Chapter 5.
Within the vast Hyrule fields, a solitary figured hustled down the road. He carried a backpack, containing mask upon masks, each with it's own story.
The salesman wondered, if he taught Link too much about magic of masks. Of course, he didn't talk about the dangers.... He sighed; Link would have made a brilliant Mask salesman. He had attained the dream of every salesman before his time. The most highest honour, of actually acquiring the Fierce Deity mask, along with other masks of incredible power. Such skill in a young being, and he didn't even know what he was doing...
The salesman observed the setting sun in the horizon. Time was taken for granted in this world. In Termina, it was everything. Seconds, minutes hours, days, they were all different. You never knew what a person would do from one moment to the next. This place had peace. It had a... routine.
He took out the masks he had 'acquired' from Link. The Rommani cow mask, Kefei's mask, the Kitsune mask, the rabbit hood, and the stone mask. The last two were obviously useful, but there was a power of happiness far greater in the others. It wouldn't take much for someone of his skill to bring them out.
"This will certainly be a break in their routine," he mused.
He waved his hands over the masks on the ground, each giving a slight glow of power. "Oh Link, such wonderful happy masks. Each hiding your form, yet... actually bringing it out. The paradox that is life..." He paused to look in the direction of the forest. The lost woods, Link grew up in.
Link was too deep inside, he was not going to come out for at least a week or so. Plenty of time to do the business at hand. Now for the final spell...
"I am sorry my masks, but you must be sealed. Do not worry, it will not be forever..." or so he hoped. With his organ, he played the inverted song of healing. The masks responded by turning a deep red colour. They seemed somehow malevolent, and no longer the playful toys they once where.
The salesman sighed again. Masks were supposed to be happy, not confining. It went against all his instincts, but he also knew it was the only way.
The masks returned too normal. He placed each one in an individual box, taking care not to let any of them touch each other. Now to make his first visit. "Has it been decided?" He asked the air. The winds gave a silent breeze though his clothes. "Very well..." He set of in the general direction of Hyrule castle.
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"What do you think is going on, Link?" Asked Saria.
Link sighed. "I don't know. I just know the others are in trouble. Big trouble."
Saria and Link had noticed the village of the fairies had been completely destroyed. Link hated seeing destruction, it was a constant throughout his journey. Saria also paused at the destruction.
"Where are the fairies?" wondered Saria. She hoped none of them were hurt.
It was then Link heard an angry ringing. He turned around to see a large group of fairies acting like a swarm. Their lights blinked in an angry fashion. Like an arrow, they charged towards him. The fairies were attacking them!
"It wasn't us! Link shouted using his shield to guard him and Saria.
"Yeah! It was that other one!" Saria pleaded they understood.
"Stop!" said Navi.
The fairies all stopped their attack when they saw Navi. Navi calmly floated to the group.
"This is Link, my companion." Navi said in a voice of authority.
"Navi..." the apparent leader said. "We thought you were gone..."
"I have been away for a while, but I am back now." Navi sighed.
"Will you be leaving us again?" another asked.
Navi shook her head. "I will be back one day, but me and Link have work to do."
"But we need you to help us rebuild!" A small fairy added.
"You can manage without me," Navi said quietly.
The group gave a collective sigh.
"What's going on?" Link wondered confused.
A larger fairy floated to Navi. "We understand. Guide you protectorate, then come back... if you can."
"I will, and don't worry. Me and Link will help the forest grow in peace once more."
Navi then floated alongside Link.
"Thanks Navi" he said.
Navi smiled. "Shouldn't we get going now?... if the others are in danger..."
Link thought that was typical of Navi. Always hurry this, hurry that... he really missed it. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Once more, they entered the mists of the lost woods, leaving the fairy village behind.
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Just outside Lon-Lon Ranch...
The salesman grinned to himself as he left the farm. He waited just long enough to hear a scream.
"Malon! Where are you!" A man yelled.
His smile broadened. "Poor poor father, very touching, concern for his daughter..." he mumbled, as he walked onwards towards Hyrule castle. Now that night-time approached, he sensed the earth come alive with monsters unseen in Termina. Not that they would bother him. He wondered if they would ever figure out what he gave to Malon.
Such a sweet child, and a beautiful voice. As a craftsman of an art, he knew talent when he saw it. Of course no harm 'should' come to her, at least he hoped not.
Three masks to go.
The salesman eyed the castle from the hill in the Hyrule fields. From the distance, his gaze peered deeper, pass the mortar and stone of the castle's defences. The drawbridge was beginning to pull itself up, so he gazed past its woods, past the market place... and saw his target. "Zelda" He paused watching. "I hope you enjoy my gift." He will have to make sure the mask is complimentary to her needs. He was still a salesman, after all...
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Princess Zelda giggled in delight as she hid behind a growing orchid in the garden. Impa will never find her here!
"Princess, it is not time to play these games," Impa called slightly sternly as she looked for her.
"It never is," Zelda thought to herself.
"Come now, its not so bad, you just need to learn how to act like a princess. That is what etiquette is."
Etiquette. Zelda was beginning to really hate that word. She was being brought up with rule upon rule. How to dine, show respect, how to get up, how to leave- it just wasn't necessary! Everyone knows how to do those things- 'But you are not everyone' her father once said.
"We can try to make it fun-" Impa continued.
Fun... as if she knew what fun really was... This was much more fun! "Hey Impa!" She called.
Impa turned to see her, giving a slight smirk. She knew she was there, of course. She just wanted her to come out herself. Now that she had admitted defeat, maybe now she will study more calmly.
"Catch me if you can!" she shouted as she ran.
"Princess Zelda!" Impa scolded. Being the attendant of a young rebellious princess was going to be hard work. It was much easier when she was younger. Impa chased her to the other end of the garden, where she quickly grabbed her dress, bringing her to a sharp stop.
"No fair!" Zelda complained.
"I have met your challenge. Perhaps now we can get back to studying" Impa sighed. Zelda always did this on occasion. More and more often, now that she was growing up.
"Challenge? It's just a game..." Zelda said.
"A game is a challenge, just like life."
"So then life is a game!" Zelda giggled.
"No! Life is serious." Impa tried to explain. "It has serious challenges, and you will have some of the greatest of all. It is your responsibility to know how to handle yourself in the proper manner."
"I can handle myself" Zelda maintained.
"What you learn will be of great benefit to you. You are still young, but I am sure you are beginning to understand the customs of other races, and what they mean."
"I know..." Though she didn't really. She really cared what Impa thought, and didn't want her mad at her.
Zelda then began thinking of Link. He was free, to do what he wanted. He was not tied to anything, and went where his heart led him. She wished she could be free like that.
"Come princess, we still have history to learn as well." Impa reminded.
"History" Zelda thought. At least it was sometimes interesting. Though she felt that not much has changed in the last millennium, why should it change now?
Impa smiled. Zelda occasionally was headstrong, and she knew very well her role as a princess. It's just sometimes, the child in her would get out. Impa certainly not going to dull the fires that burned in her. As a Shekai, she knew these early experiences would give her the drive needed, not just to 'be' a princess, but to be a great princess.
The princess of a legend.
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" How surprising." The salesman thought sarcastically. A princess who wished to do more then be in the background. They were never in short supply, no matter what dimension he walked. Such princess always proved to be the interesting ones... and did he have a mask for her! "Yes! Perfect!"
From the salesman's viewpoint, the Hyrule fields started to twist and fade. He then found himself inside Hyrule castle, in one of the corridors. In front of him, a door presented himself with his chosen path. He slowly opened it, and entered the study.
Princess Zelda was reading some book on philosophy. It didn't matter to him. As light as a feather, he came into view.
The salesman put down a white box on the table. "My gift to you." He whispered to her ear, as his translucent form disappeared.
"Impa?" Zelda turned, thinking she heard something. But no one was there. She shook her head, as she turned her attention back to the book. She then glanced at the table, seeing the white box. "What's this?" She wondered. There was a note written on it.
To Zelda, Princess of Hyrule.
A power that dances across a stream,
You now have a chance to fulfil you dream.
Skip, jump, run and flee,
For the gift for you is speed.
"How did this get here?" She wondered, but curiosity got the better of her. She opened the box.
Her eyes gazed onto some kind of band. It had two ears attached to it, but didn't appear to be anything special.
Zelda reached out to it, wondering who could have given this to her. Just as she was about to touch it, her hand came back in surprise. "Come on!" She said to herself. "It's just a toy..." her voice trailed, suddenly unsure. Why did she pull her hand back? She reached out again, and picked up the hood. The hood felt light in her hand, and even she could sense something in it. With an instinct, she put it on her head as a strange feeling came into her. "Wh.. what?" A moments dizziness came onto her, which quickly past. She wanted to see how this looked in a mirror, so she got up from her desk.
Just as Zelda was about to leave, Impa opened the door.
"Where are you going princess- and what is that on your head?" Impa asked.
Zelda blinked. Why was Impa talking so slowly? "Impa are you okay?"
Impa now stared wide-eyed. "Why are you talking so fast?" she asked.
Zelda started to walk to Impa. "I'm not..."
"Stop running like that!" Impa said thinking the child was about to crash into her. Instead she just stopped in front of her.
Realisation at what that poem meant registered on Zelda's expression. She quickly grabbed a pencil from the desk, and as an experiment, dropped it. She found it appeared to move at half the speed she was used to. She grabbed it before it touched the ground.
Zelda was shocked, but that shock gave way to excitement.
"What could I do with this power?" She wondered, as a smile came to her lips.
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Link and Saria wondered again through the lost woods, but this time they had a clear destination in mind. Link and Navi exchanged what adventures they shared while parted.
"So those are all the masks you have?" Navi asked interested.
"Yes." Link responded after he told Navi each one and what they can do.
"Can't you use one of them? Please? I want to see!" Navi said excitedly.
"Navi! This is serious stuff, it's not fun changing to another species." Link said.
"Yeah!" Saria added. "I can tell you the same thing..."
Navi was confused at that statement. "Umm what happened? What do you mean?" She asked.
Link sighed. "Just before we found you, the salesman used a mask to change Saria... into a Hylian."
"What?!" Navi exclaimed.
"It's true," Saria said quietly.
"Can't you take it off?" Navi questioned.
"We tried," Link said sadly. .
"A sealing spell was used on her," Sayl, Saria's fairy, said. "It's like nothing I have ever seen before," she added.
Navi considered this. The fairies of Hyrule were among the most proficient race in magic lore, and know almost all aspects of spellcasting. Sealing spells were known to them, but for Sayl not to know about it, the magic may be of a different nature to what they know.
Link realised that Saria can still put on a mask on top of the sealed mask. If they could get a 'Kokiri' mask, that just might cure her. He hoped the salesman had every possible mask available. He was certain now that the salesman was an enemy for what he did, but he was not sure if the salesman really was evil. Something else was going on.
"Halt!" A voice called.
Link stopped, and saw a Kokiri. One of the KnowItAll brothers.
"You can not pass, unless you know the password," he said.
"Come on, you know who I am." Said Link.
"Link! Saria!" The Kokiri smiled in recognition. "How are you? Where have you been?"
"Well, were on another quest," said Navi.
"N-N-Navi! Your fairy returned to you!" The kokiri kid smile beamed. "You're one of us again, Link! Now Mido will have to let you back. Come on, we left your tree house just the way it was."
"Really?" Said Link surprised. He was sure that would be destroyed for sure.
"Well... Mido wanted us to chop it down. Something about it not 'looking' right. I think he just wanted to remove all trace of your time with us. Saria objected to it..."
"Saria?" Link turned to her.
"I thought you 'might' come back," said Saria. "Or at least if you returned, you would at least like to remember times shared in it..."
"Come Link," The KnowItAll brother said. "You can talk about that later. You've got to tell us everything that's happened!"
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There was a buzz around the Kokiri village, and it spread like fire to all the inhabitants. The message was clear: Link had returned, and he had Navi. It wasn't long before the news reached the self proclaimed leader of the Kokiri.
"What do you mean he's back?" Mido asked.
"Link is with Saria and he has Navi!" Fado said excitedly. "Come on! Let's go see him!"
"Link?" He thought. How dare he show his face again! After he was responsible for destroying their guardian, he should stay in exile. He wasn't one of them, he doesn't even have a fair- he stopped. His fairy came back?! What was going on? And why was Saria doing with him?
Mido exited his house, his 'subjects' were crowding around the entrance to the Lost woods. He pushed them aside, to see Link and Saria together greeting them. His blood boiled at seeing his rival.
"Calm down Mido," his fairy said. "They are just enjoying themselves, and I think he will be gone soon so you won't need to worry."
Mido waved his fairy aside. "I don't care. He doesn't belong here, and I'll see to it that he never returns. Ever."
Link and Saria approached Mido.
"Mido!" Link gave a shot smile. "It's been a while."
"Not long enough..." Mido said back.
Link just continued smiling.
"You stole the Kokiri sword without permission. Again!" Mido spat.
"I only 'borrowed' it for a little while." Link defended.
"Well I demand to have our sacred treasure back," Mido crossed his arms.
Link gave a slight cough.
"Don't tell me you lost it Link!" Mido said angrily.
"No, no. I do have it. I just... well." Link handed the gold dusted sword. It was hardly recognisable as the Kokiri sword. It was sharp, and far more deadly with its jagged blade.
"W-what have you done to it!" Mido demanded.
"I found a way to make it sharper", Link said, not going into detail with the gold dust on it.
"I can see that." On the one hand, Mido was slightly impressed. But still... "This is sacrilege Link!. You went and destroyed our sword, the treasure of the Kokiri! Don't you know anything about the history of it?"
"Sure. Some Kokiri made it, and said it was to be used in an emergency." Link said indifferently.
"There was more to it then that!"
"No there wasn't" Saria defended Link.
Mido got quiet. As soon as Saria has her say, there is no way he could win. "Well, it 'was' sacred," He said before changing the subject. "And you destroyed our guardian too! What do you have to say for yourself?"
The entire Kokiri group gasped at this outburst. Mido always said Link was the cause of their problems, but they never believed it. They were anxious to see how Link would react to this.
"Link had nothing to do with it!" Saria said.
"Why doesn't the hero defend himself then?" Mido sneered.
"It's okay Saria, I can handle this. Mido-" he started to speak softly, the whole Kokiri group waited in anticipation. " I tried everything to save the tree. And I mean everything. I went deep inside and destroyed the evil residing in it and still neither me or Navi could do anything. The best I could do was seek revenge, and I did that."
"Revenge..." Mido thought. "Your revenge does nothing to help us. You have been banished from our village. I want you gone, by morning. Be glad I am giving you the night," He figured Link was only going to stay one night anyway, but he wanted it to look as if he was the one controlling the situation.
"Well let me tell you something, Mido" Saria started to the arrogant leader. "Do you know what we are going to do? Link and I are-" She stopped as Link gave a slight nudge.
Link considered telling Mido they were going to try and revive the tree, but Mido was not in a mood for that. Besides, he didn't want to raise their hopes if they failed.
"What then?" Mido asked, as Saria stopped. "What are you going to do?"
"Well..." Saria began, collecting her thoughts. "Me and Link are... um... going on a date!" she recovered.
Link slapped his forehead.
Mido spluttered, "W-w-what?! You can't! You just can't!" he was knocked completely off guard.
"Come on Link," said Saria. "I want to show you what everyone else has been up to. Wait tell you see the new garden the twins have made outside my house," she dragged Link away from Mido.
"It's just not possible..." Mido whispered. "There's no way..." Saria was supposed to be his!
As soon as they were out of earshot of Mido, Link looked at Saria, who was avoiding contact.
"Saria?" He called to get her attention
"Link- I-" Saria said making eye contact. "It was the only thing I could think of, at the time..."
"It's okay," Link said relaxed, seeing the funny side. "Mido was sure stunned though!" he thought.
Saria giggled. "Yep, I think he is really didn't want to hear that!"
"Well don't let me stop you two love birds!" Navi added. "I shall go and spread the word... in fact I think it's already spreading!" she laughed.
Link laughed too. He started to look about at the part of the forest that had been his home for as long as he can remember. He took in every detail, and every event that was going on never wishing to forget it. He saw his tree, with the silly doodle he once drew, though he had no idea what it was. The stone circle had been replaced by few plants, Saria's garden.
His eyes passed onto a nice rose, which was a light shade of green. "These are nice flowers," he thought.
"They are my favourites," said Saria. "Listen Link. I can convince Mido to let you stay. I'm sure of it, you don't have to be exiled."
"Saria, we talked about this. It's easier this way anyway. Whether it is tomorrow, or next year or the year after, I will leave here."
"I know. I just thought I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't offer, at least..."
Like saw Saria's sorrowful expression. "I... could return one day, for a visit now and then..." Link said.
"That's right!" Said Navi. "Now that I am with him, he can pass just as free as any other Kokiri."
"...Though in time the others will forget me," thought Link.
"No way Link. This time, I will stay and 'make' them remember, even if I have to talk about you every minute." Saria yawned a little. "I guess we should get some sleep, we have a long trip ahead, See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, goodnight." Said Link as he headed to his own house, Navi floating behind him.
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Link climbed into his room, it was exactly as he left it. The same scores of the games he played were there, as was his bed. The room had a nice feeling in it, as he lied down.
"This was where our adventure started last time," Said Navi.
"Sure was," said Link. He remembered the dream of Gannondorf, and his murderous look as he trampled on horseback after Zelda. Dreams were a recurrent experience to him, they seem to tell him bits and pieces of the future. Nobody else seem to have this power, but he heard the Royal family have very strong powers of prophecy.
"You're thinking about ditching Saria, aren't you." Navi accused.
"Navi!" Link didn't want to say it that way.
"I know you care for her Link. You don't want her hurt.," said Navi.
"But she will want to come anyway..." said Link. Saria was his best friend. What they were about to do could become dangerous. Worse, Saria had no idea what it was like outside the forest. Sayl said she may not even be able to leave, even with the Hylian mask. He would be responsible for killing her, if she just took one single step out.
"What are you going to do?" Navi asked
"You're asking me?" Said Link surprised.
"Hey! I'm not that bossy all the time! But seriously, what are you going to do?"
"How 'bout if I leave a note. Ill then leave and she can stay while I get the cure for her. All she has to do is stay here protected."
"Sure. We'll wake up just before sunrise." Navi agreed.
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"Stop Zelda!" Impa shouted at the speedy princess. What ever has possessed her was not listening. Already, she had dashed fast though the castle's main chambers, and was outside.
Zelda was really enjoying this. This was the best present anyone had ever given her. This hood made her faster then even the running man of Hyrule. However, as fast as she was, she was suddenly pulled back. "Ow!" Impa had caught her! Impossible. "How.. How did..." Impa started talking, but Zelda was used to the change in speed, and could communicate fine now.
"Princess, no matter how fast a person moves, if their path is known it doesn't matter. I just waited for you to come to me." Impa explained. "Now where did you get this?" she referred to the hood.
"Wasn't it you? It was in a box in the study. It was addressed to me, so I opened it."
"Zelda, this thing could be dangerous. It should not be in you hands, let our wizards examine it."
"Please Impa. This is the best present I could have ever got. Let me enjoy it for a little while, I promise to be careful. I'll give it straight to our wizard afterwards."
Impa crossed her arms in a thinking pose. "Zelda, I do not trust 'presents' containing power. We have enemies that would kill for this, or it may even be a plot in a plan we know nothing about. Take it off, for me."
Zelda looked reluctant, but she decided to take it off. However, she found it was stuck on her head. "Impa I can't take it off..."
Impa stared wide-eyed at the possible implications. She tried to budge it of her head, but it was firmly stuck. "I knew it," She whispered. " Princess, come quickly. Maybe Shusar can do something."
Zelda was quickly led to the west wing of the castle. An old man was there. Herbs and spices filled the air, and Zelda become slightly more alert by the aroma.
Impa quickly explained the problem. The old man, Shusar, examined the mask in every way he knew how.
"Very interesting..." he spoke.
"What is it?" Impa asked impatiently.
"I sense no magic in it. It does not register as anything malicious to me."
"So, she is not in danger?" Impa said worried.
"I did not say that. I am only saying I can not sense anything in it." He touched the ears of the mask, which gave a slight shudder. "Do you feel anything bad in you Zelda? Evil powers are usually easy to spot a mile away."
Zelda shook her head, she was quite relieved.
After a careful examination of the magical auras, the wizard found nothing of significant danger. "I do not want to try anything until I consult some of my colleagues. They may know something, in the mean time Zelda try to be careful. I do not know what this mask is capable of."
"I'll be careful."
"A guard will be present at all times Zelda" said Impa. "Just in case."
Zelda was not happy about this. "Okay, but I'm fine." she complained.
"I will inform the King you can not attend dinner with the Guerudo ambassador." added Impa.
"No, I will attend. It means everything to my father to bring peace with them. I have to go." Zelda said firmly.
"I see no reason why she can't attend, Impa" said Shusar, putting a kindly hand on the princess. "It might be a practical joke of some sort. Just cover the hood within your clothes, and there shall be no problem."
Impa thought about it. "If it is that important to you Zelda, very well." She hoped she wouldn't regret this.
"Impa, please don't say anything of this to father. I don't want him to worry."
Impa sighed, but agreed.
"Be sure to eat 'slowly,'" the wizard added.
Zelda smiled. "I'm getting the hang of this power. Maybe it can be useful later."
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After writing the note, Link crept quietly across the Kokiri village. It wasn't long before he as at the bridge, the only connection between the village and the outside world. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a voice.
"Link..."
Link turned, a feeling of deja vu came as he saw Saria in that same place she was last time.
"Well, let's go Link," Saria said slightly annoyed.
"I can explain," he said.
"What's to explain? I've been with you long enough to know exactly how you are. I knew you may go, so I waited here."
Link kept quiet. "Am I that predictable?" he wondered.
"It's just the way you are," Saria said, her anger subsiding.
"WAIT!!!" another voice shouted. It was Mido, he managed to appear from the background like Saria did.Y
Link ignored Mido for the moment. "You're going to have to teach me how you camouflage yourself like that." he said to Saria. A long time ago, the Kokiri taunted Link by disappearing and reappearing. Link eventually learned how to spot them most of the time.
"You do it too Link, you just can't 'see' yourself doing it." Saria explained.
"YOU CAN'T LEAVE!!!" Mido shouted.
Link took this as his cue. "I know Mido, but I have to go." he said jokingly.
"Not you! You can go to the ends of Hyrule for all I care! Saria has to stay here, where she belongs."
"I'm leaving Mido. Link needs me."
Anger was showing on Mido. "Why are you being so stubborn!" It couldn't be that she loved Link. No way could that be possible. Saria loved him. He did so many things for her, she just had to love him. "Don't you even care? You'll die if you leave. Link, if you care for her at all, don't let her go. Her death will be on your head." he reminded.
A small part of Link agreed with Mido, but he had no say in this. "I can't Mido. It's her choice."
"I don't think I will die Mido," said Saria.
"'Think'? You're betting on your life! Please Saria, don't go." Mido then looked at Saria. There was something different about her, almost too subtle to see. His anger gave way to confusion. What was he seeing? "Saria? What..." he trailed off. His fairy then told him the truth of her new form. "WHAT?! LINK! How could you! You've condemned her to death already!" he cried.
"It wasn't Link's fault.," said Saria.
Coldness came into Mido. "I never knew you could do this Link. You kill our guardian, now you change Saria into one of you. Fine. Saria, you want to go? Then leave, and never return. I hereby banish you BOTH from the village. Now leave!" Mido turned his back on them.
Link looked at Saria, a tear was already seen on her eye. She was being rejected, just like he feared he would one day. It just wasn't fair. "Mido! This is insane! I don't care about myself, but Saria is different. When she comes back, I want her welcomed. Do you hear me?"
Mido did not respond.
"Fine, Mido" said Saria. "See if I come back. I'm leaving. Lead the way Link, I've got nothing more to say."
Link took Saria's hand and they both left the forest. The home they loved and would always be a part of them. This time, though, the exiled 'kokiri' had company in each other. Link hoped when this was over, Saria could at least return, even if he couldn't.
Mido watched the figures leave into the dark tunnel. He waited if Saria would turn back in fear, but it did not happen. She was drawing support from Link. She really was leaving...
"I'll miss you Saria, he whispered.
Mido cried for a moment, letting his tears run freely. Nobody had ever seen the leader cry, and nobody ever will. As soon as the tears dried, he returned to the village. Already he knew what he was going to say to the others. Saria has been outcasted by her own choice. Nothing will change his opinion that it was the wrong choice.
To be continued...
Well, I hope you are getting interested. Not bored yet I hope! I want to say thank you to all the encoraging reveiws I have received. You guys are all too kind :)
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Within the vast Hyrule fields, a solitary figured hustled down the road. He carried a backpack, containing mask upon masks, each with it's own story.
The salesman wondered, if he taught Link too much about magic of masks. Of course, he didn't talk about the dangers.... He sighed; Link would have made a brilliant Mask salesman. He had attained the dream of every salesman before his time. The most highest honour, of actually acquiring the Fierce Deity mask, along with other masks of incredible power. Such skill in a young being, and he didn't even know what he was doing...
The salesman observed the setting sun in the horizon. Time was taken for granted in this world. In Termina, it was everything. Seconds, minutes hours, days, they were all different. You never knew what a person would do from one moment to the next. This place had peace. It had a... routine.
He took out the masks he had 'acquired' from Link. The Rommani cow mask, Kefei's mask, the Kitsune mask, the rabbit hood, and the stone mask. The last two were obviously useful, but there was a power of happiness far greater in the others. It wouldn't take much for someone of his skill to bring them out.
"This will certainly be a break in their routine," he mused.
He waved his hands over the masks on the ground, each giving a slight glow of power. "Oh Link, such wonderful happy masks. Each hiding your form, yet... actually bringing it out. The paradox that is life..." He paused to look in the direction of the forest. The lost woods, Link grew up in.
Link was too deep inside, he was not going to come out for at least a week or so. Plenty of time to do the business at hand. Now for the final spell...
"I am sorry my masks, but you must be sealed. Do not worry, it will not be forever..." or so he hoped. With his organ, he played the inverted song of healing. The masks responded by turning a deep red colour. They seemed somehow malevolent, and no longer the playful toys they once where.
The salesman sighed again. Masks were supposed to be happy, not confining. It went against all his instincts, but he also knew it was the only way.
The masks returned too normal. He placed each one in an individual box, taking care not to let any of them touch each other. Now to make his first visit. "Has it been decided?" He asked the air. The winds gave a silent breeze though his clothes. "Very well..." He set of in the general direction of Hyrule castle.
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"What do you think is going on, Link?" Asked Saria.
Link sighed. "I don't know. I just know the others are in trouble. Big trouble."
Saria and Link had noticed the village of the fairies had been completely destroyed. Link hated seeing destruction, it was a constant throughout his journey. Saria also paused at the destruction.
"Where are the fairies?" wondered Saria. She hoped none of them were hurt.
It was then Link heard an angry ringing. He turned around to see a large group of fairies acting like a swarm. Their lights blinked in an angry fashion. Like an arrow, they charged towards him. The fairies were attacking them!
"It wasn't us! Link shouted using his shield to guard him and Saria.
"Yeah! It was that other one!" Saria pleaded they understood.
"Stop!" said Navi.
The fairies all stopped their attack when they saw Navi. Navi calmly floated to the group.
"This is Link, my companion." Navi said in a voice of authority.
"Navi..." the apparent leader said. "We thought you were gone..."
"I have been away for a while, but I am back now." Navi sighed.
"Will you be leaving us again?" another asked.
Navi shook her head. "I will be back one day, but me and Link have work to do."
"But we need you to help us rebuild!" A small fairy added.
"You can manage without me," Navi said quietly.
The group gave a collective sigh.
"What's going on?" Link wondered confused.
A larger fairy floated to Navi. "We understand. Guide you protectorate, then come back... if you can."
"I will, and don't worry. Me and Link will help the forest grow in peace once more."
Navi then floated alongside Link.
"Thanks Navi" he said.
Navi smiled. "Shouldn't we get going now?... if the others are in danger..."
Link thought that was typical of Navi. Always hurry this, hurry that... he really missed it. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Once more, they entered the mists of the lost woods, leaving the fairy village behind.
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Just outside Lon-Lon Ranch...
The salesman grinned to himself as he left the farm. He waited just long enough to hear a scream.
"Malon! Where are you!" A man yelled.
His smile broadened. "Poor poor father, very touching, concern for his daughter..." he mumbled, as he walked onwards towards Hyrule castle. Now that night-time approached, he sensed the earth come alive with monsters unseen in Termina. Not that they would bother him. He wondered if they would ever figure out what he gave to Malon.
Such a sweet child, and a beautiful voice. As a craftsman of an art, he knew talent when he saw it. Of course no harm 'should' come to her, at least he hoped not.
Three masks to go.
The salesman eyed the castle from the hill in the Hyrule fields. From the distance, his gaze peered deeper, pass the mortar and stone of the castle's defences. The drawbridge was beginning to pull itself up, so he gazed past its woods, past the market place... and saw his target. "Zelda" He paused watching. "I hope you enjoy my gift." He will have to make sure the mask is complimentary to her needs. He was still a salesman, after all...
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Princess Zelda giggled in delight as she hid behind a growing orchid in the garden. Impa will never find her here!
"Princess, it is not time to play these games," Impa called slightly sternly as she looked for her.
"It never is," Zelda thought to herself.
"Come now, its not so bad, you just need to learn how to act like a princess. That is what etiquette is."
Etiquette. Zelda was beginning to really hate that word. She was being brought up with rule upon rule. How to dine, show respect, how to get up, how to leave- it just wasn't necessary! Everyone knows how to do those things- 'But you are not everyone' her father once said.
"We can try to make it fun-" Impa continued.
Fun... as if she knew what fun really was... This was much more fun! "Hey Impa!" She called.
Impa turned to see her, giving a slight smirk. She knew she was there, of course. She just wanted her to come out herself. Now that she had admitted defeat, maybe now she will study more calmly.
"Catch me if you can!" she shouted as she ran.
"Princess Zelda!" Impa scolded. Being the attendant of a young rebellious princess was going to be hard work. It was much easier when she was younger. Impa chased her to the other end of the garden, where she quickly grabbed her dress, bringing her to a sharp stop.
"No fair!" Zelda complained.
"I have met your challenge. Perhaps now we can get back to studying" Impa sighed. Zelda always did this on occasion. More and more often, now that she was growing up.
"Challenge? It's just a game..." Zelda said.
"A game is a challenge, just like life."
"So then life is a game!" Zelda giggled.
"No! Life is serious." Impa tried to explain. "It has serious challenges, and you will have some of the greatest of all. It is your responsibility to know how to handle yourself in the proper manner."
"I can handle myself" Zelda maintained.
"What you learn will be of great benefit to you. You are still young, but I am sure you are beginning to understand the customs of other races, and what they mean."
"I know..." Though she didn't really. She really cared what Impa thought, and didn't want her mad at her.
Zelda then began thinking of Link. He was free, to do what he wanted. He was not tied to anything, and went where his heart led him. She wished she could be free like that.
"Come princess, we still have history to learn as well." Impa reminded.
"History" Zelda thought. At least it was sometimes interesting. Though she felt that not much has changed in the last millennium, why should it change now?
Impa smiled. Zelda occasionally was headstrong, and she knew very well her role as a princess. It's just sometimes, the child in her would get out. Impa certainly not going to dull the fires that burned in her. As a Shekai, she knew these early experiences would give her the drive needed, not just to 'be' a princess, but to be a great princess.
The princess of a legend.
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" How surprising." The salesman thought sarcastically. A princess who wished to do more then be in the background. They were never in short supply, no matter what dimension he walked. Such princess always proved to be the interesting ones... and did he have a mask for her! "Yes! Perfect!"
From the salesman's viewpoint, the Hyrule fields started to twist and fade. He then found himself inside Hyrule castle, in one of the corridors. In front of him, a door presented himself with his chosen path. He slowly opened it, and entered the study.
Princess Zelda was reading some book on philosophy. It didn't matter to him. As light as a feather, he came into view.
The salesman put down a white box on the table. "My gift to you." He whispered to her ear, as his translucent form disappeared.
"Impa?" Zelda turned, thinking she heard something. But no one was there. She shook her head, as she turned her attention back to the book. She then glanced at the table, seeing the white box. "What's this?" She wondered. There was a note written on it.
To Zelda, Princess of Hyrule.
A power that dances across a stream,
You now have a chance to fulfil you dream.
Skip, jump, run and flee,
For the gift for you is speed.
"How did this get here?" She wondered, but curiosity got the better of her. She opened the box.
Her eyes gazed onto some kind of band. It had two ears attached to it, but didn't appear to be anything special.
Zelda reached out to it, wondering who could have given this to her. Just as she was about to touch it, her hand came back in surprise. "Come on!" She said to herself. "It's just a toy..." her voice trailed, suddenly unsure. Why did she pull her hand back? She reached out again, and picked up the hood. The hood felt light in her hand, and even she could sense something in it. With an instinct, she put it on her head as a strange feeling came into her. "Wh.. what?" A moments dizziness came onto her, which quickly past. She wanted to see how this looked in a mirror, so she got up from her desk.
Just as Zelda was about to leave, Impa opened the door.
"Where are you going princess- and what is that on your head?" Impa asked.
Zelda blinked. Why was Impa talking so slowly? "Impa are you okay?"
Impa now stared wide-eyed. "Why are you talking so fast?" she asked.
Zelda started to walk to Impa. "I'm not..."
"Stop running like that!" Impa said thinking the child was about to crash into her. Instead she just stopped in front of her.
Realisation at what that poem meant registered on Zelda's expression. She quickly grabbed a pencil from the desk, and as an experiment, dropped it. She found it appeared to move at half the speed she was used to. She grabbed it before it touched the ground.
Zelda was shocked, but that shock gave way to excitement.
"What could I do with this power?" She wondered, as a smile came to her lips.
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Link and Saria wondered again through the lost woods, but this time they had a clear destination in mind. Link and Navi exchanged what adventures they shared while parted.
"So those are all the masks you have?" Navi asked interested.
"Yes." Link responded after he told Navi each one and what they can do.
"Can't you use one of them? Please? I want to see!" Navi said excitedly.
"Navi! This is serious stuff, it's not fun changing to another species." Link said.
"Yeah!" Saria added. "I can tell you the same thing..."
Navi was confused at that statement. "Umm what happened? What do you mean?" She asked.
Link sighed. "Just before we found you, the salesman used a mask to change Saria... into a Hylian."
"What?!" Navi exclaimed.
"It's true," Saria said quietly.
"Can't you take it off?" Navi questioned.
"We tried," Link said sadly. .
"A sealing spell was used on her," Sayl, Saria's fairy, said. "It's like nothing I have ever seen before," she added.
Navi considered this. The fairies of Hyrule were among the most proficient race in magic lore, and know almost all aspects of spellcasting. Sealing spells were known to them, but for Sayl not to know about it, the magic may be of a different nature to what they know.
Link realised that Saria can still put on a mask on top of the sealed mask. If they could get a 'Kokiri' mask, that just might cure her. He hoped the salesman had every possible mask available. He was certain now that the salesman was an enemy for what he did, but he was not sure if the salesman really was evil. Something else was going on.
"Halt!" A voice called.
Link stopped, and saw a Kokiri. One of the KnowItAll brothers.
"You can not pass, unless you know the password," he said.
"Come on, you know who I am." Said Link.
"Link! Saria!" The Kokiri smiled in recognition. "How are you? Where have you been?"
"Well, were on another quest," said Navi.
"N-N-Navi! Your fairy returned to you!" The kokiri kid smile beamed. "You're one of us again, Link! Now Mido will have to let you back. Come on, we left your tree house just the way it was."
"Really?" Said Link surprised. He was sure that would be destroyed for sure.
"Well... Mido wanted us to chop it down. Something about it not 'looking' right. I think he just wanted to remove all trace of your time with us. Saria objected to it..."
"Saria?" Link turned to her.
"I thought you 'might' come back," said Saria. "Or at least if you returned, you would at least like to remember times shared in it..."
"Come Link," The KnowItAll brother said. "You can talk about that later. You've got to tell us everything that's happened!"
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There was a buzz around the Kokiri village, and it spread like fire to all the inhabitants. The message was clear: Link had returned, and he had Navi. It wasn't long before the news reached the self proclaimed leader of the Kokiri.
"What do you mean he's back?" Mido asked.
"Link is with Saria and he has Navi!" Fado said excitedly. "Come on! Let's go see him!"
"Link?" He thought. How dare he show his face again! After he was responsible for destroying their guardian, he should stay in exile. He wasn't one of them, he doesn't even have a fair- he stopped. His fairy came back?! What was going on? And why was Saria doing with him?
Mido exited his house, his 'subjects' were crowding around the entrance to the Lost woods. He pushed them aside, to see Link and Saria together greeting them. His blood boiled at seeing his rival.
"Calm down Mido," his fairy said. "They are just enjoying themselves, and I think he will be gone soon so you won't need to worry."
Mido waved his fairy aside. "I don't care. He doesn't belong here, and I'll see to it that he never returns. Ever."
Link and Saria approached Mido.
"Mido!" Link gave a shot smile. "It's been a while."
"Not long enough..." Mido said back.
Link just continued smiling.
"You stole the Kokiri sword without permission. Again!" Mido spat.
"I only 'borrowed' it for a little while." Link defended.
"Well I demand to have our sacred treasure back," Mido crossed his arms.
Link gave a slight cough.
"Don't tell me you lost it Link!" Mido said angrily.
"No, no. I do have it. I just... well." Link handed the gold dusted sword. It was hardly recognisable as the Kokiri sword. It was sharp, and far more deadly with its jagged blade.
"W-what have you done to it!" Mido demanded.
"I found a way to make it sharper", Link said, not going into detail with the gold dust on it.
"I can see that." On the one hand, Mido was slightly impressed. But still... "This is sacrilege Link!. You went and destroyed our sword, the treasure of the Kokiri! Don't you know anything about the history of it?"
"Sure. Some Kokiri made it, and said it was to be used in an emergency." Link said indifferently.
"There was more to it then that!"
"No there wasn't" Saria defended Link.
Mido got quiet. As soon as Saria has her say, there is no way he could win. "Well, it 'was' sacred," He said before changing the subject. "And you destroyed our guardian too! What do you have to say for yourself?"
The entire Kokiri group gasped at this outburst. Mido always said Link was the cause of their problems, but they never believed it. They were anxious to see how Link would react to this.
"Link had nothing to do with it!" Saria said.
"Why doesn't the hero defend himself then?" Mido sneered.
"It's okay Saria, I can handle this. Mido-" he started to speak softly, the whole Kokiri group waited in anticipation. " I tried everything to save the tree. And I mean everything. I went deep inside and destroyed the evil residing in it and still neither me or Navi could do anything. The best I could do was seek revenge, and I did that."
"Revenge..." Mido thought. "Your revenge does nothing to help us. You have been banished from our village. I want you gone, by morning. Be glad I am giving you the night," He figured Link was only going to stay one night anyway, but he wanted it to look as if he was the one controlling the situation.
"Well let me tell you something, Mido" Saria started to the arrogant leader. "Do you know what we are going to do? Link and I are-" She stopped as Link gave a slight nudge.
Link considered telling Mido they were going to try and revive the tree, but Mido was not in a mood for that. Besides, he didn't want to raise their hopes if they failed.
"What then?" Mido asked, as Saria stopped. "What are you going to do?"
"Well..." Saria began, collecting her thoughts. "Me and Link are... um... going on a date!" she recovered.
Link slapped his forehead.
Mido spluttered, "W-w-what?! You can't! You just can't!" he was knocked completely off guard.
"Come on Link," said Saria. "I want to show you what everyone else has been up to. Wait tell you see the new garden the twins have made outside my house," she dragged Link away from Mido.
"It's just not possible..." Mido whispered. "There's no way..." Saria was supposed to be his!
As soon as they were out of earshot of Mido, Link looked at Saria, who was avoiding contact.
"Saria?" He called to get her attention
"Link- I-" Saria said making eye contact. "It was the only thing I could think of, at the time..."
"It's okay," Link said relaxed, seeing the funny side. "Mido was sure stunned though!" he thought.
Saria giggled. "Yep, I think he is really didn't want to hear that!"
"Well don't let me stop you two love birds!" Navi added. "I shall go and spread the word... in fact I think it's already spreading!" she laughed.
Link laughed too. He started to look about at the part of the forest that had been his home for as long as he can remember. He took in every detail, and every event that was going on never wishing to forget it. He saw his tree, with the silly doodle he once drew, though he had no idea what it was. The stone circle had been replaced by few plants, Saria's garden.
His eyes passed onto a nice rose, which was a light shade of green. "These are nice flowers," he thought.
"They are my favourites," said Saria. "Listen Link. I can convince Mido to let you stay. I'm sure of it, you don't have to be exiled."
"Saria, we talked about this. It's easier this way anyway. Whether it is tomorrow, or next year or the year after, I will leave here."
"I know. I just thought I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't offer, at least..."
Like saw Saria's sorrowful expression. "I... could return one day, for a visit now and then..." Link said.
"That's right!" Said Navi. "Now that I am with him, he can pass just as free as any other Kokiri."
"...Though in time the others will forget me," thought Link.
"No way Link. This time, I will stay and 'make' them remember, even if I have to talk about you every minute." Saria yawned a little. "I guess we should get some sleep, we have a long trip ahead, See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, goodnight." Said Link as he headed to his own house, Navi floating behind him.
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Link climbed into his room, it was exactly as he left it. The same scores of the games he played were there, as was his bed. The room had a nice feeling in it, as he lied down.
"This was where our adventure started last time," Said Navi.
"Sure was," said Link. He remembered the dream of Gannondorf, and his murderous look as he trampled on horseback after Zelda. Dreams were a recurrent experience to him, they seem to tell him bits and pieces of the future. Nobody else seem to have this power, but he heard the Royal family have very strong powers of prophecy.
"You're thinking about ditching Saria, aren't you." Navi accused.
"Navi!" Link didn't want to say it that way.
"I know you care for her Link. You don't want her hurt.," said Navi.
"But she will want to come anyway..." said Link. Saria was his best friend. What they were about to do could become dangerous. Worse, Saria had no idea what it was like outside the forest. Sayl said she may not even be able to leave, even with the Hylian mask. He would be responsible for killing her, if she just took one single step out.
"What are you going to do?" Navi asked
"You're asking me?" Said Link surprised.
"Hey! I'm not that bossy all the time! But seriously, what are you going to do?"
"How 'bout if I leave a note. Ill then leave and she can stay while I get the cure for her. All she has to do is stay here protected."
"Sure. We'll wake up just before sunrise." Navi agreed.
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"Stop Zelda!" Impa shouted at the speedy princess. What ever has possessed her was not listening. Already, she had dashed fast though the castle's main chambers, and was outside.
Zelda was really enjoying this. This was the best present anyone had ever given her. This hood made her faster then even the running man of Hyrule. However, as fast as she was, she was suddenly pulled back. "Ow!" Impa had caught her! Impossible. "How.. How did..." Impa started talking, but Zelda was used to the change in speed, and could communicate fine now.
"Princess, no matter how fast a person moves, if their path is known it doesn't matter. I just waited for you to come to me." Impa explained. "Now where did you get this?" she referred to the hood.
"Wasn't it you? It was in a box in the study. It was addressed to me, so I opened it."
"Zelda, this thing could be dangerous. It should not be in you hands, let our wizards examine it."
"Please Impa. This is the best present I could have ever got. Let me enjoy it for a little while, I promise to be careful. I'll give it straight to our wizard afterwards."
Impa crossed her arms in a thinking pose. "Zelda, I do not trust 'presents' containing power. We have enemies that would kill for this, or it may even be a plot in a plan we know nothing about. Take it off, for me."
Zelda looked reluctant, but she decided to take it off. However, she found it was stuck on her head. "Impa I can't take it off..."
Impa stared wide-eyed at the possible implications. She tried to budge it of her head, but it was firmly stuck. "I knew it," She whispered. " Princess, come quickly. Maybe Shusar can do something."
Zelda was quickly led to the west wing of the castle. An old man was there. Herbs and spices filled the air, and Zelda become slightly more alert by the aroma.
Impa quickly explained the problem. The old man, Shusar, examined the mask in every way he knew how.
"Very interesting..." he spoke.
"What is it?" Impa asked impatiently.
"I sense no magic in it. It does not register as anything malicious to me."
"So, she is not in danger?" Impa said worried.
"I did not say that. I am only saying I can not sense anything in it." He touched the ears of the mask, which gave a slight shudder. "Do you feel anything bad in you Zelda? Evil powers are usually easy to spot a mile away."
Zelda shook her head, she was quite relieved.
After a careful examination of the magical auras, the wizard found nothing of significant danger. "I do not want to try anything until I consult some of my colleagues. They may know something, in the mean time Zelda try to be careful. I do not know what this mask is capable of."
"I'll be careful."
"A guard will be present at all times Zelda" said Impa. "Just in case."
Zelda was not happy about this. "Okay, but I'm fine." she complained.
"I will inform the King you can not attend dinner with the Guerudo ambassador." added Impa.
"No, I will attend. It means everything to my father to bring peace with them. I have to go." Zelda said firmly.
"I see no reason why she can't attend, Impa" said Shusar, putting a kindly hand on the princess. "It might be a practical joke of some sort. Just cover the hood within your clothes, and there shall be no problem."
Impa thought about it. "If it is that important to you Zelda, very well." She hoped she wouldn't regret this.
"Impa, please don't say anything of this to father. I don't want him to worry."
Impa sighed, but agreed.
"Be sure to eat 'slowly,'" the wizard added.
Zelda smiled. "I'm getting the hang of this power. Maybe it can be useful later."
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After writing the note, Link crept quietly across the Kokiri village. It wasn't long before he as at the bridge, the only connection between the village and the outside world. Just as he was about to leave, he heard a voice.
"Link..."
Link turned, a feeling of deja vu came as he saw Saria in that same place she was last time.
"Well, let's go Link," Saria said slightly annoyed.
"I can explain," he said.
"What's to explain? I've been with you long enough to know exactly how you are. I knew you may go, so I waited here."
Link kept quiet. "Am I that predictable?" he wondered.
"It's just the way you are," Saria said, her anger subsiding.
"WAIT!!!" another voice shouted. It was Mido, he managed to appear from the background like Saria did.Y
Link ignored Mido for the moment. "You're going to have to teach me how you camouflage yourself like that." he said to Saria. A long time ago, the Kokiri taunted Link by disappearing and reappearing. Link eventually learned how to spot them most of the time.
"You do it too Link, you just can't 'see' yourself doing it." Saria explained.
"YOU CAN'T LEAVE!!!" Mido shouted.
Link took this as his cue. "I know Mido, but I have to go." he said jokingly.
"Not you! You can go to the ends of Hyrule for all I care! Saria has to stay here, where she belongs."
"I'm leaving Mido. Link needs me."
Anger was showing on Mido. "Why are you being so stubborn!" It couldn't be that she loved Link. No way could that be possible. Saria loved him. He did so many things for her, she just had to love him. "Don't you even care? You'll die if you leave. Link, if you care for her at all, don't let her go. Her death will be on your head." he reminded.
A small part of Link agreed with Mido, but he had no say in this. "I can't Mido. It's her choice."
"I don't think I will die Mido," said Saria.
"'Think'? You're betting on your life! Please Saria, don't go." Mido then looked at Saria. There was something different about her, almost too subtle to see. His anger gave way to confusion. What was he seeing? "Saria? What..." he trailed off. His fairy then told him the truth of her new form. "WHAT?! LINK! How could you! You've condemned her to death already!" he cried.
"It wasn't Link's fault.," said Saria.
Coldness came into Mido. "I never knew you could do this Link. You kill our guardian, now you change Saria into one of you. Fine. Saria, you want to go? Then leave, and never return. I hereby banish you BOTH from the village. Now leave!" Mido turned his back on them.
Link looked at Saria, a tear was already seen on her eye. She was being rejected, just like he feared he would one day. It just wasn't fair. "Mido! This is insane! I don't care about myself, but Saria is different. When she comes back, I want her welcomed. Do you hear me?"
Mido did not respond.
"Fine, Mido" said Saria. "See if I come back. I'm leaving. Lead the way Link, I've got nothing more to say."
Link took Saria's hand and they both left the forest. The home they loved and would always be a part of them. This time, though, the exiled 'kokiri' had company in each other. Link hoped when this was over, Saria could at least return, even if he couldn't.
Mido watched the figures leave into the dark tunnel. He waited if Saria would turn back in fear, but it did not happen. She was drawing support from Link. She really was leaving...
"I'll miss you Saria, he whispered.
Mido cried for a moment, letting his tears run freely. Nobody had ever seen the leader cry, and nobody ever will. As soon as the tears dried, he returned to the village. Already he knew what he was going to say to the others. Saria has been outcasted by her own choice. Nothing will change his opinion that it was the wrong choice.
To be continued...
Well, I hope you are getting interested. Not bored yet I hope! I want to say thank you to all the encoraging reveiws I have received. You guys are all too kind :)
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