Hylian Nights

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own Zelda or Aladdin!

A/N: Here I am again! Well, as you might have guessed, this is based loosely on the Disney version of Aladdin, with a bit of Robin Hood type stuff mixed in! There will be major differences of course, but I hope you enjoy! Please, don't forget to Read and Review!

In the shadow of Death Mountain, a tall dark man waited, seated on his great black horse. Anyone who saw him would have recognized him instantly, but there was no one about this night, the only living creatures the horse, the man and the ink colored crow perched on his shoulder. A cold breeze whipped the man's cloak and he turned his head towards the path as he heard the approach of someone.

You're late, the man said coldly as a figure in rags appeared. What kept you Sakon?

A thousand apologies my lord, Sakon said swiftly, sweeping an inelegant bow. I was held up at the pass by a guard.

Do you have it?

Sakon chuckled, reaching into his pocket, withdrawing a red stone. It was dull, broken in half as if by some great force. I had to slit some throats, but I have it. The second half of the Spiritual Stone of Fire.

The dark man held out his hand, but the ragged thief snatched it back quickly. My reward, my lord Ganondorf, then the stone.

There was a flurry of wings and a caw. The crow flew down from his master's shoulder, snatching the blood colored stone from Sakon's hand. It circled, then flew back to Ganondorf, dropping the stone in his hand before returning to its perch.

The Gerudo man reached within his cloak, drawing out a second red stone, holding the two pieces in his hands. Not to worry Sakon, you shall have your reward. Ganondorf's eyes gleamed as he brought the two pieces closer, pressing them together.

They fit together seamlessly, and the stone suddenly glowed like a hot coal. Without warning it rose out of the man's hands and flew up the mountain path. Not missing a beat, Ganondorf wheeled his horse sharply about, urging the stallion into a gallop after the ember that blazed in front of him. Panting, Sakon tried vainly to keep up, dashing after them.

The chase for the stone lead Ganondorf into the Dodongo's Cavern, but he did not hesitate, screaming at his horse to go faster. The small stone rose up towards the great skull of a dead dodongo, swirling around, then plunging into the left eye socket were it sat glowing innocently. Ganondorf reigned in his horse sharply, his eyes narrowed as the mouth of the skull opened, leading to a dark abyss below.

By the Goddesses, Sakon murmured, having just arrived. He stared up at the skull in awe, his dirty face filled with a greedy look.

Ganondorf dismounted, grabbing the thief by the scruff of his neck. The Dodongo Cavern, he hissed, his own face mirroring the greediness in Sakon's. Then he addressed the unfortunate man, his golden eyes gleaming. Now, I want you to go in there and bring me back the lamp! You can have whatever you want of the treasures in there, but the lamp belongs to me!

Once he had nodded, Ganondorf released the thief who stumbled eagerly towards the gaping mouth of the skeleton. Sakon hesitated, peering down into the depths of the earth it seemed. He started forward, but had no sooner raised his foot when the jaw of the dodongo began to tremble and he fell backwards.

WHO DESTURBS MY SLUMBER? the dodongo asked, it's huge booming voice echoing around the two men.

Sakon scrambled to his feet, wringing his hands nervously, giving a short jerky bow. It is I, Sakon, a humble thief.

KNOW THIS, ONLY ONE CAN ENTER MY CAVE! ONLY ONE OF PURE HEART AND STRONGE COURAGE, A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH! the skull boomed, then fell silent, its jaw still open. It's one ruby eye gleamed down at the two men who stood before it.

Ganondorf's eyes narrowed at these words, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. When Sakon glanced uncertainly back at him, he waved him forward. Well? What are you waiting for? Get on with it!

The thief edged forward, looking once more down the steps made of bone that lead into the bowls of the cave. Slowly, Sakon raised his foot, placing it gingerly on the first step. When there was no response, he breathed a sigh of relief, then started on the second step. Then there came a horrid roar, and the jaws of dodongo clamped shut, encasing the thief within. Then the stone fell from the dodongo's eye socket, landing in two pieces at the feet of the man.

With a caw, the crow soared down, once more retrieving the pieces of stone. Master Ganondorf, what do you plan now? he croaked. The crow flew up, dropping the fragments into the man's palm.

Not to worry Guay, Ganondorf replied smoothly, tucking the halves into his cloak pocket. I simply need to find this one who is worthy to enter the cave. This diamond in the rough, pure of heart and strong of courage.

It was a brilliant sunny day in Hyrule market, the perfect day for shopping and sightseeing. The merchants were showing off their products, hoping to tempt the shoppers who were wandering by. It was crowded and busy, and the guards who were within the market place were as relaxed as the visitors, unconcerned and hardly paying attention to the hustle and bustle.

Concealed within the alleyway, watching the goings-on, were two figures, clad in the fashion of desert travelers. One, a woman, wore pants that were puffy and a silk top to match. Her golden eyes were fixed on the customers, long red hair held back in a long ponytail. The other was a boy of about seventeen, in a loose green tunic and pants. His hair was blond, and you could tell from looking in his brilliant sapphire eyes that this was no normal boy.

Where's Navi? Nabooru hissed in undertone, glancing briefly at her companion. We can't do anything without her help. She fingered the dagger concealed within her waistband, hoping that this wasn't one of those days when she would need it.

Don't worry, she'll be back. She said that she wanted to see how much the rich man has, he returned, leaning casually against the wall.

Nabooru rolled her eyes in irritation, continuing to watch for the fairy. In no time at all the small blue ball of light shot into the alley, bouncing up and down in front of the two in excitement.

Ooo, he's a good one Link! Navi announced happily. He's filthy rich! The man has six purses, all filled to the brim!

Any guards? Link asked, straightening and gesturing to Nabooru to follow.

Just one, some idiot who likes to flirt with pretty girls, Navi replied disgustedly.

Nabooru grinned, flipping her hair. I'll go talk to him for a moment, see if I can get him interested while you do business with our man.

She strolled up to a market stall where a gaudily dressed noble was examining jewelry with his brawny body guard. The nobel already had too much jewelry on, five necklaces, three bracelets, and four rings studded with gems. The man was practically advertising for someone to rob him.

The Gerudo woman pretended to be interested in a certain ring, laughing and talking to the body guard who was beside her. He grinned in reply, trying to act casual as she flirted with him shamelessly. The noble didn't seem to have noticed, moving on to the next stall when Link moved to stand next to him. The young man picked up a melon, examining it, watching the noble as he asked about the growing conditions of some bananas.

I won't buy anything that was treated with strange substances, he declared pompously. How do you grow your fruit?

While the bewildered stall tender began to explain, Link edged slowly closer. The could see at lease three purses hanging at the noble's belt from where he stood, and decided that those would be more than enough. Quickly and carefully, Link reached out one hand and relieved him of one of the purses, his face set impassively as he slipped the money sack into his tunic. The noble hadn't noticed yet, still questioning the merchant. Nabooru shot him a look over her shoulder, silently telling him to hurry it up. Quick as a flash, Link slipped the last two purses free, stowing them out of sight.

He slipped away from the stall, passing Nabooru who joined him as they moved quickly towards the drawbridge. They were still acting casual, pretending to eye merchandise as they strolled along. Just then there came a high pitched shriek and both of them winced.

VE BEEN ROBBED!

Darn it, I was hoping he wouldn't notice for awhile, Link hissed, and he and Nabooru dashed towards the drawbridge.

She shot him a wry look as they sprinted past the slow moving guards. Yet at cry of a robbery, the gate house keepers were a bit quicker and were already hauling the drawbridge up to prevent the criminals from escaping.

Muttering a curse under her breath, Nabooru drew her dagger and a small sling and Link did the same. Hesitating for the briefest of seconds, the slender Gerudo women swung the sling around and let a stone fly, jamming up the works to the drawbridge. With a shudder and groan, it stopped its progress upward, and the two thieves continued running. The guards were already in hot pursuit, but the two didn't wait to find out how many there were.

Without missing a beat, they scaled the partially raised drawbridge, leaping over the moat and landing lightly on the other side. Link whistled a succession of notes as they landed, and two horses came cantering into view. One, his own fire colored mare Epona, the other Nabooru's a chestnut colored stallion named Bandit. Springing onto their horses, the two thieves left Hyrule behind them in the dust, giving each other high fives.

Well done Link, Nabooru sang out, her eyes dancing with laughter. Another rich man robbed and us living the good life for awhile.

He grinned at her, eyes dancing. I couldn't have done it without you. By the way, did you make a date with that guy?

The Gerudo laughed out loud, her eyes shining. I don't think he's my type.

What about me? I helped too, Navi said, appearing on Link's shoulder.

Yeah, we couldn't have done it without Navi, Hyrule's best fairy thief, he teased her.

By nightfall the two had reached the thieves fortress deep within Gerudo Valley. The Gerudo women came to greet them, awed by the sight of the purses, and demanding details. Nabooru began to explain, giving a wonderful reenactment of their daring escape, but Link didn't hang around to listen. He slipped away to his favorite boulder that had an incredible view of the land, including Hyrule Castle in the distance. Navi had followed him, and they sat together, staring blissfully off into the distance.

You're missing the party, Nabooru said, joining him on the rock. Then she pulled out a full purse, and one that was half full, handing them to him. Here, take these to Saria. She'll use the money to help people.

Link accepted the purses, tucking them into his tunic with a sigh. Orphaned as a child, he had been taken to the Kokiri Forest and given into the care of a forest girl named Saria. Saria was a kind hearted person who took in lost or abandoned children and took care of them. He had been the first, and as the oldest, had always attempted to help his dear friend. Yet it became rather expensive, and Saria couldn't afford to do it anymore, sadly turning down more children who desperately needed homes.

Determined to repay her for her kindness, Link had left the forest with his fairy friend Navi, looking for any means to make money, which was how he had meet Nabooru. They had become friends, and she had welcomed him into the thieving group of Gerudo. Normally outsiders, especially men, weren't allowed, but the Gerudo had been impressed with his skills and had allowed him to stay. Though thieves, the group had its morals. They only stole from those who could afford it, and always used the majority of the money for a good cause. Link had joined them when he was fourteen, and was now a seventeen year old thief with a running history.

Thanks Nabooru. It means a lot, Link offered still gazing at the castle.

She followed his gaze and smiled. It would be nice not to have any worries anymore, wouldn't it? To live in a castle and not have to worry about where your next meal is coming from.

He nodded with a sigh. But it's only a crazy fantasy Nabooru. It'll never happen.

The slender girl shrugged, giving him a grin. You never know Link. Perhaps you will someday. Just promise to remember your old thieving friend, she teased him.

Link shoved her playfully, grinning despite himself. Sure I will.

Then his sapphire eyes retuned to the majestic white castle, and his expression grew thoughtful. I could only wish. . .