oOCurrently titlelessOo A Link (From Legend of Zelda) Fanfic.

Prologue
The woman’s pale purple dress fell to her toes. Her unblinking blue eyes stared out of the window into the drizzly day. She knew that her country was about to be attacked, and that there was nothing that she could do, though many rows of guards were armed, and ready to fight. She was even armed with a bow and arrow, and a sword at her own request.
“Princess Zelda,” said a guard in the woman’s doorway. He was heavily armed with weapons, and covered from head to toe in armor. “Zant will be here soon. If you’re still interested in fighting, please follow me.”
“Okay,” Zelda replied, shifting her weight between her feet. “I’m ready.” She took a deep breath, and followed the guard outside.
Out of the corner of her eye, Zelda saw a portal appear, and Zant and his army come out of it.

Chapter 1
“Heeyy! Link!” the booming voice rang through the tree house like thunder. Inside, a young man stirred in his straw bed. When he heard the man’s voice, his eyes popped open, and he sat straight up in bed.
He slipped out of bed, and pulled on his shirt and shorts, then lastly his brown sandals. “Coming!” he called out of one of his windows, as he got ready to climb up onto his porch.
“Good! My goats need herdin’!” the man hollered back.
Once the boy, Link, had gotten out of his house, and talked to the man, he trotted over to a patch of oddly shaped grass, and plucked a strand, blowing a series of notes into it. When Link was done playing a tune, a magnificent red horse with a white mane and tail came galloping up to him. “Hey Epona,” Link murmured to the horse, once it had slowed down, and nuzzled him.
He mounted the horse, and began walking it toward the direction the man had walked off it.
After walking through the town, and going up the familiar hill, Link spotted the man in the middle of his field, surrounded by thirty or so goats. “All right, Link,” said the man, clapping his hands. “Get herdin’!” he shouted.
Link dug his heels in Epona’s sides, making her canter towards the goats. They all scattered when she came near, reminding Link that he shouldn’t stay close to the goats.
Once he had about thirteen goats successfully in the carrel, the man screamed. “Fado!” Link shouted, dismounting Epona, and racing over to where Fado lay on the ground, panting. Once Link had reached him, he immediately asked, “Who did this? Fado? What happened, are you okay?!”
Fado’s eyes were wild, as he looked at something past Link. “Shadow beings!” he gasped, scrambling backwards, and clutching the grass.
“Shadow beings . . . ? What?” Link asked, slowly walking towards the man. “Fado, what’s wrong? What happened?” he asked gently. “What are ‘Shadow beings’?”
“They’re comin’, Link! The Shadowers have returned! Zant has rose to power yet again! O Brave youth, you shall be the one to save us!” Fado shuddered, and collapsed onto the ground.
“What?” Link muttered. “EPONA!” he shouted, getting up from his crouching position over Fado. “Epona! Come now!” the horse, not use to coming to Link without her tune being playing whinnied, and threw her head back, before unsurely trotting over. Once she had finally gotten over, Link -with great effort- lifted Fado, and put him on Epona’s back, before he finally climbed onto her as well. “Hiya!” he cried, and Epona reared, and raced out of the farm.
Once out of the farm, he raced straight to the mayor’s house, yelling, “Mayor Bo! Mayor Bo!”
A large man with a moustache that stuck out like horns came barging out of his house, with a confused look on his face. “Link?” he asked, scratching his head, “What’s wrong? Has something happened?” he broke off when he saw Fado sprawled across Epona. “No. Oh-no, what’s happened?!”
“I-I’m not sure,” Link said, dismounting Epona, and walking over to Bo. “He started muttering something about ‘Dark beings’, it sounded like something I could see that he couldn’t . . .” he looked over at Fado. “The whole thing is worrying me, Bo. What’s wrong? You would know over anyone else . . .”
Bo sighed. “I’m not sure if you knew this or not, but Fado used to be in the army, Link. He fought against Dark Warriors, or Shadow Beings. The army beat them, but Fado was never the same. Something happened that scarred him, and every once and a while, he has flashbacks, and, well, this happens.” Bo shook his head.
“So, what’re you going to do about him? How will he wake up? When will he wake up?”
“Who knows? Minutes? Hours? Whenever he feels it’s right to. He’ll be very disorientated when he wakes up, so it’s best not to remind him of what happened, and why he fainted. I suggest you just herd his goats, and get back on track of your normal life,” Bo said, nodding in the direction of the farm.
Link almost groaned. He’d hoped that he would’ve gotten out of herding the goats, but apparently not . . . “All right, Bo. I’ll be there if you need me.” he said, and started walking away toward Epona.
“Oh, and Link?”
“Yeah?”
“Talo was looking for you. I think it was something to do with a slingshot? I don’t remember exactly, but I would look for him after your chores. Also, Ilia was wondering if she could take Epona to the spring to wash her after work. Well, knowing Ilia, she’s going to no matter what you say . . . ,” he said, “now, off to work!”
Link nodded, and mounted Epona, digging his sandals into her side. She whinnied, and took off in the direction of the farm

* * *
“Wow, Link! Now hit those thirty targets!” begged a little girl with magenta shorts.
“Yeah, Link! Hit them! Then let me have a turn!” Talo begged.
“Whatever . . .” muttered a child who didn’t appear to be much older then a toddler, but who had a deeper voice, hinting that he was just short.
Link sighed good-naturedly. “Really, again? C’mon, guys, I’ve been doing this all day!” he complained playfully.
“Please!” the little girl begged again.
Link smiled. “I have an idea, how about I give the slingshot to Talo, and I’ll take Epona here,” he gestured to where his horse had been minutes ago. “Epona?” he said, spinning around, to where his horse should’ve been. “Talo, Malo, Beth! Did any of you see where Epona went?!”
Beth shrugged. “Ilia probably took her to the springs to wash her down.” she sighed. “She’s always taking Epona like that.” Beth sniffed. It was quite evident that Beth had a crush on Link.
“Ah, you’re right. Thanks, Beth,” he said, walking passed her, and ruffling her brown hair.
Link walked down the rundown path that led to the hot springs, whistling as he went along the path. It wasn’t long before he reached the springs. Not very surprised, when Link came to the entrance to the spring, a small boy, maybe around the age of ten, with blonde hair stood in the entrance way. “Colin,” Link said, smiling at the boy.
“Link.” Colin said back, looking nervously into the spring.
“Ilia’s in there, am I right?” Link asked, still smiling. The way to get Colin to do things, was to be kind and gentle, never pushy. “With Epona?”
“Um,” Colin looked very nervous. He scuffed his sandaled foot on the ground, as his eyes dropped to look at the dirt path. It was very obviously he was uncomfortable. “Yeah,” he finally mumbled. “Yeah, Ilia’s in there with Epona. But, she told me to make sure no one comes in,” he said firmly, looking back up to meet Link’s blue-green eyes.
Link frowned, but then smiled again. “C’mon, Colin,” he said gently, putting a hand on the boys’ shoulder. “Epona’s my horse. Mine. I have every right to go in there, so please,” he said, “step aside, and let me in. With all due respect, Colin. Sorry if I sound rude.” he smiled apologetically.
Colin sighed, obviously torn on what to do. He seemed to be having a mental battle, as if asking himself what he should do. Should I let him in? NO! Well, it is his horse, so . . . NO! Colin sighed, still torn. Squeezing his eyes shut, he blurted out, “Okay, fine! You can go in.” he stepped aside, but then hesitated, as if regretting it.
Link’s grin widened. “Thanks, bud.” he murmured, ruffling Colin’s hair as he entered the spring. At first glance, Link was confused. He couldn’t see anyone, let alone an eighteen hundred pound horse. But looking in the corner of the circle shaped spring, he saw Ilia, justly washing down Epona’s sweaty back. He started towards them, trying to be as quickly as possible, but he accidentally making a loud splahing noise.
Startled, Ilia’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise, as she saw Link. She sniffed. “What’re you doing here?” she asked rudely “I specifically asked Colin to keep you out!” she sighed, exasperated. “I should’ve got Talo to watch the entrance, he would’ve never--”
“Ilia,” Link said, firmly. “Stop being mean to Colin. He did what was right. So stop. Besides, I should be the one that’s mad here. You took my horse and then didn’t tell me!” he exclaimed.
Epona, who had woken up from her doze at the sound of Link’s voice whinnied, and trotted over to him, limping slightly. At the sight of Epona limping, Ilia’s eyes widened, and she glared at Link, furious. “SHE’S HURT!” Ilia exclaimed, clenching her hands into fists, and taking a menacing step towards Link. “YOU’VE BEEN JUMPING HER AGAIN, HAVEN’T YOU?!” she shrieked.
Link closed his eyes. Crap. He hadn’t known that jumping over Fado’s fence when he had fainted would hurt Epona. What was he supposed to have done, carry Fado’s large body to the mayor? He hadn’t had a choice but to jump Epona! “Ilia.” Link’s voice as calm. “Fado had fainted. I didn’t have a choice but to jump Epona, okay? It won’t happen again, and,” he opened his eyes, but narrowed them. He was sick of Ilia’s annoying behavior. “Epona’s my horse, and I’ll do what I like with her. I didn’t get her from the village, so you can’t tell me what to do.” and with that, he mounted Epona bareback, and began trotting away.
“You’re going to ride her when she’s INJURED?” Ilia screeched. “Link, that’s not a good idea--” But Ilia’s screaming was cut off as Link raced away on his best friend’s back. There wasn’t any better love, Link thought, than a horse’s.
As Link raced the short distance from the spring to his village, he whizzed by Rusl, Colin’s father. “Link,” Rusl called, as Epona skidded to a halt. “What a surprise, just the person I’d wanted to see!” he said happily.
Link dismounted his horse. “Oh yeah?” he said thoughtfully. “Why’s that?” he asked politely. Rusl was highly respected in Ordon Village, mostly because of his craftsmanship talent that he used to make swords with. One of his prized ones was slung across his back.
“Yes,” Rusl said, taking the sword out of the sling, and swinging it around aimlessly. He inspected the blade as he spoke, “I left something for you, Link. It’s in your house.”
He was in my house? “Oh, okay, cool!” Link said, eager now. Everyone loved gifts, especially when they came from the bets craftsman around. “Did you make it?” Link asked curiously.
Rusl nodded grinning, and placing his sword back in its bag. “I did, and I think you’ll love it. I just ask that you let Talo have a turn with it, though. I’ll never hear the end of it if you don’t, so please,” Rusl said, “let him use it. It shouldn’t break, so you have nothing to worry about, okay?”
Link nodded. Oh boy! He thought, what is it?! “Sure thing, Rusl,” he said smiling. “I’ll be happy to let Talo use . . . Whatever it is,” he laughed.
Rusl looked solemn. “You may regret saying that once you know what it is,” he said tightly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he took a step toward the spring, “there’s some supplies I need to pick up in Hyrule, and I don’t want to be late, so I’m off.” he gave a small smile before jogging off in the opposite direction as Link.
Link mounted Epona again, and, once again, took off galloping in the direction of this house at top speed, for he could hear Ilia crashing through the small forest path, still hollering for him. He didn’t have much place to hide now, for he was almost home. In fact, he could already see his house . . .
“Link! You’re back!” cried an excited voice from just beyond his tree house. Talo. Who else? “Did ya hear? Rusl left you a package! Ooh, boy! I can’t wait to see what it is! Go on, Link, go open it!” Talo hooted. He was now in view, and was jumping and down, swinging a small wooden sword. “Rusl brought me this, so I can only imagine what he brought you!” Talo squawked.
Link had to give a laugh, dismounting Epona. The excited kid was again jumping up and down with excitement, pumping his hands --and wooden sword-- into the air. “Talo,” Link laughed, “shouldn’t I be the one excited here? The package is for me, after all,” Link ruffled Talo’s hair, and side stepped around him to climb up the ladder to his house. He was excited now. What would the package be? Knowing Rusl, it could’ve been a sword, or some kind of box, or a fishing pole. That had to be what it was!
Entering his house, Link searched around for the package Rusl had left, but he couldn’t find it. Where could it have been? His house was only four rooms! It wasn’t on his make shift “kitchen” table, or on the night stand of his bed. Nor was it on the- There it was! Neatly in the center of the room was a small package, wrapped in brown paper. Link trotted over to it, and picked it up. It was long, Link saw. It must’ve been the fishing pole! Hey, you know what, Link thought, Talo would go nuts if I opened it in front of him. I’ll do just that! He thought grinning, and spinning around, trotting up the stairs.
“Link? Link, Link! What is it? What did he make you?” Talo called.
Link poked his head out of his window, waving the package. “I dunno, Talo! I’m bringing it out to open it so you can see,” he said smiling.
Talo began bouncing with excitement again. “C’mon then, Link! Come down! You gotta, or else I’ll EXPLODE!” he hooted.
Link laughed again, and yanked his head out of the window, opened his door, and climbed back down the ladder. “I’m here, Talo. No need to explode, I have the package you hyper child.”
“Wait,” Talo said, holding up a finger. “I’m going to go get Malo and Beth. Wait here, okay?” Talo called as he raced toward his town.
Link sighed, but it was good natured. Typical Talo, Link thought. Always getting excited, then wanting his brother and best friend to come as well. Oh well, he thought sitting down on the ground with his legs stretched out in front of him. He began examining the package, turning it over and over again, trying to figure out if it was indeed a fishing pole.
“. . . It’s true! He got a package from Rusl, I even saw him deliver it!” Talo shouted. From the drumming footsteps, it sounded like the children were running, and very close. “We’re almost there! Link?” Talo called. “Link, can you see us? I brought Malo and Beth!” he said, coming into view. Once he was at the side of Link with Malo and Beth, he collapsed onto the ground, panting. Once the boy had caught his breath, he looked up at Link and smiled.
Beth sank down beside Link and smiled sweetly. “Talo told us that you’d received a package,” she said. She clasped her hands together and exclaimed, “ooh, I can’t wait to see what it is!”
Link laughed. “Neither can I! Aren’t you excited, Malo?” he said turning his head in the direction of the small boy.
“. . .I guess so.” Malo said, turning his head in the other direction.
“Okay then.” Link said. He balanced the package on his knees, and tore at the brown paper. When it was all unwrapped, he barely heard the gasp from Talo, or the cry of delight from Beth.
It was a sword.