AN: Really guys? Only one Review and THREE Follows? No Favs? *Sigh* You guys are sure hard to please. Maybe you guys will be kind to this poor old author with a new chapter?

And no, that was not just a quote at the end of last chapter, if you're wondering.

Chapter Two

Link whirled, his left hand flying to the hilt of the Gilded Sword, ready to draw it in one moment. Before him was the Happy Mask Salesman, dressed in his purple and gold, with the large pack of masks on his back. He was still rubbing his hands together continuously, that weird, almost creepy smile still on his face.

"You have done good work," the Salesman said, smile never faltering.

Link reluctantly and slowly let his hand fall from his sword. Whatever the Salesman was, Link doubted his sword could injure him. The Master Sword, perhaps, but that sword was out of his reach. Most likely forever.

"I retrieved Majora's Mask. It's spirit is gone, as is its' evil power." With that, Link handed the ornate mask over, glad to be rid of it though it was powerless. He would never forget the glowing yellow eyes and the feel of its evil magic.

But the Happy Mask Salesman took the mask with no fear or hesitation, almost weighing it. "Yes...thank you very much... Hero of Time."

This time, the Gilded Sword was unsheathed and held threateningly. "How do you know about that title?!" Link roared, sapphire eyes flashing. Unknown to him, the ghost of his adult self flashed behind him, just for a second.

The Salesman laughed. "I know most things men keep hidden," he said. "I know of your trials in Hyrule, your sufferings and what the lovely Princess Zelda decided. Your sorrow in your eyes tells all, you know."

"Don't call me that title," Link insisted. The sword never wavered. "I'm not a Hero, and certainly not of Time."

The Salesman flew into a rage, shaking Link violently. The Gilded Sword fell to the grass with a clatter. "Of course you are still a Hero, you foolish boy!" he yelled. "Do you think just anyone could go through what you have and still remain the least bit sane?!" Then the fit passed and Link was lying on the ground, trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"I have seen your sorrow and unresolved guilt, Hero of Time. There is a reason the Fierce Deity's Mask resonates so with you. And so, a gift you shall receive, if you so wish."

Link carefully got to his feet, grabbing the Gilded Sword again. "What could you possibly have that I want?"

The Salesman smiled. "A Way to Regain what you've Lost."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"You know I am not what I seem," the Happy Mask Salesman continued, happily ignoring the dumbstruck expression on Link's face. "I was the one to teach you the Song of Healing, and my abilities are far beyond that. With my music, I can send you back... to Hyrule just after you were sent back in time, where you sealed away the Evil King."

Link was speechless, eyes wide as he stared. A way to go back? To Hyrule? To Zelda?

The intelligent thing to do would be to refuse. Who knows whether Link could trust the Happy Mask Salesman, who seemed so chaotic and suspicious? But Link's heart clenched at that thought. This, he knew, would be a one-time chance, and Link had a feeling that his fate would not be happy if he didn't at least take that chance.

The boy in green slowly nodded. "But first..."

The Salesman cocked an eyebrow.

"What about Termina? Clock Town, the Zoras, the Gorons, the Scrubs? If I go back to that future, will Termina be destroyed by the Moon?"

"Oh no, my dear boy!" the Salesman said indignantly. "Termina will be safe, and all the races in the land will remember your name! For a Hero is never forgotten, even if they no longer consider themselves one."

With that, the Happy Mask Salesman conjured his huge piano, his pack discarded to the side. His long fingers played over the keys masterfully, creating a song that was wild, sorrowful, hopeful, and full of despair all at once. The volume rose, as did the tempo, and the song continued on its way. A familiar blue light descended on Link, who could only close his eyes and hope his decision turn out for the best.

The last thing he heard before the music faded was the familiar laugh, and some new words from the Happy Mask Salesman...

"You are the memorable Hero of Time, young Link... and your story is only just beginning..."