Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda franchise.
I only own these OC characters:
- Ateiti
- Irena
- King Dikun
- Queen Esha
- Amanda Carpenter
- Georgie
Chapter 5: Learning new songs and climbing a mountain
Once Link and Malon had made it back home to Lon Lon Ranch, it was close to 12:00PM. Once the children entered the house, they found Talon snoring while sitting on the ground with his back to the table.
Malon giggled while she shook her head, as seeing her father being this sleepy was always funny to her. When she walked over to her father, she shook his shoulder while softly speaking "Daddy. Wake up."
"Mumble… mumble…," then Talon opened his eyes "Huh? I'm awake already!" When he saw his daughter and adoptive son, he instantly raised himself and shared a hug "Oh Link! Malon! Welcome home."
"Hi Daddy." Malon said, while Link gave a nod, just as Navi flew into his hat.
Over the next hour, Link and Malon told Talon nearly everything what had happened ever since they'd left for Kokiri Forest and at Hyrule Castle. But as they made a promise to Princess Zelda, Link and Malon didn't shared the secret about the Spiritual Stones, nor about the true purpose of the Triforce.
Talon was amazed by this tale, as he said "This is unbelievable…. So, you two managed to help the Deku Tree from this curse… but he still died? How sad." Both Malon and Link nodded, while Talon then asked "So now, Princess Zelda has tasked you to… find something that could stop this… sorcerer?"
Link nodded "Yes, Talon."
Though Talon had this urge that he shouldn't allow his daughter and adoptive son to face any dangers like this, he knew that this was their destiny and said with a smile "Well, thank you both for sharing this with me. But if this mission is so very important, then why didn't you two head for Kakariko Village straight away?" he asked.
Malon then answered honestly "Well, I… felt that we owned you to tell you this."
Talon hugged his daughter and softly states "You don't own me anything, Malon," but then he spotted some Cuccos going up the stairs while the door to Malon's bedroom was still open "Oh dear, I think I left your door open."
Malon broke the hug and saw too that her door was left open "Oh daddy." Malon said while she shook her head, though she smiled at her father before running up the stairs to get those cucco's out of her room before they would lay any eggs.
Just as Link wanted to go and help her, Talon stopped him for a moment "Link, wait a moment. I… need to talk with you about something."
Surprised, Link stopped and faced his adoptive father "What is it?".
Then, Talon looked at Link with a little serious face and said "You know, Link. I know how close you and Malon are. Ever since you came to live here with us when you were just a little baby, you and my daughter have become so fund of each other, so close and nearly impossible to separate you two, that I…. What I try to say is… when a boy… and a girl… grow up together… well, sometimes they can develop these…"
Link raised an eyebrow, not seeing where Talon was going with this "What are you trying to say, Talon?"
Talon then gave a sigh and gave his adoptive son this serious question "Link. How'd you like to marry Malon one day? Huh?"
Instantly, Link was shocked to hear that as he blushed even more red than he'd ever been before and had no idea how to answer. It was true that he did liked Malon a lot, but he and she had grown up like brother and sister and it would be weird that they'd eventually marry. However, they weren't blood related, so…
As sweat started to come from his head, Link still had no idea what he should say. Should he say yes, or no?
Talon waited for him to give an answer, but then he smiled bright and started to laugh "Hahahaha! I'm just kidding. I think you're a little too young to make that kind of a decision already, right? Hahahaha!"
Link sighed in relief, seeing that his adoptive father wasn't that serious.
Navi giggled under his hat, what annoyed Link and said while looking up to his hat "Shut up."
At that moment, Malon came down with two Cuccos in her arms, wandering why her father was laughing about "Daddy, why were you laughing so loud?"
Talon then just chuckled as he said "Oh, nothing. I just had a bit of fun with Link, that's all." he then gave a wink to Link, ensuring him that he won't tell Malon what he had really asked Link, much to the boy's relief.
Malon was a bit confused at first, but dropped the subject "We should get going." she told Link as they needed to go now.
Link nodded and both him and Malon said goodbye once more to their father and adoptive father.
As Talon watched the children leaving by the door, he mentally thought while forming a smile as he sat down 'Trust me, Link. I know that look that you and Malon give each other sometimes. One day… you'll make a fine son-in-law. (Sigh) I wish you could see them right now, my dear Ateiti.' he mentally spoke while thinking about his wife.
Just as Link and Malon had stepped outside, Navi flew out of Link's hat and said in a slight moaning mood "Okay, now that you have told Talon all you wanted to tell, let's go already!"
When Link was about to agree with Navi, as they both had promised to their fairy guide, Malon suddenly walked to the corral of the ranch where all the horses were at that time. Among the horses, she saw the female horse, Candice and her baby horse, Epona. Malon watched as how Epona had so much fun with running around the field, accompanied by her mother.
As Link stood next to Malon, she began to sing her mother's song. Epona heard it and then ran out of the field, towards Malon, neighing happily as she stopped before her.
"Hi there, Epona," Malon said with a sweet smile while she stroke the baby horse's head "You like running around, don't you?"
Epona happily neighed. But as soon as Link wanted to stroke Epona's head too, she stepped back and ran back to the field "No, no, no, don't go!" Link tried to call back Epona as he ran after Epona. But as he couldn't keep up with the horse, Link sighed sadly as he stopped.
Malon joined him and stroke his back "I'm sorry, little brother. I think Epona is afraid of you."
But then Link's eyes went wide, as he had nearly forgotten that he could make Epona not scarred of him anymore. He grabbed out of his Magic bag his mother's ocarina.
Malon saw what Link was up to "Oh, you're gonna use your ocarina to make Epona like you? Good idea, Link. You… do remember how to play the song, right?" she asked.
Just as Link was about to play, he glanced at Malon with a smile "Trust me, Malon. I know your mother's song by heart."
As Link started to play Ateiti's song, Epona heard the notes coming from Link's ocarina. She turned herself and slowly walked to him. Link felt the same trance, as he slowly kept playing the song. Malon felt it too, and strangely… both she and Link could feel like it was their mother singing beside them, hearing the same words that she said to both of them before she died '…I will always be with you…' When Link finished the song, his ocarina shined with orange sparkling energy.
A tear fell from Malon's eye as she look up in the sky, smiling, knowing that she could truly felt her mother's presence, but then also spotted the big owl Kaepora Gaebora flying high above them.
Link looked at Epona, now standing in front of him, neighing happily. Link smiled as he stroke her head.
Malon wiped away her tear as she looked at her adopted brother and Epona. She said to Link with a smile "She's grown fond of you, Link."
Link glanced at Malon, giving a nod while smiling widely and returned on stroking Epona's head. Both him and the horse had formed a bond from that moment on.
Though Navi thought it was a cute moment, she knew that they had a mission to complete. So she flew in front of Link and Malon's faces "Great. Can we go now, please?" the little fairy asked in her moaning way.
Link and Malon both nodded and turned themselves, following their fairy guide. But surprisingly, Epona was following them as she neighed. Link stopped and looked at Epona. He stroke her head and said "I'm sorry, Epona, but I have to go."
By the look on the baby horse's face, she didn't wanted Link to leave. Link gave a small smile to her and said "Hey, don't worry. I'll be back soon."
As Link was about to leave, Epona followed Link again. The young boy sighed and faced Epona again, telling her "No, I'm sorry, you can't come with us. You need to stay here with your mother." Epona then neighed sadly, not wanting Link to leave. Then Link vowed to her softly "Listen, I'll be coming back. I promise."
When he was sure that Epona remained where she was, Link turned himself and joined Malon and Navi. Epona wanted to take another step, but then her mother neighed to her as she joined her. Epona watched Link leaving the ranch and neighed to him to come back. The baby horse's mother then neighed softly to her, telling in some way that he'll come back one day. A tear fell from Epona's right eye, as she slowly turned herself and joined her mother back to the corral with the other horses.
As Link and Malon were only for some minutes out of Lon Lon Ranch, both were eating an apple as they continued walking to their destination. Link looked back at his home on more time while he mentally said 'Do not worry, Epona. I promise I'll be coming back one day, then we'll have all the time in the world.' He then glanced at Malon, who had a feeling what her little brother was thinking. Both gave each other a smile and continued heading on.
- Several hours later -
Just as Link had thought, he and Malon arrived in Kakariko Village late in the afternoon, as the sun was about to go down.
After climbing up the stairs, the two children made it to the entrance of the village, where the soldier of Kakariko stood watch as usual. Link and Malon walked over to him and he said "Ding dong, ding dong! Welcome to Kakariko Village! The current time is 16:45."
While Link never bothered him when he, Malon and Talon would ever come to the village, Malon always said kindly to the soldier as they pass by him "Hi mister."
When Link and Malon entered, they saw that all around the village many carpenters were at work to improve town, ever since it was opened to the common people when Link and Malon were just born. The carpenters were either working on several new homes, a few new shops and even a inn. Link was impressed with how much progress they've made since their last visit.
Up ahead, was Kakariko's big windmill, standing in front of the well. Malon remembered well when she and Link had to wait for Talon to load out the milk, that she and Link would pay a visit to the resident of the windmill, the Phonogram man. She always liked the songs that he played on his phonogram and would often dance to it, what made Link to join her, though he enjoyed those moments too.
Both then saw a man with his hands folded, standing in front of the tree. Link and Malon recognized him as the Carpenters boss, or better to be known as Mr. Carpenter. He was always never happy with the hard work that his workers were doing and always pushed them to do better. Both children could hear him grumble to himself "Young men these days don't have any ambition. My workers just running aimlessly around the village, and they're not even making any progress at all… even my own son doesn't have a job and he just wanders around all day! Ridiculous! They're all worthless!"
Link and Malon didn't bothered him and went on.
Malon then pointed to their left, where a stairs would lead them up, where the closed gate was, blocking the way towards Death Mountain Trail "We should go to the guard of the gate. With Zelda's letter, I'm sure we'll be allowed to go that way."
Knowing that everyone always needed a royal degree to ever enter the way to Death Mountain, Link nodded "Okay, then let's-"
But they were suddenly interrupted, when the daughter of Mr. Carpenter ran up to Link and Malon "Please, you need to help me!"
Both children were surprised at first, but as they've met her before, Malon said kindly "Oh… hi, Amanda. What's wrong?"
Just before the 15 year old redhead, named Amanda could answer, Link crossed his arms, guessing by the look on her face what the problem was "Let me guess. All your Cuccos have flown away again?"
Amanda nodded "Yes, yes! Please, you know that I have allergies and get goosebumps when I touch them. I know I shouldn't bother you two with this anymore, but trust me, if I don't have all the Cuccos back in the pen my mother will kill me! Will you help me? I promise this is the last time I'll ever ask you to do this for me. Please?"
Link and Malon looked at each other for a moment. Despite that they had a mission to fulfill, they knew how kind Amanda and her mother were to them when they had to wait longer than usual for Talon to finish delivering milk (but was mostly because he fell asleep).
Link gave Malon a nod and she glanced back at Amanda, saying "Sure. We'll find your Cuccos, Amanda."
Amanda smiled bright when they agreed to help her "Oh, thank you so much. I'll be waiting at the pen."
Once Amanda had left, Link told Malon "We should split up. I'll check around the windmill and around the potion shop and the inn under construction, then you'll search near the other houses." Malon nodded and both went out to search for the Cuccos.
Both Link and Malon had searched for the Cuccos for nearly an hour. Most of them were easy to catch, but a few were hard to find. One had even somehow climbed all the way up the windmill, while another had hidden itself in a wooden box.
When Link returned with the final Cucco, he placed it in Amanda's pen as the Carpenter's daughter closed the small gate. She smiled at both Link and Malon "Thanks again for finding back my Cuccos. For helping me, I will give this to you." Amanda then took from her bag a bottle with strange red liquid in it and handed it over to Link.
Curiously, the boy asked "What is it?"
Amanda then told Link "It's a potion, made by my granny. It helps healing wounds fast when you're injured."
While Link thought that this potion would come in handy, Malon asked Amanda "But… won't your grandmother be mad if you took one of her potions?"
Amanda shrugged "I don't think my granny will miss it. Besides, she's gone for field study and won't be back for a few weeks." Then Amanda took a look at the small gate "I wander why my Cuccos keep escaping? No matter how hard I keep locking this small gate, they always manage to get out."
Just then, another women walked up to Amanda, apologizing "I'm sorry, Amanda. My son, Georgie is to blame for it."
"What?" Amanda asked surprised.
The women nodded as she explained "When I saw my son going out to play, he used his stick to open the small gate, letting all the Cuccos out."
Link and Malon knew that the little boy named Georgie would do some little mischief from time to time. But in this case, Malon shook her head in disapproval.
Link then watched to the path, leading to the Graveyard. He had this urge to tell Georgie to stop what he's been doing all the time. He started walking towards the Graveyard, with Malon walking beside him, knowing already what Link was about to do by the look on his face and was with him on this one.
Navi flew out of Link's hat and asked "Uh, guys? Death Mountain is that way." the fairy said while pointing to the other way.
"We know, Navi." Link said and explained before Navi would start moaning again "We're just gonna have a little chat with that little boy, Georgie. It won't be long." Malon nodded and both continued walking to the Graveyard, with Navi following them.
As Link and Malon entered the Graveyard, both spotted the little boy, Georgie, imitating Dampé the gravedigger, who was always in his hut sleeping during the day and would only be awake at night to keep watch, taking care of all the graves or give a 'Gravedigging Tour' from time to time.
Georgie was imitating with a low voice as he walked slowly "I am Dampé the gravedigger. I dig and dig and put the dead in their grave."
"Hey Georgie!" Link called out to him as he marched up to the little boy, with Malon behind Link.
Georgie stopped and said with an innocent voice "Hi Link. What's up?"
Link placed his hands on his hips and said with a serious tone "Listen Georgie, we know that it was you."
Georgie just shrugged "Know what?"
"Don't play games with us, Georgie," Link said, keeping up his serious tone "We know that it was you who always lets Amanda's Cuccos out."
Georgie crossed his arms, telling with a smirk on his face "Prove it."
"Your mother saw you and told us." Link spoke, making Georgie's eyes go wide.
"My… my mommy…?" Georgie asked while looking worried, making Link and Malon nod. But then Georgie shrugged "Fine, it was me. But so what?"
Then Malon started to look seriously at the little boy and said "So what?! Don't you know that Amanda is allergic to these Cuccos and can't even get close to them?"
Georgie then held his hands up, stating "Hey, it was just a joke. I didn't think it would be that much of a big deal."
Link began to frown at the little boy "Not a big deal?! It's very hard for her to take care of them all by herself, while her parents are busy an can't do anything to help their daughter. Let me ask you this, Georgie? If you were forced to take care over a dozen Cuccos, while you have allergies, with nobody else to help, how would you feel if you were in Amanda's position?"
Seeing how serious this sounded to Georgie, made him realize that he may have gone a bit too far "I… I'm sorry, I…"
Link shook his head and said "Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Amanda."
Georgie sighed and nodded while looking down.
"And you promise not to do it again?" Malon asked him.
Again, Georgie nodded "I promise."
Just at that moment, Georgie's mother walked into the Graveyard, calling to her son with a disappointing look "Georgie! Come down here, now!"
Slowly, Georgie walked around Link and Malon, and went over to her mother.
As soon as Georgie and his mother had left, Malon patted Link on the shoulder, feeling proud at how her little brother handled that situation without a fight.
Link just shrugged as he glanced at Malon "I know it's not my place to punish Georgie for what he did. But we can at least tell him to stop and stating what the consequences are for his actions."
Malon formed a smile on her face.
As Link returned a small smile to his sister, he then looked at the large tombstone at the end of the Graveyard, right below a doorway that was blocked by a wooden fence. He walked over to it, while he wandered something. Malon followed him, wandering what Link was up to now. Navi flew behind them.
Just as Link and Malon approached the large tombstone, it started to rain. Malon found it strange, as it was raining the exact same moment when she and Link visited the Graveyard last year and he wanted to take a look at the large tombstone of the Royal Family's Tomb.
Link stood on the Triforce symbol on the ground, in front of the large tombstone, holding out his Ocarina, as he remembered what Impa told him about the song she'd learned to Link 'I wander…'
As Link played Zelda's Lullaby, the same purple sparkling energy came from his ocarina, giving it's peaceful trance.
When he finished, Malon walked up to Link, standing next to him and asked "Uhh… Link? Why did you just-?"
But then, the rain clouds got darker… many lightning bolts went through the sky…. Malon held Link tight as she began to feel scared. Link held her too, not knowing what'll happen. Then suddenly, a sparkling light formed on the large tombstone. A lightning bolt then hit it, making the tombstone shine as a high note was heard… and then… the tombstone exploded!
Both Link and Malon covered themselves from the blast. But as they looked… they were luckily unharmed. The large tombstone was gone, leaving only a hole, going deep down into the ground.
Navi worriedly flew over to Link and Malon, asking "By Din! Are you guys okay?!"
Link nodded "Yeah… we're okay."
"Link. What did you just do?" Malon asked in shock as she watched the destroyed tombstone.
Link looked perplexed "I… I played Zelda's Lullaby and…," he then looked at his Ocarina and then back on the Triforce symbol on the ground "I think I finally understand why Impa learned me this song. It does not only show our connection to the royal family, it can also grants us access to other areas."
When Link was about to take a look at the hole, Malon stopped him "Whoa whoa, wait a minute! You're not seriously going down there are you…?" Link looked surprised at Malon first, but then she gave a determind face "…without me?"
Link gave a smile back at her and shook his head "Of course not. Let's go."
Navi felt a bit scared as Link and Malon were about to jump down into the hole, but as she reminded herself that she vowed to watch over them, she sighed deep and followed both of them through the hole.
As they entered the hole, leading into the Royal Family's Tomb, Link and Malon went through a door, but suddenly iron bars slammed down over the door!
Link and Malon went back to back, looking out for any danger. Despite the room was filled with skeleton remains, both saw 4 small bats hanging on the walls. Navi checked on them and told both Link and Malon "These are Keese. They attack when you get too close."
Link took out his Slingshot and managed to hit all 4 Keese with perfect aiming, killing them. But strangely, the iron bars on neither the door where they came from or the door that would lead them further opened. Malon had a bad feeling about this and draw her sword and shield.
Then suddenly, two Poes appeared, both wearing fancy clothes and had long mustaches. In their left hands, they carried a lantern (which every Poe carried) and a sharp baton in their right hands.
Malon stood ready to face them, while Link draw his sword and shield too, as the two Poes faced the children. But oddly… they didn't attacked them.
One said to the other "Wait… Sharp, these are not Ganondorf's men. They're just children."
The other one looked better at them, confirming what the first one noticed about Link and Malon "Well I'll be. You're right, Flat."
Despite that these Poes didn't attacked them, Link remained cautious and asked while still in battle mode "Who are you two?"
Both Flat and Sharp glanced at each other for a moment, before looking back at both Link and Malon.
"Flat."
"Sharp."
Then both made a bow and said simultaneously "And we are the ghostly Composer Brothers of Kakariko Village."
"Composer Brothers?" Link asked confused.
The Poe named Sharp nodded, but seeing that neither the boy or girl had ever heard of them, he stated "We brothers served the Royal Family, as do all the people who are born in this village. Back then, people called us great composers because of the many musical masterpieces we wrote."
Then the Poe, Flat started to tell "And we were assigned to study the hereditary mystic powers of the Royal Family. Though we never could figure out the power of the Triforce, we had almost completed our study about the mystical powers of tunes for ocarina's. Uhh… I mean, we did completed the study!"
Sharp nodded "Indeed, we HAD completed our study! But that was… before we died."
Seeing that these spirits didn't mean any harm, both Link and Malon redrew their weapons. Malon then asked the Composer Brothers "But, what happened to you and what was it that you both had discovered about ocarinas?"
Both ghost brothers looked at each other one more time and both nodded that they could trust Link and Malon with their secret. Flat stated "It was that Gerudo sorcerer, Ganondorf that took our lives!"
Sharp nodded and added "Yes, he and his followers captured us and tortured us to tell the secret," but Sharp then shook his head "But we could never let that evil Gerudo King reap the fruits of our research. So, me and my brother… took the secret into our graves. But in even in death, we still protect the secret from any evil force that might enter the sacred Royal Family Tomb."
"Except for those who can prove that they have ties to the Royal Family." Flat added.
"The song I just played on my ocarina." Link said as it was the song that he played, made them to enter the tomb.
The ghost brothers nodded and said simultaneously "Yes! The song is the key."
"By showing your Royal credentials on top of the Trifoce Mark…" Sharp said
"…will give you access to places locked away from outsiders or evil forces." Flat finished.
Link and Malon now understood. Then the redhead girl wanted to know "Then what was it that you two misters had discovered, that Ganondorf wanted so badly?".
The two ghost brothers answered simultaneously "We… cannot tell you," but then both pointed with their batons to the door behind them "But we can show you! We inscribed the secret on the royal tombstone, at the end of this place."
As the two Poes were about to disappear, they added "Be careful though. Danger lies ahead of that door. Good luck, little heroes, chosen by the Royal Family!"
Once the ghostly Composer Brothers had vanished, the iron bars on both doors behind and in front of them opened.
While Link and Malon climbed the small stairs to go further into the tomb, Navi flew over some skeletons on the floor. She could one of the spirits telling her 'Shine light on the living dead…. Those who break into the Royal Tomb will be obstructed by the lurkers in the dark…' Navi did not liked the sound of that and flew after Link and Malon, who entered the door.
But once they entered, both could hear an awful sound, coming from multiple… creatures. Navi then realized something and told Link and Malon "Wait here! I'm gonna check ahead."
Navi had only gone away for a few seconds, and then flew back with speed, telling "Careful! There are ReDeads in there!"
"Re…ReDeads?" Malon asked, feeling already scared by how Navi reacted of what she saw.
The little fairy nodded while instructing "Yes. Its gaze can paralyze you. And if it grabs you… it'll suck the life out of you till you're dead."
Link didn't liked the sound of that either, but those monsters were not gonna stop them. He held Malon's hand and rubbed it gently "Stay close to me, okay?" Malon nodded as they both descended into the room.
There were four ReDeads, just standing there close to some green acid water while looking down, moaning with a terrifying sound. They were all with grey skin and were very skinny, nearly looking human.
Malon's heart beat started to increase and began heavily breath as she was so scared, same as Link. Navi guided them around these zombie-like creatures "This way."
Link and Malon followed their Fairy guide. Malon released her grip on Link's hand for a moment. She tried hard not to look at these monsters as they slowly walked past them.
But then, the closest ReDead stopped moaning as he heard something. He started to turn himself. By that same moment, Malon took one fast look on the ReDead, only staring in it's gaze! Malon's eyes went wide as the ReDead shrieked, making Malon to freeze where she stands, unable to move!
Link turned himself, seeing Malon paralyzed while staring with wide scary eyes at the ReDead "Malon, NO! Don't look at it!"
The ReDead walked over to Malon. Tears formed in Malon's eyes as she was still unable to move.
"MALON NO!" Link ran towards her, grabbing his sword."
The ReDead then reached his arms to Malon. The girl was so scared, but then… something snaped in her, as her closed her eyes tightly and sliced with her sword around "LEAVE ME ALONE!" The ReDead shrieked as it got it by Malon's sword. She opened her eyes and attacked the creature, not stopping slicing her sword till it was dead "NOW! YOU! LEAVE! ME! ALOOOOONE!" The ReDead fell on its knees and then felt dead with its face on the ground.
Malon panted heavily, while adrenaline flowed through her body and looked at the ReDead that she had just slain. Link immediately embraced her, while she was still in shock "Oh Malon! Thank the Goddesses you're alright! I thought that you…" but then he stopped talking, as he saw Malon's face, nearly looking traumatized.
Link stroke her cheek, while she still kept staring at the dead zombie creature "Malon? Malon?" he asked worriedly.
Slowly, Malon turned her face, glancing at Link as a tear came from her eye "Link…" Both embraced in a comforting hug, ignoring the continuing moaning of the other ReDeads. After a minute, both slowly broke the hug, with Malon saying "Let's go."
Link and Malon followed Navi to keep avoiding the ReDeads and made it to the end of the tomb, where they read an inscription on the wall.
This poem is dedicated to the memory of the dearly departed members of the Royal Family:
The rising sun will eventually set.
A newborn's life will fade.
From sun to moon, moon to sun…
Give peaceful rest to the living dead.
Navi was the first to ask "This is an interesting poem… huh?" Link didn't answer, as this poem was sounding a bit depressing.
Malon then saw something else below the Tablet "Hey, look at this. Something is inscribed on the tombstone…"
Link and Navi took a look, seeing it were some notes scribed on the tombstone, with the Fairy saying "This is it! This must be the secret that the Composer Brothers didn't wanted to share with Ganondorf."
"But what does it do?" Malon wandered.
Link took out his ocarina and said "Only one way to find out."
As Link watched the notes on the inscription, he took his time to learn this song. Not long after, he knew the song by heart and played it fully, making a shining light above him like the morning sun. When the light had vanished, Link's ocarina shined yellow sparkles and could hear the ghostly Composer Brothers talking to him "You did it! You've learned the Sun's Song! Remember: Restless souls wander where they don't belong. Bring them calm with the Sun's Song!" then the voices disappeared, as it felt like the Composer Brothers had finally fulfilled their purpose and now could rest in peace.
While Link was thinking what the two ghosts told them as they walked out of the tomb, he wandered as they neared the ReDeads again and took out his ocarina and played the new Sun's Song that he has learned. When he did that, all the ReDeads suddenly froze and made no more sounds. Link now understood how he could use this song for and nodded to himself that this would surely come in handy.
However, as he looked at Malon, she just walked on further, not saying a word. Link was worried for her, same was Navi.
Once they made it out of the tomb and climbed up, Link was the first to reach the surface and helped Malon out of the hole, but she was still not looking fine. While the rain still poured over them, Link held both his hands on her cheek, making her to glance into his eyes "Malon… I…"
Then suddenly, tears formed in Malon's eyes and instantly embraced her little brother as she started crying on his shoulder. Link held her in his arms, stroking her hair "Shhhh. It's alright. I'm here."
However, their moment was disturbed when someone called "Hey! What were you two doing in the Royal Family Tomb?!"
Seeing that they were in trouble, Link sighed deep as he looked at the person who called them, but was surprised to see that it was Dampé the gravekeeper.
Though Dampé wasn't the best looking person in town and had a scary face, he was deep down a kind and loving person. The old man suddenly recognized Link and Malon and asked surprised "Link? Malon? What are you two doing here?"
Dampé lead Link and Malon into his small hut, where the two children could come to rest after what had just happened to them. Link and Malon both sat on Dampé's bed with some towels covering them, while the old gravekeeper made some tea. He poured some in each cup and gave each one to Link and Malon.
Dampé sat in front of them in a chair and asked softly "What were you two doing down there in that tomb anyway?"
Link took a sip from his tea, while Malon just stared at it, not saying a word. Link wasn't sure what to say. But then he saw Dampé looking at them in a understanding way "You've met the spirits of the Composer Brothers, didn't you?"
Link nodded as he drank his tea "Yeah," but then he asked "How did you know?"
Dampé chuckled "I've know the two composers myself, some years back. Made such beautiful music. They had special permission from the king to work near the ancient tomb, studying all kinds of mysterious things. But the day that they were captured by the enemy during the Civil War, I knew they wouldn't return… alive. People believed that they were among the few unfortunate people who lost their lives during the war. But I know better," Dampé sighed while as he frowned "If I only could help them, but… I lost my will to fight back a long time ago."
Finally, Malon took a few sips from her tea and looked at Dampé, knowing the story that he had told her and Link a few years back about his younger days "You mean, when you were… a soldier of the king, right?"
Dampé nodded while showing a sadly face "Yes."
The old man stood up from his chair and walked over to a chest that lied in the corner of his room. As he opened it, the chest showed it had inside some item covered with a blanket, Dampé's old Hylian Shield and another silver-purple colored shield. This other shield was a bit smaller in size, making it fit for a women, had the same design as the Hylian Shield and the Triforce symbol was replaced with the symbol of the Sheikah tribe.
Dampé took the silver-purple shield out and looked at it. He sighed in sadness.
Malon wandered what upset the old man. She puts down her cup, slowly stood up and walked to Dampé. While she rubbed his shoulder, Dampé stated "This shield… belonged to my wife. She was a Sheikah, a protector of the Royal Family. I remember the day that our eyes first met. She was the most beautiful women I've ever seen. And she… she was something different than the other people. She looked at me… not even bothered by my awful face…. For the first time in my life, someone treated me like a normal person. I fell in love… and she with me…. We married in secret, as her father didn't approved our relationship."
A tear formed in Dampé left eye, while he told further "But one day… she had to be at the castle for the wedding of the crown-prince, who later would become King Dikun's grandfather and I had to guard the castle fields. Suddenly, something terrible happened that day…"
Link too joined Malon and asked Dampé "What happened?"
Dampé glanced at the children as he answered "Assassins, send by a rival family. These people claimed to be the rightful rulers of Hyrule for centuries. The crown-prince was supposed to marry one of their daughters, but he fell in love with another women. While I ran as fast as I could to aid the women of my life, I was constantly stopped by other assassins. My wife fought bravely, but then she… sacrificed herself to safe the new princess… I arrived too late… I held her in my arms… and we… looked into each others eyes… one last time…. She gave me one last kiss… then she… died… in my arms…"
Tears flowned from Dampé eyes, as the memory of losing the women of his life was to painful to bare. Both Link and Malon felt sorry for Dampé and both rubbed his back.
They remained like that for some minutes, till Dampé had calmed down and slowly stood up. He wiped away his tears and softly told the children, as he took both his old Hylian Shield and his wife's Sheikah Shield "Here… take them." Dampé offered as he handed over both shields to Link and Malon.
The both of them were surprised that Dampé handed over these shields just like that "Dampé… we can't take these. They belong to you." Link said.
Dampé smiled "I know, but I believe… that you and your sister need them more than I do. And if my wife would have lived… she would have done the same."
Link took the Hylian Shield, while Malon took the Sheikah Shield. Though the shield were a bit heavy for them to carry on their arms, they would be perfect to be placed just on their backs.
"Thank you, Dampé." Malon thanked the old gravekeeper.
The old man nodded and then asked "You both feel more better now?. The two little heroes nodded, making Dampé smile "I knew my special tea would help." he winked at them, before taking back his shovel, walking out of his hut.
Link and Malon went out of the hut too, while putting their new shields in their magic bags. They waved Dampé goodbye and left the Graveyard.
Dampé then started his nightly routine, but stopped before one of the graves. Then suddenly, a Poe appeared out of the grave. However, this one was the likeness of a Sheikah women, had an angel crown floating over her head and held in her right hand a Poe lantern.
The women smiled at Dampé and he smiled back while he said "You were right, my love. Link and Malon were the ones that would enter the tomb and solving the mystery of the Composer Brothers. I gave them our old shields, as you said I would do. But I need to know, my love, what makes them so special?"
The Sheikah spirit kept smiling, while she softly stated "They are the chosen ones, Dampé. Chosen by the Goddesses to bring peace to Hyrule."
Dampe's eyes went wide for a moment, but then nodded "I… I see now."
The Sheikah spirit was about to fade, but not before she planted a kiss on Dampé lips and spoke before she vanished "I'll be waiting for you, Dampé…"
Dampé gave a soft sob as how much he misses her. But after giving a long sigh, he went on to take care of the Graveyard, knowing in his heart he'll see her again in the afterlife.
Despite that Link and Malon felt better after what they'd experienced at the Royal Family Tomb, Link still felt that they needed to rest, especially Malon who was nearly killed by a ReDead.
When they arrived back in the village, it was already 18:40 and the people have returned to their homes. The two little heroes needed a place to stay for the night and both of them knew a perfect place: The Carpenter's residence.
Once they were standing in front of the door, Navi flew out of Link's hat. The boy figured that Navi was gonna complain that they should go climb Death Mountain now and said "Listen, Navi. I know what you're gonna say, that we should go and climb the mountain. But we-"
He was interrupted by the little fairy, who shook her head "It's okay, Link. I understand. Heck, even I can use some rest after what had nearly happened to us."
Link and Malon smiled at their fairy companion for understanding what they're feeling right now.
Link knocked at the door. Not long after, a 40 year old women opened it. She looked surprised to see the two children of Talon again "My goodness. Link. Malon. What brings you here?" she asked.
Malon then asked sweet "Hello, Mrs. Carpenter. Can me and Link stay for the night?"
Mrs. Carpenter smiled bright, as she was always willing to help anyone around who needed food or a night to sleep "But of course, my dears! Please come in."
Link and Malon entered the house, finding Amanda too, sitting at the table eating her food. She smiled when she saw the two little heroes "Hi there. Coming to sleep here for a night again, I suppose?" Link nodded, making Amanda to shrug and offered them some chairs "Sit down and join us. My mother made roasted Cucco with corn."
Malon smiled bright as she sat at a chair, in between Amanda and Link. Both of them were served a plate and started eating. Link thanked the kind women "Thank you for doing this for us, Mrs. Carpenter."
Mrs. Carpenter just waved it off "Oh, you don't need to thank me, my dear. It's the least I can do for all the help you and Malon did for us in the past."
After diner, Link and Malon were allowed to sleep on the bunk bed. But they slept together nonetheless in one bed, as Link knew that Malon needed all the comfort she needed. While they slept, Malon embraced Link, whispering in his ear "Thank you, Link… for being there for me…" and planted a kiss on his cheek. Link had already fallen asleep, but did form a smile.
Link and Malon had again the same dream. Both walked into the courtyard of Hyrule Castle, the same spot where they met Princess Zelda. At the same spot, the Princess stood, but had a troubled look on her face. She called out to Link and Malon, saying "Link! Malon! You need to find the Spiritual Stones fast! My father, he…! He owns a debt to Ganondorf, for helping him in the war. Ganondorf wants the Ocarina of Time. My father was first unsure of giving the sacred relic of our family to him, so Ganondorf gave him three days to make his decision. If my father refuses, Ganondorf will take me instead!"
Both Link and Malon were shocked to hear this. They only had three days to find the Spiritual Stones, or Ganondorf could take the Ocarina of Time for himself, or worse… take Zelda as his slave.
The dream started to vanish, with Zelda calling out "The evil forces! It's Ganondorf! He's trying to listen to our conversation! I have to go, Link and Malon! Please hurry! Find the Stones and return to me in the castle! You don't have much time!"
Link and Malon woke up in shock! They gasped as they sat straight "Zelda!" both called out. Both looked at each other.
Malon was the first to ask "Did you… saw that too?"
Link nodded "Three days. We only have three days to find the Stones."
Link and Malon then noticed that it was already morning. Both glanced at each other one more time, with both nodding determind. They removed the blanket over them and nearly jumped out of their beds. They putted back on their Kokiri outfits and took all their stuff and weapons with them.
Navi, who was sleeping on the matress up Link and Malon's, had just woken up and asked while rubbing her right eye and looked down at the two little heroes "Huh? What time is it?"
"Early." Link answered, while he and Malon took a few apples from their bags and ate it fast as they had no time to lose. Navi was surprised at how serious they were, but was feeling proud at them. She flew down and joined them while leaving the Carpenter's home. But not before Link and Malon took a few pieces of bread and more apples for the journey.
The two little heroes walked up the stairs, to the Death Mountain gate. Along the way, Link and Malon drank their Lon Lon Milk from their bottles, but left some for later.
In front of the gate, stood a guard, keeping people away from going further. Next to him stood a sign saying: No passage without a royal degree!
When Link and Malon approached the guard, he immediately said while stopping them "Halt! Can't you read the sign over there? The road is closed beyond this point!"
Link then took out from of his magic bag Zelda's letter and handed it over to the guard.
"Huh? Oh, this is… this is surely Princess Zelda's handwriting!" the guard said as he opened the letter and read it "'These are Link and Malon… they are under my orders to save Hyrule'," the guard then laughed "Wah ha ha ha hah! What kind of funny game has our Princess come up with now?!"
But when the guard saw Link and Malon looking angry at him with their arms crossed, not in the mood for his insults, he sighed in annoyance "Okay, okay, all right. You can go further." He gave the letter back to Link and opened the gate for him and Malon.
As the two little heroes were about to go further, the guard called them back, saying "Hold on a minute, if you two are gonna climb Death Mountain, you both should equip yourselves with a proper shield. It is an active volcano, after all!"
Malon ensured him, as she and Link took out their Hylian Shield and Sheikah Shield from their magic bags "No worries, we have some right here."
The guard raised an eyebrow in surprise, but then shrugged, seeing that these two children were prepared for climbing Death Mountain "Well, alright then. I don't force you two to wear it, but I highly recommend you to wear those shields," then he went to his post and said with a smug "Good luck, Mr. and Mrs. Hero. Hahahahaha!"
Link frowned at the man, but left it out, as he and Malon had better things to do then getting bothered by a guard who didn't believed they were send by Zelda.
Once the two children had started to walk up the Death Mountain trail, they stopped for a moment to chance their Deku Shields for their new ones, taking the guards advice.
Link felt a bit uncomfortable to place the heavy shield on his back "This thing is heavier than it looks."
Malon nodded in agreement, but then ensured "Guess we just need to get used to it?"
Link shrugged and both went on.
But then suddenly, both saw in their way a red-yellow four legged monster with only one eye, ready to face the children. Link and Malon drew their swords and slashed the monster when it tried to jump on them and was easily killed as its body parts burned in green fires, leaving a few rupees, what Malon took and put them in their purse.
"What kind of monster was that?" Link asked Navi, who flew out of his hat.
"That was a Red Tektite. Nasty creatures, if you ask me." Navi answered.
Along the way, Link and Malon faced two more Red Tektite's, who they easily defeated like the first one.
Both then noticed a sign, close to a giant rock. Malon read the sign, saying: Dodongo's Cavern. Do not enter without permission!
Suddenly, while Link checked a strange brown looking rock, it looked up, showing a face, nearly scaring Link as he took a few steps back.
But the creature smiled at him and said while raising itself "Hello, stranger."
"Uh… hi," Link said, but then figured what this creature was and asked "Are you… a Goron?"
The Goron nodded "Yes, indeed. We are stone-eating people who live on the mountain," but then worriedly looked at the giant rock "This huge boulder is blocking the entrance to the Dodongo's Cavern."
Malon then walked up to the Goron, standing next to Link and asked "What is Dodongo's Cavern?"
The Goron answered Malon's question, but then became sad "Dodongo's Cavern was once a very important place for us Gorons to get our food. But one day, many Dodongos suddenly appeared inside the cavern. It became a very dangerous place! On top of that, a Gerudo man in black armor used his magic to seal the entrance with that boulder! Now, we Gorons are running short on food and our people are starving!"
Link and Malon both felt bad for the Gorons, that now they had to starve because they couldn't get enough food anymore. Link's anger rose, as he should've guessed that this was all Ganondorf's doing.
Confident, he glanced at Malon and said "We have to do something, Malon! If we won't help the Gorons, they will all die of starvation."
Malon nodded "You're right, Link. But… how can we help them? I mean, this boulder is way too big to move around." she wandered.
Link knew that Malon had a point. This boulder that blocked the way to the cavern was way too big and too heavy to move by strength.
The Goron felt happy that these two children wanted to help his people, so he said "Thank you for offering your help to us, strangers, but we cannot just take any help. You should meet up with our leader, Darunia." the Goron suggested.
"Where can we meet him?" Link asked.
The Goron pointed to the path going up "You should head to Goron City. It's just a little way up on the trail."
Link and Malon nodded and went up the trail, leaving the Goron to figure out how to move the boulder.
After a few minutes, Link and Malon were following the trail up and then the trail on the left, as the right one was blocked by more boulders.
Suddenly, a Goron rolled down the path, heading straight to Link and Malon! Quickly they moved out of the way!
Malon breathed heavily out of shock "That was… close!"
Navi nodded, while angrily calling to the Goron, who just stopped rolling "Yeah. HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING!"
The Goron raised himself and waved at the children and their fairy companion, apologizing "Sorry!"
Link and Malon went on. Navi flew ahead and read a sign that was next to an entrance, saying: Goron City.
"Here it is!" Navi called to Link and Malon "Goron City is right in here!"
The little heroes both nodded and went through the entrance, following Navi.
Once they entered, Link and Malon were amazed by the structure of Goron City. It was like a small town, built deep in the mountain. All around were dozens of Gorons, some were just rolling around, while most of them were doing other things, like digging or making other stuff. But somehow, they all didn't seemed to be happy, rather depressed.
As Link and Malon walked by, both saw a few Goron children were sobbing while another Goron, probably their mother, was trying to calm them down. One of the Goron children asked her "Mommy… I'm so hungry…!"
"I know, dear." the Goron softly said while offering a little rock to her child to eat, but the child didn't wanted to eat that one.
"No! I want a red rock. These rocks all taste awful, mommy."
"I know they are, dear. But we can't get any of those red rocks anymore. I'm sorry." the mother softly said, while also feeling sad that she cannot let her children eat red rocks.
All along the way, while Link and Malon descended into the lower levels of Goron city, they saw many Gorons starving and sad. "This is horrible." Malon said, seeing all these Gorons suffering. Link nodded, feeling the same thing.
Then suddenly, one of the Gorons walked up to the two little heroes and asked "Hey! It's dangerous for little children like you to come out here. You might fall down." the Goron stated while pointing to the center of Goron City, that was going all the way down and would hurt anyone who would fall down.
Link ensured him "Don't worry. We'll be careful," then he asked "Me and Malon are looking for your leader, Darunia. Do you know where he is?"
The Goron nodded "Yes. Big Brother shut himself up in his room, down below."
Then, another Goron said angrily to the other "Maybe Big Brother wouldn't have shut himself in his own room, if you hadn't licked that shiny stone at the platform!"
The first Goron apologized "I already said I was sorry! I thought it would be OK to just give it one tiny little lick, as it was looking just like any red rocks that we eat. How was I suppose to know that it was our sacred Spiritual Stone?"
All the other Gorons groaned in annoyance, as clearly everyone knew that touching (or in his case, licking) their sacred Stone was disrespectful.
Link and Malon glanced at each other in surprise "So, Darunia has the Spiritual Stone of Fire." Malon said. Link gave a nod as they moved on.
Navi then suggested "If we ask him nicely, maybe he'll give us the Stone?"
Malon gave a simple shrug "Hopefully, yeah. But what about all these Gorons? We cannot just leave them to starve." Malon finished as they couldn't leave the Gorons to their fate.
Link was just thinking about that same thing and wandered too how they could help them.
As they made it to the lowest level and stood in front the door, leading to Darunia's room, one Goron asked "Are you messengers?"
Both Link and Malon looked at the Goron confused, as Link asked "Excuse me?"
"You know, Royal Family Messengers?" the Goron asked "Big Brother won't open the door for anyone except for the Royal Family's messenger."
Link was still confused and was about to say that they weren't, but was interrupted when Malon answered the Goron "Yes! Yes we are. It's… very urgent that we speak to your leader."
Link whispered to his sister "Malon, what are you doing?"
"Just trust me on this, Link." Malon whispered back.
The Goron was first confused, but then smiled "Well, thank goodness you came. Now Big Brother will come out. He hasn't left his room for weeks."
Link wasn't sure where Malon was getting through with this, but trusted her. As they turned back to the door, Malon whispered "Play the lullaby that you've learned from Impa."
Link then finally got it, as Zelda's Lullaby shows their connection to the Royal Family. He took out his ocarina and played Zelda's song. When he finished, the door to Darunia's room opened.
When Link and Malon entered the room, they both saw a taller, more muscular Goran with a long beard and long hair. He looked very stern as he saw two visitors entering his room, but was then surprised to see two children standing before him "What the heck!? Who are you two?!"
Malon was a bit scared, while Link tried to say "We… uhh-"
"When I heard the song of the Royal Family, I expected their messenger had arrived, but… you are just little kids! Has Darunia, the big boss of the Gorons, really lost so much status to be treated like this by his Sworn Brother, the King? Now, I'm REALLY angry! Get out of my face!" Darunia spoke, feeling disrespected from the king as two nobodies dared to entered his room and wanted to send both Link and Malon away.
Malon tried to be reasonable and asked "Mister… we… never wanted to disrespect you, or anything."
Link then added "Why are you in such a bad mood?"
Darunia frowned at both of them as he crossed his arms "Me? In a bad mood?! I'll tell you WHY I'm in such a bad mood, kid! Ancient creatures have infested the Dondogo's Cavern! We've had a poor harvest of our special crop, Bomb Flowers! Starvation and hunger because of the rock shortage!"
Malon gathered up some courage and tried to ask nicely "Yes, we can see that you're really in a bad mood because of all of this, mister. Maybe… we can help you, or something?"
Darunia kept looking stern, not changing his mood. He declined their offer "This is a Goron problem! We don't need any help from strangers! Now get out of my sight!"
Navi, who had been inside Link's hat, whispered to Link "I don't think this Goron boss is very reasonable at the moment. I think it's best we leave him, for now."
Link agreed to that and said to Malon "C'mon, Malon. Let's go."
Seeing to that there was no point on getting Darunia to calm down, she agreed and left. Darunia scowled while turning his back.
While walking around Goron City, Link and Malon tried to figure what they could do to calm down Darunia and asked some of the Gorons around. However, none of them had any idea what could calm their Big Brother down, as he was known to be very stubborn.
While sitting in a corner on one of the stairs, Malon drank some of her last milk, while Link thought hard what to do. Even Navi was thinking deep, while sitting on top of Malon's head.
Once Malon had drank all the milk from her bottle, she sighed and placed the bottle back in her magic bag, but then noticed a Goron child skipping happily past them and then back to where it came.
Malon wandered "Why is only that Goron child happy, while the others are sad?" Navi shrugged. Curiously, Malon followed the Goron child. Link followed her.
Malon then saw the same Goron child stopping before a corridor and was dancing happily, before skipping again out of the hallway. Malon then asked him kindly with a smile "Hey, why are you so happy about, little one?"
The Goron child stopped and answered while dancing around "Have you heard that melody coming out of that doorway? It's a great song! Woohoo!"
Link and Malon glanced at each other for a moment, before Link took a look into the hallway. When he entered, he too heard a happy melody coming from the tunnel as he walked in it further, but was blocked by boulders, surrounded by some strange orb flowers.
Navi and Malon joined Link, with their fairy guide saying "That tune…. I know that song! It always comes from Lost Woods, close to the Kokiri Forest!"
"Lost Woods?" Link asked confused "But that's miles away from here."
Malon then suddenly got a great idea! She held Link and told "Link! That Goron child was suddenly happy when hearing this tune! If… we find where this tune comes from, maybe we can let Darunia hear it so he'll calm down?!"
Link, though surprised by Malon's sudden enthusiasm, thought that it was a great idea "Hey, yeah. We could. But… how do we get passed these boulders?"
Navi took a look at the boulders and the strange flowers. She then flew back at them and stated "Those orb flowers, those are Bomb Flowers. If we can light them up, they'll explode and destroy the boulders."
Link nodded and took out one of his Deku Sticks "I saw some burning torches not far from here. Wait here, I'll be right back" and then ran out of the hallway.
Link returned after a minute, with his Deku Stick, now lightened up with a fire. Link used the fire on one of the Bomb Flowers, making it sparkling and flashing red.
"STAND BACK, IT'S GONNA EXPLODE!" Navi yelled.
The two children ran out of the hallway, and after a few seconds, both heard a loud series of explosions coming from the hallway!
All looked in, seeing the boulders were destroyed "Hey, it worked!" Malon happily said.
"Yeah, let's go and see where this tunnel will lead us." Link say as he and Malon ran into it. Navi flew after them.
They were only running into the tunnel for a few seconds, when they all felt strangely being pulled and then found themselves at the end of the tunnel.
All looked surprised that they'd found themselves back into the forest.
"Link… we're back in the forest." Malon said surprised.
"But… how…? How did we get here so fast?" Link said being perplexed.
Suddenly, they were called from above one of the trees "Hey, over here! Hoo hoo!"
Link and Malon looked up, seeing the big owl Kaepora Gaebora sitting on a branch. Link greeted him "Oh, hello Gaebora."
The big owl smiled as he said "Link… Malon… it's good to see you two again. Like so many others before you, you both have discovered one of the Fast Tunnels of Hyrule. I guess you've already figured out what they do?" he asked.
Both thought for a moment, but Malon then got it "Yes… it can take us to far away places, in a very short time!"
The big owl nodded "Indeed. Hoot hoot… Fate has now brought you both back to the forest. Listen to what I'm about to tell you. After going through the Lost Woods, you will come upon the Sacred Forest Meadow. It is a sacred place where only few people have ever walked. Do you both hear that mysterious tune?" he asked.
The little heroes listened. Link could hear the happily tune sounding better from one of the other ways through the forest "Yes. But… what kind of sound is that?"
The big owl answered "It is the tune that'll lead you through the Lost Woods, to the Sacred Forest Meadow, there you'll find the answer to continue your journey. Just follow your ears and listen to the sounds coming from the forest. Good luck, Link and Malon." the big owl spread its wings and flew away.
As instructed, Link and Malon followed the tune and headed deeper into the Lost Woods.
Along the way, Malon asked their fairy companion "Navi, why do people call this place the Lost Woods?"
Navi flew close to Malon and answered "Well, when Kokiri children or Hylian people get lost in these woods, they…"
"They what?" Malon asked.
Navi sighed, not sure if she was ready to tell "Well… you… become 'one with the forest'."
"What's that suppose too mean-" Malon asked confused, but realizing what that really meant, she stopped "Oh."
Navi nodded "Yeah."
After some minutes, Link and Malon had reached the Sacred Forest Meadow, but the entrance was blocked by iron spikes.
Then, as Link and Malon approached the gate, a large Wolfos appeared before them!
The two little heroes drew their swords, as the wolf creature ran circles around them. Navi warned them "Careful, guys! That's a Wolfos!"
The Wolfos then approached them and tried to slash them with its clawed paws, but missed as Link and Malon stepped back and hit it with their swords, making it howl in pain as it made a backflip.
Navi then instructed Link and Malon "Wait till it drops its guard and attack it!"
"Right!" Link and Malon both said simultaneously, still focused on their enemy.
When the Wolfos attacked again, making its back turned on them, Link and Malon took their chance and stabbed the Wolfos deep in its back, finishing it! The Wolfos made a loud howl as it disintegrated into a blue fire. The iron gate then dropped.
Link sighed in relief while he and Malon used the grass on the ground to wipe away the blood off their swords.
Then, Malon reminded herself that they're not on Death Mountain anymore and suggested while taking her magic bag "Hey, we should switch our shields, Link. Because we're no longer near Death Mountain, right?"
Link nodded as that was the best "Yeah, we should switch shields."
Once he and Malon placed their larger shields in their bags and took their Deku Shields, both went further into the Meadow.
Along the way, they came across several Mad Scrub's, who were the insane version of the Deku Scrub and killed anything that moved. Luckily, the two little heroes avoided their attacks and managed to kill them.
As they continued through the meadow, walking up a long flight stairs, Link and Malon found a large stone building, like it was a temple of sorts. However, the stairs leading to the entrance was destroyed, making it impossible to enter. But that wasn't the main thing that brought Link and Malon toward the end of the Meadow, both saw a very familiar green haired girl, sitting on a tree stump while playing the same mysterious tune that was heard throughout the Lost Woods. It was their Kokiri friend, Saria. Both walked up to Saria, feeling happy to see her again.
Saria heard footsteps approaching her and stopped playing her ocarina as she looked to who it was. A smile grew on her face when she saw it was Link and Malon. She stood up from her tree stump.
"Saria!" Malon said while giving her a hug. Saria returned the hug.
After they broke the hug, Saria said "Link. Malon. It's good to see you again," she then looked at her ocarina for a moment, before glancing back at her friends "I guess my song had lead you here, huh?"
Link nodded "Yes… it did," then he asked as he looked at the temple "But, Saria, what is this place?"
Saria smiled as she answered Link's question "This place… is the Forest Temple. It was once a sacred place of worship, long ago. It's my secret place where I come and play on my ocarina. Any time when I play… I can communicate with the spirits in the forest."
Link and Malon were amazed by this "Wow. A temple, right in the middle of the forest." Malon said.
Saria nodded "Yes. I feel… that this place will be very important for the three of us someday. That's how I feel."
Link didn't know what Saria meant by that, but then told why he and Malon had come back to the forest "Saria, we'd hoped that you could help us?"
Saria smiled once again "Of course! How can I help?"
Malon then explained "You see, we need someone to be calmed down and we figured that the song you were playing could help."
Seeing that her song could be more of use, Saria agreed to that "Sure!"
Link took his ocarina out of his magic bag, as Saria instructed "Ok, try to follow along with the melody I will play. Are you ready?" Link nodded.
Link listened carefully to the notes that Saria played and after a few attempts, was able to play Saria's song by heart. As the energy from the song felt so happily and peaceful, Link continued to play it along with Saria. Malon could feel the happiness from this song in her and even started to dance on it.
After a minute, both Link and Saria stopped playing the song. Link examined his ocarina, seeing it was making green sparkles. Saria laughed in excitement as how well Link learned her special song "Well done, Link! Well done!"
Link felt proud as he put his ocarina back and said while chuckling "Wow. It was like… I could literly feel the happiness from the tune."
"Me too!" Malon smiled bright after making another spin.
Saria nodded as she stated "Yes, this song brings great joy in the forest," then she also said "Also, if you ever want to hear my voice, play my song. We can talk anytime."
That surprised Link "Really? Your song can do that?"
Saria nodded "Mmm hmm. Please don't forget this song! Do you promise?"
Link chuckled and ensured their Kokiri friend "Don't worry, we'll never forget this song."
Malon nodded, promising the same thing.
Not long after, Link and Malon said their goodbyes to Saria. Though they wished they could stay longer and catch up, the two little heroes reminded themselves that they hadn't much time to find the other Spiritual Stones and had to hurry. Saria understood why they had to leave and told Link and Malon that they can always visit her anytime in the forest and ensured them that Mido had cooled down so they could come back to the Kokiri Forest. Link and Malon promised that someday they'll return and will contact her through her song if they ever want to talk to her.
However, getting out of Lost Woods and get back to the portal, leading back to Goron City was easier said then done, as it was hard for them to find the way back. Luckily for them, they encountered a few friendly Skull Kids and they were willing to lead Link and Malon to their destination, if Link could beat them in a flute contest.
Link had beaten the Skull Kids flawless, as he could easily remember the tunes that they were playing on their flutes, on his ocarina.
As promised, they lead the two little heroes to their destination. Malon kindly thanked the Skull Kids while giving a sweet smile "Thank you for showing us the way."
The Skull Kids tipped their hat, with one saying "You're welcome. Come back anytime to play with us." and with a single backflip, the Skull Kids vanished.
- Not long after, in Goron City -
Darunia was still in his room with his arms crossed while tipping his feet, not having changed his mood since Link and Malon suddenly showed themselves uninvited into his quarters.
Just as he thought about those two disturbing children, he suddenly saw them entering his room, again.
With the same stern look, he said seriously to them "You are still here!? Didn't I told you to get out?! Now scram!"
Both Link and Malon didn't say anything, other then giving a smile to Darunia, what started to annoy him "Listen, if you don't have anything better to do, leave my city at once!" he called while starting to get angry.
Link then pulled out his ocarina and started playing Saria's Song.
Suddenly, Darunia didn't felt angry anymore "Wh…what is…?" as Link continued playing the song, Darunia's stern face started to change. He slowly formed a smile. And before he knew it… he started to dance widely!
"Oh! Oh-oh! C'mon! Come on! Come on! Come on! HOT! What a hot beat! WHOOOOOAH! YEEEEEEAH! YAHOOO!"
Malon tried hard not to laugh of Darunia's dancing, but couldn't help it. Link too couldn't hold it in any longer and started to laugh out loud, making him stop playing the song. Darunia too laughed, as he hadn't laughed in years.
After their laughter had died out, Darunia glanced at the children with a big smile "Heeeey! What a nice tune! Just like that, my depression is all gone! It was like… something just came over me when you played that song! I just… suddenly wanted to dance like crazy! Thank you little fellas."
Link shrugged, while Malon gave her usual sweet smile. Then Darunia asked them "Now, was there something you wanted to ask me about?"
Malon nodded "Yes, mister Darunia. Me and Link had come up here because we are searching for the Spiritual Stones. We were told that you guys had one."
Darunia raised an eyebrow when he heard that "What? You two want the Spiritual Stone of Fire, too? The Spiritual Stone of Fire, also known as the Goron's Ruby, is our race's hidden treasure…"
Malon nodded as that was what they needed. However, Link could sense that despite they'd helped Darunia to cheer up again, he felt that he wouldn't hand over the Spiritual Stone that easily, so he said "We know what we ask of you is big and I can see that you won't give it up that easily, huh?" Darunia nodded, but was impressed by the kid's hindsight "So, what if… me and Malon help you and your people?"
Darunia formed a smile, while scratching his chin "Okay, kid. You got my attention. What do you propose?"
Link then made his offer "You give us the Spiritual Stone of Fire, once me and Malon have handled all the monsters in Dodongo's Cavern."
Malon, Navi and Darunia were all surprised by this sudden offer that Link made. Malon however thought that this was a good idea to help the Gorons from starvation. Navi nodded, seeing that this was the best course of action, in order to get the Spiritual Stone from Darunia.
The leader of the Gorons almost couldn't believe his ears. These two little kids, suddenly would risk their lives only to safe his people.
Darunia gave a nod "Alright kids. If you can prove to all of us that you're strong man and women and destroy the monsters inside of Dodongo's Cavern, I will give you anything you want, even the Spiritual Stone."
Malon stood next to Link, telling confident "We'll deal with those monsters. We'll make sure you and the other Goron's no longer have to starve."
Darunia nodded, willing to accept their offer of help. Then he thought of something that could help them "Before you leave and face those monsters in the cavern, I have something for you two." the big Goron walked over to a chest and took something out of it, handing it over to Link and Malon.
Both took it and saw that it were two big bracelets "What are these?" Link asked curious.
Darunia answered while crossing his arms "These are Goron Bracelets. Once you have placed it on your wrist, you'll be able to pull up heavier objects, including Bomb Flowers. I do remember that a few Bomb Flowers grow outside, close to the main entrance of Goron City. If you use the bracelets to pull out the Bomb Flowers, the blasts would perhaps give you access to the cavern."
Link and Malon both placed their new Goron Bracelets on their right wrists. Malon admired it for a moment "It's beautiful."
Link then thanked Darunia "Thank you, Darunia."
The big Goron gave a friendly nod.
Malon then remembered something that she'd noticed before entering Goron City "Hey, I just realized that I spotted some Bomb Flowers were growing outside, close to the main entrance of the city. If we…?"
Navi then got the same idea "Hey, yeah! You guys could pull some of those Bomb Flowers out, throw it to the boulder blocking the cavern so you can enter it."
Link nodded at that "It's worth a shot. Let's go."
However, Darunia stopped them for a moment, asking the two little heroes "Wait. I know your name is Link," he first pointed at Link, before pointing at Malon "But you haven't told me your name yet."
"Oh. I'm Malon" the redhead girl answered with a sweet smile.
Darunia nodded and told them both with a smile "Take care, Link and Malon. The Goron race counts on you." Link and Malon then left, with Navi flying back into Link's hat.
After Link and Malon had stepped outside, both went to the place where Malon had spotted some Bomb Flowers to their right, close to the edge. However, they only found one Bomb Flower with one Goron standing next to it.
"Sorry, Link. I thought that there were more around here" Malon apologized.
Link shook his head "That's okay". Link looked down over the edge, seeing that the boulder that was blocking the entrance to Dodongo's Cavern was right below them. He nodded while glancing back at Malon "Let's hope this one Bomb Flower will be enough."
Once Link pulled out the Bomb Flower, it started to sparkle and flashing red. Immediately, he throw it down, right in front of the boulder. The Goron that stood close to the boulder ran for cover and…
BOOM!
The blast blow the boulder into dozens of pieces, clearing the way into Dodongo's Cavern.
"It worked!" Malon smiled bright.
"Yeah, it. Let's go." Link said before they walked down the trail.
Both now stood in front of the opened entrance. Link and Malon glanced at each other "Let's go and clear those monster-" Link wanted to go in, but was stopped by Malon.
"Hold on, Link. Our shields." Malon reminded him that they should use their new shields. Link nodded and both switched their Deku Shields for their Hylian and Sheikah Shield.
After they'd attaching their bigger shields to their backs, Malon nodded "Now we're ready to go in."
Link gave a confident nod and both ran inside 'No matter what we find in that cavern, me and Malon will safe the Gorons.' Link mentally vowed, not letting these Gorons down as he and Malon had failed before to safe the Deku Tree.
A/N: Well, that's all for chapter 5, my dear friends and fans. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, as much as I've enjoyed making it.
Since there was no name ever been given to the boy in the Graveyard, I thought I should add one, and yes… the name Georgie is related to the character from the horror movie IT. I too hope that 'Amanda' was a good name I gave to the allergic owner of the Cuccos in Kakariko Village and that I changed it that she is the daughter of the Carpenter Boss.
I thought given the horse Epona a bit more character and Dampé a sad backstory would fit my story and that also the time limit that Link and Malon would have to find the Spiritual Stones before Zelda's father would handing over the Ocarina of Time to Ganondorf was the best course of action.
Anyway, you all don't have to wait that long for the next chapter, I'm gonna start writing chapter 6 right away, with Link and Malon facing the monsters in the cursed Dodongo's Cavern in order to safe the Gorons from starvation.
See you guys soon!
