It was time for the talent division of the beauty contest, and Saria was feeling a little more confident. She played a few notes on her ocarina for practice, then took a deep breath. I don't care about impressing Twilight Princess Link and winning the contest. The only Link I'm interested in is mine, and this song should catch his attention. I used to play it for him all the time when… when he was young. She gulped and tried to ignore how nervous she was.
The talent show began with Navi. She had skipped the swimsuit competition due to her body being a floating round orb. Apparently, Navi's idea of "talent" was flying around Judge Link and being a pest. "Listen! Listen! Link, listen!" No one stopped her, believing her to be trying to break the Hyrulian World Record for saying "listen" the most times in a row. Link swatted at the fairy. "I'm not even your Link!" he growled. The S.T.A.R. announcer flipped through a Hyrulian Record book and after a few more "listen!"s he held up his hand for silence. "Navi has just broken the record for saying the word "listen" (or any word, for that matter) the most times in a row." No one applauded, and Navi left the stage grumbling.
Impa was just about to come onto the stage and show off some sword-fighting moves, when Tingle leaped onto the platform instead, wearing a green swimsuit and swimcap. "Koo-loo-limpah!" he shouted. Most The entire audience began to shout or grumble. Windwaker Link buried his head in his hands and tried to get away without Tingle seeing him. The S.T.A.R. announcer tried to quiet the commotion, but couldn't. "Errr… I'm afraid you're late for the swimsuit competition… sir? Also, um… it's only for, um, women…" Tingle simply ignored him and continued to pose in various ways, showing off his swimsuit to the horror of the onlookers. Eventually, two Goron security guards were called on to take him away.
"Now that that's over," the announcer said, "we will continue the competition." Impa did her sword display, though she seemed a little shaken by the Tingle incident, and didn't do as well as she normally would have. Then others came, such as the Fairy Queen Child showing off her puppetry skills… using the Great Fairy as a puppet. Ilia began to show her carving skills by making a horseshoe-shaped flute, but as it was taking too long, she was eventually dragged off the stage. Sue-Belle balanced several pots stacked up on her head… impressive, but boring.
The sun was setting and the Talent Division was coming to a close after all the others had shown their talent… or lack thereof. Saria was just beginning to think no one would be able to compete with her act, when a certain young woman named Malon got up to sing. Her voice was amazing, and it brought tears to everyone's eyes with its magnificent beauty. Saria could see Link, her Link, staring up at Malon. His eyes might as well have been two giant pink hearts, there was so much love shown there. But was it true love? Saria and Link had shared so much together. But then again, Link would probably want someone who could age alongside him. It would be a bit awkward for us to be together... People would mistake me for his little sister.
Malon's act finished and the crowd roared with cheers and applause. "Next up is Saria playing the ocarina!" Saria jumped when she heard the announcer call her name. I'm not ready! How can I stand out after such a crowd-pleasing act? Even Judge Link of Twilight Princess seemed astounded, and he's done nothing but sigh and yawn this whole time.
A girl named Mila pushed her forward rather rudely, and Saria stumbled out onto the stage. She was silent at first, but then she found Ocarina of Time Link in the audience. Their eyes met, and Link had a gentle look on his face that encouraged her. He looks like he's remembering all the moments we've shared. I know I am. This is for you, Link! She then noticed Sheik leaning against a palm tree in the distance, far from the crowd. Sheik winked, and Saria smiled back. This is for you too, Sheik! She stepped forward and began to play a song, her song. The melody filled the air, and seemed to last forever and at the same time, only a short few seconds. When it was over, the crowd didn't cheer as loudly as they had for Malon, but Saria could tell they had liked it all the same. There seemed to be happiness and a quiet peace, as well as a little sadness. Saria glanced at Link and smiled softly at him once more, then left the stage. A few seconds passed, and the crowd burst out into clapping and cheering. Saria grinned and put the ocarina in her pocket. I did it. I really did it.
A few others performed their acts, but the crowd seemed not to notice. Everyone was talking about Malon and Saria's acts. It was definitely between these two who would win. But the results would not be revealed until after the third and final division of the competition, the evening dress show!