the front of the castle.
There stood yet another guard.

“And you
would be...” the guard questioned Koji.

“Koji:
Prince of Nubia.”

“Yes
Sire, I will open the gate.” And with that the guard pounded his spear on the
ground. The gigantic drawbridges that lead across the moat into castle began to
fall. When it was completely down the guard gave Koji directions.

“Just
continue straight and someone will direct you from there.”

“Thank
you.” Koji then walked across the bridge into the castle. When he reached what
looked to be the castle’s lobby, he stood there waiting. Not long after he had
come in had a servant come up to him.

“Yes
Master Koji, I take it you are here to speak with the Queen?”

“Yes.”

“Then
follow me this way please.” Koji followed the servant a long way until they
reached the Throne Room. The servant opened the door and announced Koji. Koji
walked down the narrow crimson carpet that lead to Zelda’s throne. He knelt
down on his knee and bowed his head.

“Yes
young prince of Nubia, what brings you all this way?” Zelda asked.

“I
request a private meeting with you your Grace. It is of much importance.”

After
Zelda had thought Koji’s request through thoroughly, she granted his request.
There in one of the meeting rooms, Koji and Zelda sat on either side of a long
table. The evening sun was setting and the gentle red and orange rays settled
through the large windows. “Yes Koji what is it that you wanted to talk about?”
Zelda asked.

“Well
you see it concerns you decease husband King Link...”

style='color:yellow'> 

            “So what you’re
trying to say is that someone has been after Link all along?” Zelda asked.

            “Yep, after they
overthrew my country, I don’t know if they were going to head here or not...”
Koji replied.

            “But there’s only one
misunderstanding.”

            “What?”

            “The person that
killed Link, he wasn’t after him, he was after Zin...” Koji was shocked upon
hearing this and then remembered. It was in fact that Gronondorf was aiming to
kill Zin.

            “So that means...”

            “... That who ever
was after Link still is.”

            “Unless they heard of
his death.”

            “But still they may
want to come after us, since they couldn’t get to Link.” Zelda was in deep
thought for while, until she thought of something. “Koji since you know what
these men look like, stay.”

            “Here in the castle?”

            “Yes.”

            “I’m sorry but I
can’t do that.”

            “Why not?”

            “I have friends who are
waiting for me, back where I live.”

            “Where is it?”

            “I can’t tell you...”
Just then the doors opened and in dashed Zin.

            “Mom who’s the
visitor, I hear that they had news about Dad...” Zin said trying to catch his
breath. He then noticed Koji sitting at table and paused. Koji got up from his
seat to greet Zin.

            “Hello I am Koji:
Prince of Nubia.” Koji said holding out his hand. Zin was about to shake his
hand until he looked at it and noticed the scar across it. It was similar to
the cloaked man that had attacked him so many years ago. Zin dashed out the
room and ran as fast as he could.

            “What is his
problem?” Zelda asked confused.

            Koji explained Troy’s
situation to Zelda, and said he wouldn’t stay unless they were able to come
back. Zelda agreed and said that he would be able to go in a couple of weeks.
Koji agreed to her statement and stayed at the castle as a guest.

            Koji lied in his
comfortable bed and looked out the window. It was a beautiful night and the
moon shone high in the sky along with the stars. All of a sudden he heard a
knock on the door. He got up from his bed and opened the door. There stood Zin.
Koji was confused, after what Zin had figured out this afternoon he was
surprised that Zin even wanted to look at him. “Yes Zin?” Koji finally asked.

            “I’m sorry for the
way I acted this evening, but I must know...”

            “What must you know?”
Koji asked getting a bit nervous.

            “Well you see... you
should sit down for this.” Koji took Zin’s suggestion and sat down on the bed.
Zin sat on the other end of the bed. “Well first off were you here for the
tournament... the day my father died?”

            “Yes...”

            “The night before, I
was attacked by some man in a dark mysterious cloak. He had the same mark on
his right hand as you do, and I just wanted to know...” Zin was bit nervous too.
“Were you that cloaked man? Really though be honest.” Koji looked at Zin and
thought about it for a while.

            “Yes... I’m sorry for
what I did. I mean I’m not trying to make an excuse or anything but I was
really frustrated and you kept bothering me, it’s just that I need to learn
some patience.” Zin had nothing to say. All the years he was searching for this
person, and now what? Zin stood up.

            “Well that’s all I
wanted to know.” Zin began to walk to the door.

            “Wait Zin!” Koji said
running up to the door. “I wanted to know, can we start over; you know a fresh
start as friends.” Koji held out his hand once again. Zin hesitated.

            “Okay. Friends then.”
Zin said shaking his hand. Zin walked out the room.        

            Over the next two
weeks Zin and Koji grew closer and closer. They were inseparable. Since Koji
lost his family and Zin lost his father the two could connect and relate to one
another. They had grown to be best friends.

            The day finally came
were Koji had to go give Troy the good news. Naturally Zin didn’t let Koji go
alone, and after some persuading, Zelda let him go along.

            After Zin and Koji
were outside the city Koji began to head toward Lon Lon Ranch. “Why are we
headed for the ranch, I thought you said this place was in the woods.” Zin
questioned.

            “It is, but we have
to get you a horse.” Koji answered.

            When they reached the
ranch, Koji saw that the wall of house blocked their way so walked up to main
building and knocked on the door. A man with a straw hat opened the door. “Yes,
what do you need?”

            Zin ran up to him and
yelled. “Uncle Scot!” They shared a quick embrace and began to chatter. Koji
cleared his throat, getting both of their attention. “Uh, yes what did you
need?”

            “He,” Koji said
pointing to Zin “needs a horse. And I need to pick up mine.”

            “Ah yes your horse...
Kenyi I believe?” Koji nodded. “And I have a fine horse for Zin. Follow me.”
Koji and Zin walked inside the house and through a hall until they were outside
again, this time on the other side the huge wall of houses from the entrance.
Zin looked all around in astonishment at how much the ranch had grown into a
small town itself. There were quite a couple dozen people in the field. Some
tending to the horses, others tending to the other animals, and then there were
some enjoying their day just sitting around out in the sun. Koji knocked Zin
out his trance.

            “You know him?” Koji
whispered in Zin’s ear.

            “Yeah I used to come
to ranch all the time when I was little.”

            “Is he really your
uncle?”

            “No, he and my dad
were just really close friends.” Scot walked the two over to the stables. There
was a red headed woman tending to the horses humming a tune.

            “Hey honey.” Scot
said to the red headed woman.

            “Hi Scot.” she said
sweeping the floor. Scot gave her a small kiss on the cheek.

            “He needs a good
horse, where’s Epona’s boy?”

            “I believe he‘s
outside with May." she looked over saying “Who needs a horse?” she saw Zin
and dropped the broom. She ran toward Zin. She gave him a big hug.

            “Hi Aunt Malon.”

            “And how are you
doing?”

            “Just fine, you?”

            “Were making out fine
as you can see.”

            “Well that’s good to
hear.” The two parted as Zin saw Koji and Scot waiting for him at the door. Zin
waved walking out. The three made their way over to where the horses were
running freely.

            “Go find May and that
horse and he’s yours.” Scot said

            “It’s that easy?” Zin
asked.

            “Yeah, that’s if
you can tame him.”

            “What do you mean
if?”

            “He’s one wild horse;
May is the only one he’s calm for.”

            “Well I’ll try my
best.” Zin said walking toward the middle of the gated field. Scot and Koji
began to talk after Zin was a distance away. After Zin had spotted May singing
out in the middle of the field. She too was thirteen and just a couple months
older than Zin; she was Scot and Malon’s child. Zin ran up behind her (since
her eyes were closed) and scared her. At first she was getting ready to hit him
until she realized it was Zin. Shocked she gave him a big hug also.

            “Zin, it been sooo
long...” she said moving her scarlet her from in front of her eyes.

            “I know, it’s nice to
see you again.” Zin said.

            “Same here, same
here.” Soon enough the two were reminiscing, until Zin remembered his purpose.

            “Uh May?”

            “Yes?”

            “You remember Epona,
right?”

            “Yes.”

            “Her son is he here.”

            “Starfire, yeah he’s
here... you don’t want to... do you?” Zin nodded. “Ha, well good luck with
that!”

            “What’s that suppose
to mean?”

            “Look, he is one
rough horse. But he’s right there if you want to try.” May said pointing to a
black horse whose hair was white along with the bottoms of his legs.

            “Watch an expert at
work.” Zin said with a big grin on his face. He walked up to the strange yet
magnificent looking horse. As he approached the horse ran off. Zin chased him,
but to no prevail. He just couldn’t catch that horse. Zin then came up with an
idea. After a few minutes Starfire was calm since Zin stopped chasing him. Then
out of nowhere Zin jumped on his back and held on tightly as Starfire jumped
around wildly. After a few minutes Zin began to get tired and couldn’t hold on
for much longer. With one last lunge Starfire threw Zin off his back. Zin
walked back over to May who was laughing up a storm.

            “An expert at work
huh?!” she mocked, her face beat red.

            “Shut up... that’s
why you look like a lobster.” Zin shot back. May immediately stopped laughing.
“How do you do it May?”

            “You really want to
know?”

            “Yes, please.”

            “Look see, it’s this
song I sing him. He really likes it and it’s the only way to calm him down.
I’ll teach it to you... that’s if you have an instrument, cause’ I don’t think
he’d appreciate you singing.”

            “You think you’re
funny huh? And yes for your information I do have a flute.”

            “Good then follow the
melody...” May began to sing the song softly and Zin followed her every note.
After Zin had learned the song he played it on his flute and reluctantly
Starfire began to walk toward him. He rubbed his head against Zin. “Well he’s
yours now.”

            “Thank you May...”

            “Take good care of
that horse.”

            “I will. Uh May what
do you call that song.”

            “I like to call it
the Stallions’ Harmony.”

            After Zin got
Starfire straddled down, he and Koji bid Scot and his family a farewell and
head toward Kokori Forest. Soon enough Zin and Koji were at the entrance to the
Lost Woods.

            “Look Zin if we are
to by any chance get separated... listen for the music, it will guide you to
safety. But you will still have many hardships to get to that safety, so just
follow me to avoid that situation. I’ll be traveling fast, so you got to pay
attention.”

            “Okay... then let’s
go.” And with those words Koji rode through the wooden tunnel and Zin followed.
Then after a few minutes of riding Koji brought his horse to a run, Zin did the
same. After some minutes of riding Koji stopped at an open clearing.

            “You want to take a
break Zin?”

            “Are we out of the
Lost Woods yet?”

            “Not yet but the
outskirts are just ahead.”

            “Okay then let’s keep
going then.” Koji began to bring his horse at full speed once again. Then out
of nowhere a few Stalfos began to attack Koji. Koji turned to his natural
instinct and tried to shake them, but this confused Zin and he after a few
seconds lost sight of Koji. Zin, completely lost began to panic. Then he
remembered what Koji told him about the music. Zin listened closely for any
sign of melody and soon heard a tune. Relieved he followed it.

            Koji had lost Zin,
and it was completely accidental. He had to go find him. Then Koji remembered
what he told Zin about the music. “Good that means he’ll end up here or at
Kokori...” He froze with horror as he remember where the source of the music
was; The Sacred Forest Meadow. He had to hurry. “I only hope I’m not too late.”

            Zin had followed the
strange music until he met another wooden tunnel. As he rode through he looked
around and saw that it wasn’t Kokori Forest. He dismounted Starfire and tied
him to a nearby tree. He then walked up to the sign that read: You have entered
the Sacred Forest Meadow. Then out of nowhere a guardian fairy much like the
one his brother Lewa had flew up to him. “Hey you... yeah you. Do you think you
can help me find my way back to the Fountain?” the small white fairy asked.

            “Fountain, what
fountain?” Zin asked puzzled.

            “Okay wrong person.”

            “Wait this Fountain
is it a Fairies’ Fountain?”

            “What other kind of
fount... You’re from the outside world aren’t you?” Zin nodded. “Well that’ll
explain alot.”

            “Well this fountain,
if I help you find it, will you promise to help me find my way out?”

            “Honestly I don’t
know my way in or out, but the Great Fairy will help you.” Zin agreed with the
fairy and they began to walk toward the opening leading inside a maze.

            “By the way what’s
your name?”

            “Nati and you?”

            “Zin, my name is
Zin.”

            “Well nice to meet
you Zin.”

            “Same here Nati.” As
the two began to near the opening a gate popped up out the ground and Zin heard
a howl behind him. He turned to see a wolf with menacing green eyes staring him
down. “Are they supposed to just pop up out of the ground like that?”

            “Yeah well see it’s a
Wolfos, and was put here as a safety precaution.”

            “What’s a Wolfos?”

            “Let’s just say a
wolf gone bad... real bad.” Just then the Wolfos attacked Zin with its perilous
claws, but Zin put up his shield just in time to avoid a fatal blow. He tried
to counter with a stab, but the Wolfos backed away. “Wait Zin, I’ll try and
find his weakness.” Nati flew over to the Wolfos and examined it and flew back
over to Zin. “It’s the back. After it strikes aim for its back.” Zin took
Nati’s advice and after the wolfos tried to shred Zin apart and turned its back,
Zin stabbed it in the spine. The creature paralyzed evaporated into green
flames. The gate then lowered and enabled them both to pass.

            “Nati thanks for the
tips.”

            “That’s what we guardian
fairies are for.”

            “Really, and this
entire time I was trying to figure out why my brother had one.”

            “Is your a brother
Kokori or something?”

            “Something like that,
it’s hard to explain... do you know of someone named Lewa?”

            “Well what ever
forest folks don’t shame on them. Lewa in known all throughout the forest and
woods.”

            “Really, cause he’s
my brother.”

            “No! You lie!”

            “I lie to you not.”
Zin said showing her his medallion around his neck, indicating that he was part
of the royal family.

            “Wow the first person
I meet and it’s the brother of Lewa! Wait till I tell everybody.”

            “Well we have to get
there first. Okay let’s try and find our way through this maze.” Zin approached
the next corner, sword and shield drawn, expecting anything. But to his
surprise, nothing. The next corner was a different story since a Deku nut was
sent flying at his head. Zin ducked and held his shield out; blocking any other
Deku nuts sent his way. He then reached the source of his problem and began
hacking at it until he felt nothing more. “What was that?”

            “A Deku Scrub.”

            “I’m not even going
to ask.”

            Zin and Nati
continued their way through the maze until they found some steps that lead up
to yet another meadow. When they reached this one what they saw amazed them.
This meadow was surrounded by stone walls. And to the top of the meadow was a
set of broken and aged stone steps. It seemed to be some sort of temple or
shrine. There was also a stump there, it too was aged and withered. Zin looked
up at the old stone shrine’s entrance. “Well we aren’t getting up there. Where
is this fountain anyway?”

            “I dunno, we must
have passed it or something.” Then the strangest thing began to happen, Zin’s
medallion began to glow and point in the direction of the stump. Actually it
seemed to point at the stump. Then both the stump and the medallion began to
glow. With a blinding flash the force of the necklace stopped. Then as Zin
looked on to see what happened, he realized the stump was gone and all that
remained was staircase that seemed to lead underground.

            “Is this where the
fountain is?” Zin asked

            “No... I’ve never
seen this before.” Nati stated. After a few seconds she asked. “You going in?”

            “Would I be a warrior
if I didn’t?” With those words Zin began to descend down the stairs into the
underground passage. The passage was bit dark, and besides Nati the only other
light was the green glow that shined against the walls. As the two neared the
hall that lead to the source of the glow, Zin saw a torch hanging from the
wall. He picked up the torch and drew his sword. They advanced down the hall
into the first room when a few keese attacked them. Zin ducked to avoid being
bitten, but the keese flew into the torch. Even though the two keese were now
on fire they still pursued on trying to kill Zin. Zin dropped the torch and
pulled out his shield. The flaming keese again tried attack Zin, but he held up
his shield and countered by smacking it hard with it. The mad bat fell to the
ground and continued to burn to ash. Then the other one tried to attack Zin,
but missed. As it was flying around, readying itself to attack again, Zin aimed
his sword and threw it. His blade hit the unsuspecting keese on aim.

            “Whoa, he’s good.”
Nati muttered to herself. Zin placed his shield on his back and picked up the
torch and his sword. “Those were...”

            “Keese. Don’t worry I
know about those.” Zin walked up to the door and his glowing emblem opened it.
As he walked through he noticed that Nati wasn’t following him.

            “What wrong Nati?”

            “Um... I’d prefer to
stay out here... where it’s safe.”

            “Aw come on, where
your sense of adventure?”

            “Back up those
stairs.”

            “But I need you to
help me. Besides something great could be down here.”

            “You seem like you
can take care of yourself.”

            “What if something
happened like in the courtyard?” Nati realized that Zin was right, and kind of
felt obligated to helping him, so she followed him through the door. After they
were both on the other side of the door, it slammed shut and iron bars ascended
in front of it. Zin ran back up to the door and tried his necklace on it, but
it didn’t work. The door was jammed shut. Then as Zin turned around he saw
something burrow from the ground. It was another Wolfos. “Not another one of
these.”

            “Wait this one seems
different.” Nati inspected it and noticed its fur was all black and its eyes
were a more menacing green than from before. “This one is most definitely
evil.”

            “Oh no.” The evil
wolfos lunged forth, but Zin dodged it and countered but throwing the torch at
it. The wolfos nearly dodged it but it still scolded him a bit. It cried out in
pain as some of its fur had burned. Zin had already drawn his shield and was
ready for action. The wolfos lunged again, but Zin shielded himself and threw
it back. After it fell to the ground Zin began hacking at it, putting deep
gashes in to its back. The infuriated wolfos began running circles around Zin,
jumping on and off the walls of the circular room. Zin was now a bit confused
and the wolfos used this opportunity to strike Zin. It jumped off the wall and
settled it claws deep into Zin’s left arm. Zin cried out in agony as the waves
of pain were sent up his arm, causing him to drop his shield. Nati seeing Zin
in serious trouble boosted her light to the max and tried to blind the wolfos,
by flying in front of its eyes. The wolfos seeing nothing but white was
distracted and let go of Zin’s arm. He tried to swat Nati away, but to no prevail.
This was the perfect opportunity for Zin to finish the wolfos. He charged up
his energy and did several back flips, and a final jump attack and brought his
sword down on the wolfos’ head. The wolfos stopped dead in its tracks once it
realized it had been defeated. It fell to the ground and just lied there with
its head split open. “Wait, why didn’t it burst into green flames like the
other one?” Nati analyzed Zin’s question and gasped. “What?”

            “That wolfos was
real...”

            “So, and what does
that mean?”

            “That this place is
strictly evil or holds something to fight against evil.”

            “Well maybe it’s
through that door.” Zin said pointing to door. He was almost certain since the
green glow shone brightly through the barred windows on both sides of the door.

            “You know curiosity
killed the cat.” Zin ignored her and walked up to the door and his necklace
again opened it. As soon as they set their eyes upon the room they were forced
to cover them from the bright light. After the light had died down a bit Zin
removed his arm. He looked at the stump that sat in the middle of the evergreen
chamber and saw an emerald embedded in gold levitating slightly above the
stump. Zin looked in astonishment as he gazed at the emerald rotation slowly.
“What is it?” Zin asked himself more than Nati.

            “I know what that is!
It’s the Kokiri’sstyle='color:yellow'> Emerald: The Sacred Stone of the Forest.” Zin looked at a
while longer. “Well it’s yours now, take it.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “Well you worked hard
to get here, you’re not going to leave empty handed now are you?” Zin walked up
to the emerald and looked at it one last time before swiping it. Once he
touched it a flashback of his dream revealed the emerald. In that split second
he saw himself back at the alter in the Temple of Time, placing the emerald
down on it.

            “Strange...” Zin said
to himself.

            After they had
climbed back out the chamber, the stump reappeared in its place. Then Zin
remembered his acing arm. “Come on let me take you to the fountain, they’ll
heal you up there.” Nati suggested.

            “Do you remember
where it is?” Zin asked walking down the steps back into the maze.

            “I think so; there
should be ladder somewhere here...” Nati looked around and spotted it against
the wall in front of them. “There it is!” Zin looked at. This would be an east
task, hadn’t he gotten his arm bent out of shape. He tried to climb it anyway,
and after about five minutes he made it the top and climbed back down the
ladder on the other side. On the ground was a small hole big enough for him to
fit down. “That’s it! Just jump down that hole.”

            “Jump?”

            “Yeah, jump, trust
me.” Zin looked down in the hole and saw nothing, but he trusted Nati’s
judgment by now. He closed his eyes and jumped down. When he opened his eyes he
saw that he was slowly descending to the ground. Nati followed. After he was on
his feet, he saw a whole bunch of fairies of different colors flying up to him
and Nati.

            One of the screamed
“Nati are you okay?” as did many of the other fairies started to. Then they
noticed Zin and asked. “Who is that?” Again the fairies started chattering.

            “That’s enough...
Let’s give our guest some space to breath. And Nati... where in Hyrule where
you?” asked the Great Fairy who actually had a body.

            “I’m sorry, but I got
lost. But Zin helped me find my way back.” Nati said introducing Zin. Zin
simply waved upon hearing his name.

            “Well I take it that
you’re Zin.” The Great Fairy said levitating over to him. “I am the Great Fairy
of the Fores... Oh my! Look at your arm. We must heal that up immediately.”
Then the Great Fairy used her powers to levitate Zin to the middle of the pool
in the fountain. She dipped him in and the magic water washed and healed his
wound. The Great Fairy then floated over to Zin.

            “I also have another
gift you, since you helped one of my fairies.” the Great Fairy said. She then
lifted her arms and cast some kind of spell on Zin. “I grant you the power of
magic. You now have magic flowing through your blood. You may use this magic to
harness the power of the Sacred Stones, but more importantly, you are now able
to use the spin attack. After you charge up your sword, you can unleash
a wave of pure energy to smite evil. But use your magic sparingly, or you will
have to replenish it.” The spell rejuvenated Zin’s energy. After Zin had been
healed and gifted he thanked them all and was about to leave when Nati flew
back up to him.

            “You live in the castle
right?” Zin nodded his head. “And you are going to look for those other stones
right?”

            “I guess.”

            “Well you see I
wanted to know... if it was okay with you...”Nati was a bit shy now, so the
Great Fairy butted in.

            “You see Nati is a
guardian fairy in training and has one more test to complete. But then again if
she goes with you and helps find the remaining Sacred Stones, her test will be
complete, and she will be a full fledged guardian fairy. So on my behalf, is it
okay if she goes with you, and lives in the castle?”

            Zin didn’t even think
about it. “I don’t see why not.” Nati squealed with joy upon those words and
flew up to Zin screaming.

            “Thank you, thank
you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said fast repeatedly.

            “You’re welcome.” Zin
said. The two then walked up to the platform out. They waved and every fairy
was saying their farewells.

            “Come back any time
you feel free to.” The Great Fairy said. The two stepped onto the platform and
made their way back to the entrance to the meadow. Zin sat on the stump and
took out the map the Great Fairy gave him. As he opened it he saw nothing on
it.

            “Huh, what kind of
map is this? How am I supposed to tell where I am?” As if he spoke magic, the empty
paper showed all of Hyrule. Zin catching onto the maps ability said. “Lost
Woods.” Then all of the Lost Woods appeared to take up the paper. “Show me the
way out of the Sacred Forest Meadow.” Then the map showed a whole bunch of
arrows and a red dot that showed where Zin was. Zin walked forward a few feet
and looked at map and noticed the dot moved too. “Cool. Nati I figured out how
to use the map, come on let’s go.” Zin untied his horse from the tree. Nati
soon was following behind Zin who was completely into the map. As he was riding
through the tunnel he noticed someone below him. He looked from the map and saw
it was Koji. “Koji hey! I thought I lost you!” Zin said dismounting Starfire.

            “Zin... you did loose
me!” Koji shot back. “Now come on let’s go.”

            After about an hour
of riding and explaining, Koji understood what had happened to Zin. And Zin
explained what happened in the meadow and about Nati. Once they were deep in
the Misty Woods as they were called, Koji stopped. “What is it Koji?” Zin
asked.

            “We’re here.” Koji
said. He dismounted Kenyi and walked up to a tree. He knocked on the north side
with a certain rhythm three times. Then from that fell a ramp. “Come on...
hurry.” He got back on his horse and rode up the ramp into the tree. Zin
followed after him. After they were on the top of the tree the ramp was brought
back up. Zin didn’t see who brought it up, but he just followed Koji into some
kind of stable. It had several horses in it. Then Zin realized that the hideout
was well hidden by leaves, but still was well built and very sturdy. Zin got
off the horse and saw Koji hugging someone. Then he introduced him to Zin.

            “Julius this is Zin,
Zin, Julius.” Koji said. Julius held his hand out and Zin shook it.

            “It’s nice to meet
you Zin.” Julius said.

            “Same here Julius.”
Zin said. Julius then walked Zin and Koji over to the main house where the rest
of the crew was waiting. As Julius walked in, everyone turned toward the door.
When they saw Koji with Zin their faces beamed with happiness. Every one of
them was extremely happy, especially Troy. After introductions were made, Koji
explained the situation to them. They would all be going back to Hyrule; each of
them had a house, and a decent job. They all were ecstatic. They could finally
say goodbye to this tree house, to this thievish lifestyle. Each of them
thanked Zin extensively. They would head for Hyrule in the morning, but for now
they were going to spend the night, their last night here.

            As Zin slept in his
bed he again was having his strange dreams. Again he was in the Temple of Time,
but this time around he was able to move, and it seemed more vivid... even
real. He moved toward the alter and looked at the wall that would soon become a
door. Then his actions seemed to be controlled again. He pulled out an ocarina,
but not just any ocarina, but the Ocarina of Time. He again played the strange
tune and from his pocket flew the Kokori’s Emerald. It placed itself on the
alter, and then there were flashes of color again. The door then opened. He
walked through and there was again a blinding flash. Zin then saw himself
standing there, although more matured...

            Zin popped up from
his bed in a cold sweat. Strange... It was more vivid this time. Maybe
there’s something to this dream, maybe it’s a message. Although the dream and
the Stone seemed to be connected somehow... Maybe I should find the
remaining stones...         

style='color:yellow'>Off at Hyrule Castle...

            “Zin, what do you
think you’re doing?” asked Nati.

            “We have to get back
in without be detected right? Well this is the way to do it.” Zin said looking
through his bag. After he had found what he was looking for he gazed at it for
a second.

            “The Shiekah’s Amethyst
Zin? What’s that going to do?”

            “You’re about see
what the Sacred Stone of Shadows can really do.” Zin said gazing at the violet
stone that had streaks of pure gold swirling in a design on it.

            “But Zin, this could
be bad, you don’t know...”

            “Nati get in the
cloak.”

            “Fine, but if you get
in trouble you’re on your own.”

            Zin looked at the
stone a second longer before saying “Darkness.” He then closed his cloak and
put on his hood. The stone glowed before Zin put it back in his pocket. The power
of darkness cloaked Zin with invisibility. Since it was at night he fit right
in and since it was raining he would be able to sneak around with less worry.
He climbed up the slick vines on the outer wall, and cross over the gate with
ease. He then walked over to the drawbridge and over to the east side of the
castle. He saw the rusty old door, and opened it cautiously. After he had snuck
through the castle courtyard and back near the Great Hall, Zin undid the spell.
“Ha, ninja’s got nothing on me.”

            “Nope but I do.” said
Nyra walking past him. Zin was utterly shocked.

            “Nyra, what are you
doing up so late?” Zin asked.

            “Funny, I was getting
ready to ask the same about you?”

            “Please don’t tell
anyone.”

            “Don’t worry bro you
can count on me not say a word. But you really ought to get to bed before mom
suspects something.”

            “Thanks Nyra... Does
Koji know?”

            “He’s fast asleep, so
don’t worry.”

            “Alright. Night
Nyra.”

            “Goodnight Zin.” Zin
then ran down the hall and to his room. He had to open the door slowly as not
to wake Koji on the top bunk of the bed. He untied his cloak and hung it up in
his closet. He took off his boots and artillery and placed them under his bed.
He then grabbed his night clothes and went in the bathroom to change. After he
came out he saw Koji sitting his bed. Koji was looking a bit groggy, but he
still had it together.

            “Where have you
been?” Koji asked.

            “You know, trying to
find the rest of those stones.” Zin said sitting on the bed also.

            “How many are there?”

            “If I’m not mistaken...
seven, there are seven stones.”

            “How do they work,
you never did explain it to me.”

            “Look, the Forest
Stone grants me the ability to heal and tame the earth. The Fire Stone grants
me the ability to use super speed and fire. The Water Stone lets me breathe
underwater and manipulate it. The Shadow Stone grants, me the ability of
telekinesis and darkness to make myself seem invisible. And finally the Spirit
Stone grants me the ability of superhuman strength and evolution of three
animals; an eagle, a shark and a tiger. But you must also remember my powers
aren’t as powerful as my brothers and they also depend on how much magic I have
left. I’m still looking for the Time and Light Stones.”

            “Oh, well that’s all
clear now. I’m going back to sleep.”

            “Wait Koji, then why
did you have to ask me of my whereabouts?”

            “Just making sure you
ain’t going on any adventures without me.” Koji then climbed the small ladder
up to the top bunk and fell back asleep. Zin got in his bed and fell asleep
too.

            Now once again in the
Temple of Time, Zin was having that strange dream... again. It seemed to haunt
him. He was moving around until he walked up to the alter and whipped out the
Ocarina of Time and played that strange tune once again. The door opened, but
this time instead of a bright flash, Zin saw a big blue bubble of energy
surrounding whatever lied beyond the door. Then he felt himself floating upward
as if he were going to go through the roof. Then there was a bright flash. Zin
saw his aged self standing on a cliff overlooking Hyrule Field, and he again
saw the image that would haunt him. The menacing clack tower clashing in a
crimson sky. Then there was another bright flash and Zin’s dream toned out...

            Zin stirred a bit but
didn’t wake up, since he was so use to the dream by now. But as he slept and
dreamed that strange dream, the Triforce necklace he wore was glowing quite
brightly.

            Later on the next
morning Zin decides he should tell Koji about his strange dream. Maybe Koji
could help him figure out what it means. Zin already had a general idea, but
maybe Koji saw a twist to it that he couldn’t. It was a nice bright day, and
Zin and Koji were on a cliff overlooking Hyrule Field.

            “Look Koji this is
it.” Zin said.

            “This is the place?”
Koji asked.

            “This very cliff.”

            “Well you couldn’t
have picked a better spot.” Koji joked.

            “Koji, this is
serious. Well then again it is a nice view. It would be even better if I hadn’t
seen what I saw.”

            “Well what do you
think of it?”

            “What? The dream?”
Koji nodded. “Well I’m glad I at least told you... glad I told someone.”

            “So what again is it
that you seen?”

            “When I stand in this
spot right here...” Zin said standing in a certain spot, “I see this big...”
Zin cut himself off, as he turned around. There was flash, like he was hallucinating,
and it was all going in slow motion. Time seemed to stop itself for this one
moment. Zin turned back toward the field and saw the great black tower where
the ranch was suppose to be, and it did in fact reach up through the red clouds
and clashed with the crimson sky. Zin was shocked out of his mind upon seeing
this and looked down at the field below. He saw the bodies of many soldiers...
Hylian soldiers scattered across the bloody field. And as he turned around he
saw a most horrific sight, as Koji had met the same fate. His limp body lied on
the ground, bruised and wounded his staff but a few inches away. Zin then turned
back once again and saw the sun, but it was pitch black. Zin felt himself fall
over the cliff as his world fell into darkness...

            Zin jetted up from
his bed and looked around. “Please someone tell me that was a dream.” he
muttered to himself. He looked around and saw he was in a white bed, with white
garments on.

            “No unfortunately it
wasn’t a dream. But fortunately, I was there to catch you before you fell over
that cliff.” Koji said walking into the long yet narrow Patient’s Hall of the
Hospital Wing. “Hey everyone he’s open eyed.” Just then every one of Zin’s
siblings rushed through the door. Before they got in Koji mouthed something to
Zin. From what Zin could tell, he was trying to say, “Tell me later.” After
Gali had seen Zin was alive he left.

            “Well that’s all I
needed to see.” Gali said crudely walking back toward his room.

            “Wait, aren’t you
going to see if he’s okay?” Nyra asked trying to stop him.

            “He looks fine to
me... he’s breathing right?”

            “Why, you selfish son
of a...” Nyra muttered, but was cut off by Onua grabbing her by the shoulder.

            “Nyra, it’s alright,
forget him, besides you both have the same mother.” Onua joked. Nyra let down
and let Gali go. She hated the way Gali treated Zin, and didn’t understand it.

            “Zin what happened?” Matinu
asked very concerned.

            “I don’t know, I just
blacked out.” Zin said trying to find a way to tell them without revealing his
dream.

            “You feeling okay?”

            “Yeah I feel fine
now.”

            “It’s a good thing
Koji was there to catch you.”

            “Yeah it was,” Zin said
looking over to Koji, “Thanks Koji.”

            It was later on that
day and after Zin had talked to his mother, he snuck out of the castle again.
From what Zin had learned from the Great Deku Tree, the last two stone were the
Hylian’s Diamond: Sacred Stone of Time, and the Trion’s Topaz: Sacred Stone of
Light. Since Zin hadn’t checked Hylia Lake, he thought it would be a good
start. He spent all day searching the colossal lake and all he found was the
ruins to some kind of underwater shrine at the bottom of the lake. But he
didn’t have the means of opening it, and besides he didn’t feel that that was
were either stones laid. It was well after dusk when Zin snuck back in the
castle. Zin snuck back into his and was surprised that he didn’t see Koji sprawled
out on the bed snoring. Then as he was taking off his boots Zelda opened the
door. “It’s about time I caught the mystery man.” she said with a cynical tone.

            “Mom?” Zin had
already figured he was going to be on punishment.

            “Where exactly have
you been?”

            “I... I can’t tell
you.”

            “Why not?”

            “I just can’t, it’s
stupid really.”

            “Well it can’t be all
that stupid if you’re sneaking around at night. Zin tell me what it is.”

            “Mom, please, I’d
rather not. It’s something I want to keep to myself.”

            “Well Zin does it
require you to start sneaking out.” Zin was silent. “Is this about your
father?”

            “Mom. No.”

            “Do you need to talk
to me?”

            “Mom.”

            “Fine, if not to me
than to someone else. Please Zin, it may help”

            “What are suggesting?
I’m not crazy or anything mom.”

            “Zin please it will
help you.”

            “I can’t believe this;
my mother thinks I need mental help.”

            “Zin please...”

            “No! I won’t let you
treat me like this! Ever since dad died you’ve always been on my back like I’m
some kind of... criminal. Like I’m going to do something wrong... like I’m
going to end the world or something...”

            “Well if you want to
yell and scream I can do the same! You’re on punishment! You won’t be going out
for... an entire month!”

            “I don’t really care.
It’s like I’m already on punishment, as boring as this castle is.”

            “Where’s your sword,
and your shield too.”

            “Mom, no. Don’t go
that far.”

            “Give them to me or
I’ll find them. Now Zin!”

            “Fine.” Zin went
under his bed and took out his sword and shield. “Can’t let her find you.” Zin
whispered, grabbing the stones. He took out the shadow stone and cloaked the
bag with the stones in them with darkness. “Here.” he said giving her the sword
and shield.

            “Good. I’ll give it
back around the time of the tournament.”

            “Oh great, another
one of those.” Zin muttered under his breath.

            “Keep pushing me Zin
and Din so help me... Why am I even getting stressed over this? Goodnight Zin.”
she said closing the door. Zin lay on his bed for a while before Koji walked
in. They talked for a while, until Koji got tired and decided to turn in for
the night. Zin looked at the clock and it was about quarter to 1 in the
morning. Zin grabbed the bag from under his bed and walked out of his room and
down to the castle safe room. His sword and shield were there. As he approached
he noticed the guards patrolling around it. He once again took out the Shadow
Stone and turned himself invisible. He swiftly floated over to the big volt
door. He then noticed the guard that was directly in front of the door was
moving away. Their probably switching shifts, better move. Zin undid the
shadow spell and whipped out the Spirit Stone and used it to move himself
through the shut volt door. When he was inside he saw his sword and shield
sitting on a shelf. He grabbed his equipment and snuck out the castle. After he
was in the stables, he noticed the stable keeper was sound asleep. He mounted
Starfire and quietly left the castle grounds. Since the main gate was closed he
had to travel through Kakakiro. As he ventured to the east side of town he rode
through the Humble Gate; which was the borderline between Hyrule Castle Town
and Kakakiro. After Zin was finally out in the field he rode over to the ranch.
He used the secret back entrance and after he was in he walked Starfire over to
the sables.

            May was out in the
horse field looking at the stars when she heard a noise coming from the mill.
As she glanced over she saw a man with a horse walk over to the stables. She
grabbed her pitchfork and walked over to the stables.

            Once Zin had made sure
Starfire was nice and comfortable he was going to go back to mill and sleep
there. But before he was able to even leave the stables he turned around to see
the points of a pitchfork at his neck. With swift reflexes he drew his sword
and chopped the pitchfork in half. Then he noticed it was May, and May noticed
it was Zin.

            After Zin had
explained his situation to May she let gave him a few blankets and a pillow and
let him sleep on the small bed in the living room of the house. She said she
would come and wake him up before dawn. That gave him a few hours to sleep.
Once May had went upstairs, Zin drifted off and fell asleep.

            He was awakened by a
violent shake. Zin sat up to see May with her hands on her his. It’s about time
you woke up.” she said a bit agitated.

            “Sorry about that.”
Zin said folding up the blankets.

            “Light sleeper my foot...”
May muttered under her breath.

            “What was that?” Zin
asked giggling.

            “Nothing.”

            “Oh... that’s what I
thought.”

            “Shut up Zin.” she
said pushing him and giggling. After they had walked back over to the stables
and Zin had mounted Starfire, May let Zin out through the front gate. Then May
also got on top of the horse.

            “May what are you
doing?” Zin asked.

            “Well someone has to
bring Starfire back right?” Zin figured she was right and let her come with
him. After they were outside the ranch they rode off. Soon they were only
distant images that disappeared over the horizon.

            Koji awoke from his
bed and got up. As he climbed down the ladder from the top bunk he noticed that
Zin wasn’t in his bed. He began to panic a little, until he saw a small note on
Zin’s pillow. He took it up and read it.

Hey Koji,

            I know you might
be a little worried that I’m gone, but don’t worry I’m fine. And I got my stuff
last night. Please Koji this note is for your eyes only, so don’t go and show
it to anyone. I don’t know where I’m going really. I mean, I’m going to West
Hyrule, but I don’t know where I’m going to go once I get there. But don’t
worry I have money if I need food or have to stay at an inn or something. I
just feel this strong urge that’s pulling me there. I know I’m going to be in
big trouble when I get back home, but I can deal with it. Well I’ll talk to you
later...

                                                                                                                                                You
know,

                                                                                                                                                         
Zin

P.S. Tell Nati I’m sorry...
but this something I have to do on my own. If I find any Nubian Officials, I’ll
tell them of your safety... Don’t worry I know what the Royal Nubian Star looks
like.

            Koji looked at the
bottom of the paper and saw that Zin had drawn a shield with two eagles that
held it on both sides, under a black star that was surrounded by gold. Koji
looked at the emblem around his neck, it was an identical match. Koji then
ripped up the note and threw it out the window. He watched as the scraps of
paper fell into the flowing moat below. He looked out west and saw the Great
Sea and prayed that Zin would be alright.  

            Zin and May had
traveled over to the small harbor where the ferry was anchoring. The harbor was
located to the north west of Hyrule. It was beyond a gorge of cliffs that lied
between the desert and Hyrule Castle. Once Zin had gotten there he saw the
quite large ship floating in the harbor. He saw quite a few people boarding the
ferry with big bags and carrying cases. Zin walked up the metal ramp and took
the bag off his shoulder. The man said the ride over was 40 rupees. Zin dug
deep in the bag and took out two blue rupees. He handed them to the man as he
slung the bag back across his shoulder. As everyone boarded the ferry Zin said
his goodbyes.

            “Bye May and thank
you.” Zin said hugging her.

            “Before you go on it
would be fair to warn you, this ferry is fast.”

            “And how would you
know that?”

            “None of your business.”
They both started laughing. They shared one last long embrace before Zin decided
to go.  Zin walked inside the ferry and once every one was on board the boat
took off. Zin waved to May and yelled.

            “Take care of my
horse!”

            “I will!” she yelled
back waving. “Be careful!” Zin walked inside the ferry and looked over at the
clock on the far wall, it was half past 6. Once they were off about a mile from
shore, Zin walked up on the deck and sat on one of the benches. There were
quite a few people on deck, but everyone seemed to keep to themselves. Zin put
his bag on the bench once the ferry really started moving and went to go stand
at the railing. “May wasn’t lying when she said this boat was fast.” Zin said
to himself. He stood and looked out at the sea ahead. He looked down and looked
at the water below. It was such a beautiful deep blue, neon colored almost. He
looked straight ahead again and let the wind blow through his wild hair. Soon
enough Zin sat back down and lied back on the empty bench. Before he knew it he
was fast asleep.

            Zin felt someone
nudging him gently and opened his eyes. “Hey we’re almost there.” a man with
glasses said.

            “Thanks.” Zin said
sitting up and stretching out. He grabbed his leather bag and slung it back
across his shoulder. He stood up and looked ahead. For the first time in a long
time Zin saw West Hyrule. Where they were about to land was the main city Hyritongard
where the castle was. It was a very industrious city and made Hyrule Castle
look like a farmhouse. From here Zin could see the castle and the quite few
large buildings that reached up beyond Spectrum Hold even. As soon as they
anchored and Zin was off the ship, he found himself very lost. From about a
half mile away the city didn’t look that big, but when you where on the ground
level it was colossal. “Nati would have loved to see this.”

            “Yeah it is kind of
amazing...” spoke a familiar voice “I can’t believe you were going to leave me
behind. Zin turned around to see his guardian fairy floating in front of him.
Zin shook his head and chuckled.

            “I can’t believe you
followed me here.” Zin said.

            “Hey anything can
happen to you... so that’s why I’m here, to help.”

            “Well what else could
I have expected? Man, this city is huge.”

            “Yeah it is... well
aren’t you going to find someplace to stay? Use the map.”

            “Okay...” Zin took
out the magical map and said, “West Hyrule... Hyritongard... direct me to a
good hotel or inn.” Again the red dot showed up to identify Zin and showed
arrows in different directions that lead to hotels and inns. Zin took the
straight path and walked down the street of the busy town. Zin saw that there
was a sidewalk on both sides of the street and was confused until he turned
around and saw a carriage headed for him. Zin jumped on the sidewalk. This
wasn’t like home at all. He continued to walk down the street, admiring the
skyscrapers up high. When he finally got to the hotel, he saw a crimson rug
leading outside and looked up. “Whoa this hotel is huge.” From what Zin could
tell it was about five stories high. Zin walked in and noticed how shiny and
waxed the floor was, this was definitely a high quality hotel. He walked to the
desk and rung the bell. A well dressed man with a moustache and a funny accent
came up behind the desk.

            “Yes sir, may I be of
service to you?” he asked.

            “Do you have any
rooms available?” Zin asked.

            “Yes. There are three
on the first, on the third and,” he looked down a paper he had “There is one on
the fourth floor.”

            “How much is the cost
a night here?”

            “145 rupees a night
sir.” Zin thought about the price for a minute. The bag across his shoulder was
beginning to irritate him and he was a bit tired so he took the room.

            “Where are you going
to get all that money from? And how many nights do you plan on staying here
with that price?” Nati asked all at once.

            “Don’t worry I
covered myself.” Zin opened a section of his bag to reveal many rupees, most of
them gold.

            “Well sir, how many
nights will you be staying?” The man asked.

            “A week and a half.
11 days.”

            “Well after the first
six days you get a discount, 45 rupees off every night. Your tab will come up
to...” the man tried to speak, but was cut off.

            “I’ll just pay
upfront.” Zin said digging in his bag. “How much will it be?” The man looked
down yet again at the paper.

            “As you wish. That
would be 1,370 rupees sir.” Zin took out six gold rupees, a silver rupee and a
purple and a red rupee.

            “Here you go.” he
said handing him the jewels. He counted before saying.

            “Your name sir?” Zin
thought quickly. He didn’t want to use his real name since it would probably
start some kind of public event and he’d never have peace the visit here.

            “Scot. My name is
Scot Excalibur. 

            “The gentleman to
your left will direct you to your room. Welcome to the Golden Medallion Mr.
Excalibur.” The man handed Zin his key and motioned for him to follow the man.
Zin did so and followed the man up a series of steps.

            “Don’t worry you’ll
know you way around here eventually.” The man said seeing that Zin was gazing
beyond the steps at the other parts of the hotel. The man didn’t look like he
was past his teens yet. “You training or something?” He asked looking at Zin’s
sword and shield.

            “Yes I’m a squire.”
Zin answered back.

            “May I see your
sword?”

            “But of course.” Zin
drew his sword and handed it to the man. He gazed at it and even swung it a few
times. “You seem to know how to handle a sword. You fight?”

            “Well I at one point
in time was a squire like yourself, but about last year I had to take up this
job to help my mother and little brothers. My dad is off on a crusade and I go
to a knighting academy on the side to make up my lost time,” he handed Zin back
his sword as they reached the room, “This is a nice sword you have. You
wouldn’t want to sell it would by any chance?”

            “Of course not. It
was given to me by my father.”

            “Oh sorry. Well Scot
this is your room. Who knows I might see you in battle someday.”

            “On the same side I
hope...”

            “William. My name is
William, son of Wilhelm.”

            “Well I’ll see you
around then William.” Zin opened the door and walked in. Immediately he tossed
the bag aside and lied on one of the big comfortable beds. The room itself was
quite large and had many things in it. Zin walked over to the huge window,
opened the curtains and the window to reveal a balcony. He walked out on the
stone balcony and saw a marvelous sight. He saw most of the city below. Many of
the people were now little dots, insignificant in the colossal city of clashing
colors. The balcony was on the front side of the hotel so Zin saw alot of what
was going on. He walked back over to the bed and lied there for a while, let
the breeze blow through the room. He kicked of his boots and put the key in his
small bag with the stones in it. Nati flew out of the window and observed the
view. Soon Zin was fast asleep.

            Zin shot up from his
bed and noticed it was all dark. The only light was the dim illumination of
Nati who too was asleep on the other bed. Zin got up and felt his stomach
growl. He hadn’t eaten all day. He got and used the Fire Stone to light the
bright candle and the chandelier over top of them. He dug in his bag and took
out a piece of raisin bread that May had baked for him. As he ate the bread he
walked out on the balcony and looked up at the stars. When he looked down he
saw a few light lights that lit the paths of the streets. He stood on the balcony
for a while before closing the window and going into the small bathroom he saw
a bathtub and a sign over head of it. It read:

            Hot water is
available downstairs in the room next to the lobby.

                                                                                                
Thank you,

                                                                                        
Hotel Manager

            Zin again went in his
bag; he grabbed the Water and Fire Stones and went back into the bathroom. He
filled the tub with cool crisp water and then used the Fire Stone to heat it.
After a long bath Zin changed into his nightclothes and fell asleep a few hours
before dawn.

            There was a knock on
the door but no answer. Nati burst up with energy as she heard the knock. She
flew over to Zin tried to wake him up.

            “Please, I wanna ride
the pony.” Zin complained, obviously talking in his sleep. She got close to his
ear and tried again.

            “Zin get up.” she
said.

            “It’s my milk! Away
with you!” still sleep talking. He swatted at his ear and smacked Nati right
into the bed. Nati infuriated flew back up to his ear and screamed as loud as
she could.

            “UP WITH YOU! NOW!”
Zin shot up immediately screaming.

            “Ah Ah Ah! Wha! Who’s
dying?! Huh?! Wha!”

            “There is someone at
the door... Pony boy.”

            “Pony boy?” Zin got
up out of the bed and walked over to the door and opened it. A woman with
towels and things in her hands walked in saying.

            “Room Service. I have
clean towels and washcloths for you sir,” she set them down on the bathroom
counter and asked, “Is there anything I can get you? Lunch perhaps?”

            “Uh no, but thank
you.” Zin said. The woman let herself out and closed the door behind her. Zin
decided that he and Nati should go out for a day of sightseeing. After Zin had
washed up and put on his traditional sleeveless green tunic with the big baggy
brown boots and the crimson hooded cape, Zin and Nati left the hotel. Zin
grabbed his small bag with the stones and the key in it. He opened his bag and
took out several golden rupees, and put them in the smaller bag. When they went
to the lobby to check out the man at the front desk asked Zin for his key...
for security reasons. As they walked out the front entrance Zin looked around
and asked Nati. “So, what’s for lunch?”

            The two went to a
spectacular place for lunch. It was rated among one of the top 5 star restaurants
in West Hyrule. Afterwards they went sightseeing, seeing all different parts of
the city. There was one particular thing that caught Zin’s attention, the
castle. He seemed drawn to it, but it was out of reach and beyond waves of
security. After it was about 7 o’clock they went to a seafood place right along
the harbor’s port. There were many things along that port, like shops and boat
rentals and many taverns. The restaurant was an outside place and it was a busy
night, but the two enjoyed themselves, along with everyone else, as they had
seen a pyro-dancer, and some man who did tricks with broken glass shards. Once
they were done Nati noticed that they were a long way from the hotel, and Nati
was complaining she was tired. Zin noticed that his feet were hurting too, and
when Zin started asking around he found out that they more than 10 miles away
from the hotel.

            “Man this city is
even bigger than I thought!” Zin exclaimed trying to figure out what to do.      

            “Well after walking
to the ‘Central’ and then catching that carriage for a tour, it doesn’t
surprise me.”

            “Carriage, that’s it!
You’re a genius Nati.”

            “I am...? Of course I
am.” Zin then ran along the sidewalk, trying to flag down any one of the
carriages passing by. None of them seemed to stop for Zin and his fairy. When
Zin had given up he started walking down the street.

            “Well looks like we
have to walk the distance. You can go ahead and rest in the bag.” Zin offered.

            “No, if you’re going
to suffer, I might as well suffer with you. Besides it builds character.”

            “Character my as...”
Zin stopped in the middle of his sentence when he heard a carriage stop behind
him. He turned and saw a man walking toward him, and as Zin looked closer he
saw it was... “William?!”

            “Zin, I thought that
was you. You are by the way the only person in this town I know with a fairy.”
William said. “I take it you need a ride back?”

            “Yep, I’m all for
it.” Nati interrupted.

            “Alright, but first I
have to deliver something in here.” William said pointing to the building with
the large glass doors. “Go wait in the carriage, I won’t be too long.” Zin
walked up to the carriage and saw several boxes. Then William walked up behind
him.

            “You need help?” Zin
offered.

            “No, no I’ve got.”

            “No, I insist.” Zin
helped William carry the boxes into what Zin had learned was a bank. Afterwards
the three were on their way back to the hotel. Along the way Zin and Will had
another conversation about swords and knights. Once they were at the front
entrance Will let them out. “Thank you so much, you saved my feet...
literally.” Zin said.

            “No problem, that’s
what I’m here for.” William said pulling off. Zin and Nati walked inside and
checked back in at the front desk. The man handed Zin his key and they were off
to their room.

            “So what are we doing
for tomorrow?” Nati asked after they were both washed and lying on the beds.

            “We’re waking up
bright and early to go the castle... more specifically, sneak into the castle.”
Zin said with a grin on his face.

            “You know it would be
a whole lot easier to just tell them you’re Prince Zin, you have the proof.”
Nati pointed her wing to his necklace.

            “Like I said before,
my mother has probably already sent news of my absence.”

            “Yeah, why did you do
that to her anyway?” Nati asked playing stupid.

            “Shut up Nati and go
to sleep.” The two laughed for a little while longer before Zin blew out the
candle.

            Bright and early the
next morning Zin had already gotten up and bathed before Nati showed any signs
of life. He jumped up and down on the bed to get her awake. After she had
gotten up and Zin grabbed his bag and checked out before leaving. From what Zin
judged it had been 15 minutes since he checked the time, so it was about 7:30
now. Even though it was bright and early the city was still a bit busy, not as
busy as during the day, but still busy. Then Zin spotted that familiar carriage
and went up to it as it stopped.

            “Will!” Zin said
yelling into the carriage.

            “Oh dear goddesses...
Zin don’t do that.” Will said stepping out of the carriage.

            “Sorry.”

            “What are you doing
up so early?”

            “I need you to do me
a favor.”

            “Sure what do you
need?”

            “Can you drive by the
castle entrance?”

            “Sure, just give
about ten minutes or so, okay?” Zin nodded his head and waited in the carriage.
A couple minutes later Zin got out the carriage to stretch when he noticed
someone running down the street knocking over anyone who was in his way. He was
carrying some bag, and seemed to be in a hurry. Then a few seconds later Zin
saw a well dressed man, who looked middle aged run in the same direction. He
was screaming.

            “Thief! Thief!
Someone stop that man he’s a thief!” the man yelled, stopping to take a
breather. Zin quickly analyzed the situation and ran in the direction the thief
did. Soon enough Zin saw him and chased him down.

            The thief saw someone
coming for him and decided to run down one of the streets, in an attempt to
loose him. But unfortunately for him the street was a dead end. When the thief
saw this he began to panic. Some of the people on the street looked over to see
what was going on. Then Zin ran down the street he saw the thief run down and
once he saw it was a dead end Zin calmed down a bit. As he approached the thief
he started laughing.

            “You? A kid, you
think you’re going to stop me?” The thief continued laughing and pulled out a
knife. Then Zin began to panic. He didn’t like fighting. “Now this is how it’s
going to go son: you’re going to let me go with this money.” Then Zin threw off
his cape. The thief lunged at him, but Zin side stepped and pulled out his
sword. He swung it and cut the thief across his wrist, causing him to drop the
knife. Zin then put the sword to his throat and said.

            “Now this is how it’s
going to go bum: You’re going to give up the money and get what you deserve,
unless you want a permanent scar.” Zin said with an angry look on his face. Now
everyone was out on the street and even a few passersby were speculating.
Everyone started applauding as the thief dropped the bag and put his hands up.
Soon enough the owner walked up with the guards.

            “Show off...” Nati
said aside him. Zin just stuck his tongue out at her. The guards took the thief
and walked off. The owner ran up to Zin who handed him the bag full of money
and some kind of golden statue.

            “Thank you so much
kind sir. My business was damn near over until you stepped in. The name’s
Giovanni. I own a store along the main road here. Let me take you there.”

            “No thank you...” Zin
was cut off.

            “Please I insist. I
would like to help in any way I possibly could.”

            “Okay.” Zin picked up
his cape and walked through the crowd who was still applauding. After Zin was
inside the store he noticed it was a couple blocks down from the hotel.

            “I have many things I
can sell you, but at a much cheaper price of course!” the cheery man said
showing Zin around. Zin spotted some tunics over in a neatly folded pile.
Giovanni noticed Zin looking at the tunics and came over. “These are very fine
tunics indeed, the material is imported silk. Worth 100 rupees for each, but
for you 20!” Zin’s face lit up upon hearing that. He picked out two green
tunics, a dark gray one and a powdered violet one. “Nice choices indeed. That
is 80 rupees.” Zin dug in his bag and pulled out a silver rupee and told him to
keep the change. The man thanked Zin again before Zin left. “If there in anything
you ever need Scot, you come to me, understand?” Zin nodded and left the store.
Once he left reporters and many civilians came rushing up to him. They began to
bombard Zin with questions. Then a pair of hands grabbed him. He noticed it was
Will.

            “Come on Scot, now
you’ll probably end up on the front page of the newspaper.” Will said directing
Zin away from the crown into the lobby of the hotel. Will motioned for security
to make sure no one got in.

            “I have to put these
things in my room.” Zin said running up to his room and back down to the lobby.
Zin noticed that the people weren’t outside the hotel any more, but he didn’t
see Will either.

            “William is waiting
for you outside sir.” the man behind the desk said.

            “Thank you.” Zin
said. As soon as Zin was out on the sidewalk and began to walk toward the
carriage he had bumped into someone. It was a pretty Nubian girl. She had
dropped something and Zin went to pick it up, it appeared to be a necklace. Zin
gazed at the shield with two eagles that held it on both sides, under a black
star that was surrounded by gold. He took one last look at it then giving it
back to her. “Here you go Miss, you dropped this.”

            “Thank you.” she said
as she ran ahead. “Dengu wait up... Dengu!” soon she was a part of the crowd.
Then before Zin could move he remembered. That necklace... that was Koji’s
sister! Zin franticly searched for her, but to no prevail, Zin ran it the
direction she did. “Wait come back! Wait.” Then Zin felt a hand on his shoulder
and turned around to see Will.

            “Man can you go a
minute without chasing someone down, can you?” Will joked. “Come on I’ve still
got stuff to do.” Zin followed Will to the carriage as soon as they were both
in, they pulled off.           

 About ten minutes later they
were near the castle entrance. Zin and Nati got out the carriage and before he
left Will asked.

            “You need me to come
pick you back?”

            “No you don’t need
to.”

            “You sure? It’s a
hike from here back to the hotel.”

            “Fine. We’ll meet you
here about 5.”

            “Okay... see you both
then.” With that Will rode off. As soon as Will was gone Zin thought he and
Nati should go get some breakfast first. They went to the nearest store and got
something to eat. As they were walking back Zin looked at his map and tried to
see if there were any breaches in the castle walls. After he had filed out what
he thought was elaborate plan they both walked back over to the castle gates.
The stone gates were tall and blocked all the view of the castle except for the
thin metal bars that secured the entrance.

            “Well this is going
to be an easy one. Hey Nati can fairies fly fast?” Zin asked Nati who was
absorbing the scenery.

            “What? Oh yeah we can
fly fast when we want to,” Nati answered, “Why?”

            “That gives me an
idea...”

            As soon as they were
in the castle’s fields Zin reversed the spell. There he stood up and made sure
everything was in place. “That has got to be by far the most intelligent thing
I’ve seen you do... I mean I wouldn’t even think of turning into a fairy.” Nati
complimented. “What stone was that again?”

            “The Gerudo’s Gem:
Sacred Stone of Spirit.” Zin said.

            “Why didn’t you stay
a fairy?”
            “Not enough magic left. We’re going to have to wing it from here.”
They continued to walk through the ankle high field, being wary of any kind of
surveillance. The dew from the night before was still settled on the grass,
causing Zin’s boots to get wet. Once they were near the castle Zin became even
more precautious, and told Nati to be too. Now they were at the bottom of the
hill. Zin looked up and saw another gate, this on was identical to the one at
home. Zin crawled up the hill and lied on the ground until he saw the guard
turn his back, then he ran over to the side of the cliff where the guard couldn’t
see him. He looked over and saw some vines that lead up the cliff. “Man, all of
these castles must be the same.” As he climbed up the vines he carefully looked
over to if any guard were there, unfortunately he was right. Zin dropped down
the vines and picked up a rock. When he climbed back up the vines, the guard
had his back turned. Zin threw the rock past the guard, making a loud noise.
Zin then threw his voice and started calling for help. The suspicious guard
scurried down the ladder on the other side of the cliff and began
investigating. Zin used the opportunity to run up the hill to the castle gates.
Once he got there he saw the drawbridge and two more guards talking there. He
wondered if this was like at home and he looked over to the left side of the
drawbridge and saw that there was no cliff he couldn’t climb up. So alternately
Zin walked carefully by the gate when he found that one bar was loose. But
before he budged it he made sure the two guards down at the drawbridge wouldn’t
see him. Once he was on the other side of the gate, it was breeze from there.
“Here!” Zin exclaimed.

            “Here what?” Nati
asked confused.

            “What ever I’m
looking for is beyond that wall.”

            “How are you sure?”

            “Look at my chain...”
Nati looked down and to her surprise she saw Zin necklace glow and point to the
door all on its own.

            Zin didn’t see any
waterfall or anything he could climb through, he only saw a big bolted down to
his right. He could just phase through the door, but then he would be weak from
using all that magic. He looked over at the wall again and disappointed he put
his head down and looked at the moat. As he did he noticed there was a small
hole pushing water out to become part of the moat that flowed downstream. He
thought for a minute and gave up. I can’t use the Sapphire, I can’t swim
that fast... he started walking away until... Wait! But a fish can! Zin
fumbled through the bag until he found the Spirit Stone.

            “Nati can you swim?”
Zin asked.

            “Zin I don’t breathe,
I can swim through a fast current with ease.” Nati responded.

            “Okay well follow me
then.” Zin stared chanting a spell and once he saw his body glowing he jumped
into the moat. Once he hit the water he had turned into a fish, small, but big
enough to carry the bag. Zin swam through the pipe and Nati followed. One he
saw the light he began to undo the spell. He popped his head out of the water
to take a breath and looked around. He saw that no one was there so he climbed
out of the water soaked. He rang out his clothes as best he could and walked on
to see he was in the courtyard. There were still guards, but Zin felt he was
close to what he was looking for. As Zin walked up he saw there were three
paths. He let his necklace lead him. Zin snuck past a few dozens of guards
before he thought he saw the end. He snuck past one more guard and went into
the real courtyard. Once he was in the courtyard he his necklace stopped
glowing. Zin continued to walk to see a girl turn around and look at him with a
gasp. She looked like she was his age was wearing a highly detailed dress, and
the most beautifully long golden blonde hair, that glistened in the sun.

            “Huh?” Zin asked
confused.

            “Who are you? Guar-”
the girl was cut off by Zin tackling her to the ground.

            “Shut up, what’s your
problem?”

            “You right now... It
doesn’t matter how much money you want, my father won’t pay. He’ll find and
destroy you. Guar-” she was cut off again by Zin putting his hand over her
mouth, still holding her on the ground.

            “I don’t want your
money, or you, I looking for something and was lead here. Please don’t call the
guards, I’m not here to hurt you, can we just talk?” He loosened his grip on
the girl and helped her up. He handed her the small crown she had dropped.
Normally she would have called the guards, but something about his boy said
that she had met him before.

            “Fine. But first off
who are you?” she asked.

            “Scot Excalibur,
Princess...”

            “Laurina. Princess
Laurina, you don’t know, you must be new around here. So Scot you are son of
who?” Zin started panicking. He hadn’t thought that part out yet.

            “Uh... my father...
he’s uh...”

            “Right, why don’t you
tell me who you really are... Scot.”

            “Okay, but you must
promise not tell anyone.”

            “My lips are sealed.”

            “I am Prince Zin of
Hyrule.” the princess was wide eyed and gasped.

            “You’re Prince Zin,
you’ve been in the newspaper, they have posted rewards for you and everything.
Zin!”

            “Queen Zelda did this
didn’t she?” Laurina nodded. “Oh why?”

            “Well you did kind of
run away. She thought you were dead, until they found your horse at the ranch.”

            “I’m surprised anyone
cared to notice I was gone.” They stood in silence for a while.

            “You know I remember
for some reason that I wanted to go over to East Hyrule, but I can’t
remember...” Laurina said breaking the silence.

            “You know when I came
in here I was excepting something else, not a princess.”

            “What were you
looking for?”

            “I can’t really say.
This guided me here.” Zin held his necklace. Laurina gasped. “What’s wrong?”

            “Is this yours?” she
asked looking at it. Zin nodded. “I remember now! That’s why I wanted to East
Hyrule.”

            “What are you talking
about?”

            “Look.” Laurina
pulled out her necklace, and to Zin’s surprise it looked just like his. Zin
examined it to make sure it was authentic.

            “This is too
strange.” Zin kept thinking a million thoughts until he blurted out. “Do you
have these strange dreams about the future?” Laurina was silent for a minute.

            “Yes I do... First I
see a great ball of fire crash down on West Hyrule. Then it skips to me in a
field looking at a black tower in a crimson sky, and as I look down I see a
fallen hero... he resembles you! Then I look up and see an evil man holding the
Triforce, and then everything goes black. I have that dream almost every night.
How did you know about that?”

            “I have a similar
dream, but in mine I’m not dead.”

            “But Zin, you still
haven’t answered my question.”

            “What?”

            “What were you
looking for in here?” Zin pulled out his bag and lied the five stones on the
ground after had explained everything to her he put the stones back in his bag.

            “Speaking of that,
how am I going to get back out, no magic remember.”

            “I’ll be right back;
you just sit on the step here.” Laurina ran through one of the passageways and
came back about ten minutes later, with a bottle and piece of paper in her
hand. She gave him the highly designed bottle and said, “Open it.” Zin looked
into it and a bright pink glow, he didn’t know what it was, but he trusted
Laurina and opened it. As he did, a pink fairy popped out and flew around him
several times. Zin felt his energies returning. Nati was pouting a few yards
away, clearly jealous. “That refilled your magic, or as I like to call it
‘mana’.”

            “You actually pay
attention to your Latin teacher?”

            “I try. Here, this is
a letter so you don’t have sneak back in or out. Just show it to the guard at
the gate and he’ll let you in.” Zin looked at the letter, it read:

            This here letter
gives my friend Scot Excalibur admission to any place I may go. Please let him
pass.

                                                                                                                     
By order of your Princess,

                                                                                                                                      
           Laurina

            “Good, because I
really wasn’t trying to swim through again.” Zin looked down at his clothes
which were still damp from this morning.

            “I’ll check for
anything on this in the library, you should too. Try to come everyday, I’ll
keep you posted.”

            “Thank you Laurina.”

            “Where are you
staying?”

            “At the Golden
Medallion.” Then Zin remembered Will. “What time is it?” Laurina looked over at
the big clock on the wall.

            “Just about five.”

            “I have to go, see
you tomorrow.”

            “I guess you’re going
to fly out of here.”

            “Actually I am.” They
both started laughing.

            “Who started a party
without me?” spoke a deep masculine voice from behind. They both turned around.
“Well, well Laurina, who might this fellow be, he surly isn’t Brandon.”

            “Oh Brad please.”
Laurina then introduced the two. “Brad this is Z... Scot Excalibur. Scot this
is my attendant Brad.”

            “Nice to meet you
Scot.” Brad said holding out his hand. Brad was quite tall and extremely
muscular.

            “Same here Brad.” Zin
said shaking his hand. Afterward Zin shook his hand out. “Quite a firm
handshake you have there.” Laurina started giggling.

            “Brandon is in the
Dining Hall waiting for you.” Brad said holding the hilt of his sword, he
walked to the entrance way and waited for Laurina.

            “Who’s Brandon, your
boyfriend?” Zin joked.

            “Actually he is. See
you tomorrow Zin.” Laurina said walking toward Brad.

            “Doesn’t your guest
need an escort?” Brad asked.

            “No, he can see
himself out.” Laurina answered. She waved goodbye as her and Brad left Zin and
Nati standing in the courtyard.

            “Damn it she has a
boyfriend.” Zin muttered under his breath. “You ready to go Nati?”

            “As long as you are?”
Nati said flying upward. Zin looked up at the afternoon sky. This courtyard
reminded him of the one back home, and times he and Link would sit there and
look at the clouds. Zin ran and flapped his arms which soon turned to wings as
he lifted off the ground as an eagle that soared from the castle courtyard and
into the orange colored sky above.

            “Where do you know
him from Laurina?” Brad asked her as they were walking.

            “I met him one time
when you took me to the Bazaar. Can we do that tomorrow?” Laurina asked. Brad
nodded.

            “How did he get in, I
didn’t see him at the bridge.”

            “He came through the
bridge I gave him an admittance letter.”

            “How strange... I
seemed to have missed that...”

            Zin was awakened by a
knock on the door. He opened his curtains and walked over to the door. Probably
Room Service again. When he opened the door he saw someone in hooded cloak
standing there. “Yes?” Zin asked.

            “It’s me silly.” said
the person under the cloak. She removed the hood to reveal herself.

            “Laurina. What are
doing here?” Zin asked.

            “Well Brad here lets
me come out for a day of fun every once and while. Today you’re coming with
us.” Laurina said. Brad stepped out from the side.

            “How are you doing
Scot?” Brad asked.

            “Fine and you?”

            “Same as well.”

            “Good to hear. Please
come in and make yourselves comfortable.” Zin offered walking into the bathroom
with his clothes. After Zin had dressed in one of his green silk tunics he woke
up Nati, grabbed his bag and they were on their way.

            The entire day all
they did was go around town and have fun. Zin had even seen things he had
noticed the first time around. Brad knew an amazing amount of people, so that
made it easier for them to get around. Brad was like a hawk, with his eyes
constantly looking out for Laurina’s safety, not letting her and Zin speak
their minds. But once Brad was out of sight for a few moments and Nati didn’t
seem to be paying attention, Zin spoke. “Do you want to go out tomorrow?” he
asked.

            “Where?” Laurina
asked.

            “It’s a surprise...
But you’ll like it.”

            “How am I going to
get away from Brad?” Zin thought quickly.

            “Act sick.”

            “What?”

            “Act like you came
down with a cold or something and stay in bed. When they’re convinced I’ll come
get you.”

            “Okay.”

            “Be ready by 10.”

            “I will.” Zin nodded,
as the two walked back to the front of the store Brad had walked into to. Once
Brad was done and had walked out the store, they caught a carriage back to the
hotel and dropped Zin off. After Zin was off the carriage and they had said
their goodbyes Laurina and Brad rode off toward the castle. Zin and Nati went
into the hotel and checked in before bathing and going to sleep.

            The next morning Zin
woke up before at dawn to get ready. He was cautious not to wake Nati. After he
had bathed and was dressed in his new powder violet silk tunic he slipped on
his boots and grabbed his bag. He creped out of the room leaving a note behind
on his bed. It read...

Dear Nati,

            I hope you don’t
feel like I’ve abandoned you. It’s just... I can’t take you along with me for
this. I need a little time. Don’t worry I haven’t gone to find stones without
you. I wouldn’t be cruel enough to let you miss the action. I hope you can find
something to do while I’m gone. You can expect me back around half past five.

                                                                                                                                    Your
dear friend,

                                                                                                                                                        
Zin

            It was about 8 once
Zin was out on the street, which meant he had two hours to get what he needed
done. He caught a carriage and went around town gathering a few things. By the
time he was done it was around 10 and the city was in its usual hustle and
bustle. Zin caught another carriage back up to the castle and got out. He
placed the hand weaved picnic basket down under a rock where no one passing by
would see it. Zin reached in his bag and pulled out the Spirit Stone.

            “Eagle.” Zin said as
he rubbed the stone. The stone was absorbed in his body as he transfigured into
a rather large eagle. He flapped his great wings and soared over the castle
gates. He flew towards the castle completely unnoticed and slowed as he neared
the Royal Family’s Quarters. He soared around the castle looking for the room
with the open balcony with sapphire curtains. Once Zin had seen the balcony he
neared cautiously. Seeing that there were no guards or any maids of any kind in
the room he landed quietly on the balcony. He undid the spell and saw Laurina
looking up at him from her bed.

            “Zin. It’s about time
you got here.” Laurina said getting up from her bed. She took off the robe to
reveal a rather simple but still elegant dress. She slipped on her shoes and
walked toward Zin.

            “Is the plan set?”
Zin asked.

            “Yep, I’ll have until
about 5 until they come to wake me up.” Zin took out the Spirit Stone, but
before he could chant the spell he was stopped. He saw Laurina throw some
pillows under her blanket.

            “What are you doing?”

            “Making a fake silly,
just in case they want to check up on me.” Zin shook his head. “What, do you
have a better idea?”

            “Here, stand back...”
Zin took out the Shadow Stone. And with the powers of Spirit and Shadow came
the power of illusion. He created a duplicate of Laurina and placed her in the
bed. It seemed like she never left. “I really wish I could do that more
often.”

            “Once I transform get
ready to hold on tight.” Zin cast his spell out on the balcony and Laurina soon
followed. She climbed on his back and held on tight. Zin zoomed from the
balcony and soared back over to the front gate. Zin undid the spell and picked
up the picnic basket. Zin ran down the street to the carriage that stood there.
Zin rode back up to Laurina and stepped out.

            “Where are we going?”
She asked once again.

            “You’ll see.” Zin
answered once again. He helped Laurina in the carriage and told the driver to
follow the directions on the map. They strode off to the north and they soon
were a blunt image in the scenery.   

            Once the carriage had
stopped Zin gave the driver the money and he and Laurina stepped out of the
carriage that rode off once more. Zin advanced into the small grove of trees
until he found a suitable spot.

            “Oh so we’re having a
picnic.” Laurina realized. “Well I kinda already figured that once I saw the
basket.” Zin put the basket down and took out a large patterned sheet and
spread it out on the ground. The spot was perfect. It was in a small clearing
that was still shaded and there was a river about a few hundred feet away. Zin
sat on the blanket and Laurina did the same. Zin opened the basket and pulled
out two sandwich wraps. He handed one to Laurina and pulled out two glasses and
a big pitcher.

            “Be right back.” Zin
said getting up. He ran over to the river and filled the pitcher a little less
than half way with water, and then pulled out a container with some sweeten
lemonade in it. He poured the contents in the pitcher and poured her a glass.
She put the glass to her lips and tasted a sip.

            “Not bad Zin... not
bad at all.” she said taking a bit out of the sandwich. Zin sat down and began
eating his sandwich too.

            “You can have
anything in the basket after you’re finished.” Zin offered.

            “Thank you Zin, for
all of this.”

            “Not a problem at
all.” The two shared a decent conversation while they ate and even afterwards.
Zin gave Laurina some crumpets to try and she loved them. After the two had
finished eating they walked around the grove a little bit and continued to talk,
they even splashed around in the water a little. It seemed the more they talked
the more they connected with one another. They eventually found themselves
sitting on a hill outside the grove over looking the countryside under the
afternoon sun. Then Laurina turned and looked at Zin, who looked at her. They
looked deep into each other’s eyes and moved closer and closer together until
their lips met. They kissed. Time itself seemed to stop for that one moment as
they shared their first kiss under the shining sun. After the kiss ended Zin
held Laurina in his arms and they cuddled for a while.

            “You ready to go?”
Zin asked Laurina as he walked out of the store. “It’s about quarter to 5.”

            “I guess we could
walk around for a while before I go.” Zin handed her a cup full of ice cream.
“Thank you.” They kissed again before Zin began eating his ice cream. They sat
at the fountain in the city square and talked. Then Zin rose up and flagged
down the carriage that rode by. He ran back and picked up Laurina and carried
her to the carriage and helped her in.

            Once they were in
front of the castle gates Zin helped Laurina out as the carriage rode off. Zin
soared Laurina back to her room and dissipated the duplicate. They shared one
more long passionate kiss before Zin said goodbye and flew off the balcony. Zin
flew back to the top of the hotel and took the fire escape back down to the
front to check in. After he was back in his room he saw Nati sitting on the
bed.

            “Where have you been
Mr. Mystery?” she asked anxious to find out what happened.

            “You won’t believe
it. Today was the best day of my life...” Zin told her what happened between
him and Laurina. The two sat up talking until late. Nati then turned in for the
night, and Zin washed up and put on his night clothes. He lied back on his bad.
“Good night Nati.”

            “Good night Zin.” Zin
put out the candle and went to sleep feeling like a million rupees.

            The next morning Zin
got up and got dressed in his traditional green tunic and woke up Nati. Nati a
bit started was confused.

            “Where could we
possibly be going today?” Nati asked.

            “To the castle.” Zin
answered.

            “Whatever lover
boy... I’ll just follow you.” Zin draped his cape across his back, grabbed his
bag and left with Nati close behind him. Zin checked out and as he and Nati
were just leaving Zin heard someone calling him.

            “Scot! Scot!” Will
yelled running towards the door. Zin turned around and looked at him. “Where
are you going?”

            “To the castle.” Zin
answered.

            “Here, I’ll give you
a ride. Damn, you sure do go to the castle alot, do you know someone there.”         

            “Yeah... Why do you
ask?”

            “Well I’ve never been
beyond the castle gates in my life. Do you think you can take me there one of
these days?”

            “Of course. Don’t
worry next time I’m here I’ll take you with me. I can’t today and I’ll be
leaving tomorrow.”

            “Alright, thanks.”
Zin followed Will out to the carriage and he rode them to the castle. “When’s
the next time you’ll be here?”

            “I dunno. Probably
over the course of the next couple of months.” Then Zin heard Nati calling him
out side the carriage.

            “Zin! Hurry up,
you’re taking too long!” Nati yelled. Zin jumped out the carriage and said bye
to Will as he rode off.

            “Shut up Nati! You
could have given away my identity!” Zin almost screamed.

            “Sorry about that.”
Nati apologized. Zin walked around to the front gate and presented his letter
to the guard.

            “Open the gate!” The
guard yelled. Then the gate began to spread apart and Zin and Nati walked
through. Zin followed the path up the hill until he stood at the drawbridge.
The two guards that stood there approached him. Zin handed one the letter and
as he read it he yelled for the bridge to be lowered. Once the bridge was
lowered he pointed Zin in the right direction. Zin walked across the bridge
into the castle and continued down the long hall until he ended up in the main
room. As he did a servant popped up to aid him.

            “May I help you
Sir...” The servant asked.

            “Excalibur. Scot
Excalibur.” answered him. “I’m here to see the Princess Laurina.”  Zin handed
him the note. As he read it he looked around.

            “Ah I see... Well you
will have to go through Bradmir, her bodyguard first. Wait here and I will
fetch him.” The servant walked hastily down one of the halls and left Zin
waiting for a while. While he was waiting several other servants approached him
and offered him something to drink or eat. Zin refused and just waited. He came
here to clear up this whole situation with Laurina and Brandon. Then as Zin was
lost in his thoughts he saw a tall figure headed toward him.

            “You need to see
Laurina, Scot?” Brad asked Zin standing in front of him.

            “Yes, may I?” Zin
asked.

            “Well okay. Follow
me.” Zin got up from his seat and followed Brad down one of the halls. As they
walked Zin looked around at the many paintings and tapestries that hung off the
wall. Soon they were out in the courtyard. The same courtyard that Zin and
Laurina first met. There was Laurina watering her many plants that grew. Brad
stood at the doorway as Zin walked down into the courtyard.

            Laurina heard
footsteps and began to panic a little. Can it be Brandon...? No it’s too
early for him to be here. She turned around and saw Zin. Her face lit up
with joy. She was about to run up and kiss him until she noticed Brad standing
at the doorway. “May I ask you to go Brad... please?”

            “You sure you want to
go through with this?” Brad asked one final time.

            “Yes... absolutely.”
Laurina answered.

            “Okay.” Brad turned
around and left. After Laurina was sure he was gone, she ran up to Zin and
kissed him.

            “Oh... I missed you.”
she said hugging him.

            “I missed you too.
What was all that just now about?” Zin asked. Soon Nati interrupted.

            “I came all the here
for this?” Nati asked. “Bye Zin, I’m going back to the hotel.”

            “Are you sure. Can
you fly all the way back?” Zin asked.

            “Don’t worry, I have
enough energy to get back and you left the window open. Bye Laurina.” Nati
began to fly over and out the courtyard.

            “Bye Nati.” Laurina
said waving.

            “So... you still
haven’t answered my question.” Zin said.

            “Well you see...”
Laurina paused, “It’s about Brandon. I’m going to have to break it off with
him...”

            “Good, that’s what I
really came here for. I wanted to clear this situation up. We shouldn’t have to
hide our relationship.”

            “Wait I’m not done.
He’s on his way here so I can talk to him. You see I have this friend, you know
on the outside. Well she said she saw Brandon the other day kissing up on some
other girl. Once I heard I just had to break up with him.”

            “Did you tell your
father yet?”

            “No! He would have
his head! I don’t want it to go that far. I will start a war between us and
Romania and I really don’t want that.”

            “But you told Brad?”

            “I had to tell
someone, and I asked him not to tell my father. I know Brad would never go
against my word unless absolutely necessary. But Brandon... That bastard! I
can’t believe he would do this to me. I always had a feeling, but I never
thought...” Laurina began to cry. She fell on Zin’s chest and Zin began to rock
her gently.

            “Don’t worry I’ll
take care of this situation,” Zin drew his sword and began to walk toward the
doorway, “Where is he? I’ll speak with him.” Zin looked furious.

            “Zin no! You can’t. I
know you’ll end up fighting him.” She ran up and held him.

            “Damn straight! And
I’m going to kick his ass too.”

            “Zin please. No!”
Laurina held him even tighter as she sobbed, leaning on his back. “Please calm
down. I don’t want it to go too far. Please... for me.” Zin turned around and
looked into her tearing eyes. His angry expression became one of remorse and he
hugged Laurina. He picked her up and sat her down on the stone bench in the
middle of the courtyard. He sat next to her.

            “Alright. I won’t
fight. But I’m still going to sit right here with you.”

            “You can’t.”

            “What?!” Zin
exclaimed standing up.

            “You can’t, you’ll
still end up fighting him.”

            “But...”

            “No, come on you have
to go.” Laurina got up and began to push Zin to the doorway. But then she
stopped as she heard distant footsteps. “No. Come on you have to hide. It’s
him.” Laurina whispered. She dragged Zin over behind a wall with bushes in front
of them. “Stay here.” Zin looked away. “Stay here.” she said hitting him.

            “Alright, alright
fine.”

            “Promise?”

            “Promise.” She then
ran back around to the bench and sat. She wiped her eyes and sat silently. Then
Brandon walked in, and Laurina got up from her seat. He was just about as tall
as Zin if not a bit taller and wore decorative armor and a long crimson cape
that bore his family emblem on it. He had short, cut down brown hair and fair
sea green eyes. Zin peaked out from behind the wall to look at them.

            “Hi Laurina.” he said
moving in to kiss her. To his surprised his lips missed their mark and landed
on her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

            “I think you should
sit down Brandon.” Brandon sat looking confused. “I have something on my mind
that I need to confront you about.” she began to tear up.

            “Wait I too have
something I wish to ask you. It’s been haunting my mind for hours.” Laurina
stopped. For some reason she wanted to know what he had to say. “You see...
Somebody said they saw you,” he paused, “the person you were kissing wasn’t me.
Yesterday it was that I heard this and I just had to know, is it true?” Laurina
was utterly confused that he flipped the script on her but she continued.

            “Well I also have
something to ask you-”

            “That’s not important
right now! Who were you kissing?”

            “No one Brandon.”
Laurina began to panic as she got up from her seat. Who could have seen her and
Zin kissing? She hadn’t seen any of his friends out that day. “But Brandon
you-“

            “Who were you
kissing!?”

            “No one Brandon, no
one.” Brandon too had gotten up from his seat and began to stare Laurina in the
face.

            “I’m not going to ask
again. Who were you kissing? Why are you cheating on me huh? What, am I not
good enough for you? Who were you kissing?”

            “No one I swear.”
Laurina was too intimidated by Brandon to defend herself. She began to cry.

            “Then why are you
crying... guilt? Tell me now! Who were you kissing!?” Laurina’s rage was built
up she began to overcome her fear and burst out.

            “Who told you!? Your
mistress... Oh what’s her name Monica!?”

            “Who told you that!?”

            “None of your
business Brandon, it’s over. That’s what I brought you here to tell you. You
take all your stuff and leave! Yes there is someone else and he’s treated me a
whole lot better than you ever had! In these few days our relationship has
gotten better and better. But with me and you no, our relationship just got
worse and worse. You can have Monica, you two deserve each other!”

            “How dare you!”
Brandon back handed her and Laurina fell to the ground.

            “No how dare you!
My father will have your head!”

            “Not if I have yours
first.” Brandon drew his sword and Laurina gasped, too shocked to scream. Zin
jumped out from behind the wall, sword drawn with an angry expression on his
face. He stepped forward.

            “I’m the one she was
kissing.” Zin said angrily.

            “Who the hell are
you?” Brandon asked.

            “Your worst
nightmare. I hope you’re ready to get your ass beat.” Zin pointed his sword at
him. Laurina used this time to scurry away and hide behind Zin.

            “Do you really think you
can beat me? Pathetic! I’m the best swordsman in Romania.”

            “Well you obviously
have never been to East Hyrule.” Just then Brandon rushed toward him.

            “Laurina move!” Zin
pushed her out of the way and dodged the attack. Then Brandon attempted again,
but Zin blocked the blow. Brandon tried again and again and again until he
became so furious that he began to swing his sword rapidly. Zin sidestepped and
cut Brandon’s hand, causing him to drop his sword. Then Zin grabbed his other
hand and pulled him in, elbowing him in the face. Zin stabbed his sword into
the ground and gripped up Brandon with his left hand and began beating his face
in with his right. After Zin had hit him a couple dozen times he dropped him to
the ground. His face was extremely bloody, along with his hand. He sat up on
his knees trying to recover his strength. Then Laurina ran up and kicked him in
between his legs and in his face.

            “There! I hope you
rot in hell! You can have Monica because she’ll eventually cheat on you like
you did to me!” Then Zin grabbed his sword. “No Zin don’t kill him, let him
suffer. Everyday he’ll have to wake up and look at those scars and remember who
gave them to him for the rest of his long, miserable life.”

            “I wasn’t going to
kill him.” Zin swung his sword and cut Brandon across his face. The open wound
ran from his forehead down between his eyebrows and finally under his swollen
eye. Brandon fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious. Zin withdrew his
sword.

            “You have to go
before anyone suspects you.” Laurina said.

            “What about you?” Zin
asked.

            “I’ll just tell Brad
that when he hit me I had to self-defend myself. Don’t worry I can cover my
tracks. You have to cover yours.”

            “Okay I’ll go. I’ll
come see you before I go tomorrow.”

            “Okay bye.” They
kissed. “Love you.”

            “I love you too
Laurina.” Zin then took out the Spirit Stone and worked his magic. He flew out
of courtyard as an eagle and landed a little from the front gate. He
transformed back and walked down the path. The guard again opened the gate.

            “Good day Sir
Excalibur.” The guard said to Zin as he walked down the path.

            “Good day to you
too.” Zin said as he continued his journey down the long dirt rode. It looked
like he would be hiking it from here. After the castle was distant image Zin
began to get tired and the shining sun over head wasn’t helping. He had to find
someone to pick him up. Then as if to answer his prayers he heard a carriage
running behind him. Zin turned around and flagged down the carriage. The
carriage stopped and Zin saw that surprisingly it was Will.

            “Let me guess you
need a ride back?” Will asked.

            “How’d you know?”

            “Where’s your glowing
friend Nati?”

            “She flew back
herself. I don’t know how she did it.”

            “Well come sit up in
the front.”

            “Alright.”

            “There’s something I
need to discuss with you... Zin...”

            “What happened here
Laurina? Let me call the doctors. Where’s Scot? Did he do this?” Brad asked
looking at Brandon’s bruised body lying on the ground

            “I’m not going to lie
Brad. Maybe you should sit down so I can explain it all to you.” Laurina said
sitting on the bench. Brad did so. “Yes Scot did do it. And Scot really isn’t
Scot. You know that Prince you’ve been hearing about, the missing one?” Brad
nodded. “That’s him. His name is Zin Prince of East Hyrule. And about this well
Brandon hit me so what did you expect Zin to do. Brad I beg you please don’t
say anything to my father. I will tell him tomorrow once Zin leaves. Just say
that I had to self-defend myself once he hit me. Zin wasn’t even here as far as
we’re concerned.”

            “Well that was a
mouthful. What about him?” Brad asked pointing to Brandon.

            “Well Brandon doesn’t
know who he is, so we can just say he was hallucinating or something.” Brad
couldn’t help but laugh.

            “You really like to
conspire don’t you?”

            “Shut up.” Laurina
said laughing along with him. “He’s still Scot until he leaves tomorrow, okay?”

            “I won’t tell. My
lips are sealed.” Laurina hugged Brad.

            “Thank you Brad.
You’re like the brother I never had.” Brad began getting emotional once he
heard that.

            “Well let me go get
the doctor for this boy. Wait here.” Brad began to walk toward the door way. “I
told you it wouldn’t work.”

            “I know, but can you
blame me for trying?”

            “How’d you figure out
it was me?” Zin asked shock.

            “Well it was the
first time I met you. Once I heard the name Excalibur, that rung a bell. I
remember him being taller and older, but I thought okay maybe he has a son.
Then the second clue was your trade. No way you had all that money without
cashing in something valuable. But then I thought, okay maybe he just caught a
lucky break. Then the final clue was when Nati accidentally called you Zin.
After that you just put two and two together and it’s not that hard to figure
out. Why’d you lie?”

            “Well at first I
wasn’t sure if I could trust you with that information. You tell certain people
things and by the end of the day all of Hyrule knows it. And I didn’t want my
identity at risk. I ran away to try and get away from the castle not to get
here and then get dragged back. I was going to tell you eventually.”

            “When?”

            “Once I came back the
second time.”

            “Really?”

            “Well it makes sense,
that time I won’t have any reason to hide my identity.” They then were in front
of the hotel. Zin got out. “My secret’s safe with you right?”

            “Of course. I’ll tell
not another living soul.” They shock hands.

            “Thank you friend.
You think you can give me ride to the ferry tomorrow?”

            “That won’t work.”

            “What, why not?”

            “They guard posted
participating in your search everywhere. I don’t know how you’re going to get
back without getting caught.”

            “I do. Don’t worry
I’ll back safe and sound. Alright Will. This will probably be the last time
I’ll see you before I come back.”

            “Alright buddy. Stay
safe... live long.”

            “You too.” then Zin
walked into the lobby to check in and went up to his room. He found Nati who
was on the bed sleeping until he slammed the door.

            “Hey you... what
happened to your hand?” Nati asked noticing that almost immediately.

            “I was fighting...”
Zin answered.

            “Yours...?” Nati
looked at his blood covered hand.

            “Nope, someone
else’s. Brandon’s.”

            “I figured that. So
tonight’s our last night here huh?”

            “Yep, well it was...”

            “Fun? Yeah it was
fun.”

            “Well we’re flying
out of here since my mother decided to have guards posted up everywhere
searching for me. She’s probably given up by now.” Zin washed up dressed in his
night clothes and fell on his bed. I was about 8 o’clock but Zin was tired.
“Hey tomorrow before we go we have to go the castle.”

            “Okay just wake me
up. Night Zin.”

            “Good night Nati.”
Zin blew out the candle and fell asleep.

            The next morning Zin
shook Nati until she woke up. Nati looked around the room to see that Zin had
completely cleaned the room, even made up the beds. “Impressive Zin, impressive.”
Nati said.

            “Hey I’m not the lazy
one, that’s everyone else. Well let’s go.” Zin said.

            “Okay, you got all
the stuff?”

            “All in the same
bag.” Zin had a big bag slung across his shoulder with all the clothes and
things in it. Zin walked out of the room and Nati followed. Zin locked up and
put the key in his pocket. They went downstairs to the lobby and Zin Checked
out for the last time.

            “Did you enjoy your
stay Mr. Excalibur?” asked the man behind the desk.

            “Very must so, expect
to see me again in the future.” Zin answered.

            “Have a nice day.”

            “You too.” Zin looked
at the clock it was 8. He walked out of the Golden Medallion and went to an
alley off to the side. The next thing you saw was a huge eagle emerge from the
alley as it soared through the air.

            Soon Zin was again at
the castle gate. He walked up and began to dig through his bag. “No need Mr.
Excalibur. Open the gate!” the guard yelled.

            “Thank you.” Zin said
walking forward.

            “Not a problem.” Zin
continued into the castle. Once he was near the main hall, he saw Brad walk up
to him.

            “I see you’re up
bright and early. Laurina’s up in her room, I’ll take you Zin.” Brad said. Zin
stopped immediately.

            “What did you just
call me?” Zin asked confused.

            “Don’t worry your
secret’s safe with me, and about Brandon... well you did a better job than I
would have done. You won’t be held responsible for anything, I made sure of
that.”

            “Thank you Brad.” Zin
then continued to follow Brad up the stairs and down a long hall with many
doors until they reached a room with double doors.

            “She’s in there.”
Brad opened the door and said to Laurina, “I’ll be right out here if you need
me.”

            “Thank you Brad.”
Laurina said. Brad closed the door. She ran up to Zin and kissed him. “Hey.”

            “Laurina’s got a
boyfriend.” Zin mocked.

            “Yeah a new and
better boyfriend.” she said putting her arms around his neck kissing him again.

            “Do you have another
fairy you know the one in the bottle?”

            “Yeah, give me a
second.” she went to her desk and searched through the drawers until she found
a small bottle. She handed it to Zin who opened it and let the fairy rejuvenate
his magic strength.

            “Well I have to go
now.”

            “Do you have to go
now?” she complained.

            “Don’t worry I’ll
write to you... a lot. And you’ll see me in about two or three months.”

            “Fine.”

            “Love you.”

            “Love you too.” They
kissed one last time. “Good bye Nati.”

            “Goodbye lovebird
number two.” Nati joked. They all laughed. Then Nati went inside the bag. Zin
walked out onto the balcony.

            “No, you’re not going
to?” Laurina asked.

            “Yep.” Zin answered.

            “Wait let me get
Brad. Brad, Brad!” Meanwhile Zin had already cast the spell. When Brad and
Laurina walked into the room they saw a huge eagle take off from the balcony.

            “Was that just?” Brad
asked astonished.

            “Yes, yes it was.”

            Zin had been flying
over the ocean for hours. He looked up at the sun and judged it was close to
about 10. Soon enough he began to see land. He was almost there. He soared over
the harbor and the field and over Hyrule Castle Town until he was over the yard
of castle. He dove down and landed swiftly on the ground where no one would see
him. He transformed back and woke up Nati. “We’re here? Good.” The two began to
walk around the cliff and up the steps and looked at the guards.

            “What John you don’t
remember me?” Zin said to one of the guards. The guard stopped talking and
looked toward the familiar voice. His jaw dropped.

            “Oh dear Goddesses!
Zin you’re back! Lower the bridge! Lower the bridge for Prince Zin!” The guard
yelled as he ran up and hugged Zin.

            “Well I see I was
missed.” Zin said walking into the castle. Once he was through everyone from
his family ran up to him and hugged him, even Gali. Koji walked up to Zin.

            “It’s been boring
around here without you man.” Koji said hugging him.

            “It’s nice to see you
too Koji.” Zin said “I have so much to tell you, and Laurina, oh you’re going
to have to meet her.”

            “Who’s Laurina?”

            “You’ll find out.”
then everyone noticed Nati and began to greet her too. Then Zelda walked up and
gave Zin a big hug.

            “Don’t you ever scare
me like that again. I’m sorry for screaming at you. And Nati, you think you
were slick sneaking off with him like that, but I like that you looked after
him for me.” Zelda said with a much happier mood than before.

            “I have so much to
tell you all. West Hyrule was great!” Zin exclaimed.

            “Well I hope you can
tell us while you’re on punishment.”

            “I knew that was
coming.”

            “I’ll lighten up a
little bit. Only 2 weeks. But never again.” They all stood there laughing. For
the first time in a long time Zin could actually say that he and his family
were happy, and that is what made it the best time of his life. 

style='color:yellow'> 

            Zin snuck down the
hall to the familiar double doors. He slowly opened them and crept in. Although
it was 1 in the morning the moon light that shone through the balcony window
was enough light for Zin. He looked towards the bed and noticed there was no
one in it. He walked over to the balcony and saw her. Laurina was leaning on
the balcony looking up at the stars. Zin walked up behind her and held her in
his arms.

            “How come I knew you
were still up?” Zin asked kissing her down her neck.

            “How come I knew you
would sneak in my room late at night?” Laurina asked. “How come you aren’t
asleep?”

            “Too worried thinking
about you. I like the fact that your father let us sleep over.”

            “Yeah he must really
like you, because he never let You Know Who sleep over.” Zin then began kissing
her down her neck again. Laurina stopped him. “Not now Zin.”

            “Alright.” Zin
continued to hold her as they gazed at the stars and the bright moon. They
stood there and took in the beauty of the clear crisp night. The moment seemed
to last forever. Then a voice from behind broke the silence.

            “Aw, look at you two
boo loving.” Koji said sitting on the bed. “That’s ashamed, had I been an
assassin you two would have been dead.”

            “No, the only reason
no one heard you is because you’re a thief, thief.” Zin joked.

            “Hey, hey, hey that’s
ex thief mister. Well what are you two doing up so late?”

            “Funny I was getting
ready to ask you the same question.” Laurina said. Zin and Laurina came in and
sat on the floor, Koji followed. They just sat there and talked. Then about an
hour later Koji got up and snuck out the room. Laurina and Zin walked back over
to the balcony to enjoy the breeze. Zin held her in his arms once more.

            “Answer me a
question?” Zin asked breaking the silence.

            “What?” Laurina
asked.

            “Did you and Brandon
ever...?” Laurina caught on quick.

            “No, of course not.
You were my first, my only.”

            “Well that’s good to
hear... Do you ever regret it?”

            “What, me and you...?
Of course not. Never regretted it, never will.” She turned around to kiss him.
“Well I’m starting to get tired, I’m going to bed.” Laurina walked over to her
bed a spread out on it. Zin followed her. “Zin what are you doing?”

            “Going to bed.”
Laurina just looked at him and put her face back in the pillow. Zin put his arm
around her and the two fell asleep.

            “Zin come on, get
up.” Laurina said shaking him. “You are like the heaviest sleeper I’ve ever
met, and you snore.”

            “That he would he get
from his father.” Zelda said sneaking up from behind.

            “Why hello Queen
Zelda.”

            “How many times do I
have to tell you, you can call me Zelda? All that ‘Your highness’ and ‘Your
majesty’ can really get to a person.”

            “Alright then Zelda.”
Laurina said with a smile. Zelda smiled back then looked at Zin who was still
sleeping.

            “Here let me help you
with that. Honestly I don’t know how you and Koji can sleep in the same room
with him. I’d have to throw him out the window.” Zelda leaned over and plugged
Zin’s nose. A few seconds later Zin jumped up a bit startled. Zelda and Laurina
laughed. After Zin caught on he got up.

            “You know, you two
aren’t very funny.” Zin began to walk out of the room.

            “Oh come on, lighten
up. Why are acting all dark and dingy?” Zelda asked.

            “Well you’re here
kind of early. What, to boring at the castle without us?”

            “No, really and truly
I’d have you all stay for another week, but your rooms are becoming too much to
handle.”

            “Well I guess I’d
better go and get dressed. Where’s everybody else?”

            “Down in the Guest
Quarters. We’re waiting for you.” Once Zin heard that he dashed out of
the room and back down to his. After he was dressed in his dark gray tunic he
threw on his cape and looked at the clock, it was half past eight. He then ran
downstairs to the Guest Quarters where Zin saw his seven brothers, his sister,
Koji, his mother and Laurina with Brad and the King. They all turned to look at
Zin, who rushed down the curved stairs.

            “Well all the luggage
is in the carriage and we’re ready to go.” Zelda said. Everyone said goodbye to
The King, Brad, and Laurina before walking out over the bridge and into the
carriage. Zin and Zelda still stood there after everyone had left.

            “I greatly appreciate
that you let stay here for a visit. Thank you for your cooperation King
Thereof.” Zin said shaking the king’s hand.

            “But of course, you
are welcome anytime. Please visit again. You and your brother’s put such life
into this old castle.” The king said with a smile on his face. Laurina cleared
her throat. “Oh yes and Laurina does too.” Zin then shook Brad’s hand.

            “I’ll see soon Brad.”
Zin said shaking his hand.

            “I’m looking forward
to it Zin.” Brad said. Zin then looked at Laurina and was about to kiss her
when he remembered her father was right there. Zin kissed Laurina on her cheek.

            “Bye Laurina, I’ll
miss you most of all.” Zin said hugging her. She hugged him back.

            “I’ll be missing you
more.” She leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Love you.” Zin did the same.
Then Zelda had to basically pry Zin away from her. Zin was still waving as he
walked to the carriage. After they were out of the castle and everyone was in
the carriage, it pulled off. They would be catching the ferry back over to East
Hyrule and then it would be back home from there.

            “Well, well, well
look who I’ve bumped into.” said a voice that distracted Zin from his book.

            “Hey Mike. Aren’t you
here a little early?” Zin said to him looking back down at his book.

            “I wanted to get here
before the rain started falling. What are you reading?” Mike asked looking at
the book Zin was reading. Zin was too busy looking out the gigantic hall
windows. Right before he came out of the library he would have sworn that it
was nice and sunny, now it was raining. A bit dark to raining isn’t it? The
weather’s been getting worse and worse if you ask me... Then Zin was
knocked out of his thoughts went he received an elbow to his shoulder. He
looked back up at Mike. Mike was an average elf. Although he had brown hair, he
also had blue eyes that seemed to pierce your soul as you glanced into them.
His soul piercing eyes were hidden behind glasses though. Mike was about 21 or
so.

            “Oh yeah, I’m reading
about the Sacred Realm and the myth of the Trions.” Zin finally replied.

            “I find that you are
very interested in the past and those mythical stories.”

            “Yeah I have a thing
for it.” Zin then turned the page and saw a picture of some kind of forested
Temple and writing beneath it. His eyes became large as he finished reading the
page. “Have you ever heard of the Temple of Revealing Secrets?”

            “No, why... Oh no
you’re not going to sneak out again are you? Isn’t that why your mom hired me
in the first place?” Mike said referring back to the days when Zin would sneak
out.

            “Well you’re not my
physiatrist anymore Mike, you’re a friend. Really and truly I was never crazy
to begin with.”

            “Well what ever, just
promise me you won’t sneak around? The place is just a myth anyway.” then he
took off his bag and pulled out a shield, it was Zin’s shield; Rising Sun.

            “Thanks Mike! I was
wondering where it had went to, it’s the only thing I have left of my father’s
and it was in some really bad shape. This must have been one hell of a
blacksmith to restore this.”

            “An old friend of
mine, he’s quite the blacksmith.”

            “Well thank you
Mike.” Mike then turned around and began to walk toward the door. “Wait Mike
that’s all you came here for?”

            “No actually I’m
staying in Hyrule for a few days... a project I’m working on.”

            “Oh okay then I’ll
catch you some other time. See you Mike.”

            “Alright then Zin.”
Mike turned around and left.

            Later on that
afternoon Zin asked if he could go to the ranch. Zelda said yes and Zin rode
off toward Lon Lon Ranch. Two guards escorted Zin to the entrance of the Ranch,
and once Zin had rode in the two guards left. Once Zin was sure that the two
guards were gone, he rode off toward the southern forest, it would be there
that he would find the Temple of Revealing Secrets.

            “Zin, I can’t believe
you’re doing this again.” Nati said floating aside him. “Didn’t you promise
Michael that you wouldn’t sneak out anymore?”

            “No, I promised him
that I would sneak out at night.” Zin replied.

            “Alright smart
mouthed.”

            “Nati, have you been
finding anything strange about the weather lately?”

            “Yeah, it’s been
getting... darker... somehow. I don’t know, I can’t explain it.” She turned
towards Zin.

            “I think I get what
you’re saying. It’s been getting foggier in the forest too. Don’t you think?”
Zin turned to look at her, but before she could answer his question, Zin bumped
into something. It was a big stone wall. “Can it be?” Zin backed up a few feet
and took a harder look. In front of him was the Temple of Revealing Secrets.
Zin noticed that he was a couple hundred feet right to the entrance. He walked
towards it and saw a big black abyss beyond the doorway. Zin began looking
through his bag and pulled out the Goron’s Ruby. “Fire!” he yelled, “Light the
way!” The stone began to glow immensely. “Nati get in the bag, I’ll call if I
need you.”

            “As you wish.” Nati
said find her way into Zin’s leather bag. Zin drew his sword and held the stone
in front of him. He took one last look into the empty abyss. He held the stone
close and zoomed into the unknown temple.

            Zin zoomed down the
dark hallways, paying close attention to the inscriptions that were embedded on
the walls. One struck his eye. It showed the three pieces of the Triforce
coming together, but there was another that remained in the center. It was
painted white and stood upside down unlike the rest of the Triforce. Zin looked
under and tried to read the writing beneath it. It was strange but Zin had
never before seen anything like this. The writing must have been in some other language,
which meant that the Hylains hadn’t built this temple. Zin proceeded until he
met several forks in his path. Before Zin could decide which one to choose,
several keese attempted to swoop down and bite him. Zin swatted his sword in an
attempt to try and kill them, but it was too dark and the keese seemed to blend
right in with the nocturnal background. Most of them seemed to ascend back up to
the ceiling so Zin held the stone above his head and chanted aloud. “Ring of
Fire! Smite my enemies!” The stone began to glow beyond sight now and then it
unleashed a cyclone of flames. The flames hit the ceiling and began to spread
out across the roof. The room was as bright as it could be, and Zin took
advantage of it. He looked down the each of the three halls and noticed a door
down the one to the left. The fire receded and the stone simply glowed once
more. Zin zoomed down the left hall until he reached the door. Zin opened the
door and noticed how the next room was well lit due to the windows on the far
right wall. He continued his way and put away the stone and drew his shield. He
couldn’t explain it, but he felt an evil essence in the air. To his suspicion,
as he neared the door on the other side of the room, something began to borrow
from the ground below. As it emerged Zin tapped his bag and out flew Nati,
ready for anything. Zin continued staring at the mildly armored skeleton that
held a battered shield and a crooked sword. It laid its deathly crimson eyes on
Zin, trying to intimidate him, but Zin held his sword steady and prepared
himself for the worse. “Nati, what is that?” Zin asked.

            “A Stalfos. It’s a
bag of bones that’s doesn’t warm up to strangers too lightly.” Nati said.

            “How do you kill it?”

            “Once it falls apart,
burn its bones.”

            “Alright then.” Zin
pulled out the Fire Stone and hung his bag on the statue nearby. Zin absorbed
the stone into his right hand and flared up his sword. Sparks flew from the tip
and eventually flame consumed the sword. The Stalfos lunged toward Zin, but Zin
attempted a dodge which was met with a slash across his arm. Zin then began to
speed around the room and unleashed a mighty jump attack on the foolish
skeleton. Its tattered body fell to pieces and Zin unleashed fire onto its
shattered bones until they malformed into ash. Zin seeing the battle was won
began to sheath his sword. This was until four more Stalfos emerged from the
ground. Catching Zin off guard, two of them lunged forth, but Zin simply
sidestepped and drew his sword. Zin then ran for one of the Stalfos, with his
sword held high ready to strike. He noticed that one of the other Stalfos was
following up to try and counter against him. Zin ran up to the one Stalfos who
held up its shield. Zin ran up the battered shield and preformed a high back
flip off it. He landed just in time to see the following Stalfos bring his
sword down on the shielded Stalfos, who began to stab the unknown force behind
its shield. The two Stalfos fell to the ground as their bodies shattered to
pieces. Zin began to work at the two smarter Stalfos when he noticed the two
lesser ones began to rise. He looked at the current event a bit confused.
“What?!”

            “I told you to burn
the bones, didn’t I?!” Nati screamed next to him. The two lesser Stalfos jumped
over to Zin and all four Stalfos began to close in on him. Zin began to panic
until he came up with a supreme idea. Zin held up his shield with his sword
hiding behind him. He began to charge it. The pure energy began to cling to the
sword until it became a bright light. The two smarter Stalfos held their swords
high, ready to attack. At that precise moment Zin unleashed his most devastating
assault; the deadly spin attack. Zin unleashed the wave of pure energy unto the
four shocked Stalfos. The Stalfos who had stopped in their tracks fell to the
ground as Zin did the opposite. High in the air Zin held the Fire Stone
downward and unleashed his deadly Fire Spin Attack. The cyclone of fire again
jetted toward the ground and spread in many directions. The bones that lie on
the ground had now transformed to ashes. “I think that’s the best I’ve seen you
yet...” Nati said looking in amazement at the sight.

            “Well I was pretty
desperate.” Zin walked over to the statue and took up his bag. He sheathed his
sword and began to walk toward the door. Before he reached it however, he
noticed yet another inscription on the wall. It seemed rather important since
the light that shone in the room main shone on that one wall. Zin walked over
to it and gazed at the pictures that were described. He first saw seven stones
in a circle, each a color of the visible spectrum. The colored ones seemed to
surround the white diamond in the middle. Zin looked on and saw a black tower among
a crimson sky. “Oh no... My dream... it’s all here. The seven stones, the black
tower. But how?” Zin continued and looked at the bottom to see a man holding a
sword that was encased with light. The man held the sword to a gigantic monster
that seemed to loom over him like a shadow. Zin then saw a picture that showed
a split image. To the left blue skies with green fields and that half of the
sun was golden. Rays of peace and prosperity shined down upon the land. On the
right side, were blood red skies among black fields set asunder, and that half
of the sun shone black and seemed to serve no purpose to the ending world. “So
these are my choices. Either I complete this task and bring peace among Hyrule,
or I fail and bring calamity unto it. But it looks here like even if I fail a
hero will rise and save us from the darkness.” Zin looked away from the inscription
and again walked to the door. It opened and Zin walked through. If he was
correct from the image that he had seen out in the hall, the Trions; people of
the Sacred Realm hid their Topaz here. But to Zin’s surprise he found no stone
in the room, it was empty. Zin stormed out of the room and transfigured into an
eagle and flew out of the open window. He soared through the trees and into the
sky. He looked from above to find the spot where the temple was. This wouldn’t
be the last time he would visit the Temple of Revealing Secrets.

            It was nearly dusk
when Zin found himself at the castle gate. He had covered himself with his cape
as not to alert anyone with his bleeding arm. Once he made his way up his room
he threw off the blood drenched tunic and threw it under his bed. He bathed and
nurtured his wound. After he had slipped into his night clothes, he was called
to eat dinner. After dinner had been eaten Zin went up to bed with many thoughts
on his mind. Tomorrow perhaps he would go to the library and find the origins
for that picture of the hero he saw posted on the wall. But for now he had to
get some sleep. He blew out the candle and let his dreams consume his mind.

            Zin had searched
through alot of the library’s books, but had not found the picture he had seen
on the wall of the temple. When Zin was browsing through the books when he
spotted one titled “Ancient Myths and Legends of Hyrule” Zin knew the book
wouldn’t hold the answers he seeked, but it would hold his interest. Zin sat at
one of the tables in the library and began skimming through the book. He noticed
the Creation Myth of Hyrule and Nature of the Triforce. He also noticed the
pictures of many war heroes and the thing they did. As Zin neared the end of
the book he saw it. There stood the man holding a sword surrounded by pure
light against the great monster that loomed over him like a shadow. Zin read
the passage under the picture it read: “Should the world ever fall to darkness
there will still be a shimmer of light. The catalyst of hope will rise and
smite the evil with his strong will and brute strength. He, The Hero of Time
will rise holding the legendary blade; the Master Sword. The evil destroying
sword that evil may never touch will be the key to saving the world from
ultimate destruction.” Zin looked more closely at the picture and found the
identity of the hero unknown. Zin closed the book and walked out of the
library. The rest of his day would be a normal one. He would go to the Temple
tomorrow. Zin ate his dinner and decided to relax in his room for the rest of
the night.

            Zin looked out over
his balcony and saw the setting sun to the west. The sunset reminded Zin of how
he and Laurina would sit out on the field and watch it. He missed her so much
right now. Then a knock on the door interrupted him from his reminiscing.

            “Sir...?” a servant
asked peaking in.

            “Yes?” Zin asked
still looking out to the sky.

            “Sir Michael in here
to speak with you.”

            “Tell him I’m on
my... way...” Zin looked out again and saw a small violet colored sparkle
falling from the sky. Then many began to fall, they all seemed to fall over the
field. The servant too had come near the balcony to speculate. Then Zin saw a
big flock of birds flying away. Something was wrong, never before had Zin seen
anything like this. A bit alarmed Zin grabbed his sword, shield and also his
bag.

            “What going on?” The
servant asked.

            “I don’t know, but
something is seriously wrong...” Zin said. He began to walk toward the door
until he saw a bright light shine against him. He ran back to the balcony to
see a giant rock falling, fire and ash following it. It continued to fall, the
light shining through the many clouds. Zin and the servant couldn’t help but
watch. The rock continued to fall until finally it hit the ground. There was an
explosion, but it seemed silent, as did the entire world for that moment. Zin
continued to look out until he felt a wave of air hit him hard. He and the
servant fell back and there was another wave. He got back up and saw the explosion
beginning to spread out in every direction. Zin pushed past the servant ran out
of his room and down the hall. He spotted Nati and called to her. “Nati! Nati
come here now!” Nati flew over to Zin.

            “Zin what was that
noise?” Nati asked a bit scared.

            “There’s no time we
must get to the Temple.”

            “But we don’t have
all the stones.”

            “We have to try.” Zin
then ran down the stairs into the Main Hall. There he spotted Mike. He ran over
to him. “Mike what’s going on?”

            “Here take it and
go.” Mike opened the bag which he carried and pulled out a yellow stone with
streaks of gold embedded around it.

            “Can it be?” Zin
looked at it. Then before him was the Trion’s Topaz: The Sacred Stone of Light.
“But how did you...?”

            “No time to explain
you must go now!”

            “But the last
stone...”

            “...Will present
itself as long as you have the other six.” He said finishing Zin’s sentence.
Then a portal manifest itself in front of them. Out jumped a demon of some
sort. It hand replaced with razor sharp blades and it shot acid from its mouth.
“So it begins... Zin! Go now! I can handle this!” Mike drew his sword and
confronted the enemy. Zin took the stone and had a short premonition. He saw
the six stones circling some stand with a diamond on it. After Zin was knocked
out of his trance he looked over toward the drawbridge which was down. He
looked back and saw that several other portals had emerged. Out of them jumped
several Stalfos and Wolfos. “NOW ZIN!!” Michael screamed at the top of his
lungs. Zin hated to leave his friend there alone, but he had a task to
complete. Zin dashed out of the castle and back down to town which was now on
fire. Zin saw several other Stalfos and Wolfos attacking. There was also a
dozen Moblins reeking havoc on the town. They were merciless as Zin saw a
Moblin run his spear through a woman holding a young child. She dropped the
crying toddler and fell to the ground. The Moblin was about the kill the child
until it felt a sharp sensation from behind. It looked down and saw a sword
sticking through his chest. It fell to the ground moaning in agony. Zin picked
up the child and ran it over to safety. Then the rocks began to fall again, but
this time it was over the town. Loud explosions were heard all over. Then Zin
saw Nati fly her way over to the steps of the Temple of Time. Zin was now in
the town square headed for the Temple. But before he could get there another
portal found itself in front of him. It was bigger that the one Zin had seen
before. Out of it stepped a giant demon, bigger than the one Zin had seen at
the castle. Its giant claws seemed to made of drying molten. Its horns were
surrounded by fire. As it stepped out it blew fire at Zin, who ran as far away
as he could. Zin drew his sword once again and lunged forth at the slow fire
demon. He stabbed it under the arm and jumped back. It whaled in pain and threw
its arms through the air. Zin held up his sword to try and defend himself, but
the beast flung it out of Zin’s hand and it flew across the air and over near
the door to the Temple of Time. Nati flew over to Zin right before a ring of
fire was produced around them. Zin seeing no other alternative, Zin absorbed
the power of all the stones and began to float in the air. It looked like he
would have to kill this demon with magic alone. The demon again spit fire at
Zin who used his telekinesis to stop it. Zin countered by shooting water at the
demon. Although the demon was slow, it was smart and blew as much fire as it
could to cancel out the power of the water. Zin then used the powers of water
and forest to resurrect thick vines soaked in water to hold the demon down. The
demon who again cried in pain as the water soaked vines held him tried to break
loose, but to no prevail. Zin then decided to try out his new stone and his
hand softly glowed. He pointed a finger at the demon’s dark heart. The tip of
his finger began to glow quite brightly. He let the spell lose and a single
stream of light flew from his finger. It met its mark and went straight through
the evil demon’s heart. The vines receded and the demon began to glow out of
the many cracks in its body. It fell to the ground and its body shattered,
leaving behind shards of light. The ring of fire evaporated and Zin floated
back over to the Temple and his sword. He replaced the Stones back in his bag
and took back up his sword and returned it to its scabbard.

            “I was wrong, that
was the best I’ve ever seen you. Where’d you learn to do that?” Nati asked.

            “I’ve seen Matinu do
that once.” Zin opened the doors to the colossal Temple of Time and looked out
at the now crimson colored sky once more before shutting them.

            Zin walked down the
crimson red carpet to the alter he had seen so many times in his dream. Before
Zin could even do anything all six stones floated out of the bag and over to
the slightly raised platform over in the middle of the floor. They aligned in a
circle according to their elements. They all glowed and began spinning, just
like he saw when he first touched the Topaz. Then from the middle of the
platform raised a stand. On it was the last Sacred Stone, The Hylian’s Diamond:
Sacred Stone of Time. Zin held it and had another short premonition. He saw
himself in front of the alter with an instrument of some sort, as the Door of
Time opened. After Zin was knocked out of this trance he looked below when the
stone was settled and found the ancient Ocarina of Time. He went to pick it up
and once he touched it he received a past message, it was from his brother
Kopaka.

            “Who so ever holds
this instrument; you must also hold the seven Sacred Stones of the Goddesses.
With those stones and this relic, you have the keys to opening the Door of Time
and, ultimately, the Sacred Realm. I now will teach you the song that will open
the Door of Time. Pay close attention to the ancient tune called the Song of
Time.” Zin saw his brother holding the Ocarina of Time and standing in
front of the alter. He played the strange tune and Zin recorded it over and
over again in his head. The message ended and Zin walked up to the alter and
played the strange notes. As he did, all seven stones floated around Zin. The
Stones of Forestyellow'>, Fire,
and Water
settled in the three hollows on the alter. The four remaining stones floated to
the side walls. Shadowstyle='color:yellow'> and Spiritstyle='color:yellow'> to the left, and Timestyle='color:yellow'> and Lightstyle='color:yellow'> to the right. They settled in the holders that stuck out
of the walls. Zin continued playing the song and watched as the Triforce symbol
above the door began to glow. Slowly, the door began to spread apart. After it
was done Zin stop playing and walked up the stairs on either side of the alter.
This was the moment Zin had waited for, now he would find out what lie behind
the Door of Time. Zin drew his sword and shield, prepared for the worst. As Zin
walked on he saw no enemy, no obstacle, no test. Only a sword sticking out of a
stone on a raised platform. The only light in the room was the window above
which shone what was left of the light on the sword in the stone. Zin advanced
toward the sword and sheathed his own.

            “I know what that
is!” Nati exclaimed suddenly, “That’s the legendary blade... The Master Sword.”
Nati flew over to it and began to examine it. “This is not what I was
expecting. If the gate to the Sacred Realm is to be in this room, then where is
it?”

            “Yeah and where’s the
Hero of Time, he’s the only one that can hold the sword right?” Zin was now
ultimately confused. What was his task? Zin’s necklace began to glow brighter
as he neared the sword. It was as if the blade was calling to him. He reached
his hand for it and almost touched it. But before he could do it, he had
another flash forward. He saw Hyrule Field, at first with the crimson skies and
the black tower, but as he held the hilt, the fields became normal again, with
its blue skies and green hills. Zin released the hilt and looked at the sword.

            “Wait, maybe you’re
the herald that brings the Hero his weapon. You’re not evil, you can touch the
sword and you just did. Try taking it out, maybe the Hero will be called to it
like you were.” Nati advised. Zin thought it over and decided to take the risk.
He held the sword’s hilt and with his right hand pulled the Master Sword from
the Pedestal of Time. Zin held up the sword and admired its beauty. Then a loud
thud knocked him from his trance. He looked towards the door and saw his enemy;
Gronondorf. Gronondorf walked into the room and saw Zin holding the sword. He
gasped.

            “See Gron, if I can’t
destroy you, then the Hero of Time will.” Zin looked into his eyes with pure
hatred.

            “No Zin, but you did
in fact open the door to the Sacred Realm for me. You won’t get that sword to
your precious hero if I destroy it!” Gron said. He charged for Zin who held the
sword up to defend himself. Gron drew his sword and slashed it straight through
the Master Sword. “Now be gone with your precious hopes of living...” But
before Gron could finish his sentence he saw half of his sword fall to the
ground. “That’s impossible!”

            “You see Gron you are
no match for the evil destroying sword! Now to the Hero of Time!” Zin tried to
advance for the exit, but before he could leave the platform, it began to glow
a soft blue. The surrounding light shot upward and tore through the roof. It
parted the clouds and light shined down on the platform. Nati and Zin still
holding the sword began to float upward toward the light. “What’s happening!?”

            “I can’t say Zin, I
can’t say.” Nati said looking up. Gron looked up and saw Zin floating toward
the light. He quickly ran up to the portal and also began to float upward. As
soon as he was at the same level with Zin, he tried to attack once again. He
failed but triggered something. The two halves of the portal parted and Zin and
Nati went in another direction as Gron floated toward the light. Soon Zin was
in darkness.

            “This isn’t right!
This isn’t supposed to happen! Gron!” Zin screamed at the top of his lungs
still clutching the Master Sword.

            “Yes Zin, I hope it’s
comforting to know that you have led me right to the gates of the Sacred
Realm.” Zin could hear his voice and soon saw his menacing face. “Soon the
Triforce... and the world will be mine!” He laughed and evil laugh and left Zin
in the dark abyss.

            “No... NO! It’s not
supposed to happen like this! NOOOOO!!!!” Zin screamed. He soon was absorbed in
the darkness of the abyss he was damned to for his miserable failure...    

style='color:yellow'>To be concluded...

Dear Readers,

            I
hope you have enjoyed my first ever piece of literature. Just in case you were
question some things I will explain them...

1. Places: I’ve
changed... no not changed I’ve expanded the boundaries for the world of Zelda
in my story. Hyrule Castle Town had grown much in size and it is much bigger
than how the game makes it appear. After Link’s last adventure he closes the
Door of Time and keeps his heroic past from his kids from avoided them to turn
out the same way. The Temple of Time is now a church for all of Hyrule. There
were chairs put in there and everything. Imagine on the eastern most side of
the town there is a small valley with a gate on a hill. This leads to Kakakiro
Village. In Kakakiro Village where that one tree is down at the bottom of the
entrance, now stands a stadium... that is Spectrum Hold. It too is like another
gate into Kakakiro. But at the top is a bowl shape arena... this is where all
the battles are held. Beyond Death Mountain imagine there are field with small
forests and a chain of mountains called the Death Mountain Range. Beyond the Range
there is more free land and a few more civilizations. To the southwest you know
there is the lake, but imagine that in between the entrance to Hylia Lake and
Gerudo Valley there is another small valley that lead to more open fields that
lead to more cities and civilizations. North of the castle there too is a small
forest and open fields. To the northwest near the Gerudo Valley is another
valley that goes over the waterfall and out to a shore out to sea. To the south
in the Forest... the sky is a clear blue not like that golden color in the
game. Instead of the of Kokori Forest being in an open clearing like in the
game, it has more trees to shade it and in the center of the Forest is a big
tree (Not as big a the Deku Tree) that stands in the middle alone. That’s the
only place that light shines on completely in the forest... that and the Deku
Tree’s meadow. So we’ve covered to the north, west, east and south of Hyrule
Field. Note too that Lon Lon Ranch has grown too. Now there are several
families who live there with Malon, Scot and May. Talon died some years ago and
Ingo moved away.  Where that gate to the ranch field is, now has several houses
over it. And the main houses ultimately have grown a couple stories.

Across the
sea...

 West Hyrule I
came up with from the whole shore thing. Across the shore to the west of
Zelda’s Hyrule is another continent. West Hyrule is a part of that. The main
city Zin was in is the port city, which is why it’s so big... from all the
trade. Think of it like a middle aged Manhattan. Lol. There are quite a few
building there that reach about ten to maybe fifteen stories high. The castle
there is just a bit more west of the port. The port is like the popular part of
the town. It’s quite big and has many different things along it. If you’ve ever
(slight chance) been to St. Croix, it’s kinda like that minus the big hills. To
the most western part of the city there are more open fields that lead to
smaller town and city and then another country. To the north is the forest that
Zin and Laurina have the picnic. West Hyrule and East Hyrule used to be connected
until the continental drift occurs.

Through the
Lost Woods...

Like in
Majora’s Mask through the Lost Woods is Termina. Clocktown has grown... west
more than ever. To the west, to the shore you kno is the sea. Imagine the
Hideout had been filled for a better purpose and imagine that as the shore
advances north it doesn’t end at the hideout. Along this long shore is
boardwalk. The boardwalk is a small town itself with many different stores and
shops and restaurants and taverns and... Well u get it. After you get to the
end of the boardwalk the shore begins to expand westward and you enter a new
country... Nubia. Nubia has many, many African plains. They too have many
different villages and the central one has a palace where Koji and his family
live. That covers places that have been changed for this story.

2. People. 
Zin: he has a very unique look. It is the middle ages, but Zin’s hair doesn’t
just fall on face like nothing. If you ever played Final Fantasy X well Zin
looks like Tidus. If u haven’t then I would look for a picture (probably at
Google) of the cover to the game, cuz it’s really hard to put into words what
Zin looks like. Well besides Zin, you can tell what everybody else looks like
from the story.

If you have any
questions about the plot or the set up of the story just email me at style='font-family:Arial;color:#FFCC00'>href="mailto:midnightkey267@hotmail.com">midnightkey267@hotmail.comstyle='font-family:Arial;color:yellow'>. Please note: When you email me please
have a subject that is relevant to the story like... “This is bout the story”
or “Questions on the story”. If you do not have a subject that is relevant I
will not answer your email. Sorry, but you just can’t trust every email
these days. I will answer your emails in the course of a few days. If I don’t
just send it again. I need feedback! Thanks for reading. ^__^

color:yellow'> 

color:yellow'>the legend lives on. . .   but the journey continues in. . .

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style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Matisse ITC";color:yellow'>Part Two:

style='font-size:20.0pt;font-family:"Matisse ITC";color:#FFCC00'>The Legend of
Zelda: The Rise of A hero

style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Matisse ITC";color:yellow'>Coming Soon. .
.