Author's Note: Thank you to Post Rapture, DoomRater, Mihaele Rose, Ides of Diamonds, and everybody who read and/or reviewed my first fic. This is not only my second attempt at a fic, but also my first attempt at a true epic. And I'd like to give credit to any author whose characters or excerpts from their stories (I don't think I'll use one, but time will tell) that I used. I can't stress enough how much I'd like everyone to READ AND REVIEW, because I feel this may be the beginning of something special.
Chapter 1/Introduction
(Author's Note: This takes place two months after "The Search for 12." If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to do so. It might help later.)
A quiet night in Hyrule. There was barely anything stirring that night in Hyrule. And it was especially quiet that night in Lon Lon Ranch. But then Link, the Hero of Time, woke up in a cold sweat. Link hadn't had a nightmare of this magnitude for at least two months. Link was starting to get used to having nightmares. He'd been having them since he was a child growing up in Kokiri Forest. When he was ten, he had nightmares of the upcoming Imprisonment War. Two months ago, he had nightmares of his childhood friend, Saria, committing suicide over the life of solitude that came with being the Forest Sage. Tonight, he had a different nightmare. Frankly, Link didn't know what to make of it. The only thing he knew, was that all of his dreams ending up coming to pass in one form or another.
Link got up and quietly exited the room hoping not to wake Malon. He walked down the stairs and knocked down a bottle of milk, making a very loud shattering sound. Of course it wasn't enough to wake a sleeping Talon, who could sleep through just about anything. Link walked out and started towards the corral.
"What are you doing up this late, boy?"
Link almost jumped. He thought for sure he was the only one out, but apparently, Ingo was out as well.
"Ingo," began Link. "I'm just taking a walk. I…kind of need to be alone right now."
Ingo had a sore look on his face. "Oh I get it. It's gonna be one of these nights."
Ingo walked away, but Link knew exactly what he meant. It was no secret about Link's nightmares and how he always walked out to the corral after each one. He continued to the corral and sat down. He thought about what he saw earlier. He couldn't describe it. Well, maybe he could. He had seen Hyrule. He saw his friends. And he saw something he had never seen before. He saw something…evil.
Chapter 2
"Couldn't sleep, huh?"
Link was startled at the sudden voice, but he didn't look too surprised. It was beginning to look a lot like that night two months ago.
"Hi Malon. I didn't wake you up, did I?"
Malon sat beside Link and looked into his eyes. She saw that look of fear. That look of uncertainty that would cross his face every time he came out to the corral at this time of night. Malon had known Link since she was ten. When Ingo had kicked her father, Talon, off the ranch and worked her like a slave, it was Link who won Epona and the ranch back for her father. When Link ultimately defeated Ganondorf and was sent back to his time by Princess Zelda, somehow Malon went back with him. They don't know how and don't really care how, as long as they're together. Yes, Malon knew Link for a long time and she knew him long enough to know when something was bothering him. And tonight something was bothering him, more so than usual.
"No," she said. "But when I heard Ingo come in, I noticed you weren't in bed. Link, is there something wrong?"
Malon saw Link trying to find the answer to that question. She remembered the last time they were out at this time of night. The next day, Link was on his way to the Forest Temple. He said he'd be gone for a week, but it was more like a month. When he came back, Malon was ready to wring his neck for worrying her like that. She only wondered what would happen at the end of this night.
Link began to speak. "Malon, I had a dream. But I have no idea what it means. I don't know what I saw."
Malon hoped to help calm him down. "Link, relax. Tell me what you saw."
Link struggled to find the words to begin. "Well, I'll try. It started out…"
Link looked around. He knew where he was. He was in the middle of Hyrule Field. Flames were surrounding him. He saw that a thunderstorm had covered the sky. And he the screams of thousands of Hylians.
And as fast as he arrived, Link was transported somewhere else. He didn't recognize it at first, but he remembered where he was. It was the Fire Temple. He looked straight ahead to see Darunia, the Sage of Fire, in shackles.
Darunia had been beaten down. And he struggled to speak. "He…he's here. Didn't…see…him coming. He's…a thing of evil. Evil…that is only exceeded by Ganondorf, himself."
Link tried to say something, but he was immediately taken somewhere else. It was Hyrule Castle. And it was collapsing. Link ran towards the castle but was stopped by a tall being. It was covered in brown. It was like nothing Link had ever seen before. The being began to laugh evilly. Then Link was shocked to see the being transform in front of his eyes into a familiar form. The form of Princess Zelda.
"Don't you see," it said in Zelda's exact voice. "You cannot win." It began transforming again. This time it transformed into Malon. "You never saw this coming." Again it transformed. Now it transformed into his childhood friend, Saria. "You thought you won, but it wasn't over." Finally, it transformed back into itself and said in a deep voice, "and now, everything you know will be destroyed."
The being began his evil laughter again while Hyrule Castle was collapsing. Then everything went black.
"I don't know what it is I saw," Link continued. "It could mean anything. But the one thing I do know, is that what I saw wasn't good."
Malon saw Link begin to get up and quickly walk back towards the house. "Wait," she said. "Link, what are you doing?"
Link looked back. "I know one thing I saw. I saw Darunia. Maybe he can help me figure this out. I'm going to the Fire Temple in Death Mountain."
"Link, you have no supplies," Malon yelled as he entered the house. One thing she hated was Link's sudden rush to leave after nearly every nightmare.
Link came out and headed towards Epona. "I won't be long."
"That's what you said last time."
Link mounted Epona and looked down at Malon. "I mean it this time. I'll be back in a few days, no matter what, I promise." Link left quickly leaving Malon at the ranch. She also began to wonder about Link's dream. There was one thing that scared her. Link's dreams weren't usually dreams, they were visions. And Link's visions were rarely, if ever, wrong.
Chapter 3
As Link approached Death Mountain, he started thinking about the last time he had seen Darunia. Link knew that, even though Darunia had to live the rest of his life in the Fire Temple, he was hardly bored. Darunia was the King of the Gorons. He would rule over them from the Fire Temple and conduct his daily business from there. He was one of the mightiest rulers Link had ever known. But as the first person he saw in his dream, Link hoped that Darunia could help him. As he walked up the mountain towards Goron City, Link thought about the first time he met Darunia when he was ten.
Young Link didn't know where he was. He had spent the whole day walking up the mountain and finally made his way into some sort of city. As he looked around, Link accidentally bumped into a rock.
"Hey, watch where you're going."
Link jumped. He realized that it wasn't a rock he bumped. But it was…Link didn't know what it was. It was a round, brown creature with a huge friendly, but kind of dopey, smile. 'Maybe it's one of the locals,' he thought.
"I'm sorry," Link said. He didn't know what to say next but finally blurted out, "What…are you?"
The thing began to laugh. "We are Gorons. You look lost, little boy. Where are you trying to go?"
The young ten-year old ignored the question. He was amazed at how big the city looked.
"Is something wrong?" the Goron asked.
"Where are they?" Link asked.
"Where are what?"
"The trees. I don't see any trees."
The Goron looked confused. "Trees? What are trees? Do you mean rocks?"
Link didn't know what to think. 'No trees?' Link thought. Not only that, but this Goron didn't seem to know what a tree was. That boggled the young boy's mind. Did the Goron seriously not know the difference between a tree and a rock?
Link decided to change the subject to the matter at hand. "I-I'm looking for the k-king. Where can I find him?"
The Goron still wore his friendly smile. "King? Oh, you must mean Big Brother Darunia. He's in there." The Goron pointed to his right towards a door. "But I wouldn't go in there right now. Big Brother's been in a grumpy mood all day. He said something about waiting for a messenger from the Royal Family."
That's what Link was waiting to hear. "Oh, he must mean me. I'm the Royal Family's messenger."
The Goron shook his head. "You? Aren't you a little young to be the Royal Family's messenger? I think your imagination's running away with you."
That irritated Link a little. "No, really. I mean it. I'm the Royal Family's messenger. And I'll prove it."
Link walked towards the closed door. He pulled out the Faerie Ocarina that Saria had given him as a gift just before he left the village and began to play Zelda's Lullaby.
"Is that the song of the Royal Family I hear?" a voice behind the door said. "You must be the messenger. Come in."
The door slid open and Link entered. In front of him, he saw the back of a huge Goron. He was much bigger than the other Gorons and appeared to be the leader, Darunia.
"I was expecting you. What's that message you have…" the king turned around and looked like he was about to explode in anger. "What is this?! You're the messenger?! A puny little kid?! This is an outrage?! I'm outraged that the King of Hyrule would insult me by sending me a kid!!"
"Uh…" Link began.
"GET OUT!!" Darunia yelled. "And take your stupid message with you!!"
Link turned around to leave when he heard Darunia mutter.
"Man, could I use a song right about now."
That gave Link an idea. He turned around and tapped Darunia on the shoulder.
Darunia turned around and glared at the young boy angrily. "Didn't I tell you to leave?! What do you want?!"
Link shook off the fear that dwelled within him at that moment. "M-Mr. Darunia, what kind of song are you looking for?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm looking for a beat that I can dance to."
Link didn't have his ocarina for that long. But he knew one song that he could play. It was the song that Saria had taught him. He pulled out his ocarina and began playing Saria's Song. As he played it, Link was amazed to see that Darunia had begun dancing. He didn't think that someone of that size could dance like that. When Link had finished, he saw that Darunia had become more…relaxed.
"Hey," Darunia grinned. "That was great. I don't think I've ever danced like that before in my life. That song's got some beat. I can't get it out of my mind."
Link hated to interrupt, but he was there for a reason. "Um, sir, about the message?"
"Oh yes, the message. What did you have to tell me, young man?"
Link cleared his throat. When he really thought about it, even he didn't know why he was there. "I need the Spiritual Stone of Fire. I need to bring it to the princess."
Darunia had a look of concern. "The Spiritual Stone of Fire? Hmm…I'm sorry, son. I don't think I can help you."
"Please, Darunia," Link pleaded. "I really need it. I have to take it to the princess. I'll do anything."
"Anything?" Darunia asked. He seemed to have an idea. "Ok, son. I'll give you the stone. But first, I need you to do me a favor."
'Great,' Link thought. 'I knew it was too easy.' Link shrugged and looked up at the huge Goron. "Ok, what is it?"
"I need you to find a way into the Dodongo's Cavern and clear it of all Dodongos. My people have been starving for rocks, and the Dodongo's Cavern is the only place to find good rocks. If you can remove all the Dodongos, then I'll give you the Spiritual Stone of Fire."
Young Link couldn't believe it. This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. But he had to do what he had to do. He began to leave when Darunia put his huge hand on his shoulder.
"But before you go, boy, what's your name?"
"L-Link."
"Hmm…could you do me one more favor before you go, Link?"
Link looked at Darunia curiously. "What's that?"
Darunia smiled. "Could you…play that song one more time?"
Link was intrigued. No one had ever asked him to play a single note, much less an encore. "Ok," Link said as he reached for his ocarina again. Darunia grinned as Link began to play Saria's Song one more time.
Link smiled when he thought of that moment. For someone with such a gruff exterior, Darunia was quite a dancer. But Link also remembered Darunia as a spirited leader. And he wondered how much Goron City had changed now that Darunia had permanently changed locations. Link crossed the entrance to Goron City and saw something that he hoped he'd never have to see again.
Goron City was deserted.
Chapter 4
Link looked in every corner, but it was true. Goron City was empty. It hadn't been this empty since the Imprisonment War when Ganondorf threw all the Gorons in the Fire Temple to be fed to the dragon, Volvagia. But if this was like last time, then Link knew where to look. He headed straight for the Goron shop. He entered the Goron shop and found nothing. The clerk was gone. 'It must be really bad if the clerk's gone,' Link thought to himself. Link exited the Goron shop and went into Darunia's room.
The room was empty. The statue that blocked the path to the Death Mountain Crater had been removed. Of course, since there was no one around, Link thought it would be a good place to change into his Goron tunic. After Link changed into his Goron tunic, he entered the Death Mountain Crater and headed for the Fire Temple.
As Link entered the Fire Temple, he thought about where he might find Darunia. Then he remembered where he found Darunia the first time he came into the Forest Temple. He took a sharp left and opened the door. There he found a sight that horrified him. Darunia was shackled. He had been knocked unconscious. By what, Link had no idea. Link ran to the Goron King and began shaking him.
"Darunia," Link exclaimed. "Darunia, wake up!"
Darunia moaned and began coming to. "Uhh, what happened?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Link said. "Darunia, what happened?"
The large Goron looked up at Link. "Brother, you're here. What are you doing here?"
"Never mind that, Darunia. What happened? Who did this to you?"
"Brother, perhaps you should get me out of these shackles first."
Link felt a little stupid that he hadn't loosened Darunia upon first sight, but he unleashed his sword and struck the shackles, cutting Darunia loose. "There. Now tell me, who did this?"
"Link, I think you'd better sit down. It's a long story."
Chapter 5
Link sat down and saw a grim look cross Darunia's face.
"I won't forget what I witnessed that day. It was a normal day, then I was confronted by an evil presence. An evil that hasn't been seen since Ganondorf roamed Hyrule."
Darunia hadn't been doing much that day. He was expecting someone from Goron City any minute. After all, Darunia was the king and he needed to know how the Gorons were holding up, since Darunia could never leave the Fire Temple. Then finally a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Darunia shouted.
A Goron of average height entered the door and approached Darunia. "How are things, Big Brother?"
Darunia smiled. "I'm the king of my people, I've got a huge temple, and I have all the rocks I can eat. Things couldn't be better. But tell me, anything happen in the city?"
"Well," the Goron began. "The city's been fine and everything, but everyone seems to be asking the same question."
Darunia looked curious. What could he be talking about? "Question? What question?"
"Everyone wants to know where the Spiritual Stone of Fire is."
Darunia looked even more confused. "Spiritual Stone of Fire? Why would everybody want to know where the Spiritual Stone of Fire is?"
"Um," the Goron stuttered. "They all want to see it. In fact, they wanted me to bring it to them."
Darunia grew suspicious. "Now I'm getting a little confused. I thought it's been clear for years that no common Goron can hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire. And I always thought every common Goron knew that I don't carry the stone with me."
"Well," the Goron began, but Darunia noticed something. The Goron's eyes began to glow red and he voice grew deeper. "Maybe I'm not a common Goron."
The Goron grabbed Darunia by the neck. The grip was crushing. Darunia then witnessed something that amazed him. The Goron transformed into a tall being covered in brown skin.
Darunia struggled to get a word out but did manage to squeeze something out. "Who…are…you?"
The being laughed evilly. "I am the evil the likes of which hasn't been seen in Hyrule for five years. I am the final solution. I am the final and ultimate hand of the great Ganondorf. I AM MEYSON!!!"
Darunia was still choking as the thing known as Meyson tightened his grip. Then Darunia heard three more sets of laughter. He saw three Lizalfos soldiers enter the door. One was tall and slender. The second one was short. The third one was average height but very chunky.
"Another very convincing performance, Meyson," said the tall one.
Meyson chuckled evilly. "Thank you Kreature. But our work is not done yet." Meyson turned his head towards the three Lizalfos. "Get the shackles! The fun's about to begin."
The two other Lizalfos shackled Darunia's arms and legs. Meyson had finally loosened his grip on Darunia's neck. Never had the Goron King felt such strength. The next thing Darunia saw was the ugly face of the sinister being.
Meyson looked menacingly at Darunia. "Ok, Fire Sage. You have something I want. And if you know what's good for you, you'll give it to me. Now tell me, where is the Spiritual Stone of Fire?"
Darunia stood his ground. He didn't say anything, but felt the cold hand of Meyson strike his face.
"I'm going to ask you again, and you'd better tell me what I want to hear or else."
Darunia wasn't backing down. "Or else what, fiend?"
Meyson began to laugh again. "Or else I can destroy your entire city. Think about it. I have the power." Meyson then transformed into the Goron that entered the room earlier. "As you can see, I can blend in rather easily." Then Meyson transformed into a more intimidating form, that of Ganondorf. "Or, I can take on a much more menacing appearance." Meyson then shifted back into his original shape. "But either way, if you don't give me the Spiritual Stone of Fire, then I'll tear Goron City apart until you do. Now what do you say?"
Darunia wouldn't submit to the evil one's demand. "NO!"
Meyson grinned evilly. "Ooh, wrong answer." Again, Meyson grabbed Darunia by the neck. "I can snap your neck right now. And when I finish doing that, I can destroy your people one by one. From the average dopey Goron, to the fat sword welders, to…your own son." Darunia grimaced at that. "Oh yeah, you must have already forgotten," Meyson transformed into a Goron. "I can blend in very easily. Your little boy'll never see me coming." Meyson then shifted back and stared coldly at Darunia. "Now, where is it?"
Darunia was beaten. He couldn't sacrifice his son, whom he named Link after the Hero of Time. As much as he couldn't bear to do it, he had to go along with this evil shape-shifter. Darunia tried to speak over Meyson's death grip. "It's…not…here."
Meyson let go of Darunia's neck. "Ok then, where is it?"
Darunia remained silent.
Meyson grew angry. "TELL ME!! Or I swear, I won't just destroy all the Gorons. No, I won't just kill your little boy. But, mark my words, I will make him SUFFER!!"
Darunia couldn't risk his son's life. He had to give in. "It's…in the city. It's hidden on the platform high above the city."
Meyson grinned. "You made the right choice, Fire Sage. The last thing you want to do is make me angry, because I can destroy anything and everything that I please." He looked at the three Lizalfos. "Our work is done here. Let's leave the Fire Sage to think about the upcoming destruction of his people."
Darunia gritted his teeth. "But…you said…"
Meyson interrupted him. "Fool! I never said I would just spare your people. I can do whatever I want, and no one can stop me." Again he looked at the Lizalfos. "Let's go. We've got work to do in Goron City. But first…"
Meyson raised his arm and a bright ball of energy began to form in his hand. Meyson then threw the energy straight at Darunia's chest.
Darunia was hit hard. The last thing he heard before slipping into unconsciousness was the evil laughter of Meyson.
Chapter 6
"I don't know what this thing wants," Darunia told Link, "or why he wants the Spiritual Stone of Fire. But I must know if my people are ok."
Link didn't know how to break it to Darunia. "Darunia, I have something to tell you. Your people…"
"HEY, BIG BROTHER!!"
Link abruptly turned his head. That was a Goron voice. And it came from behind the door in which Link walked in. When the door opened, sure enough, dozens of Gorons walked in.
Link put his hands behind his back and grinned sheepishly. "Your people are here." He looked at one of the Gorons. "Why are you all here?"
"We all evacuated," the Goron answered. "There was this thing that one minute looked just like us, but the next minute it was this huge thing covered with brown skin. He had these three lizard soldiers with him and he said he was gonna destroy us all. We all ran out as fast as we could. But he didn't go after any of us. He went after the Goron's Ruby."
"That's it then," Darunia said. "He's got it."
Link realized that this Meyson was a huge threat. And it looked like it'd be up to him to defeat Meyson and his cohorts. "Darunia?" Link asked. "Did this guy look familiar to you in any way? Have you ever heard of him? I need to know what I'm gonna be up against."
Darunia shook his head. "He was like nothing I'd ever seen. And I've never heard of an evil shape-shifter known as Meyson. But what I did get was that he said he was the final hand of Ganondorf. And I know someone who might be able to help."
Link didn't like where this was going. Darunia couldn't possibly mean…
"Princess Zelda. There's no one out there who knows more about Ganondorf's minions than Princess Zelda. Link, you've got to see the Princess. I'm confident she'll know more about this Meyson."
Link hated to admit it, but Darunia was right. Zelda could help him.
"Thanks Darunia," Link said. "I'll do what I can to get the stone back and stop Meyson from whatever he's doing."
As Link walked out of the Fire Temple he thought about what he had just been hit with. Where did Meyson come from? What did he want? Where would he strike next? And would Princess Zelda know who he was? Link knew there was plenty of time to answer these questions, but first…he had to stop back at the ranch.
It took a few days, but Link was finally back at Lon Lon Ranch. But his stay would be brief. He was only here to reload on supplies before heading off to Hyrule Castle. Link had almost everything he needed, but…
"Are you ok?"
People seemed to catching Link by surprise a lot lately. He turned around to see Malon with a concerned look on her face. She looked like she was up all night.
"Malon, you didn't wait up for me, did you?"
Malon wore a somber expression. "I guess not. But I'm surprised you're back so soon. Is everything ok?"
Link continued loading everything. "Not really. I've got to get going again. I've got to see the Princess. I might be gone a little longer this time."
"Ok," Malon said. "So when do we leave?"
Link dropped the bag he was loading. He was almost in shock. "What do you mean 'we'?"
"Well," Malon began. "You're not just leaving me here, are you?"
Link sensed Malon had an ulterior motive. "Why not? I always do."
Malon began to load supplies onto her own horse. "Come on, Link. I see it in your eyes. I hear it in your voice. Something's seriously wrong. And I don't think it's best for me to stay here at the ranch…"
"But…"
"My father and Ingo can take care of themselves, and I'm in good hands with you around…"
"But…"
"And whatever's wrong, it's better I hear it from you on the way to the castle than hearing it from someone else when it's too late."
"But…"
Link lost this argument. Malon was already riding out towards Hyrule Field. "Well, slowpoke? What are you waiting for? An invitation?"
Link groaned. In the blink of an eye, Malon thrust herself on his journey. He began riding out and wondered what made Malon suddenly want to tag along on what could potentially be a dangerous journey.
Chapter 7
Malon had nearly forgotten how huge Hyrule Castle was. The sight amazed her. And she was glad she was there. She admitted that she grew scared when Link told her about the evil shape-shifter called Meyson and his three minions. She knew that Hyrule was likely in serious danger. And she knew that she could be in the direct line of fire if something were to attack Link. But Malon knew exactly why she decided to go. She wasn't proud of it, either. It wasn't out of fear for Link's safety. It wasn't exactly to help Link. She had gone out of jealousy.
Yes, Malon was jealous. She knew what could happen if and when Link met with Princess Zelda again. It was practically no comparison. Zelda was courageous, intelligent, and strikingly beautiful. In addition to that, she was royalty! Malon knew that she, a simple farm girl, couldn't compete with Zelda, a gorgeous princess. Malon intended to make sure that Link remained faithful to her, even though she never really openly declared her feelings for Link.
Link and Malon tied their horses and headed towards the castle gate. The castle guard immediately stopped them.
"Can I help you two?" the guard asked snobbishly.
"Uh, yeah," Link answered. "We need to see the princess."
"Oh, really?" the guard asked sarcastically. "Well, Princess Zelda doesn't cater to the likes of you people, so GO AWAY!!"
Link and Malon turned around and began to leave.
"Well, he was charming," Malon said as she approached her horse. She turned around and saw Link grinning mischievously at the stalk hanging from the wall. "Link, no. You can't be serious."
Link smiled at the young farm girl. "Come on, Malon. It'll be like old times. It will for me, anyway. Don't you remember when I climbed this stalk and ditched the guards?"
Malon began to crack a smile herself. "Yeah. It was on the day we first met…"
Young Malon was getting bored. It had been hours since her father went into the castle to deliver milk. The sun had already gone down and all she could do was sing her favorite song. But her singing was interrupted by the scream of a young boy.
"Hey! Put me down! I need to get in the castle!"
Malon saw a young boy getting carried out by one of the castle guards. The boy looked familiar. 'I remember him,' she thought. It was the fairy boy she met earlier in the day. She saw the guard throw the boy about two feet, where he landed on his face.
"And stay out, you little brat!" the guard yelled. "The princess doesn't cater to the likes of you!"
Malon felt sorry for the boy. He seemed to shake off the hard fall and began looking towards the large stalk around where she was standing. The boy grabbed the stalk. That's when Malon decided to make conversation.
"What are you doing, fairy boy?"
The boy looked at her strangely. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm gonna climb this vine and go see the princess."
Malon looked confused. "Why do you want to see the princess so badly? Don't you know what the guards will do if they catch you?"
The boy still had that same look. "It's none of your business why I want to see the princess. And the guards won't catch me."
Malon smiled. "Whatever you say, fairy boy."
The boy frowned. "And stop calling me 'fairy boy.' I have a name, you know."
Malon giggled. "Oh yeah. What is your name, fairy boy?"
The boy groaned. "My name's Link."
"I'm Malon."
"I know. You told me already. When we met in the town."
The farm girl giggled again. "Oh yeah. Hey, fairy boy? Can you do me a favor?"
The boy, Link, began to grow impatient. "What? I'm in a hurry."
"My daddy went into the castle to deliver some milk and he hasn't come back. I think he fell asleep." The ten-year old girl smiled. "Sometimes I can't figure out adults."
Link looked confused. "A…dults?
"You know, adults. Grown-ups, silly."
"Uh, oh yeah. I don't see a lot of adults."
"You don't? What about your parents?"
"Parents?"
Malon knew she wasn't getting anywhere. "Never mind. Just find my daddy as long as you're in there. And take this with you." She handed Link an egg.
Link looked at the egg strangely. "What is it?"
Malon giggled again. "It's an egg. It's kind of weird, though."
Link stuffed it in his pocket. "Fancy that, a weird egg. Well, thanks. I'd better get going."
Link climbed up the vines and left Malon alone. If she knew her father, he probably was asleep. She hoped Link could find him, assuming he didn't get caught.
"AAAAHHHHH!!!"
Sure enough, it was Link. It looked like he got caught and was once again thrown out by the guards. He proceeded to land on his face again.
Link went back to the vine and looked at Malon. "He got lucky. He won't catch me this time." Then the young boy, seemingly undaunted, continued up the vine and into the castle. Malon had a feeling it would be like that all night.
Malon laughed when she thought of that night. "You had to have been thrown out like twenty times. I think I even started measuring how far the guard threw you after a while."
Link didn't smile as much as he gripped the vine. "I think he threw me head-first into the trees a couple of times. Well, let's go."
"Link, really. Think about this. You were a kid back then. Of course they'd just throw you out. But you're an adult now."
"A…dult?"
Malon groaned. "Now cut that out. You know what I mean. If they catch you, they won't have any problem throwing you into the dungeon."
Link grinned. "You mean throwing 'us' into the dungeon."
Malon frowned at that thought. "That's the other thing I have a problem with. You can't be serious about having me come along. You got lucky to get past the guards all by yourself."
"Well, YOU wanted to come."
It was true. Malon had nearly forgotten why she came in the first place. She had to go 'supervise' this meeting, as much as Malon hated to refer to it that way.
But Link continued before she said anything. "And besides, I won't get caught."
"That's what you said last time."
"I mean it this time. They got lucky back then. It's different now. I'm a little older. And I'm definitely much more skilled." As if on cue, Link jumped and grabbed a loose vine and fell flat on his back.
Malon looked down at the dazed Hero of Time and smirked. "Oh how could I EVER doubt your awesome skill, oh mighty hero."
"Just help me up," Link moaned.
Rather than help him up, though, Malon started climbing a firm vine. "Hurry up, slowpoke."
Link finally got to his feet and climbed the vine. He looked out towards the huge dwelling that was Hyrule Castle. "Yep, feels just like old times."
Chapter 8
Malon looked towards the castle. She couldn't believe how big the place really was. "Well," she said looking at Link. "Lead the way."
Link went past the gate and jumped down. He looked up at the nervous farm girl. "Come on, Malon. I'll catch you."
Malon looked down, closed her eyes, and jumped down into the arms of Link. She had to admit that being in Link's arms did feel a bit romantic.
That is, until Link opened his big mouth. "Malon, have you gained weight?"
Malon slapped Link in the back of the head. "Just shut up and let's keep going."
Malon could do nothing but follow Link's every move. They ducked behind every bush and rock. Then Malon followed Link into the moat. Link took Malon by the hand and dragged her in before she could even react. She nearly wanted to kill Link after they came out of the moat.
But she felt it would be better to just keep going. "Well, now where do we go?"
But the look she saw on Link's face disturbed her. Something was wrong.
Link finally broke the silence. "I…forgot…about the water duct."
Malon's anger was rising. "What water duct?"
"The duct I crawled through when I was a kid. I sort of forgot about it."
"Meaning…?"
"Meaning I can't fit."
Malon groaned. "Well, now what?"
Link's face brightened. It looked like he had an idea. "Well, I could do this." Link pulled out a bomb.
The farm girl wasn't convinced. "Won't the explosion be a little LOUD?!"
"You know…I do believe you're right," Link said, but he appeared undaunted. "But I have an idea. Light the fuse and I'll be right back. I'm going to create a diversion."
Before Malon could say anything, Link ran off. She didn't argue. She jumped the moat and lit the bomb around the water duct. After a painfully long minute, the bomb exploded. It left a hole big enough for her and Link to be able to crawl through. She expected the guards to come running in any minute to investigate the explosion, but the only one who came back was Link.
Malon was curious. "What did you do?"
Link stood proudly. "I said there was a bomb in the town."
Malon couldn't believe it. "You said there was a BOMB? You created a fake bomb scare?"
Link still stood conceitedly. "Ok, maybe I created a little panic. But I'm getting us in. No one gets hurt and every guard in the castle is gone." Link started crawling through the hole. "Well, let's go."
Malon groaned. This would be a long night.
When Malon and Link finished crawling through the space, they saw guards walking through nearly every corner of the castle courtyard.
"Every guard, huh?" Malon asked.
"Never mind," Link said. "They'll never see us coming."
The Hero of Time seemed confident enough, so why shouldn't Malon? She followed Link, ducking behind every bush and statue. Malon gazed in awe at the beautiful bushes and fountains in the courtyard. But she didn't stare too long, as Link moved around fast. At one point, the two even walked above one of the guards on a narrow walkway. Finally, after passing two guards patrolling a hedge and a statue, Malon and Link could see the inner courtyard.
"This is where I met Princess Zelda," Link said. "We're here."
As Malon walked through the passage leading to the inner courtyard, she saw that Link's cockiness began to emerge.
"I knew it," he said coolly. "They could never catch me. Same old dumb guards. See Malon, some things never change."
"HALT!!!"
Link level of boldness took a deep plunge. When Malon and Link entered the inner courtyard, two guards had stopped them. One to the left, and one to the right of the entrance.
Link could only state the obvious. "Then again…"
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