Legend of The Sky

by Storm Silverwing

A Pokemon-based re-write of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But, some things aren't quite the same. How will things turn out for our heroes?

2. Enter Darunia

Link went back to Mido who was quite surprised to see him.

"What a surprise to see you back!" Mido smirked, "You were taking so long I thought you must have died… It's a pity that you didn't. You certainly have not gotten out in one piece. How is the Great Deku Tree? If you got as far as him that is."

"He is dead, he died of a curse." Said Link knowing full well what Mido's reaction would be.

"WHAT!" Link stood back as Mido exploded with rage. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN HIS DEAD?"

"He is dead; don't you know what that is?" Link asked, he then realized he should not have said that.

"YOU KILLED HIM? YOU MURDERER HOW CAN YOU! YOU LITTLE-"

"I don't have an axe on me Mido; do you think I set fire to him?" Link's stupid comment only made Mido fume.

"SO YOU ADMIT IT DO YOU? YOU KILLED THE GREAT DEKU TREE!"

"I am telling you I was only trying to save him." Link tried to calm Mido down before he got any worse.

'OH ONLY TRYING TO SAVE HIM WERE WE!" Mido did not stop. He kept on going. "YOU AND YOUR STUPID FAIRY CAN LEAVE!"

"Oh shut up Mido!" Said Mori and Navi shouted at the same time. Already his yelling was attracting a lot of attention.

"Link." Said Navi. "I think you better leave. Fast!"

"HOW DARE YOU? YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS! I KNOW YOU KILLED HIM YOU'RE COVERED IN BLOOD!"

"Mido!" Said Link slowly, trying to make Mido understand. "It was a monster-"

"OH IT WAS A MONSTER. I TELL YOU WHAT! I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU! I-"

"What's going on here?" Saria had come over to see what was wrong. "Oh my, Link you're covered in blood, are you alright?"

"Yes," Said Link.

"OF COURSE HE IS ALRIGHT; HE HAS GOT BLOOD ON HIM BECAUSE HE KILLED THE GREAT DEKU TREE!"

"What! I... I don't believe it, Link would never do such a thing!" Said Saria defending Link.

"WELL YOU ARE WRONG! ANYWAY I WILL JUST GO AND INVESTIGATE FOR MYSELF!"

He pushed Link sending him flying onto the ground. Link's head smacked on his shield, cursing he got up and stared into the maze, he was not surprised to hear a loud scream but his heart still sank.

"HELP! HELP!"

"Oh my!" Gasped Saria.

Link and Saria raced along the path and found Mido being viciously attacked by a deku baba; Link stared shocked for a moment. That had not moved last time!

After a moments hesitation Link slashed at the vicious plant and immediately it let go of Mido and burnt up.

"HOW DARE YOU COME AND SAVE ME! I WAS HANDLING IT FINE!" Shouted Mido, he punched Link in the face, sending him to the ground.

"If you were handling it fine." Said Saria coldly. "You wouldn't have been shouting for help."

"I didn't shout for help." Mido said his voice now very hoarse. "NOW GET OF MY SIGHT!"

"Very well." Said Link getting up, he had had enough of Mido and he went off.

"Now look what you've done, you're an idiot Mido!" Saria said angrily.

Some other Korkiri were coming over to see what was wrong, they all looked as Link departed.

"IF YOU LOVE HIM SO MUCH THEN YOU CAN LEAVE TO! AS FOR THE REST OF YOU YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED IN HERE!" Yelled Mido he got up and stomped off, sobbing as he went.

"Gee." Said a boy coming up to Saria. "His in a really foul mood... What is this about the Great Deku Tree being dead?"

"He was cursed." Said Saria. "Link tried to save him."

"Then Mido ought to be grateful... But who's going to look after us?"

"I don't know-" Suddenly Saria paused and raced off after Link.

Navi raced along silently with Link not saying a word. As Link crossed over the bridge that led through the woods and out of the forest, he heard someone calling him, Saria.

Link stopped and looked back.

"Saria you cannot come." Said Link as she approached.

"I know." Said Saria, she seemed quite upset; her bright blue eyes glistened with tears.

"What's the matter? Mido hasn't been hurting you has he?"

"No, he went away. Probably sulking by now... It's just I always knew you would leave the forest."

Link was stunned. "How is it everyone knows absolutely everything about me?" He asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry I annoyed you." Saria said sensing that Link was angry. "I am sorry Link, I never told you what my meetings with the Great Deku Tree were about, I really wanted to tell you Link but he forbid me, now you can guess what they are about, I'm sorry."

"That's okay." Link said. "Mido was with you though wasn't he? He would have known."

"The Great Deku Tree did not tell him everything, he did not tell him very much. He kept it a secret so that Mido would not banish you… Link, before you leave I would like you to have something, don't worry I have another one."

She held out her hand in it was a beautiful ocarina.

"It's a magical ocarina. Magic ones are rare but I have come across a few."

"It's beautiful ." Said Link, taking it, "Thankyou Saria."

"Your nose is bleeding Link, that must have been a nasty blow he gave you," Said Saria, she handed him a handkerchief.

"Thanks," Said Link wiping the blood and mud off his face.

"You best be going now, after you have seen the princess why don't you come to my spot in the woods."

"Alright," Link said sounding a little puzzled. "I will... See you later Saria."

"Bye."

"Link come on." Said Navi irritably. "We've got to see the princess."

"You better go." Said Saria and Link turned away and went through a log leading through the hedge that led out of the forest. Saria watched Link as he departed; tears rolled down her cheeks and fell to the ground.

"Good luck," she whispered, wiping a hand across her tearstained face.

Link made his way through the gap in the wall in the wall sealing the forest from the outside world and crawled out into an open space. The trees were further apart from each other here and fewer. Tree stumps covered the area around him and a sign stood by the forest entrance.

Dangar, do not enter this forest. A dire fate awaits those who do.

Walking to the edge of the trees Link came to the edge of the forest..Before him lay a vast plain of dirt and grass, with very few trees and it stretched out beyond the horizon. Link had never seen a place with so few trees.

He stared in shock for a few moments, and then he heard a hooting noise and looked up at a dead tree to see an owl glaring at him.

"Shoo!" He said to it, "I don't have any food on me."

"Why say so then," The owl remarked, Link gaped in shock, the owl hooted. "What haven't you ever heard of a talking owl Why are you so surprised? Or are you just dull-witted? Surely my friend the Great Deku Tree has told you about me."

"Sure" Said Link, remembering what the Great Deku Tree had said about the owl. "I didn't exactly understand what he said though. What is your name?"

"My name is Kaepora Gabora... I see you are starting out on your quest... a long journey awaits you my friend."

"How did you-"

"The Great Deku Tree of course!" Kaepora interrupted. "I knew him... I was a friend of his; I guess he has passed away like he told me he would."

Link nodded, the owl gave a feeble sounding hoot.

"The fate of the forest is undecided," the owl hooted sadly. "I believe you want to know how to get to Hyrule castle?"

"Yes please." Said Link.

"You better hurry; it is a good day's journey from here. That is if you can run without getting tired. Just follow the path and signs."

"A day's journey?"

"Yes... You best be on your way. We shall meet again soon I feel."

"Can you lead me there?"

"What… lead you? No. I cannot. Sorry! But your fairy will be able to remember the way now I have told her."

"I have a name, it's Navi!" Navi said.

"Why so sorry little miss." The owl said, "I must leave you now."

With that, the owl flew off.

"I really don't like that owl," Navi said.

Link ignored her and gazed out at the almost barren landscape before him, he took one look back at the forest, the leaves of the trees rustling softly in the soft breeze, before turning to face the field. Link took a deep breath and walked along the road.

By late afternoon Link was drenched in sweat and exhausted, every step was becoming painful and the putrid smell of his tunic was making him dizzy. The hot son bore down on him; Link was not used to this at all.

"I wish I had a horse... You know those legendary beasts." He said.

"They exist." Said Navi, she was keeping a noticeable distance from Link.

As the sun disappeared over the western horizon and the night settled in, Link caught site of a settlement ahead in the distance. The thought of food and rest, provided he could stay, drove him on. His stomach rumbled hungrily. In the distance, a wolf howled welcoming the new night. Link hoped he would not have to meet one.

As Link approached the glowing lights of the settlement, he saw there was a huge fence around it made out of rock.

"I don't think that is the castle." Said Link.

"No it's not," Said Navi. "We should go on."

"I don't know how much further I can go," muttered Link. "We have been walking since this morning."

"Come on Link, keep going." Navi urged. Link wanted to protest but thought better of it.

He continued onwards, it was not long before they finally came in sight of the wall. Link suddenly realized something that caused him to trip on a fallen tree branch, clambering back up he gazed at the drawbridge. He could see the two torches blazing on either side of it. It was familiar alright and with that he felt somewhat fearful of what lay ahead, he shook his head and sighed.

"What is wrong?" Navi asked.

"Nothing." Said Link shakily. "It's just... I've been here before."

"What?"

"In my sleep of course, it wasn't a very good dream either."

Moving on towards the wall Link saw that the drawbridge had been raised for the night. There was no getting in, even over the wall.

"Looks like we will have to wait," Said Link.

"Never-" Navi began, she was interrupted as the ground in front of them shifted as something came towards the surface. The dirt parted and the arm of a skeleton grasped at air, more dirt shifted and moved aside as a creature rose itself out of the ground. It was a skeleton.

All around him Link recognized the little mounds; they were where the creatures lived during the day. Even as he stared at them, the mounds began to move and collapse before his very eyes, Link drew his sword. Another skeleton appeared, followed by another. As the first one leapt at him with one of its bony, clawed hands Link swung his sword, which sawed through the bone with ease. The creature reacted, gazing at the stump of bone to Link before attacking again. Link swung his sword again cutting the creatures neck. It fell to the ground in a heap and burnt up. Link looked around at the other creatures, there were around ten of them but he was too interested in escaping to count.

Link took a step back treading on one of the mounds, the earth collapsed and a hand grasped hold of his leg. With a yelp of surprise, Link swung around and cut the skeleton's arm. The creature withdrew into the soil. Realizing he was going to be surrounded Link charged at the skeletons in front of him shield raised to protect him from their claws. With a single stroke with his sword, Link brought one of the skeletons down. The other two alongside it advanced on him. Knowing he could not face them all Link retreated, carefully avoiding the occasional mound in the soil as he ran. With the last of his strength Link sprinted to the settlement he had walked passed earlier. He clambered up the wall and fell over the other side landing in a heap on the ground. Link hardly noticed the pain in his back. Getting up he looked at the wall and then at the ground, there were no mounds in sight.

"That was close." He panted, "What were those things?"

"Stalchildren... cursed Skeletons."

"Oh more cursed things... Who is behind this?" Link asked.

"The desert man... remember?"

"Oh... yeah." Said Link faintly, he felt dizzy and exhausted; he staggered and collapsed unconscious onto the ground.

"First blood... now EWW!" Navi flew away from Link. "Gross what a bad smell!"

In his sleep, Link dreamt of singing... a beautiful song... Then he heard someone calling to him.

"Hey fairy boy! Wake up!"

Link opened his eyes and saw a young girl in a strange dress that looked nothing like his tunic was looking at him.

"Wow! You must have been tired; I see you were attacked during the night. You must be new to here, never travel at night. I mean you must have been really tired, tired enough to sleep on horse poo."

Link got up and looked quite alarmed, Navi laughed.

"It's alright, I could tell you collapsed. Come you need a bath badly... My fathers not here, so he left me in charge of helping Ingo with the ranch."

"Are you Zelda?" Link asked still half-asleep and very delirious.

The girl laughed and so did Navi, her laugh turned into a snigger.

"Why no! My name is Malon, I do know Princess Zelda, why everyone does... are you looking for her?"

Link nodded.

"What is your name fairy boy?"

"Link." Link replied dizzily.

"Nice name."

Link staggered as he got up, Malon helped him.

"You need to be cleaned up. Come I will help you. Were you with anyone else?"

"No," Link said.

"Where are your parents?"

"Who?" Link asked, he had never heard of that word.

"You are still half asleep aren't you?" Said Malon, "Never mind I'll fix you up."

Malon washed Links clothes and let him have a bath; Link had only been in river water to bath. This water was very nice though. It was difficult for Link to describe the sensation that flowed through him as he sat in that warm water. His entire body was aching from exhaustion. Never in his life had Link experienced such a relaxing feeling as that.

'I would not mind trying this again someday soon,' he thought as he started scrubbing himself with soap.

Malon came in and left Link's clothes, now clean on a small table. She also left a small bowl of water so Link could wipe his face and two towels.

Once Link had finished cleaning himself up and dressed, he walked up to find Malon had prepared some breakfast for him, which she laid out on the table, gesturing for Link to sit down.

"Thank you for helping me out," Said Link.

"Oh that is okay," Said Malon. "We always get people taking refuge from the nightly horrors here."

"They don't come her?" Asked Link.

"Oh no, the horses scare them."

"Do you live here with anyone else?"

"My mum passed away a long time ago, as for my father he went to the castle yesterday-"

"Mother? Father? Who are they?" Link asked quite confused, having never known what a mother or father is.

"Alas," Malon said, "I thought you were just tired but you must have suffered a concussion. Poor you."

"What's that?" Link asked now quite baffled by Malon's strange use of words.

"Do not worry. It is all right… Anyway, as I was saying my father supposed to be back by now, Ingo will be furious… he is in the stables at the moment looking after our cows. Later do you want to come to the Market by Hyrule Castle? You'll need a hand getting around the place."

"I'd like to have some company."

"That'll be great, say why don't we have a look at the horses?" She asked.

"I've always wanted one, can we ride them?"

Malon shook her head.

"Not with out my fathers permission, Ingo won't allow me. Besides there is only one small horse... I'll show her to you."

Link helped Malon wash up and they went out to have a look at the horses.

"Beautiful aren't they?" She asked Link, Link nodded.

"Is that the small one over there?" Link asked looking at a small chestnut coloured horse on the other side of the paddock.

"Yes that's her; she only comes if you play her song."

"Huh?"

"You have an Ocarina right? I will teach it to you... I must admit I saw your waste bag you've got some interesting things."

"Thanks," Said Link, not sure he liked the idea of somebody going through his things. He got out the fairy ocarina.

"It goes like this." Said Malon and she began to sing. When she stopped, Link grinned.

"That's beautiful... Navi your awake!" Navi had just come out of Link's pocket looking agitated.

"She sleeps a lot." Said Malon.

"Why, thank you." Said Navi sarcastically; she was annoyed about Link's delay.

"Do you think I could see the princess covered in blood and horse poo?" Link asked her.

"Of course not," Said Navi, Malon laughed.

"Let's play." Said Malon, repeat after me. Malon played her song and Link quickly learnt the notes then played it.

"Wow, you're a quick learner!" Said Malon.

"Thanks." Link said just then the small pony came up and began to nudge him.

"She likes you," Said Malon. "We better get going to the market, it will be lunchtime by the time we get there."

"You said your… who was it? Had to go to the castle, is there any chance you could get me inside, I doubt I would be able to on my own."

"You wouldn't be able to, the guards know me though. I am a friend of Zelda. Though she seems very quiet these days, doesn't talk much at all."

"What's wrong with her?" Link asked.

"I don't know, I asked her and she said it was private... She seems very afraid of the king's new friend named Ganondorf... She calls him the desert man."

"WHAT?" Link yelled by accident, scaring Epona and taking Malon by surprise. "I'm sorry; I just got a little startled."

"That's okay." Said Malon staring peculiarly at him. "We better get going."

"If the kings made friends with that evil man, things are already starting to look bad." Navi whispered to Link as he followed Malon to the ranch exit.

"I know." Link said, he had a bad feeling about their present situation; he might as well enjoy being with Malon for now.

As they began to head off back to the house, a rather tall man with a pointed moustache came over to them; Link's first impression was that he was not very nice. In fact the mans smug appearance reminded Link of Mido. They often say that first impressions are usually wrong, this time Link's first impression of Ingo wasn't wrong.

"Ingo, this is Link. Link meet Ingo?"

"Link eh? What kind of a name is that? Another straggler I suppose." Ingo said in a gruff voice, "Where is that father of yours! He is supposed to be back. I'm tired of having to do all the work!"

"I'm sure he'll be back soon." Malon said.

"That is what you always say! He's been gone for ages!"

"Well yes," Malon said with some concern, "Maybe he's got caught up with something."

"Maybe he's been chastised by one of those damned skeletons… that'd serve him right." Ingo snarled and he walked off.

"Just ignore him," Malon said. "He is a bit deranged."

"What?" Link asked.

"Never mind," Link said.

They did not talk very much for most of the journey and soon they arrived at the drawbridge and soon came to Hyrule Castle Town. It was a big and busy town; the streets were crowded with chattering people, kids playing and laughing, dogs barking, horses neighing and chickens. They walked up through the main street, where Link received many curious looks from the townsfolk. Malon received a warmer reception of waves and greetings.

They reached the town centre, which opened up in a large square with a fountain in the middle, market stalls could be found in neat rows against the buildings while shop assistants stood outside the door of the stores calling for people to come in and buy something.

Link just stared around in amazement, looking at the different stores. Never had he seen such a populous place, he felt dizzy. Everyone, well most people around the town was at least twice his height as well.

"Everyone's so tall," He muttered, Malon was looking concerned at him.

"Alas, his ordeal has driven him mad." She sighed.

Even more overwhelming to Link was the strange style of clothing everyone wore, Malon seemed well known for people waved at her and called out her name. It was not as bland as the clothing he wore, there was a larger variaty of clothing, none of them stuck out like Link in his little green outfit and his strange green hat.

"You're well known here," Said Link.

Malon smiled at him.

Just as overwhelming as the strange structures the looked much like Malon's house only much bigger. The amount of people staring at Link made him feel extremely uncomfortable; Malon noticed and led him out of the market to the far end of town, where the castle stood atop the hill, gazing on the bustling village before it. The castle was an impressive sight and Link was in awe of it. Malon lead Link along the path around the side of the hill. They walked passed the tall and proud walls separating the castle from the outside world and onto the gate. The guard leant lazily against the wall as if bored of his duty. As he saw Link and Malon approaching he snapped to attention and gazed at them, he recognized Malon but was at a loss as to who her companion was.

"Hello Malon." Said the guard at the gate. "Come to see Zelda? You know you are quite privileged; there are plenty of kids out there that would do anything to meet her. I had two boys here the other day begging for me to let them get her autograph. One kid even managed to get in the through the sewers, not sure how though. He really stank when we found him."

"Is it alright if I take my friend along?" She asked.

"Sure but don't do anything that will get you thrown out." He said to Link and signalled for the gatekeeper to open the gate. They walked through, went up the hill, and strode towards the castle drawbridge.

"HEY MALON!" One of them yelled he seemed very amused about something. "You are looking for your father?"

"Yeah I am." Said Malon.

"I guess you won't be pleased to know he's asleep by the door to the castle courtyard."

"Thanks for telling me." Said Malon, the guard grinned his companion laughed.

"My father is a real joke to the guards... Always falling asleep. They just leave him to it."

They went along the side of the castle and came to a door by it was a man sleeping by two boxes, he was rather beefy man, he had a very bushy moustache.

"Meet my father Talon." Said Malon. "HAY WAKE UP SLEEPY HEAD!"

The man continued to snore loudly, Malon rolled her eyes and slapped Talon hard across the face shocking Link yet the man only stirred. Malon let out a frustrated groan.

"May I borrow one of your empty bottles?" She asked.

"Sure," Said Link reaching into his waste pack and pulling one of the bottles out, it returned to normal size.

"That's really weird; I thought only Hylian's possessed magic."

"What? What's a Hylian?" Link asked.

"Let's just say I'm a Hylian, you're a fairy boy," Said Malon, she went over to the moat and scooped up some water, then threw it on her fathers face.

Talon spluttered and gave a cough finally waking up.

"WHAT THE DEVIL?" He cried, he sighted Malon who was now wearing her hands on her hips. "Oh Malon what a surprise? Did I fall asleep."

"Yes you did." Said Malon angrily.

"I'm sorry... Oh is this a friend of yours?" He looked at Link.

"His name is Link and... Well he has a fairy but she also keeps falling asleep." Link blushed and peered into his pocket, sure enough Navi was asleep.

"She's probably tired." Said Link. "She was awake a minute ago."

Malon gave Link the empty bottle back while Talon knocked on the door at the towers base and a guard opened it.

"Oh hello, you' are late again." The guard said a grin playing on his face.

"My apology to the king." Said Talon blushing.

"I will let him know... Does your daughter wish to see Zelda?"

"Yes," Said Talon.

"Very well then, come through," the guard said cheerfully, "Impa might need some convincing though."

Link followed Malon into the castle courtyard.

"I guess I better take this to the king." Talon said.

Link followed Malon through the courtyard, the guards greeted her on her way, and the courtyard was full of fountains, statues and even more hedge mazes, which Link was very familiar with. A lot of the statues and fountains bore the identical triangular pattern symbols, Navi; having just woken up, explained to him that it was the triforce.

"It's a huge courtyard." Link said. "I'm surprised you know your way around... besides how did you come to meet the princess?"

"Many ask me that question. I met her while my father was delivering milk to the castle."

"Milk?" Link looked confused, is that what her father had meant by giving this to the king.

"My father runs a business of selling milk from the ranch… I put some in your waist bag, don't waste it."

They walked on until they came to an archway leading into a beautiful garden, which reminded Link slightly of the forest meadow. At the entrance stood a woman, Link had never seen a woman like her or at least that was his original impression. She was very tall, stern looking and had very pointy ears. A moment later Link realized he had actually seen her; she seemed to notice his face go very pale.

"Hello, I'm sorry Malon, Zelda's having a little private time at the moment, come back later."

'What's wrong with her?" Link asked nervously.

"I haven't seen you around here before? Are you new? You must be from one of Hyrule's outer provinces if I'm not mistaken," Impa said staring at Link. "Is that a fairy?"

She looked at Navi her eyes suddenly widening.

"My name is Link, I'm from the forest just near Hyrule field, and this is my fairy Navi."

"Link, hmm." The woman paused. "My name is Impa, Zelda's nurse you may pass… Sorry Malon you'll have to stay behind."

"That's ok, I'll just go outside and wait for my father… he may be a while." She glanced curiously at Link, waved and then walked off.

Confused at Imp's reaction to him Link walked through the archway and into a tranquil were many flowers scattered about, in the middle of the garden stood a small fountain. Butterflies darted here and there amongst the flowers, displaying their beautiful wings.

'They really love fountains' Link thought as he looked at the one in front of him.

As Link walked through the garden, he saw a beautiful young girl staring into a window at the end of the garden on a small porch. She wore a dress and a strange garment on her head which Link was not familiar with, her cloths were a pink and white colour, Link found the pink distasteful. The girl herself seemed very young, no older than Link at least. As he approached her, Link could not help feeling that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, he shook his head shaking off the thought.

"I mustn't, it's an insult to Saria," He muttered to himself, Navi giggled and Link gave her a look of disapproval.

"Go on," Said Navi encouragingly.

As Link approached the steps to where the princess was looking into the window, she suddenly froze and tilted her head to the right and gave a gasp as she noticed Link. She seemed alarmed and startled and was about to scream out something, Link managed to stop her.

"Sorry to scare you." Said Link stammering a little and blushing, "Are you Zelda?"

"Yes... I am, how do you know my name." Zelda asked, she seemed to calm down a little after taking in Link's appearance.

"I was told to look for you," Link said trying to sound confident, he was not sure what to say.

"By who?" She asked looking onfused.

"The Great Deku Tree," Said Link, why did he say that? She would not know about him, would she?

"The Great Deku Tree... that name sounds familiar... oh you have got a fairy... now I see, you must be from the forest! What is your name?" Zelda sounded suddenly a little thrilled at something.

"My name is Link, this is my fairy Navi," Said Link. "How did you know that I am from the forest?"

"It's hard to explain although, you look familiar. Besides your kind is well known in Hylian folklore," Said Zelda, "Your name is familiar to, like I have heard it before."

"I must admit you look familiar, I remember I saw you in a dream."

"A dream?" Zelda asked curiously, "But you have never seen me before? Did it look like me?"

"Yes, you were wearing the exact some clothing," Said Link, Zelda began to look worried.

"Link," Said Zelda in a very serious voice that made Link anxious. 'I do not think that was a dream, it was a vision. What happened?"

Though puzzled and unnerved by Zelda's reaction Link told her what happened. She suddenly looked very afraid.

"Look in that window that I was looking in, does that man... look familiar to you?" She asked speaking very slowly. She stepped aside to let Link look.

Link looked in the window and caught a glimpse of the throne room, from what he could tell it must have been very big, a couple of guards were at the far wall and a man was kneeling to the king. Link recognized the man's black armour and green skin. The man's image had been drilled into his memory. With a thrill of horror, he realized it was the same man from his dream.

"The desert man." Link whispered.

"Pardon," Zelda looked at Link.

Ganondorf looked at Link, his eyes narrowed and his gaze was piercing. With a slight gasp Link quickly jumped out of sight.

"What's wrong?" Zelda asked. "Did he see you?"

"The desert man..." Link gasped, surely he was dreaming, this could not be happening. He felt embarrassed

as he almost collapsed shaking in front of Zelda, fighting against the fit he was going through Link struggled to speak… it was the same fit he experienced often during the night. "It was him... the one from my dream this can't be."

"Can you tell me anything else?" She asked.

"No," Said Link regaining his strength, "That is all."

"You are certain I was running away from him. It was him right?"

Link nodded, Zelda sighed.

"To be honest you are not the only one who has been experiencing strange premonitions of late… I have also been experiencing peculiar dreams… Now I know why you seem so familiar, I have seen you before."

"What?" Link asked quite bewildered. "We have never met."

"You saw me in a dream and I have seen you in a dream… you were holding a stone, a green shining one… an emerald I think. Like the one in the throne room."

"The Korikiri Emerald?" Asked Link

"Do you have it?" She asked sounding excited.

Link withdrew the stone from his pocket.

"That's it, that's the stone." She said excitedly, "I recognize it."

"What's so important about them?" Link asked. "So important that, the desert man… Ganondorf sorry… would want it so badly that he would kill the guardian of the forest where I live."

"This is one of the stones that protect the master sword. If an evil man got his hands on the sword he would be able to reach the triforce, which gives those who touch it any wish they want. Do you remember seeing a temple just by the market?" Zelda asked.

"Yes I do. It was just outside the town," Said Link.

"If the three stones are placed on altar in the temple of time and one plays the song of time on the ocarina of time, the door of time will open. The master sword is within and by getting it one may be led to the triforce. You said the Deku tree was cursed because Ganondorf wanted that stone?"

"Yes."

"Then that means, he wants to get the stones to get the triforce so he can use it to rule Hyrule." Zelda began to look very worried. "You do know what the triforce is do you not?"

"Yes I know what it is," Said Link.

"You know its history?"

Link shook his head, "Not real well, I did not get to learn much before the Great Deku Tree died."

Zelda sighed, "I might as well tell you, there is a legend which goes like this. You know of the three goddesses creating the land?"

"Yes," Said Link.

"That makes it easier, upon leaving Hyrule the goddesses left behind three golden sacred triangles, which together form the triforce. Since it was such a powerful thing, the goddesses hid the Triforce somewhere in Hyrule to protect it. The triforce has the power to grant whoever touches it one wish, if a pure man were to make a wish it would lead Hyrule into a golden age but if an evil man made a wish… that is another story. The triforce was said to be hidden in a place called the sacred realm, to protect the triforce and the sacred realm the ancient sages of legend built the temple of time to protect the triforce from the evil ones. You see what I was trying to say before is if someone were to retrieve the three magic stones, the keys to the door of time in the temple would open. The one who pulled the master sword, the final safeguard against those who might want to use the Triforce, from the pedestal; they would be led to the sacred realm where the triforce lies. The door of time will only open with the three stones in place on the altar and if the sacred tune is played upon the Ocarina of Time in front of it. Do you get that?"

"Now I do," Said Link "What is the ocarina of time?"

"It Is a magical item protected by the members of the royal family given by the goddesses, so we may protect the triforce. Link you must stop Ganondorf, you must find the three stones. One is on Death Mountain; you can see it to the east from Hyrule field. Another in Zora's domain along the Zora River."

Link nodded.

"I promise you I will get the stones."

"You must hurry Link, time is already running out, the king has accepted Ganondorf into his service. I fear he may attempt to usurp the crown my father. My nurse will show you out of here... Oh I nearly forgot."

Zelda quickly reached in her pocket and pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment. She wrote something on it and passed it to Link.

"Magic quills, they never run out of ink," She said passing the note to Link. "Good luck."

"Don't worry Zelda, I'll get those stones. The Ocarina of Time, will it be safe from him?"

"Don't worry," Said Zelda, "I will protect it. Good luck Link, hopefully we will meet again soon."

Link turned and saw Impa at the archway, he walked over to her.

"So, you are indeed the one who is destined to save Hyrule," Said Impa.

"I guess so." Link mumbled blushing slightly, so much had happened in the last two days it was very hard to make sense of it all even with Navi's assistance.

"Don't worry," Said Impa. "You are not allowed passed the guards without an escort, I am amazed they even let you in with Malon, they not supposed to. I shall escort you... maybe you would like some company until we get to Hyrule field."

"That would be nice," Said Link. "Thank you.

"First, you I will teach you the song of the royal family. I call it Zelda's lullaby because it makes her go to sleep."

Link chuckled slightly and blushed covering his mouth and looking over at Zelda, she had not noticed. Nor had Impa who looked at Zelda as she walked up to them.

"This song will make people think you are a member of the royal family. Therefore, you will be allowed to go some places others are not allowed. If you see a Triforce insignia, play the song in front of it and something may happen. Listen carefully and play it on your Ocarina."

She whistled the tune, Link suddenly felt very tired. "Now you try."

Link played the tune and got it the first time.

"Very good... Oh dear! ZELDA WAKE UP!" Impa stared at Zelda who had at that moment fallen asleep as if there was some magic in the tune.

"The tune is magic as you can you see," Impa explained as Zelda picked herself up off the ground it was her turn to blush. "Sorry... I should have walked away."

"Indeed," Said Impa. "You will be glad to know I'm quite sure Link has learnt the tune... Link?"

'Yes I have." Said Link truthfully, he was feeling drowsy, something Navi noticed, as she broke into hysterical fits of laughter. "Alright, stop that!"

"Come now," Said Impa. Link turned to Zelda one last time. "I promise you Zelda I will do whatever I can to get those stones. I promise."

"I trust you Link," Said Zelda taking her eyes of Navi. "I trust you with all my life… just out of interest is that ocarina magic?"

"Yes it is," Said Link, "Why?"

"I thought so," Zelda said her eyes darkening a little, "that song is usually not that powerful. Good luck Link."

"Thank you." Said Link and together he and Impa walked off, Navi still laughing behind them until Link told her to shut up thus attracting disapproving stares from the guards.

"Sorry, my fairy misbehaves sometimes."

The guards stared in even more confusion while Navi stared at Link angrily.

"Thanks a bunch."

"No problem." Link said.

As they crossed over the drawbridge, Impa looked to the east.

"It's getting late; we must get out of the field before night falls. Come I will take you to my home town Kakariko village, the death mountain gate is on the outskirts of the village."

Link followed Impa to a bridge across a river, there was a large wall barring the way to the village, they entered through the gate after rousing the guard. The village was smaller than Hyrule castle town and much quieter. As they came into the village, Impa left Link who decided to visit the town's graveyard. As he looked around quietly observing the gravestones, he noticed a kid walking around poking at the ground with a stick.

"Hello." Link greeted the boy.

"Who are you?" The kid asked, looking up at Link with a suspicious glare.

"My names Link,"

"I look after Dampee the grave keeper's grave yard. Do not know why you would want to come here. They say it is cursed but I like it. Have a look around if you like, you might find something interesting… if you like bones."

"Thanks," said Link, unamused by the kid's words, he went on his way, walking over to a large tombstone near the end of the graveyard. He saw the triforce symbol on it.

"The royal family symbol,." Navi said. "Impa said if we see that symbol and play Zelda's lullaby it would do something."

Link played Zelda's lullaby and the strangest thing happened. It began to get very windy and clouds covered the sky. It started raining and there was a sudden clap of thunder.

"What?" Navi was startled.

"What's happening?" Link asked her.

"I'm not sure; it's got something to do with the song."

"Someone could have warned me," Link muttered.

"They did, just not very well."

As Navi spoke a lightning bolt struck the grave; Link gave a yell and dived out of the way as it exploded.

"What's going on?" The kid Link had seen before asked. "What did you do? The weather is not normally this crazy!"

"Nothing,." Said Link, "At least that's what I thought."

"Doesn't look like you did nothing," the kid remarked staring at the remains of the tombstone, he walked off.

Where the grave had been was and a ladder coming out of it. Link climbed down the ladder into the hole to find himself in some kind of crypt with lots of skeletons. It stank of death and decay.

"It is a graveyard after all," Said Link reassuring himself. He went over to a door only to have some iron bars block his entrance. A moment later something swooped at him, looking around Link saw what he thought was a bat.

"Go away!" Link yelled at it, the bat swooped at him again and another one swooped at him.

"These are no bats Link!" Said Navi, "They are keese, shoot them with your slingshot."

Link got his slingshot out of one of his pockets and fired at the keese killing them.

"Stupid things!" He muttered.

The door opened and he walked into another room, it was like a slimy swamp with a path through the middle of it. Only problem were the monsters in this room, the minute Link laid eyes on them he felt himself go icy cold, he shuddered and began to shake slightly, and he swayed nearly falling flat on his face.

"What are those things?" He asked Navi recovering his senses.

"Redeads or Zombies. Do not approach them at all costs!" She replied. "Their cries paralyse. Run across the bog."

"But, that stuff does not look good." Said Link.

"Just do it."

Link ran and sank ankle deep into a thick, slimy substance as he ran to some stairs. A foul dour emanated from the bog filling his nostrils, Link almost puked as he felt the bile rising in his throat. Just as he reached the stairs, one of the creatures saw him and let out an unearthly scream. Link was suddenly unable to move and Navi distracted the creature by flying in front of its face. As the strange spell lifted, Link felt himself drained of all his energy, gasping he crawled up the stairs and stumbled into a room, Navi flew in after him and he shut the door.

"Are you ok?" She asked Link.

"I will be?" He gasped, "Those things are horrible."

Link sat back against the door for a moment still shaky from the creatures spell, he looked over at the end of the room and noticed a huge stone tablet. Picking himself up slowly from the ground Link walked over to it and saw the notes to a song engraved on it, Link played the song on the ocarina and as he did he felt a bizarre sensation sweep over him and he stood frozen for a moment, then it was all over.

"What was that?" He asked Navi.

"The sun song probably makes time go faster." Said Navi, "Or freezes you in time until the songs spell takes effect."

"Let's get out of here." He said putting the Ocarina away, "I don't want to spend a minute longer in here."

To his surprise the monsters in the tomb had frozen. Not taking his chances, he ran out and went out of the tomb to find that it was night.

"Of course." He thought.

"HEY WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!" Yelled an angry and gruff voice. Link saw a man with a spade walk up to him, he almost drew his sword. "Where did you come from?"

"Sorry if I trespassed." Said Link, "I was only exploring.'

"Exploring eh?" Said Dampee, "You destroyed the royal grave. That it cost you a lot of rupees to fix it!"

"It was an accident honestly, I was playing a song and lightning struck it."

"A likely story!" Said Dampee. "That will be five hundred rupees to pay for the dmage?"

"Five hundred!" Exclaimed Link, "I don't have that much!"

"Well, you are only a young rascal of a kid! If I catch you vandalising again I will not be so lenient. It will be a thousand rupees, now clear off!

Link scampered as Dampee brandished his spade at him.

Once he was out of the graveyard, Link decided he would go and visit Saria. As he was going through the village he saw the gate that lead up Death Mountain and decided to have a little peak at what it was like. He couldn't see much beyond the gate except a rock strewn pathway and lots of huge boulders, it would be a bit of climbing getting up there.

"Excuse me." Link said as he approached the guard at the gate, the guard looked at him.

"What do you want?" He asked irritably.

"I was wondering if I could go up this mountain."

"Ha!" The guard laughed. "Sorry young lad, as much as you look like the adventurous type I cannot let you. It's way too dangerous up there."

"I think I can handle it," Said Link confidently.

The guard sighed, "Sorry kid…I'm not in the mood, clear off now."

"I have a note, if you would just like to look at it," said Link, pulling out Zelda's letter and giving it to him.

The guard sighed, muttering something under his breath.

"What's this...? Why this is Princess Zelda's writing? What is she up to know? Your name is Link?"

"Yes," Link replied.

The guard started laughing almost to the point of tears. "So... You are here to save Hyrule, why you are not even a knight or a squire even!"

"I insist that you let me pass." Link said he had not idea what a knight was or a squire.

"All right but you will need a better shield. That wooden one will fry; there is a shop in the market place, which sells shields. I can give you this note so you can have a discount."

"Thanks." Said Link as the guard got out a quill and wrote on a small piece of paper.

"When you come back with a better shield, I will let you through." The guard said as Link walked away, as he walked away the guard called out, "I must admit, you remind me of someone I knew once, your name does, too."

Taking little notice of the guard's comment, Link walked out of the journey back to the forest proved a little more enjoyable than the one to Hyrule castle, Link was not already tired from slaying some great arachnid and he was not saturated in blood that smelt horrible.

Link reached the forest at nightfall; he found the entrance through the wall and the hedge covering it. Link continued through the fallen log that had smashed straight across the wall, and across the bridge, leading passed the stream as he came into Korkiri village.

The boy guarding the exit was snoozing as Link crawled through the log, he must have heard Link in the undergrowth for he gave a startled yelp and stared in fear at the hollow log Link was using to get through the undergrowth. He gave a sigh of relief as he saw Link crawl out and stand up.

"You scared the life out of me Link!" He exclaimed, "You shouldn't creep up on people like that."

"Sorry," said Link, "It is a bit late for you to be here don't you think?"

"Yeah it is but Mido wanted me to guard the log. I am swapping my post with one of the other boys soon. So how are you? We thought you would have died from leaving the forest. All except Saria… did you end up leaving the forest?"

"No," Link lied, "I've been in the woods."

"You are lucky you did not get lost. You do know why they call it the Lost Woods don't you?"

"You've told me that one before," Link reminded him.

"Oh yeah, sorry," the boy mumbled blushing.

"Do you know where Saria is?" Link asked.

"She is asleep at the moment." The boy said,

"I could use some rest," said Link, Navi groaned.

"Ok, I will see you around." The boy called after Link as he walked away.

"You could use the sun song and she would wake up." Navi suggested as she bobbed in front of Link's face on the way to his house.

"I would rather not do that Navi, unless it is necessary. Besides I am simply frozen in time for a short period I wouldn't be getting much done."

"That is a good point," Navi replied, "You could waste years playing that song."

Link climbed the ladder to his house and, after removing his sword and shield, collapsed on his bed.

"Navi," he said sleepily, "Don't take your eyes off my waist bag, the emerald is inside it."

"I won't," she replied. "I will alert you if I notice anything strange."

While Navi obediently kept watch over Link's waist bag, Link fell fast asleep.

Link arose the later than he had intended the next morning; he changed his tunic and had something to eat. After he had finished he left his house, grabbing the necessary equipment and headed over to Saria's house.

"Hey Link," called Rowan, a boy the same age of Link but smaller, he was standing by a pile of rocks next to Saria's house.

"Hi Rowan," Link greeted him, "Is Saria home?"

"She went out, I do not know where. I doubt the know it all brothers know either. You could try Mido."

"If he is in the mood," said Link, "she didn't leave you a message or anything."

"No she didn't." Said Rowan, "She just greeted me and went off somewhere."

Link went over to Mido's house, wondering how Mido would react to seeing Link again. Herbor, another friend of Link's was standing by Mido's house.

"Hi Link, how are you?" Herbor greeted him.

"Good thanks, what are you doing?"

"Mido wants me to remove all the bushes around his house; he has been a lot bossier lately. After what happened."

"Have you seen Saria?"

"No, I could get my fairy to ask Mido's fairy though." Said Herbor, "I doubt the know It all brothers would know."

Link smiled weakly, the know it all brothers were two boys who lived together up the hill and knew a lot about the forest but nothing passed that.

The boy's fairy whizzed into Mido's house a few minutes later he came back out.

"Mido is asleep; his fairy told me that Saria is at her little place. By the temple." The fairy said.

"The what?" Herbor looked puzzled, "You mean that place where Mido and Saria never lets us? She never lets us into those woods anyway."

"Thanks, I better get going. Bye." Link said hastily.

"Bye." The boy stared at Link in confusion as he left.

As Link entered the woods he spotted Kaepora Gabora the owl he had met on his journey to Hyrule castle.

"Hello!" Said the owl, "So you did it? You found the princess. Well done, you're off to a good start."

"Thanks," Said Link.

"You know how to find your way?"

"Quite," Link said, 'Just follow the song of the nymphs to the temple, its loudest there."

"You are bright. How did you know about the forest nymphs?"

"Saria told me," Said Link, he realized he did not recognize the tune they were playing, they always sang the same sad tunes but now this one was entirely different, it was lively.

"In that case good luck, we will meet again soon. I hope."

With that, the owl flew off and Link went on through the woods, as he went he saw a strangely dressed kid slumped by a tree stump.

"Hello," Link called to him, the kid looked up at Link with curious eyes.

"You are a forest boy are you not? I thought you weren't allowed in here," Said the boy.

"Most of us are not, my name is Link. Are you a skull kid?"

"My name is Vaspin!" The boy replied, sounding affronted by the name Link had given him. "They all seem to think I'm scary. Everyone is afraid of me. Do I look that ugly to you?"

"Not at all," Link replied, startled by Vaspin's anger.

"If only I could have a mask to hide my face, a fearsome looking mask would be great." Said Vaspin, "Then my friends would be very envious of me. What is your name forest boy?"

"Link."

"A strange name," Vaspin jumped up and walked over to Link sniffing him, Link fought hard not to comment on Vaspin's strange behaviour, "you smell like a forest boy. You remind me of my friend Saria. She is very kind to me."

"You know her?"

"Why every single beast from here to Faron does! I should hope!" Vaspin proclaimed loudly, Link stared.

"You seem to know a lot Vaspin," said Link. "More than I do."

"Then you must be dumb. I know this wood like the back of my hand… I am not from here. I know of a portal deep within this forest. That is not for you to know though… I might have asked Link, what brings you into the forest? The song of the nymphs, they drove me insane you know! I hate them for it; I have learnt to ignore them."

"I am looking for Saria, I suppose you would know where she is?"

"I do indeed," replied Vaspin, "unless you can play the song of the woods I am not going to show you where she is."

"What is the song?"

"You think me an idiot do you? I wouldn't tell you!" Vaspin snapped, "I'd sooner tell one of those monsters roaming around here. Not that they would understand me, they are stupid." Vaspin gave a strange laugh and sighed, "I don't even know how to play the song myself."

He turned to Link and smiled, "If you don't mind, I would like to be alone now."

"Of course," Link said respecting Vaspin's wishes, he moved on aware of Vaspin staring curiously at him as he walked off into the distance.

"He is a moody boy that one," Navi muttered.

"I did not mind him, though he was strange." Said Link, they walked through the woods, past the towering trees and on towards the heart of the lost woods.

They came to a very long wall made out of stone, at least a mile long, with a moat before it, the trees appeared to have been cut back here. Link walked across the causeway to the gate and entered the large area beyond. Inside was another wall, marking the entrance of a maze. As Link approached the entrance of the maze, he heard a howl behind him. Spinning around he came face to face with a wolfish creature. It gave another loud howl and Link drew his sword.

"What is that?" Link asked Navi as it approached.

"A wolfos, attack it just as it tries to swipe you." Navi said.

As it went to strike, Link jumped sideways and stabbed it in the side. The beast gave a howl and smacked Link right in the face scratching him.

"Ouch." Link groaned as blood splattered on the shoulder of his tunic.

"I said attack before he does that!" Navi said.

"I tried to!' Link muttered angrily, he swung his sword straight into the beast's chest. The deep growling ceased and the wolfos fell to the ground bursting into flames.

"Let's go." Said Link and Navi followed him into the maze, which was overrun by Deku scrubs. Link had a hard time not being hit by their projectiles. They usually used deku nuts. Battling his way through the aggressive scrubs, he reached the stairs leading to the temple after fighting off two more scrubs. As he got towards the end of the maze, he heard someone playing on an Ocarina; after a moment, he realized it was the same as the tune the nymphs were singing. He came into a large clearing in the middle was a large platform with a triforce symbol on it. By it on a log, sat Saria the song of the nymphs was louder here.

"Hello Link!" She said looking up as he approached; she invited Link to join her. "How was the princess?"

Link told her about Zelda.

"That is one big task she has given you Link. I hope you manage to find those stones alright."

"How did you get passed all those scrubs?" Link asked.

"That." Saria said. "Is a secret you will discover it someday yourself when the time comes."

She stared up at the temple. "Not long ago a tree fell and smashed the stairs to the temple, it is almost impossible to find a way up. I was hoping there was someway I could get in there."

"The temple is forbidden, it is a sacred place you know that," Said Link.

"I know." Said Saria, "I was hoping, maybe the Deku tree's spirit resides in there or something... Anyway did you hear that song I was playing?"

Link nodded. "It was a good song."

"I made it myself," Said Saria. "The nymphs seem to like it."

"Really, why did you never show it to me?"

"Because I wanted to make it a surprise for you but I guess you'll need to get going." Saria looked at Navi who went up and down, her way of nodding.

"I will teach the song to you if you would like. Have you learnt to play any songs yet?" Saria asked, both of them ignored Navi's protests.

"Two," Said Link.

"Can you play them for me?" Saria asked, Navi groaned and Link glared angrily at her.

"Err..." Not wanting to upset Saria Link said yes, he did not want to waste much time. He played Epona's Song and Zelda's Lullaby.

"That last one. It made me sleepy. They're both quite nice," Said Saria. "Now I will teach you my song. Let's call it Saria's song."

She played the song on her ocarina and Link began to play it on his.

"You are a fast learner Link... This song has magical telepathic powers. It means we can speak to each other from a distance no matter how far away. As long as you don't forget it."

"I won't," Said Link. "I better get going Saria, it was nice to see you again."

"You to Link," As Link went away Saria smiled. "I guess you won't be seeing me face to face for a while, Hero of Time. Good luck."

After purchasing some more deku potions from the shop in Korkiri village and having something to eat, Link left for the Hyrule castle town, it took a day to get to the market place, which as usual was very crowded with people. As he walked around the main square he saw the temple of time not far from the market place.

"Shall we check it out?" He asked Navi.

"Not yet Link." Navi said. "We better find the bazaar."

After buying a large shield, which proved less time consuming than his last shield purchase Link went to the mask shop, there he met a very strange man. His hair was very flat and smooth and he wore a big grin on his face. The man was dressed in colourful blue robes with different designs on them. Link felt somewhat uneasy around the man. Stacked on the shelves were many different masks, some of them a little spooky.

"Hello!" Said the man. "Welcome to my mask shop, the finest masks from all the lands even beyond the borders of Hyrule. Would you care to buy something?"

"Of course, I'm looking for a fox mask."

"Ah we have one here, yes" He got a strange looking yellow and black mask shaped like a fox's face from the shelf, as he turned his back Link saw a very spooky looking mask shaped like a heart on the mans bag lying unpacked on the ground... He did not like it at all, not only the looks of it but it giving him a very bad feeling and made the hairs on his neck stand up as well as send a shiver down his spine.

"Navi," Linkwhispered nervously. "Do you sense something forbidding about that hideous mask he has got?"

"Yes I do, I do not like it. It feels... eerie. Those eyes give me the creeps." She said, just then the man turned around and they could no longer see the mask.

"There we are, that will be ten rupees"

Link nodded, giving him the last of his money.

"Is something wrong?" The man asked noticing Link's face had gone pale.

"No. It's just what is that heart shaped mask with two eyes of you've got."

The man looked nervously at Link. "Ah. You were not meant to see that. It is a very special and dangerous mask. It is not for sale that is for sure."

"How dangerous?"

"I am afraid I can't tell you that let me say whoever wears this mask are placed under the dreadful curse of the mask. It is called Majora's mask."

Link chuckled nervously, that mask was giving him the chills. "It's just when I saw that mask it made the hairs on my neck stand up."

"I do not blame you young lad... Keep it a secret, you were never meant to see it."

The man placed a grey sheet over his bag to hide the mask from view and turned to Link.

"You promise you will not mention a word about that mask to a soul will you?"

"I will not," Said Link as he walked out of the store he could not get the image of the mask out of his head... finally he shook his head and continued on to Death Mountain gate where the guard was pleased to see him.

"Ah! That's the mask my son wants. How'd you know?... "I heard you muttering about a fox mask." Replied Storm.

"Thank you. I see you got a shield, too. I did not actually think you were going to do it but I see you really must be eager to travel the slopes of Death Mountain", Said the guard, he took the mask and looked at it. "My son really wants this, such a pity I'm not off duty for a few hours yet. My legs are really aching... No point, really, the king will eat my helmet if I leave now."

"Can I go through please?" Link asked.

"Of course the guard said and he opened the gate. With a farewell, Link preceded up the path to Death Mountain.

It was certainly quite barren except for giant hoping spiders, which would attack Link from behind rocks. As he continued up the narrow steep ledges, he came to a cavern with a huge rock blocking it off.

"No landslide did that," Said Navi. Link continued up the mountain until he came to a large slope with two ledges, one leading directly to the volcano, another leading to somewhere else. The one leading to the volcano looked like it had recently suffered from a landslide as huge chunks of rock blocked off the path.

As Link walked along he saw something that looked like an orange rock, he jumped as it gave a yawn and he realized it was actually a goron. Like the one he had met at the bazaar at the market place.

"Hi," Said Link. "Do you know anything about a magic stone, I was told it was somewhere here."

"Ah..." Said the goron. "Yes I do, well if you want to enquire about it, your best going to the city." He pointed in the direction of the narrow ledge going round the side of the volcanoes slopes.

"Thank you." Said Link and he continued on his way.

The path became extremely steep and Link had to half crawl half climb his way to where the entrance to the city was on a flat area not far from the volcano. By the entrance stood a big table made out of rock, Link walked passed it and onto the cavern.

He asked the first goron he met about the stone and was told to see their leader in his room on the lowest level.

"Thank you," Said Link.

"That may prove a little difficult," Said the Goron. "He's locked himself up and unless you are a member of the royal family you can't get in."

"I am... Well I'm not part of the royal family but I do have a connection with them." Said Link not knowing what he was actually saying was more than partly true. Link saw many more gorons on his way to the bottom level; finally, he came to the bottom level and saw a carpet with strange paw marks leading up to a door.

Standing on the carpet Link played Zelda's lullaby and walked into the room as the door opened where he met a very large goron obviously their leader, he had a huge tattoo along both arms, which were very extremely big. He would not have liked to be the one on the receiving end of a blow from one of those.

"Who are you?" The goron bellowed." You are no messenger of the royal family! You're dressed strangely for one!"

"Ah... I am sorry to disturb you." Said Link, "I was sent here by a member of the royal family."

"Indeed-"

"To inquire about a certain stone."

The bulky Goron fixed his eyes on Link and frowned.

"Stone, I will not tell you about a stone! I am rather angry right now so unless you think you can cheer me up go away!"

He raised a fist angrily at Link; Link flinched and got the message scurrying quickly from the room. Once out of danger Link turned to Navi.

"What do we do now?" He asked her.

"I'm not sure; I wonder what would cheer him up." Said Navi. "Maybe one of the gorons would know."

At first he decided he might try the shop but there was large door in the road with strange plants around it with large blue sphere shaped objects protruding out from them.

"Bomb plants," Said Navi as she looked at them.

"Bomb plant's, they don't sound safe."

"They are not. Bombs grow from them."

"I don't think I'll be touching that."

"Just don't take it out, the bomb will activate if you remove it from the plant you'd have about seven seconds before it exploded."

"Thanks for the information." Said Link. He went up some stairs to a landing where he saw another goron.

"Can I help you?" He asked.

"Yes, I can use some help. Do you know anything that might cheer your leader up?" Link asked.

"Ah, Darunia. Hmm, a good song usually does the trick... Say, when I go through the exit leading to the lost woods, it is blocked right now... I sometimes hear a great song played on an Ocarina, recently though I have heard it sung."

"That's Saria's song!" Said Link.

"Who?"

"Never mind, do you think Darunia would like it."

"Of course." Said the goron scratching his head, "Maybe he'll help you then."Taking the advice of the goron who suggested playing Saria's song to Darunia, Link went to Darunia wondering just how he was going to explain to Darunia that he just wanted to preform a song without getting on the wrong side of him and possibly getting pummelled.

"Back again, what this time?" Darunia asked gruffly as Link entered.

"I just wanted to play you a song. That I think might help cheer you up," Link said speaking quickly, he prepared himself to make a quick exit if his plan went awry.

"Really?" Said Darunia in a disbelieving voice, "Well, I guess I'm willing to listen. It better be a good song because I don't like being disturbed."

Link played Saria's song on his Ocarina, as he was playing it Darunia smiled and suddenly began to dance, he was so huge that with every move he made the entire room shuddered and dust fell in huge clouds causing Link to cough. He dropped the Ocarina and bent down to pick it up; strangely, the song kept playing, echoing in the room.

"When will it stop?" Link wondered as the notes of the song swirled around in his head sounding like an echo. He felt dizzy, the song was beginning to drive him crazy, backing away from Darunia, he shut his eyes and clasped his hands to his ears but still the song did not stop. Darunia pounding to the beat did not help. Link gave a gritted groan and opened his eyes. The song stopped.

"Finally," Navi sighed, "It was driving me mad.'

"I'd rather you didn't turn mad Navi," said Link, he looked at Darunia who was gazing at Link with an impressed look on his face.

"Sorry to scare you," Said Darunia as Link looked at him in alarm. "Wow, that's the best song I have ever heard. I'll listen to you now."

"Ah…" Link paused still bewildered and dazed by what had happened, "I need a stone called the Goron Ruby, Zelda sent me to retrieve it."

"Zelda sent you?" Darunia looked suspiciously at Link. "So you're not a minion of Ganondorf? You look a bit meek for one of his minions though."

"No, I am Zelda's messenger, I am here to stop Ganondorf and protect the stone."

Alright I'll give you the stone." Darunia said, accepting Link's explanation.

"Tha-" Link started but Darunia raised his hand and Link paused.

"Don't get too excited yet. I need you to do something for me."

"Anything, I promised Zelda-"

"You must be very eager to get the stone then. Here is the deal I want you to destroy the stone blocking the entrance to Dodongo's cavern. I believe you saw the massive stone."

"Yes I did," Said Link.

'How am I going to do that?' he wondered, he didn't have a pickaxe… or a bomb, that might work.

"Did you notice a platform above it?"

"Yes." Said Navi abruptly, Link stared at her.

"No," replied Link, Navi stared back.

For a moment, Darunia gazed curiously at the pair. "I need you to go to that platform. o get there go left at the end of the cave entrance, not the direction you came from. There are bomb flowers there, throw a bomb onto the stone and destroy it... That's not all."

"What?" Link asked hoping it would be simple. It wasn't simple.

"Then you must go inside and kill all the monsters in there, there is one monster in particular you need to destroy. Destroying it will wipe out all the monsters in the cavern. We need the food from that cavern and currently we have run out because Ganondorf sealed the entrance. You know him I presume from what you told me?"

Link nodded.

"Good, one more thing-", Link almost groaned at this-, "your going to want these. They let you lift heavy objects, ones you would have difficulty lifting. There not the most powerful of their type though." He gave Link a pair of bracelets.

"Are they magic?" Link asked.

"Yes, you will be as strong as a normal Goron. Not as strong as me though and not strong enough to lift the stone blocking the tunnel. Even if I remove, the stone who knows what lurks inside there. I cannot leave here either I must protect the stone. One of the young gorons may decide it might be a bit nice to eat."

"Ok." Said Link, he put the bracelets on, for someone with arms unlike a goron, the bracelets fitted perfectly. At first Link found that they felt strangely heavy, after a moment he didn't notice the weight of them anymore.

"Good luck, you'll need it."

Once outside the city Link went to the ledge where the platform was, there he met another goron who greeted him.

"You mind if I use some of these bomb flowers." Link asked.

"If you can lift them, no problem just be careful and don't get your face blown off."

Link went to the edge of the platform and looked down on the large rock. "You did say no landslide did that. Here goes."

Link pulled the bomb from the plant and it instantly became active. Watching the fuse go towards the end Link threw the bomb with accurate timing, it hit the rock and exploded, large pieces of rock went tumbling down the mountain side and smashed into the slopes. Only a few smaller fragments remained by the cavern entrance.

"Hey you broke the rock!" The goron near Link cheered, "Thanks but I'm afraid you'll have to do something about the creatures in there."

"I will," Said Link, the Goron was surprised by this unexpected response.

"Really? Wow thanks. Be careful."

Link went back down the mountain to where he saw the cavern; the entrance was a long tunnel going deep into the mountainside, it probably went near the

volcano. The further he went in the hotter it became.

"I wish he had warned me about the heat." Link got out the bottle Malon had given him during his stay it was full of milk. Sniffing it to see if it had curdled Link was somewhat surprised to find it had not. He took a mouthful and put the bottle back his waist bag.

He came into a room with bomb flowers on either side, there was a cracked wall blocking his entrance into the cavern.

"It is definately blocked, I wonder how the wall got there," Observed Navi Navi. "You know what to do. That wall is cracked and was not there in the first place."

Link nodded, grabbed a bomb and threw it at the wall it exploded. Link ducked behind some rocks as the debris went flying. A gust of hot air rushed out of the cavern to meet Link, looking over at the where the wall was, he saw that it had been replaced with a gaping hole. It led into a vast cavern beyond.

Walking out onto a ledge Link looked around the room. There was a large platform in the centre with a strange monster on it with a rotating head. To the right and left of these platforms were two more ledges, one had a door the other had the same cracked wall Link had destroyed to get in.

"Looks inviting enough," Said Link. At the other end other end of the room was a lizard mouth, currently closed, wit two large sockets where the eyes were meant to be.

"It looks like we need to somehow get the lizard mouth open," Said Navi. "Look there's a bridge right up there but just how do you get to it?"

"Let's find out."

Baring certain similarities to the inside of the great Deku tree Link continued through the cavern. He found it a little challenging and very hot. All the time he tried to find some route that led to the bridge, it soon became obvious to him he needed to somehow get his own set of bombs to get passed the number of rock falls and obstacles blocking his path.

It took him a while to find the bombs; Link navigated his way through the hot tunnels, reliant on Navi to remember the way. The tunnels were infested with large fire breathing reptiles, which Navi called Dodongo's Link understood where the caverns name came from. Apart from these annoying creatures there were also dinosaur looking creatures called Lizafols that wielded scimitars similar to the ones the Gerudo used, just a lot longer. After navigating his way through the maze of tunnels Link came to a series of caves in which he found a bag complete with bombs inside it. It came with a few tinderboxes to set the fuses alight.

"Finally," Link exclaimed putting away his newly acquired items in his bag, "Now we just need to get back."

Link's next objective was to reach the bridge that had been built over the huge skull in the main room of the cavern. He was certain that he could find out how to open the mouth from up there, because there was no way he could pry it open.

Finally, after a long time of getting through the cavern Link reached the bridge. There was a gravestone at one end with writing on.

"It say's throw a bomb into the eyes and the way to the King Dodongo's lair, will be revealed," Said Navi looking at the stone. "I imagine the King Dodongo is that creature Darunia wanted us to slay."

"I just hope he has had enough lunch when I find him," said Link, "Or I will be on the menu."

Link did as Navi had said, it took him a few tries since he kept missing. Each time the room shuddered with the explosions, he got one eye with a bomb and it glowed with a hot red hue. Then Link got the other and the lizard mouth opened.

Walking back the way he came and through into the massive cavern, Link went over to the lizard mouth and walked through, it led into a tunnel that opened up in a large empty room. In the middle lay a reasonable sized hole, big enough to jump in. As Link walked towards it he could hear the sound of heavy breathing, something growled.

"That... I would say is where the King Dodongo lives," Said Navi, "You still got a fairy handy?"

"Yes," Said Link, he checked to see if he could see the ground in the room below, he could see it. Link decided it would be an easy jump as long as he landed properly.

"Alright then, you go first Link, I'll fly in after you," Said Navi. "On three... One... Two... THREE!"

Link held his breath and jumped, he felt the warm air rush past him and he landed on hard rock and cursed.

"Ouch!" He groaned, massaging his back.

"I thought you said it would be easy!" came to distant echo of Navi's voice as she descended into the room to join Link. "At least your back is ok, that could have been a problem otherwise."

It took a moment for Link to regain his senses after his fall, when he did he heard, and felt, heavy footsteps, each one caused the entire room to shake.

Thump! Thump! THUMP! THUMP!

Something sinister growled behind him, swallowing his fear as best he could Link turned around to face the King Dodongo. The monster looked just like a Dodongo only larger, much larger. It could have eaten a fully-grown, normal sized Dodongo and still had room for seconds.

Swallowing again, Link said to Navi in a falsely casual voice. "Let's just hope he doesn't explode like the rest."

"Or the cavern will indeed collapse," Replied Navi, sounding awed at the beasts size.

As King Dodongo approached him, Link looked around him, hoping there was somewhere to run, to hide behind or use against the monster behind him. It seemed that there was little room for movement; it was a circular room with a huge pool of lava in the middle. King Dodongo gave a loud roar took a deep breath, then he began to retch as though about to throw up.

"Oh great," muttered Link, "his going to be sick."

"LOOK OUT!" Navi yelled.

King Dodongo spurted a stream of fire right at him. Link rolled out of the way feeling a wave of heat sear passed him. The Dodongo crouched and began to roll around the room, Link found himself pinned by the edge of the lava pool.

"I have an idea," Said Navi. "When he starts to take in air, throw a bomb directly into his mouth. He will set it off himself because of the fire."

Link stared. "If you say so. I've got to get them out of my waste bag first."

After doing a few laps of the room King Dodongo stopped rolling around and Link walked up to him.

"You want a piece of me!" Said Link as the creature began to take in air. "WELL TAKE THIS!"

Link grabbed a bomb and threw it directly into King Dodongo's mouth.

For a moment the beast chocked and then with a loud gulp it swallowed the bomb.

"What an idiot," Said Link. A moment later, the massive Dodongo gave a loud roar of pain and smashed his head against the wall. For a moment he knocked himself out allowing Link to slash at his soft fragile belly, as the creature woke up Link stood next to the lava pool as it started rolling.

"You are kidding, that bomb ought to have killed it," Said Link. "Who could survive that?"

"Him, apparently," Said Navi. "It hurt him though."

Something about the King Dodongo's rolling told Link it had been weakened. Link repeated his last attack, without the obvious remark. Again, the stupid creature ate the explosive and a moment later gave a roar of pain, which was when Link noticed something, which made him nearly pass out. It was bleeding from the mouth, he must have really hurt it.

"It looks like internal bleeding." Said Navi.

"What?" Link looked at her.

"It's bleeding from the inside. We must have really hurt it."

Deciding to try and put the creature out of its misery Link slashed it still King Dodongo didn't give in, it got back up and started rolling, trailing blood behind it.

"What a git," Said Link. "This has to be the most stupid monster we've encountered so far."

"I don't know about that." Said Navi. "Those Lizafols were pretty stupid."

The King Dodongo stopped rolling and as he got back up, he swayed dangerously, Link kept his distance deciding that running to it would not be such a good idea. Just then it collapsed, Link went over to see if it was dead, only it wasn't it got back up at the sight of Link and started to take in more air, blood poured from its mouth.

"Yuck!" Navi commented.

"EAT THIS!" Link yelled. He threw another bomb into its mouth, this time the creature did not eat it, it only chocked and the bomb went off. The result was that the beasts head exploded and the rest of it to fall with a splash into the pool of lava, there was a sudden hissing noise and the lava began to cool, the King Dodongo's corpse still half out of the lava began to harden as well. Blood and gizzards fell everywhere and on everything including on Link who this time could not hold back vomiting and threw up before collapsing.

When Link woke up, he nearly fainted again; his nostrils were full of the putrid odour of the dead Dodongo's body parts and the smell of burning flesh. Instead Link was sick yet again before he fell back against the wall.

"That was extremely disgusting," He gasped, "I need to wash myself badly."

"Indeed," Said Navi, "Your covered in blood, not mention innards."

Link chundered again and looked around at Navi in disgust.

"Did you have to mention that?" He asked weakly, he grabbed a bottle of deku potion and drank it. Link leant back to allow himself time to recover, after a few minutes he felt better and walked over to the portal which took Link back to the entrance of the cavern.

Link was just about to continue walking up the mountainside when something crashed onto the ground right in front of him, he leapt back in shock reaching for his sword and then realised it was Darunia.

Three more gorons joined Darunia. After giving Link a pat on the back, which hurt considerably and knocked Link flat on the ground, Darunia laughed.

"Well-done Link... Thank you for clearing the cavern. Here is a token of my thanks."

Darunia held out the goron ruby to Link, Link got up and took it.

"Thank you," said Link, feeling the precious stone beneath his fingers, he felt happy that he had found two of the stones and only one remained.

"Do you mind if we refer to you as brother?" One of the gorons asked.

"That sounds good, alright Link you are from now on our brother." Darunia said not waiting for a reply.

The other gorons cheered. "How about a big goron hug?" One of them said apparently not taking the state of Link's clothing into account.

Darunia grinned, "Sounds like a plan."

"Ah no thanks, really!" Link said startled but the gorons did not listen. "Hey, its nice meeting you guys I've really got to go."

With that he took off down the path, for a moment the gorons followed him, then they turned back laughing. Navi began to laugh as well.

"That was funny." She said.

"Yeah but I don't think I'm going to let a goron hug me," Said Link. "Next stop Zora River… I'll just have to change it to night so no one sees me."

With that, Link played the sun song and went out into Hyrule field, once there he made it day again.

Link continued to Zora's river, where he washed himself up, the water was considerably cool and pleasant. He took a refreshing drink from the river and afterwards continued on to Zora's domain

Zora's domain itself was well hidden, Navi had to explain the riddle next to the bank to Link before he got the idea of swimming through the roaring waterfall. He dived under the water and getting reasonably deep, he tried to swim underneath the waterfall. It was difficult work as the currents pushed against him the entire time they were incredibly strong. Navi had just as much luck as Link and was swept downstream, squeaking a cry of panic. Alarmed Link jumped in after Navi and found himself swept downstream as well before he decided to swim against the current instead of with it. Scrambling onto the bank before him Link sighed, this was mad!

He looked around for Navi but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Navi!" Link called, when there was no reply Link tried calling louder, there was nothing to be heard over the sound of the water and the birds. Link's heart began to pound in his chest, where was Navi?

Hoping to find her further up stream Link walked up the river. No sooner had he reached the waterfall Link heard a squeak and before he had so much as looked around Navi was flying around him in circles.

"Navi!" Link exclaimed angrily, "I was worried! What happened to you?"

"Once I managed to get myself free of the currents grip a fish tried to eat me. By the time I got out of the water I was near the bridge to Kakariko, I came back here but I could not find you."

"I'm glad you are ok," said Link, "I was worried there for a moment."

"So was I, now we just have to figure out how to get in."

"Have you got any suggestions because I cannot figure out how to get passed that waterfall?"

"Would you like a hand with that?" called a voice behind them, Link swung around to get his first look at a Zora. It had pale white skin, a rather masculine chest, fin like hands and legs and a crest behind the head. It had a silver grey colour along its head and arms. Link noted the spear in its hand and wondered if the zora were as friendly as he thought.

"Who are you?" Link asked him.

"My name is Grop, I am a Zora. I guard the entrance to the home of my kin, not that there is much need, the currents do their job well at keeping outsiders at bay."

"I noticed."

"So I saw," Grop smiled, "perhaps if your fairy had interpreted a sentence of our riddle she could not you may have gained entrance."

"What do you mean?"

"If you know the song of the royal family, then play it. Or do you not recognize the symbol beneath those words."

"You mean Zelda's lullaby?"

"You know it? Very well, play it. The water has its spirits. They will know what you intend to do here and will decide whether or not to let you enter."

Link approached the stone tablet and played Zelda's lullaby, he could not hear the notes over the roar of the waterfall, and the sound made his ears throb and drowned out all sounds around it. Then the roar died down, leaving Link's ears ringing. The water stopped falling revealing a cave.

"Go through," encouraged Grop, "Once you are through I will let the waterfall continue its coarse."

Wading into the water until he could no longer stand Link swam over to the cave and dove under to get through its narrow mouth.

Link swam for the surface and took in air, and then gasped, he was in a tunnel, further on he could hear singing. He could hear the waterfall again only it was much quieter, it sounded peaceful and relaxing from a distance. Link swam into the shallows and walked through the tunnel into a huge underground chamber, he gasped again as he took in what he saw.