A/N: For anyone who is following this story I'm sorry it took so long to get up but with this being my senior year and what not it's hard to find time to write. If anyone is interested, I will be getting my old story "The six warriors" back up in time for the new year. Hope you like this chapter and please review!
'Argh I hate my life.' Misty thought to herself as she finally started to regain consciousness. Everything was still dark, but the voices that she could hear faintly from fair off soon grew clearer after each passing moment.
"So Ganondorf has taken over much of Hyrule." A males voice.
"Yes, everyone lives in fear." Females.
"Malon where are you? I need your help, get down here immediately!" Another males voice. An angry males voice.
'Oh shit.' Misty thought. 'Ganondorf must have captured me and these must be his servants!.' She stayed silent and kept her eyes closed as she heard the female excuse herself and leave the room. She waited until she heard the door latch shut, and then risked opening her eyes to gaze about the room. Surprisingly, it was actually very homily. To the far wall where the door was located, there were some white washed wooden dressers. To the left of the bed she was in was a small round table with three chairs around it, and on the table..
'Hello!' Misty thought as her eyes fell onto the vase sitting in the middle of the table. 'Bingo, a weapon perhaps?' She knew that there was still someone in the room, and she guessed that it was the first male she had heard. Moving her eyes back towards the door, she spotted him.
He was tall, taller then her she guessed, and was at least five eleven. He was dressed in a leaf green tunic, brown boots that ended just below his knees, and what appeared to be white tights. On his head he sported a silly long hat the same color as his tunic, and his long blond hair stuck out from under it. Misty could tell that he had an athletic build from the way his clothing fell around him, but even so the sword and shield located on his back would have made her think twice about fighting him anyway. She wasn't given much time to rethink her plan though for just then what looked like an over large white firefly came into view and called out.
"Hey! Link look she's awake!"
As the male called Link turned around at his friends call, Misty leapt from the bed and ran over to the table. Skidding around it she picked up the vase and pointed it at the male just as he began walking towards her.
"Stay away from me! I swear I'll kill you…you evil Ganondorf follower wannabe!" She wasn't sure that this male did actually work for Ganondorf, and secretly she hoped that he didn't. She only realized after he turned around that he had amazing blue eyes, and he was actually really good looking. Hot or not though, Misty would fight to the death if he did work for Ganondorf.
"Huh? Wha-" The male started, but the big firefly cut in.
"Slow down there sweetie. We're not going to hurt you, and we certainly don't work for Ganondorf."
"You don't?" Misty asked, lowering the vase down some.
"Of course not." The fairy continued. "We're the ones fighting against him. My name is Navi the fairy, I'm Link's guardian fairy, he's the Hero of Time who's going to save Hyrule." To this, Link gave a small bow, and once again began to make his way over once he realized that he wouldn't get something thrown at him.
"You mean tight-boy is a hero?" Misty asked in a stunned voice, placing the vase on the table. Link may have looked to be in great physical shape, but the tights didn't really give him the feel of a hero, at least not to Misty.
"Yep. He's the only thing stopping Ganondorf from taking complete control of the whole world. The two of us have to go al around Hyrule and wake up the five sages that are sleeping in the temples, so they can seal Ganondorf away for good." Navi continued as she flew over to Misty and took a seat on her shoulder.
"Temples? Hey I know where the temples are, I've been in them all the time!" Misty replied looking from Navi, to Link, and then back to Navi. This wasn't completely the truth. She had been inside some of them but she never went farther then just the main room, and she hadn't a clue where they are, but of course she wasn't about to tell the other two this, she didn't want to be left alone with Ganondorf after her and if this was the only way, then so be it.
"Then you should come with us!" Navi called out, hoping off her shoulder and flying to face the girl.
"Navi I don't think that'll be a good idea, it's going to be very dangerous." Link replied, looking at Misty with an apologetic look.
"Link, listen! We need to get this done as soon as we can. Having someone who knows where the temples are and knows the there way around inside them will help us get this journey done faster and then we can save everyone." The little fairy countered.
Link took a step forward and opened his mouth as if he was going to argue, but one glance at the determined look on Misty's face changed him mind.
"Fine." He said with a small sigh.
"Yay! Lets get on our way then there's so much that we have to do we have no time to loose!" Navi chirped, and she flew down and grabbed onto Misty's hand, pulling her towards the door.
Link gave his head a small shake as he followed the two and gave another small sigh. Now he had some strangely dressed girl to worry about also. Walking out of the room and down the steps of Malon's house, Link suddenly remembered the song he had learnt here, and also a way for them to travel around faster.
"Hey Navi." Link said as soon as they stepped outside, and began to make his way towards the horse corral. "Remember that little horse names Epona? The one Malon gave us the song to call?"
"Yes of course I do. She was a cute little thing." Navi answered back, following Link and pulling Misty along behind her.
"Well why don't I try calling her? I'm sure Malon wouldn't mind if we borrowed her and we could get around Hyrule faster."
"Oh good idea Link. Let's try it."
Link walked around the horse corral well away from Mr. Ingo. Looking inside the corral, he though he could see the red coloring of Epona, so he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ocarina of time. Putting it to his lips, he softly played Epona's song, and as soon as the last noted were played there was a small whiney and Epona, the now fully grown horse, ran towards them from inside the corral.
"Hey girl." Link said, reaching his hand through the gate so Epona could nuzzle it. Looking around Link gave yet another sigh and shook his head. "No good. The gates are too high, she can't jump over them and I see no other way to get her out either."
For a moment all three were silent, Navi seated on Misty's head, and Link petting Epona's nose. Misty looked around the ranch, at the two fences that were inside the horses coral to the worn race track that ran around the outside. Her eyes then went back to Mr. Ingo, and there was no question about what kind of man he appeared to be, and that was what brought about the idea of how they were going to get Epona out.
"Hey Link, do you have any money on you?" Misty asked looking at him.
Link looked at her for a moment with a small frown before he replied.
"If you mean rupee's then yes I have some."
"Great, then follow me." Misty said, and then lead the group around the corral to Mr. Ingo.
"Hello." She said pleasantly as they stopped in front of him. Mr. Ingo turned around to speak to them, and Misty took a step back because of the crazed look he had in his eyes, he never even returned her greeting before he began speaking.
"There are some people in Kakariko spreading rumors that I cheated Talon out of the ranch, but don't be ridiculous! That guy Talon was weak! I, the hard working Ingo, poured so much energy into this place! I don't want any strangers like you saying anything bad about me! Listen, The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me! I will raise a fine horse and win recognition from the great Ganondorf! Say, young man, do you want to ride one of my fine horses? Pay me ten rupees and you can ride."
"Ummm.." Link said looking to Misty, who gave her head a small nod. "Sure."
"Thank you so much heh heh!" Mr. Ingo said, and right before Link followed him through the gate, Misty grabbed Links arm and whispered to him.
"Link, see those two fences in there? Jump Epona over them twice and then talk to Mr. Ingo. I bet you anything he'll want to race you for a little more money, he looks like the type to pull something like that, he may even put Epona up as a reward. If you do race, stick to the inside, trust me."
Link gave a small nod to show that he understood, and walked inside the gate. He waited until the gates were close before calling Epona again. Once she was there, he mounted her and set off towards the gates. Jumping over them with ease, Linked watched Mr Ingo, and after witnessing Links horseman skills began to, suddenly, look very interested. Walking Epona over to Mr. Ingo, Link gave the man a smile, and just as Misty had predicted, the man began bargaining.
"You're getting better! How about a little race with me? One lap around the corral with that horse. Let's make a little wager, say fifty rupee's?" When Link agreed t it, the mans smile grew. Leading the beige color horse that had been placed there originally for people to ride, he walked it outside the corral and mounted. A white long strip was painted on the ground, as both riders walked their horses up to it and stopped.
Misty, off to the side so she wouldn't get in the way, counted down from three and then riders were off. Right away Link knew Mr. Ingo wasn't going to play fair, for he tried to cut Link off to get on the inner side of the track. Link wasn't about to let this happened, and he was actually a very good rider. Squeezing Epona past his opponent, Link gained the lead and within moments the race won the race. Dismounting he waited for Mr. Ingo, and as soon as the man got off his horse, he walked to Link and started off again.
"Sh-shooot! If the great Ganondorf found out about his humiliation…Hey you! How about another race! If you win…you can keep…the horse!"
'Well would you look at this' Link thought to himself, 'She was right'
Getting the horses to the starting point once more, Misty did her count down. Even before she said one though, Mr. Ingo started off, and Link had no choice but to start a moment later. Mr. Ingo had the advantage this time, pushing his horse hard and riding on the inside of the track. Link was riding at his heels, and about halfway through, Mr. Ingo made a mistake and went wide, leaving Link the chance to sneak past him and gain the upper hand.
Once again Link was the first to cross over the finish line, and this time he rode Epona over to the side and didn't dismount as he waited for the other man. Mr. Ingo jumped off his horse and walked to the path that ran between the house and the barn, also the only way out of the ranch.
"What's up with that horse!" Mr. Ingo cried out. "Is that Epona? How did you tame that wild horse right under my nose! I was going to present that horse to the great Ganondorf…But I bet it on the race and lost! Shooot! Hah ha hah!" Mr. Ingo said, and as he placed his hands by his side, his face grew calm once more. "As I promised, I'll give the horse to you, however, I'll never let you leave this ranch!" With that evil smile still on his face, he closed the gates that lead to the path, standing on the other side, trapping the others inside.
Walking over to Link, who was still on Epona, Misty glared at Mr. Ingo as she spoke.
"Link what are we going to go? We have to get out of here." Looking back up to Link, she was a little surprised to see that he had a small grin on his face,
"Jump up." He said, holding his hand down for her to take. Looking at him curiously, she accepted the offered hand and pulled herself up behind him on Epona.
"Oh no Link, you're not going to- " Navi started, but her voice was muffled as she flew in under Link's hat.
"Link what are you going to do?" Misty asked worriedly as she grabbed onto the back of his tunic.
"Hang on." Was the only answer he gave her. Turning Epona around, he walked her a couple feet from the gate. Once they were a good distance from it, he turned her around to face the gate once more, gave her a small nudge with his knees, and Epona started to gallop before breaking out into a full out run.
"Oh my god!" Misty cried as the gate approached them at a frightening pace. She thought for sure they were going to hit it, but at the last moment, Epona jumped right over the gate and Mr. Ingo, in fact she jumped right over the cliff walls surrounding the ranch.
Epona landed with a small thud and ran a couple feet from the ranch before stopping and rearing, kicking her front hooves in the air, nickering for her new freedom before placing her feet back on the ground.
"Good girl." Link said laughing, leaning over to pat her neck. Only when he moved did he notice that Misty was still clinging onto the back of his tunic. Turning around to look at her, he observed her with a worried expression for a moment before he spoke again. "Are you alright?"
Misty turned her pale face towards the sound of his voice, and focused her eyes on his face. Taking in a shaky breath, she gave a fake smile as she answered with her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Oh yes Link, of course I'm okay. I always go horseback riding and let my horse jump over a gate, a person, and then a small cliff."
"Then we're all set." Link said dumbly, and then gave a small yelp of pain as Navi plucked a single piece of hair from his head. "What was that for Navi?" He demanded as the fairy appeared next to his ear.
"Boy being locked away for seven years sure has made you dumb." Navi whispered and then sighed as the blank look never left Link's face. "She is not okay. Look at her, she's shaking like a leaf in the middle of a wind storm. She's probably never even ridden a horse in her entire life."
"Well what am I supposed to do about it?" Link whispered back, realizing Navi was right and that the girl probably wasn't paying attention to them.
"Take some time and talk to her. Here's something you probably didn't realize, we don't even know her name yet or where she's from."
"That's true." Link replied, and after Navi vanished back into his hat, he carefully dismounted from Epona. Giving Misty a small nudge, he raised his hands up to her, and making sure she didn't fall off the horse, helped her down. Leading Epona over to the shortest end of the near by stonewall, he took a sear and motioned Misty to do the same. Watching her out of the corner of his eye for a moment, he began his newest quest of trying to calm her down.
"So." He began, and with just one word anyone could tell that his social skills needed improvement. "What is your name anyway? And where are you from?"
Misty, who already had most of the colur back in her face, took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair before she answered.
"Misty, just call me Misty. As for where I'm from, it doesn't really matter besides the fact that I have to get home somehow, and the only way I can do that is if I help you get rid of Ganondorf. Once he's gone then I'm sure I'll be able to get back home so how about we stop wasting time and get to awakening these sages!" With that she stood to her feet, hooked her thumbs in the waistline of her jeans, and began walking towards Kakariko village.
"Well that went well." Navi said peeping her head out from under Link's hat.
"What's with the attitude?" Link asked, not really wanting an answer, but getting one from his fairy anyway.
"She must be scared being so far from her home. No idea where she comes from but judging by her clothes I'd say it's far."
Sighing Link stood up and took a hold of Epona's bridle, and began to lead to the horse after the girl, talking under his breath. "If she plans on walking the whole way through this quest, I am leaving her behind. I'll be through the dungeon before she even gets to the entrance."
Catching up to Misty, the two walked in silence, the only sound breaking the quiet of the day was the little giggles of the white fairy under Link's hat who had caught the last words spoken by the hero.
"I wish people would stop staring at me." Misty said as the two continued to walk around Kakariko village. They had been searching around the village for hours and still hadn't any idea about what Sheik had been talking about when he said that there was something here that could help them reach the forest temple.
"Maybe it has something to do with the way you look." Link pointed out as he looked at the archery building.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Came the instant reply, and before Link could answer she continued on. "Never mind. Let's start asking the villagers and see if they know anything." Walking away from Link, Misty headed towards the entrance of the village where a large tree was located. Beneath the tree there was two men, obviously twins, one in a red shirt, the other in blue. Even before she reached them, Misty could tell they were discussing something for the one in the red was laughing and the one in blue seemed to be almost pleading with the other. She didn't even have to ask what was going on for as soon as she stepped in front of them the one in red burst out laughing once more.
"Wah hah hah hah hah hah! Look at this guy! Ever since he escaped from Hyrule castle town, he's become even more timid!" Which was immediately followed by blue's retort.
"I tell you, I saw him! I saw the ghostly figure of Dampe the grave keeper sinking into his grave. IT looked like he was holding some kind of treasure!"
"Treasure?" Misty said as she turned to look at Link who had just joined them. Link gave a small shrug of his shoulders, but as soon as the twins went back to their own private conversation, he leaned closed to Misty.
"It may just be what we are looking for. Let's go to the graveyard."
Misty nodded her head and the two went off, walking so they wouldn't draw anymore attention then what Misty's modern clothes were already. Walking up the step next to the archery building, Misty leaned over the side of the well for a moment before following Lank past the windmill and up the path that lead to the graveyard.
Walking through the opening that lead to the main area of the graveyard, Misty stopped and stared at a large stone tablet.
"Wonder what it says." She said quietly, tracing her fingers over the letters that were engraved in the stone.
"R.I.P. Here lie the souls of those who swore featly to the Royal family of Hyrule. The Sheikah, guardians of the Royal family and founders of Kakariko watch over these spirits in their eternal slumber." Link answered, looking over her shoulder at the markings. At the quizzical look she gave him, he gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "It's written in Hylian, and since that's where we are, I know the language. Come on, I think that's where Dampe lived." Link said pointing to a very small, rickety building that looked like a shed. It was to their right, a little blemish to the graveyard.
"Alright, but lets hurry, the sun has almost set." Misty replied and both walked to the door. Link gave the doorknob a little turn and when there was no resistance, he turned it the whole way and pulled the door open. Walking inside Misty looked around and was pretty much right when she had thought of it as a shed. There was nothing to it to really call it a home. The floor was just the lands natural dirt, there was a single bed pushed to the side, and a table and a chair at the far end of the cabin. Walking over to it, Misty saw that there was a book on the table that looked like a journal. Picking it up, she turned to Link and held it out for him to see.
"Alright wise guy, what does it say?"
Frowning at her some, Link took the journal and read out loud with Navi hovering close to the page so he had more light.
"Whoever reads this, please enter my grave. I will let you have my stretching, shrinking keepsake. I'm waiting for you. Dampe."
"Oh no, no way are we going into a grave. It's already dark out!" Misty said backing up some.
"Oh yes we are." Link said, walking towards her and grabbing her arm. After setting the journal back on the table, he pulled her out the door behind him and walked up the path directly in line with the hut.
"Link, what's the little lantern thing?" Misty asked as they came close to it. She got her answer, but not from Link. As soon as they got close, the lantern shook and what looked like a ghost appeared. The thing laughed and moved towards them. Link immediately let go of Misty's arm and reached behind him, grabbing his sword and shield. Moving forward he struck the ghost twice before it reared up, paused, and then shrank back down, as the lantern fell and broke on the ground.
"What was that?" Misty asked as she inched forward, looking at the small purple flame that was left behind from the lantern.
"Just a poe." Link answered, as he walked to the last grave with floweres in front of it. Pulling the gravestone from behind, Link moved it so that a hole big enough for them to fit through was revealed. Standing up Link smiled to Misty, who gave a small whimper but let Link take hold of her arm and pull her down into the hole.
Link landed gracefully on his feet on a large stone plateau, Misty on the other hand stumbled as soon as her feet touched the ground and fell to her stomach. Looking up she saw a large tunnel, and floating right in front of it with a little halo was the scariest guy she had ever seen. Squeaking once she got up and made a move to backup, but after one step she ran into Link who had come up behind her.
"Hello Dampe." Link said, looking at the guy with the halo.
"Heh heh heh, young man! Are you fast on your feet?" Came the ghosts' reply. "I may not look it, but I'm confident in my speed! Let's have a race! Follow me if you dare!" Then Dampe was off, throwing little flames for Link to follow.
"Stay here." Link said and then took chase, intending to leave Misty behind. Misty on the other hand had another idea, for she had perked up at the sound of a challenge.
Link had started off before she had, and his longer legs gave him an advantage. Soon she had lost sight of him, but because of Dampe's flames, she could easily follow.
'Left, right. Straight, right, left, left right. Big stone door slamming behind me. Right, open space with rocks, right passageway. Another big stone door. Right, left, left passageway that I have to jump to reach. Left, and..Oh my god big gaping hole!' Misty thought to herself as she came to a stop. Looking up she saw Link running up a path that started to the left of where she was standing. Running with all her might, Misty just passed through the final archway before the stone door shut. Breathing hard she waved at Link, who shook his head and turned to speak to Dampe.
"Hehehe, young man. You were very quick to be able to keep up with me! Hehehe! As a reward, I'm going to give you my treasure. It's called a hookshot! Its spring-loaded chain will pull you to any spot where its hook sticks. Doesn't that sound cool? I'm sure it will help you! I live here now, so come back sometime. I'll give you something cool! One more thing! Be careful on your way back! Heheheh." And with that Dampe vanished as a chest appeared before them. Opening it up, Link pulled out the hookshot and smiled.
"Now we can save Saria." He said.
"Yeah sure Link. Except how are we going to get out of here?" Misty said, pointing to the stone door.
"There's another opening here." Link said pointing in front of him to the dark opening of what both thought would be another tunnel. Misty walked up the steps of the small plateau and both she and Link jumped off the other side and walked through the dark opening. Just as before during the race, as soon as they had cleared the doorway, a solid stone door slammed down. The area they were in was only a small square room, just big enough for the two to have their own personal space.
"This isn't good." Link said in a laid back voice as he crossed his arms and leaned against the stone door.
"No kidding." Misty said walking to the opposite wall. The stone there looked odd, like a different color. Giving a sigh, she placed her head against the wall and brought her hand up to trace pictures against the stone. As her hand moved over it, she began to notice something like a picture already in the stone.
"Navi, come here please." She said. Navi flew from under Link's hat and moved next to Misty. From the light of the fairy the two could see a design etched into the wall. Upon closer inspection, Misty learned that the drawing wasn't even part of the actual wall, but stone blocks.
"It looks like the same design that was on the door of time." Link observed, now standing next to Misty with his arms still crossed.
"Hey!" Navi shouted flying above their heads. "Why not try the song of time then Link?"
"Alright." Uncrossing his arms, Link pulled out the ocarina of time. Placed the instrument to his mouth, and began playing another song. As soon as he blew out the last note, a blue light surrounded the stone blocks, shinning from the floor to the ceiling. The light began to shrink, and along with it the blocks. Soon the blocks were gone, another pathway was revealed. Misty walked to the pathway and gave a small sigh. The stones that lead upward began at least a couple inches above her head, meaning she would have to give a huge jump to even reach the ledge to pull herself up.
"Need a hand?" Link asked, coming up behind her.
"I'm fine." Misty replied. Taking one step back, she crouched down and then leaped up, grabbing a hold of the ledge. Staying there for a moment, she adjusted her hands and was about to pull herself up when she felt pressure under her foot. Looking down she saw Link was kneeling down with her foot in his hands. Link just looked up and gave her a smile before he stood up and pushed her upwards. Sighing again, Misty pulled herself up the rest of the way, and moved aide for Link. He jumped and pulled himself up with ease while Navi flew up. With Navi leading the way, the two made their way up the narrow stairway single file, Misty leading the way. After a couple minutes light from an outside source bloomed at the top of the stairway. Running the rest of the way, Misty came out of the tunnel and almost fell off the high ledge she had come out on.
"Looks like we ended up inside the windmill." Link said coming up behind her. "Hang on a moment." He backed up some and went down on his knees. "Alright you go first."
Misty sat down on the ledge and lowered herself down as far as her arms could reach. Link laid down on his stomach, grabbed her hands, and lowered her down more. Letting go, Misty dropped the very short distance remaining and wondered how Link was going to get himself down. Once again her unasked question was answered after Link jumped from the ledge and landed on his feet next to her.
"Alright, time to head to Kokiri forest." Navi said, and the two exited the windmill and made their was back to Hyrule field, where Epona was still waiting to take them to the forest entrance.