Author's Note: Welcome to my newest story. I had hoped that my Ocarina of Time rewrite would work out, but it appears no one quite cares to read it. So, it'll be on hold for now, until I decide if I want to continue it. I guess there are too many Ocarina of Time adapations out there, people must be sick of reading them. So, here is an original tale, a true sequal to Ocarina of Time. There will be some changes, to fit what I want to tell, but it should work out fine. After this prologue, the story will be set seven years after Zelda sends Link back in time to relive his childhood. So, enjoy, and please review. Reviewing is important for a writer, it helps with ideas and directions, and to know that our work is appreciated. Thanks!

Prologue

A New Beginning

The cool morning breeze is refreshing, and even the ever present heat coming from Death Mountain can do nothing to prevent the freshness it brings. Standing high atop the volcano, the young warrior looks out over the horizon. His is the highest vantage point in Hyrule, and the beauty and majesty laid out before him takes his breath in ways the other sights and experiences he has had could never hope to do. His closes his eyes, reveling in the feeling of victory, knowing that the evil he has fought against has finally been stopped. The wind ripples through his emerald tunic and white underclothes. But the chill doesn't bother him, for the battle is done, and Ganondorf has been defeated. "A thing of pure beauty, isn't it Link?" a beautiful, melodious voice says from behind him.

"It truly is Princess," Link answers, opening his eyes to behold the beauty of the Princess Zelda who steps up to his side, sharing in his enjoyment of the landscape of Hyrule. Her long, golden locks catch in the breeze and blow slightly along with her pink and white dress. "Truly an angel," Link thinks to himself, allowing a small smile upon his lips, the first one he has felt in months.

"Please Link, call me Zelda," she says, returning a small smile of her own. Turning her eyes back to the landscapes, she witnesses the last of the dark clouds disappear over the horizon. "Even now, the taint of Ganondorf is beginning to fade. Soon, all that will be left is the destruction and despair he wrought. That, I am afraid, will take the longest to heal."

The smile on Link's face disappears, and the solemn mask he has worn since first waking up in the Chamber of Sages, that holy gather place of the guardians of Hyrule located somewhere within the Sacred Realm, reappears. "The healing will come, but it'll take time," Link answers her. A sad look flits across Link's face, memories of the horrors and the sights he has had to endure in the months since his awakening. "I only wish the power of the Hero of Time within me could take away everyone's hurt, remove the pain."

Zelda lays a hand on Link's arm, drawing his gaze from his feet to her eyes, those wonderous blue eyes. "You've already done so much Link, you've endure things no person should ever have to. And no, it is not within your power to take away everyone's hurt. But, I believe, it is within mine."

"What?" Link almost whispers, a small ripple of surprise running through him.

"All of this is my fault Link," Zelda explains, taking his hand into hers. "The past seven years, your slumber in the Sacred Realm and all of the things you've had to face since awakening." Zelda's eyes become watery, and tears begin to slide down that angelic face of hers, "All of the lives lost since Ganondorf took the Tri-Force of Power. It's all my fault, because I thought I could save Hyrule. In my arrogance, I believed I could save my people and stop Ganondorf. All I did was cause pain and strife," she says, turning her face away to hide the tears and her own pain.

Link gently lifts his other hand to her face, turning it slowly so that their eyes meet once again, "You did save your people. We brought about the end of Ganondorf, and stopped him from reuniting the Tri-Force. Yes, we both made mistakes on the road to this point, but no one is perfect. You did what you thought was best, and you can't changed what happened. All we can do now is move on, and together, help rebuild Hyrule."

Zelda nods her head, then holds out her left hand, "Please, give me the Ocarina of Time Link."

Curious, Link drops his hands from Zelda, and reaches inside his green tunic, pulling the beautiful and magically instrument out. With a reluctance and a warning he doesn't know why he feels, Link places the Ocarina in Zelda's gloved, outstretched hand.

Zelda drops her gaze to the ocarina, gently clutching the instrument that, before being given to Link, had been in her possession all her life. "You're wrong Link," she says quietly, not daring to meet his gaze for fear her emotions would not allow her to do what she knew she must. "I can change what happened. As the Seventh Sage, as leader of all Sages, I have power the others do not. With that power, and the Ocarina of Time, I can send Hyrule back in time, to the point when you first pulled the Master Sword. And with that power, I can seal each and every person's memory in Hyrule, locking out the knowledge and all memory of the past seven years. I can take away the pain, and the suffering. And all those lost lives will be rightfully returned."

"No Zelda, you cannot meddle with the flow of time that way," Link says, trying to make her meet his eyes. "My traveling through the river of time was completely different. I did not seek to so drastically change what once happened. I only traversed time to make the present, this present, more accessible. What you speak of is deliberately destroying the time that has already naturally elapsed."

"I'm sorry Link, but that doesn't matter. It is within my power to do, and it is my choice," Zelda says, still refusing to meet Link's eyes and taking a small step backwards from him.

"Zelda, please, think this through, think about what we're going to lose," Link pleads, trying to play the last card he has. "Think of what we mean to each other. If we lose the last seven years, the last several months, then…well, you know what that means."

"It is for you, most of all Link that I do this," Zelda says, the tears openly flowing down her face. "Those seven years were stolen from you unfairly, because the Master Sword deemed you not yet ready for the trails facing you. You never really got a chance to grow up, to experience life outside the forest. You were simply thrust into a war you knew nothing about, and told you were a prophesized hero you had never heard of. It is for you I do this, to return those seven years to you, so that you may have a normal childhood, and grow up in your own way, not sleeping on a stone slab in the Sacred Realm."

"No, I won't let you do this," Link says, but is stops short when he runs into an invisible barrier. His eyes widen as he realizes the shield is Zelda's work. "Zelda, don't do this," he calls, trying one last time.

"I'm sorry Link, please forgive me," Zelda cries, raising the Ocarina of Time to her lips. Link can only watch, and listen in helplessness and despair as Zelda begins playing the ocarina. A small golden glow surrounds the Princess, and her power mixes with that of the Ocarina of Time's natural magic. Link only has a moment, one last look at Zelda, before the familiar blue energy envelopes his body, turning back the clock on him one last and hurtling him back into the past.

With a gasp of air, Link opens the eyes he didn't even know he had closed, and finds himself kneeling on the Pedestal of Time, his hands still firmly gripping the Master Sword. With reluctance his fingers slide from the comfortable grip of the sword, and Link slowly rises to his feet, staring around the interior of the Temple of Time. Glancing down at his body, he finds to no surprise that he is back in his eleven year old body, his green Kokiri clothes in place, as well as the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield strapped firmly to his back.

"Well, she actually did it, she sent us back," Navi remarks, fluttering out from beneath Link's cap. "And none the worse for wear I guess."

"Yeah she…wait, you remember. How can you remember? How can I remember for that matter?" Link says, his mind straining for an explanation.

"I don't know, maybe because you're the Hero of Time, and I was with you. But it doesn't matter, we're back, and those terrible years never happened."

"Yeah, and there's nothing I can do about it," Link mutters, his face filled with sadness and the smallest bit of anger. "So, what do we do now?"

"Now, you live out the remainder of your childhood Hero of Time. Find a life for yourself, and live in whatever peace and happiness you can find," Navi says, and Link can almost see a slight dimming to her natural blue glow.

"What do you mean "I"?" Link asks. "You're coming with me, aren't you?"

"I can't Link, not this time. I've already been away from the forest too long. Fairies were never meant to leave their forest homes for such extended periods of time. I need to go back, and to rest," Navi explains, the sadness evident in her voice. "And, aside from that…you're not Kokiri. You're a Hylian, and Hylians do not have fairies. You're the best partner a fairy could have ever hoped for, and I'll miss you and our friendship, but my place is in the forest, and yours is with your people. You know in your heart that I'm right."

"I know," Link says quietly, struggling with the growing tears he himself feels. "Goodbye my dear friend, give my love to Saria, and may you find your own peace in the forest once again."

"Goodbye Link," Navi says, fluttering close to his face and giving him a tiny kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Hero of Time, may the Goddesses bless all the remaining years of your life." And with that, the tiny fairy Navi flutters up and away, her blue glow disappearing through the open window high up the wall inside the Master Swords resting chamber.

Taking one last, long look at the window Link manages to tear his gaze away, allowing it to rest on the chamber's only other exit, the now sealed Door of Time. Feeling inside one of his pouches, he finds only the Kokiri Emerald, the Spiritual Stone of Forest. "Which means the other two stones are back with Darunia and Ruto, which mean she really did send me back to before I first met her. So I'm stuck, perfect." Link thinks for several moments, toying with the idea of trying to scale the smooth temple wall and go out the window, but easily casts aside that idea. With no hookshot, or climbing gear, he doesn't have a chance of getting out that window. With nothing better to do, Link begins searching through his pouches, going through the belongings he does have, hoping that one of them might provide him with a means of escape. And surely enough, his hand comes to rest on the smooth wood of his fairy ocarina, a gift from Saria upon his decision to leave the Kokiri Woods. A small smile creeps onto Link's face as he realizes he has the perfect way out of this chamber. Removing the ocarina from the pouch, he brings the small wooden instrument to his lips. His eyes close, and his fingers move on instinct. The music, and the magic, flow through Link's body, and even with his eyes closed he can almost see the golden light that envelopes his body as he plays the Prelude of Light. The magic envelopes him, and transports him quickly, depositing him on the Tri-Force mark outside of the door of time. The music and the light fade, and Link's arms slowly return to his side, and, as his eyes open, he's pleased to find himself in the main chamber of the Temple of Time. "I guess it's time to go," Link says to himself, taking one last look at the Door of Time, thinking his days as the Hero of Time over.

Link exits the well lit temple into the crisp morning air, and a day that is completely cloudless. With a small smile on his face at the wonderful day, Link walks happily from the temple's grounds, winding through the small path and finding himself staring out over the bustling vista of Castle Town. Link stops short, the smile disappearing quickly from his face as he catches sight of faces that shouldn't be there, faces lost in another time. And before Link can do anything, the memories flood his consciousness, the ravaged state of Castle Town, the unmarked graves and human remains left behind, the swarms of Re-deds infesting the square. It is as if an overlay drifts across his vision, tainting now the beautiful and restored town with the horrors of another lifetime. Running his hand across his brow his vision finally clears, the memories leaving him for the time being. But a sense of loss, and sadness fill Link's entire being. And he knows, at that exact moment, Hyrule will never be the same for him. The clock has been turned back seven years, and the smiles and business of everyone in the town let Link know that at least that much of Zelda's magic did work, no one else remembered that alternate future. Possibly no one else in Hyrule, no one but him, knew about what horrors could have been, or remembered all those lives that were lost. A deep feeling of loneliness fills Link, and he unconsciously shivers. But the chill comes not from the sadness, but from a new thought that emerges in Link's head. The events happening in the square right now remind him exactly what day this is, the day he first met Zelda. Which means that two weeks from today, Ganondorf will attack the Castle and attempt to steal Hyrule's seat of power. But a comforting thought does come to Link's mind. He does not possess the other two Spiritual Stones. Which means, if he never obtains them, then the Door of Time can't be opened, and there the Master Sword will remain dormant, keeping rivers of time closed and the gateway to the Sacred Realm sealed. Which means, Ganondorf can't obtain the Tri-Force of Power. His mind set, Link trudges off across the Market Square, intent on warning Zelda.

A half an hour later, Link now stands at the stone archway looking into Zelda's favorite garden. Link had quickly and easily traversed the Castle grounds, having already know the best and easiest ways to sneak past the guards. And there, standing at the archway, he watches. He watches Zelda, now back as her eleven year old self stares through the small window at the other end of the garden, staring at Ganondorf Link knows. Gathering his wits about him Link quietly moves across the garden, stopping a few paces shy of where the Princess is standing.

"Zelda," Link says quietly, and watches as she jumps at the sound of his voice.

She startles and spins around quickly, facing Link with a curious expression on her face. "Who are you, and how do you know my name?" she asks, her voice trying to sound regal. "Do I know you, you seem so familiar?"

Link keeps his face a stony mask, his heart crestfallen at finding out she didn't remember anything, not even him. "No, we've never met Princess," he says, taking her formal title. "But I know you, I've seen you in my dreams," which was true enough. At this point in time he had dreamed of her several times, always ending in Ganondorf blasting him at Castle Town's drawbridge. Link removes the Spiritual Stone of Forest from a pouch, and holds it out from Zelda to clearly see. "There isn't much time Princess, so please, let me explain. This may sound strange, and difficult to believe, but I assure you, it's all the truth. In two weeks time, two weeks from today actually, Ganondorf, whom you were just watching in that window," Link says, catching the surprised look on her face. "Ganondorf will attack the castle in two weeks, intent on disposing your father. He also seeks the Tri-Force. But, with this stone in my possession," Link says, referring to the Kokiri Emerald, "and the two remaining stones safe where they are, Ganondorf cannot gain access to the Sacred Realm and the Tri-Force. You must warn your father and marshal Hyrules troops, the Castle must be defended."

"Who are you exactly?" Zelda asks.

"My name is Link, and I'm…no one," he answers, turning aside his eyes. "I just happen to know a few things. You must trust what I tell you."

"I do," Zelda replies, causing Link to turn his gaze back upon her. "Strange as it may seem, and it seems very strange to me, I trust you completely, and I don't know why." And Zelda, in her heart, feels a strange connection to this Link. And when she listens to him speak, she could swear she was listening to someone who should be years older, not someone of her own age. "I will warn my father. I only hope he'll believe me."

"I'm sure you'll find a way," Link says, sighing with relief. "I'll take my leave of you now Princess," he says, giving her a formal bow before turning around.

"Wait, must you go so soon, we've barely had a chance to talk, and I'd love to know more about you," Zelda says, her voice excited at the prospect of getting to know this intriguing young man.

"I'm afraid I cannot stay Princess," Link answers her, not daring to turn around to face her again for fear of giving in to her request. "There is much I must still do. I must ensure the Spiritual Stone of Forest remains safe and away from Ganondorf."

"I…understand," Zelda says, a sadness filling her for no reason she can understand. "Thank you for the warning Link, Hyrule will remain in your debt."

"Goodbye Zelda," Link says softly before quickly departing from the garden, leaving the Castle behind for what he believes is the last time.

X X X

Early the next morning Link is awakened by a deep voice sounding throughout his small room at an inn in Castle Town. "Good Morning Hero of Time," the voice says.

Link awakens with a start, his hand automatically darting to his back to pull the sword that is not there, but currently leaning up against one of the walls of his room. Link relaxes though and his breathing slows as he gets a look at his visitor. "Goord morning Rauru. I guess you remember everything then," Link says, referring to Rauru's use of Link's title.

"Indeed I do Link," the wizened old Sage answers him. "Only yourself, Navi and I remember that horrible future. I must apologize for not thanking you earlier for the deeds you have done. Zelda acted before the rest of us Sages could find you. And I am sorry that you remember. It would appear that being the Hero of Time means you are not bound by the same laws that others are, just as myself since I reside in the Sacred Realm, not here in Hyrule itself."

"Forget it Rauru," Link says, trying to get the topic off his memories and Zelda. "And there's no need to thank me, I've technically done nothing. That future is gone, Zelda has seen to that. That means I have done nothing and will do nothing. With the Master Sword remaining where it is, the Hero of Time is no longer."

"Nonsense boy," Rauru answers forcefully. "You are the Hero of Time no matter what, that is a destiny you cannot change. And while yes, the future has now been changed, what happened, happened. The memories still exist somewhere," he says, tapping his temple. "And I for one shall not forget them, nor the sacrifices and horrors you experienced to save all of us. This change at a new beginning would not be possible without you Link, and I'll hear nothing more of it." Rauru straightens himself, then directs his voice at the door of Link's room, "You can come in now," he says.

In walks a grey cloaked figure, a small figure of about Link's own height. Gloved hands reach up and pull the hood down, revealing the golden locks of the Princess Zelda. "I spoke to Rauru last night, after the Council session with my father. I told him of you, and he informed me that you might intend to leave Hyrule."

Link arches an eyebrow at Rauru, slightly annoyed that the old man had read him so perfectly. "It would be safer if I did. With the Spiritual Stone of Forest gone from Hyrule, there is no chance of it falling into Ganondorf's, or anyone else's hands. Therefore, the Door of Time can never be opened."

"I understand. And I would hope that you would stay, but I can see your mind is already set. As Rauru told me it would be. So, I bring you this," she says, pulling a small pack from beneath her cloak and depositing it on Link's bed. "Inside are a few provisions, a cloak, a bag of rupees from my own treasury, and…the Ocarina of Time." Link's eyes widen, and he quickly reaches into the bag, his hand almost immediately finding the smooth metal of the ocarina. "Your logic of the Spiritual Stone being safer away from Hyrule is sound, so I make the same assumption for the Ocarina of Time. Should something happen to myself in the attack that is to come, then the Ocarina would be safer far away from Hyrule. And you are the only one I will trust with that task. Though I do not know you, not really, I do know that I can trust you. I can't explain it, but I know."

"I guess something of that future still has an impact on her," Link thinks to himself.

"So it would appear Hero of Time," Rauru's voice sounds in Link's head.

"I really wish you wouldn't do that," Link's voice in his head sounding annoyed. "I've got enough going on in there without you eavesdropping."

"My apologies Link," Rauru says in his head one last time before Link feels his presence leave his mind.

"I thank you for your kindness my lady," Link says, giving Zelda a formal bow. "I will protect both the stone and ocarina to my dying breath, of that I can assure you."

"I know you will Link," Zelda replies, stepping close and kissing him lightly on the cheek. "And I thank you for what you've done for our people. Safe journey, and may the Goddesses protect you." Zelda glances once at Rauru, then puts her hood back up and leaves the room, quietly closing the door behind herself.

Once the door is closed Rauru steps before Link, and kneels in front of him, bringing their eyes level. "Always remember who you are and where you come from lad," his voice speaks softly. "No matter what happens, no matter where you go or how much you try to forget it, you'll always be the Hero of Time, and the savior of Hyrule." Rauru's expression softens even more, "If I could strip away those horrible memories, I would. But I'm afraid that is something not within my power to do. It is a burden you should not have to carry, but one you must all the same. Though the Tri-Force of Courage no longer resides in you, the affect it had on you, and the gifts it bestowed upon you will remain with you always. Stay true to your heart, one day you'll return to these lands. I only hope some peace will find you. Safe journey…Link," the Sage says, fading from the room back into the Sacred Realm, leaving Link alone to finally find his own destiny.