Chapter 7
Ruto ran.
She was actually running on land! This was a new experience for her. Life on the still soil of Hyrule, instead of the fluid and dynamic water world. Although the Zora race was indeed capable of leaving their realm, it could only be done for a short period of time. The occasional Zora that did venture out always had to take so many precautions, the longest trip only a month or so. She herself never really wanted to venture out. There didn't appear to be a reason.
But now, she had a reason. "Link..."
She was now wondering, how was she was going to find him? The roaring sound of water from the caverns had now silenced. All she could hear were quiet birds, singing. She wanted to climb those trees, and actually see those birds, but Link was her main focus. She had no doubt that she would find him now. Whether it was fate, the stars, the goddesses, or even that salesman, she knew without a doubt she was going to meet him.
Suddenly her vision started to get blurry. She stopped for a moment as a dizzy sensation swept onto her making her lose her balance. Then, just as suddenly, she was okay. "This is too exciting," she thought, taking heavy breathing from her quick run. The shoes she wore were very comfortable, though clothing was another thing she would have to get used to. It certainly was an adjustment to not fight against dense water, and yet be bound by gravity.
She was almost to the great Hyrulian fields. Her people had long said it was a view that made the harsh journey on land worth almost everything. However, the night wind was beginning to make her feel cold.
Hylians get so cold! When she was a Zora, she was never cold... she rubbed her hands together for some warmth, feeling her soft skin.
Her mind started to wonder, what else had she had given up? Did she give anything up in the first place? Her identity as a Zora? Betrayal to her people? She was their princess after all, were they right and she was actually being... selfish? No. She would not let herself think like that.
This was what she had wanted. But... What if Link still didn't want her?
She had heard of this... Saria.
What did the salesman say? A friend, who was in the same predicament as her. What if Link had already closed his heart, and there was nothing left for her? What if this change was wasted?
That could never happen. Link loved her, he just didn't know it yet. She will show him.
********************************************************************************
Somewhere, probably between Hyrule and Termina, the salesman browsed though his list. He had checked and triple checked, each time coming up with the same answer:
he only had one Hylian mask.
Only one.
But that meant he had given a different mask to Ruto. But which mask? He hated to consider the consequences this mistake could result in. Some of these masks were dangerous and... Unhappy.
The salesman had very few flaws, but one he did have was a bad memory, and the occasional lapse in judgement. Yes, he could admit he was not perfect. It was only thought this admittance one can achieve greatness. Still, the mask he gave had the potential to be a... most serious error. He was going to have to cross check his list with the masks themselves, starting from the top, "Let's see. Anju, where is my Anju mask?"
*********************************************************************************
Link and Saria had reached Lon-Lon ranch, thanks to the now tired Epona.
Link dismounted, helping Saria of the horse. Epona then made its own went to the greenery, enjoying its freedom. Link felt a sudden trepidation was awaiting him on this peaceful farm. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. Something was missing... it was quiet. It was then, a frantic Talon ran towards them. He could see the terrible fear on his face.
"Link!" He said as he caught his breath, "I'm sorry, I thought you were Malon," he said in a disappointed tone. "Have you seen her by any chance?" He asked quickly.
Link hated to disappoint the farmer. "We haven't seen anyone on Hyrule field," he said, wishing he had seen her. "What's wrong? What happened?"
Talon looked disappointed. "I checked the stables, and all over the ranch, but she is nowhere to be found."
Ingo appeared from the stables. He looked at Talon with disdain. "Are you still looking for that girl? Don't bother, She's probably gallivanting of to the castle on some whim." He said pushing the subject aside.
"I'm sure she wouldn't leave at this time of night" said Talon, although he hoped Ingo was right and she had just gone to the castle. At least then she would come back and everything would be alright. But he had to be sure.
"Let's start at the beginning," said Link trying to calm both men. "Where did you last see her?"
Talon took a deep breath. "I had last seen her singing outside, when I had to go to the stables. When I returned, she had gone." Talon tried to remember anything unusual, but failed to recall. "I thought she might be at home, but..." he trailed of. "Please, can you help me look for her?"
"Of course we will!" Said Saria.
That was when Talon first noticed the newcomer. "Oh, who's your friend Link?" asked Talon politely.
"This is Saria. Saria, Talon." Link introduced.
"Thank you my dear for helping me," Talon said shaking her hand. "I am in your dept."
Ingo had had enough. "Bah! I'm telling you she's not here!" There was no point searching a place already searched once, why waste time? "You always were a time waster, Talon. I'm going to bed, and I'll thank you not to make too much noise." He then wondered off.
"That was Ingo," whispered Link to Saria.
"He's seems like a pleasant fellow," thought Saria sarcastically. "Mr Talon, why do you let him get away with things like that?" She remembered Link telling her what this person does in the future. His treachery, deviousness, and his selfish attitude. She did not feel comfortable with him around, not at all.
Talon sighed, unsure how to explain why. "Not many people like working on the ranch. It is brutal hard work. Ingo... often complains, but deep down I believe he actually enjoys this place. Apart from Malon, he is my only resident company." his expression changed. "But forget about that, and please, just call me Talon. All friends call me that."
"Let see if we can find Malon," said Link.
The group split up, searching all parts of the ranch. Epona stayed in the fields, galloping where it felt it wanted to. Even Link could not tame its spirit, yet it looked like it too was watching and searching for its caretaker.
Link looked around the northern edges, keeping alert to hear any sounds no matter how insignificant. Malon might be hurt, or unable to respond. But first, they had to find her. "Where could she be?" he wondered.
It was now very late, and still they had found nothing. Navi also helped, by targeting any area which seemed to stand out as did Sayl for Saria. It was a very useful technique for fairies but, unfortunately, did not yield any results. They gathered in center of the farm.
Talon felt a terrible well in the bottom of his stomach, as fear for his daughter enveloped him. "Did you find anything?"
Link and Saria shook their heads.
"Oh Malon!" Talon screamed, the father crying his eyes out.
Saria placed a hand on his back. "Please Talon, don't worry. We will find her," she said trying to comfort him.
"If something's happened to her..." Talon thought.
"Nothing will happen" said Link. "Let's try the house again. She might have returned there," he said optimistically.
They entered the house, but it was quickly apparent that nobody was home. Talon sat miserably on the table. He didn't like showing he was worried, but worried he was. "I hope she's alright..." He then remembered he had guests. "Thank you for trying... Would you like anything? We have plenty of Lon-Lon milk at hand."
"Lon-Lon milk?" Saria asked confused.
"You do not know of our famous milk?" He put on a short smile. "Where have you been hiding? Everyone's heard of it!"
"Well... I've been living -"
"In the same place as Link?" Talon guessed. "It's quite obvious. You both have fairies for one. And what is it with those clothes? I've never seen anyone wearing such things before..." Nobody wore such shades of green. There were... legends... of something... but he dismissed it as just some old story.
"Well... we're both from the same tribe," Link explained it simply.
"Tribe?" More pieces of that legend came. He remembered his mother telling him stories of beings other then Hylians. Of course, he'd heard of the Rock men, Water and Desert people, but a green tribe sparked a story he had forgotten about and couldn't remember. "I'd like to hear more, but first let me offer a sample of milk to your friend, " he filled up a bottle, and Saria took it graciously. He then looked at Link. "You still have to pay though," he said jokingly.
"Come on!" said Link.
"I don't make the rules, boy. I give you a large discount anyway,"
Link remembered something he wanted to ask the rancher. "Talon, have you heard of a 'milk latte'?"
'Lat-tay?" Talon rolled the word. "No, I don't think so, but it sounds interesting. What is it?"
"It's... another milk drink, it is quite tasty," Not to mention a life saver on green medicine, Link thought. He was quite surprised at its effects, it almost made the huge expense worth it. If only it could be available in Hyrule, he wouldn't have to buy medicine from creepy witch ladies.
"Hey, this is really nice!" said Saria as she drank the milk. It made her feel rejuvenated. "How do you make it?" she asked.
"Would you like to see our cows?" He asked hopefully. "Please, follow me," he said. He was extremely pride-full of his cows, and always liked showing them.
Link could tell Talon was still worried about Malon, as was he, but this seemed like a good distraction for the rancher. They were led outside.
Talon showed Saria into the stables. Most of the cows were asleep, but others were wide-awake. He wondered if they also felt concerned for Malon. "At night, we keep them here. During the day, they roam our fields."
Saria was speechless, and even a little afraid of these animals. One of them made her jump, when it mooed.
"They don't bite," said Talon. "Go ahead and pet one," he encouraged.
Link smiled as Saria tentatively pulled her hand to pet the cow. However he took his eyes off the moment, as Navi was distracting him. "What is it Navi?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," she responded. She was flying in the same spot over and over. "I think I sense something. About here..."
Link knew she only acted this way if there was something important he could not see. At the moment, all he could see was the spot where Malon occasionally stood, as she tended the cows. Carefully, he took out the eye of truth..."Malon!" he shouted.
Talon looked at Link. "What? Where?"
The image of Malon jumped and turned directly at Link. She appeared to say something, but Link could not hear anything.
Link removed the eye of truth, and put it on again, to judge exactly what he was seeing. Malon was completely invisible to the naked eye. What could have caused this? Let's see, the mask salesman had taken the rabbit hood, the Kitsune mask, the Ring leaders mask... and the stone mask. "Great Deku tree, what did he do!" He cried as he realised what happened.
"What is it Link?" asked Saria.
"Malon is standing right over there!" he pointed.
Malon appeared relieved that someone had at last noticed her.
"Why isn't she speaking?" wondered Link. "Talon, do you have a pen?"
"Um, yes right here," Talon gave a pencil to Link.
Link outstretched his hand to Malon, waiting for her to grab it, but instead she just shook her head.
"What's wrong? Go on, take the pencil," said Saria.
Malon demonstrated by trying to hold the pencil. However her hand went right though, as if she were an unsubstantial ghost. Even with the Eye of truth, she was almost transparent.
Link... Malon mouthed, her expression showing just how scared she was.
One look in those eyes and this predicament made Link feel so helpless. There had to be something he could do! Anything! "Malon, was it the salesman?" he asked, trying to confirm his suspicion.
Malon shrugged, unsure of what he was talking about.
"The salesman! It must be him again," Link started to get more and more angry with him. No matter how far they got, this salesman was always ahead of him. He started to explain the salesman to Talon, as well as the masks he had.
"Please Link, help my daughter," Talon said as he got a glimpse though the Eye of Truth. Malon put her hand over his arm, as if saying she will be fine,
now that Link was here and knew she was there, Malon was certain everything will be fine.
"Is there anything we can do?" Saria asked Link.
Link thought about it. "On Termina, there was this soldier. He was unnoticed, much like Malon is now. When I saw him, I gave him red medicine. It actually made him visible again. That act somehow made this mask..."
"Maybe that soldier was cursed?" said Saria.
"Then Red medicine must be the cure!" Said Talon happily. "I will get some immediately,"
Link shook his head. "It wouldn't do any good."
"Why Link?" asked Saria. "If it worked before, it might work again."
Link put his hand though Malon, once again showing her invisibility was more then appearance. "Even if we got some, she couldn't drink it. When I saw the soldier, he at least had substance."
Talon stared wide-eyed. "But then that means... she could starve! We have to help her!"
Link was uncertain how long a person can live without food or water, but it couldn't be for long. He couldn't bear to see Malon so close, yet so far away. She could die of thirst right in front of them! Eventually, he made his decision. "We have no choice, I am going to try the Song of healing."
"Okay Link," said Saria.
"Talon, this might not work." warned Link. "When I used it on Saria, the Salesman used a spell to stop it from working. He might have placed the same spell again."
"Please try Link," said Talon. "Trying is better then doing nothing."
Link played the notes. They seemed to filter across the farm, like drops of water. All animals, chickens, cows, and even the horses stopped what they were doing, listening to the peace of life they felt, the sheer contentment rippled, turning into a soft breeze.
********************************************************************************
The song eventually reached Ingo, who was actually searching for Malon outside Lon Lon ranch on the Hyrulian fields. "I don't see why I have to keep on doing this! Tomorrow I have to feed the chickens, check the animals, and he thinks I'm lazy. At least he never had to 'clean' the stables." he thought sarcastically. "And what is that noise!" He exclaimed, just as the notes betrayed his outburst.
Ingo listened, standing up straight as the music lifted his soul. His greedy, selfish, near corrupt soul. The music asked: why did he feel this? The truth was, he didn't know. He just wanted people to know he was a part of life like everyone else. Being the way he was, was the only way people noticed him. It gave him a substance to the world around. It then asked, how far would he go?
Ingo shuddered at the question. How long he had planned to one day to take the ranch, and run it himself. Talon was nothing, as was his stupid daughter... Oh, how he wanted them to feel how unappreciated he felt.
But when did he lose those feelings of friendship? Friendship... it was such an unused word with him. But, it was not always so... The music then made an answer: It still wasn't. Are you not searching for Malon right now? You do feel genuine concern, It is not too late to mend your ways...
Oh how he wished he could believe that! No, he travelled down this road too long to be forgiven. But why would he be crying if he had accepted this? What part of him... regretted?
He felt... hope.
*********************************************************************************
Link looked at Malon and sighed. As he played, her insubstantial body seemed to flicker to reality if only for a moment, but she became as a ghost again.
"It didn't work," said Saria disappointed.
"I'm not giving up yet," said Link as he rummaged through his inter-dimensional bag. He placed ever item on the hay, as he brought them out. There had to be something he had that would work. "No... No good...Hookshot...no... bow...no...masks..."
Malon tentatively looked at Link, then placed her hand on a mask he brought out. It moved! "LINK!" she mouthed, getting his attention. She quickly repeated the event, by moving another mask. But to her disappointment, she couldn't touch anything else.
"Link, Malon can move the masks!" said Saria.
Link nodded in realisation. "More then that, she could wear a mask too, " thought Link excitedly. They may be able to place a different mask, on top of the invisibility mask. At least then she can hold a bottle of red medicine and be cured. Which mask could he use? He gazed at each 'cursed' mask. He really didn't like to give any of them to Malon, it might be worse then invisibility.
Saria was thinking the same thing. "If only I could give her my mask," she thought. She looked at each mask Link had. "What about any of these three?" she asked, ignoring the Fierce Deity mask.
"A choice between a Deku scrub, a Goron, or a Zora. Doesn't really feel like a good choice," Link said grimacing.
Talon also looked at the masks. Each one looked so... outlandish. "I will go and get the red medicine. I will be back in a moment," he was about to go, but his daughter quietly begged him to stay. "Malon, I will be back, I have some spared in the house I think. Just stay put."
Malon nodded, as she watched her father leave.
What about this?" asked Saria, slightly saddened as their choices narrowed.
Link shook his head. "A pig mask... wouldn't work." He didn't want to change her beautiful face into a pig! But he had to use something. "Malon, I think if you wear another mask, you can get rid of the invisibility. You can choose between these masks..." he hated the way that sounded. It was like... he was another mask salesman. He recoiled at what that implied.
Malon ran a hand on each mask, shuddering at her choices.
Talon then returned, with a pained expression. "I don't have much red medicine. This is all I have," He gestured to a bottle, it had a few drops at the bottom of the flask.
"Will it be enough?" Saria asked concerned.
Link took the bottle, as he weighed it out. There was nowhere near enough to cure her... perhaps a sip. But an idea formed. "Yes, actually, I think this will be enough," If what he had in mind worked. "Malon, take this mask." he gestured.
"The fairy mask!?" said Saria shocked. "How will that help?"
Malon held the mask, grateful to at last be holding something in her hand. Without the eye of truth, it looked like the mask was moving of it's own accord. She gently wore it... and her form became visible! But that was gone in a flash of light.
"Where is she?" said Talon shocked. She disappeared again!
"She's right here," said Link, as he picked up the small fairy from the floor. She was curled as if asleep from the transformation. She eventually got up on her feet.
"Link! How? What?" Malon looked around in confusion. Everything was so large! Link placed her near a cup. Actually, it was a thimble and it was filled with red medicine.
"Drink as much as you can," said Link, as Malon complied.
"Now I understand," said Saria. "In that form, she will get plenty of red medicine relative to her size. That's perfect Link!"
"Let's hope it works," Link thought. In a few moments, Malon was done drinking. "Okay, take off the mask, like this" Link started to describe how.
Malon placed her hands off on her face, and felt the mask get pulled from her. In another flash of light, she was normal size.
"Malon!" Talon shouted embracing his daughter.
Malon garbed her father, grateful to at last touch another person. "Father! It was horrible... I was trying to talk to you... I was... but nobody could hear me...I couldn't touch anything..."
"It's okay, you're safe now... Link, I can never repay you. If you ever are in need of anything, please let me know."
"Thank you Talon," Link sighed in relief. "I'm just glad it worked,"
"Thank you Link," said Malon. "The guy that gave me that mask, the salesman you said?"
Link nodded.
"I think he said something about Hyrule castle. He was going to visit someone there,"
"Zelda..." Link thought. "We have to go."
"Hold on Link, what happened to the stone mask?" Saria asked.
Link gestured to the fairy mask. The stone mask was set inside. With a little effort, he pulled them apart. "At least we have another mask back," he thought.
"Let's go get the others," Saria added.
"Take care, both of you," said Malon. "I didn't know what I was doing, I honestly thought it was just a mask, a simple ordinary mask. It was supposed to be fun..."
"Don't blame yourself," said Saria. "If you hadn't willingly put it on, he would have found some other way to do it."
Link and Saria exited the stables, and called Epona. The faithful horse immediately came to them.
"Remember Link, if ever you need a favour, just come. Our home is your home. Take a bottle of Lon-Lon milk in the mean time," Talon said before waiving goodbye.
Link accepted the gift. "Thank you. Let's go Epona," they rode out of the ranch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zelda couldn't sleep. She twisted and turned on her bed, the rabbit mask firmly on her head feeling more a part of her. It provided strange yet wonderful ideas that followed even in her dreams. The dreams were indescribable. They carried the promise of actual, true, freedom. The ability to run across all points of Hyrule. She desired to see what was beyond the entire known world, not a bit worried about monsters. They could never be as fast as her.
Zelda had always had these longings, but the mask seemed to emphasise these desires. All the responsibilities she thought of before seemed so unnecessary and distant. Eventually, she couldn't take anymore and with no actual effort, she jumped out of her bed. She sat on the edge, feeling with her hand the rabbit ears of the mask that continued to protrude from her head. One thing was certain, they were no mere illusion like she hoped.
The mask seemed excited at her movement, she could feel the energy course though, digging further into her body releasing even more speed. Her feet tingled with delight, and started to move of their own accord. She forced herself to stop moving, and stood completely motionless.
Suddenly, something snapped and she felt herself gripped by the incredible power. Immediately, she started pacing up and down the room. It seemed to satiate the power, but only to a point. What was one room compared to the world?
The door to her room opened, and Impa was there. "Princess? Why are you out of bed?"
The power of the mask immediately stopped. "I- I just couldn't sleep," said Zelda, but Impa could tell she was afraid.
"What's wrong princess?" Impa asked concerned. "Is it the mask?" She asked as she looked at it. "Princess! What happened?" Impa realised that the mask had altered itself, so that the rabbit ears were directly on her head. It no longer looked like she was wearing a mask at all.
"I- don't know. It was like this when I fell asleep..." Zelda explained.
"And when where you going to let us know something like this has happened?" Impa scolded.
"It- I mean the mask- I just thought," Zelda didn't want anyone to worry. The power was growing within her, seeming to alter her being. She couldn't take it anymore! Quick as a flash, she ran past the door.
"Princess!" Impa tried to catch her, but she was already too far ahead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link looked at the stone mask, as he and Saria headed towards Hyrule castle. Something was different about it, it seemed more powerful then ever. He was uncertain about the effects it now carried, and if it was now an evil mask, like that of Majora. It had made a ghost of Malon, it was lucky that red potion still countered the effects of invisibility.
"Link? What's wrong?" Saria asked. He seemed so distant, since the encounter on the farm.
"I'm just thinking," replied Link.
"What about?"
"The invisibility mask was one of the 'weaker' powers. The effects are only slight in that they only produce an area nobody can focus at. The effects could easily be countered with red medicine. But the salesman, somehow, increased the powers. We were lucky Red medicine still worked against it."
"Do you think it will work on other masks?" If it did, they could easily counter a sealed mask.
"No, I don't think so." Link said with disappointment. "It's not that simple with other masks. "The invisibility is a special mask, from what I know. But the others are far more incredible in their effects. The power they get is relative to... emotion."
"Emotion?"
"Happiness." Link explained. " I don't know for sure, but there is a link to what a person feels and the power of the mask."
Saria was intrigued by this, "So, a certain event can create or increase a mask's- hey! Someone is coming over there, look!" Saria pointed across the distance.
With Navi's help, Link lined his sight to the approaching figure.
"Who is it? Do you know her?" asked Saria, she was getting interested in meeting the people Link knows.
"Maybe..." Link couldn't tell.
"Let me try," said Navi. She started to Z-target.
"Link!" the figure shouted from the distance. Thanks to Navi, they could hear it well. She was crossing the bridge now, and approached the Hylian fields. She gave a wave as she ran.
"She seems to know you," said Saria, giving a wave back.
"Can you tell who she is?" Link asked Navi.
Navi's colour changed slightly, indicating to Link that the person was not hostile. "I don't know. But maybe we should wait for her?"
"Alright," said Link
In only a few minutes, the figure had reached the group.
"Link! I never thought I'd see you so soon!" She jumped onto Link, making him fall to the ground. She held the Hylian in a strong embrace. "I knew I would find you! Tee hee." she laughed.
Saria just stared at the two, unable to say anything.
"W-W-ho a-re yo-u" Link managed to speak after near suffocation.
The girl released him from her lock, and did a quick twirl. "You don't recognise me? Your own betrothed?"
"Betrothed!" Saria shouted in surprise.
"Betrothed?" Link repeated dumbfounded. "I don't even know you!"
"Silly Link," the girl tutted. "And who's your friend?" This had to be Saria she thought. Well, she was obviously no competition to her.
"Yes Link, why don't you introduce us?" Saria said with only the tiniest edge in her voice. She wasn't normally the jealous type, but this girl was eyeing her in an almost threatening way.
"I don't know her! Who are you?" Link repeated.
"It's Ruto! Remember? the girl you saved, and stole her heart..."
"Ruto?" That's it. She was mad, he thought. "Ruto is a Zora, and you are definitely not. What trick are you pulling?"
"This guy gave me a mask so we can now be together!" Ruto explained.
Link expression suddenly changed. "A Mask? Was it a weird guy, who had this backpack?"
Ruto nodded. "That's him! He did it, just for us."
"This is Ruto?" Saria asked. Link mentioned she was a little... eccentric. "So you don't really look like this?" Saria was actually curious as to what the Zora look liked without the mask.
Link was now convinced it really was Ruto. No mask could hide her character. "What have you done to yourself? Why? You didn't need to do anything this drastic!" He felt Ruto could never be happy living a lie. And that was exactly what a mask did.
"It was for you Link. For us..." Ruto whispered, getting closer.
Saria was starting to get sick of this girl.
Link had other things on his mind. "Listen to me Ruto, that guy, the salesman is up to something. I don't know what you have to do with this, but we have to hurry to the castle."
"He didn't seem all... bad..." just as Ruto said that, the dizzy sensation came to her again.
Link observed that Ruto was having trouble looking at him. "Ruto?" Suddenly, she lost consciousness. "Ruto!" Link caught her before she fell.
"What happened?!" Saria said shocked.
"She just fainted!" Link laid her carefully on the ground. "Come on Ruto! Wake up!" he shook her head slightly, trying to get a response from her. She gave a slight cough.
"Link..." Ruto whispered. "I guess it was all too much... to see you... I'm so tired.." she whispered. Why should she be tired? There was something... she needed something. Was she drowning? No, that wasn't it, but there was something she needed... something she didn't even know.
"Stay awake Ruto! Please!" Link said again.
"Try listening to her heart" Sayl advised.
Link put his head on her body, listening to the beats. Each beat sounded like it was struggling. "It's slowing down!" he screamed. Oh no. "She's stopped breathing..."
"Calm down Link," said Navi. She landed on Ruto's head and started focusing a few analysis spells and a few healing spells. She detected a slight improvement, but there was something wrong. And yet, there was something familiar about this sickness. She still wasn't breathing. Navi then observed the impossible. "She's a Kokiri..."
"What! No!" Link shouted.
"Link. She's dying." Navi stated. Kokiri need the forest to live, just like anyone else needed air. Link could only slow the inevitable.
Link understood the magnitude of the situation. But if she was a Kokiri, that meant she was wearing a Kokiri mask! If he could get it off... he had to try. He pressed his hands to her face, anxious to find some way to remove it, but only finding smooth skin. He then thought of placing the Zora mask on top to save her.
"It can not be removed in that manner," said a voice.
Link turned, suddenly seeing the salesman.
"Most humblest apologies, but I must get to the customer." without another word, he gestured with his hands, making the group get thrown away from the unconscious girl by an invisible force.
Link found he couldn't move. He could see that Saria was also in the same predicament.
The salesman bent over the unconscious Ruto. "Dear Zora, I never meant you any harm..." he placed Ruto's hands on her own face, his own hands clasped on as well. "Concentrate princess. Release your true self, find it...somewhere..." The salesman put on a strained expression, and with a spark of light, the mask came away. He looked at the Kokiri mask as if it were a thing of evil.
Ruto was now back to her Zora self.
The salesman went to the frozen forms of the Hylians. "She was very close to death, but she will recover. Make sure she takes plenty of liquids, and please, accept my apologies... though I have no right for such a request." He started to turn away.
"WAIT!" Link shouted when he found he could move his mouth. That Kokiri mask was Saria's cure; he needed to get it!
The salesman turned back. "Incredible," he whispered as he sensed something. "You now possess the Stone mask once more!" he approached Link.
At this point, Link wanted to reach for his sword. Still he was immobilised.
"Let me see the stone mask... Please," he asked.
Link found he could not help but bring it out.
The salesman peered over the mask. "You used red medicine to remove it, I never liked that disadvantage of the mask. I thought making her insubstantial would remove that problem," he then started to wave his hands over it. "I knew it! You have a unique talent, how did you manage young one?" The mask, it is now charged with happiness far greater then ever! A joy unattainably by even himself. He pressed the mask into Link's hand once more. "I admire your work fellow craftsman, let us meet again soon." He then turned away.
Link could only watch him leave.
"By the way," The salesman paused in his movements. "Never, ever, under any circumstances, place another mask on top of a sealed mask. Sometimes they are... incompatable. Very unhappy." he then started to vanish.
Link was able to move again.
Saria stared at Ruto. She had never seen a Zora before, and couldn't help looking at the unusual princess. She began to wonder what Link looked like as a Zora. Finally, Ruto moved.
"Link?" she looked at her blue hand, realising she was a Zora again. "No... I wanted..." she trailed off. Why? Why was she a Zora again?
"Are you okay?" Link asked the stunned girl.
"Yes..." Ruto answered, but she felt hollow inside. "I just wanted..." She felt very weak. "What happened to me?"
"That wasn't a Hylian mask. It was a Kokiri mask," said Saria.
"What's the difference?" Ruto asked confused. She had seen Hylians before. She was a Hylian, wasn't she? For a while, anyway. "In what way were they different?"
"In appearance, not that much" said Link. "Except Kokiri die if they leave the forest." he explained.
Ruto couldn't describe the strange suffocation she experienced. It was an indescribable sensation of being weltered away, piece by piece. Almost as if what ever it was that made her, was being removed. "Oh Link" she cried. "You saved me again, thank you."
"It wasn't us," said Saria. "It was the Salesman."
"We could've used that mask on you Saria." Link thought. Or could they? That salesman may have been trying to scare them by what he said. What did he mean by 'incompatible'?
"We'll get it Link. At least we now know he has one," Saria reasoned.
"What's going on?" Asked Ruto.
The start of a new quest, Link thought.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued.
Hey everyone! Many thanks for the reviews again. I hope you are not disapointed :) Anyway, I don't know when I will next update, but it is all in the works :)
Ruto ran.
She was actually running on land! This was a new experience for her. Life on the still soil of Hyrule, instead of the fluid and dynamic water world. Although the Zora race was indeed capable of leaving their realm, it could only be done for a short period of time. The occasional Zora that did venture out always had to take so many precautions, the longest trip only a month or so. She herself never really wanted to venture out. There didn't appear to be a reason.
But now, she had a reason. "Link..."
She was now wondering, how was she was going to find him? The roaring sound of water from the caverns had now silenced. All she could hear were quiet birds, singing. She wanted to climb those trees, and actually see those birds, but Link was her main focus. She had no doubt that she would find him now. Whether it was fate, the stars, the goddesses, or even that salesman, she knew without a doubt she was going to meet him.
Suddenly her vision started to get blurry. She stopped for a moment as a dizzy sensation swept onto her making her lose her balance. Then, just as suddenly, she was okay. "This is too exciting," she thought, taking heavy breathing from her quick run. The shoes she wore were very comfortable, though clothing was another thing she would have to get used to. It certainly was an adjustment to not fight against dense water, and yet be bound by gravity.
She was almost to the great Hyrulian fields. Her people had long said it was a view that made the harsh journey on land worth almost everything. However, the night wind was beginning to make her feel cold.
Hylians get so cold! When she was a Zora, she was never cold... she rubbed her hands together for some warmth, feeling her soft skin.
Her mind started to wonder, what else had she had given up? Did she give anything up in the first place? Her identity as a Zora? Betrayal to her people? She was their princess after all, were they right and she was actually being... selfish? No. She would not let herself think like that.
This was what she had wanted. But... What if Link still didn't want her?
She had heard of this... Saria.
What did the salesman say? A friend, who was in the same predicament as her. What if Link had already closed his heart, and there was nothing left for her? What if this change was wasted?
That could never happen. Link loved her, he just didn't know it yet. She will show him.
********************************************************************************
Somewhere, probably between Hyrule and Termina, the salesman browsed though his list. He had checked and triple checked, each time coming up with the same answer:
he only had one Hylian mask.
Only one.
But that meant he had given a different mask to Ruto. But which mask? He hated to consider the consequences this mistake could result in. Some of these masks were dangerous and... Unhappy.
The salesman had very few flaws, but one he did have was a bad memory, and the occasional lapse in judgement. Yes, he could admit he was not perfect. It was only thought this admittance one can achieve greatness. Still, the mask he gave had the potential to be a... most serious error. He was going to have to cross check his list with the masks themselves, starting from the top, "Let's see. Anju, where is my Anju mask?"
*********************************************************************************
Link and Saria had reached Lon-Lon ranch, thanks to the now tired Epona.
Link dismounted, helping Saria of the horse. Epona then made its own went to the greenery, enjoying its freedom. Link felt a sudden trepidation was awaiting him on this peaceful farm. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. Something was missing... it was quiet. It was then, a frantic Talon ran towards them. He could see the terrible fear on his face.
"Link!" He said as he caught his breath, "I'm sorry, I thought you were Malon," he said in a disappointed tone. "Have you seen her by any chance?" He asked quickly.
Link hated to disappoint the farmer. "We haven't seen anyone on Hyrule field," he said, wishing he had seen her. "What's wrong? What happened?"
Talon looked disappointed. "I checked the stables, and all over the ranch, but she is nowhere to be found."
Ingo appeared from the stables. He looked at Talon with disdain. "Are you still looking for that girl? Don't bother, She's probably gallivanting of to the castle on some whim." He said pushing the subject aside.
"I'm sure she wouldn't leave at this time of night" said Talon, although he hoped Ingo was right and she had just gone to the castle. At least then she would come back and everything would be alright. But he had to be sure.
"Let's start at the beginning," said Link trying to calm both men. "Where did you last see her?"
Talon took a deep breath. "I had last seen her singing outside, when I had to go to the stables. When I returned, she had gone." Talon tried to remember anything unusual, but failed to recall. "I thought she might be at home, but..." he trailed of. "Please, can you help me look for her?"
"Of course we will!" Said Saria.
That was when Talon first noticed the newcomer. "Oh, who's your friend Link?" asked Talon politely.
"This is Saria. Saria, Talon." Link introduced.
"Thank you my dear for helping me," Talon said shaking her hand. "I am in your dept."
Ingo had had enough. "Bah! I'm telling you she's not here!" There was no point searching a place already searched once, why waste time? "You always were a time waster, Talon. I'm going to bed, and I'll thank you not to make too much noise." He then wondered off.
"That was Ingo," whispered Link to Saria.
"He's seems like a pleasant fellow," thought Saria sarcastically. "Mr Talon, why do you let him get away with things like that?" She remembered Link telling her what this person does in the future. His treachery, deviousness, and his selfish attitude. She did not feel comfortable with him around, not at all.
Talon sighed, unsure how to explain why. "Not many people like working on the ranch. It is brutal hard work. Ingo... often complains, but deep down I believe he actually enjoys this place. Apart from Malon, he is my only resident company." his expression changed. "But forget about that, and please, just call me Talon. All friends call me that."
"Let see if we can find Malon," said Link.
The group split up, searching all parts of the ranch. Epona stayed in the fields, galloping where it felt it wanted to. Even Link could not tame its spirit, yet it looked like it too was watching and searching for its caretaker.
Link looked around the northern edges, keeping alert to hear any sounds no matter how insignificant. Malon might be hurt, or unable to respond. But first, they had to find her. "Where could she be?" he wondered.
It was now very late, and still they had found nothing. Navi also helped, by targeting any area which seemed to stand out as did Sayl for Saria. It was a very useful technique for fairies but, unfortunately, did not yield any results. They gathered in center of the farm.
Talon felt a terrible well in the bottom of his stomach, as fear for his daughter enveloped him. "Did you find anything?"
Link and Saria shook their heads.
"Oh Malon!" Talon screamed, the father crying his eyes out.
Saria placed a hand on his back. "Please Talon, don't worry. We will find her," she said trying to comfort him.
"If something's happened to her..." Talon thought.
"Nothing will happen" said Link. "Let's try the house again. She might have returned there," he said optimistically.
They entered the house, but it was quickly apparent that nobody was home. Talon sat miserably on the table. He didn't like showing he was worried, but worried he was. "I hope she's alright..." He then remembered he had guests. "Thank you for trying... Would you like anything? We have plenty of Lon-Lon milk at hand."
"Lon-Lon milk?" Saria asked confused.
"You do not know of our famous milk?" He put on a short smile. "Where have you been hiding? Everyone's heard of it!"
"Well... I've been living -"
"In the same place as Link?" Talon guessed. "It's quite obvious. You both have fairies for one. And what is it with those clothes? I've never seen anyone wearing such things before..." Nobody wore such shades of green. There were... legends... of something... but he dismissed it as just some old story.
"Well... we're both from the same tribe," Link explained it simply.
"Tribe?" More pieces of that legend came. He remembered his mother telling him stories of beings other then Hylians. Of course, he'd heard of the Rock men, Water and Desert people, but a green tribe sparked a story he had forgotten about and couldn't remember. "I'd like to hear more, but first let me offer a sample of milk to your friend, " he filled up a bottle, and Saria took it graciously. He then looked at Link. "You still have to pay though," he said jokingly.
"Come on!" said Link.
"I don't make the rules, boy. I give you a large discount anyway,"
Link remembered something he wanted to ask the rancher. "Talon, have you heard of a 'milk latte'?"
'Lat-tay?" Talon rolled the word. "No, I don't think so, but it sounds interesting. What is it?"
"It's... another milk drink, it is quite tasty," Not to mention a life saver on green medicine, Link thought. He was quite surprised at its effects, it almost made the huge expense worth it. If only it could be available in Hyrule, he wouldn't have to buy medicine from creepy witch ladies.
"Hey, this is really nice!" said Saria as she drank the milk. It made her feel rejuvenated. "How do you make it?" she asked.
"Would you like to see our cows?" He asked hopefully. "Please, follow me," he said. He was extremely pride-full of his cows, and always liked showing them.
Link could tell Talon was still worried about Malon, as was he, but this seemed like a good distraction for the rancher. They were led outside.
Talon showed Saria into the stables. Most of the cows were asleep, but others were wide-awake. He wondered if they also felt concerned for Malon. "At night, we keep them here. During the day, they roam our fields."
Saria was speechless, and even a little afraid of these animals. One of them made her jump, when it mooed.
"They don't bite," said Talon. "Go ahead and pet one," he encouraged.
Link smiled as Saria tentatively pulled her hand to pet the cow. However he took his eyes off the moment, as Navi was distracting him. "What is it Navi?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," she responded. She was flying in the same spot over and over. "I think I sense something. About here..."
Link knew she only acted this way if there was something important he could not see. At the moment, all he could see was the spot where Malon occasionally stood, as she tended the cows. Carefully, he took out the eye of truth..."Malon!" he shouted.
Talon looked at Link. "What? Where?"
The image of Malon jumped and turned directly at Link. She appeared to say something, but Link could not hear anything.
Link removed the eye of truth, and put it on again, to judge exactly what he was seeing. Malon was completely invisible to the naked eye. What could have caused this? Let's see, the mask salesman had taken the rabbit hood, the Kitsune mask, the Ring leaders mask... and the stone mask. "Great Deku tree, what did he do!" He cried as he realised what happened.
"What is it Link?" asked Saria.
"Malon is standing right over there!" he pointed.
Malon appeared relieved that someone had at last noticed her.
"Why isn't she speaking?" wondered Link. "Talon, do you have a pen?"
"Um, yes right here," Talon gave a pencil to Link.
Link outstretched his hand to Malon, waiting for her to grab it, but instead she just shook her head.
"What's wrong? Go on, take the pencil," said Saria.
Malon demonstrated by trying to hold the pencil. However her hand went right though, as if she were an unsubstantial ghost. Even with the Eye of truth, she was almost transparent.
Link... Malon mouthed, her expression showing just how scared she was.
One look in those eyes and this predicament made Link feel so helpless. There had to be something he could do! Anything! "Malon, was it the salesman?" he asked, trying to confirm his suspicion.
Malon shrugged, unsure of what he was talking about.
"The salesman! It must be him again," Link started to get more and more angry with him. No matter how far they got, this salesman was always ahead of him. He started to explain the salesman to Talon, as well as the masks he had.
"Please Link, help my daughter," Talon said as he got a glimpse though the Eye of Truth. Malon put her hand over his arm, as if saying she will be fine,
now that Link was here and knew she was there, Malon was certain everything will be fine.
"Is there anything we can do?" Saria asked Link.
Link thought about it. "On Termina, there was this soldier. He was unnoticed, much like Malon is now. When I saw him, I gave him red medicine. It actually made him visible again. That act somehow made this mask..."
"Maybe that soldier was cursed?" said Saria.
"Then Red medicine must be the cure!" Said Talon happily. "I will get some immediately,"
Link shook his head. "It wouldn't do any good."
"Why Link?" asked Saria. "If it worked before, it might work again."
Link put his hand though Malon, once again showing her invisibility was more then appearance. "Even if we got some, she couldn't drink it. When I saw the soldier, he at least had substance."
Talon stared wide-eyed. "But then that means... she could starve! We have to help her!"
Link was uncertain how long a person can live without food or water, but it couldn't be for long. He couldn't bear to see Malon so close, yet so far away. She could die of thirst right in front of them! Eventually, he made his decision. "We have no choice, I am going to try the Song of healing."
"Okay Link," said Saria.
"Talon, this might not work." warned Link. "When I used it on Saria, the Salesman used a spell to stop it from working. He might have placed the same spell again."
"Please try Link," said Talon. "Trying is better then doing nothing."
Link played the notes. They seemed to filter across the farm, like drops of water. All animals, chickens, cows, and even the horses stopped what they were doing, listening to the peace of life they felt, the sheer contentment rippled, turning into a soft breeze.
********************************************************************************
The song eventually reached Ingo, who was actually searching for Malon outside Lon Lon ranch on the Hyrulian fields. "I don't see why I have to keep on doing this! Tomorrow I have to feed the chickens, check the animals, and he thinks I'm lazy. At least he never had to 'clean' the stables." he thought sarcastically. "And what is that noise!" He exclaimed, just as the notes betrayed his outburst.
Ingo listened, standing up straight as the music lifted his soul. His greedy, selfish, near corrupt soul. The music asked: why did he feel this? The truth was, he didn't know. He just wanted people to know he was a part of life like everyone else. Being the way he was, was the only way people noticed him. It gave him a substance to the world around. It then asked, how far would he go?
Ingo shuddered at the question. How long he had planned to one day to take the ranch, and run it himself. Talon was nothing, as was his stupid daughter... Oh, how he wanted them to feel how unappreciated he felt.
But when did he lose those feelings of friendship? Friendship... it was such an unused word with him. But, it was not always so... The music then made an answer: It still wasn't. Are you not searching for Malon right now? You do feel genuine concern, It is not too late to mend your ways...
Oh how he wished he could believe that! No, he travelled down this road too long to be forgiven. But why would he be crying if he had accepted this? What part of him... regretted?
He felt... hope.
*********************************************************************************
Link looked at Malon and sighed. As he played, her insubstantial body seemed to flicker to reality if only for a moment, but she became as a ghost again.
"It didn't work," said Saria disappointed.
"I'm not giving up yet," said Link as he rummaged through his inter-dimensional bag. He placed ever item on the hay, as he brought them out. There had to be something he had that would work. "No... No good...Hookshot...no... bow...no...masks..."
Malon tentatively looked at Link, then placed her hand on a mask he brought out. It moved! "LINK!" she mouthed, getting his attention. She quickly repeated the event, by moving another mask. But to her disappointment, she couldn't touch anything else.
"Link, Malon can move the masks!" said Saria.
Link nodded in realisation. "More then that, she could wear a mask too, " thought Link excitedly. They may be able to place a different mask, on top of the invisibility mask. At least then she can hold a bottle of red medicine and be cured. Which mask could he use? He gazed at each 'cursed' mask. He really didn't like to give any of them to Malon, it might be worse then invisibility.
Saria was thinking the same thing. "If only I could give her my mask," she thought. She looked at each mask Link had. "What about any of these three?" she asked, ignoring the Fierce Deity mask.
"A choice between a Deku scrub, a Goron, or a Zora. Doesn't really feel like a good choice," Link said grimacing.
Talon also looked at the masks. Each one looked so... outlandish. "I will go and get the red medicine. I will be back in a moment," he was about to go, but his daughter quietly begged him to stay. "Malon, I will be back, I have some spared in the house I think. Just stay put."
Malon nodded, as she watched her father leave.
What about this?" asked Saria, slightly saddened as their choices narrowed.
Link shook his head. "A pig mask... wouldn't work." He didn't want to change her beautiful face into a pig! But he had to use something. "Malon, I think if you wear another mask, you can get rid of the invisibility. You can choose between these masks..." he hated the way that sounded. It was like... he was another mask salesman. He recoiled at what that implied.
Malon ran a hand on each mask, shuddering at her choices.
Talon then returned, with a pained expression. "I don't have much red medicine. This is all I have," He gestured to a bottle, it had a few drops at the bottom of the flask.
"Will it be enough?" Saria asked concerned.
Link took the bottle, as he weighed it out. There was nowhere near enough to cure her... perhaps a sip. But an idea formed. "Yes, actually, I think this will be enough," If what he had in mind worked. "Malon, take this mask." he gestured.
"The fairy mask!?" said Saria shocked. "How will that help?"
Malon held the mask, grateful to at last be holding something in her hand. Without the eye of truth, it looked like the mask was moving of it's own accord. She gently wore it... and her form became visible! But that was gone in a flash of light.
"Where is she?" said Talon shocked. She disappeared again!
"She's right here," said Link, as he picked up the small fairy from the floor. She was curled as if asleep from the transformation. She eventually got up on her feet.
"Link! How? What?" Malon looked around in confusion. Everything was so large! Link placed her near a cup. Actually, it was a thimble and it was filled with red medicine.
"Drink as much as you can," said Link, as Malon complied.
"Now I understand," said Saria. "In that form, she will get plenty of red medicine relative to her size. That's perfect Link!"
"Let's hope it works," Link thought. In a few moments, Malon was done drinking. "Okay, take off the mask, like this" Link started to describe how.
Malon placed her hands off on her face, and felt the mask get pulled from her. In another flash of light, she was normal size.
"Malon!" Talon shouted embracing his daughter.
Malon garbed her father, grateful to at last touch another person. "Father! It was horrible... I was trying to talk to you... I was... but nobody could hear me...I couldn't touch anything..."
"It's okay, you're safe now... Link, I can never repay you. If you ever are in need of anything, please let me know."
"Thank you Talon," Link sighed in relief. "I'm just glad it worked,"
"Thank you Link," said Malon. "The guy that gave me that mask, the salesman you said?"
Link nodded.
"I think he said something about Hyrule castle. He was going to visit someone there,"
"Zelda..." Link thought. "We have to go."
"Hold on Link, what happened to the stone mask?" Saria asked.
Link gestured to the fairy mask. The stone mask was set inside. With a little effort, he pulled them apart. "At least we have another mask back," he thought.
"Let's go get the others," Saria added.
"Take care, both of you," said Malon. "I didn't know what I was doing, I honestly thought it was just a mask, a simple ordinary mask. It was supposed to be fun..."
"Don't blame yourself," said Saria. "If you hadn't willingly put it on, he would have found some other way to do it."
Link and Saria exited the stables, and called Epona. The faithful horse immediately came to them.
"Remember Link, if ever you need a favour, just come. Our home is your home. Take a bottle of Lon-Lon milk in the mean time," Talon said before waiving goodbye.
Link accepted the gift. "Thank you. Let's go Epona," they rode out of the ranch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zelda couldn't sleep. She twisted and turned on her bed, the rabbit mask firmly on her head feeling more a part of her. It provided strange yet wonderful ideas that followed even in her dreams. The dreams were indescribable. They carried the promise of actual, true, freedom. The ability to run across all points of Hyrule. She desired to see what was beyond the entire known world, not a bit worried about monsters. They could never be as fast as her.
Zelda had always had these longings, but the mask seemed to emphasise these desires. All the responsibilities she thought of before seemed so unnecessary and distant. Eventually, she couldn't take anymore and with no actual effort, she jumped out of her bed. She sat on the edge, feeling with her hand the rabbit ears of the mask that continued to protrude from her head. One thing was certain, they were no mere illusion like she hoped.
The mask seemed excited at her movement, she could feel the energy course though, digging further into her body releasing even more speed. Her feet tingled with delight, and started to move of their own accord. She forced herself to stop moving, and stood completely motionless.
Suddenly, something snapped and she felt herself gripped by the incredible power. Immediately, she started pacing up and down the room. It seemed to satiate the power, but only to a point. What was one room compared to the world?
The door to her room opened, and Impa was there. "Princess? Why are you out of bed?"
The power of the mask immediately stopped. "I- I just couldn't sleep," said Zelda, but Impa could tell she was afraid.
"What's wrong princess?" Impa asked concerned. "Is it the mask?" She asked as she looked at it. "Princess! What happened?" Impa realised that the mask had altered itself, so that the rabbit ears were directly on her head. It no longer looked like she was wearing a mask at all.
"I- don't know. It was like this when I fell asleep..." Zelda explained.
"And when where you going to let us know something like this has happened?" Impa scolded.
"It- I mean the mask- I just thought," Zelda didn't want anyone to worry. The power was growing within her, seeming to alter her being. She couldn't take it anymore! Quick as a flash, she ran past the door.
"Princess!" Impa tried to catch her, but she was already too far ahead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Link looked at the stone mask, as he and Saria headed towards Hyrule castle. Something was different about it, it seemed more powerful then ever. He was uncertain about the effects it now carried, and if it was now an evil mask, like that of Majora. It had made a ghost of Malon, it was lucky that red potion still countered the effects of invisibility.
"Link? What's wrong?" Saria asked. He seemed so distant, since the encounter on the farm.
"I'm just thinking," replied Link.
"What about?"
"The invisibility mask was one of the 'weaker' powers. The effects are only slight in that they only produce an area nobody can focus at. The effects could easily be countered with red medicine. But the salesman, somehow, increased the powers. We were lucky Red medicine still worked against it."
"Do you think it will work on other masks?" If it did, they could easily counter a sealed mask.
"No, I don't think so." Link said with disappointment. "It's not that simple with other masks. "The invisibility is a special mask, from what I know. But the others are far more incredible in their effects. The power they get is relative to... emotion."
"Emotion?"
"Happiness." Link explained. " I don't know for sure, but there is a link to what a person feels and the power of the mask."
Saria was intrigued by this, "So, a certain event can create or increase a mask's- hey! Someone is coming over there, look!" Saria pointed across the distance.
With Navi's help, Link lined his sight to the approaching figure.
"Who is it? Do you know her?" asked Saria, she was getting interested in meeting the people Link knows.
"Maybe..." Link couldn't tell.
"Let me try," said Navi. She started to Z-target.
"Link!" the figure shouted from the distance. Thanks to Navi, they could hear it well. She was crossing the bridge now, and approached the Hylian fields. She gave a wave as she ran.
"She seems to know you," said Saria, giving a wave back.
"Can you tell who she is?" Link asked Navi.
Navi's colour changed slightly, indicating to Link that the person was not hostile. "I don't know. But maybe we should wait for her?"
"Alright," said Link
In only a few minutes, the figure had reached the group.
"Link! I never thought I'd see you so soon!" She jumped onto Link, making him fall to the ground. She held the Hylian in a strong embrace. "I knew I would find you! Tee hee." she laughed.
Saria just stared at the two, unable to say anything.
"W-W-ho a-re yo-u" Link managed to speak after near suffocation.
The girl released him from her lock, and did a quick twirl. "You don't recognise me? Your own betrothed?"
"Betrothed!" Saria shouted in surprise.
"Betrothed?" Link repeated dumbfounded. "I don't even know you!"
"Silly Link," the girl tutted. "And who's your friend?" This had to be Saria she thought. Well, she was obviously no competition to her.
"Yes Link, why don't you introduce us?" Saria said with only the tiniest edge in her voice. She wasn't normally the jealous type, but this girl was eyeing her in an almost threatening way.
"I don't know her! Who are you?" Link repeated.
"It's Ruto! Remember? the girl you saved, and stole her heart..."
"Ruto?" That's it. She was mad, he thought. "Ruto is a Zora, and you are definitely not. What trick are you pulling?"
"This guy gave me a mask so we can now be together!" Ruto explained.
Link expression suddenly changed. "A Mask? Was it a weird guy, who had this backpack?"
Ruto nodded. "That's him! He did it, just for us."
"This is Ruto?" Saria asked. Link mentioned she was a little... eccentric. "So you don't really look like this?" Saria was actually curious as to what the Zora look liked without the mask.
Link was now convinced it really was Ruto. No mask could hide her character. "What have you done to yourself? Why? You didn't need to do anything this drastic!" He felt Ruto could never be happy living a lie. And that was exactly what a mask did.
"It was for you Link. For us..." Ruto whispered, getting closer.
Saria was starting to get sick of this girl.
Link had other things on his mind. "Listen to me Ruto, that guy, the salesman is up to something. I don't know what you have to do with this, but we have to hurry to the castle."
"He didn't seem all... bad..." just as Ruto said that, the dizzy sensation came to her again.
Link observed that Ruto was having trouble looking at him. "Ruto?" Suddenly, she lost consciousness. "Ruto!" Link caught her before she fell.
"What happened?!" Saria said shocked.
"She just fainted!" Link laid her carefully on the ground. "Come on Ruto! Wake up!" he shook her head slightly, trying to get a response from her. She gave a slight cough.
"Link..." Ruto whispered. "I guess it was all too much... to see you... I'm so tired.." she whispered. Why should she be tired? There was something... she needed something. Was she drowning? No, that wasn't it, but there was something she needed... something she didn't even know.
"Stay awake Ruto! Please!" Link said again.
"Try listening to her heart" Sayl advised.
Link put his head on her body, listening to the beats. Each beat sounded like it was struggling. "It's slowing down!" he screamed. Oh no. "She's stopped breathing..."
"Calm down Link," said Navi. She landed on Ruto's head and started focusing a few analysis spells and a few healing spells. She detected a slight improvement, but there was something wrong. And yet, there was something familiar about this sickness. She still wasn't breathing. Navi then observed the impossible. "She's a Kokiri..."
"What! No!" Link shouted.
"Link. She's dying." Navi stated. Kokiri need the forest to live, just like anyone else needed air. Link could only slow the inevitable.
Link understood the magnitude of the situation. But if she was a Kokiri, that meant she was wearing a Kokiri mask! If he could get it off... he had to try. He pressed his hands to her face, anxious to find some way to remove it, but only finding smooth skin. He then thought of placing the Zora mask on top to save her.
"It can not be removed in that manner," said a voice.
Link turned, suddenly seeing the salesman.
"Most humblest apologies, but I must get to the customer." without another word, he gestured with his hands, making the group get thrown away from the unconscious girl by an invisible force.
Link found he couldn't move. He could see that Saria was also in the same predicament.
The salesman bent over the unconscious Ruto. "Dear Zora, I never meant you any harm..." he placed Ruto's hands on her own face, his own hands clasped on as well. "Concentrate princess. Release your true self, find it...somewhere..." The salesman put on a strained expression, and with a spark of light, the mask came away. He looked at the Kokiri mask as if it were a thing of evil.
Ruto was now back to her Zora self.
The salesman went to the frozen forms of the Hylians. "She was very close to death, but she will recover. Make sure she takes plenty of liquids, and please, accept my apologies... though I have no right for such a request." He started to turn away.
"WAIT!" Link shouted when he found he could move his mouth. That Kokiri mask was Saria's cure; he needed to get it!
The salesman turned back. "Incredible," he whispered as he sensed something. "You now possess the Stone mask once more!" he approached Link.
At this point, Link wanted to reach for his sword. Still he was immobilised.
"Let me see the stone mask... Please," he asked.
Link found he could not help but bring it out.
The salesman peered over the mask. "You used red medicine to remove it, I never liked that disadvantage of the mask. I thought making her insubstantial would remove that problem," he then started to wave his hands over it. "I knew it! You have a unique talent, how did you manage young one?" The mask, it is now charged with happiness far greater then ever! A joy unattainably by even himself. He pressed the mask into Link's hand once more. "I admire your work fellow craftsman, let us meet again soon." He then turned away.
Link could only watch him leave.
"By the way," The salesman paused in his movements. "Never, ever, under any circumstances, place another mask on top of a sealed mask. Sometimes they are... incompatable. Very unhappy." he then started to vanish.
Link was able to move again.
Saria stared at Ruto. She had never seen a Zora before, and couldn't help looking at the unusual princess. She began to wonder what Link looked like as a Zora. Finally, Ruto moved.
"Link?" she looked at her blue hand, realising she was a Zora again. "No... I wanted..." she trailed off. Why? Why was she a Zora again?
"Are you okay?" Link asked the stunned girl.
"Yes..." Ruto answered, but she felt hollow inside. "I just wanted..." She felt very weak. "What happened to me?"
"That wasn't a Hylian mask. It was a Kokiri mask," said Saria.
"What's the difference?" Ruto asked confused. She had seen Hylians before. She was a Hylian, wasn't she? For a while, anyway. "In what way were they different?"
"In appearance, not that much" said Link. "Except Kokiri die if they leave the forest." he explained.
Ruto couldn't describe the strange suffocation she experienced. It was an indescribable sensation of being weltered away, piece by piece. Almost as if what ever it was that made her, was being removed. "Oh Link" she cried. "You saved me again, thank you."
"It wasn't us," said Saria. "It was the Salesman."
"We could've used that mask on you Saria." Link thought. Or could they? That salesman may have been trying to scare them by what he said. What did he mean by 'incompatible'?
"We'll get it Link. At least we now know he has one," Saria reasoned.
"What's going on?" Asked Ruto.
The start of a new quest, Link thought.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued.
Hey everyone! Many thanks for the reviews again. I hope you are not disapointed :) Anyway, I don't know when I will next update, but it is all in the works :)