Chapter 8
The Salesman walked on Hyrule fields, his face a complete mystery that was shrouded in a translucent cover. Yet, in his step, a rhythm of worry tinted with excitement was present. "I never meant harm... But... It is all so very close... Who are you to tell me otherwise!" He waited, trying to hear a response.
Hearing nothing, he then cast a glance towards Link's group.
The salesman stood that way for a long time, a patient statue. He then drew a long breath. "Malon was never in danger... as long as the spell held," he had ensured of that much. But what Link did, placing another mask on top of a sealed mask... he still had much to learn about masks.
The salesman shook his head. Why did he even bother? Because masks were not tools of evil. Not a force of good either, but certainty not evil. Yet, was that all he could become now? It did not matter, in the end.
"So, the stage is now fully set," he stated out-loud, a strange feeling running though him as he admitted it. It bordered on the possibility that he was no longer needed. But there was always a further event required, someone else to be manipulated.
Always.
It was almost time for the final journey, there was just something more he had to do.
Once more, he looked at Link. He and those two companions appeared to be heading towards Hyrule castle, exactly as planned. Suddenly, both Link and Saria turned their heads, locking their eyes to his. He immediately turned away, not acknowledging the moment contact. The forest folk, even Link who was raised among them, had a very strong extrasensory perception. Possibly as a result of the bondage with their fairies.
No matter, care was vital if he was to remain unnoticed.
"Link..." he whispered, knowing they would never hear him. "Such a special ability... The stone mask..." He looked up into the sky, as if contemplating everything that has happened. "Link has a gift for this job. No, of course he can not replace a true salesman, he just has... potential."
Link had neutralised the spell on Malon, and actually increased the mask power to a higher level. Such an ability in a Hylian... "He must have made someone extremely happy-" But that could wait.
He concentrated for a moment, and started to gain a feeling on Zelda. The rabbit mask was integrating better then he could ever hope. He wished he could claim it was all down to him, but Link's masks were all incredibly powerful. All he did was bring the power out. Who knows what else Link may be able to produce with that skill?
In the time the Salesman had, he had paid a visit to each and every one of Link's friends. Darunia and Naburu proved harder to give a mask, but he... accommodated them. Now each counterpart of the sages has had a taste of mask magic.
Such a shame about Ruto.
Ruto... How many times had he seen such a person, someone that loved the wrong species. It was not unheard of. It was part of his job to give everyone a chance, but he had failed.
He wanted to make it up to her.
Maybe he could, once all this was over.
Sam'kemesa, the dream of all salesman. It was so close. He wished he could see the future, but it wasn't necessary. He knew what was going to happen, to the best of anyone in his position. Link would be able to get it. He has the motive, and the spirit. But would he give it to him? Probably not, but he can be easily convinced.
As good as Link was, he was after all merely the customer.
"Time is all that is needed, and is all that we have," he recited to himself. "Soon, it is all we will be."
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There was no way for Epona to carry three people to Hyrule castle; it could barely do two. Link commanded the horse to head back to the ranch, deciding they will make the rest of the short journey to the castle. It was a quiet walk, but then a feeling came to Link and he stopped. Saria, at his side, also stopped.
"What? What are you two doing? What are you looking at?" Ruto asked confused.
"Nothing," Link and Saria both said simultaneously.
"It must have been something for you to both stop," said Ruto impatiently. She looked around at what they were looking for, but could see nothing.
"I just thought-" Link started.
"Something was there," Saria finished.
Ruto shivered at the synchronised talk. "Okay, stop that. That is really creepy," she said.
Link and Saria both glanced at each other in the awkward moment, shifting their sight again to the presence. But it was no longer there.
"Um, let's go on," said Link at last.
"Yes," said Saria, unable to think of anything more to say.
Ruto felt very out of place. It wasn't just the dry environment, though perhaps there was a part of it, but also the company. She would love to have a private moment with Link about now, but that other girl was following him too closely. She just needed a single moment! Was that too much to ask? Not to mention she was getting further annoyed at Saria. Every so often she would sneak a glance at her, for whatever reason.
It wasn't long before Hyrule castle was in front of them, still closed to protect the inhabitants. However, it was not yet sunrise, yet there were no skeletons around. Link was unsure what that could mean. He also knew that the castle would not be open for another two hours or so, but they had to get in now!
"Maybe there's another way in," thought Navi. Unfortunately, she knew it was unlikely. Hyrule castle was quite impenetrable at night, Link tried so many times to test its defences. It was quite ironic that once you get though this one wall, getting into the palace was a breeze.
Link thought they could have a quick look around to search for a quick way in. If not, they will just have to wait until they open. "I'll take a look on the left wall. Saria, you take the right. Ruto, do you think you can look in the moat for a way in?" he asked.
"The moat?" Ruto said, making disgusted expression. "What do I look like, some fish? That water is probably diseased!"
"I've been in it myself Ruto," said Link, remembering when Zelda threw the Ocarina in the water. "It comes straight from your own river after all," he reminded.
Ruto had forgotten that. "Well, okay Link. For you," she said giving a wink, though Link didn't seem to notice as he left.
As Link left to search his side of the wall, Saria was about to search too when Ruto stopped her. "Hey! What's with you?" she asked straightening her Kokiri garb.
"First, I want to know why you keep looking at me like that!" It was really starting to get on her nerves. "You act as if you've never seen a Zora before!"
Saria was taken aback at being caught. "Sorry. Actually, you are the first Zora I've seen." she confessed.
"Really?" Ruto thought that was very odd, they tended to stick out a mile away. No wonder she kept staring at her. "Why haven't you seen us before? Haven't you ever been to Hyrule castle? Or have you never left Kakariko village in your life?" She thought it was quite sad, if that was the case.
"No, I don't live at Kakariko," explained Saria.
"Then where?" Ruto asked.
"The forest."
"Oh," Ruto didn't know of any settlements in the woods. Far from it, she heard they were cursed. A place for demons and monsters. "Is that where Link is from?" she asked from curiosity.
"Yes. Well sort off," Saria corrected herself. "It's a bit complicated."
Ruto eyed her rival carefully. She dressed similarly to Link, and followed closely to him. They also seemed very open to each other, so they must have known each other for a long time. This girl may know Link even better then she does.
Ruto couldn't let that possibility occur. Link was for her, and it was time Saria knew that.
"You can't have him you know," she said as a matter of fact.
"What? What do you mean?" Saria asked, missing the dangerous tone the Zora passed.
"Oh don't give me that!" Ruto gave a quick look, making sure Link was still out of earshot. "I've seen the way he looks at you."
"Me and Link? We're friends-" Saria explained automatically.
"Oh really," Ruto said with sarcasm. "Then what about the way you see him?"
Saria was in complete shock. "We're friends. Okay?" she tried to enforce, though when it came out, her voice was weak and unsure.
Ruto caught it instantly. "But you want it to be more, don't you." her fins gave a quick flare.
"I- that is none of your business!" Saria's temper finally reached breaking point.
"Well, since you are just friends... that means I can get Link myself. It's only proper, after all, he is engaged to me. Don't forget that," Ruto smiled. "Just, don't get in the way. Now I have a moat to check up." She quickly dived in.
Saria was left alone, a torrent of emotions betrayed her serene outward appearance.
"Don't listen to her," Sayl, her fairy, advised.
Saria sighed. "I feel so confused," she whispered. For so long, Link and her were friends. That friendship was important to her, particularly since it seemed it was all she could be for him. There was no chance for her. Even Ruto had a better chance, since she was condemned to the outward appearance of a child. It wasn't fair.
But it's different now. She was no longer a Kokiri, her childhood was over. She could grow up, grow old... then she would die. That was what Link tried to explain to her before. What he, and now her, would go though.
It would be instant compared to what a Kokiri was used to.
Somewhere on the furthest recess of their memories, Kokiri understood that they were not completely immortal. She never thought about it, until the truth of Link's heritage was found. She had to accept that what might be tomorrow to her, Link would have lived the normal limit of his life.
If she was stuck as a Hylian... then she would stay with Link. What else could she do?
"Let's try searching for that entrance," Sayl glowed briefly, momentarily illuminating her surroundings.
"Okay," said Saria. Her future was going to have to wait.
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Link tapped each wall, but nothing had changed since the last time he was here. The walls were un-scaleable, even for the hookshot. He returned to the drawbridge, as did Ruto and Saria. "I guess we will just have to wait until it opens." Link sighed.
"It's so stupid to do this," said Ruto getting bored.
Link looked at the impenetrable fortress. "It's not their fault. At night, this place is usually teaming with monsters," reasoned Link. "It was the only way for them to live in peace and without fear."
"No magic to protect them, like for us," Saria thought sadly.
"We shouldn't have to wait too long." Link hoped. " Sunrise is in an hour or so- huh?" Link caught surprised, as the gates slowly opened ahead of schedule. At the same moment, he felt the wind pick up, as if a storm approached. Rain then followed.
"I sense something approaching from the gates," Navi spoke, feeling anxious. The bridge came down with a soft clang. "It's approaching at high speed..."
"It's started raining," said Ruto ignoring the group's tension, instead taking joy in the cool water. "Ah, that feels so good!" The water ran though her, making her feel revitalised.
Link stood on the center of the drawbridge, he could hear now the sound of something approaching. He remembered this feeling of impending doom from last time, when he met Gannondorf in person. It was lucky he did not know exactly who he was. At the time, he lacked the power needed to take on the great King of the Gerudo.
Navi illuminated, trying to gather what was happening. "I sense... It's the princess!"
Link looked ahead, when he suddenly had the wind knocked out of him and fell back. He immediately got up, Ruto and Saria helping him.
"Was that the princess?" Saria wondered, trying to look at the figure. But the dust pile prevented her from seeing anything.
"Why would she flee the castle again?" To Link, it didn't make sense.
"More people are approaching Link!" alerted Navi.
Link drew his sword in anticipation, trying to figure out who would chase the princess out of her own castle.
"Something very familiar about this Link," said Navi.
"I know," replied Link. He could see it now, but was caught unprepared by the sight. It was a group of about fifteen horsemen, and they were about to trample onto him! He quickly jumped out of the way, when he recognised their leader. "Impa!" he shouted.
Impa, on horseback recognised the young Hylian. "Link! Your timing is perfect," she said with relief. "Something has happened to the princess, we have to get her back to the castle."
"What's happened?"
"A few days ago, she received a most curious gift. Some sort of 'rabbit' hood. She put it on, and was cursed." Impa quickly explained.
"The bunny hood? What has it done to her?" Link wondered what was going on?
Impa tried to gather what she has seen so far as a result of the hood. "She has been given a speed such that I have never seen before. She may even be able to out run these horses, but we must try. I have asked the knights to try and stop her safely," she added.
Link looked in the direction Zelda went. He assumed she was on horseback, but the hood had given more speed then it usually did. "We have to help," he thought. "You two stay here," he told Saria and Ruto. "Can I get a ride Impa?"
"Climb on quickly," said Impa.
As soon as Link was abroad, the horse started to trample at frightening speed. Link hoped it would be fast enough to get to Zelda.
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In a matter of minutes, Impa's powerful horse had travelled at a higher speed then Epona could ever sustain. Impa kept a watchful eye for any disturbances that would indicate Zelda's presence.
"Can you see her?" asked Link.
Impa scoured the lush fields. "I'm trying, it's still a little dark- I see her!" Impa shouted, at last seeing a dust cloud.
Link also looked ahead. She was running much faster then they were, not even a horse could catch up to her now. "Why is she running?" he wondered.
"I don't think she can help it," said Impa. "That mask has possessed her."
"Link, we have to cut across her path," Navi explained. It would be the only way to meet her.
"I'm way ahead of you, Navi." Link reached into his back, and put on the fairy mask. In a flash of light, he joined Navi in the air.
Impa turned around, fearing Link had fallen off the horse, but he wasn't even on the ground. "Link?" she shouted, but nobody was there. Ignoring her momentary confusion, she reassumed her attention on the running princess.
Link roused to the air. He was high enough to see that Zelda was sticking on the path around the ranch. 'just like the running man,' he thought.
"Link, we can reach her if we fly to that area," Navi pointed to a crossroad point.
Link trusted Navi's instincts, and followed her. When they were a safe distance to the ground, Link took off the mask, once again becoming a normal Hylian. "How long until she gets here Navi?"
Navi flew slightly higher. "About one minute Link. I think I can Z-target her now."
"Really? Please try, Navi." Link hoped he could talk to her.
Navi did as instructed and set up a telepathic link between the two Hylians.
"Zelda, can you hear me?" Link voiced.
"Link! Help me! I can't stop..." Zelda's panicked thoughts scattered and broke the connection.
"What do we do? She can't stop," Navi couldn't think of what to advise.
Link brought out the Ocarina of Time. "I hope this can still work," He started playing Zelda's lullaby. 'Keep the connection to her Navi,' he asked telepathically to his fairy.
Navi transmitted the notes to Zelda as they were being played. "She's starting to slow down... Keep going Link!"
Link continued to play, he could see the Princess approaching him, but she was slowing down with every step. Eventually, she started walking to the peaceful music of the melody. She walked towards Link, a peaceful expression on her face.
"Link..." Zelda said, still walking to him.
Link could see the bunny ears of the mask sticking out. "I'm here Zelda," he said.
"I knew you would come Link..." Zelda smiled. "Something... was wrong. So I knew you would come."
"Of course princess." Link approached her, walking in similar step.
The effects of the melody were still working their way into Zelda. "That song always makes me sleepy," she sighed, feeling exhausted. After a yawn she then collapsed into Link's arms, with peace of mind that she would be protected.
"Sweet dreams," Link whispered.
Impa rode towards them. "You have the princess!" She said relieved. "Come, let's take her back to the castle."
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Saria and Ruto waited patiently at the castle gates.
"I hope Link got her," Saria said concerned.
"I bet he did." Ruto answered confidently. "Link does this sort of thing all the time."
"True," Saria sighed. They always expected that from Link, regardless of what he might want. She wondered, didn't anyone else see that?
"What I can't believe," thought Ruto, "is that he just left us here as if we were no use!"
Saria paced a little towards the Zora. "It's his way. He's used to doing things on his own. He also feels better knowing we are being kept safe," she added.
Ruto smirked, viewing Saria from the corner of her eye. "Speak for yourself,"
"Huh?"
"You may have to be protected, but I don't. Link and I worked hard together, to vanquish the evil in Lord Jabu-Jabu. I was with him, side by side."
"That's not what I heard," replied Saria.
"Oh, it's true! Actually, I was going to do it all myself, but Link insisted we work together." said Ruto.
"Oh really," Saria thought sarcastically.
Ruto didn't answer. She didn't need to. Spending time with her rival made her feel more confident. Sure, Saria may have all the advantages, but she herself said Link and her were only friends. She could not tell why, but she now knew Saria was not a problem. The girl was unsure of herself, of what she wanted. In time, she might sort out her problem, but by then, Ruto would use that time productively. Saria wasn't even paying attention...
Suddenly, Saria looked up "Okay Link," she said.
"Huh? Is Link here?" Ruto looked ahead, anxious to see him.
"No, He's still on the fields. Link and I can communicate telepathically," explained Saria.
"What!" Ruto yelled. "No, you have to be kidding. You're just making it up!" she defended.
Saria ignored Ruto. "Link said he managed to get Zelda, and they are on their way here now."
The princess couldn't believe it. "Why? I mean... How do you do it?" She asked, slightly worried.
Saria put a thinking pose, trying to decide how best to explain it. "Well, not everyone can, but me and Link are... in tuned to each other. Music lets us open the door to each other, no matter how far we are,"
In truth, Saria didn't know completely how her music worked. It was one she made, and the notes were like a path to her heart. That was the best explanation to her.
Ruto couldn't take this. 'No wonder they were close,' she thought. They remained in contact throughout their lives. It meant that even if she had Link, she would still have to share a part of him with Saria! No, Saria had to be lying. Perhaps it was the fairies that did it. She looked at the oddly silent fairy, which never strayed away from the girl. Yes, that had to be it. The fairies of the woods were mysterious and had strange powers.
She would one day have to somehow separate Navi and Link, if they could be together. It was the only way.
At that moment, Impa rode in, with Link and Zelda. The horse stopped in front of them.
"We must hurry to the palace Link, before she wakes up." Impa looked at the princess, she seemed a sleep, but she didn't want to take the chance she would wake and not be stopped.
Link jumped off Impa's horse. "You take her Impa, I have to check something here. I'll meet you in the palace."
"Very well Link," Impa steered the horse into motion, heading though the guarded gates.
"What are we doing now Link?" asked Saria.
"Follow me. There's a certain shop we need to look at," Said Link, as they entered the market place.
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To be continued
The Salesman walked on Hyrule fields, his face a complete mystery that was shrouded in a translucent cover. Yet, in his step, a rhythm of worry tinted with excitement was present. "I never meant harm... But... It is all so very close... Who are you to tell me otherwise!" He waited, trying to hear a response.
Hearing nothing, he then cast a glance towards Link's group.
The salesman stood that way for a long time, a patient statue. He then drew a long breath. "Malon was never in danger... as long as the spell held," he had ensured of that much. But what Link did, placing another mask on top of a sealed mask... he still had much to learn about masks.
The salesman shook his head. Why did he even bother? Because masks were not tools of evil. Not a force of good either, but certainty not evil. Yet, was that all he could become now? It did not matter, in the end.
"So, the stage is now fully set," he stated out-loud, a strange feeling running though him as he admitted it. It bordered on the possibility that he was no longer needed. But there was always a further event required, someone else to be manipulated.
Always.
It was almost time for the final journey, there was just something more he had to do.
Once more, he looked at Link. He and those two companions appeared to be heading towards Hyrule castle, exactly as planned. Suddenly, both Link and Saria turned their heads, locking their eyes to his. He immediately turned away, not acknowledging the moment contact. The forest folk, even Link who was raised among them, had a very strong extrasensory perception. Possibly as a result of the bondage with their fairies.
No matter, care was vital if he was to remain unnoticed.
"Link..." he whispered, knowing they would never hear him. "Such a special ability... The stone mask..." He looked up into the sky, as if contemplating everything that has happened. "Link has a gift for this job. No, of course he can not replace a true salesman, he just has... potential."
Link had neutralised the spell on Malon, and actually increased the mask power to a higher level. Such an ability in a Hylian... "He must have made someone extremely happy-" But that could wait.
He concentrated for a moment, and started to gain a feeling on Zelda. The rabbit mask was integrating better then he could ever hope. He wished he could claim it was all down to him, but Link's masks were all incredibly powerful. All he did was bring the power out. Who knows what else Link may be able to produce with that skill?
In the time the Salesman had, he had paid a visit to each and every one of Link's friends. Darunia and Naburu proved harder to give a mask, but he... accommodated them. Now each counterpart of the sages has had a taste of mask magic.
Such a shame about Ruto.
Ruto... How many times had he seen such a person, someone that loved the wrong species. It was not unheard of. It was part of his job to give everyone a chance, but he had failed.
He wanted to make it up to her.
Maybe he could, once all this was over.
Sam'kemesa, the dream of all salesman. It was so close. He wished he could see the future, but it wasn't necessary. He knew what was going to happen, to the best of anyone in his position. Link would be able to get it. He has the motive, and the spirit. But would he give it to him? Probably not, but he can be easily convinced.
As good as Link was, he was after all merely the customer.
"Time is all that is needed, and is all that we have," he recited to himself. "Soon, it is all we will be."
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There was no way for Epona to carry three people to Hyrule castle; it could barely do two. Link commanded the horse to head back to the ranch, deciding they will make the rest of the short journey to the castle. It was a quiet walk, but then a feeling came to Link and he stopped. Saria, at his side, also stopped.
"What? What are you two doing? What are you looking at?" Ruto asked confused.
"Nothing," Link and Saria both said simultaneously.
"It must have been something for you to both stop," said Ruto impatiently. She looked around at what they were looking for, but could see nothing.
"I just thought-" Link started.
"Something was there," Saria finished.
Ruto shivered at the synchronised talk. "Okay, stop that. That is really creepy," she said.
Link and Saria both glanced at each other in the awkward moment, shifting their sight again to the presence. But it was no longer there.
"Um, let's go on," said Link at last.
"Yes," said Saria, unable to think of anything more to say.
Ruto felt very out of place. It wasn't just the dry environment, though perhaps there was a part of it, but also the company. She would love to have a private moment with Link about now, but that other girl was following him too closely. She just needed a single moment! Was that too much to ask? Not to mention she was getting further annoyed at Saria. Every so often she would sneak a glance at her, for whatever reason.
It wasn't long before Hyrule castle was in front of them, still closed to protect the inhabitants. However, it was not yet sunrise, yet there were no skeletons around. Link was unsure what that could mean. He also knew that the castle would not be open for another two hours or so, but they had to get in now!
"Maybe there's another way in," thought Navi. Unfortunately, she knew it was unlikely. Hyrule castle was quite impenetrable at night, Link tried so many times to test its defences. It was quite ironic that once you get though this one wall, getting into the palace was a breeze.
Link thought they could have a quick look around to search for a quick way in. If not, they will just have to wait until they open. "I'll take a look on the left wall. Saria, you take the right. Ruto, do you think you can look in the moat for a way in?" he asked.
"The moat?" Ruto said, making disgusted expression. "What do I look like, some fish? That water is probably diseased!"
"I've been in it myself Ruto," said Link, remembering when Zelda threw the Ocarina in the water. "It comes straight from your own river after all," he reminded.
Ruto had forgotten that. "Well, okay Link. For you," she said giving a wink, though Link didn't seem to notice as he left.
As Link left to search his side of the wall, Saria was about to search too when Ruto stopped her. "Hey! What's with you?" she asked straightening her Kokiri garb.
"First, I want to know why you keep looking at me like that!" It was really starting to get on her nerves. "You act as if you've never seen a Zora before!"
Saria was taken aback at being caught. "Sorry. Actually, you are the first Zora I've seen." she confessed.
"Really?" Ruto thought that was very odd, they tended to stick out a mile away. No wonder she kept staring at her. "Why haven't you seen us before? Haven't you ever been to Hyrule castle? Or have you never left Kakariko village in your life?" She thought it was quite sad, if that was the case.
"No, I don't live at Kakariko," explained Saria.
"Then where?" Ruto asked.
"The forest."
"Oh," Ruto didn't know of any settlements in the woods. Far from it, she heard they were cursed. A place for demons and monsters. "Is that where Link is from?" she asked from curiosity.
"Yes. Well sort off," Saria corrected herself. "It's a bit complicated."
Ruto eyed her rival carefully. She dressed similarly to Link, and followed closely to him. They also seemed very open to each other, so they must have known each other for a long time. This girl may know Link even better then she does.
Ruto couldn't let that possibility occur. Link was for her, and it was time Saria knew that.
"You can't have him you know," she said as a matter of fact.
"What? What do you mean?" Saria asked, missing the dangerous tone the Zora passed.
"Oh don't give me that!" Ruto gave a quick look, making sure Link was still out of earshot. "I've seen the way he looks at you."
"Me and Link? We're friends-" Saria explained automatically.
"Oh really," Ruto said with sarcasm. "Then what about the way you see him?"
Saria was in complete shock. "We're friends. Okay?" she tried to enforce, though when it came out, her voice was weak and unsure.
Ruto caught it instantly. "But you want it to be more, don't you." her fins gave a quick flare.
"I- that is none of your business!" Saria's temper finally reached breaking point.
"Well, since you are just friends... that means I can get Link myself. It's only proper, after all, he is engaged to me. Don't forget that," Ruto smiled. "Just, don't get in the way. Now I have a moat to check up." She quickly dived in.
Saria was left alone, a torrent of emotions betrayed her serene outward appearance.
"Don't listen to her," Sayl, her fairy, advised.
Saria sighed. "I feel so confused," she whispered. For so long, Link and her were friends. That friendship was important to her, particularly since it seemed it was all she could be for him. There was no chance for her. Even Ruto had a better chance, since she was condemned to the outward appearance of a child. It wasn't fair.
But it's different now. She was no longer a Kokiri, her childhood was over. She could grow up, grow old... then she would die. That was what Link tried to explain to her before. What he, and now her, would go though.
It would be instant compared to what a Kokiri was used to.
Somewhere on the furthest recess of their memories, Kokiri understood that they were not completely immortal. She never thought about it, until the truth of Link's heritage was found. She had to accept that what might be tomorrow to her, Link would have lived the normal limit of his life.
If she was stuck as a Hylian... then she would stay with Link. What else could she do?
"Let's try searching for that entrance," Sayl glowed briefly, momentarily illuminating her surroundings.
"Okay," said Saria. Her future was going to have to wait.
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Link tapped each wall, but nothing had changed since the last time he was here. The walls were un-scaleable, even for the hookshot. He returned to the drawbridge, as did Ruto and Saria. "I guess we will just have to wait until it opens." Link sighed.
"It's so stupid to do this," said Ruto getting bored.
Link looked at the impenetrable fortress. "It's not their fault. At night, this place is usually teaming with monsters," reasoned Link. "It was the only way for them to live in peace and without fear."
"No magic to protect them, like for us," Saria thought sadly.
"We shouldn't have to wait too long." Link hoped. " Sunrise is in an hour or so- huh?" Link caught surprised, as the gates slowly opened ahead of schedule. At the same moment, he felt the wind pick up, as if a storm approached. Rain then followed.
"I sense something approaching from the gates," Navi spoke, feeling anxious. The bridge came down with a soft clang. "It's approaching at high speed..."
"It's started raining," said Ruto ignoring the group's tension, instead taking joy in the cool water. "Ah, that feels so good!" The water ran though her, making her feel revitalised.
Link stood on the center of the drawbridge, he could hear now the sound of something approaching. He remembered this feeling of impending doom from last time, when he met Gannondorf in person. It was lucky he did not know exactly who he was. At the time, he lacked the power needed to take on the great King of the Gerudo.
Navi illuminated, trying to gather what was happening. "I sense... It's the princess!"
Link looked ahead, when he suddenly had the wind knocked out of him and fell back. He immediately got up, Ruto and Saria helping him.
"Was that the princess?" Saria wondered, trying to look at the figure. But the dust pile prevented her from seeing anything.
"Why would she flee the castle again?" To Link, it didn't make sense.
"More people are approaching Link!" alerted Navi.
Link drew his sword in anticipation, trying to figure out who would chase the princess out of her own castle.
"Something very familiar about this Link," said Navi.
"I know," replied Link. He could see it now, but was caught unprepared by the sight. It was a group of about fifteen horsemen, and they were about to trample onto him! He quickly jumped out of the way, when he recognised their leader. "Impa!" he shouted.
Impa, on horseback recognised the young Hylian. "Link! Your timing is perfect," she said with relief. "Something has happened to the princess, we have to get her back to the castle."
"What's happened?"
"A few days ago, she received a most curious gift. Some sort of 'rabbit' hood. She put it on, and was cursed." Impa quickly explained.
"The bunny hood? What has it done to her?" Link wondered what was going on?
Impa tried to gather what she has seen so far as a result of the hood. "She has been given a speed such that I have never seen before. She may even be able to out run these horses, but we must try. I have asked the knights to try and stop her safely," she added.
Link looked in the direction Zelda went. He assumed she was on horseback, but the hood had given more speed then it usually did. "We have to help," he thought. "You two stay here," he told Saria and Ruto. "Can I get a ride Impa?"
"Climb on quickly," said Impa.
As soon as Link was abroad, the horse started to trample at frightening speed. Link hoped it would be fast enough to get to Zelda.
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In a matter of minutes, Impa's powerful horse had travelled at a higher speed then Epona could ever sustain. Impa kept a watchful eye for any disturbances that would indicate Zelda's presence.
"Can you see her?" asked Link.
Impa scoured the lush fields. "I'm trying, it's still a little dark- I see her!" Impa shouted, at last seeing a dust cloud.
Link also looked ahead. She was running much faster then they were, not even a horse could catch up to her now. "Why is she running?" he wondered.
"I don't think she can help it," said Impa. "That mask has possessed her."
"Link, we have to cut across her path," Navi explained. It would be the only way to meet her.
"I'm way ahead of you, Navi." Link reached into his back, and put on the fairy mask. In a flash of light, he joined Navi in the air.
Impa turned around, fearing Link had fallen off the horse, but he wasn't even on the ground. "Link?" she shouted, but nobody was there. Ignoring her momentary confusion, she reassumed her attention on the running princess.
Link roused to the air. He was high enough to see that Zelda was sticking on the path around the ranch. 'just like the running man,' he thought.
"Link, we can reach her if we fly to that area," Navi pointed to a crossroad point.
Link trusted Navi's instincts, and followed her. When they were a safe distance to the ground, Link took off the mask, once again becoming a normal Hylian. "How long until she gets here Navi?"
Navi flew slightly higher. "About one minute Link. I think I can Z-target her now."
"Really? Please try, Navi." Link hoped he could talk to her.
Navi did as instructed and set up a telepathic link between the two Hylians.
"Zelda, can you hear me?" Link voiced.
"Link! Help me! I can't stop..." Zelda's panicked thoughts scattered and broke the connection.
"What do we do? She can't stop," Navi couldn't think of what to advise.
Link brought out the Ocarina of Time. "I hope this can still work," He started playing Zelda's lullaby. 'Keep the connection to her Navi,' he asked telepathically to his fairy.
Navi transmitted the notes to Zelda as they were being played. "She's starting to slow down... Keep going Link!"
Link continued to play, he could see the Princess approaching him, but she was slowing down with every step. Eventually, she started walking to the peaceful music of the melody. She walked towards Link, a peaceful expression on her face.
"Link..." Zelda said, still walking to him.
Link could see the bunny ears of the mask sticking out. "I'm here Zelda," he said.
"I knew you would come Link..." Zelda smiled. "Something... was wrong. So I knew you would come."
"Of course princess." Link approached her, walking in similar step.
The effects of the melody were still working their way into Zelda. "That song always makes me sleepy," she sighed, feeling exhausted. After a yawn she then collapsed into Link's arms, with peace of mind that she would be protected.
"Sweet dreams," Link whispered.
Impa rode towards them. "You have the princess!" She said relieved. "Come, let's take her back to the castle."
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Saria and Ruto waited patiently at the castle gates.
"I hope Link got her," Saria said concerned.
"I bet he did." Ruto answered confidently. "Link does this sort of thing all the time."
"True," Saria sighed. They always expected that from Link, regardless of what he might want. She wondered, didn't anyone else see that?
"What I can't believe," thought Ruto, "is that he just left us here as if we were no use!"
Saria paced a little towards the Zora. "It's his way. He's used to doing things on his own. He also feels better knowing we are being kept safe," she added.
Ruto smirked, viewing Saria from the corner of her eye. "Speak for yourself,"
"Huh?"
"You may have to be protected, but I don't. Link and I worked hard together, to vanquish the evil in Lord Jabu-Jabu. I was with him, side by side."
"That's not what I heard," replied Saria.
"Oh, it's true! Actually, I was going to do it all myself, but Link insisted we work together." said Ruto.
"Oh really," Saria thought sarcastically.
Ruto didn't answer. She didn't need to. Spending time with her rival made her feel more confident. Sure, Saria may have all the advantages, but she herself said Link and her were only friends. She could not tell why, but she now knew Saria was not a problem. The girl was unsure of herself, of what she wanted. In time, she might sort out her problem, but by then, Ruto would use that time productively. Saria wasn't even paying attention...
Suddenly, Saria looked up "Okay Link," she said.
"Huh? Is Link here?" Ruto looked ahead, anxious to see him.
"No, He's still on the fields. Link and I can communicate telepathically," explained Saria.
"What!" Ruto yelled. "No, you have to be kidding. You're just making it up!" she defended.
Saria ignored Ruto. "Link said he managed to get Zelda, and they are on their way here now."
The princess couldn't believe it. "Why? I mean... How do you do it?" She asked, slightly worried.
Saria put a thinking pose, trying to decide how best to explain it. "Well, not everyone can, but me and Link are... in tuned to each other. Music lets us open the door to each other, no matter how far we are,"
In truth, Saria didn't know completely how her music worked. It was one she made, and the notes were like a path to her heart. That was the best explanation to her.
Ruto couldn't take this. 'No wonder they were close,' she thought. They remained in contact throughout their lives. It meant that even if she had Link, she would still have to share a part of him with Saria! No, Saria had to be lying. Perhaps it was the fairies that did it. She looked at the oddly silent fairy, which never strayed away from the girl. Yes, that had to be it. The fairies of the woods were mysterious and had strange powers.
She would one day have to somehow separate Navi and Link, if they could be together. It was the only way.
At that moment, Impa rode in, with Link and Zelda. The horse stopped in front of them.
"We must hurry to the palace Link, before she wakes up." Impa looked at the princess, she seemed a sleep, but she didn't want to take the chance she would wake and not be stopped.
Link jumped off Impa's horse. "You take her Impa, I have to check something here. I'll meet you in the palace."
"Very well Link," Impa steered the horse into motion, heading though the guarded gates.
"What are we doing now Link?" asked Saria.
"Follow me. There's a certain shop we need to look at," Said Link, as they entered the market place.
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To be continued