Chapter 1

AUTHORS NOTES, DISCLAIMERS, AND OTHER RANDOM JUNK:

I don't own Zelda characters (Vasu, Maku Trees, King Zora, etc.) or settings, but I DO own the plot and my original characters (Racu, Team Gemini, Zora Sage, etc.). Also, because I don't like the terms Past and Present (it's all relative, right?) to describe times, you will hear me describe the "Ages" of Labrynna and Holodrum. The First Age was in the time of Labrynna's Past. The Second Age is the time of Labrynna's Present or the time when Link was collecting the Essences of Nature in Holodrum. The Third Age was the time immediately after the defeat of Onox in

Holodrum or the time when Labrynna was "fixed" in the Present. The Fourth Age is after the Era of Fire (see the Prologue for details). Enough boring stuff! On with the story!

"Tune of Ages!" shouted Racu as he began to move his fingers along the slender harp strings of the ancient Harp of Ages. "Take me to the Third Age of Holodrum!" He felt a little dizzy as time swept past him in great clumps, but it was over in less than five seconds. The world looked… different…

Humans were standing all around him. Real humans. Not Gorons or Subrosians, but human beings, with that soft flesh of theirs that could easily by destroyed by lava. He was in Horon Village.

Racu walked north through town, looking for the Maku Tree. However, on the way, he got lost and instead found a long house with a soft patch of earth outside. Thinking to ask directions, Racu went in.

"Hello?" Racu uncertainly asked the sleeping man in the chair.

"Wh-what?" the man mumbled, falling out of his light nap.

"Hi," said Racu. "I'm uh…not from around here, and I was wondering, can you tell me where the Maku Tree is? I need to talk to him."

"The Maku Tree?" the man said. "Of course. Just go down, around past Vasu's ring shop and over to the stairs." The man suddenly looked suspicious. "You aren't another hero, are you?"

"Oh no," replied Racu. "Link is enough of a hero for you. I'm just here to… uh… deliver a message."

"Very well," replied the man. "But before you go, since your not from around here, let me give you a gift."

*Racu received a Gasha Seed!*

"Plant that in the soft soil outside, kill some monsters, come back, and you'll get something really cool! Bye the way, I'm Mayor Plen of Horon Village. Who are you?"

"Racu, of… of the Lava Plain," replied Racu after some thought.

"Really? I've never heard of the Lava Plain. Is that a new colony of Subrosians somewhere?"

"Uh, yeah, it's… umm… quite a ways away. And not really in location either… anyway, I gotta go, thanks for the Gasha Seed!" And Racu hurried out of the house, leaving Mayor Plen quite bewildered.

Racu followed Mayor Plen's directions and headed south. His conspicuous green Subrosian lava robes attracted some stares, but once the humans had identified his race, they mostly smiled and turned back to their business.

About halfway to the large building with a ring sign above it that Racu saw in the distance, he noticed two teenage boys following him, but staying out of sight. Racu regarded them with some concern, but felt it unnecessary to do anything just yet. They were far away and probably just interested in his obvious Subrosian figure.

Passing Vasu's ring shop, Racu looked back again and noticed something even more disturbing about the boys- they were both in a uniform consisting of black robes with an icon of two boys linking hands entwined around a large, radical-looking letter "G" imprinted in white on their backs. This time, Racu did not ignore the boys, but didn't approach them either. He opened his pack and equipped his Boomerang to his right hand (his weapon hand). With a final nervous glance at his followers, he proceeded east and then north towards the Maku Tree Gate.

When he reached the gate and a sign reading "Maku Tree," however, he found his way blocked by a large fence. "Now what do I do," muttered Racu to himself.

Suddenly, a shout came from behind him. "Hold it right there, mister!" said one of the boys.

"Don't go a step further!" announced the other.

They rushed up to him, surrounding him and blocking the way between himself and the fence. "We are Team Gemini," said one of the boys. "My name is Castor."

"And mine is Pollux," the other continued.. "We are twin amateur heroes with powers that you probably can't guess"

"And we don't think you belong in Horon Village, or anywhere near the Maku Tree. Do you happen to know anyone by the name of General Onox?"

"General Onox was just defeated," Racu said worriedly. "He isn't a threat anymore. I don't work for him, if that's what you're thinking."

"You aren't human. That's for sure," Pollux accused. "I think you look like a Subrosian!"

"Cursed lava-worshippers," spat Castor. "They have no respect for nature, or growing things…"

"That's not true!" snapped Racu. "I'll have you know that I am visiting the Maku Tree with a message that could mean life or death of all Holodrum!"

"Oh, another hero," sneered Castor. "We have no use for them either. We're the heroes now!"

The two boys drew their L1 Wooden Swords. "And if you really are powerful enough to see the Maku Tree, you'd better prove it to us, huh?"

Racu had just enough time to ready his L1 Boomerang and L1 Wooden Shield before the boys assumed fighting stances and began the attack.

Team Gemini was clearly experienced at fighting as a team. Racu engaged one boy's sword with his shield and had to whip around to parry the other boy's attack quickly as he lunged in from behind. While Castor thought Pollux had him occupied, however, he quickly hooked his Boomerang behind him, stunning Castor. Pollux proved a harder fight, though after the defeat of Castor he became less offensive and more defensive. Pollux used his Wooden Shield to block various angles of Boomerang throws from Racu, and Racu wished heartily that he had a L2 Magic Boomerang. However, one of his shots got lucky while Pollux was trying to return to using his sword, and Pollux too was stunned.

At that instant, the fence guarding the Maku Tree fell apart, allowing him access, just as Team Gemini began to regain use of their muscles. The last Racu heard from them before the Maku Fence slammed shut again was, "This isn't the last you've seen of us, Subrosian!"

"So what you're trying to tell me," the Maku Tree questioned about half an hour later, "is that all of Holodrum and Labrynna, including me and my counterpart, are about to be burned to a crispy lava flow by some evil destruction-loving fire king?"

"Uh, yeah, essentially," Racu stammered uncomfortably.

"Hmm, interesting," the Maku Tree said. "I need proof that you tell the truth, though. Show me the Harp of Ages."

Slowly, reverently, Racu lifted the Harp from his pack and equipped it to his left hand in place of the Shield. The Maku Tree looked closely at it, as closely as a tree can.

"Yes, that is the genuine Harp," the Tree said gravely. "You will need it, if we are to prevent this disaster from ever happening."

"Will I myself have to stop the Torch King?" Racu questioned.

"Yes," replied the Maku Tree. "You are the one the Harp has found. You are the one to complete the quest. But I warn you- beware false heroes, ones who think they are chosen but aren't. There are many of these. Now, as you say, there is only one race who can stop Destructive Fire as an element, and that is the Zora. Only they know the secret of Healing Water. To see the Zora, you'll have to go to Labrynna. I don't think I can manage a portal further than my counterpart in Labrynna…"

"That's fine," Racu assured him. "I'm sure the Labrynnian Maku Tree will be able to take me further…"

"Good," replied the Maku Tree. "Now, I send you… to Labrynna, the Land of Time!"

Again, Racu felt that feeling, like he was being sucked through something and time was bumping along behind him at an amazing speed. At long last, much longer than it had taken for him to use the Harp, he fell with a bump and landed in a small room much like the one he had just left, and found himself again staring up at an ancient tree.

"Do you know why I am here?" Racu asked the new Maku Tree as he stood up.

"My brother in Holodrum has told me. You are here to prevent the future destruction of Labrynna and Holodrum, correct?" Racu nodded mutely. "I'm afraid that I cannot tell you what must be done. But there are others who can."

"The Zora," Racu guessed. "Correct. But… you can't go to Zora's Domain the way you are. Surely you know that a Subrosian will die if exposed to water?"

"Well, yes," Racu conceded. "I have to see King Zora, though! Do you have a suggestion as to how?"

"Well, yes," replied the Maku Tree. "But… it would require some sacrifice on your part. I would have to… well… transform you into something other than a Subrosian, and the transformation would be permanent."

"WHAT!?!?" screeched Racu. "I'm sorry, but you clearly misunderstand the pride of the Subrosian Race-"

"Do you want to stop the Era of Fire from destroying the Linked Lands or not?" asked the Maku Tree with a trace of irritation. "It's our only chance. You found the Harp of Ages, so you are the one true hero who was meant to stop the Torch King… only, you were born a few decades too late."

Racu sighed. The things he did to save the world. "All right," he conceded. "What do I have to become?"

"For now," began the Maku Tree, "I am going to transform you into a Hylian with the Mermaid Suit, just like Link was when he visited the Zora. Closing your eyes might be a good idea…"

Racu squeezed his eyes and braced himself for what he was sure would be considerable pain, (after all, he was losing his crucial Subrosian pride! His lava-proof robes!) but he felt nothing at all. In fact, he was still waiting when the Maku Tree announced, "You can look now."

Racu slowly opened one eye and glanced down at his feet. They had green boots. He opened the other eye and glanced at his body. He was wearing a skirt.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" he screamed. "I'M WEARING A SKIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ACK! GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!"

Suddenly, a new voice spoke. "Dude, like, take a chill pill or something!"

Racu whirled around to find himself facing a slightly shadowy-looking teenage girl riding a flying saucer zooming around the Maku Tree's base.

"Maple!" exclaimed the Maku Tree. "I thought I told you no more harassing heroes, after stealing all of poor Link's items…"

"Well, gag me with a spoon! He stole most of mine, anyway," the new girl defended herself. "So, skirt boy," she addressed Racu, "Are you like, totally related to Link or something? Because you, like, totally look like him!"

Racu stood facing the witch (for she had to be the same witch Maple he had read about, who had harassed Link during his quest) in speechless shock. At this, Maple threw back her head and laughed. The Maku Tree interrupted.

"I don't believe Subrosians get much contact with valley girl kleptomaniacs, especially Subrosians from the future."

Maple stopped laughing abruptly. "Oooo, he's a Subrosian? Oooo!" she said keenly. Then, suddenly, she stopped "Oooo!"-ing abruptly and said, "Oooo, he's from the future? Oooo!"

The Maku Tree rolled its eyes (as much as a tree can, anyway). "Racu, I've given Maple instructions that she is to help you along your quest, because she can deliver items and messages from me extremely quickly using her flying saucer."

Maple's eyes lit up. "Yeah, I stole so many Rupees from Link that I was able to upgrade from that stupid old vacuum I had during the non-linked game," she explained. "Maybe I'll steal enough from you to-"
"Excuse me, young lady!" the Maku Tree interrupted in a reprimanding tone. "I thought we'd gone over this!"

"Yeah, yeah, no being evil to the hero this time," Maple sighed. "Maybe I'll go harass those Team Gemini idiots I saw walking by the ring shop. Ciao!" With that, she jabbed a few buttons on her flying saucer and zoomed off, scattering a few leaves in her wake.

"I've told her to help you, but you'll want to watch out for her also," the Maku Tree cautioned. "There's no telling what kinds of mischief that one might get up to. Teenagers," she sighed. "Well, now, before I give you the item that will transport you to Zora's Domain, take this!"

*Racu received a Magic Ring!*

"Take that to Vasu's Ring Shop, and he'll appraise it for you. It will make your transformation a bit easier. Now, take this crystal."

*Racu received the Zora String!*

"Tie this onto your Harp of Ages," the Maku Tree commanded. "Whenever you need to go to Zora's Domain, strum that harp string. Now, I'll send a letter to King Zora ahead of you so you won't have to brief him and delay yourself longer. Begone!"

And so, feeling very apprehensive, Racu walked out of the Maku Tree's Area and headed for Vasu's Ring Shop. Inside Vasu's, the jeweler took a close look at the ring through his eyeglass.

"I call this the Subrosian Ring!" exclaimed Vasu. "You can put it on to become a Subrosian!" Racu smiled. The Maku Tree had been very thoughtful. Whenever he needed to feel his robes around him again… just slip this on, and… "Now, do you have a ring box?" Vasu asked.

"No," replied Racu, wondering what a ring box was.

"Well, here, I'll give you one," replied Vasu.

*Racu received a Ring Box!*

"You can store your ring in here. And no more free gifts from me, mind you! If you want me to appraise more rings, it'll be 20 Rupees!"

"Okay," Racu replied. "Thank you!"

"No problem!" Vasu replied. "Have a safe trip!"

"If only…" Racu muttered as soon as he was out of Vasu's earshot.

Racu whipped out his Harp of Ages and tied the Zora Harpstring onto it. Then, feeling apprehensive again, he gave the Zora Harpstring a quick pluck and felt himself being whipped through time and space once again.

Almost instantaneously this time, he arrived the in the palace of King Zora.

"Blub-blub-blubber butt, blub, why are you here?" asked the immensely fat fish king.

"The Maku Tree sent a message, didn't she?" asked Racu worriedly. "Blub… ah, yes… blub, blub, blubber butt you'll need to see the blub Zora Sage for that."

"Zora Sage?" questioned Racu, eyeing the Zora's immense stomach that quivered whenever he said "Blub."

"Head in blub back," replied the King. Come see me, blub, before you depart, blub, and I'll have a present for you."

"Err… thanks," replied Racu, and hurried off before the King got hungry. He did not want to watch him eat.

Racu hurried off behind the giant King to the door he had indicated. Slipping inside rather nervously, he didn't see anything in the room except two lighted torches. "Umm, excuse me?" he asked, rather squeakily. "Anybody home?"

"Come closer, my child," a voice hissed. Racu jumped about six feet in the air and landed on his face. "Yessssss, my child," hissed the voice. "I know of your quest and how you must achieve it. Speak no words, and I will tell you what must be done.

"The way to stop the Torch King lies in the healing powers of the Silver Stone, which lies in the vault behind me. However, the vault has been sealed for millions of years, because it was never needed. The only way that you can open the vault is by collecting the eight Essences of Healing from the various dungeons around Holodrum and Labrynna. This will prove that you have the hands of a healer, and allow you, and only you, access to the Stone." Suddenly, the strange Zora lapsed out of his hissy-mysterious voice and spoke in a falsely cheerful monotone.

"Would you like me to repeat what I just said?" he asked annoyingly.

"Uh, no thanks," replied Racu shakily, backing away slowly. "I know what I have to do. Collect the eight Essences of Healing- not easily, I'm sure- and then using them to prove that I have the hands of a healer, and then getting this silver stone thing and using it in some unbelievably difficult final boss battle. Yep, I got it. See ya!" And Racu raced out the door, away from all the crazy Zoras, ready to begin this impossible quest.