Prologue

As Link withdrew the Master Sword from the King of Evil, the seven sages cast Ganon into the void of the Evil Realm. Before the void was sealed, Ganon spoke, "Curse you Zelda, curse you Sages, curse you Link!! One day, when this seal is broken, I will return. And when I do I will exterminate you and all that you love! As long as the Triforce of Power is in my hand ......." Then the Evil Realm was sealed, and Ganon was silenced.

This is where the next chapter of the Legend of Zelda begins .....

Chapter One: The Darkness Returns

Link woke with a start, shivering. "A nightmare," he breathed, "just a nightmare." It was four years ago that Link had defeated Ganon. He was now twenty-one, a grown man. The Hero of Time hadnt picked up the sword and shield since the fall of the King of Evil. Hyrule had had time to recover from its ordeal, and now things were back to normal. The royal palace had been rebuilt, Zoras Domain was thawed, and all of the people who had left Hyrule Castle Town returned. Most had stopped mourning those who had perished at the hands of Ganondorf. Hyrule was peaceful once more.

But Link wasnt satisfied. He longed to go out on an adventure. However, these days, the only adventure that Link could find was riding Epona through Kokiri forest. The Hero of Time had built himself a home in the west valley of Hyrule field. Keeping a low profile, he would go to Lon Lon Ranch to visit the ranch owners daughter, Malon. Link would stop by to talk, pick up milk, and other things. He also kept in contact with his namesake, Link, leader of the gorons. Goron Links father, Darunia, had named his son after Link because of his heroic deeds in Dadongos Cavern. Life was moving on slowly. Link had become a legend among the people of Hyrule, but he didnt exactly enjoy being famous, and avoided his fans whenever he could. But the heros life was about to take a devastating turn.

We pick up where we left Link, upright in his bed, drenched in a cold sweat. Breathing hard, his heart pounding in his chest, he slowly calmed himself. "That dream again," he said, "maybe I should talk to Malon about this tomorrow." He lay back and fell into restless sleep.

In the morning Link mounted Epona and headed for Lon Lon Ranch. When he entered the front gates, Ingo, the farm hand, bowed deeply and took Epona to a stable. Link found Malon in the coral, singing as usual. "Hi, Link!" she called, noticing him entering the coral, "A bit ahead of schedule arent you?" she added cheerfully.

"Hello, Malon, uh, we should talk." Link said nervously

Malon gave Link a curious look as they went inside the ranch house.

They sat down at the table. After a long pause Malon broke the silence, "So, how have you been, Link?" she asked awkwardly. Link replied, "Good, you?" "Just fine." she answered. There was another long pause, and again Malon was the one who ended it, "Somethings troubling you Link, I can see it in your eyes. Now come on, out with it. If you say it now youll feel better." Shifting nervously in his chair, Link began to explain his recurring dream. "Im standing outside of my house when I look into the sun. Suddenly, a black hole appears in the middle of the sun and starts to grow. From the hole comes a wave of darkness that sweeps over all of Hyrule, turning trees to cinders and grass to ash. An evil voice starts calling my name, and a pair of burning red eyes open in the hole. Then I wake up." he finished. Malon was apparently very deep in thought. When she came out of her trance, she gave Link a serious look. "Could it be a premonition?" she questioned, a hint of fear in her voice. "If it is, what does it mean?!" said Link in frustration. They got up and walked outside. As Link got on Epona, Malon said, "Maybe you should go see Queen Zelda." "I think Ill do that. Nice to see you again Malon, goodbye!" "Take care Link!"

Link hadnt seen or talked to Zelda in four years. In that time she had become Queen of Hyrule, after her father the king died. What will she say when I get there? Link thought to himself. As he entered Castle Town, he decided to take the back alleys and avoid as many of his admirers as possible. Finally he left the town and started up the main road to the palace. Gazing at the great stone structure brought back old memories of Link as a boy, sneaking past the guards in an attempt to get to the princess. Now the guards, at the sight of him, would gasp and step aside. Link could hear them whispering about where he had been for four years and why he had come back to the palace. The drawbridge dropped and two guards bowed him in. The second he stepped into the main chamber all talk was silenced. One of the noblemen muttered, "The Hero of Time has returned!" Links footsteps echoed throughout the great room as he approached the head table. A beautiful young woman, clad in robes of white and blue, stood up. "Your Majesty." Link said, kneeling before her. A look of pure happiness spread over Queen Zeldas face. "Link?" she asked in a tone of near disbelief. Looking up at her, Link said in a very formal voice, "Zelda." Her expression changed from happy to slightly puzzled. "Why have you come to the castle Link?" "I seek a private audience with you, my lady." Said Link, in his most formal voice. Zeldas face showed even more curiousness, "Your wish will be granted, but first, wont you eat with us? Your journeys must leave you hungry?" This time there was more urgency than formality in Links voice as he said, "With all due respect, your Highness, I must speak with you now!"

Zelda lead the way to one of her own personal chambers, where Link told her about his dreams. "Thats odd," she said, "I havent had any dreams like that since before the King of Evils reign." Link looked even more worried as he asked, "What could it mean?" Answering his own question, he then said, "Some great evil is coming, but what is it?" "Or who is it? It could be a person that threatens our land!" exclaimed Zelda. They both stopped to think about those last words. After a while Link stood and said, "I think Ill sleep on this for a while. Maybe if I have the dream its meaning will become clearer." "You could stay here at the palace for a few nights!" Zelda said, hopefully. But Link declined, saying that he should return to his home. Zelda quickly wiped the look of disappointment of her face and walked Link to the front gates. "Well," Link said awkwardly, "it was good to see you again, your Highness." "Farewell, Link. Feel free to visit the castle whenever you like." To avoid any more uncomfortable conversation, Link rode off without answering.

A month passed. Link seldom left his home, preferring to sit and think by himself about the dreams, which had begun to haunt Link in his sleep every night. Though the images were clearer, Link still couldnt figure out there meaning. But now, instead of just seeing the smoldering red eyes, a hand would appear. It would reach out to Link, its back glowing with a golden light. Then, one day, an extremely violent storm just came out of nowhere, with lightning so bright it lit up all of Hyrule, and thunder so loud the walls of Links house rattled. The storm raged only briefly, then vanished as if it was never there. Link went outside to check for damages to his small house, but it was seemingly untouched. Sighing with relief, he turned around and cried out. A large plume of smoke was wafting from Lon Lon Ranch. Link could just make out the flames licking the top of the barn. As quickly as possible Link called Epona and sped off to the burning farm. Fire had engulfed the entrance, but Link ran through it anyway. He found the ranch owner, Talon, and Ingo unconscious, lying on the ground. After he had taken them to safety, Link went back in to look for Malon. Calling her name, he ran through the wreckage of the barn and farm house, but there was no sigh of her. Then Link ran to the coral. The horses, cows, and cuccos had all been slaughtered. At that moment he saw her, lying in the middle of the coral. Link ran to her and took her in his arms. Slowly, she turned her bruised face to look at him. "......Link?......." "Yes, Im here Malon!" he said anxiously. "...He came...was looking for...you. Thought.....you would be here......burned the house....killed the animals." Link was holding back the tears welling in his eyes. "Malon, who did this? Tell me, Malon, who was looking for me?" he asked, his voice cracking. Malon could only whisper now, "Was after.. you ..... Zelda. .....the sages.........you...must stop him.......Link..I......" she looked into Links eyes, then hers closed, and her body went limp. Link held her close to him, then picked her up and moved to the gates.

Outside, Talon and Ingo were waking up. When Talon saw Link carrying Malon from the inferno he exclaimed, "Oh! You saved her Link! Thank you!" But when he saw the tears rolling down the heros face, the color drained from his own. "Oh no," he said in a quiet voice, "tell me, Link, tell me that shes alright! Please! Tell me shes ok!" But Link, stone faced, set her body on the ground, where he started crying openly. Ingo took one look at the dead girl and drew a sharp breath, "Miss Malon? Gone? It cant be!" A single word passed the grieving heros lips, "Who." Through his sobs, Talon looked up. "What?" he croaked. Link looked up, his eyes were blazing. "Who did this." he asked in a menacingly flat tone. He was shaking, his fists clenched, "Who killed her." Baring his teeth, he looked to Ingo, who said quickly, "I didnt see any of it, was out cold the whole time!" Links blazing eyes turned to Talon. Rubbing the tears from his puffy red eyes, he said, "I saw a dark figure, then everything went black. Oh, Malon! My only child!" Link stood, mounted Epona, and, taking one last look at the girls slack face, galloped off to Hyrule Castle.

Chapter Two: Ganons Vow

Epona skittered to a halt at the drawbridge as Link leaped from her back. Running as fast as he could, Link entered Castle Town. He didnt care who saw him, but it seemed that no one noticed him, anyway. All of the people had distressed looks on their faces. One little girl saw Link, and, turning to her mother, she said, "Mommy, look! Its the Hero of Time!" "Thats nice, dear." the mother said, obviously not listening to her daughter. Link didnt wait for the drawbridge to come down all the way before he jumped on it and sprinted into the palace. The grand staircase that lead to the rest of the castle was blocked by two guards and one of the Queens advisors. "I must speak with Zelda!" Link said as he pulled up to the little man. Looking annoyed, the advisor drawled,"No one is allowed to see the Qu-hey!" Link had shoved him aside and was bolting up the stairs, three at a time. He could hear the advisor calling the guards, but he kept running. Link had to wrestle two guards to the ground when they tried to stop him from getting to the queen. Finally he came to the door that led to Zeldas chamber, but it was bolted from the inside. Link used the magic he had received from the great fairies to blast the door down.

Zelda was in a bed surrounded by doctors and aids. One of the doctors stood up, and walked towards Link, trying to shoo him out of the room. "What happened to her?" Link bellowed at the doctor. Sitting up in her bed, Zelda cried, "Link, it was Ganondorf!!" Links mouth went dry. "G-Ganondorf ?!" Link asked, his voice full of disbelief. The doctor who had tried to make Link leave before approached him again. Whispering, he told Link, "Someone attacked the queen, but she used her magic to protect herself. But, in ways were not quite sure of, she was harmed by this villain. She insists that her attacker pulled the Triforce of Wisdom from her body. She was obviously hallucinating, because she claims that her tormentor was none other than the King of Evil, Lord Ganondorf! But this is impossible, because we all know that four years ago, the sages, Zelda, and you sealed Ganondorf in the void of the Evil Realm for eternity."

Link pushed past the doctor and knelt next to Zeldas bed. "Link," she said in a low whisper, "hes come back! Somehow he escaped the Evil Realm. He now has two of the pieces of the Triforce. You must play the part of the Hero of Time once again and stop him. Who knows when hell start killing again?"

"He already has." Her face changed from desperation to horrified disbelief. "Who?!" she demanded, shakily. Link drew in a long breath, "He attacked Lon Lon Ranch, burned the buildings, killed the animals, beat Talon and his assistant, then he....he..." but Link couldnt say it. Malon had been his best friend ever since Navi left him to return to the forest, three years ago. Seeing the grief in his face and the tears in his eyes, Zelda spoke softly, "Whos life did he take Link?" Link was trying to talk through the huge knot in his throat. Finally, "Malon," he was able to grunt, " he killed her, he killed her just because she didnt know where I was!" "Its alright, Link, its going to be ok."

Then Link exploded, "No its not ok! She was my best friend! She was always there for me ! I cared for her! I, I loved her!" Zelda had a concerned look on her face, but Link kept going. "Then he took her away from me! I will find him, and when I do I will fight him, and only one of us will come out alive!! Ganondorf will pay dearly, and Ill see to it that he does, personally!" And with that he ran from the room.

Still breathing heavily, Link entered the Temple of Time and played his ocarina before the Door of Time. He pulled the Master Sword from its pedestal, then left the temple. As people saw the legendary blade in the Hero of Times hand, they gasped and wondered why Link had reclaimed the sword. He got on Epona and rode home, where he still kept his shield, Long Shot, bow and arrows, and Megaton Hammer.

Many times over the years Link had communicated with his childhood friend Saria. By playing the song that she invented, he could talk with her over any distance. As the notes floated from his ocarina, Sarias voice entered Links head. " Link? Is that you? Boy am I glad you called! Something terrible has happened!" "I know, Saria. Ganondorf has escaped. He killed Malon, Saria." Link heard her draw a sharp breath, "Link, Im sorry. I didnt know..." "Thank you Saria. But right now I need to know where Ganon is." "Why would you want to know something like that? You dont intend to fight him do you? Link?" "I do" "You cant! Hes much to powerful now! You have no chance against him, hed squash you like a bug!" Link sighed, "You dont understand, Saria, I have to beat him one last time and rid the world of him for good!" Saria pleaded with him, begged him not to look for Ganon. But in the end Link convinced her that if she didnt give him the information he wanted he still would seek out the King of Evil. "I guess theres no stopping you, is there? Ok. Ill ask the other sages to help me search for Ganon. Itll be a few minutes, but well find him. Be patient." Link waited as the sages searched for the evil power that was Ganondorf. After about ten minutes, a voice entered Links head, but it wasnt Saria. It was Darunia. " Brother!" he said desperately, "You must hurry! Ganon is at Death Mountain, near Goron City! What if he attacks them? Go now and protect your sworn brothers and sisters!" "I will protect them Darunia, dont worry." And he closed the connection and warped to the Death Mountain crater.

Link sprinted from the crater to Goron City, only to breath a huge sigh of relief. No one was hurt, no damage had been done, and there was no sign of the King of Evil anywhere. "Its him! I dont believe it! Links come back to visit us!" said a happy voice behind Link. He turned around to see the faces of many grinning Gorons. At the front was a Goron whom Link knew very well: Link, his namesake. There was much shaking of hands and lots of Goron hugs, which Link didnt enjoy much, but he accepted them all the same. There was to be a feast in Links honor, but when they brought out the food and placed a palate of rocks before him, link didnt know what to do. At the expecting looks on the Gorons faces, Link put on his golden gauntlets, crushed one of the rocks into dust, and swallowed it as best he could. He coughed, then smiled and the Gorons grins broadened. Link made pleasant conversation with Link and the other Gorons, and things couldnt have gone any better.

But then there was a loud crack and the wall at the end of the table exploded. "What the?" cried Goron Link, and a black beam of magic hit him full in the face, knocking him out of his chair. Link drew the Master Sword from its sheath when a figure in black armor with burning red eyes entered through the hole in the wall. His deeply tanned skin greatly contrasted the orange hair in his head, marking him as a Gerudo. His body seemed to radiate evil, and his left hand glowed with dark magic, while his right hand shined bright as the sun. Ganon, the fabled King of Evil, began to scan the room with his piercing stare. His gaze fell upon Link, sword in hand, ready for the attack.

A cold chuckle came from his throat as Ganon advanced into the room. "He he he, so, what have we here? The son of the Sage of Fire, Darunia. I thought I would find you here." he said in a low, confident voice. "But whats this? The Hero Of Time! How nice to see you again Link. Ive thought about you a lot since our last encounter." " Im afraid I cant say the same." Link said cooly.

Ganon didnt take his eyes off Link. " You caused me a great deal of trouble boy, locking me away in the Evil Realm. But really I must thank you and the sages for picking that place for my imprisonment. I was able to draw strength from the void, enough that I was able to break the seal myself. And on top of that, Ive been able to secure the second Triforce, as Im sure youve noticed." The Triforces of Power and Wisdom flashed on his hand as the Triforce of Courage began to brighten on Links hand. Ganon sneered, his lip curling, "Now, I will kill two birds with one stone!" Straightening his arm, his palm open, he blasted a wave of dark magic right at the unconscious Goron Link on the floor. The spell hit him, draining what remained of his life energy. He was dead, but as the other Gorons began to grieve, Link charged at Ganon, sword raised.

With all of his power Link swung the blade at Ganons neck. But he had disappeared, then reappeared behind Link, driving his huge fist into Links back. The Hero of time slumped to the ground, the wind knocked out of him. Gasping for air, Link quickly cast Nayrus Love over himself, just as Ganon fired another magic spell at him. But in his weakened state he could only hold the spell for a moment. Ganons foot connected with Links chin just as he rose to attack. Link slammed against the wall and slid to the floor.

Slowly, Ganon walked toward his fallen foe. "You have something I want." he whispered maliciously, eyeing the glowing triangle on Links hand, "Im here to take it from you." He closed his eyes, concentrating, preparing to pull the Triforce from Links body. But as he did this, Link fitted an arrow into his bow, casting the spell that made it a light arrow. Ganon, Sensing the magic, opened his eyes, only to look right at the glowing head of the light arrow. He drew back before Link shot, but it still struck him in the shoulder. Screaming in pain, Ganon staggered back, light energy surging through him. "This isnt over Link!" he cried, then he disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

When Link finally recovered he looked over at the dead Goron on the floor. Rage filled him as he replayed the images over in his head. "Why, why would he kill the son of our former leader, Darunia?" one Goron asked. Then, suddenly, it hit Link like a punch in the face. Link, Zelda, Link... the vow Ganon hade made four years ago, just as he was cast into the void. He swore to kill Link, Zelda, the sages, and all who they loved. But that would mean.... "King Zora!"

Link whipped out his ocarina and warping to Zoras Domain. But Ganon had beat him there. "Where is King Zora?!" Link asked a disoriented looking Zora. He just looked at Link, then bowed his head. "No." Sprinting, Link ran up to the throne room. King Zora was lying on the floor, perfectly still. Link couldnt bear the sight.

Outside he called Saria and the other sages, "Im sure you know." Link said when the connection was opened. Sarias voice was very quiet, "Darunia and Ruto are in shock. They wont respond to anything we say." The sadness that had consumed Link was soon replaced by a burning desire for revenge. "Now, Link," said Saria in a soothing voice, "since youve experienced the King of Evils power firsthand, you must have no intention at all to pursue him, right?" "Wrong, Saria. Now theres even more reason to defeat Ganon. I wont sit and wait for him to find me. Saria, Im his next target." Links tone was grave.

"Im not going to argue with you Link, because I know it wont do any good, but it would be good if you defeated Ganon. So, with the help of the other sages who will, I bestow a new power upon you. The Master Sword is very powerful weapon against evil, but this new magic will make it even more powerful. Its called Heavens Blade. But, the power must pierce the heart of the evil one for it to have any affect. Otherwise, the sword will not be able to defeat Ganon." "Thank you Saria. Until we speak again." "Good luck, Link."

Chapter Three: The Hearts Rage

It took Link longer than he had hoped to find Ganon. In fact, it took weeks of searching before Link decided to stop for a break in Kakarico Village. He pitched a tent at the front gates to the little town. Link would like to accept the hospitality that the villagers offered, but he couldnt put them in direct danger, in case Ganon showed up in the middle of the night. For the fist time in weeks he lay down with the intent of a full nights sleep.

Link woke up to screams of pain and evil laughter. He got out of his tent and looked around. The village was burning. Bodies were everywhere. A dead young woman with golden hair was lying face down. Link turned her over and gasped. It was Zelda. He turned over another body. Sarias lifeless face stared back at him. He turned over body after body: Link the Goron, King Zora, Darunia, Naburoo, Princess Ruto, and finally, he looked into Malons slack face. A few feet away, the body of a young man lay, arms outstretched, reaching for Malon. Slowly, Link rolled it over, and his own bloodied face came int view. A shadow covered him. Link looked up, and into the red eyes of Ganondorf. Upon his hand Link saw two glowing triangles. Ganondorf reached for the dead heros arm. The Triforce of Courage was barely visible on Links hand. Ganon laughed triumphantly as he used his dark magic to pull the last Triforce from his corpse. The living Link drew the Master Sword and, with all of his strength, swung it at the King of Evil. But the sword simply went through him. Then Link cried out in horror when he saw the completed Triforce on the back of Ganons hand, shining as bright as the sun.

"Ahhhh!" Link woke up. But there were no screams, no laughter. He ran outside. The village was just as it had been at sundown. There were no fires, and to Links relief, there were no bodies anywhere. Just a dream. Sweating, Link went back to his tent to get dressed. "I cant let anything like that happen." He packed up and left the village. He called for Epona and rode off just as the sun began to rise.

Link looked over at Lon Lon Ranch. The whole ranch was covered in a thick fog. He steered Epona towards the fog, but at its edge she refused to go farther. Link got off her and walked cautiously into the mist. It was so thick that Link couldnt see six inches in front of him. He pulled out the Lens of Truth, and at that exact moment, two stalfos leaped at him out of the fog.

The Lens in one hand, the Master Sword in the other, Link battled the skeletal warriors until he had crushed both of their skulls, ensuring that they wouldnt come back for another round.

He finally reached the front gates to the ranch, but huge vines blocked the path. When the Master Sword failed to chop through the gargantuan tendrils, Link used Dins Fire to burn a hole big enough for him to wriggle through. There was no fog on the other side, except a ceiling of mist that covered the ranch like a dome. Everything seemed normal, at least until Link reached the coral. A great stone spire jutted from the ground where the coral should be. As Link approached the spire, the mouth of a dragon carved in the stone opened like a door. Link sidestepped into the mouth, drawing his sword and shield.

The door closed behind him, and a voice began to boom from all directions. "Ha ha ha, welcome Link! How do you like my new home? I thought this would be an appropriate location, since this is the spot where blood was first shed in my new reign." "Ganondorf!" Link bellowed, "You coward! Show yourself, and face your doom!" Ganon laughed even more as Link began to run up the stairs. "Do you not have a strange felling of deja vu, Hero of Time?" Ganon asked in a taunting tone, "Is this scenario not familiar? Think, Link. What was it, four years ago? Yes, I believe thats it. Four years ago you climbed the steps of my palace, just as you are now. Do you remember what happened next? You and those sages sealed me in the Evil Realm. But this time, theres no princess to help you, and those pitiful sages are to weak to control me now. Its just you and me, boy!" Link realized that he was right. What if I cant beat him, Link thought, what will happen to Hyrule if I lose? Well, I dont need to think about that, because I wont lose! Up and up and up... the stairs seemed everlasting. But just when Link was about to stop for a rest, he came to a large door. "Enter, Hero of Time." Ganon said, sinisterly. Link pushed on the door, and it swung open.

He was in a huge, flat, unfurnished room. Ganondorf stood in the middle of the room. "Well? Come and get me, if you can." Ganon whispered. Link walked boldly towards Ganon. He stopped a few feet from the King of Evil. "Your move" Link said. "Its your funeral." Ganon said, then he lunged at Link. Link jumped to the side just as Ganons fist, glowing with dark magic hit the floor, cracking it. Slicing and swinging, Link ran at Ganon, who dodged and slugged Link. He took a second to recover before attacking Ganon again, weaving through the big mans punches, and swung his sword. It connected with Ganons thigh, but it bounced off. "Oh,"said Ganon in mock surprise, "did I forget to tell you? Ive armored my arms and legs with magic. Nothing can penetrate them!"

Grinning, he kicked Link across the room. Ganon raised his hand, palm forward, and shot a ball of magic at Link. Remembering the battle four years ago, Link prepared to whack the ball back at Ganon. But when the sword touched the ball, an electric shock went through the blade and through Links body. He fell to the ground, twitching. Ganon was laughing his evil laugh. "Is that all you got boy? Throwing in the towel already? Hero of Time, what a joke." he spat. Link stood up, swaying and shaking, and took one of his bottles out of his belt. It was full of red potion, which he drank down. Re-energized, Link cast his own spell, Nayrus Love, to protect himself. "Your turn, Ganon." he said flatly.

The smile was still on his face when Ganon charged at Link. His punches and kicks bounced of Link. "You insolent brat!" Ganon yelled, charging his fists with black magic. He drilled his fist into Links barrier, then it shattered, flinging Link to the ground. Ganon pinned Link to the floor and started pummeling him. "If you give up, Link, I can make your death quick and painless," Link spat in his face, "or you can suffer, and die slowly! Its your call!" He kicked Link in the ribs. "Ahh!" Link cried. Ganon picked him up by the hair and kneed him in the stomach. Link drew back his fist and stuck his fingers in Ganons eyes, "Argh! You little rat!" He punched Link in the nose. Blood began to trickle from his nostrils. "Why are you holding back Ganon? Why dont you just kill me now? I know why. Your magic isnt strong enough to defeat me with one blow" "You fool! I could have killed you ten times over by now!"

But Link was smiling now, taunting Ganon, blinding him with anger. His attacks were wild now, sloppy lunges, reaching out looking for a target. Link would jump to the side, slicing at Ganons unprotected torso. He didnt need to taunt Ganon anymore, because simply missing his foe filled him with rage.

Links next strike finally cut through Ganons heavy leather garments, though the wound was very shallow. Ganons eyes widened, "You actually hurt me! I dont believe it!" "Theres plenty more to come, murderer!" Link said coldly. He charged and cut Ganon again. The blood had begun to seep out of the wounds. "Rrraaaaa! You die now!" Ganon yelled, and he threw another ball of dark magic at Link, who tried to dodge it, but it still hit him. However, instead of electrocuting him, it exploded. Link, bleeding, fell to the ground, cradling his left arm, which had taken the brunt of the blast.

"Well," Ganon said, panting, " I didnt exactly hit my mark, but now youll have trouble using that sword. That will make things easier." Link got up, his left arm hanging bloody and useless at his side. He dropped his shield and picked up the Master Sword with his right hand. "You wont win Ganon." he muttered. Ganon laughed, "My dear boy, Ive already won!"

He tackled Link, and, pinning his good arm with one foot, he started stomping on his injured arm with the other. Link brought his legs up behind Ganon and kicked him in the back. This knocked him off balance long enough for Link to struggle to his feet, gritting his teeth in pain. "Why do you struggle to stay alive, Link? You are dead. Its that simple. So just surrender. Things will be much quicker."

Ganon advanced on Link, but at that moment Link plunged the Master Sword into Ganons stomach. His eyes bulged, his mouth hung open. Link pulled the sword from Ganons abdomen, who fell to his knees, clutching the gaping hole in his body. Link turned to the door, then an almighty roar erupted behind him. He whirled around to see Ganon on his feet, his wounds gone.

The walls of the room crumbled and the ceiling started to fall. Link thought the wall of stone would crush them both, but it too crumbled. "This..battle..is..not..over!!" Ganon raised his hand and a great sword appeared in it. The blade glowed with dark magic. Ganon charged, " Raaaaa!"

Link charged too, "Ahhhhh!" There was a deafening clang as the swords connected. Black clouds where forming overhead, lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled. The fight raged, Link struggling to fight the King of Evil with his right hand, swinging and blocking awkwardly. Ganons pupils had disappeared, his eyes were pure red. His sword grazed Links cheek, leaving a shallow cut. Link swung and hit Ganon in the head with the flat side of the blade, then swung at his chest, where a large cut appeared in its wake. Their swords locked, both of them trying to force the other to falter. A vein popped out of Ganons forehead. Finally, he forced Link to step back. Ganon unlocked his sword and hit Link in the face with the hilt of his blade. They fought and fought and fought.

Link was beginning to tire, but Ganon seamed to have limitless energy. Link stumbled under the force of Ganons blows. Ganon took the opportunity to stab Link in his injured arm. He screamed in pain. The fight seemed lost, but then Link remembered what Saria had told him. The magic that could defeat the Evil One. Though his limbs where protected by magic, Link swiped with all his power at Ganons legs. He teetered for a moment, giving Link the time he needed. "Heavens Blade!" he cried, and thrust the Master Sword through Ganons twisted, evil heart. A high, piercing scream came from Ganons mouth. The flesh melted of his body, leaving behind a bleached, white skeleton.

Link was down on his hands and knees, panting. "Its over," he whispered, "its finally over!" Just then Ganons remains began to glow. Fearing that the King of Evil still wasnt defeated, Link straitened, preparing to face him again. But instead of the skeleton rising, two golden triangles rose from the mass of leather and bones. They floated towards Link, then they disappeared and reappeared on the back of his hand. A gentle voice spoke to him, " Hero of Time, thou hast recovered the sacred Triforce. Dost thou have a wish? Speak now, and it will be granted."

Link was overwhelmed. He could barely speak. "I wish....I wish that all who were killed by Ganon would come back to life." "It shall be done." the voice said, "The Triforce will be returned to the Sacred Realm. Thou must replace the Master Sword and seal the Sacred Realm." "I will." "Then go, Hero of Time, and Ganons evil shall be undone." Link warped to the Temple of Time and lay the Master Sword to rest in its pedestal, and left the temple.

Link walked back to Lon Lon Ranch. There was no fog covering the ranch, no vines blocking the front gates. He slowly entered and walked on and approached the corral. A girl with red hair was standing in the middle of the corral. "Malon!" he whispered. He started to run towards her. "Link!" she cried. She ran to him, wrapping her arms around him. "Ow!" Link yelled as she squeezed his bleeding, broken arm. "Oh, Im sorry Link, its just that.... seeing you again.." "Think nothing of it." he said, staring at her, "Malon, I couldnt do anything, I should have got there sooner!" She put her finger to his lips, and kissed him. "I love you Malon." "I love you too, Link" she said quietly. They kissed again. "Is he gone for good Link?" "Yes Malon, hes gone for good."

THE END