DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own anything The Legend of Zelda or relating to it, nor do I claim any rights to it.

Ch. 10: The Happy Mask Shop

Link ran as fast as he could to the Happy Mask Shop in Hyrule market. When Link arrived, he threw open the doors and ran into the desk. "Salesman!" Link yelled through pants.

"Ahh, Link! You don't look so well. Come into the back so you can catch your breath and have a cup of tea. I was about to close for lunch. Won't you join me?" asked the eager salesman.

"Sure," said Link, finally calming down. Link pushed aside the sheet hanging above the door, and sat down at a small, round table with a blue and white tablecloth.

"So what is the problem?" asked the salesman.

"What do you mean? How do you know I have a problem?" asked Link, a little worried.

"You most definitely have a problem. I can see it in your eyes," said the salesman as he handed Link a cup of green tea. Link explained what had happened to Zelda and questioned him about the mask.

"What is that mask called, and where did it come from?" Link eagerly asked, as he finished his tea.

"Hmmm…….well Link. Let me get the message it came with. You stay here."

"Of course," said Link, sighing. The salesman soon returned, with a crinkled paper.

"That's interesting…" said the mask salesman.

"What is it?" asked Link as he reaches for the paper. He then looks at it, then looks up at the salesman.

"I didn't notice it was written in blood, Link," said the salesman, with a look of terror on his face.

"Listen to this, salesman," said Link as he began to read the letter aloud. "'Come to Kokiri Forest if you want to save your precious Princess.' What is this, salesman! Is this some kind of joke!" Suddenly, a red drop rolled down the side of the mask in Link's hand, as if it were a tear. The two sat there, stunned for a few minutes. Finally, Link broke the silence. "Thank you for this information, salesman," said Link, taking the letter. "I need to take this letter with me."

"Where are you going, Link?" asked the salesman with a worried expression on his face.

"Where else? Kokiri Forest. I have to save Zelda," said Link as he walked out the door. The salesman just sat in his seat, confused from the whole matter.

"I have a headache," said the salesman, as he put up the "Closed" sign on his door. Link called for Epona and made his way toward his home, Kokiri Forest.