Link and Malon had fallen deeply in love after Link had defeated Ganon for the last time. They even went as far as to have a child together. It was Malons idea to name their son after Link. He had expanded his home when Malon moved in, at Links invitation. Once again Link lead a quiet life, but now with Malon and his son.

Link stuffed the big poe he had just caught in one of his bottles and rode off to the poe shop, which was now located at the base of Death Mountain. "Ah!" said the shop keeper, "A big poe! Well done young man. Heres your fifty rupees. Thank you." Link mounted Epona and headed home.

Little Link had just woken up and immediately started crying. Malon fetched his bottle and sat down in a chair with him. "Drink your milk, little one, so you can grow up to be big and strong like you daddy."she whispered. Then she heard the sound of galloping hooves and carried her baby over to the window. The form of Link and Epona rose over the hill. She looked at her son, saying, "Daddys home!" Link was just dismounting as Malon opened the door to greet him. "Hello Malon, good news! I got another fifty rupees today!" "Thats wonderful darling!" He leaned forward and kissed her. "And hows Link?" he asked, looking at the smiling infant. "Slept all day, quiet as a mouse." she said. Link Sr. grinned, "You two go on inside, Ill put Epona in her stable." He turned and Malon heard a small flitting noise. Link jerked, then turned. An arrow was protruding from his chest. "Link!" Malon screamed, running to him. Link gritted his teeth, "Its ok. Im just fine." "No youre not! Youve been shot Link!" He staggered, "I said Im fine! Ill just go lie down." Then he collapsed. Malon ran inside to put little Link in his crib, then she went back out to get the fallen warrior. She didnt know whether or not to remove the arrow so she left it alone. When Malon moved in Link had taught her Sarias song in case of an emergency. She removed the ocarina from Links belt and played the song. "Link?" said a voice in Malons head. "No, its me, Malon! Links hurt, he needs help!" "What happened?" asked the voice, who Malon was sure was Saria, "Hes been shot. An arrow in the chest!. I think hes still alive but not for long! Call the queen please!" Saria told the hysterical girl that everything would be alright, and that she would contact Queen Zelda immediately. "Thank you. Oh thank you." she said and closed the connection. She turned to Link and started to remove his shirt. Then she pressed a cloth over the wound to try to stop the bleeding.

Within minutes there was a knock on the door. "Come in." Malon called. The door opened and entered a man Malon presumed to be a doctor and another, a woman with golden hair wearing a long velvet cloak. Queen Zelda. "Pardon me if I dont kneel, you Majesty." She said desperately. The doctor walked forward, "Ill take it from here." he said gruffly. Expertly, he pulled out the arrow and put a few drops of some magic potion into the hole. "Will he live?" Zelda asked the doctor. He seemed troubled by something, "This potion is supposed to stop the bleeding, but nothings happening. I dont get it!" He started to bandage Link around his torso. Malon saw something out of the corner of her eye. The tip of the arrow that had lodged itself in Link was discolored. She picked is up and realized that it was poison. "Doctor?" She showed the man the poisoned arrow. "Its worse than I feared. This substance will keep the blood from clotting. Theres nothing I can do." Both Malon and Zelda where stunned, " You mean he will bleed to death?" "Theres no cure? Hes just going to die?" They asked. The doctor sighed, "I can revive him until...he...well....passes on." "Do it." Zelda said. Malon could only stare at Link. How could this happen? Things were going so well for Link and I. And what about little Link? Hell grow up without a father. Her world seemed to fall apart.

The doctor poured an elixir down Links throat. He coughed and opened his eyes. "Zelda? What are you doing here?" He tried to sit up, but shuddered from the pain in his chest and lay back down. The doctor sighed again, "Son, I dont know if Im the one to tell you this, but you have only minutes to live. Im sorry." Link looked shocked at first, then a sly smile appeared on his face, "Nice try, doc. Really, you had me for a second there. Ok, jigs up. Whats really going on here?" But his expression changed when he saw the tears in Malons eyes. "Youre serious? Why? What happened?" Zelda came forward. She picked up the arrow and showed Link its tip, "Poison, Link. Youre bleeding to death. Nothing can change this." She put her hand on his shoulder. "I never thought this would happen." she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. Link looked over at Malon, who turned, unable to look into his eyes. The man she loved was dying right in front of her, and there was nothing she could do about it. Her son began to cry. She walked over to his bed and lifted him up. "Bring him to me." Link said. He sat up slowly this time, propping himself against the head of the bed. Malon placed little Link in his arms. He stared at his son. Zelda looked to the doctor, "Leave us." she said quietly. The doctor left the little cottage, leaving Zelda, Link, Malon, and their baby. They sat in silence. Link was growing paler by the minute, the bandages soaking up all of his blood. He turned to look at Malon again, "Come here, Malon" he whispered. She walked to his bedside. "Dont die Link. Please, dont leave me." He smiled, "I wish I had a choice, but I dont. Take care of little Link for me. I love you." Malon kissed him. She could taste the blood in his mouth. They held the kiss for a long time. When Malon pulled away and opened her eyes, she saw that Link hadnt done the same. The blood stopped pumping out of the hole in his chest. He was dead. The Hero of Time, finally vanquished by an unknown assassin. Zelda came up behind her, "Hes gone." she said softly. Malon turned and flung her arms around the Queen, weeping. Zelda hugged her back. She was beyond tears.

There was a big funeral a few days later, and all of Hyrule came to pay their respects to the dead hero. Even the entire Gerudo tribe came to see Link, though some where rather reluctant. Speeches were read by Queen Zelda, King Zora, Link, leader of the Gorons, and others who Link knew. Even Mido, the stuck up leader of the Kokiri and Links childhood enemy, had a few things to say. The Kokiri children, who where able to leave the forest for a while, thanks to the Deku Sprout, carried his casket to Kakarico village. He was buried in his Kokiri tunic in Kakarico grave yard, along with the deceased members of the royal family.

However, though many didnt realize, the death of the Hero of Time was the mark of the beginning of many dark years in Hylian history.

Chapter Two: A New Hero

A young boy ran across Hyrule field, ducking and jumping, wielding a toy wooden sword. "Ya ha, take that Ganon! Youre no match for the Hero of Time!" "Link, its dinner time!" His mother called. "Ok Mom!" he called back and ran home. He opened the front door and walked over to the table. His mother, Malon, turned from the stove, holding a platter with two steaks. She set one on her plate and one on Links. He grabbed his fork and knife, ready to dig into the juicy meat, but Malon stopped him, "What have I told you about being out so late? You never know when a poe or a stalchild might pop out of nowhere and hurt you!" Link rolled his eyes, "Aw, Mom, give me a break! Im ten years old now, Ill be eleven in a week, I think I can take care of myself." His mother sighed. "You are just like your father, always cheating death, laughing in the face of danger, living for the rush of adventure." "Tell me about Dad again Mom. Please?" "Well, as I just said, he was very courageous, he was a pure spirit, and youll never meet a more selfless person. He was very handsome, too." she paused, eyeing her son, "You look just like him when he was a boy." And it was true. The only way to tell the difference was in their clothes. The Hero of Time had worn his Kokiri tunic, and his hat never left his head. The present Link didnt wear any hat, but he wore the same tunic his father had. But there were personality differences to. Link Sr. had loved adventure, but he didnt like fighting. On the other hand, Link Jr. relished the thought of battle, and would challenge traveling warriors to fights for the sake of competition. Extremely talented and skilled with the sword, he won most of the mock battles, making his foe very embarrassed to have lost to a child. Link also preferred to fight without a shield, and another sword in its place.

Link idled the Hero of Time from the stories his mother told him. But, she never told him the truth about his father. Link still thought that his father died of a rare disease, and that he had no relation to his hero.

Now, you might have the impression that Hyrule is just as peaceful and prosperous as when Link was murdered. This is not true. For ten years, the evil sorceress Eve has ruled the land. She stormed the castle, killed the guards, and killed the Queen. She stripped the people of Hyrule of their riches and burned the crops. Eve seemed to be just like Ganon in every way, but one thing separated them. The sorceress had no desire for the sacred Triforce, because her power was beyond the point of needing the wish to make her the ruler of Hyrule. Eve also claimed credit for murdering the Hero of Time. And just as they did sixteen years ago, the people of Castle town fled to Kakarico village.

Back to Malon and Link. A week passed. It was Links eleventh birthday. He was shocked when Malon presented him with a sword as his birthday present. "Now," she said as he stared at the beautiful blade, "you can stay out late, since its your special day. But be back by the time the moon is at its peek. Theres a surprise for you when you return." "Wow, thanks mom, and Ill be back by midnight, dont worry!" he said as he strapped on the swords sheath, and ran out the door.

Link spent the day exploring the land, and more than once he hade to use his new sword to protect himself. He trekked up the winding trails of Death mountain, swam in Zoras River, and he even visited the home of his idol, Kokiri forest, and made a few friends while he was there. Time seemed to slip right through Links fingers, and before he knew it the moon was almost at its peek. He sprinted home, but a few stalchildren held him up. He burst through the door. Malon stood up. "Sorry Im late Mom. I was stalled by some stalchildren." Link panted. His mothers face was serious. She motioned at a chair, "Sit down Link." He sat, curious as to why Malon was acting so odd. She sat down across from him. "Lets talk about your father. I know, he died of a fatal disease when you were very little. Thats the story Ive always told you. Its all a lie, Link."she said slowly. Link raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean Mom?" Malon sighed, "Youre old enough to know now, Link, that your father really was Link, the Hero of Time. The blood of a legend runs through your veins. Your idol is your dad." Link stared at her. His mouth opened and closed, like he was trying to say something but could not. "I understand that this might be hard for you to accept, so Ill tell you the whole story." Malon explained how she had been killed when Ganon returned, and that Link, after defeating Ganon, hade used the Triforces wish to bring back all who Ganon had killed. How after that they fell deeply in love and had a baby. And the fateful day when Link was shot and bled to death right in front of her. Link seemed to find his tongue again, "The Hero of Time? My dad? But..but thats impossible!" "Look on the back of your right hand Link. The proof is there." Malon said quietly. Link stuck out his hand and looked at it. The image of a triangle that hed never noticed seemed to just appear on it. "Your father had the same mark, and only heros possess such a triangle." Link stared at his mother, "Why didnt you tell me? Why did you keep this from me Mom?" She sighed again, "I didnt want to endanger you Link. Eve killed Link so that there would be no one to stop her from gaining power. She did not know that he had a son, you Link. She would kill you too if she knew who you are. But nows the time, Link, for you to follow in your fathers footsteps. You must free our land from the Evil sorceress Edea. You are our last hope. Are you willing, my son?" Link was trying to absorb this one at a time. Ok Link, as far as I know, the Hero of Time is my dad, Eve killed him, and now Mom wants me to defeat her and save Hyrule. This is too big for me! Im only eleven for crying out loud! But if I dont stop her who will? I guess I have no choice... "Yes, Mom, Ill do it. Im willing." She smiled, "I knew you would. Your too much like him not to be ready for an adventure. I saved this just in case you didnt accept this burden.." Malon went to a cupboard and pulled out something long and shiny. It was a sword identical to the one Link had received earlier. "I know that you fight better with two swords, and youre going to need all of you skill to defeat Eve. Im also going to give you your fathers ocarina. Now you know why I made you practice all of those songs." Link strapped on his swords and slipped the ocarina into his belt. "Now go Link, go and save Hyrule." Link looked down at his feet, "I, Ill miss you Mom." She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek, "Just come home in one piece ok? Be brave Link. Go now, before I change my mind to let you go!" He backed a few steppes away from her, then ran through the door.

Link wandered around for a while, not knowing where to start. Then he remembered what his mother had told him, Sarias song allows you to communicate with the Sacred Realm. He pulled out the ocarina and played the notes that he had practiced since he was a little boy. All sound seemed to be muted, and a voice that he didnt hear, but he did, sounded, "L-Link?" the voice of a young girl asked, "Is it really you?" "Well, my name is Link, but I dont think Im who you think I am. Do you think that you are talking to the Hero of Time Link?" "Yes, but only Link and a few other know this song. How do you know it?" The girls tone was suspicious. "Am I talking to Saria?" Link questioned. "Yes." "In that case, Im his son, Link, as Ive only recently learned." "His son? I never thought Id live to see the day that Link would have a child. So then Link is still dead. What are you calling for then?" Link explained what Malon had told him. "How am I supposed to fight Eve when I cant even get to her? And I havent even begun to think about how am I going to beat her!" Saria calmed him, "I dont have all of the answers, but I know someone who can help you. Go to Kakarico grave yard. There you will meet the person who will shed light on your predicament. Good luck Link." The connection was closed, and at once the sounds of the world reached Links ears again. He ran in the direction of Kakarico Village, hoping against hope that Saria was right.

Link tiptoed through the little town, for the sun had not yet begun to peek over the mountains that encircled Hyrule. He started walking faster once he reached the grave yard. All was silent, a thin mist covered the yard, broken here and there by tombstones. To his right, Link saw a small shed with smoke coming out of the chimney. He knocked on the door, but no one answered. Gently, he pushed the door open and looked in. The remains of a fire were smoldering in the small fireplace, a little table with used dishes was arranged against the wall, and a bed stood at the back of the shack. Link could make out a figure under the covers, breathing quietly. He pushed the door a little more so that he could enter when it creaked very loudly. The figure in the bed sat bolt upright, a dagger in its hand. It charged at Link, who pulled out one his swords and whacked the knife from his attackers hand. It was a woman, with long, tangled blond hair and blue, sunken eyes. "Who are you? What do you want?" She demanded in a gruff voice. Link re-sheathed his sword, "Why did you just try to kill me?" he asked simply. "You cant be too careful these days. Now answer my question: what do you want with me?" "I was told to come here to find information on the sorceress Eve. Do you know anything that might be useful in her defeat?" The womans eyebrows narrowed, " Who are you?" Link decided that it was safe to tell her, "My name is Link." Her eyes widened, "The son of the Hero of Time?! Is it really you little Link?" Link was amazed, "You, you know me? How?" "I was there when your father died. I took you from his arms after he passed." Link remembered the story of that night, how his mother had said that after Link was shot a doctor and Queen Zelda had come to the house to try to help him. Then Link realized who he was talking to. "Queen Zelda?" he asked quietly. The woman started to glow. Her hair straitened, her skin whitened, and her eyes shined. She was transformed from an unkept dirty woman, to a well groomed beautiful lady. "Oh Link," she said, "Ive waited so long for this day. Your mother has sent you on a quest to save Hyrule, hasnt she? That was the plan the whole time." Link was completely dumbfounded, "But you are dead! Eve killed you when she took the castle." Zelda smiled, "I used my magic to look like I was dead, then I escaped to this place, the former home of Dampe the grave digger. Ive been lying low for eleven years, waiting for you." "So, then that means that you have the information that I need. Tell me, how do I get to the evil sorceress?" "The key to Edea is Hopes Knife, a holy dagger that will open the doors to Eve, and its the only weapon that can defeat her, that I know of." Link breathed a sigh of relief. "So, I just have to find this knife and Ill be able to beat Edea? Ok then. Where is it?" Zelda frowned, "Im afraid that its not that simple, Link. When the evil sorceress took the castle, she tried to destroy Hopes Knife. But all she managed to do was break it into three pieces: the handle, hilt, and blade. Eve sent three of her servants, each with one piece of the dagger, to the farthest reaches of Hyrule. Two of them reached their destinations, but I intercepted the other. I took the part here to the grave yard, and buried it in one of the graves. Many people, wanting to obtain the knife, have come here looking for it. I tell them what I did with it, and they start digging up as many graves as possible." Link was confused, "Why do you tell them what you did with it? What if one of them is a slave of Edea? What would happen is they dug up the right grave?" A small fire lit in Zeldas eyes, "Oh, I dont worry if they find the right one, because they still wont get the dagger part. Its guarded by a warrior that only the most skilled swordsman can beat." Link smiled at those last words. "A fight against an undefeated warrior? That sounds fun! So which grave is it?" Her smile left her face, "Like I said before, you cant be too careful. I wont tell you which grave it is, unless you give me proof that you are, indeed, Links son." Link showed her his fathers ocarina. "Anyone could have an ocarina like that, or made a copy of it." He played a few songs for her, but she said the same thing. "What do I have to do to prove that I am Links son? Im starting to not believe myself." A light bulb seemed to go on in Zeldas head, "Give me your hand." Link stuck out his hand, the one with the Triforce mark on it, "But anyone could get a tatoo or paint it on." "But a tatoo or paint wont do this." She put her hand next to his. She too had the mark. Both of the triangles started to glow. "Whoa." Link whispered. "You are, truly, the son of the Hero of Time." Zelda beamed, "Go to the head stone at the back of the yard, on the far left, and play Zeldas Lullaby in front of it." She pulled her hand away. The mark stopped glowing. "Thank you." Link walked out the front door and to the far left corner of the grave yard. The stone before him was small, and there was no writing on it. Instead, there was just a carving of the Triforce, with the Triforce of Courage chizzled out completely. He played the lullaby, but nothing seemed to happen. Then the ground under Link opened, and he fell into the tomb.

Chapter Three: The Phantom Hero

Link landed gently on the floor. The room he was in was larger than he had expected it to be. Against the opposite wall, a large stone coffin rested on an elevated platform. Link walked cautiously towards the slab of stone. Suddenly, the lid of the coffin started to move. An overwhelming wave of fear went through Link as the top fell away, and a boney figure got out. It wore a green tunic and hat, with a sword and shield strapped to its back. It pulled out its sword and advanced on Link. "Get back demon! Stay away from me!" he cried, unsheathing his own blades. The thing was running now, gaining ground faster and faster. It swung, and purely by reflex, Link blocked. He attacked too, slicing at his undead foe, who also blocked. Link used every move he knew, but the thing kept blocking and attacking. Their swords had become mere blurs, the clanging of steel rang in the room. Link decided to try to confuse his enemy by faking one attack and then doing another. This seemed to do the trick. The warrior zombie was barely able to stop Links attacks. Finally, Link was able to strike the sword from its hand, and brought both of his swords down on its shield with all of his might, cracking it in half. "Victory is mine!" he crowed. The zombie fell to the ground and floated back into its coffin. In his state of relief to be rid of the menace, Link almost forgot why he was there. He started looking for the piece that should be there when a small light began to shine in the middle of the room. Link watched in awe as the light began to grow and took shape. It looked like a young man, strangely similar to the demon he had just fought. He wore the same clothes and held the same weapons. He stopped glowing and Link could make out his face. Then he spoke, "My son!" Link stared at the image of his father: Link, the Hero of Time. "Dad?" he asked. Link Sr. ran forward and put his arms around the astounded boy, but they went right through him. "Im sorry," he said, "I thought that I would never see you again." Link Jr. asked, "So you really are my father? Mom was telling the truth?" "Yes, Link, she was. How is she, by the way?" Link stood there, unable to believe that he was talking to his dead father, tears welling in his eyes, "Moms alright. Zelda told me that a piece of Hopes Knife was down here somewhere." Phantom Link looked slightly disappointed that Link had asked him immediately about the dagger. "Yes, but you need this to find it." He pulled out the Lens of Truth and handed it to his son. It seemed to turn solid the second it touched his hand. "The Lens of Truth reveals things that are invisible, like the chest that contains the handle of Hopes Knife." Link quickly located the little box and opened it. A plain dagger handle lay in it. It seemed to ordinary to be anything special. He put it in one of the small pockets in his belt, then turned to his father. He seemed hurt that his son didnt share his enthusiasm of the reunion. Noticing this, Link said to the phantom, "I cant say that I am overjoyed to see you, Dad, and the only reason that I can think of for this is that I never knew you. And also that I just learned that you were my father a few hours ago. But its good that I got a chance to meet you. Goodbye for now, Father." And he climbed out of the tomb. Saying goodbye to Zelda, Link left the graveyard and exited the village.

Chapter Four: The Heros First Test

That night Link and Bandor snuck out of the city. Link was beginning to wonder why the Gorons hadnt fled if it was this easy to get out, but his question was answered soon enough. At night the wall of fire extended down the mountain, below the city, so if anyone tried to escape they would be burned to a crisp. The two moved along the wall, and after a while Link heard what sounded like claws on rock and loud grunts. Bandor lead Link under an overhang to reveal a bunch of Gorons who seemed to be trying to restrain a small, serpent like beast. "A dragon?" Link asked. The group stepped away to give Link a better look. It was about ten feet long, with a small tail and a lengthy neck. The top of its head, neck, back, and tail where covered in boney armor, with cracks to allow movement. Its wings were folded, and they looked too small to support it in flight. But when it stretched them, they doubled in size. Two short, stubby horns protruded from the back of its head, facing backwards. It opened its mouth to bear two rows of small, needle-like teeth. This was all held up by four short, powerful looking legs, which had little blades sticking out from the elbows. Besides the boney armor, it was covered in red and gold scales, greatly contrasted against its bright blue eyes. Link cried out when a jet of flame erupted from the dragons mouth, missing the nearest Goron by inches. "We call him Tantrus, and hes a real devil. Non of us can ride him, because were either too big, or he goes crazy and launches the his rider. Maybe you can tame his wild spirit." One of the Gorons fitted an odd saddle on his back, behind the front legs. Link was confused and a little scared, "How exactly do I ride him?" Bandor sighed, "Well, if you can get him off the ground without being thrown, all you have to do is smack his behind to make him go faster, pull on his horns to slow him down, and lean in the saddle to turn, climb, and descend. Its really quite simple...if you can get off the ground. Oh, and one more thing. To make him spit fire, just give em a good kick in the ribs, like with a horse. Good luck!" Link clumsily climbed onto the young dragons back, grasping the small handle on the saddle. "Ready? Untie them," the Gorons unstrapped the ropes from the rocks, but held them firm, "Ok, go!" Tantrus unfurled his wings and beat them hard, sending him and Link high into the night sky. Holding tightly on to the handle, Link raised his arm to hit Tantrus and get them going, but just then the dragon began to toss and turn, attempting to toss Link off his back. "Thats it Kid!", "Just keep a firm grip!", and "Youre doing it Link!" came from the Gorons on the ground. Link had both of his hands on the handle, holding on for dear life. Im not getting anywhere like this he though to himself, time to show this lizard whos boss!. He slapped the ranting dragons rump, and they shot forward. Link leaned to the left as they just missed a tower of rock. He hadnt tamed Tantrus wild spirit, he had harnessed it and was using it to his advantage. Link let out a yell of triumph. Adrenalin coursing through his veins, he urged Tantrus even faster, doing moves that could kill him if he slipped up at all. After a few minutes of doing daredevil stunts and rolls, Link lunged forward and grabbed the two horns and pulled back. The wings beat slowed as they landed gently next to the dumfounded Gorons. A smile of satisfaction and pride spread across Links face. Bandors stunned look was replaced by a grin, "That was incredible! You mastered dragon riding in mere minutes! I would believe it if I hadnt seen it with my own eyes. You truly are Links son. Now, on to a more serious matter. Flying Tantrus alone will not beat Drakona. You must be able to fight also!" He displayed a stack of semi-flat stones. "We will throw these into the air. You have to either slash them with your swords, or get Tantrus to burn them. Its that simple." With a nod, Link took of, circling above the Gorons. He saw a small shape fly across the horizon, and sped of towards it. It began to fall, Link wouldnt make it in time to slash it. "Ok then!" as he gave Tantrus a good kick. The dragon opened wide and a column of flame shot at the rock, and missed. The next try he missed again. An hour later the fire engulfed the stone, disintegrating it. Every other stone was flamed right on target as Link got the hang of aiming Tantrus up with them. Once he thought he had that mastered, he began to use his swords to do the job. Hanging on with one hand, he sliced the rocks with the other. "Now try both swords!" yelled Bandor at he tossed two stones. Link approached them, steadying himself for when he would let go of the saddle completely. One sword already in hand, he reached for the other one. Holding still, Link swung at the first stone, hitting it perfectly. But he had lost his balance, and before he could grab the handle he had fallen off. He screamed as the ground rushed up to meet him, closing his eyes tightly. Then he hit something, but it wasnt the solid rock of the mountain. Link opened his eyes to see that he was back in the saddle, hovering five feet of the ground. "Thank you Tantrus! Thank you so much!" he said, hugging the dragons neck. He growled affectionately. "Lets try again." he called down. The stones came up. Link leaned to the right as he sliced with his left arm to counter the blades momentum, then did the opposite to the other stone. He landed again and dismounted, patting his steed on the shoulder. The Gorons smiled widely at him. "He will be the one." one of them said, and they all nodded.

Chapter Five: The Moment of Truth