AN: It's me, another random author whose stories seem to get worse as they go… but I'm determined not to let that happen here. This was sort of an idea I had while learning about Romans and gladiators and whatnot in school. I started to think about what it would be like in Zelda (yes, my mind turns everything to Zelda), and so here we are.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ZELDA OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS. THEY BELONG TO NINTENDO. I DO OWN THIS PLOT. Woot…

"You may enter." The guard told Link. Link nodded, and entered the king's throne room. Two guards made to escort Link up to the King of Hyrule, but the king waved them away. They reluctantly allowed Link to approach. Link stopped before the steps to the king's throne and knelt.

"Link, you need never bow to me or anyone else. Rise, my boy." The king said lightly.

Link stood up. "What do you require of me?" He said in the formal tone he had heard from so many others.

"Link, you needn't sound so official. While the people of Hyrule don't know what you did for Hyrule, I do. You are not my inferior in any way. So don't talk as if you were." The king said, semi-sternly.

"Alright. What would you like?" Link asked, feeling much more at ease.

The king smiled. "Better. Anyway, I have a small assignment for you. It isn't an order. You can spit on me right here and leave if you like; I won't so much as scowl. But I think it could greatly benefit Hyrule."

Link was curious. He was 19 now, had saved Hyrule from Ganon, journeyed to and rescued Termina, fought in 2 super smash brothers tournaments, but spent the last 2 years doing simple tasks for money. It had been very boring, nothing serious happened, killing the odd stray wolfos or ambushing some petty bandits.

"Well, it involves the Jarmanians…" The king said.

Link was very interested now. The Jarmanians had recently declared war on Hyrule. They hailed from way out west, past Gerudo valley and over the massive plains that had come to be known as the blood plains. Battles were fought here almost constantly between invading Jarmanian armies and armies of Hylians and Gerudos. No one knew quite why the Jarmanians declared war, but most people thought it was simple greed for land. Either way, they proved a challenging foe. They had seemingly endless waves of soldiers, and while their main city had only been glimpsed from afar, they had buildings of some smooth white stone. They carried weapons of pure steel, and every troop had iron chainmail or better.

"How so?" Link asked.

"Well, Very few know what I am about to tell you. But the war… is not going so well. I believe Hyrule could fall within a year at the most. Our soldiers seem to be better trained, but they aren't as plentiful or as well equipped. They seem to have infinite metal, and men. Did you never wonder why I didn't request that you join the armies? It was because I knew you could be of more use then throwing your life away on the great plains… or blood fields, as they are appropriately called. I would rather you slip into enemy territory, and learn what you can about the city. Destroy some things if you can, but more importantly gather information and report back. Take no unnecessary risks. Take whatever time you need, but I would like you to head back within 3 weeks. Eventually people will notice your Hylian ears. Try to hide them under a hood or something for as long as possible. That is, if you go." He added hastily.

Link didn't have to think about it. If Hyrule truly was in danger, there was only one choice. "I'll go. When do I leave?"

"Well, today, if possible. Take your horse to Gerudo valley, but leave her with the Gerudos. I have informed Nabooru that you may be coming. They will give you a camel, which you can take to the end of the desert. When you reach blood plains, proceed on foot. There shouldn't be any big battles, just avoid the small skirmishes. I will give you a map, use it to find a path on the other side of the plains that will take you to the entrance to their country, which is also their main city, Jarman. A disguise is worthless; they will make sure you are not Hylian. I'm sure your hookshot can find a way over the wall. From there, you are pretty much winging it." The king explained. "This mission is… very important. It is imperative that you complete it. Therefore, I have decided… you should take the Master Sword with you."

This last bit surprised Link. "Wouldn't that free Ganon?" He asked.

"Normally yes… but my daughter Zelda will accompany you to the temple of time. There is an ancient, complex magical seal she can place on the pedestal. If she does it correctly, and I have complete confidence that she will, it will keep the seal holding Ganon in the void intact as if the sword were there." The king stated.

Link nodded.

The king handed him a map. He then summoned a guard.

"Bring my daughter to the main hall to meet Link." He instructed the guard, who snapped off a crisp salute and ran out. "Alright Link. Zelda will meet you outside of here, and then you can go to the temple. Remember the plan, and use the map. I hope to see you soon, my boy. Good luck."

Link inclined his head in thanks, and ran out of the hall. Zelda was already waiting for him. "Hello Link," she said, smiling.

Link smiled back, and nodded hello.

"You still don't say much, do you," Zelda said, laughing. "Come on, I guess we better get going."

They walked along towards the temple of Time, Zelda chattering away and Link just listening. He liked it that way. He found listening so much more interesting then talking. They were soon at the temple; it wasn't far from the castle. As they entered, Zelda steadily got quieter. They approached to Master Sword, looking just as Link remembered it.

Link reached for it without thinking, feeling a sudden urge to hold it again, to feel its weight. Zelda grabbed his hands. He backed off, a little embarrassed. She stepped behind the sword, and held her hands over it. She began to chant in a foreign language. With each syllable, a glow appeared under her hands. The light started to shoot down the sword into the pedestal, which glowed golden. She stopped chanting and just held her hands there, still sending light down the sword.

"Take it now." She said calmly.

Link reached for the sword, clasped his hands around it. He wrenched up, and the sword came free. The pedestal stopped glowing, but the triforce engraved into it continued to glow gold. There was also a glowing golden wall in the slit the sword fit into. Zelda exhaled softly.

"I worked." She said, sounding relieved.

They headed out, and stopped at the market. Link got his horse from the public stable.

"Well… goodbye I guess. Link… try to come back safely. And good luck."

He smiled and nodded once. He mounted Epona. "Bye… I'll see you soon." Link said, riding off quickly. Zelda bit her lip, waving, then turned and headed back.