Chapter 3: A Meeting of Sages

"So why is it we're here with four rejects, that Ganondorf didn't even bother to lock up?" asked Darunia.

"Maybe, he didn't lock us up because he was afraid of us," said Dax, the mighty Sage of Thunder. Dax was a massive, muscular Hylain. He stood well over a head taller than Link. He rarely ever wore a shirt and his pants were made of a blue, cotton-like fabric. He had waist-length brown hair and golden-brown eyes. His voice was strong and loud. It was no wonder fate had made him the Sage of Thunder.

"Yeah, why do you think there are only four sages in our group," said Elexus, Dax's younger sister and the Sage of Earth. She was the second youngest of the sages, but only because Saria doesn't age. Elexus had short earthy-blonde hair and soft blue eyes. Like Pike, Elexus preferred altered men's clothing to dresses. She was kind, soft-spoken and amazingly intelligent for her age.

"Like you know anything," said Nabooru. "You're what? Eight?"

"I'm eleven, thank you very much," said Elexus. Sthil, the Sage of Metal, made several gestures with his hands. Sthil was a middle-aged Sheikah. He had black hair that was gray at the temples and cool gray eyes. When he was young, Sthil had a terrible accident that left his vocal cords scared beyond repair, leaving him effectively mute.

"What's with him?" asked Ruto.

"Its Hylain sign language," said Elexus. "He said that since where all sages we should put our differences aside and save the world."

"Sages of Hyrule," said Rauru. "I have gathered you all here to discuss two matters of such importance that the fate of all Hyrule hangs in the balance. The first of these matters is, of course, the alliance between Ganondorf and Scythe."

"Zinc and I can handle them, no problem," said Link.

Zinc shook his head. "I know Scythe better than anyone else does; he wouldn't try something unless he had an ace up his sleeve."

"Indeed," said Rauru. "The third magical mask, along with its vessel may be needed to win this fight."

"What magical masks?" asked Link.

"The three magical masks created by the Goddesses to protect the worlds," said Zinc. "You know the Fierce Deity's mask."

"Oh those magical masks," said Link. "But who is the third mask's vessel?"

"Link, think about it," said Zinc, "the third person is probably related to us, or was about to be, has great magical skills, and has a piece of the Triforce."

"Zelda!" exclaimed Link.

"Praise Nayru, he can think," said Zinc. "Rauru, you said there were two matters of great importance."

"Indeed I did," said Rauru. "The other matter is I. I will die soon. A new Sage of Light will need to be found before we can fight Ganondorf and Scythe."

"So, our order of priority is find a new Sage of Light, find the Fierce Angel's Mask, and kill and Scythe," said Zinc. "Sounds like fun. Let's go"

"How do we find a new Sage of Light," asked Link.

"Did you ever pay attention to Hylain myth?" asked Zinc.

"No, not really," said Link

"We'll go see the Great Fairy of Destiny," said Zinc.

"Where do we find her?" asked Link.

"She's in a hidden part of the Ice Cave," said Zinc. "Zelda, you should probably come with us."

"Can I come?" asked Pike.

"I think it would be best if you stayed here with the other sages," said Zinc.

"But Zelda's a sage," Pike protested.

"You can't come this time," said Zinc.

"I'll be nice," said Pike.

"Listen Pike, I'm not going to say no again," said Zinc.

"So... can I come?"

"Link," said Zinc.

"No," said Link.

"That's not fair, you just had someone else say no for you," said Pike.

"So, I didn't say it," said Zinc.

"Fine, I'll stay," said Pike. "But you owe me when this whole thing is over."

"We should get going," said Link. "The more time we spend down here, the more daylight we lose."

"Link's right," said Zinc. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we can get finished."

"First, I need to change into normal clothes," said Link. "This tuxedo is killing me. Oh and Darunia, the minister didn't fall asleep."

Zinc gave his brother a questioning stare. "What are talking about?"

"It's an inside joke," said Link. "Zel, can you teleport us back to the castle?"

"What kind of question is that?" asked Zelda. "Of course, I can." Zelda used her magic to teleport herself, Link, and Zinc to Hyrule Castle.

When they got to the castle, Link went inside to change his clothes. He came back dressed in his standard green tunic and carrying his various weapons and items.

"Should we go see the Great Fairy of Destiny first or find the Fierce Angel's mask?" asked Link.

"The Great Fairy," said Zinc. "She'll let us ask one question each. One of us can ask where the Fierce Angel's mask is."

"Sounds like a plan," said Link. "But I've been to the Ice Cave before, and I never saw a Great Fairy fountain."

"It's hidden; you have to know where it is," said Zinc, "and if I'm right we have to fight some kind of a guardian."

"We'll be able to kill this guardian, right?" asked Link.

"We should be able to," said Zinc.

"Good," said Link. He unsheathed his sword and wiped it clean on his tunic.

"I wish you wouldn't do that, Link," said Zelda. "All your tunics are blood stained. I've had them washed repeatedly.

Link shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, well."