Chapter XII: A "Link" to the Keyhole Part I
The dark damp Market Place of Hyrule was scary just to set foot in. The buildings were old and there was fog surrounding the entire area. The ally was also old and worn out. The place was barren as if no one has lived there in the last seven years. The middle of town was inhabited by brown zombie like creatures. Ganondorf and Bowser were walking through the market.
"Look at this place." Bowser growled. "It's nasty, it's horrifying, simply grim." He then smiled. "I love it!"
"I knew you would like it." Ganondorf chuckled sinisterly. "Seven year after that foolish boy pulled the sword from the pedestal, I was able to take over."
"I do enjoy the redecorating but we have more important things to discuss." Bowser said. "Any luck with the keyhole?"
"The heartless are searching every part of Hyrule now." Ganondorf responded. "Have some patience my scaly friend. We will find it, everything is under control. Even with the keyhole we would still need..."
"Your evilness!" Called two female elderly voices. The two witches came flying down on their broomsticks. They both were twins but one had hair colored like fire while the other had one colored like winter.
"Kotake and Koume reporting in sir." The one with fire said. She then turned to the ice one who has fallen asleep "Wake up Kotake!"
"Huh?" Kotake said sleepily. She then noticed Ganondorf and stood up right. "Oh, yes. We're here!"
"Any luck finding Zelda?" Ganondorf asked the sisters with hope.
"She disappeared like magic." Koume replied. "For seven years we've been checking but so sign or trace of her."
Ganondorf sighed. "That girl is more trouble then she's worth." He then turned to the witches. "Search. again!"
"Yes, your evilness." The witches said bowing before him. They then got on their broomsticks and left
Ganondorf sighed again saying. "So hard to find good help these days."
"I have everything under control." Bowser said mocking Ganondorf. "Ha! After seven years you still can't even capture one girl!"
"Looks who's talking Mr. I get my behind beaten by a fat guy for a decade Koopa!" Ganondorf yelled back.
Bowser just grumbled. "Lousy, Gerudo."
"I heard that!" Ganondorf shouted angrily at Bowser. "I have the power to turn you into a toad! So, you better watch it!"
"Fool!" Bowser said taking out the Star Rod. "I hold the Star Rod!"
"Stop!" Ganondorf shouted. "Hold everything! We're just over tired! Let's take a deep breath and refocus." The two villains took a deep breath through their noises and out their mouths. "That's better. But don't worry, Hyrule is full of hiding spots for little brats to hide. But why worry so much? All I need is the Triforce from her. With or without her this world will be ours once the keyhole is found."
"Listen hear bud, stated in one of Ansem's reports was that all seven princesses of heart need to be present in order to open the final door." Bowser growled. "It can't work with the ones I have so far. It's like completing a puzzle."
"So the princess is that important?" Ganondorf asked raising his eyebrow. Bowser nodded. "Very well! Heartless come fourth!" Heartless known as Gerudo thieves (Female heartless with giant swords) And Fat Bandits approached their master. "I've heard that a warrior named Sheik of the ancient Sheikah tribe has some information on Zelda's whereabouts. Find Sheik and bring him to me at once." The Heartless ran off in different direction.
"A word of advise my friend." Bowser said about to warn Ganondorf. "The heartless can consume the careless if you don't watch your back. So keep your eyes peeled."
"I'm touched by your poetic words of wisdom." Ganondorf said laughing. "But there is no need for concern. I can handle this!"
"Fine." Bowser snorted. "Be that way!" Bowser walked through a dark portal and disappeared.
Ganondorf just rolled his eyes. "Why is he in charge of this operation? I'm ten times smarter then that fool." He then stormed off to his castle as a mysterious figure was watching. The figure wore a giant white bandage around the top of the head and covering the mouth and nose so only the eyes and blonde hair are shown. The person wore a blue leather suit with white on the chest. The warrior vanished into thin air after watching the conversation.
Meanwhile, back out in the green fields of Hyrule, during a sunset, Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi were walking around.
"Where do you think that Lon Lon Ranch place is?" Luigi asked Sora.
"Beats me." Sora shrugged. "Toadsworth should have given us a map or at least directions."
"Looking for something, but don't know where to look?" Called a cheery voice. "Perhaps someone who has lived here for many years can help."
Everyone turned around and who they saw startled them. A man with red hair and pointy ears was in front of them. He wore a blue medieval coat, blue leather shirt, pants, and pointy blue boots. He wore a giant brown backpack that had masks hanging on it. But what really made them nervous was the creepy smiling face he had.
"Wh-who you?" Yoshi asked nervously.
"Ho! Ho!" The man laughed. "I am the Happy Mask Salesman. I travel throughout all of Hyrule to sell, buy, and trade masks."
"Wow, uh sounds interesting." Sora said.
"You three are welcomed to look around if you wish." The Salesman said. "You can even take one off and examine it."
Sora and Yoshi looked around at the masks while Luigi talks to the man nervously.
"Terrifying, tortellini! That face can give you nightmares in seconds flat." Luigi thought with a gulp. "Um, listen pal, we're trying to find a place called Lon Lon Ranch. You know where it is?"
"Oh, yes! for someone who has traveled by there many times I know the way." The Salesman said. "Use your ears, not your eyes."
Luigi blinked. "My ears?" All of a sudden Luigi heard a female voice signing. "That's beautiful. Who's signing that? An angel?"
"Close, but the daughter of Talon, the owner of Lon Lon Ranch is signing that song." The Salesman said. Luigi could see a yong girl a bit older then Sora with long red hair walking back to a giant area where a ranch could be seen in the distance. "Her name is Malon and if you follow her you'll get to Lon Lon ranch."
"Thanks for the info then." Luigi smiled to the man.
Sora and Yoshi were looking at all the masks and trying them on.
"Yoshi a monster!" Yoshi growled wearing a mask with an open mouth.
Sora saw one odd mask that was multicolored, in the shape of a heart, had spiky points on the head, and big yellow eyes. Sora took the mask and observed it.
"What kind of mask is this sir?" Sora asked the man.
The man saw the mask and gasped in horror. He made the most scariest face at Sora and grabbed him by the shirt collar.
"NEVER EVER TOUCH THAT MASK AGAIN!" The man shouted at Sora.
Yoshi ran over to Luigi and jumped into his arms. "Yikes!"
"Y-YES SIR!" Sora said in shock. The man dropped Sora and he nervously handed over the mask and his group rejoined him. Sora was still in shock.
"Sora? Are you alright?" Luigi cried. "I'd be in shock too if I saw a face like that!"
"I heard that!"
"Sorry." Luigi gulped.
Sora got on the floor and curled up into a ball.
"I'm in my happy place! I'm in my happy place!"
"Kid, snap out of it!" Luigi shouted at Sora.
Sora came to and stood back up. "Sorry, I was sort of out of there."
The man approached the group with his happy face while the trio back up nervously.
"Sorry about that, but this mask known as Majora's Mask is very dangerous and can cause a disaster if placed in the hands of someone." The man explained.
"He had to tell us that after that crazy event." Luigi groaned rolling his eyes.
"I hope I was able to help you out boys." The man laughed. "I have to go and bring smiles to everyone! Ho! Ho! Ho! Farewell!"
The man skipped off into the sunset leaving a baffled Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi behind.
"I'm going to have nightmares tonight." Sora said.
"Me too." Luigi agreed. "By they way, that girl Malon should help us find the ranch so we can find a place to sleep."
Just then everyone could hear Malon screaming. They turned to see her surrounded by skeleton monsters.
"Hold on!" Sora called to Malon taking his keyblade out. Sora ran at the skeletons and slashed through them turning them into pieces. One tried to attack Malon but Sora kicked it aside. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine but these monsters can't be destroyed and more will come until morning." Malon said.
"She's right kid!" Luigi called. Sora turned around to see hundreds of skeletons charging at them.
"What we do?" Yoshi panicked.
"Follow me!" Malon said. "We'll be safe at my ranch!"
Luigi and the kids made a run for it. Any skeleton monsters that got in their way Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi would knock aside. The four finally made it up a hill and the Skeleton monsters turned and ran the other way. The four hurried up the hill and arrived at a ranch. One side had a yellow house, while the other had a brown stable. In the middle was a giant fence where horses inside were roaming around. The four caught their breath.
"I think we've ditched those bone heads." Luigi sighed.
Malon then turned to Sora. "My hero! You saved me!" She hugged Sora and kissed his forehead causing him to blush.
"Uh, no problem." Sora blushed. "It was nothing."
"Are you Malon?" Luigi asked her.
She pulled away from Sora and turned to Luigi. "Yes, I am. I'm the daughter of Talon, owner of this ranch. I was just coming home from shopping at Kakariko Village when those creatures attacked me." She then sighed. "Life was so much easier when I use to go to Hyrule Market Place."
"What happened to Market Place?" Yoshi asked.
"Seven years ago an evil man took over the castle and drove everyone out." Malon explained. "That man has caused nothing but mischief and he even drove my father's assistant Ingo insane, heartless, and cruel and he even took over the ranch driving my father out."
"In...who?"
"Greetings gentlemen and welcome to Lon Lon ranch." Called a voice. The trio turned to see a very tall, skinny man with a moustache and was wearing pink corduroy pants. "The happiest ranch on earth. If you want a guided tour, just ask."
"Why does he remind me of someone who is also tall, skinny, and good looking?" Luigi asked himself although he was referring to himself.
"Hm, he seems pretty normal to me." Sora shrugged.
"Well he was, until a fairy boy saved the ranch and returned him to normal and brought my father back." Malon smiled.
"Fairy boy?" Luigi said raising his eyebrow. "What kind of a person is that?"
"He's a person that has a fairy traveling with him." Malon said. She then sighed. "He was so brave. Oh, who are you three wandering travelers and how did you know my name?"
"I'm Sora and these are my friends Luigi and Yoshi." Sora said introducing himself. "And the guy from the Happy Mask Shop told us about you."
"Oh, him." Malon said a little disappointed. "He scares the cows at night and gives me bad dreams."
"Trust me, we've already got a taste of how scary he really is." Sora chuckled. "So anyways, we're looking for a place to stay for the night and we were told you could help us find one."
"I could, but I don't want you boys going back out there and get hurt." Malon said nervously. She then smiled. "For saving me, you three are welcomed to stay here for the night."
"Thanks, that be great." Yoshi said happily.
"I just need to ask my papa." Malon said. "He should be inside. You three can come in if you want."
The trio nodded and followed Malon into the yellow house. Inside the room had a table, hay in every corner, some chickens and a fat man who was sleeping. He also wore giant overalls but his was blue. Under it was a red sleeveless shirt. He also had a brown mustache but didn't have a lot of hair. Luigi's eyes widen and he talked sadly.
"He reminds me of my brother." Luigi sniffled.
Yoshi licked Luigi's face trying to cheer him up. Malon walked over to Talon and screamed at him.
"PAPA! GET UP!" She screamed.
"I'm up! I'm up!" Talon cried sitting up quickly. "What did I miss?" He then turned to see Malon. "Oh, Malon my baby girl, you're home."
"Do you always have to fall asleep on the job?" Malon said upset to her father. "That's what got you booted out of here last time."
"Well, I was about to feed the cuccos when I guess I must have dozed off again." Talon yawned. He then noticed a disappointment in his daughter's eyes. "I'm sorry baby girl, I promised I would try harder and I'll keep to it." Malon smiled and hugged her dad. He then turned his attention to Sora's group. "Oh, and who might you be young man?"
"This is Sora. He and his friends saved my life from those skeleton monsters." Malon smiled.
Talon stood up and shakes Sora's hand. "Well, I'll be! Thank you so much son! My baby means the world to me!"
"No problem sir!" Sora shuddered from Talon shaking him so hard.
"If there is anything I can do to repay you fellas just let me know." Talon said.
"Well, we could use a place to stay for the night." Luigi replied right away.
"Of course." Talon chortled. "We wouldn't let you leave without offering some are famous hospitality. However, we only have one extra bed, so two of you are going to have sleep in the barn house." He then turned to Malon "Honey, go set up the bed, I'll let these three discuss it."
Malon nodded and walked up stairs. Luigi crossed his arms.
"I'm not sleeping in the barn with those smelly cows." Luigi complained. "I've been through enough already! I ran into a wall, a doll hit me on the head, ruble fell on top of me, Yoshi tripped me, I ran into a door when Sora opened it, a duck stole my hotdog..."
Five hours later...
"And I fell out of plane and I won't take it anymore!" Luigi finished. He then t out a coin. "I'll flip a coin, heads I win, tails you lose."
"Luigi, that trick is older then time itself." Sora said rolling his eyes. "But you can argue with Yoshi over who gets to sleep there."
"What about Sora?" Yoshi asked concerned.
"I'm going to sleep out, under the stars tonight." Sora replied.
"Why on earth would you sleep out there when you can sleep in a nice warm bed?"
"Because it brings back memories of when some nights, if our parents would let us, Riku, Kairi, and myself would spend the night on our island. We would look up at the stars." Sora explained with a sigh. "It brings back the good times I had with them."
"Suit yourself then kid." Luigi said singy-songy. "Yoshi, you call it."
"No thanks." Yoshi said shaking his head. "Yoshi going to join Sora under the stars."
Sora pet Yoshi's head. "Thanks pal."
"Hee! Hee!" Luigi snickered. "That means me I'll be having a good-nights sleep, while you two will be freezing your butts off."
Malon and Talon both re-entered the room.
"Have you boys made a decision yet on who is sleeping where?" Talon asked entering the room.
"Me and Yoshi are going to sleep outside, while Luigi takes the bed." Sora said.
"Are you sure?" Talon asked concerned. "There's no..."
"There is a haystack out there that you two can lay in." Malon interrupted. "Papa, show Mr. Luigi to his room while I take Sora and Yoshi outside."
Talon nodded and the group split up. It's was now night time and Luigi was upstairs. He took off his cap and slipped under the covers.
"Ah." Luigi said with relief. "Nothing's going to go wrong tonight. I'm going to even get better sleep then those two. They're just bumped out because I'm the adult around here." Luigi yawned and began to fall asleep when the door creaked open and a cucco walked in and jumped on the bed. "Okay, listen up mack, this is my bed and you're not allowed on here." The cucco walked over to Luigi and pecked his head. "Ow! That's it! You're dinner now!" Luigi strangled the cucco and with a bit of it's breath left cried out a rooster's call and hundreds of cuccos entered the room "Leapen Lasagna!" They all piled on him. "AHH!"
Meanwhile, Sora jumped back into a haystack. Malon approached him with Yoshi.
"Are you sure you wish to stay out here?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Sora replied. "I have Yoshi here to watch over me."
Yoshi jumped into the haystack and then crawled onto Sora's lap, curling into a ball. Sora pet his head causing Yoshi to smile.
"I see everything is under control for you two." Malon giggled. "I'll be hanging around the fence if you need me. Good-night boys and see you in the morning."
Malon walked off and headed over to the fence where a horse was. Sora looked up at the sky and smiled thinking about the night Riku, Kairi, and him camped out on their island. They would play flashlight tag and Sora would be it first. He would run over to the dock to find Riku hiding under it. He would find Kairi in the secret place looking at scribbles on the wall. They would later set up a campfire and roast marshmallows. They would tell ghost stories to each other although Kairi wasn't very good at it. Finally, before they went to sleep, the trio would lay on the sand and pick a star from the sky. Sora and Kairi even picked stars next to each other. Sora was sad now because he missed all the good times. Although he found Riku, he still missed Kairi. Just then Sora could feel something nudging at his chin. He looked down to see Yoshi smiling at him. Sora pet Yoshi's head again and Yoshi licked his face. The two could hear Malon singing the song she sang before. Sora then realized that he should not worry and be happy and with that said, he and Yoshi fell asleep while hearing Malon sing. As for Poor Luigi...well, after 5 hours of trying, he finally fell asleep (Amazingly he had enough oxygen because he stuck his nose out the window) Next morning Sora and Yoshi yawned waking up from their peaceful sleep.
"Good morning Yoshi." Sora yawned. "Had a good-night's sleep?"
"Sora bet." Yoshi nodded.
Malon then ran up to Sora and Yoshi panting all the way. "Sora, Yoshi!
"Malon, what's wrong?"
"Your friend is in trouble!" She replied.
"What happened to Luigi?" Yoshi asked.
"Follow me!"
Moments later the kids arrived upstairs to see cuccos cramped in Luigi's room.
"How can he breath under there?" Sora asked surprised. "Yoshi can you get him out?"
"Yoshi try." Yoshi nodded. Yoshi stuck his tongue through an opening in the flock and seconds later pulled Luigi out. Luigi fell down and then sat up rubbing his back.
"Mama-mia." Luigi groaned. He then yawns. "I couldn't even sleep too much last night."
"You okay?"
"I'm fine kid." Luigi said sarcastically. "My back is all sore, I suffocated for a little bit, and I feel sick so yeah, I'm just peachy."
"Hey, you didn't call for help!" Sora argued. "How was I suppose to know, huh?"
"That's because my mouth was covered by poultry all night long!" Luigi replied with a snap.
"Maybe you would feel better if you boys had some breakfast." Malon said stopping the argument.
The three cheered and headed down stairs. Malon and Talon prepared pancakes for them and some of their famous milk. The three loved the milk so much that Sora bought some for the road. After a good breakfast Sora and his group said good-bye to Talon and Ingo as they left. Malon took them to the entrance of Hyrule Market Place but they noticed it started turning dark and damp upon arrival.
"This place scary." Yoshi whimpered.
"Sora, be careful." Malon said with caution. "No one has been here in the last seven years and I fear those horrible monsters might about will attack you."
"We'd be careful." Sora responded. "We're going to come back alive."
She then hugged Sora again and walked off.
"Well, kid." Luigi chuckled. "I didn't know you were such a ladies man."
"Well, I admit I am good looking." Sora laughed proudly. Yoshi and Luigi rolled their eyes. "I'm just kidding guys. But no more joking around, let's get in there and kick some butt!"
The trio entered the town. Upon arrival the trio encountered Gerudo thieves and Fat Bandits. The thieves were very fast and able to evade Sora's attack. He clashed his keyblade with their swords. One tried to attack him but Sora ducked under it and tripped one. He got back up and another one elbowed him in the face. Sora backed up and turned around to clash with another one. Fire Bandits shot fire at Luigi and he had to jump to evade the attacks or counter with ice. Luigi then knew of a way to beat them by switching to FLUDD. Luigi sprayed the bandits with water causing the bandits to growl in pain. Yoshi snuck up from behind and fired an egg at them. Using their tactics, they defeat the bandits. Luigi and Yoshi helped Sora finish off the rest of the heartless. They then walked into the center of town where they saw the zombie creatures.
"If I were to rate how much of a dump this place was. Giving it a one to ten, I'd give it a hundred." Luigi said in disgust.
"Whoever did this must be twisted and insane." Sora assumed.
The trio walked behind an ally where they saw another zombie curled up in a ball.
"It's that thing we just saw out there." Luigi said. Sora bravely walked up to it. "Kid, be very careful!"
Sora tapped it with his keyblade but it didn't even flinch. "Hm, maybe it's just a statue."
"It look life like." Yoshi pointed out.
"I agree with him kid." Luigi nodded agreeing with Yoshi.
"Aw, come on." Sora said countering what Luigi and Yoshi were saying. "It seems harmless."
Just then it moaned and stood up about to grab Sora.
"Sora! Look out!" Yoshi cried.
It was too late. The zombie jumped onto Sora's shoulders and began choking him to death. Luigi and Yoshi tried to shoo it off but it's grip was too strong. Luigi tried to use magic but it didn't work. He was going to use gravity but he realized that he would also hurt Sora in the process. Yoshi tried to kick it off but it's grip was too strong. Yoshi then started crying.
"Don't worry Yoshi." Luigi said warmly. "We're not giving up no matter what. We could use some help though."
"Help, be nice!" Yoshi nodded in agreement.
Just then a string went around the zombie's neck pulling it off Sora. He gasped for air and Luigi helped him out. The zombie got up but got struck right back down by the mysterious person who wore blue and had blonde hair. The person threw darts at the zombie causing it to fall down. The person grabbed the zombie and kicked it against the wall and fell down, staying down. Yoshi licked Sora's face and Sora laughed.
"Okay! Okay! Don't worry Yoshi! I'm alright now!" Sora laughed. He pets Yoshi's head and then turned to the person. "Thanks a lot, you saved my butt back there."
"Don't mention it." The person said in a monotone voice.
"Who are you?" Luigi demanded. "And why are you here?"
"My name is Sheik one of the last remaining Sheikah of an ancient tribe." The person responded. "I have been waiting for your arrival keyblade master." Sora began to respond but Sheik cut him off. "Surprised? Stories tell of many legends from many far off lands, and how they come together to stop the most powerful force in all the world. Destiny is like a path, the ones you take decides your fate."
Luigi raised his eyebrow. "Are you speaking it tongues by any chance?"
"No, but I guess I should clear things up." Sheik said. "This place use to live in piece ruled by the Mighty King and his Queen. They had a daughter named Zelda who held a special power, but then Ganondorf showed up."
"Ganondorf?" Yoshi said.
"I'd take you've never heard of him then. He was the vizier for the king, when he was able to gain access to the sacred realm known as the Temple of Time." Sheik pointed to a church not to far from them. "There, the power of time is controlled by the hero of time. The hero was chosen to open the secret realm but allowed the dark king to gain the power. Now, Zelda has disappeared and Ganondorf has been searching for her and something called a keyhole." Sora turned to Luigi and Yoshi and then turned back. "The only ones who can stop him now is the power of you Sora the keyblade master and the Hero of Time, Link."
"How did you know my..." Sora began but was cut off by Luigi
"As in the missing Link?" Luigi joked.
"Luigi, your jokes stink! Just deal with it!" Sora said annoyed.
Luigi just grumbled and put his hands in his pockets.
"In order to find the hero you must play this song with this." Sheik said handing Sora a brown ocarina.
"An ocarina?" Sora asked baffled.
"Return outside and play this song to get the transportation you need to find the hero." Sheik said pulling out a harp. He played a few notes which sounded familiar to everyone.
"It sounds like that song Malon was singing." Luigi exclaimed.
Sora put his mouth up to the ocarina and played the song back.
"How did Sora do that?"
"Funny thing, I used to play the ocarina." Sora chuckled. "It belonged to decedents of my family and I used to play a few notes."
"Now hurry and find Link!" Sheik said. "Tell him, I'll meet him at the Temple of Time and that Zelda is alive and is in danger."
"Link?" called Ganondorf. "Now where might I find that stupid boy?" Everyone looked up to see Ganondorf on a building. "Sheik, my dear friend. Why don't we talk about Zelda's whereabouts in a more suitable place, hm? These three are just peons., they would just get in the way."
"Run for it, Sheik!" Sora cried drawing his keyblade. "We'll handle this guy!"
Sheik threw a nut onto the ground and a flash caused him to get away. Ganondorf growled.
"Shoot, he got away!" Ganondorf said angrily. He then turns to Sora's group. "I won't let you meddlers get in my way. We'll meet again keyblade master!"
Ganondorf snapped his finger and heartless appeared in front of the trio.
"Come back here!" Sora called to Ganondorf. But it was too late, he was long gone. The trio quickly disposed of the heartless and ran back into town where more zombies were coming after them. "Run!"
The zombies had the ability to freeze the trio in their tracks but with Luigi's magic they were able to escape and finally get outside. They all panted from running so much.
"Boy, what a work out." Luigi sighed. He then turned to Sora. "Should we really trust this Sheik guy?"
"It's worth a shot." Sora said taking out the ocarina. He then played the song Sheik taught him. For a few moments everything seemed normal. "Nothings happening."
"He tricked us kid." Luigi groaned. "I knew from the first moment I saw him that..."
Just then everyone could hear a horse neighing. They turned to see a red horse, with white hair gallop up to the group. The horse stopped and began nudging Sora.
"Hey! Easy girl!" Sora laughed. "Hi there. What's your name?" The horse neighed at Sora. "Hm, interesting name."
"So, this song must have called this horse." Luigi assumed. "But why would Sheik send us this horse?"
"Beats Yoshi." Yoshi shrugged.
The horse then bent down for Sora and by the way she moved Sora could tell she wanted him to ride her.
"I think she wants you to ride." Luigi said. Sora slowly got on. "Be careful kid."
Sora sat on the horse and she then stood up. She stood up on her hind legs and neighed.
"Whoa!" Sora cried. The horse then took off. "Run away horse!"
Luigi got on Yoshi's back. "Quick kid! Follows that horse!"
"Yoshi do." Yoshi nodded.
Yoshi was able to keep up with the horse but the horse ran at a normal pace so Sora could tell the horse wasn't wild. She galloped down through the fields and onto dirty paths. Yoshi began to get tired but Luigi pushed him on. They finally headed up a mountain area and arrived at a small canyon. They noticed that the bridge was out.
"It's a dead end." Luigi said. "So, let's head back."
Sora was about to get off when the horse walked backwards away from the bridge and then took a giant leap at it and they got over it. The horse then galloped off. Yoshi stuck his tongue out at the bridge and the two pulled themselves across and followed the horse. They arrived at a small fortress but the horse headed into the desert area. Yoshi followed into the desert. The desert had high winds and it looked like anyone could get loss but the horse knew where it was going and Yoshi was right on her tail. After ten minutes, the horse finally arrived at another desert area but this one had a giant castle. There were flags to the left and the right of them. Sora jumped off the horse and rejoined his party.
"That was fun!" Sora cheered. "Can I do that again?"
Yoshi was tired.
"Give Yoshi a break Sora." Luigi said. "He's a bit pooped."
"Where are we?" Sora asked looking around. "I wonder why she led us here?"
"To run into trouble." Luigi gulped. "Look!"
Heartless came in from the left and right sides of our heros. Sora drew his keyblade and attacked the heartless head on. Yoshi gained enough strength to fight again and soon the other two joined the battle. The heartless were pretty tough but the trio managed to destroy them all. The trio caught their breaths but they all of a sudden heard a clanking sound.
"What that sound?" Yoshi gulped
Luigi turned around and his mouth dropped. "The sound of us becoming dead meat!"
Sora and Yoshi turned to see a giant man in giant armor carrying a giant ax. He swung it at Sora but he ducked under the attack. Luigi shot a fire spell at the armor man but he deflected the attack with a mighty swing.
"Wow!" Sora exclaimed. "He's so fast with that! He must work out a lot!"
Yoshi sent a flying kick at the armor man but he grabbed Yoshi's legs and threw him aside. Sora clashed his keyblade with the ax but the man easily pushed him down. Sora was about to fall when he jumped out of the way and the ax hit the ground causing an impact which sent Luigi and Yoshi flying. Sora clashed again but the man knocked it out of his hand.
"Sora! Yoshi and Luigi need to help!"
"Gravity should weaken him!" Luigi said conjuring up the spell.
The ball appeared above the armor man's head and it hit him causing him to get weak. He bent down on one knee while supporting himself with his ax. Given the chance, Sora hits him with a strong round house kick which sent him flying into a pillar. Luigi and Yoshi cheered as Sora turned to them smiling with a thumbs up. Just then everyone could here the armor man screaming. He got up, growled and charged at Sora with full rage. Sora picked up his keyblade and got ready to fight again. He was out of breath, but he bravely stood ready. Luigi and Yoshi join him as well.
"All for one and one for all, right?" Sora smiled to them.
Both of them nodded to Sora and they turned back towards the man. The man was about to attack with his ax when an arrow hit him in the chest. Everyone made confused looks and wondered who did that. Just then, a young man jumped in front of them. He wore a green tunic with a brown belt around his waist. He wore white tights and brown boots. He also wore a elf type green hat and had blonde hair and earrings. He carried a sword and a shield on his back. He took out the sword which had a blue handle and his shield which was blue and had a red bird and three yellow triangles.
"Stay back you vile fiend!" The young man shouted. He charged at the ax man and clashed with him. The ax man attacked but the young man ducked and rolled underneath the man and countered with a strong kick. The man tried to attack again but the young man threw a boomerang at him knocking the ax out of his hand. The armor man then took out a sword and the two clashed again. The man attacked the young man but he did a back flip and countered the attack knocking the armor man down. He got back up again and clashed again. "This guy won't give up! Navi!"
"I'm coming Link!" Called a small voice. Sora noticed a little yellow ball with wings floating towards Link. The ball landed right besides Link who was still in a blade lock with the armor man. "Need any advise?"
"I could sure use a strategy to beat this guy." Link responded struggling, "Hurry, I won't last much longer."
Navi began flying all over the armor man and then detected something.
"By George, I've got it!" Navi cried. "One stab to the stomach should do the trick."
"I kinda have my hands full at the moment." Link said.
"I'll give you a hand!" Sora cried charging at the armor with his keyblade out. Sora put his keyblade vertical and ran right at the armor. "Quick, move!" Link spun out of the way and Sora stabbed the armor in the gut. The armor screamed in pain and then fell down into pieces. A heart flied out of it and the four approached it.
"Is armor gone?" Yoshi asked Sora.
"Yeah, we're safe." Sora sighed.
"Boy, all the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put this guy back together again." Luigi said commenting on the fallen armor.
"Thanks for help mister." Yoshi smiled at Link.
"No problem." Link chuckled. "It's what I do best." He then saw the horse. "Epona! Where have you been?" He walked over to the horse and pet her nose. "I've missed you girl."
"That's your horse?"
"She was a gift." Link replied with a chuckle.
"So that's why Sheik sent us..." Sora began.
"You know Sheik?" Link interrupted. "Explain!" Sora told Link about how they're from another world and explained about Sheik telling them to join forces. "Well then, any enemy of Ganondorf is a friend of mine. Besides, it's not easy getting the job done all by yourself. My name is Link. What's your name?"
"I'm Sora." Sora said shaking Link's hand. "And these are my buddies Luigi and Yoshi."
Sora stepped back as Luigi and Yoshi shook Link's hands. Sora's mouth dropped as he noticed something.
"Hey, everyone." Sora whispered.
"What's up kid?" Luigi asked Sora concerned.
"I see green people." Sora whispered.
"Where?" Yoshi said looking around.
"He's talking about us." Luigi snapped at Yoshi.
"Oh! Yoshi knew that." Yoshi giggled.
"That's not fair! I'm an outcast here!" Sora complained.
"It's not our fault you wear red!" Luigi said. "If my brother was here he could improve the odds, but for now deal with it. Besides, you sound like some dumb kid from a horror movie."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Sora growled at Luigi
"Um, maybe we should worry about that later." Link said trying to get back on topic.
"On the Toad Express we will deal with this." Sora said giving Luigi a dirty look. He then turned to Link. "So, what brings you out here Link?"
"On a quest to find the 6 sages." Link responded. "They are the only ones who can help me stop Ganondorf. I just payed a visit to the Spirt Temple. Throughout my adventures I had help from my horse Epona and my fairy friend Navi."
"Fairy?" Yoshi asked.
"He means me you naughty boy." Navi called.
Everyone turned to see the yellow ball floating around.
"Who you?"
"I'm Navi. The fairy of the Kokiri forest." Navi said proudly. "The fairies of that forest live there with the Kokiri children. All of the children have fairies."
"All of them?" Luigi asked.
"Except for him." Navi said flying around Link. "He was very lonely!"
"I had a friend!" Link snapped. "I wasn't alone!"
"But you didn't have a fairy friend." Navi pointed out.
"You got me there." Link chuckled.
"I help Link in his travels by giving him advise on his opponents." Navi continued. She then floated over to Sora. "And our opponents aren't exactly a cup of tea. So, what's our next plan of action Link?"
"We need to head back to the Temple of Time." Link said. "I just came in contact with Rauru one of the six sages and he said someone is waiting for me there." Link took out an ocarina which was blue.
"You have an ocarina too?" Sora gasped.
"Yeah, Princess Zelda gave it to me." Link blushed. "Seven years ago, when Ganondorf attacked the castle she ran away. Me and Zelda tried to stop him, but he succeeded on gaining complete power. I still regret pulling the Master Sword out." He took out his sword and looked at it. "If only I could tell her how I really feel for her." He then sighed. "But she's a princess, and I'm just a forest boy. She could never fall for a guy like me."
"That's not true." Sora disagreed. "The ocarina must have been a prized possession and I'm sure there was a reason she gave it to you."
"Well, she did say I could remember her by it." Link smiled. Link then made a sad look. "But I miss her."
Luigi then remembered something and gasped. "Wait a minute! Princess..."
"...Zelda?" Yoshi finished.
"Oh, that's right!" Sora exclaimed remembering. "She's alive but she's in trouble Link!"
"She is?" Link cried. "Come on! There's no time then!" Link ran over to Epona and the others joined him. He leaned against Epona. "Everyone, hold on to Epona! I'm going to play a song that should warp us back to the Temple of Time."
"Kid, you're crazy!" Luigi said rolling his eyes at Link. "You two can go along with Peter Pan boy's hocus pocus but I'm out of here."
"Suit yourself, Luigi." Sora said jumping onto Epona's back. "But don't come crying to me when you get lost in the storm."
Luigi grumbled and began to walk away. Link played a song and magical energy surrounded them. Luigi turned around to see this and quickly ran at them.
"Wait for me!"
Luigi touched Epona just in time as they disappeared Seconds later our heros arrive in the Hyrule fields.
"That's weird." Link said looking around. "We should have arrived at the Temple of Time."
"I sense some dark energy, Link." Navi said. "Perhaps, those black creatures we've been facing may have blocked the signal."
"Then we'll have to head back there without magic." Link said. "Sora, move back." Sora scooted back and Link jumped on to Epona. "Hang on!" Link smacked Epona on the side and she galloped off with a neigh.
"Let's go kid." Luigi said jumping on Yoshi's back.
"Aw." Yoshi moaned. "Yoshi tired."
"Stop complaining." Luigi snapped. "We have to help Sora and Link."
The four took off and headed through Hyrule fields. It was pretty calm at the moment and Navi was flying around.
"This is great!" She said. "It's so nice to visit other places besides staying in the same place."
"You don't get out much, huh?" Sora chuckled.
"It's what we fairies do." Navi sighed. "We're not allowed to leave the forest with the children but Link was given a special mission. But sadly, after this, I'll have to return home."
"How about this?" Link suggested. "After we stop Ganondorf, I'll let you go. You'll be free, you can go wherever you want."
"You'd do that for me?"
"Sure, but only after we beat Ganondorf." Link said.
Navi flied around Link and cheers.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you Link! You are a true friend." Navi cheered.
"No prob." Link laughed.
Our heros arrived at the entrance to the market place. Sora and Link jumped off of Epona while Luigi jumped off of Yoshi.
"And that's the whole story." Sora said telling Link about the keyhole.
"So, Ganondorf is not only after Zelda but this keyhole as well, right?" Link asked Sora. Sora just nodded in response.
"Keyhole." Navi pondered. "I could have sworn I heard that somewhere before."
"Really? Where?" Luigi asked excitedly.
"Hm, let me think." Navi said. "It's only been about two-hundred years."
"Forget, I asked." Luigi grumbled.
"Then we got to stop him!" Sora cried. "We can't let him hurt Zelda or get the keyhole."
They group then processed into the Market Place. As soon as they entered, the heartless attacked. Link used many advanced sword attacks on the heartless. He spun his sword knocking them all back. Link took out a bow and arrow and shot fire arrows at the heartless burning them. He then took out a bomb and threw it at a group. It explodes causing the heartless to go flying into the air. While they're in the air, he threw a boomerang at the heartless turning them into dust. One tried to strike him but he back flipped, dodging the attack. Link clenched his fist and slammed it into the ground causing a wave of fire to destroy more of the heartless. Sora and the others finished off the rest of the heartless and then rejoined Link. They entered town to see those zombie creatures.
"Great, not those guys again." Sora moaned. "We're never going to get there."
"Watch this." Link said pulling out his ocarina. He played a song that caused a yellow light to surround him. The zombies then stood still.
"What happened?" Yoshi asked Link.
"The Sun Song relaxes the un-dead and freezes them up." Link explained. "It even turns night into day." Sora's group made confused looks at Link.
"I don't see a change."
"That's because there are dark clouds covering the sky." Link pointed out. "I can't believe you guys didn't notice that."
"Oh, I did." Luigi lied. "I was just waiting for Sora and Yoshi to figure it out."
"Yeah, right." Sora grumbled.
"I suggest we waste no time here and head to the Temple of Time!" Link said.
"Okay!" Sora nodded.
The four headed over to the left and arrive at the temple and entered it. The place had a giant red carpet, and the room was white. It looked like a church. In front of them they saw a giant opened door and above it was the three yellow triangles. The four walked ahead noticing three stones floating around.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Sora called out.
"Nobody home. Maybe person taking nap." Yoshi assumed.
"No one here but us." Called a familiar voice. Everyone turned to see Ganondorf standing in front of them holding Sheik. Next to him was the witch sisters.
"Ganondorf!" Link cried. "Let Sheik go! He's not your concerned!"
"Sorry, setting your sites a little high aren't you?" Ganondorf laughed. "You see, appearances can be quite deceiving. Even for little traitors!"
"What are you talking about?" Link asked suspiciously.
"Her disguise didn't fools us." Ganondorf replied. Ganondorf chanted a magic spell and Sheik transformed into a woman who wore a pink dress and had long yellow hair.
"Sheik is not a man..." Sora began to say.
"It's a woman baby." Luigi said in a British accent.
"Luigi, this isn't the time to fool around!" Sora snapped angrily.
Link's eyes widen as he saw the girl. "ZELDA!"
"Link..." She said weakly. "I'm sorry. I tried to help but I never knew that upon opening the sacred realm we would have released such a great evil. I ran away with Impa and for seven years I hid out. You hold the triforce of courage in your hand, while I hold the triforce of wisdom. He is after this power and you must never let it go."
"That's quite enough." Ganondorf said frustrated. "I commend you on hiding from me for seven years." He then turned to Link. "But I won't allow you boy to trouble the princess anymore."
"I don't think so!" Link cried charging at Ganondorf with his sword. Link tried to attack but Ganondorf put out his hand and sent a dark wave at Link sending him flying.
Link flew back screaming and fell on top of Sora. Link stood back up.
"Sora and Link okay?" Yoshi asked concerned.
"I'm fine, but he's not." Link said angrily towards Ganondorf. He then turned to Navi. "Navi! Find a weakness on this guy!"
"Right, Link!" Navi shouted flying at Ganondorf.
"Fool!" Ganondorf laughed. "I have no weakness, but your fairy friend could be very useful to me." Ganondorf stuck out his hand and pulled Navi in with a dark wave.
Navi struggled a lot but she got pulled in. Kotake grabbed her.
"Got her!" Kotake cackled.
"Link! Help!" Navi cried.
"Navi no!" Link cried.
"Let them go Ganondorf!" Sora demanded.
"Sorry, boy! We'll have our fun later." Ganondorf said with a sinister chuckle. "So, I bid you all farewell! Phantom Ganon! Attack!"
The villains were about to disappears when Zelda threw an arrow to Link and he caught it. Another person took the villains place. He wore the same clothing as Ganondorf but had a dog's head. He also wielded a giant staff.
"Now what?" Luigi groaned.
Phantom Ganon attacked Link but Sora clashed with him. "Get out of the way!" Link rolled out of the way and PG knocked Sora back. Sora tried to attack again but PG fired a laser at him knocking him back.
Luigi shot a thunder spell at PG but he deflected the attack away.
"This guy can't be effected by magic!" Luigi cried.
Yoshi tried a tail whip but PG grabbed his tail and threw him aside. Sora and Link both clashed with PG and they tried to push down on him but he pushed them back sending them flying. Link shot an arrow at him but he deflected it.
"Man, this guy counters our every move!" Sora said in surprise.
"Let's double team him!" Link cried.
Sora used his Sonic Blade badge and began zooming around PG, confusing him. Given the chance, Link struck down PG hard and he fell to the ground. The four all began striking him while he was down but he then used a dark wave to send the four flying across the room. Sora attacked again but PG fired an energy ball at Sora. He deflected the attack right back at PG and PG then deflected it back at him. The two then started playing tennis with it.
"Man, this kid would have been good on the tennis team." Luigi said impressed.
"But we need a plan to help him." Link said. "He won't last much longer." He then remembered the arrow Zelda gave him and took it out. He could here Zelda's voice.
"Link!" Zelda called. Link looked around. "I'm with you Link. Only you can banish the darkness with the light. The light arrow can blind even the most powerful foes. Use it well and good luck to thee. We're all counting on you."
Link took out his bow and put the light arrow on it and fired it. PG sent the ball back to a tired Sora and then the arrow hit PG in the face causing him to scream in pain.
"Deflect attack!" Yoshi called to Sora.
Sora deflected the attack and it hit PG knocking him down. Sora rammed PG into the wall and rapidly slashed him. PG knocked Sora back again and was about to attack when Link knocked him aside.
"That was awesome Link!" Sora said impressed. "You saved me."
"Let's worry about thank you later, kid." Link said looking over at PG.
PG got up and flew at Sora and Link. Link fired the light arrow again and it knocked PG down. Sora slashed at PG knocking him into a wall. Sora grabbed PG's hand and threw him at Link.
"Finish him!"
Link put his sword out and it began glowing until it turns gold. When PG got to him Link spun his body rapidly attacking PG. Luigi and Yoshi put there hands facing up and put the tip of there fingers together. Sora stepped on their hands and jumped up. Link knocked PG into the air and Sora brought his keyblade down on PG. They crashed into the ground causing ruble to go flying and sent Luigi, Yoshi, and Link flying. Everyone stood up and the smoke cleared revealing Sora taking his keyblade out of PG's stomach and jumping back. A dark wave appeared below PG and he floated up.
"What happening?" Yoshi whimpered.
"Well, I'm impressed." Called Ganondorf's voice. "You actually defeated my weaker version!"
"You fiend!" Link shouted at the sky. "Where are they?"
"They're at my lair and if you wish to rescue them, you'll come and surrender over the Triforce of Courage to me." Ganondorf instructed. "I'll be waiting for you gentlemen!" He then laughed. "You have disappointed me! Never send a phantom to do the job! Now begone to the world of the heartless!" He then laughed maniacally and his voice faded out as PG disappeared.
"That's something you don't want to hear in the morning." Luigi said in a nervous voice. "But I'd rather hear that then seeing the Happy Mask Shop guy again."
"What do we do Link?" Sora asked turning to Link.
Link took out the ocarina of time and clenched it while whispering whispers. "I promised and I won't break it!" He then turned to Sora's group. "I don't want to trouble you three anymore. You should go home and let me take care of things."
"Kid, you're crazy to think we'd let you do this by yourself." Luigi said putting his hand on Link's shoulder.
"We made it this far together." Sora added. "So don't you think we should go together? The four of us together will beat Ganondorf just the way we beat that faker."
"All for one and one for all!" Yoshi cheered.
Link smiled. "Thanks. I'm glad to have friends like you. I never had too many friends in the outside world, but I'm glad to have made some new ones." Link stood up and acted like a General. "Everyone! To Ganondorf's castle! Let's move!"
The four heros headed out and headed up North through town to Ganondorf's castle where the battle was about to begin.
To Be Continued...