The Legend of Zelda

The Legend's Descendants

The Memory Remains

The morning air was gray and thick with the relentless rain that poured down from the sky as if it were crying for the dead. The dead soil flickered with crimson blood as the rain patted down onto the sorrowful earth. Newly formed hills of corpses littered the plains as far as the eye could see. Humans and demons alike laid in dismemberment as the ravens picked at the rotting flesh through the cracked, blood spattered armor of the fallen soldiers. A low rumbling gradually broke the silence of the grim scene. From beyond the haze of rain approached the silhouette of a massive army. Men marched across the plains in a single massive formation. Each wore silver armor with gold engravings on their breast plate and matching helms over their heads with gray cloaks draping from their shoulders. A sword and shield, a spear, an ax, a halberd, or a bow rested in each mans hand as they marched toward their awaiting demise. Some rode on horseback, but most marched on foot. A white flag with blue trim and three golden triangles that formed into the shape of one flew at the head of the formation. The Hylian Army marched across the wasteland they once called home in a final, desperate attempt to set themselves free from evil forever.

Trotting next to the flagman was a marvelous red horse with black battle armor. Atop the steed was the commander of the army. His armor differed from the rest of the soldiers. The bulk was less, and it lacked the glossy polish that the others held. Instead of the bright silver and gold, he wore a deep green with black etchings in it. His helm sported a black feathered main that tattered with age. An armored body band covered him from his waist down to the top of his green grieves. Between the joints of his armor peeked a suit of black chain mail. Across his back slung a long sword from his left shoulder across and down to his right hip. Even in the gray lifeless color that covered the world, the blue hilt still seemed to shimmer with a supernatural glow. Clamped over the scabbard was a battle worn blue shield that bore the ancient red eagle symbol of the old Hylian Knights. Beneath the helm was the face a of young man who had barely outgrown the days of childhood. He was shorter than the rest but still held an incredible atmosphere of intimidation with his history and experience in battle. His blonde hair dangled in front of his blues eyes as he leered at the awaiting horizon.

On the opposite horizon stood the dark army of the underworld. Its dominating presence rippled with massive figures of monsters of every kind. Slender goblins giggled and shrieked as they scratched about in their rusted, old, and dented brown armor. Their swords were cracked and jagged with shields to match. The massive arms of trolls gripped massive war hammers as they licked their black lips in anticipation of the taste of Hylian blood. Giant hogs with long, bloodstained tusks hauled catapults or caged demons that waited to be released so they could feed on human flesh. At the head of the monstrous body of brutes stood the enemy king. Atop his black steed, he wore thick, black armor that brandished etchings of demons and other creatures of darkness. His helm was crafted to resemble the head of a dragon bearing its fangs. His face could not be seen beneath the demonic image of his helm. The only visible feature of his face was a set of glowing red eyes that stared into the soul of the green clad warrior. In his right hand, the Demon King held a shimmering white blade that resonated with energy.

The Demon Army outnumbered the Hylian Army by at least twice the manpower, yet the humans had not intention of backing down. As the Hylian's came to a halt, a dreaded silence gripped the soldiers and plagued their hearts with dread. Their leader stood at the head of the army, emotionless and cold. His eyes remained focused on the red orbs that glared back at him. The silence held the air for an eternity before the Demon King raised a silent, commanding hand. The entire field watched in anticipation. Another eternal second crept over them. Then the king waved his hand forward, unleashing the monstrous force he commanded. The earth quaked as the horde of beasts lumbered forward. Snarling fangs dripped with blood lust as the demonic barbarians charged across the field.

The young leader remained emotionless with his army waiting silently behind him. The dark mass of bodies swallowed up the distance between the armies. Another moment passed before the green warrior abruptly unsheathed his weapon. As he pointed his silver blade forward he howled an intimidating battle cry and sent his force into the fray. Silver knights rushed forward passed their leader. They were gripped by fear, but intensely eager to take their enemy on. The two forces slammed together with a thunderous clap of metal.

Hours passed as shields splintered, blades shattered, and bones split. Mountains of bodies formed across the field and rivers of blood streamed between the newly formed mounds. Though smaller in size to its' enemy, the Hylian Army fought to the bitter end to where both armies were nearly annihilated. Within the grand crowd of soldiers, the green warrior cut through goblin and troll alike. Even giant arachnids were cut down beneath the warriors blade. He cut through making his way to his ultimate goal. At the end of the path he cut stood the Demon King, waiting for his adversary with unyielding patience. As the crowd of demons thinned in the presence of the warriors blade, the King readied his weapon. As the last troll between the two fell, the green warrior stopped. He stood, staring with an ever emotionless stare. He took a moment to take in one last, deep breath. He exhaled a powerful war cry as he lunged forward, shield first. The Demon King reacted by leaping high into the air, raising his sword over his head. As the King descended and lowered his sword for the attack, the green warrior hurled himself into the air to meet his enemy. The Demon King slashed down, as the Hero stabbed upward, and as sword met armor, the boy awoke...

The haze between reality and the dream faded as the boy woke. He opened his eyes to see a gray , dingy ceiling. He was still in the holding cell at the police station. The boy was just a teenager. The boys' name was Link. He was thin, but fit. He had medium length blond hair that was partially covered by a backwards green ball cap, his favorite one that he always wore. On each of his ears dangled silver hoop earrings. The boy looked over himself to reassure he was no longer wearing the armor from the dream. Over a gray, long sleeve thermal shirt he wore a green sleeveless hooded sweatshirt, dark gray jeans, brown work boots, and black fingerless gloves on his hands. He was seventeen years old and already carrying a decent sized police record on his back. He could never seem to be able to avoid fights. He got lucky on this night though. He was getting off easy with self defense. His opponent was Mark Gerunon. The biggest ego maniac Hyrule Valley High School had ever seen and was constantly at odds with Link.

A dull clang sounded as the bars swung open. At the entrance to the cell stood an officer. Behind him stood Link's sorry excuse for an aunt, Shelby. A rats nest of blond hair draped over her chubby face. Her blue blouse had faded with age, and her dark skirt looked like it was from ancient times. Link couldn't even tell what color it was due to how faded it was. She was an ugly women in both appearance and spirit. Link kept a blank expression toward her as he stood up and walked toward the officer.

Link sank into the passengers seat of Shelby's 'scratch and dent special' car after she finished signing Link out of the station. The old street legal tank sounded like a choking beast as she started the ignition. The vehicle finally lurched forward after a few long seconds. Link pulled his hat down over his eyes as he reclined his seat back to a relaxing position. The first few minutes in the car were silent. As the car crept up to a stop sign, Shelby decided to break the peaceful, quite ride.

"You are such a punk, you know that?" Her groggy voice annoyed Link. "I feed you. I clothe you. I give you a place to live and this is how yo return the favor." Link groaned to himself at the hypocrisy of her words. "What was that." she shot as she heard Link. "You think it's cool to act this way?" No answer from the youth. "You're such a fucking punk. A loser! You'll never amount to anything, you know that? You're nothing but a piece of trash."

"Real mature Shelby," the boy finally responded. Without any warning, his aunt reached over and struck Link with a firm palm to the face, knocking Links' hat off his eyes.

"Don't you sass me you little SHIT," Shelby growled. Link calmly returned his hat to its original position. "I won't be disrespected by you anymore! You are gonna shape up and do everything I tell you to from now on you little bastard."

"I already do everything you tell me to," Link shot back as he repositioned his seat. "I do everything. I do all my homework, practically redesign the house, and take care of YOUR kids while you do nothing but sit on you fat fucking ass and drink booze all day." Shelby slapped him once more to prevent another outburst.

"I do EVERYTHING for this family while you hang out with your friends all damn day, so don't try to act like you're a good person!" She was holding back from screaming.

"You mean Mike and Ben? The two who take me to work and out to lunch so I actually have something to eat? You don't do shit for me and don't even give a rats ass about it. You didn't even ask how the fight tonight started like a good parent would have done." Link was starting to raise his voice in anger at all the stored up memories. "I'd be better off taking care of myself, living out of a cardboard box."

The car screeched to halt. Link shot his hand to the dashboard before his head made contact with it. He regretted forgetting to put his seatbelt on.

"Get out," Shelby screamed. "You wanna take care of yourself then do it, I'm done with you, you fucking shit."

Link opened the car door and slid out. He was barely able to close the door before the crazy women sped off into the night.

"You want my respect? Earn it," Link whispered to himself as he started his long walk down the cold street.

The fresh smell of wet air filled Links' lungs as he trudged down the sidewalk. It must have rained while Link was in the station. Puddles littered the streets and sidewalks. The air was cold but still very refreshing compared to being in the car with Shelby. Link glanced at a clock the peeked through a window of a dull lit office building. The hands read eleven thirty. Link groaned. He had school in the morning and the walk home would take at least three hours from where he was. Without a cell phone or coins for the pay phone, he was stuck with his tiring journey home. He only had to wait three more months then he could actually do something about his troubles. He would be eighteen and above Shelby's control. He could move out.

For hours Link trekked home. The cold and his own fatigue slowed him down. It would be at least another hour before he got home. Across the street from where he trudged stood a gas station. Link scanned it and its surroundings for another clock. Atop the billboard of gas prices was a digital clock. It read two twenty-four. "Tomorrow is gonna be a long day," Link sighed.

Link journeyed on. After another fifteen minutes, Link heard a car horn honking behind him. Link turned expecting to see Shelby's monster on wheels. Headlights blinded him from seeing who it was. As the vehicle came closer Link became even more relieved. The headlights were too high for the tank and too close together. The vehicle was a truck, and a familiar one too. As the black painted vehicle came parallel, Link could see that it was the only two friends he had. In the drivers seat sat the dark clothed, paled faced Ben who had light brown, swept back hair, and a single silver ring pierced through the right side of his bottom lip. Sitting in the passengers seat was the tan skinned, casually dressed Mike who had naturally waved, medium length hair and a slimmer build than his counterpart. The two could be mistaken for brothers by looking at their faces.

"Need a ride little buddy," Ben's friendly voice called out over the waves of music coming from the stereo. Before Link could respond Mike reached back and unlocked the rear passenger door. "Lemme guess. The bitch kicked you out again," Ben asked as he turned down the volume.

"Oh I didn't even make the car ride home tonight," Link grunted as he climbed into the vehicle. "Got in a fight with Mark tonight. She had to pick me up from the police station."

"Ooh," Mike blurted out. "That made things pretty bad, huh?"

"She was more pissed off she had to pick me up rather than me getting in a fight," Link continued as he buckled his seat belt.

"I'm surprised she wasn't already drunk," Ben commented as he pulled away from the curb and accelerated.

"She was. It took her four hours to come and get me. She had to sober up."

"Don't you just love parents," Mike said with a goofy tone.

Link chuckled. "Mind if I crash on your couch tonight? Shelby will scream me stupid if I wake her up."

"Sure," Mike said.

"Been slacking on your sneaking back in skills," Ben asked sarcastically.

"No, forgot my key," Link answered calmly.

Ben and Mike both let out a giggle at Links' last comment. "Isn't it a school night for you too?" Mike asked after a few seconds.

"Yeah," Link reluctantly answered.

"Ooh, tomorrow is gonna suck for you," Ben commented sympathetically.

"Yeah. I'd sleep through school but my big test is tomorrow."

"Big test," Mike questioned.

"I'm graduating early," Link said.

"Oh yeah," Mike replied. "I forgot you're the baby of the group."

"Wait till you get to college little buddy," Ben cut in. "The chicks there are hot."

"You horn dog," Mike commented. "Is that all you think about?"

"Maybe," Ben grinned.

"I'll be sure to dream about that when I get to sleep." Link rubbed his eyes. Link's attitude changed to a more fun loving one as he continued. "Now hurry up and get me to bed.....and turn up the music too."

"Aye, aye you bossy little shit," Ben sarcastically yelled back.

At Links request, Ben turned up the music. The chaotic harmony of metal notes shot through Link and put his heart in a much needed state of release. This would be the only time he would be able to enjoy anything for a few days. He breathed in every drum beat, every scream of a guitar, and every growl of the singer as he could before falling asleep.

Waking up proved to be a struggle for Link. He sat up on the couch that he had slept on and tried to keep his eyes open. After a few seconds he noticed that the alarm clock on the corner table was still buzzing. A groggy hand reached out and flipped the switch off. He had an hour and a half to get to school. That was plenty of time to go back home and get his backpack before first period. After another few seconds he realized where he was. He looked around the apartment of his friends who he considered his true family. Link stared at the reflection coming off of the television. He looked horrible. Hair was a mess, his eyes had dark circles around them, and it looked like he was getting thinner. He could see his ribs starting to show on his bare torso. Another minute went by as Link fought back the urge to lay down again. From down the hall came the sound of an opening door. Lazy footsteps trudged down the hall. Link swiveled his head right to face the entrance of the hall. A bare chested Ben stumbled from the hallway to the kitchen. He flipped on the light as he lumbered over to the refrigerator. The florescent bulbs illuminated his white skin contrasting to the tattoos covering his torso. His back was the home of a bat like demon with feathered wings and eagle like talons. On his left arm tangled a bramble bush of thorns, with a viper intertwining its' way down his arm, all forming into a half sleeve. On his right shoulder rested a decrepit, and utterly evil looking skull with the most angelic feathered wings any artist could have created.

"That clock is really loud," Ben groaned as he reached into the fridge.

"Sorry," Link groaned back. Another second went by. "What are you up for?"

"You need a ride, don't you," Ben said as he tossed a red can at Link. Link caught the object. The can was labeled Red Potion Energy Drink. "That thing is pretty much liquid energy. One of those and you'll be up and running around like a roadrunner all day."

"Thanks," Link breathed as he opened the drink.

An awkward, but appetizing aroma spewed out of the mouth of the can. Link took a sip. It was delicious. The energizing effects took hold almost immediately. Link quickly showered. He decided he would eat from one of the vending machines at school. Not the best idea but he was running short on time. After retrieving Link's backpack from his house, the two sped off toward the high school. Surprisingly he was able to slip in and out of the house unnoticed by his aunt.

"Thanks again, bro," a more animated Link told his friend.

"Any time," a still sleepy Ben responded.

"Go back home and go to bed," Link said as he stepped out of the truck.

"Ya don't have to tell me twice. Later," Ben waved goodbye as Link shut the door.

The day went smoother than expected. The energy drink provided a much needed edge for Link to bear through the day. He still faced every angry glare and threatening body language from all of Mark's "allies" but that wasn't a rare occurrence in the first place. Everything was fine up until the end of lunch time. Link was in the hallway at his locker. He spun the dial combination and opened his locker. He unzipped his backpack and swapped his math book for his science book. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed someone walking toward him with a forced, cocky stride in their steps. Without looking, Link could tell there were three. As they approached, their arrogant conversations became audible and the voices recognizable. It was Josh, Mark's second in command, and his two henchmen.

"Yo, Yo! Check it, there he is." Their grammar irritated Link more than Shelby.

Link turned to face the advancing opponent. Josh was at the head of the triangle they formed. All three were dressed in almost exactly the same style. They wore blue jean shorts that were at least two sizes to big with loosely fitted belts. Their shirts were plain and white but dangled down almost to their knees. Around each of their necks was some sort of necklace that shimmered more than a jewelry store. Josh stood out more than the other two. He was the only one who wore a hat . Though he liked to describe himself as a "big boned" individual, everyone else would have described him as one of the fattest kids in school. Of course he believed he was the coolest guy in the world.

"Look who it be, boys," Josh boasted as they all stopped a few feet from Link. Link closed his locker and zipped up his back pack but didn't bother swinging it over his shoulder. He stood in silence as the massive boy continued. "It's my bitch." The two behind let out cocky laughs and more arrogant remarks. "Now you be a good pet and hold still," the tone in his voice turned serious, "while I give ya the beating you deserve for messing with my homie, Mark." Josh tightened his knuckles as he took a dominating step forward.

Link seemed to not be intimidated by Josh's words. He calmly put his backpack on the floor next to his locker and took one step froward to meet his attacker. Josh grew a smirk across his face. As he began to speak, Link cut him off, "Shut up." Josh glared at him. "You wanna fight? Fine let's go. I'll take you on and those two fuck ups behind you.

The blond one to Josh's right spoke up. "What'd you say bit-."

"When I want a cock sucker to speak, I'll ask you," Link interrupted

Enraged, the blond one lunged forward, blindly swinging a fist toward Link. With incredible ease, Link slapped away his attackers arm, reached out with his left hand, grasped the collar of the boys shirt, and pulled him with all of his might into an extended knee. The knee landed in the sweet spot just below the rib cage, causing the nerves to react and constrict the diaphragm, knocking the air out of him. The blond kid dropped to the floor, heaving in pain. The bald henchman was next to react. He rushed up to Link and swung his fist exactly the same as the blond boy. Link grasped the bald ones wrist with a fierce grip and wrenched his arm around his back. The bald one yelped in pain. Before he could be allowed to struggle free, Link thrust the bald one face first into the row of lockers. His skull smacked like a rock against the metal, leaving a melon sized dent where his head had impacted. Dazed, confused, and now bleeding from the nose, the bald one dropped to the floor.

Standing between the two fallen goons, Link once again faced Josh. "Your backup wasn't much help," he said in a cold tone. "You still wanna pick this fight?"

Josh began to muster up all the ego he could to hide his fear. "Oh I see how it is," he forced an enthusiastic tone. "You begging for a piece of the champ?" Link's expression remained unchanged. "Alright then, I'll give it to ya."

Josh began to bounce up and down like a kangaroo while swinging his fists and puffing out breaths of air like an amateur boxer. With a weak battle cry Josh lunged forward and mimicked the same attack as his lackeys. Josh had to much mass in his arm to block, so Link rolled his shoulder back and dodged the swing. With his other arm, Josh swung and missed again. Josh stumbled and lost balance. Link took his window of opportunity and countered. Josh raised his head up as he regained his balance only to have it forced back down by a sudden jab to his throat. As Josh struggled for air, Link delivered the final blow. He threw all of his weight behind his left shoulder as he swung. His fist met Josh's face across the cheekbone and into the bridge of the nose. Link hit with such force, josh was knocked off his feet and into the row of lockers alongside the bald one. The fight was over with Link standing tall as the victor.

Link leaned over and pick up his backpack. As he walked away he cried out. "Don't bother me no more. I don't need to waste my time with predestined gutter trash like yourselves."

Link Hurried down the hallway towards the door hoping that there was no witness to his skirmish. He pushed open the red double door and stepped out into the midday sunlight. The air was warm and pleasant. The area he was in was normally deserted aside from one or two stray students walking to the quad. As Link strolled away from the locker room, a noise from behind caught his attention. Link turned around expecting either campus security or Josh getting ready for "round two." Instead there stood a man. He looked a couple years older than Ben and approximately the same height and build. His dark hair was styled into a short Mohawk which made his already thin face appear longer. His eyes were covered by dark sunglasses but were unable to hide the teardrop shaped tattoos on the top and bottom of each eye. His skin was tanned and seemed to give off a healthy shine. His cloths were rather unusual. He wore brown leather pants and black boots. His shirt was made of a shiny material and was a deep maroon color. On his hands he wore black, fingerless leather gloves that exposed his black polished fingernails. The only normal thing he wore was the brown leather jacket. He stood against the wall beside the door with his arms crossed and head looking down. Link wondered how he failed to notice him.

"You're a pretty good fighter," the man said after a second. His accent was unlike anything Link had ever heard before.

Link was surprised that he saw the fight without even being noticed. "Sitting back while your buddies do the dirty work?" Link purposely made his tone rough to provoke any ill intent the man might have. If he was one of Marks' friends, he would be quick to pick a fight.

"Easy," the mans exotic voice was so unusual. "I'm not an enemy of yours." The man stepped away from the wall keeping his arms crossed over his chest. "If I may ask, where did you learn your skills?"

Link realized he didn't have an answer. For the first time he realized that in some strange way he always knew how to fight. "I don't know," Link finally answered. "Just instinct I guess."

"Wow," the man said. "Impressive. I'd bet you would be a fast learner if someone were to teach you any form of martial art."

"I guess," Link said beginning to become confused and slightly worried. "Do I know you?" Link was curious what this mans intentions were.

"No." The man stepped forward and offered a hand to Link. "People call me Hunter." Link reached out and shook his hand cautiously. "Well I'm afraid I must take my leave." He began to walk away. As he strolled away at a brisk pace, he waved his hand goodbye. "Keep your skills up. You will have to be at your best when the time comes."

As Hunter walked out of sight, Link murmured to himself, "What a weirdo." He didn't know if he should take that last comment as a threat or just some strange way of complimenting his fighting ability.

Link hurried into his seat as the bell rang. It was the last class of the day, and his favorite one. He didn't enjoy it because of the subject of science. He could have cared less to be here if it weren't for one thing. It was the one class of his that she was in. The girl he had a crush on since before he knew why boys and girls liked each other. Sitting three tables in front of him was the best looking girl in the entire school. Her golden blond hair was flawless as the shimmering braid draped down her back. Her perfect skin, her soft elegant curves of her face, her crystal clear blue eyes, and graceful smile was the only thing Link looked forward to each day. Great personality and intelligence were just a couple of her many incredible qualities. She always dressed proper and modest. She usually dressed in pink and white; sometimes some purple in the mix. Link felt immature about his feelings but he could not help himself. Zelda was the girl of his dreams.

But thats all it was; a dream. Link wondered in what universe could they ever be together. She was the mayors daughter and always hung out with the more sophisticated crowd. Though she was within a nice group of people, Link never got the nerve to hang around them. He wouldn't fit in. What would he do? Could he walk up and just ask to sit with her and her friends at lunch? He shook off that thought. He would look like an idiot and be laughed at. He was an outcast by reputation around the school and a loner by his own nature in the first place. Realizing that they would never be together, Link's heart sank into a pit of self induced pain and sorrow. Just one more reason to hurry the process of graduating early. As much as he wished he could be with her, he wished he could leave her behind and forget about chasing after her. He could go out into the world and meet a girl he actually had a chance with. Still he savored the time left in the day where he could at least be near her.

"Later Jon," Link called out as he hopped out of the bed of the blue pick up truck.

The big, round man in the drivers seat waved goodbye as he sped away, kicking up dirt and gravel from the dusty road. Beams of sunlight glared between the leaves of the trees that covered his run down neighborhood. Link hiked up the dirt driveway that he and his neighbors shared. As he reached the top his eyes strayed left off the dirt lot to his home and noticed two children playing in the patch of grass that was his front lawn. It was his little cousins, Clayton and Lauren. Clayton was older being seven years old, and Lauren was five.

At the edge of the logs bordering the front lawn stood their mailbox. "What are you two doing out here," Link called out as he opened it and inspected its contents. He reached in and examined the bundle of envelopes, scanning for anything labeled with his name.

"Liiiiiinnnk!" Lauren giggled as she ran up to her cousin. Her little pig tails and rosy cheeks bounced as she reached out to hug Link.

"Come here you," Link said playfully as he scooped her up into his arms. Lauren wrapped her arms around his neck as she gave her cousin a warm hearted hug. "Where's your mom, Clayton?"

"Inside," the messy haired boy said keeping his attention on the toy he played with. "She told us to stay outside and play."

"Probably wanted time to drink alone," Link mumbled to himself. He put Lauren down as he started toward the door. "Have you two eaten yet?"

"No," Clayton responded. "Mom said she would make dinner when you got home."

"Right," Link grimaced. "That means I'm taking care of you guys tonight," he said under his breath.

"Can we come back inside yet," Clayton hopefully asked. "I'm hungry."

Link turned to face the boy. "Not yet. It'll be a few minutes. I have to talk to your mother. Okay?" Link stepped up to the door. Reluctantly he turned the door knob and opened the door.

The living room was dark. There were no lights on and all the drapes were closed. The shag carpeting was old and needed to be washed. It was turning a dark brown color. Link didn't dare walk around the house without some sort of footwear on. On the far side of the living room, there was a recliner chair next to a tall lamp. In the middle of the living room stood an old rectangular coffee table. Against the wall on the doors side of the room stood the television atop a rickety stand. Opposite of the television was the couch where Shelby lay half dead from booze. Link questioned if he really was related to her. How could someone be so wrong with their life? Link dropped his backpack on the floor hoping the noise would wake her so he could get the worst over with. Shelby barely breathed in response. The half empty bottle of whiskey rocked in her lazy hand.

Link walked over to the incapacitated woman. She still wore the clothes from when she picked Link up from the police station. He reached down and snatched the bottle of whiskey out of her hand. He scanned the table and retrieved the bottle cap. With a twist, he capped the bottle and returned it to the cupboard. Link looked back toward the couch and stared at the lazy woman. Link had a decent amount of strength in him but not enough to move the chubby woman. Not by himself at least. He turned his attention toward the kitchen, then toward the refrigerator. He opened it to examine what was eatable within. it. Nothing.

Outside the two children played as they waited for their cousin to grant them permission into the house. The front door opened and Clayton swiveled his head around in hope of being let back inside. The door slammed shut as Link stepped off the stoop and trotted toward the children, holding their coats in his arm.

"You guys want pizza," Link asked with a grin on his face.

"Yeah," the two giggled with excitement.

Link strolled over to the green battle tank that was his aunts car. "You're not supposed to drive," Clayton pointed out as he ran to Links' side.

"I'm allowed to tonight," he lied. "C'mon! We can say hi to Valerie if we hurry." He opened the door and the two crawled into the back seat.

Link prayed that he would not get pulled over by a cop. He had no license and was stealing his aunts car just so the kids she was supposed to be responsible for could eat.

Link sat in the booth of the restaurant, nursing his soda as he watched the television. The food in his stomach left him with a satisfied feeling. It had been a long time since he actually had a full stomach. He took a look around the restaurant as he relaxed. He kept a watchful eye on his cousins as they played in the game room. Clayton was teaching Lauren how to play ski ball. His eyes continued to wander around the room. They people around him let out a comfortable sounding mumble as they conversed. Link could hear the men sitting at the bar chant 'go' as they watched the races on the television. The atmosphere of the room put Link at ease. The sports posters and banners littering the walls reminded him of better days before he realized how messed up his world was.

"Hey Link," a squeaky girls voice called out from over his shoulder. Link looked to his left to see the smiling, innocent face of Valerie. The short blonde girl's glasses almost bounced off her cute face as she skipped over to Link. "What's up," she asked as she leaned over the booth to give Link a hug.

"Hey Valerie," Link said as he reached up to hug her back.

"Whatcha doing here," Valerie asked as she brushed her hair back into a ponytail.

"Just feeding the young ones," Link said as he pointed to the two in the game room.

"Cool, cool. Well I gotta clock in so I'll talk to you later," she said as she bounced away.

"Okay Val," Link chuckled at her enthusiasm over such a short visit.

"You should call me so we can all hang out again," she said referring to Ben and Mike.

"Maybe next weekend," Link added as she disappeared behind into the kitchen. Link treasured his moments away from the house and school. There were to few good memories in his recent past.

Outside the blue sky turned orange with the setting sun, and then to a shimmering black as the trip home played out. Link put the car in park and turned off the ignition as they entered the driveway. The two children trudged tiredly to the door. Link opened the front door to find Shelby still comatose on the couch. Link flicked the light on as he lead the children into their room. Link settled the children to their beds and then returned to the living room. Staring at his aunt, Link noticed that the bottle had reappeared in her hand. Link walked over and once again removed the bottled from her limp grasp. He proceeded to clean up what he could in the kitchen. He mainly focused on the messes that he made, leaving Shelby to fend for herself once she regained consciousness. He gathered the trash and took it outside to the trash bin. He walked across the lawn to the gray canister at the edge of the road. As he lifted the lid and tossed the bag of garbage into the bin, Link noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He quickly glanced into the woods beyond his street. There was nothing there but he could have sworn he saw something move between the trees. Figuring it was the wind moving the branches, Link returned to the house.

Between the branches of the woods lurked a lonely figure. Tall, thin, and pale he stood silent observing the youth as he returned to his home. His figure was covered by a dark cloak. His face was thin and rigid. His eyes were black, cold, and emotionless. His hair was blonde and styled into glossy blades that swept back.

"So was it him," a slimy voice asked. From behind the blonde man stood another figure. Its features were covered by a cloak and cowl.

The blonde man remained motionless. "No," his calm, but commanding voice responded. His gaze was still fixed on the house. "There were many similarities but nothing to prove he is the one."

"Could we have misread the signs," the wraith asked more.

"Not likely," the man finally turned to face the other. "Hunter confronted the boy earlier and he knows everything we do. It's not likely we would both make the same mistake at the same time. We only need to keep searching." The man walked toward the wraith. Together they both strolled deeper into the woods. "I want you to keep an eye on him, however. The similarities are too many. We don't need to take the chance he is the one and he falls into the wrong hands when the time comes."

"Couldn't we eliminate him now? If it is him, it would be wise to stop him now before he becomes an inconvenience to us."

"No. If it is him then we wouldn't stand a chance. We must wait until the master returns. When he does so shall our strength. Right now we are no better than mere mortals."

They walked in silence for a minute before the wraith inquired again. "Is he really as terrible as the legend foretells?"

"Yes," the blonde man replied with a sour tone. "This spirit that flows within his body has immense strength even without a weapon. Without training it is still highly possibly for him to instinctively call upon his dormant powers."

The wraith grumbled in disappointment. "Too bad! Its been ages since I've had a good fight."

The blonde one stopped abruptly. He swiftly turned to face his comrade. "Do not underestimate him," he shot out coldly. "Though he may be young, he is still highly dangerous to us and the prophecy. He is the only x factor in the equation. We must keep our guard up at all time with him if we are to succeed."

The wraith stood in silent surprise. The blonde one slowly turned around and continued deeper into the woods.

The aggravating buzzing of the alarm clock shook Link from his slumber. Wincing with irritation, the youth reached out with a lazy arm and flipped the switch off. Reluctantly, the boy threw the covers off his body. The cool air crept over his bare torso as he sat up on the edge of the bed. His eyes struggled to focus as he gazed at the night stand. The alarm clock read seven o'clock. As the heavy feeling in his eyes subsided he glanced around his room. The light shining through the blinds cast a horizontal stripe pattern across the many posters that littered his walls. Fighting the urge to fall back to sleep, Link stood up and trudged forward to his dresser. He opened the top drawer and removed a pair of gray socks. He quickly slid them onto his feet and walked past the foot of his bed to his closet. He slid the rickety door open and retrieved his sweater from its hanger.

After making his morning visit to the bathroom, Link made his way down the hall to the kitchen to find whatever he could for breakfast. As he walked into the living room he stopped and stared in disgust. Shelby still lay on the couch. Yet again, Link questioned if he really was related to her.

"Shelby," Link growled. She remained motionless. "Shelby," he repeated louder. Still she did not respond. "Shelby, your kids need to go to school," he repeated brimming with anger. She remained motionless. Link stomped toward her. "I'll pull your lard ass off the couch then," he muttered under his breath. He reached out and pulled her arm up. "Shel-" Link stopped dead in his tracks.

Shelby's body was cold and lifeless. As her body shifted Link noticed her eyes were halfway open. Her face held a blank stare at nothing. Her breathing had stopped and the life that was in her had left. Link released her wrist and watched as her limp arm flopped over her body. Slowly Link backed up toward the chair. He sank into the seat and place his hands over his face and rubbed his eyes. With his hands still cupped over his mouth he muttered to himself, "Oh no!"

Link hated his Aunt but never did he want this to happen. From down the hall he heard a door opened. A second later Clayton stumbled down the hall into the living room. Link shot up out of the chair in front of Clayton.

"Hey, little dude," Link said trying to sound normal. The child looked up at his cousin with a zombie like expression. "Hurry up and get dressed or you'll be late for school."

"But I haven't had breakfast yet," the words stumbled from Clayton's mouth.

"You'll get breakfast later, just hurry up and get dressed, okay. Get your sister up and ready too."

Like a drone, the boy turned around and did as he was told. A few minutes later the children emerged from their bedrooms dressed and ready to leave.

"OK," Link said trying to stay in between the children and their mother. "Go next door and ask Jessica if you can go to school with her." Confused, the young boy nodded and did as instructed. "And ask Taylor to come over, please," he asked before the boy closed the front door.

The door clicked shut, and Link sat down next to his lifeless aunt. After a few intense minutes strolled by someone began knocking on the front door.

"It's open," Link groaned.

The door opened to reveal the short, portly figure of his neighbor Taylor. The bald man entered the room, looking at Link with an inquisitive face.

"What's up," he ask scratching the small patch of facial hair underneath his lip. Link quietly looked over at the lifeless form of Shelby.

"She's dead," Link breathed.