Well here it is! The start of my third Zelda epic. I've decided to do some things differently this time around to set it apart from my other two. It's a story I'm really excited about, so I hope you guys enjoy it! I hope to update bi-weekly, but of course life happens so I can just try my best to give you guys consistent updates. 8D

WARNING: Rated a very high T for language, sensuality, violence, and mature subject matter. You be the judge if you should read this or not.

Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda

.

.

Prologue

.

.

The rain poured down on Hyrule Castle in an unrelenting torrent. It splashed off of the battlements, drummed against the windows, and ran in sheets down the straight stone walls. Lightning flashes would illuminate the castle, and the city nestled around it, closed up tight against the weather. The Hylian flags, blue with the white symbol of a bird and Triforce, snapped in the wind.

Two guards huddled in the corners between tower and wall as they stood watch over the drawbridge that was moaning in the wind. The rain pinged off of their silver armor in an irritating melody.

"Bloody storm," one of the guards snapped. "It's useless for us to be up here. Can't see nothin' in this darkness." He turned to his companion, a few feet away, "Hey, Jon, can you see anyhin'?"

Jon shook his head, blinking the rain out of his eyes. "No, nothing. Not much, at least."

"Everyone else has gone inside, I bet you. We're the only two idiots still at our posts."

"Something could happen, Kev," Jon said reproachfully. "We're doing our duty."

"I didn't sign up to stand for hours in the middle of a storm sent straight from hell," the other man complained. "I think the Goddesses are angry about somethin'."

Jon sighed. He was an old man, having served for Hyrule's military his entire life. Kev, however, was a new recruit. And Jon could swear all new soldiers were the same. Full of complaints, lazy, bitter, it made him wonder if all the pride had gone out of the army. That was what happened during peace times, though. Nobody signed up for honor and patriotism. They did so because they had no other options.

Jon squinted out at the horizon. He could still see a red shimmer, far, far away. It had worried him, but when he'd voiced his concern to Kev the younger man just laughed and said that maybe Trash City had finally caught fire. But the faint glow seemed to slowly be diminishing, barely there most of the time, so Jon had paid it no more heed.

"Maybe we can get out of our shift early," Kev suggested. "I have standing water in my boots. Could get me sick, you know? I wonder what mood the Captain's in, if maybe-" He cut off abruptly, straightening. "Whoa, Jon, someone is coming!"

Jon followed his gaze to the stones that paved the main street through Hyrule Castle City to the drawbridge. Indeed, someone was coming. A rider on horseback, his dark cloak flying behind him and revealing light armor underneath. The horse skidded to a stop before the churning moat, its rider shouting out, "Lower the bridge! I have news for the king!"

"Who are you?" Kev called back.

"Officer James Williams from the Kakariko Village patrol!"

Jon and Kev exchanged a look before quickly lowering the drawbridge. Before Kev could protest, Jon climbed down to the street and hurriedly escorted the officer towards the castle. It would do the younger soldier good to learn some patience on his own.

James dismounted at the stairs to the castle, Jon hurrying up to help hand off the horse to one of the door soldiers. "What's going on?"

"Just take me to the king," James panted, sounding exhausted. "It's not good news."

They went inside the shelter of the castle, the storm still roaring outside and rattling the windows. They left puddles on the marble floor as they went down the central corridors towards the throne room. The hour was late, it was unlikely the king would be in there, but they could ask the guards outside to summon him if that was the case.

"Is the king inside?" Jon asked as the huge double doors and the two guards came into view.

"Yes, sir," one replied. "He's in there with the princess."

"I must speak to him immediately," James said, his dark hair hanging wet against his face.. "There's been an incident."

The guard opened the door and James jogged in, forcing Jon to hurry after him. It was a custom for soldiers, usually senior ones, to escort a guest to their destination in Hyrule Castle. And since this seemed a matter in which Hyrule's military might need to get involved, Jon thought it best he listened to the issue so he could inform the Captain.

The throne room was wide and rectangular, but most of its grandeur was hidden in the shadows due to the darkness outside. Only a small amount of light came from a few torches close to the throne, where the king and his daughter, a pretty blonde girl of five years, sat.

But at their hurried entrance, King Daphnes stood up, smoothing down his regal attire. His hair was thick and brown, a beard covering his jaw. He was a tall, bulky man with a deep voice. "Yes?"

"Your Majesty," James sighed. "I have . . . terrible news."

The king frowned. "What is it?"

Jon pulled his helmet off, his short hair sticking to his head as he looked over at the officer.

"Kakariko Village . . . it's been burned to the ground, Your Majesty," James replied.

The old soldier was too experienced to let his shock show, but he blinked wide eyes at the other man, his eyebrows pulled low. Kakariko Village destroyed? Was that the red glow he'd seen in the distance? It must have been a massive fire to survive through such rain.

King Daphnes glanced down at the little girl who was huddling close to his legs, shy of the strangers. "Zelda, sweetheart, go to your room. It's getting late and Daddy has business to attend to."

She nodded. "Night, Daddy." He paused for her hug before she padded out of the room and they were alone.

The king rubbed his forehead, sitting back on the golden throne. "How many dead?"

James shrugged. "Most of them, I believe. It was so sudden."

"How did this happen? Who attacked?" Jon asked.

James glanced at him. "That's just the problem. We don't know. Kakariko is a small village, strangers are instantly noticed. We didn't see anybody foreign. Of course, one or two people may pass secretly if they tried."

"So this was the work of one person?" the king asked, looking weary and worried, the storm raging outside.

"The fires . . . they started in multiple places. I didn't stop to count, but I'd guess about five different places in Kakariko Village ignited all within a few minutes. None of my patrol saw anybody running around with a torch or oil the way they'd need to to set off these fires."

King Daphnes frowned. "So what are you suggesting happened?"

Jon watched the man expectantly, stunned by the story he was hearing.

James shook his head. "Honestly, Your Majesty? An entire village has been burned away, killing almost everyone. There was no attack, no ambush, and we have no idea who did it. Magic, perhaps? Or just a well-conceived plan? But even with those explanations, we don't know why."

The king nodded, deep in thought. He echoed, "Yes, yes. Why would anybody destroy Kakariko?"

"It wasn't a terrorist group or they would have left a calling card," James continued. "I only have two guesses. Whoever started these fires wanted to destroy something in Kakariko, or," he shrugged one shoulder, "they wanted to kill someone."

.

.

.

Part I

Chapter 1

.

.

.

Fourteen years later . . . .

Zelda hated going to public executions. She thought the entire affair was long, disappointing, and sometimes rather gory. To watch crook after crook have their numerous crimes read to them and then get permanently punished for their lifetime of poor choices – for those were the kinds of criminals that were executed, career criminals or, at times, severe rape and murder charges – was a tiring process. It wasn't that she didn't feel sorry for the loss of their lives. She did. But she thought it was a waste. These people who chose to live outside the law and make victims of others rather than work hard and try to be successful. It was truly the scum of Hyrule that came up for executions. It made her disappointed in the people of her country.

But, at nineteen years old, she was required to go. In a few years she'd be ready to take the throne herself. And so her father, King Daphnes, had spent the last four years integrating her into every royal, political, traditional, and legal process. Her mother had died when she was very young, leaving her with no siblings. That put further pressure on her to eventually marry and produce an heir. But if there was one thing Zelda could control it was that, and she was going to wait until she was good and ready. She didn't want to raise a child now. And though she couldn't resist batting eyelashes at the young, handsome knights that guarded the castle, she liked to flirt freely without the weight of looking for a serious relationship.

Zelda waited in her bedroom for her escort, hand splayed out on a wooden desk and paintbrush in the other. She dabbed it in some blue paint before gently touching the tip to the back of her hand. She began a swirling, flowery pattern, inspired by the vase of irises against her wall. The blue lines curved eloquently over her skin, accenting the curves of her hand in all the right ways. Once she had the larger pattern done she began adding smaller details. Flourishes and circles and waves that came together beautifully.

A knock sounded, a soldier's voice saying, "Princess Zelda, it's time for the hangings."

She put up her paintbrush, quickly blowing on the paint to help it dry. "Come in, I'm ready!"

The door opened, revealing the aging solider Jon, his thin face adorned with wrinkles. He took one look at her hand and the wrinkles deepened into a frown. "Your Highness, that . . . that is not appropriate." He looked pointedly at the paint on her hand.

She waved at him dismissively as she stood, the silk skirt of her silver dress flowing around her legs. Royalty was encouraged to wear dark colors at executions, in a show of grief and solemnity. "You're speaking with my father's voice, there. Let him gripe if he wants to."

He grunted. "Not that my opinion counts for much, but I don't think that is even art what you young people do."

She laughed, stepping out into the hall with him. "It's called body-painting. It's the new thing, everyone is doing it!"

Jon sighed as he walked by her side down the corridors, two more guards following silently behind. "Yes, I've seen the teenagers and young adults coloring themselves up like that. I suppose I understand it as a feminine thing, but it baffles me why the boys do it."

"The boys don't do it, Jon," she answered with a smile. "Girls body-paint them if they love them. It's like an early engagement ring, only one that girls give to guys."

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I'm too old for this new age stuff."

Zelda very much liked Jon. He'd been around as long as she could remember, and his extensive service had made him a trustworthy and close guard of the royal family. He was usually amiable, if not a bit opinionated in the old-person sort of way, and her father valued his thoughts.

The princess had her thick blonde hair done in waves, part of it tied back to show her face more. She was always told she had a beautiful face, with smooth cheekbones, a gentle jaw line, and eyes as blue as the sky. She also tried to keep herself slender, with daily walks around the courtyards. She didn't mind those since they gave her a chance to gossip with her friends.

She, Jon, and the guards exited the castle through a side door and took a back road towards their destination in an effort to stay away from the hubbub of the city. This road was made for such ease of access for the royal family and guards.

Zelda often felt like a normal young lady, despite her royal birth. But there was one thing that set her apart from the others. The Triforce. She had a piece of it inside her, and sometimes she thought she could hear it speaking to her and guiding her. Apparently she had been born with it, a mark that she was destined for greatness. The oracles had told a prophecy the day of her birth, spoken directly to the king and queen. They said that the princess, who holds a piece of the Triforce, who has been chosen by the goddesses, will one day unite with the chosen Hero and defeat an evil that will rise to claim Hyrule. It was all very dark and depressing. But also romantic and adventurous. She would go down in history for her glorious deed, for certain! The worst thing for royalty was to not be remembered except as a single name in a history book. And the idea of joining with a Hero was exciting. She often wondered who this valiant man would be. She figured it was one of the knights. They were all so noble, strong, and loyal. The knights were a smaller division of the soldiers of Hyrule. Only the bravest and most heroic could be knighted. She may not have been too keen on marriage, but she was leaning towards picking one of those young men.

"Here we are, Your Highness," Jon said, pushing open the door of a brown building and drawing Zelda from her thoughts.

They entered a round chamber that opened to the sky and was ringed with seats carved from stone. It was the execution chamber, seeming tight and claustrophobic despite the sun overhead. Already seats were being filled by the public. The section she was in was reserved for those from the castle, and the royal family itself got a dais that rose out of the center of the seats. Guards were all around them, keeping them well protected. It smelled of dirt, sweat, and dust, and the buzz of conversation was already getting on Zelda's nerves.

She sat beside her father, Jon standing behind them. She looked past the railing to the round dirt floor in the center of it all. A platform stood, a rope fashioned into a noose and a trapdoor adorning it. Some soldiers stood guard at the platform's corners, but no one was there yet.

"How many today, father?" Zelda asked. The public executions were usually done once a month.

"Ten," he replied, his face calm and full of righteous judgment.

"That's not too bad," she replied. "It was fifteen last month. But I guess that group of murderers raised the numbers."

"I'd rather not have any," he told her, his tired voice accented by the gray in his hair. "It's an unfortunate duty for us to face."

She let out her breath, crossing her arms neatly on her knees. "I agree."

Her body-paint caught his eye and he gave her a disapproving look. "That is not decent for a princess."

"I like it," she protested, crossing her arms lightly and thus hiding her hand. As she did so, she felt a tingle in the back of it, accompanied by a strange feeling washing over her. Like being hit with a nice breeze after staying in the castle for too long. But there was an insistency to it. It made her think her Triforce wanted to guide her again. But a moment later it fell silent. She frowned, pulling her hand back and looking at it. The tingle was gone, and nothing had changed.

Weird, she thought. Then, jokingly, maybe I'm about to see the foretold evil get executed, and the Hangman is the chosen Hero.

Minutes passed as the rest of the crowds filed in until all the seats were packed. The king stood, proud and imperial, and a silence fell about. Zelda sat up as straight as she could, looking the part of the perfect princess.

"My good people," Daphnes spoke loudly. "Today we bear witness to ten executions of our worst criminals. May justice be served, and the goddesses judge them fairly." He nodded to the soldiers on the ground. "You may start bringing them out."

One of the soldiers walked over to a door set into the bottom of the stands. He knocked on it, and it opened to reveal the burly Hangman with a mask covering his face. Two knights escorted a shackled middle-aged man with shaggy red hair. He was brought up onto the platform, squirming slightly. The Hangman took hold of him and pulled the noose tight around his neck with expert practice.

Jon stepped forward on the dais, holding out a piece of parchment. "Gerold Strobel, Jr. You have been found guilty of the murder of a Mister and Misses Worth, along with two accounts of theft, and one account of rape – the victim shall remain anonymous. You are to be hung by the neck until dead. Do you have any last words?"

Gerold proceeded to utter some rather intense vulgarities. So the Hangman quickly cut him off. The trapdoor opened and he fell to an abrupt stop, dead in an instant.

Zelda cringed, shaking her head, when again she felt a stirring inside her and a pulse on the back of her hand. She pulled it out to look at it, puzzled. But nothing was wrong.

"Zelda," her father whispered angrily, "stop looking at the defacement of your hand."

She tucked it away again, glaring at him. "I wasn't. I was just-"

Another prisoner was brought out, and she watched with everyone else. This one had a long career of violent crimes, and she died just the same as the first man. As did the third, and the fourth, and the fifth. They all started blending together. Just brief names, faces, a quick list of accomplishments, before they were no more. And as the executions progressed it felt as if the Triforce was being more and more insistent with her. She would look around, searching for what she might need to see or do, but nothing stood out to her. Just a sea of people, packed shoulder to shoulder in the hazy light.

Then the door opened once again and a seventh person was taken out. This one a young man dressed dark colors. He didn't seem to be giving any fight. Resigned to his fate, Zelda thought. Although it was more than that. He seemed almost happy. He was looking at the soldiers on the ground with him and his messy blonde hair hung in his eyes, so Zelda couldn't see much of his face, but she thought she detected a wide smile.

He was brought up onto the platform, his steps thudding on the wood. He stood in the appointed place and the Hangman tightened a noose about his neck. Zelda's Triforce was pulsing more than she'd ever felt it before.

Jon held up another piece of parchment, reading, "Link, no last name given because you are an orphan. You have been found guilty of numerous accounts of theft, smuggling, vandalism, trespassing on private property, and deceit. You are to be hung by the neck until dead. Do you have any final words?"

The prisoner – Link – looked up, a dark grin on his face. His eyes went from Jon, to the king, to Zelda. She felt her throat close up, her gaze going wide. He was . . . so handsome. More handsome than any criminal had a right to be. And his eyes were a dark, vibrant blue, staring straight at her. She wished her Triforce would stop bugging her, but it was going crazy now, singing through her body and making the back of her hand turn hot. She broke off her gaze to look, and was astonished to see the faint outline of a triangle glowing. She looked back up at the criminal. His smile had dropped. He was frowning at her, and she watched him glance back at his own hands that were bound behind his back.

No way . . . she thought. Is . . . he . . .? No, he couldn't be. The goddesses wouldn't choose someone like him.

"Any final words?" Jon prompted.

Link looked back to the solider, his smirk springing back into place. "I'm just ready to have my life over."

Her Triforce was practically screaming at her now, the message not verbal but clear all the same. STOP THIS, STOP THIS, HE'S THE ONE!

So she obeyed.

"Wait!" Zelda shouted, jumping to her feet. All eyes swiveled to her, a few gasps heard. Her father looked surprised. The Hangman's hand hovered over the lever. But she just focused on the criminal. He was staring back at her. The smile gone again, and his expression a mixture of emotions. Those blue eyes were so big it was killing her.

"Wait," she said again, making sure nothing happened, and giving her a moment to feel out the Triforce. This felt right. She was doing the right thing, even though the back of her mind was yelling that there was no way this young man could be chosen by the goddesses.

"Zelda, what's wrong?" the king asked.

"Princess?" Jon questioned.

She cleared her throat, raised her chin, and squared her shoulders. She pointed directly at Link. "That man is not to be executed."

This time the collective gasp was more audible, especially from her father.

"Zelda," he whispered intensely, "you can't just-"

"Please, father," she said softly, though she knew some could overhear them. "I know what I'm doing." She spoke louder, glancing between Jon and the Hangman, "New information has come to light about him. I order him to be transported to the castle dungeons until further notice."

The king was subtly glaring at her. She tried to give him a meaningful look to trust her on this. He must have taken the hint, because he gave his nod of approval. Zelda still couldn't decipher all the emotions going over the criminal's face, but he stared at her the whole time the noose was removed and he was taken from the chamber.

And her piece of the Triforce at last rested.

.

.

.

Please take a moment to leave a review!