Author's Note: Thank you to Post Rapture, DoomRater, Mihaele Rose, Ides of Diamonds, and everybody who read and/or reviewed my first fic. This is not only my second attempt at a fic, but also my first attempt at a true epic. And I'd like to give credit to any author whose characters or excerpts from their stories (I haven't used one yet) that I used. I can't stress enough how much I'd like everyone to READ AND REVIEW, because I feel this may be something special.


Chapter 20

"Malon, Zelda, stand back!" Link shouted. He unleashed his sword knowing that he would be in for a fight. It was just a little more than two months since he came by this gate to take the Kokiri 12 to the Forest Temple. Now in the brief span between then and now, a Stalfos now occupied the area. And it wouldn't let Link pass without a fight.

The Stalfos approached Link. "Prepare to defend yourself."

The Stalfos struck first with an overhead thrust of his sword, which Link successfully blocked. Link and the Stalfos traded blows, until the Stalfos kicked Link down. The Stalfos went for the final blow, but Link managed to roll out of the way and kick down the skeleton knight. Link then had the tip of his sword on the chin of the Stalfos.

"You failed," Link said. "You've been defeated, just like your master, Meyson, will ultimately be defeated."

The Stalfos chuckled. "Meyson? I don't know whom you're referring to. I don't know a Meyson."

"Don't lie to me," Link shot back. "If you don't work for Meyson, who do you work for?"

"I work for no one," the Stalfos answered. "I am a fighter. I live for the thrill of battle. And I must say, that was the most thrilling battle I've had since I came here a month ago. You have earned my respect, young man. You are quite an expert swordsman and a superb fighter. Even more so then the other fighter who beat me."

"Other fighter?" Link asked.

"Yes," the Stalfos responded. "He was quite the fighter and he possessed unbelievable magic power. He even had the ability to transform."

"Meyson," Link said to Malon and Zelda. "He's been here." He looked back at the Stalfos. "How long ago did he pass?"

"It's been a few moons since he passed," the Stalfos answered. "Is the one I fought the 'Meyson' you seek?"

"Yes, it is," Link said. "And we need to pass that gate. Or my friends will be great danger."

The Stalfos held out his hand and the gate came down. "There you are. The gate is down and you may pass. I certainly owe you that much for your awesome skills. Tell me, young man. What is your name?"

Link still held his sword. His introduction might bring about some hostility. "I am Link."

The Stalfos extended his bony hand for a handshake. "I am called Guerros. I now make my home here, occasionally fighting those who cross. But I must admit that my win-loss record is less than impressive. I have yet to win. I have been defeated by you, Meyson, and another young Hylian."

Link put his sword away and accepted the handshake. "Another Hylian? Who was that?"

"I don't remember completely," Guerros said. "But I think the name was 'Post Rapture'. You'd be surprised how often he comes along this area."

Link smiled. It was nice to see that Post Rapture was still keeping in touch with Saria.

"Thank you, Guerros," Link said. "But I must be going."

"Good luck, Link," Guerros said. "I'm sure you will find Meyson. I know it'd be a fight I'd like to see."

Link, Malon, and Zelda waved farewell to their new 'friend' and carried on towards the Forest Temple.


Chapter 21

Sodo looked almost everywhere, but he couldn't seem to find Saria or Meyson. He had looked through nearly every corner of the vast Forest Temple. The peaceful boy was nervous. He couldn't bear to think what Meyson might be doing to Saria. But one thing was for sure. Sodo wouldn't let anything else happen to Saria. Even if he had to give his own life, he would free her.

Sodo continued looking through every door, finding them all empty. He knew he had to be getting closer.



Saria knew that her day would be far from boring, but this wasn't what she had in mind. She was being held prisoner by this evil shape-shifter, Meyson, and she had no idea what he would do to her. She could barely move. She was being held in a giant crystal, created by Meyson's evil magic.

Saria had to break the silence. "Why are you here? What do you want?"

Meyson laughed evilly. "I can't blame you if you didn't hear me the first time, Forest Sage. After all, I'm so intimidating that I scare myself sometimes. But there is something that I want, and you will deliver it to me. Where is the Spiritual Stone of Forest?"

"And what if I refuse to tell you?" Saria shot back.

Meyson grinned wickedly. "Ooh, aren't you feisty. I'd say it would be in your best interests to tell me where the stone is, or there will be consequences. And, mark my words, you won't like them. Now tell me, where is it?"

"I won't tell you!" Saria shouted.

"Wrong answer," Meyson growled.

He began to hold his hand in the air. Then, Saria felt her lungs begin to fail her. She couldn't breathe and was beginning to choke. It was as if a giant hand had been squeezing her neck tightly. It was a sensation like no other. She felt like she was dying.

"See what I'm capable of?!" Meyson shouted. "I could kill you at the snap of my fingers. I can keep this up forever, and I don't think I can say the same for you."

Suddenly, the grip loosened and Saria gasped for air.

Meyson approached the crystal. "I'm going to ask you one more time. And this time you'd better answer me, or next time I won't let go. And you will SUFFOCATE!!"

Saria wasn't giving up. "Then what? I'm the only one who knows where the stone is. If you kill me, then you'll never find it."

Meyson just smiled nefariously. "Then I guess I'll need a little more persuasion. Maybe one of your friends will suffice. Wait here, I'll be right back."

Meyson exited the room. Saria's heart sank. He was going to use one of her friends. She couldn't sacrifice her friends. It looked like she'd have to make a choice.


Chapter 22

Meyson went back to the basement. He began to think about which one of the 12 Kokiri he would hold hostage. No matter who he held, the Forest Sage would crumble and give him the stone. Then the evil shape-shifter heard something. It was a set of three voices behind a door. Since Meyson didn't see anyone greet him upon returning, he naturally assumed the worst. He went towards the door and used his magic to undo the lock. As he suspected, the three Lizalfos soldiers, collectively known as COMBAT, each fell over into the room.

"You idiots!" Meyson shouted. "What are you three doing in there?"

Kreature, the tall one, looked around nervously. "Uh, we decided to go, uh, sightseeing."

"Yeah," Krash continued. "There's a lot of pretty pictures in there."

"And me without my camera," finished Og.

Meyson shook his head. "And what if any of these Kokiri had escaped? If they all escaped, I'd have made boots out of you. Now open the cell, NOW!"

COMBAT rushed to rotate the cell and open the cell. Meyson walked in and was delighted to see each of the Kokiri trembling in fear. But Meyson noticed something that irritated him. He counted only 11 Kokiri. There was one missing.

He looked at COMBAT. "You morons. There's one missing."

"Hey, he promised us he'd go back to his cell," Og blurted out. Kreature and Krash began stepping back.

Meyson was fuming. "You three dopes let him out of his cell?! What's the matter with you?! Have you no common sense?!"

"If it wasn't for common sense, we'd have no sense at all," Og blurted again.

Kreature smacked him on the back of his head. "Ok, now you're not making any sense."

"Jeez, Kreature. Don't be so 'sense'-sitive," Krash grinned.

"SILENCE!!!" Meyson shouted as he raised his arm. "I'm going to go find the one you let get away. DO NOT let anyone else escape, or you'll be SORRY!!!" Meyson shot a bolt of lightning crashing down around the feet of COMBAT, making the three reptiles jump.

"S-Sorry, Meyson," Kreature said. "It won't happen again."

"It better not," Meyson said as he stepped into the elevator. He knew what he would be looking for now. He would be looking for a Kokiri boy. Meyson then grinned. He had another brilliant idea.



Sodo was back where he started. He had been in the main entrance hall so many times, it was beginning to frustrate him. He went through the door into the courtyard and saw a sight that made his heart sink. He saw Saria and she was fallen on the ground. He rushed towards her and kneeled down beside her. She looked like she was severely beaten.

"Saria?" Sodo cried out. "Can you hear me?"

"Wha…What? Who is it?" Saria slurred.

This sight saddened Sodo. This is exactly what he feared. "Saria, it's me, Sodo. Say something."

"Sodo? He's looking for you," Saria struggled. "Meyson's looking for you."

"Saria, what did he do to you?" Sodo asked.

Saria eyes widened. She pointed at the door. "Sodo, he's right there!"

Sodo stood up. He stood looking at the door he just came through. "Come on, Meyson! I'm right here. Come and get me!"

But the voice came from behind Sodo. "Whatever you say."

Sodo was clocked in the back of the head with what had to be a huge rock. Sodo could barely react. He just fell on the ground and passed out.


Chapter 23

This was it. Link, Malon, and Zelda finally arrived at the Forest Temple. Before doing anything, though, Link went up to the stump by which Saria would always play her ocarina. To Link's relief, the Deku Tree sprout was still there and in good condition. He wondered if any of the Kokiri noticed it yet.

Link took out his hookshot. "Are you ready, ladies?"

Malon and Zelda only nodded. Link shot the hookshot up to the huge branch. He then brought up Malon and Zelda. Link then prepared himself. He was about to enter the Forest Temple one more time. He prayed that he wasn't too late. If he wasn't, then he was ready to confront the evil being known as Meyson.



Saria waited impatiently in her crystal prison. She didn't want any of her friends in danger, especially in the direct line of Meyson's fire. But Meyson wouldn't stop until he had the Spiritual Stone of Forest.

Then she heard something. It was Meyson. He had returned and he wasn't alone.

"Well," Meyson began. "I guess I didn't have to pick one out at random. This one escaped and, get this, he tried to save you. He's very brave, and very stupid."

Meyson threw him down. Saria's heart broke when she saw who it was. It was Sodo. What he had done was so sweet. He had tried to save her, but now his own life would be in danger. Meyson grabbed Sodo by the tunic.

"You'd better tell me where that stone is, or he'll suffer!" Meyson threatened.

Sodo held his head up. "Don't tell him anything, Saria. Don't worry about me!"

"SILENCE!" Meyson shouted. Sodo tried to say something, but he couldn't. Meyson's magic must have left him mute. "You've got a choice now, Saria. You can tell me where the Spiritual Stone of Forest is, or I can start executing your little friends one-by-one starting with this one."

Saria was silent. She was torn. She couldn't give in to this wicked being, but she couldn't risk the lives of her friends.

"What's it gonna be?!" Meyson demanded.

Saria gave up. She couldn't see Sodo or any of her friends like this. "Ok. I'll give it to you."

Meyson dropped Sodo. "Well then, where is it? Give it to me!"

Saria pulled the Spiritual Stone of Forest out of her pocket. She was about to say something, but she heard something. It was a loud voice.

"SARIA?!?!"

'That voice!' Saria thought. 'It couldn't be.' But the voice was unmistakable. It was Link. How did he know to come here? And did he know what was happening?

Meyson had noticed as well. "Looks like someone else has come to try and save you. You seem to very popular lately."

"SARIA?!?!" the voice called again.

"Ah, yes," Meyson grinned evilly. "I know that voice. It looks like the Hero of Time has finally managed to track me down."

It was true. Link really had come to save Saria.

Meyson chuckled. "But I have a feeling that Link will find more than he bargained for." Saria then saw Meyson begin to transform. It was a familiar form that shocked her. Meyson had transformed into Saria.

"He'll never be able to tell the difference," Meyson said in Saria's exact voice. He then left the room, to find Link.


Chapter 24

Link was ready to begin his long search, but Malon and Zelda stood looking in awe at the vastness of the Forest Temple.

"Ladies?" Link asked annoyed. "Can we move on?"

"Sorry," both Malon and Zelda said.

Link was about to open his first door, but heard something unexpected.

"Link?"

Link turned around. It was Saria. The search was over as quickly as it started. He had found his childhood friend, apparently unharmed.

"Saria?" Link asked in relief. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, Link," she said. "Nothing's really happened today."

"Where is everyone?" Link asked, noticing how empty the Forest Temple was.

"They all went for a walk around the Lost Woods," Saria answered.

"Did you see anything strange today?" Zelda asked. "Like an evil shape-shifter covered in brown skin?"

"I can't say I have," Saria answered.

The questions kept coming from Zelda and Malon. Link was relieved that Saria was ok, but he couldn't help but feel that something wasn't right.



Saria tried yelling at the top of her lungs, but it did her no good. Meyson was out there with Link and he had likely fallen for the evil being's disguise. And she couldn't blame him. Meyson's transformations were perfect, right down to the letter. The only way she could do anything was to escape. Then she saw Sodo begin to regain consciousness.

"Sodo?" Saria asked. "Are you all right?"

Sodo shrugged. "Not until I get you out of there." The young boy tried kicking in the crystal, but it was no good. Then he got another idea. Sodo went over and reached for a huge rock. He threw it at the crystal with all his strength, but it still didn't break. But to Saria's delight, it did crack.

"Hey," Saria said. "Do that again."

Sodo grabbed the huge rock again and threw it, making the crack bigger. He then continued throwing it, each time making the crack a little bigger. Until finally, the rock went through the crystal…nailing Saria on the arm.

"OW!" Saria yelled. "That hurt."

Sodo ran up to her. "S-Sorry. I didn't think it'd actually go through it."

Saria smiled. Little things like that didn't bother her at that moment. What mattered was that she was finally free. "It's ok, Sodo. But we've got to help Link before it's too late."

She ran out of the room, with Sodo following closely. Saria hoped it wasn't too late.



COMBAT were bored. They had been watching the cell for a while, not really doing anything. But that's when they heard something. It sounded like four voices. One was unmistakably a Kokiri.

Kreature looked at Krash. "Hey, you don't suppose one of these brats escaped when we weren't looking, do you?"

"Uh," Krash began. "I don't think so. There's still 11 of them in there. And I think Meyson caught the one that escaped."

"What about the other girl?" Og asked. "You know, the one with the green hair?"

The thought then hit Kreature. "Hey, you're right. What if she escaped while Meyson was looking for that other little elf? Boys, I think it's time for COMBAT to spring into action. Because we're rowdy."

"We're ready," Krash continued.

"We're reptiles," Og finished.

"We are COMBAT," they all yelled as they entered the elevator.


Chapter 25

"Saria," Link asked suspiciously. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"

Saria looked outside. "There's nothing wrong. Don't worry about me."

Malon looked down compassionately. "Are you sure? You can tell us."

"NO!" Saria yelled. "I'm fine, and I'm sure nothing will happen. Haven't you seen the Stalfos guarding the gate?"

Link's suspicions began to grow. "Wait, Saria. I thought you couldn't leave the temple."

Saria frowned. "What's your point?"

Zelda finished Link's point. "If you can't leave the temple, then how did you know there was a Stalfos out there?"

Before Link could hear her answer, he saw the elevator coming up. In it were three Lizalfos soldiers, one tall, one short, one chunky.

"Aha!" the short one yelled. "I knew it. She got away."

"Yeah, let's slice her and dice her," the tall one said.

"Ooh, ooh, let me do it!" the chunky one said as he pulled out a throwing knife. He chucked it towards Saria, and while it missed, it did get a piece of her arm.

Link was boiling. He was ready to tear these three lizards apart. But Malon tapped Link on the shoulder.

"Link, look," Malon said in utter shock.

Link couldn't believe it either. Saria was bleeding, but not the normal green blood of a Kokiri. Saria was bleeding black. That's when her eyes began to glow red. Link finally began to realize what this was. This was a ruse.

The fake Saria transformed into a tall being covered in brown skin. This was him. Link was seeing him for the first time with his very own eyes.

"Meyson," Link growled.

Meyson turned to the three Lizalfos. "Blockheads! You blew my cover!" He then turned to Link. "We meet at last. So, you're the great Hero of Time. There's not much to look at."

Link unleashed his sword. "That's what Ganondorf said."

Meyson chuckled. "Oh, the great Ganondorf may have underestimated you the first time. But he shall return, it's only a matter of time. It's just a shame that it will be I who destroys you. Unless…"

"Unless what?" Link asked.

"You have something I want. Actually, the lovely princess holds something I want. I want the Ocarina of Time. Give it to me and I spare you all the agony of destruction at my hands."

"No, Meyson!" Link shouted. "Your mad quest to bring back Ganondorf ends now."

Meyson grinned. "How disappointing. You had your chance, Link. But now, it is time for you to die." Meyson then began to transform into a familiar form. He had transformed into Link…no, Dark Link. "Remember me? I am your dark side."

Link didn't say anything. The fight had begun. Much like the Dark Link he faced in the Water Temple, he matched Link move for move. He couldn't believe that Meyson was matching him move for move. Neither one was backing down.



Zelda was growing more nervous. If Link lost, then all hope was gone. But Malon tapped Zelda on the shoulder. They looked at the three Lizalfos.

"Well, boys?" the tall one asked. "Should we avenge our little failure?"

"I think Meyson would reward us for this," the short one said.

"Yeah, let's get him!" the chunky one finished.

The three reptiles were about to make their move, until two Kokiri tackled them from above the elevator. Zelda recognized one of them as Saria, the Sage of Forest, but she didn't know the other Kokiri boy. They were outmatched by those lizards, so Zelda made her move. She hit the three Lizalfos with a blast of light. It left the three stunned.

"Hey, I can't move!" the tall one cried out.

"I can't feel anything," the short one added.

"I… had all I can stands, I can't stands no more!" the chunky one finished.

"D'oh. If I could move my arm, I'd smack you!" the tall one shouted.

Zelda looked at the two Kokiri and Malon. "I can't keep them like this. Quick, tie them up!"

Malon, Saria, and the other Kokiri boy made their move quickly. They reached for the ropes held by the reptiles and tied them up. When they were tied up tightly, Zelda released the spell.

"I'm not liking this," the tall one said.

"I still can't move," the short one added.

"Great. Now I've got an itch I just can't reach," the chunky one finished.

Zelda, Malon, and the two Kokiri high-fived each other. It was all up to Link now.


Chapter 26

Link was still fighting, but he was growing tired. Meyson, disguised as Dark Link, wouldn't let up. Finally, Link tripped. He had fallen to one knee. Meyson was about to deliver the final blow.

Suddenly, a ray of light shot out and struck Meyson, who had shed his disguise. Link looked over to see Zelda, using her own magic to subdue the evil shape-shifter.

"Link!" Zelda shouted. "Take him down, now!"

Link got back to his feet and went to strike Meyson with his sword, and then there was a blinding light. Link could barely see anything. The others were blinded as well. When the light was gone, Meyson had disappeared and the only things that remained were the Spiritual Stones of Fire and Water.

Link walked over and picked up the stones. The others looked at him questioningly. He felt he should say something. "I-It's over. He's gone." The next thing he did was walk over to Zelda, Malon, Saria, and a boy he recognized as Sodo. "Is everyone ok?"

They just nodded.

"Well, we beat him," Link said. "We got the stones back."

Saria then looked at the three Lizalfos, still tied up. "What do we do with them?"

Zelda looked sternly at the three cohorts. "These three will be thrown in the dungeon. Then we'll figure out a fitting punishment."

The three usually outspoken lizards remained silent.



Saria was glad that this was all over. And best of all, her friends would be ok. She looked at Link.

"Thank you, Link," Saria said. "I can't thank you enough for saving us."

Link smiled back at her. "It was nothing. You know I would never let anything happen to you or anyone else here."

But there was one thing Saria had to do. She looked at Sodo. The peaceful young boy had put his life on the line for her and she was thankful for that.

"Sodo?" Saria started. "You risked your life to save me. How can I ever thank you?"

Sodo looked flustered and nervous. "I-It was nothing, really. I just…did what I had to do, I guess."

"Well," Saria continued. "I think it was really sweet of you to do that." She gave the young boy a kiss on the cheek. Saria saw Sodo blush. She could see he wasn't expecting that.

She looked back at Link. "I guess we'd better go let everyone else out."



Link, Malon, and Zelda were all ready to leave. The three Lizalfos, calling themselves COMBAT, were strapped to the back of Zelda's horse, still tied up.

"Goodbye, Link," Link heard Saria shout out.

Link looked up and smiled. "Goodbye, Saria." He, Malon, and Zelda then began to ride out towards Hyrule Castle. Then the Lizalfos finally broke their silence.

"Hey, I bet it's gonna be a really long trip back to the castle," said Kreature, the tall one.

"Yeah, what are we supposed to do to pass the time," asked Krash, the short one.

"I got it," cried Og, the chunky one. "Let's start singing our favorite traveling song."

Then all three Lizalfos began to sing. "1000 bottles of fish on the wall, 1000 bottles of fish. You take one down, pass it around, 999 bottles of fish on the wall."

Link had a feeling this would be a long trip back.


Conclusion

The wandering monk saw them arrive. They were at the drawbridge. It was Link, the Hero of Time, Princess Zelda, and Malon, the young farm girl from Lon Lon Ranch. They were carrying in the three Lizalfos known as COMBAT. They came in singing.

"32 bottles of fish on the wall, 32 bottles of fish. You take one down, pass it around, 31 bottles of fish on the wall."

"Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!!!" he heard Link shout. "You're driving me crazy!"

"Dang," said Kreature. "Now you've done it."

"Yeah, we lost our place," Krash added.

"Now we have to start all over again," Og finished.

Again they began singing. "1000 bottles of fish on the wall, 1000 bottles of fish. You take one down, pass it around, 999 bottles of fish on the wall."

The monk groaned. He walked into Hyrule Castle Town. But something was different about this monk. His eyes began to glow red.



Author's Note: As you can see, this is NOT the end. Meyson has not been vanquished for good. And rest assured, he will be back. (Didn't I say it would be an epic?). What will he do? Will he get his revenge on Link? Or will he go a different direction that could result in something even MORE evil? The next part of the story is coming.



Comments? You're more than welcome to review below or mail me at HyruleKokiri13@hotmail.com.