Author's note: (( This chapter will be left incomplete, just for a few hours. )) Hey guys, what's up? I really appreciate all the reviews I've been recieving, and I hope I continue to get them. I wasn't very pleased with my previous chapter, as few of you probably were, so I'm going to make up for it (( Or at least try to )) by making this chapter worthy of reading. So please, just try to endure the chapters that are utterly terrible? Don't be afraid to leave some constructive criticism though! Anything that will aid in improving this story will be greatly appreciated. Enjoy.

The Legend of Zelda:

Hylian Wars

Chapter Three-

Where the Journey Begins

It's been a long time since I last saw this place.

Link's mind wandered back, memories surfacing as he rode Epona through the gates of Kakiriko Village shortly after their departure from Hyrule Castle. A smile displayed his relief and happiness to discover the settlement was no longer scarred by the fire that had once ravaged the town that day seven years ago, the village showing no signs that the inferno had even once left it terribly burned, destroying many homes and lives. No, the inhabitants, the houses, everything was fine, perfect. Life was continuing here, undisturbed.

Because they remained unaware.

The villager's lives continued normally, because they did not know. They did not know yet of the threat rising against Hyrule, they did not know that their lives were at risk every moment they spent in their homes or outdoors beneath the sun or moon. Perhaps it was a blessing, to have no knowing of what endangered their peace. This way they could go on, happy and carefree. But there was no guarantee it would truly be the best thing to keep hidden. For should the darkness present itself, the residents would be unable, too unprepared, to stand against. Did Zelda, as Queen, even have the right to keep such information from the people she had sworn to protect and rule? Did Link?

His eyes fell to Zelda who rode many feet ahead of her elderly advisor Naccerd, blinking uncertainly as the small group trotted along.

Should he say something?

No, it wouldn't be wise. If it was Zelda's intention to not tell of the current situation to her people, speaking of it would only put her plan in jeopardy. Link wouldn't risk it.

Turning to face ahead, the Hylian hero let his mind wander elsewhere. Not an hour ago, he and Zelda had been reunited beneath the rising the sun. Their hearts had been so distant from one another when they met, knowing it to be an unfortunate result from the seven year separation. It was to his relief that the gap had slowly began to close, bringing them back gradually to how they at one time were. But unlike the Hylian Queen's, Link's heart remained as it always was. Longing. Yes, longing for Zelda.

"So," Link began, trying to make conversation. "forgive me for missing your ceremony. I hope, aside from a certain someone's unwanted presence, it went well?"

Zelda flashed a smile in his direction, answering his question with a nod. "Yes. It went well." She turned back to the path, the beautiful smile fading. "Everyone was happy. In the town, Goron's and so many others gathered for the ceremony. They danced and sung, celebrating without end. Even when Kahn confronted me."

Link looked around, slightly concerned as to if any where eavesdropping on the conversation before turning back to Zelda. "I see. I'm glad then that things went rather well for them all."

"What of you?" the woman inquired with a curious look. "Where have you been? What have you been doing?"

Link shrugged slightly, a smile forming at the edge of his lips while he thought of answer that Zelda would approve of. Termina. The Lost Woods. Saving a land from total annihilation. He had many answers, just found it difficult to pick one.

"When I was sent back," Link started while briefly recalling a memory more painful than that of any he could remember. The memory of their separation. "I spent most of my time wandering the Lost Woods, in a meadow where me and an old friend spent our childhood together. It was our secret place. Only for the two of us." Link's eyes shifted down to Epona's mane, stroking it gently with his gloved hand. "For seven years I isolated myself there, training my mind and building my body. I sought perfection, flawless swordsmanship. I wanted to be ready when I came back."

"For what reason?" Zelda blinked questioningly, rather curious the same.

The Hylian laughed suddenly, taking Zelda back in slight surprise. When the laughter died away, he smirked amusedly. "Well, since I had to rescue you all the time, I thought I should come prepared."

"I resent that! I do not need saving all the time! I am a mature Queen, capable of handling herself!"

"Right, right." Link grinned, content, happy. For the first time in so long.

Ending their conversation with an exchange of laughter, Link and Zelda rode side by side as they neared the gate leading to Death Mountain. Many others eyed them curiously, in their minds wondering why the Queen had left the castle and made another public appearance since her ceremony. Link paid no attention their whispering, although hearing his name mentioned a great many times as the residents continued to speak amongst themselves.

They passed through the gates while the guards respectfully bowed to their Queen and hero, staying silent as they did so.

Death Mountain...Home of the Gorons.

Here, on this mountain, he had accomplished many great things and earned a reputation with the Gorons greater than that of what he had earned with the Hylians.He had saved them twice, and both times earned their respect and friendship. The Gorons considered Link one of them, and undoubtedly always would. No matter what.

Suddenly, Link stopped. They had yet to even had come 600 feet from the gate, when a sound, low and faint, came to his attention. He listened closely, raising his hand and wordlessly telling the others to halt as he. They obeyed, Zelda regarding Link with a confused look in her eyes. The Hylian hero did not even glance to her, he remained still, silent, listening.

The sound remained dull, rather distant to his keen ears. Zelda, nor any of the others, could even hear the slightest. The rumbling. Yes, it was growing louder. It was drawing nearer. But what was it? What produced such a sound, such a familiar sound. He had heard it, but where and when? He knew what it was, but could not name it. And then, when he looked at a pebble rolling down the slope, a look of horror replaced his calm expression, and to his dismay came to realize the cause.

"Quickly," Link yelled to the others behind him worriedly, looking up at the trail as he sought their approaching doom if they did not get off this path. "To the cave ahead!"

"Link? What's wrong?" Zelda tilted her head, frightened and uncertain in response to Link's sudden change in attitude.

"Don't ask questions! Just go! Ride as quickly as you are able!"

Link sped off at the end of the sentence, drawing out Epona's true potential as he dashed for the cave in a hurry. Epona's speed had only greatened over the years he had rode her, using the horse as his mode of transportation to where ever it was he desired to venture. She had been reliable, always getting him to his destination. Yet rven though she aged, her will remained as it always had been. Strong and unbreakable, exactly as Zelda's herself.

Through the corner of his eye he could see the Hylian Queen close behind, riding the white stallion whose speed nearly equaled Epona's own. Something few horses were capable of doing, even though Link had suspected there was none. And in this moment were his beliefs were proven wrong, he could not help, even though their very lives were put to risk every second they remained on this trail, but wonder if the horse had been raised at the Lon Lon Ranch. If it had been raised by Malon.

He could not help but smile fainlty at the memory of the red-haired farm girl. So carefree and beautiful. But it was her voice that fascinated him most. The voice of angels.

Then it came into sight, through the corner of his eye.

Obliterating smaller rocks into fragments scattered throughout the vicinity, the boulder tumbled down the treacherous climb. Link's orbs focused upon it briefly, glancing back to the mouth of the cave drawing close, calculating the time they had left to reach it. The result was not pleasent.

There was no way they could reach the cave in time. The boulder was moving faster than they, gaining ground twice as quickly. Things looked rather grim. Yet this adventure had only just begun, and there was no way Link would let it end on the first stage.

They were all doomed if he did.

Link pulled on the reigns without a second thought, comming to a stop. While Zelda continued on, he could catch a slight glimpse of the fear evident in her cerluean hues as she looked upon him. She was startled, worried, horrified. But the determination in Link's own eyes provided the reassurance the Queen needed to continue forth without looking back.

I've got this.

In his mind he was confident, sure of himself. He was nearly for certain he could save the lives of the soldiers, Zelda, Niccard's, and his own. And he would. Reaching his left hand over his waist and digging the satchel on his waste, ignoring the pain that shot through him each time his cut and swollen fingers brushed against another object, he placed his digits about a metal sphere. Finally he drew his hand out, in his grasp he held one of the bombs he had created himself. Small, light explosive balls more effective than those he had used before in his adventures. Easily carried about as well.

He flung it forward and watched it land right in the path of the boulder. On the faces of soldiers who passed him, he could see their confusion. The bomb had not been lit. But there was no point in litting it at all. And they would soon discover why.

"He-yah," Link yelled, Epona dashing forward with all her might as they bolted for the cave, close behind the others. He listened, awaiting the explosion of the bomb. Just listening, desperate. And then it came. In a thunderous boom, the bomb exploded as the weight of the boulder rolled atop it. He could see the great ball of rock bounce, and hear the ear-splitting crack the followed as it smacked against the mountain side.

The rock shifted it's course only for a moment, and Zelda darted into the cave. She was safe.

Link soon joined them, narrowly avoiding the boulder that soon continued on it's path. When he finally entered the cave, behind him, the echo of the ball as it smashed against the wall followed, just before it shattered into fragments of rock scattered upon the trail.

"Link!" Zelda was the first to speak, her mind battling to decide whether his act was of bravery or stupidity. "How could you possibly endanger yourself like that?"

The hero merely grinned, shrugging with the tilt of his head. "Surprised? I'm used to putting myself in those situations when it's necessary."

"Necessary or not," Zelda began while venting her emotions through a sigh. "I'd rather continue our journey together. "

"Your highness, Link just saved us." Astonished, Link watched as Niccard approached the two, regarding him with a smile. "There is no need to criticise his actions when it was they alone who assured the continuation of our quest. I look forward to seeing what else your capable of."

The Hylian hero narrowed his eyes unnoticeably, forcing a smile as he contemplated in the safety of his mind whether or not to trust his words. No, this man was not to be trusted. He couldn't be. But the possibility remained it was simply his paranoia, nothing more.

He refused to accept that.

"Well, your words are too kind," Link responded while nodding his head before moving eyes back to the Queen's own. He smirked proudly. "And Zelda?"

"Yes, Link?"

" Tell me again, who was it that has to save you all the time?"