******************

Chapter 1

The salesman fell though the gates of Kakariko village in a short puff. He was tired. He just had to take the entire path all the way down walking! It took so long it was now nightfall. Most of Kakariko had retired for the night. With his heavy backpack, it was a minor miracle he was not injured. He really had to put his wares back into the shop. Having no magic to draw on anymore was becoming a real pain.

The night air made him shiver a little. He could almost feel a sneeze.

"First I need a rest and someplace warmer" he thought. He spotted stepping to the local inn. How convenient, he thought. People on this mortal level sure know how take care of themselves. He didn't even make it through the door.

"Sorry sir, we are closing now" A large Innkeeper stated apologetically. He had just got up from the counter and was about to close the entrance.

"Please, I need a room," the salesman said hurriedly, feeling his pack become heavier by the moment.

The inn keeper shook his head sadly. "We have no rooms at all Sir, I am sorry. The celebrations brought in a lot of people from across the land. We are all occupied."

"But… where will I stay?" The salesman thought in a confused voice, unused to things not going his way.

"I am sorry. It's out of my hands. For what it's worth, I hope you do find a place. You seem like a rich merchant. Some of the people here might offer a room, if you can pay a lot of Rupees."

"Money?" his eyes widened. Money! His business never used rupees to any great extent; just happiness. Well, there was still one other chance… "I don't suppose they might take a mask as payment? It promises happiness…" he held out a small unused clown mask.

The Innkeeper laughed, a full hearty laugh believing him to be joking.

The salesman felt disappointed at himself. "No, I suppose not." He silently put it back into his bag.

"You're serious?" thought the innkeeper wiping a tear as he recovered.

"Masks are no longer popular, are they," the salesman said sadly. It was the only trade he knew anything about. However, he knew it _very_ well.

"Well, perhaps to children and the like," offered the innkeeper realising he may have upset this gentleman.

"Perhaps," The salesman smiled lightly. "But I must open my shop again. I know they would love my masks, as long as they are normal. Still children like extraordinary, not ordinary. Maybe there is a balance I can reach. Yes! Who says I can't mix a little more fun and excitement? And there's always Halloween!"

"Uh sure if you say so," said the innkeeper not certain what he meant. "If you want to spend the night, you can try that house near the entrance of the village. Mind you, it's not much to look at. It's been abandoned. Nobody wants to even try to go in."

"How strange, why is that?"

"Well, you are obviously desperate for accommodation. I have no wish to worry you…"

"Tell me," he said again.

"Very well," said the Innkeeper as he told the story. "That house was once a mansion. Unfortunately, something happened to the inhabitants. Things have become quiet lately, which is why I suggest you use it. Rumour was, that they fell under a curse and transformed into demonic spiders."

"Demons you say," the Salesman's eyes shone eerily. An excited smile came to his lips.

"Uh yes," the innkeeper was startled by his sudden change in tone.

"Then, perhaps, they can use my services. I'm always on the lookout for new masks," he thought. "Thank you, I believe I will take you advice." He walked with an added step, anxious to add another mask to his collection.

"What an odd fellow," he thought.

*************

The salesman opened the doors to the mansion. "Is there anybody here?" he shouted.

The building was strong, but had a very old feel to it. Cobwebs were everywhere. It made him wary to watch out for skultllas. Perhaps that is what he meant by 'demon spiders'. Still they should be nothing to worry about. He may even be able to undo the curse. He dabbled in these arts more than ordinary folk.

His mind's eye didn't detect anything. This place, he felt, has recently been purified. Whatever curse was here has left months ago, apparently broken. "I sense Link's handwork in this," he thought. Just like the boy to beat him to it. "I bet he never even got a mask for it!" his sentiments echoed in the empty house.

The room was spacious, but dusty. It was much better then sleeping outside.

He took out sleeping bag from his pack. It wasn't much, but it was a warm night anyway being summer.

His first sleep for his new life…

He had his dream. His shop newly constructed with an infinite shelf, featuring masks of great detail and wonder. He wanted to sell so many again; but only the normal ones. Never again, will he sell a mask of power. He will guard the ones he had forever or at least for as long as he lived. Perhaps, one day, he could guarantee happiness. Not today, but someday. Somebody had to try…

He continued to sleep.

He couldn't help but think he was forgetting something…

************

"Where is he?" screamed Ruto. She was on her way back to the Zoran caverns, having wasted the entire day. She was angry and upset. She expected the salesman to be back at his shop as usual. She waited as his shop as all the celebrations continued without her. Without her! No party could ever be complete without the Zoran princess.

"Stupid Hylians" she breathed silently. Some of the Hylian children thought she was part of the attraction! Just standing there in the market place with them running circles around her, it was an undignified predicament to begin with. "I should teach those kids how to behave in front of royalty!" She stood out quite a bit, being the only zoran there.

Her father was annoyed at her and surprised. He didn't think she would be back as a full adult Zora.

"Why did you not change yourself back to normal?" asked her father. He wondered if she was being rebellious again. If she was, she's picked the worse way of being rebellious.

Ruto had a hurt and embarrassed expression. "Well I tried you see, but things got complicated" she said even more ashamed. "I can't find him."

"You can't?" The King had a slight quiver in his voice.

"I'm sure he's around somewhere. I'll find him in time, I'm certain."

"Time is something we are short on, Ruto."

"What do you mean?"

The King took a deep breath. "Lord Jabu Jabu knows you are now grown Ruto," King Zora said sadly. "I don't need to remind you how serious the matter is becoming."

Ruto was startled. "He found out? How? I mean I haven't seen-"

"He _is_ our protector," reminded King Zora. "I think like all high beings, he sees the passage of time differently. He doesn't realise what really happened to you. All he sees is the cycle; with each event followed by the next. He expects you now to fulfil your duties, and take the throne immediately."

"He does?" the princess's voice became weak.

"Yes," nodded the King. "As a princess who has come of age, it is your duty."

Lord Jabu Jabu was by far more adamant then King Zora to marry her quickly. The King could not hold against their divine icon for very long- if at all.

"I know my obligations father" said Ruto eventually. "But I'm not really an adult… yet. I'll go tomorrow and sort it out."

"And I know this is a rather unique situation," said the King, "But lord Jabu-Jabu is insisting these laws be followed."

"You can't be serious!" Ruto shouted as her fins flared defiantly.

"Understand my daughter, these laws, have ensured the continued survival of our race. A Royal zoran woman by the age of twenty one-"

"Has to be married," Ruto completed. "But-"

"_has_ to be married," the King nodded. "There can be no exceptions. If we do not get you married soon, we will lose the royal bloodline." He was only relaying to his daughter what their protector told him, but it hurt to do it. The old King had to argue it with as much humility as possible with Lord Jabu-Jabu. Unfortunately, that high being was quite stubborn- not that anyone would say it to him directly

Ruto would not see the reasoning. "Oh come on! Anyway, everybody knows there is no difference between Royal folk and everybody else anyway. Who cares if the bloodline is not completely pure? We must have a cousin or something-"

"Ruto you are wrong!" stated King Zora un-expectantly standing from his throne.

Ruto shrank at her father's outburst.

The King sat back down, unused to putting his full weight. "While that might be true for other races, for us zorans there _is_ a difference," her father continued.

Ruto didn't interrupt. This was going to be another long speech.

"We royal zorans, my daughter, carry the blood of special property. We command the greatest ties to the waters around us as a gift of lord Jabu-Jabu. The Royal family has the power to help its people with unique magical abilities. Without these abilities, we civilised Zorans could become extinct. Do not take being a Royal zoran lightly; especially now that your body has grown. The first eggs you have will truly be Royal by design. The others will never be the same. This is why the laws are the way they are. If we loose this gift, we loose Lord Jabu Jabu's protection. Can you not see how dangerous this has become?"

Ruto sighed inside, not letting it though her exterior. Her father's speeches really tended to bore her. She was quite accustomed to them and droned most of it out. "Yes father" she said. "Besides, I already told you. I know for a _fact_ it is not permanent. I just need to find the salesman, and he will cast a spell to turn me back to normal. It's as simple as that. Then you can forget about marrying me and things will get back to normal."

"I hope so, my daughter. Truly I hope so. But if you don't, we will have no choice but to marry you. Lord Jabu-Jabu himself may decide to take action on your behalf to continue his people. He has already arranged potential suitors he believed would be best-"

"I'm sick of everyone else arranging things for me! And I told you! I love Link alone! There is no one else for me."

"Yes Ruto, so you say" her father said waving a hand to brush the topic aside. He wished his wife could be here. She was always better at talking to her. Ruto looked a lot like her in fact. She definitely inherited her beauty as well as her temper.

Silence came as both Zorans said what they wanted to say.

"I think this was my fault," said the King at last. He just assumed Ruto could handle this on her own when she clearly couldn't. "This time let's arrange an escort for you. They will help you reach the salesman."

"I don't need one!" she said applaud at the idea.

"It's for your own protection as well. We can not have the only line to the throne journeying by herself. Your survival means our future now."

"But I- oh fine father," she sighed board and knowing she could not win this argument. Ruto started to yawn to end the conversation. "I am going to sleep now." She said. "I promise I will leave in the morning without delay."

"Very well Ruto," he nodded.

Ruto turned away and went to her chambers to retire. The caverns kept her feeling nice and refreshed as she rested. The waters were pure and wholesome, thanks to Jabu Jabu. Her body, adult in form, needed the waters more then ever.

Despite the speeches, she knew that what her father said was true. Royal zorans were different. Still, she was certain she wouldn't be this way for very long.

**************

King Zora continued to sit at his thrown. He had been there for many years, and never stood up- until just then.

"My poor daughter," he said feeling sorry for her. Lord Jabu-Jabu, as powerful as he was, seemed not to understand Ruto's nature. Even he had trouble understanding her sometimes.

It was unfair to her, to have a childhood cut short like this. As a father, more then a King,, he knew Ruto was not capable of being a parent herself yet. It was unlikely she had the skills to prepare for the future generation. Besides, to marry her could be distressing, since she lacked the maturity necessary to really be an adult. It wasn't his fault that she grew up in the blink of an eye!

Then again, he was starting to suspect she would not really be much more mature in mind then she already is. He was willing to fight Lord Jabu Jabu to the end to protect his daughter, a battle of wills he knew he will eventually lose.

In any case, Lord Jabu Jabu had alerted him to the very real danger that she would take the royal gift accidentally, while she was not ready for such a responsibility. It was a right passed though succession, when a royal Zora has matured.

If she didn't change back soon, she would have no choice but to stay as she was for her people. It was legend that if the Zorans did not have a Royal Zoran present, they would suffer terribly. The wheels of fate could not simply be turned back to him, if it succeeded to her.

"I can't let our race become extinct," he said aloud "just because of a fool's spell."

************

The salesman woke startled. There it was again! He got up certain he was being watched. Instantly that feeling subsided. "I must be getting senile," he thought in a curious voice. At least he wasn't hearing voices this time. That also would take time to get used to, he mused. "Oh well, it is a bright new day, time for me to set my shop. Come to me my wonderful masks!"

He picked up his back pack and left Kakariko without anyone noticing. He still had a skill in remaining hidden, he realised. Not a complete invisibility, but a way to blend and remain unnoticed.

He took a moment to breathe the wonderful country air, appreciating it for the first time. He also started to appreciate his new life and the chance it gave him. One thing about mortality, he realised, is it brought a certain peace to him. He wasn't sure if all mortals felt this peace, since he knew many of them seek immortality, unaware of the true nasty surprises such a state bestows.

He felt connected to people now, and a true connection to the world. It was perhaps the most important skill, for any salesman. In a strange way, it was a relief not to worry about an eternity of images and thoughts. The peace he felt now was something he would love forever.

He continued down the used path towards the Market. He thought about designing new masks. Excitement crept into his thoughts at playing with masks the mortal way. It would be a challenge to work within their rules. It brought limits, but a certain thrill- and plenty of happiness. After all, Link was mortal. He could start all over, and let happiness spread slowly.

Perhaps, that was the only way it could be done.

************

Link and Saria had camped in Lake Hylia. The watched the sun as it raised for the morning, casting its strong rays into the clear lake. It was the perfect place to be in the summer.

"Beautiful," said Saria wistfully at the scenery. The lake brought tranquillity and was pleasing to look at. Far better to her then the infinite and insurmountable sea.

"Yes," said Link offering an apple as breakfast. "Here you go."

"Thanks," said Saria as she took a bite out of it. It felt sweet and ripened; as perfect as she felt this day started. She scanned the lake, making out the outlines of small fishes.

Link took out another apple for himself, and started eating it with her.

They sat together, looking at the lake, not really sure what to say to each other. After all, they now had pretty much all their lives together.

Link always thought when he first realised he was someone with a destiny; he would have to face that destiny alone. Having Saria, not just as a disembodied voice, but as a person and friend beside him made him feel joyous. The bleak future he had painted for himself was not going to happen, as long as she was around.

"What are you thinking," said Saria.

"Oh nothing much," said Link.

"You were staring at me funny," she smiled.

Link went a little red, embarrassed at being caught. "I was just wondering what it will be like. To travel together, see everything with you," he said.

"I don't know," she said wondering. "But didn't you say to me it be the greatest adventure of all?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "I think I've had it with adventures though," said Link. "From now on, let's just enjoy ourselves."

"Yes!" said Saria. "It's like were on vacation!"

"Absolutely," Link nodding.

"Until, of course, some princess needs rescuing again."

"Don't even joke about that Saria," Link groaned.

"Relax" she patted his back playfully. "Even if it did happen, don't think I would just leave you to it alone! Besides, I have a feeling things are going to be really good from now on in Hyrule."

Link lay on the grass, now looking at the clear blue sky. "I hope so, Saria. For as long as it can be."

The hero of Time felt himself completely relax; perhaps for the first time in two years. His life long friend, Saria, also sat next to him. Their two fairies watched them in silence.

"Would destiny let them take a break?" asked Navi.

"Only time will tell," said Sayl.

***********

"Magnificent," Gannondorf thought as he looked at the Pyramid. This was now his main power base. Still, he wasn't sure where the image of the pyramid came from. In fact, a lot of memories were coming that he had no idea when or where they happened. He actually wanted to have a replica of Hyrule castle, having enjoyed it during the forgotten years he ruled it in. In any case, he found the pyramid far more appealing then he realised.

For some reason, he also remembered fighting Link. Another battle, not the one he clearly remembers. It was obviously memories from Dark Link. He had begun to suspect something happened to his shadow spell. Whatever it was, it did not matter.

Bonding with the shadow has made him stronger then he ever dreamed. Added to this, he now possessed the Triforce! The complete Triforce itself! It fulfilled his wish, and made a world he ruled since the beginning of time. It was complete with its own inhabitants and its own history, written as he saw fit. To prevent others from using the holy symbol, he had it sealed in a special room in the pyramid.

Inside were a mass of catacombs and traps, no being aside from him could go pass them. Not even that child could manage such a feat, he made certain of that.

"My world," he thought looking at it from the top of the pyramid. He knew the names of each and every place, as if he himself sculpted it from the nothingness of the sacred realm. It was all his… all of it. The Mysery Mire, the Evil woods, Death Mountain, the Bleak Planes- so many places… he could just reap all he saw into his hand and either crush it or set it elsewhere.

He didn't even need an army anymore. He truly was… a god.

And yet, he still looses.

"It is not Hyrule," he said wondering what his next action should be. If he continued to rule this dark mirror world, even for an eternity, Hyrule would still be out there. What of his vow of revenge? It would be so easy to forget about it, and accept this… illusion.

"Never!" he shouted. If a god he was, then surly he should rule all.

He salivated what he had with madness. Like any madness, he wanted more…

This world, this dark work; it was real in every conceivable way. Even the inhabitants seemed real. To them, it was as if he had ruled them perpetually. The fear in their eyes as they whispered his name, his incredible legend on everyone mind, the lack of hope for deliverance…

Everything was exactly how he dreamed his world could be. However, like a dream, it was without substance.

A fool's gold.

Another strange effect of this new world was that everyone here had a form that mirrored their hearts and mind. Just by looking at one, you can see the state of a person within their soul. Even he, master of the Triforce, was not spared this fate.

He towered far above most men, his given clothes marking his great powers. His body emphasised everything to do with power and strength. A great black cape was on his back, perpetually keeping his robes in darkness. His eyes were bright with intelligence, yet shadowed in secrecy. His new form, allowed him even greater mastery of the magical forces.

He was Gannon, the King of Evil, and he was not though with Hyrule yet. He may be trapped, but he knew this world had a deep connection to the world of his birth. He felt it. It just needed a push, and Hyrule would present itself.

"After I master this place, I will find a way to break the seal." It would only be a matter of time.

Memories again flowed. Fractures… yes! There are fractures scattered in Time. How did he know this? "What has my shadow been up to," he wondered. It matters not. If there were indeed fractures, he could use the Triforce and slowly take over Hyrule one inch at a time.

"You wait Hyrule. If it takes days or centuries, I will break free."

He had all of eternity to plan.

************

Ruto rose from her sleep, the fact that she was still an adult hard to forget.

She couldn't stay like this forever, she knew. She could feel the powers of the waters were almost hers to command, and the voice of Lord Jabu-Jabu becoming stronger. That voice was teaching her all about the responsibilities and powers that would be hers. She tried to shake the deity's voice out of her head. Being older would have been fine if that whale didn't find her!

It was only supposed to be a little fun, but it was about to become serious. Nobody could defy lord Jabu jabu, not even her father. As a Zoran princess, she would have to commune with Jabu-Jabu and become queen.

"I'm not ready for this," she said quietly. It was a hard fact to accept. She was usually ready for anything, but not this. She pushed herself up. "Time for me to leave," she thought. Saying that out loud seemed to quieten lord Jabu-Jabu slightly.

She wondered if she should have taken the escort but quickly forgot about it. She was not the kind of zoran that needed an escort! She was very independent- in mind and spirit. She reached the exit of the caverns, letting herself jump to the platform beyond the waterfall.

She had brought plenty of water, straight from the holy pool of Lord Jabu Jabu. This blessed water would keep her refreshed for weeks, if necessary. She was either coming back as her young self, or not at all she vowed.

She paced herself evenly as she walked on land. It seemed to her that as a Zora grew, so did their dependence on the life giving water. Already, her body began to protest at being away from its natural environment. Her feet became sore and her skin started to dry a little. She applied some balm as well.

"Honestly, if this is how it's going to be when I grow up, I don't think I want to grow at all," she thought. What good was it when she could not walk on land as she pleased? How could she see Link on the spur of the moment? Then again, royal zorans very rarely venture out of the caverns. She could not remember the last time her father even left his throne!

She was going to be a prisoner in more ways then one. She feared becoming fat and boring, just like her father. She wanted to explore beyond the waters, an unusual trait for a Zora, particularly of royal birth. But that's what she wanted.

The usual shrubs started to block her path. Without thinking, she tried to slice it as she always had before, only succeeding in grazing her fin- again.

"I hate this!" she shouted angrily looking at her large fins. She missed being able to slice through anything she wanted. This was perhaps the fourth time she did this mistake. It was a hard habit to break. True, she was beautiful, but it would have been nice to have that ability in addition. These fins were made for swimming, not for cutting.

I don't need to swim, I need to walk! Come on its not far now. Just a little further and you'll be back to yourself." She said to herself again.

*********

The Mask salesman continued to walk along the path to the market place.

"Such a shame I missed the celebrations," he thought as he saw discarded items from it strewn along the path. Masks are always good for a celebration; even the ordinary ones. He looked at the large expanse of the Hylia fields. In summer, it truly was even more wondrous this time of year. Flowers had started to bloom, and the smell of pollen was strong in the air.

As he looked, something caught his eye. There was a slight glow, further into the fields. It lasted only an instant before vanishing. There was something familiar about that light. It reminded him of a strong connection to his powers. The masks…

"It couldn't be," he thought silently. Mask magic has been sealed from this world- more or less. Still, this might warrant further investigation. He felt conflicted with his curiosity and the need to see his shop. "I guess my shop will have to wait" he decided. This did not sit right with him.

Shifting his pack's weight, he continued deeper into the fields.

Travelling for about twenty minutes, he stopped at a rather plain site. A small patch of Earth, only about a meter, was slightly discoloured. The earth was in the form of a crater, as if a giant fireball had impacted. Yet, there was not a trace of a fire or anything.

"Yet… this place is burned," he thought as he bent down and touched the grass. Not by fire, but by magic.

Mask Magic.

"Great goddesses," he whispered as he realised how dangerous this was. He prayed nobody was around on the impact. Either they would die, or… he didn't know what would happen. What would a mask spell do when there was no mask in the first place? There was nothing to direct the spell to a result. Anything could happen.

He had not heard of anything happening to anyone lately. Then again, he was not exactly in the loop of conversation. His own powers were severely weakened as well. One thing was certain; he could not let this area go untreated. Someone else could wonder into it without seeing the danger.

He concentrated his magic, forcing what little he had to awaken. Instantly, the fiery mask magic that permeated the crater became visible to the naked eye. It was a huge orange fireball, shaped like a pillar. Far greater in power then he even imagined. Even more dangerous then he could have thought.

He was grateful when he saw no evidence of anyone visiting this place. You would have to be very unlucky to stand at this exact spot, away from the walking path. The consequences were uncertain, even to him.

He spread his arms wide, touching the side of the fiery pillar. "Seal…" he commanded.

The magic at first did not obey him.

"Seal… The mask salesman… commands you!" he repeated. "Seal!" His eyes glowed a slight yellow.

Slowly but surly, the magical fires started to dim. It dimmed to a point where he saw something in the centre. A strange distortion, flickering a dark black. It permeated the evil being he shed, as well as the magic of the masks. Focusing what little he had, he started to seal it as well.

The dark thing shimmered out of existence.

He collapsed, exhausted.

"A portal," he realised. Not just an ordinary portal, like the waterways found in lakes. It was something similar to the portal he himself once created, to link Termina and Hyrule. But this portal was different. It conjured to him a mirror within a mirror, a warp into a strange and different world that retained a connection to Hyrule. It was unstable, and dangerous. Worse, it was only 'one way' into what he guessed must be a land of darkness.

If anybody were to step on one, they could be lost forever.

"This is the consequence of my actions," he mused. Unable to control the forces he accidentally unleashed, who knows what other horrors resulted. How, he wished, he could forget it. "No… I must remember it." The memory will always be with him. That was the thing about immortality- to live you forgot. It was a habit he had to break.

There could be others. If there were indeed other portals, only he had the skills necessary to close them. The sages, as powerful as they were, could not function against mask magic… It was incompatible, having spawned ultimately from the ancient Triforce itself. They did not understand it like he did.

It seemed he was still shackled to the ties of his former self. Perhaps this was his penance.

In the centre of the fields, he tried once more to use his powers. For once, he succeeded better then he could have hoped. It was very hard however to keep hold of the visions. It was only the residual energies from the crater that allowed him even this.

He started to get a jumbled idea and glimpses of other portals, scattered throughout Hyrule. Still, being the mask salesman gave some benefits, particularly when dealing with this kind of power.

"They are everywhere" he realised. He detected them in the woods, the mountains, the plains, the ocean, the rivers… Some were huge vortexes; others were tiny and were already closing by themselves as the universe healed itself. He stretched himself too far and the trance broke. He committed what he saw to memory, and resigned himself to his fate.

"I will close these portals, and ensure the safety of this world. It is my duty for starting this in the first place. Besides, where else could I get customers as interesting as here? A noble quest just like Link- only for me! Not a bad start to this world at all… Yes! Then everyone will like me!"

Time was of the essence. He found a stone, and blocked up the crater just in case that portal decided to come back. He didn't think it likely, but it was better to be safe. Now he had to find the others.

He used another short burst of his powers, to teleport towards the market place. His dire need gave him greater will, as it allowed him to cut a substantial amount of time. Still, it only allowed him to get 'half way' to his destination. Definitely a slight improvement, over that inconsequential jump he did last time in the mountain path.

"Things are certainly looking up," he thought. He had to conserve his magic. If these portals were to be closed, he would need all he had.

***********

A red eye, like a point of light slowly appeared out it the air, watching the salesman teleport. It focussed on him in the spectral realm, where all beings such as him- and at one point the mask salesman can see into but no longer.

"It would seem the mask salesman is still in possession of some of his powers, just like I was. How the scales have turned… Very well, I will wait until he exhausts them. It will not be long. I have a special surprise for you Gannondorf, thanks to Link. My time will come…" Instantly, a wooden sceptre appeared in his hands.

He 'floated' across the fields, his robes making it impossible to tell if he was using his legs or was magically moving across. He went to the place the salesman had just sealed, standing in the same spot. He didn't notice the bolder, apparently disappearing right through it.