Lunarian :Hello. Not much to say so I'll get right to the point. PLEASE REVIEW! [Lunarian gets on his knees and makes the most pathetic face you ever seen, so bad you want to drop a review just out of pity] Please Please Please!
P.S. Damn you FFnet! I want my HTML indentation tags back!
This chapter is 7,500 words, thats more then half of my largest story's total amount so I hope you all like it!

Key
Text = Narration
"Text" = Dialogue
'Text' = Sarcasm, Saying's, and/or so-called... quotes
Text = Character Thoughts, and/or Character Tittle
[Text] = Sound Effects

--Chapter Four--

-Dishes, Dutch Uncles, and Dungeons-

Dutch Uncle = n : a counselor who admonishes frankly and sternly

Last Time...

Link fell asleep that night listening to the sounds of the town, confident in his decision to return and determined to follow it through.

And Now...

The sounds of the town waking up going about their daily buisness was the first thing to greet the waking ears of the hidden hero. Still safely unseen in plain sight thanks to his handy Stone Mask Link was spared any small talk as various acquaintances walked in and out of the gates. His belly grumbled its displeasure at having been neglected for so long with a gurgling sound. [Auauraugh]

Coloring slightly in embarrassment behind the mask Link quickly scurried off before someone came to investigate strange sounds. After ducking behind some old dead trees he paused a moment to remove the Stone Mask and took out his wallet. I'll buy some breakfast at the Stock Pot Inn, then I'll challenge the Great Fairy of Magic. Holding his wallet and feeling slightly foolish for having to talk to nothing he said, "Link withdrawing 50 rupees."

Shoving his wallet back to where he keeps everything the blond haired youth with the green color scheme practiced his stealth by making his way to the Inn without being spotted. Dashing in and out of shadows he was beginning to feel more like his apparent age again now that death and doom was no longer hanging overhead. Barely winded from the short excercise he opened up the door to the Inn and walked inside.

Walking up to the counter he smiled up at Anju as she tended to the books. "Good morning Anju." He said to get her attention from what she was reading.

Looking up from a log of this weeks expenses Anju's mood immediately lightened when she saw it was Link, that amazing young boy who did so many things for everyone, espcially her and Kafei, and then vanished before they could thank him properly. Truth told she was a little sad he did not show up to witness her wedding, but figured he had a good reason, and besides they already owe him so much. "Hi Link, Kafei and I missed you at our wedding. Where have you been?" She asked him right away. Smooth move Anju, oh I can't believe I said that. I hope he's not mad.

"O-Oh... uh, s-sorry.. I-I've been busy..." Link stammered being totally caught offguard by that question. Where did that come from? She and Kafei got married, well thats good, I suppose.. but isn't he still in a kids body? ... Nevermind, I don't want to know.

With a gasp Anju hurriedly said, "Oh no, I'm so sorry for saying that. I didn't mean to say that, we are very grateful for all you have done. Please, I'm sorry." she added while bowing her head.

"A-ah... okay. It's fine, please stop apologizing." Link slowly said with unease at her highly exagerated manner. Funny, she never struck me as being this over reactive before, must be because she was worried about Kafei so her thoughts were occupied.

Straightening out she gave another tumultous smile before composing herself. Adopting a more professional look she asked him, "Well I'm glad that's settled, so then Link, what can I do for you today?"

"Would you happen to have some breakfast that you could serve? I haven't eaten since yesterday and I'm starving." He explained to her.

Closing the ledgers she had been reading, the red haired young woman motioned to Link with her hand with a 'come here' gesture. "Come on back here Link and I'll cook you up a hearty breakfast."

Smiling graciously he took out his wallet asked, "Great, how much do I owe you for it?" Not having bought many meals himself Link found himself at a curious position, he had no idea just how much a meal should cost. He had always lived off of catching his own food through either wild animals or various wild fruits berries and herbs. Recently with the use of his new transformation masks he had even been able to sustain himself on rocks as a Goron. Not feeling like eating as he had been for the longest time today he felt a nice home cooked meal would be a nice change of pace. Reaching into his wallet he asked, "Will 50 rupees be enough for a meal?"

"Oh my no, no no dear boy," she quickly responded while shaking her head. Looking sternly at him she told him, "I will not accept money for this, this is the least I can do for all you've done. You just sit right there on that box and I'll tell you when the food's ready. Just relax and take a break, you're always looking so serious, you're a kid you can be immature I won't mind," she teasingly said to him when he continued to look at her with his too mature look for one his age. Poor kid probably has to take care of himself and grew up too soon, he acts like an adult most of the time...she thought to herself with a frown.

"Er.. right," Link said uncomfortably. He had never gotten used to this whole gratitude concept when others thanked him when he did stuff for them. Back in the lost woods they never were very appreciative when he helped them, except Saria, but he figured it was just because she was his friend. Now suddenly there's all these people thanking him and being grateful, it was most awkward to the young hero. Monsters and evil he can face no problem, but give him a grateful person and he gets all flustered. "I mean, thank you. I'll just er.. just sit over here then.. yeah."

Watching Link practically bolt over to the suggested seating area Anju gave a small giggle. That's so cute! As he sat down and proceeded to lean back taking a small nap, she busied herself with preparing him a good meal.

.

.

Sometime later, Link had no idea exactly how long, he was shook awake by Anju with a gentle touch. "Wakey wakey Linky," he heard her say in a strange sweeter then usual voice. What the? Linky? he thought to himself incredously.

Seeing her young friend rubbing the sleep out his eyes she resisted the urge to give him a smothering hug, he just looked to cute like that. "Food's ready Link, I hope you like it. Gesturing to some plates on the table she said, "I made you eggs with ground deku nuts, fried fish in mushroom sauce and wild keese surprise." Winking confidentially she added, "The surprise is it's filled with a chilled Red ChuChu gelatin.

Having no idea that chilled Red ChuChu gelatin is a delicacy to the Terminians, Link was just curious in the different food dishes. Looking first at a plate with a spongy yellow food with bits of brown sprinkled in, he grabbed hold of the plate and brought up a fork full of the meal to his mouth to taste it. "These are good eggs," Link told Anju who was waiting anxiously for his opinion. Chewy, but not too much, with a sweet taste like cinnamon. After ravenously devouring the dish he turned to the fish.

"Goodness you really were hungry, weren't you?" She said in amusement watching him clean off his plate faster then considered healthy. "Just try a bit of the fish, save room for the dessert in the keese," she helpfully suggested, "After all, you've certainly earned a yummy prize."

Link nodded as he took a small helping of the fish, even if he didn't truly understand what she was saying. Thoughtfully chewing for a bit he found it to have a surprising robust meaty flavor. Seeing Anju staring at him for a responce again he blurted out, "It's good, nice and savory." Sheesh.. if this is what its like buying a meal, Im glad I never have before. Why can't I just eat some food and leave, gaahh I never should have came in here. he thought to himself in agitation.

Beaming from the compliment to her cooking she took a knife and cut off a piece of the cooked keese and served it to him with a dallop of the gelatin from inside it on the side. "Here, you'll love this."

Internally grimacing at the thought of eating a keese, he screwed together his courage and took a cautious bite. As his jaw worked its way on the piece he couldn't help but notice how hard and crunchy it was. He was pleasantly surprised though, after getting through the tough exterior, that its flavor was quite good. Juicy and tender with a slight sweetness to it from the gelatin, though he didn't know that, all Link knew was it wasn't as bad as he thought.

Seeing Anju wanting him to say something again, Link shoved a spoonful of the red gellatinous concotion into his mouth to get it over with. Again there was a definite sweetness to it, but all he realized was that it jiggled all the way down his throat. Gotta get outta here, wasted too much time already... Ugh, never again gonna buy a meal.. never again.. he thought to himself while trying to resist the impulse to start fidgeting. "It was all very good... Thank's Anju... I really got to go now, bye!," he said as he inches his way to the doorway before speeding out as fast as he could go, even putting on his Bunny Hood to go faster.

Glad that Link enjoyed his meal, Anju turned around to take a tea kettle off the stove. As he sped away with nary a warning she barely had the time to call out, "Bye Link," before he was long gone.

Feeling full of energy and utterly bored out of his mind from sitting around Link ran as fast as he could to the Great Fairy's fountain. Whipping past townsfolk, going about their buisness, so fast that all they see is a green blur followed by a gust of wind. He entered her cave after taking off the Bunny Hood and was surprised to see the Great Fairy out and waiting for him already. Walking up to her he said, "I can't remain here without doing my best to get back home, I'll take the tests."

"I had a feeling you would choose this path, so I waited for you and here you are," she said to him answering his unasked question. Flying high to the top of the fountain she raises her arms up saying, "I open the trial of magic to you."

The three statues on top of the pillars surrounding the water started to glow. Each piece of stone emitted a straight beam of light meeting in the center of the pool. Underneath the intersecting lines the waters swirled around opening up a whirlpool in the middle. Rising up out of the whirlpool came a translucent black mirror, shimmering brightly.

"Enter and begin the trial Link," she said as she vanished into the portal.

Suitably impressed with the light show he walked up to the mirror and was about to go through it when he heard a sound like little bells. Wait a minute, he thought to himself, that sounds very familiar. Turning around he saw what he thought he would, flying to him was a tiny ball of yellow light with white gossamer wings, it was Tatl. What's she doing here?

Tatl was afraid she wouldn't get to Link in time before he started the trial, so she was flying as fast as she could. Gotta hurry.. gotta hurry.. faster.. She wasn't too sure herself why she felt the need to help out the hero again, but it just felt right. Seeing her quarry about to touch the mirror she yelled out and make as much noise as possible to get his attention. When he stopped she let out a sigh of relief and flew up to his face stopping to catch her breath.

Greeting the fatigued fairy he asked, "Hey Tatl, what brings you here?"

Huffing a few more times she said back to him, "Wh- why else... [huff] to help you of course!" So saying she then flew onto his cap to rest her wings.

Blinking Link slowly replied, "Oh... well.. thanks Tatl.. But how did you know I might need your help?" I've been shanghaied into getting help

Scoffing at the question Tatl answered as if it was obvious, "Of course you need my help Link. You'd never figure out anything without my help." Continuing in a less sure manner she added, "Besides, I heard from some other fairies that you were still around doing something difficult.. So I figured I'd help you out, I mean Tael and Skull Kid are fine by themselves but you need my guidance." Finishing so quietly that Link wasn't sure he heard it she whispered, "You're my friend too, I missed you."

Surprised she changed so much from the bossy obnoxious and condenscending fairy she was when he first met her, Link was glad to accept her help and friendship once again. "Let's go then Tatl, nothing can stop us now," he confidently said as he strode into the portal.

.

.

He was in a long narrow passageway with an iron gate at the end. There was no visible torches in sight yet the place was thouroughly lit in light. A golden plaque with black rims on it rested above the gated door. In flowing Hylian script it read 'Welcome he who seeks the Queen of Fairy's. Those not fluent in the ways of magic shall never advance. Only a wise magic user will past the test of magic. Proceed now, should you seek magic's blessing'.

As soon as Tatl finished reading the message outloud the Great Fairy of Magic's voice told them, "Link, this is a test of your magical prowess. You may only use magical items, no magical boosts or restorative potions allowed. Also, should you take any damage you forfeit, good luck."

"Well that certainly narrows down my options doesn't it Tatl," Link said.

Deciding that this time she would really be as helpful as she could to Link, Tatl told him, "Don't worry Link, you're allowed to try this test as many times as you need, so you can make some mistakes."

Feeling much more secure about the test now Link said, "Thanks for that tip, I was almost worried there for a second."

Walking up to the sealed door Link heard a noise off to his right, a crinkling sound. Feeling along the solid looking wall his hand passed right through the stone as if it wasn't there, which it wasn't. "Aha, a secret passage."

As he was about to walk through blindly Tatl called out, "Wait Link, use your Lens Of Truth (LOT) on the wall first. I got a feeling..."

Doing as he was advised the hero took out his LOT and looked at the wall through it. Just as he suspected the wall was not really there, but what he didn't expect to see was a wall of flame just beyond where he was reaching. "Good call Tatl, I would have walked right into that fire."

Resisting the urge to say again how lost he would be without her Tatl just said, "Your welcome, thats what I'm here for."

Reminding himself to take things slower and investigate the situation more closely in the future Link put away the LOT and took out his bow. Charging up an arrow with the element of magical ice he aimed directly into where the fire was and let it fly. Hearing the satisfying sound of an extinguished flame he walked through the wall.

Next he found himself in a very small room with an underwater passageway at the edge of the far wall. Walking up to the hole he peered down but could see nothing in the murky water with his human eyes. "Can you see anything down there Tatl?," he asked as she dove under to check.

Coming back out of the water she told him, "It looks just like a straight way, use your Zora Mask and let's go."

She's being a bit too helpful here... I knew to transform. He thought to himself while mentally rolling his eyes. Taking out the Zora Mask he placed it over his face and pushed it on. With a scream his bones lengthened and slimmed becoming more narrow, his height shot up as he became Mikau-Link. Diving in the water he drifted to the bottom to stand so he could see clearly.

It was a very narrow passage, like a pipe. Halfway through it was a large collection of bony fish patroling around.

Tatl could tell what they were, with their sickly green bony bodies and eerie red eyes they could only be Skull Fish. "Link up ahead be careful there are -"

"Skull Fish, I know," Link said cutting her off. "These Zora eyes can see them just fine," he added.

"Well excuse me for being helpful!," Tatl said in an upset voice as she flew back and landed on his cap to pout.

Oh crap now I've upset her.. Thought Link in apprehension. "Uh, look Tatl... I didn't mean to sound like that..," he stumbled along, "It's just that... well, you did so good before helping me that... uh.. I mean, well.. I remembered everything you said. Very helpful."

"You mean it, you really listened to me?," she asked in a small voice.

"Of course, you give great advice," he said to her in hopes of placating her unpredictable mood swings. I'll let her have her way, she can give any help she wants. I shouldn't have ignored her like that, but she used to not care.. I keep forgetting she changed.

With a last sniffle she wiped her salty tears off with the back of her tiny hands. Springing foward with a new momentum she told Link, "I do, don't I? I guess I'll forgive you this time, just don't do it again. Now activate your elctric field right before hitting them and release it when you pass them."

Withholding comments to himself Link did just as suggested. Kicking off the bottom he floated for a moment before propelling foward like a torpedo. The Skull Fish saw him coming and in their mindless blood frenzy did not see the danger untill it was too late. Just as one was about to pierce Link's Zora skin with razor sharp teeth, Mikau-Link summoned forth his magic to surround him in a protective field of electricity, destroying the decrepit fish. Once he was clear of danger he let his magic defense die out as he climbed out of the water.

Our hero now found himself in a very small room with a small stone resting in the center. Above the stone is a black whole in the ceiling.

Link and Tatl carefully approached the stone, wareful of any traps. Encountering none, Link took off his Zora Mask returning to his Hylian boy form. Seeing nothing of interest on the stone he started feeling the walls for any secret panels.

Tatl was about to join him when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Flying down to the bottom of the stone she saw a single line of writing on the back of it. She called out to her companion, "Link over here! It says 'Magic mantains balance, nullify with inverse'."

Thinking the strange phrase through his head a few times Link couldn't understand it still. "I wonder what that means," he said out loud.

Perking up Tatl proclaimed, "I know it." Resting on top his cap she said, "It's a very rare dialect of Hylian. It means that to defeat magic hit it with the opposite. So fire a light arrow into that black hole!"

I guess she really does know things that will be usefull Link thought to himself. "Thats a good idea," he told her.

Taking out his bow once again Link notched an arrow to it and enchanted the arrow with the mystical powers of light. Taking aim he shot it right into the blackness, eliminating it. Then they heard mechanisms moving so he believed that the iron barred door at the entrance was now open. Quickly donning the Zora Mask again he leapt into the water, electrified the fish, and climbed out the other side. Seeing the door now open he ran through it just in case it was a timed lock. Safely on the other side he took off the mask and looked around.

He was in square shaped room of moderate size with ice covering all the walls floor and ceiling. Falling back on the tried and true feeling the walls method, Link was stumped when they all turned out to be solid.

"What do you think?," he asked Tatl.

"Trickier then usual," she said while thinking hard, "Try using your LOT on the walls." I'm sure im sensing something from over here she thought to herself while hovering near the right side of the wall. "Try looking in this area."

Seeing as how Tatl was on such a roll Link saw no reason to doubt her intuition. Looking through the LOT near the wall by her he could see just beyond the wall a hallway.

Tapping the ice a little harder he said, "It seems like there is a way to go on the otherside of this wall. A flame arrow should work."

Again he pulled out his trusty bow and notched an arrow to it. Focusing his magical energy onto the arrowhead he ignited it with magic fire. Shooting it into the icy covering he was rewarded with the soft [hiss] of thawing ice. With the way clear he put away his bow and walked through. The hallway turned out to be nothing more then a place where a switch was placed at the end. Walking mindful of traps he approached it. When nothing happened Link pressed the switch. [Rumble] As the room shook knocking him on to the floor, a loud rumbling could be heard from the room he just left, followed by the sound of water splashing.

Standing back up he ran to the start of the hallway from where he entered. Instead of seeing ice all over, now the floor had turned into water, deep water.

"Now we know what that rumbling sound was," Tatl observed for the both of them.

Looking into the water Link could not see much, although this water was much clearer then the earlier passage, and so rummaged through his stores to put on the Zora Mask once again. Diving into the water he sank to the bottom and starting looking around.

As he could see perfectly through the crystal clear ice water a few things began apparent. First, there was a wall eye underneath the hallway's edge. Secondly, there was another ice pillar blocking what was most likely the way to go. Lastly, he had seriously underestimated the freezing temerature of the water. As soon as that last thing was realized he quickly jumped out of the water on to dry land.

"Aaah i-it's s-s-so c-c-cold," the shivering Zora said as he bent down to huddle for warmth.

Tatl, being protected from such things as cold heat or water from her fairy magic, didn't say anything.

Not getting much warmer Link thought of a way to get wamer. I know, I'll use the Goron Mask. I never got very cold as a Goron.

As Link became Darmani-Link once more he stood up to move around a bit, but as he took a step he did not see a loose pebble in the way. Stepping on the small piece of stone he tripped backwards and in his lumbering form could not stop from falling all the way. He fell into the water flailing his arms the whole way down as he sunk like a boulder, and quickly lost consciousness.

When Link finally came to he was still in Goron form. Taking off the mask he looked around and saw he was back outside at the fairy fountain.

"What happened?," he asked Tatl.

"Oh, your awake now. Praise the goddesses," Link's fairy friend said in relief, "I was worried you were too hurt." Reigning in her caring tone she started ranting at him, "Link what the heck do you think you were doing? Turning into a Goron right next to a big deep abyss full of water, what were you thinking? You are just lucky the trials magic kicked in when you fell, bringing you back here since you failed."

Slowly taking that in Link shrugged semi-carelessly saying, "Then I won't do that again, thats not the first time something like this has happened. Remember when I fell off that high cliff by Darmani's grave as a Goron and nearly drowned before I could get the mask off?," he asked her making light of the situation.

Giggling despite herself Tatl said, "Heehee that was pretty funny, and you let out such a loud yell falling down." Of course I was terrified out of my mind for him at the time, but he doesn't need to know that.

"Well.. nothing to it but to try again it seems," said Link as he faced the portal once more. "My magic feels fully restored as well, must be so I can keep trying, let's go."

Link went back into the trial and redid everything just as he had just done except a bit faster this time. Soon he was back to where he messed up, standing next to the artic waters.

"Now let's see here... before I had to get out of the water I saw a target below where I am standing," said Link as he puzzled out his next course of action. I can't fire an arrow from under the water so I need a platform...got it.

Pulling out his bow he once more got an ice arrow ready to shoot. Aiming carefully in the center of the water Link fired the frozen projectile. As the magic of the ice came into contact with the surface, a small platform of frozen water began to form as the freezing water crystalized into hard ice. Quickly taking advantage of the temporary solid ground provided he leapt from the landing over the water and onto the ice cap. After nearly sliding right off the slippery ground he got a firm footing . Before the ice could melt he fired an arrow below and through the water straight into the target below.

As soon as the target was hit the water level began to rapidly lower like a drain was opened. Keeping braced on the ice Link stayed on it untill the water all drained away leaving an open cavern. Remembering the icy pillar that he spied from when he was below before, the this time dry hero took out his bow and fired a fire arrow into it, melting it and opening the way foward. Walking into the next room he entered a very large open area.

The room was so large it reminded Link of his days as an adult in the Shadow Temple back in Hyrule. As far as he could see there was only an empty darkness covering all. Carefully he crept up to the edge and looked down seeing only what would appear to be a bottomless pit. Not far away was a platform seemingly floating in mid air over the inky blackness.

"What do you think you should do now Link?" asked Tatl, looking around the percieved dead-end.

Walking to the floating platform he replied, "This is very similar to something I encountered once. If I stand on that area I'll bet the solution will present itself." Could be a warp area, or maybe a wind spot.

As Link stepped onto the hovering floor it began to move almost imediately. Being kept from being affected by the moving by some magic, Link stood at the ready as the platform picked up speed and went off into the dark. The platform was moving so fast that a steady wind was pushing his cap back flowing in the breeze, yet it made no sound nor could the vibrations of its movement could be felt.

"You still here with me Tatl?" asked Link as he raised his voice to be heard over the wind.

Holding onto the brim on the boy's hood Tatl answered back, "I'm here Link, a little wind's not gonna stop me." Though this is a bit more then just a little wind.. she thought to herself worriedly. Seeing a faint glow of color off in the distance she exclaimed, "Link, look out!"

As they were taken further Link too saw the glowing color. As they got closer still he could see it looking like a swirling orb of red fire. Recalling the advice of shooting the magic's opposite, he pulled out his bow and quickly took aim with an ice arrow.

"Good idea Link, I'm sensing that is a magic trap, it will shoot you if you get to close," yelled Tatl as she saw Link's outline flickering from the magical glow of the ice arrows.

Link pulled back on the bow's string and waited until he was just a little bit closer. Now close enough to hear the volatile magics churning within the orb he fired directly into it. On contact the orb dissapated as if it was never there, leaving them in a silent darkness again.

"I have a feeling there is going to be more of those," Link said as he kept his bow out and at the ready.

His caution proved merited when not long after another orb of magic was fast approaching, this time it was blue, so he got ready a fire arrow. Link repeated his earlier actions and shot the magic orb before it could start firing at him.

Breathing a little heavy, Link worried, "I hope there is not much more of these, my magical reserves are running out fast."

Tatl barely heard him over the wind since he was talking at a normal volume, not one when you want your voice to carry through sound obstructions. Thinking over his words she found herself silently agreeing with his crude assessment. By her magical senses his 'magic meter' was halfway empty already.

Link remained on the alert, ever ready to fire a magic arrow should a target present itself. It was because his senses were on hyper awareness that he noticed the growing feel of energy off to the right. When he looked out into the space he could not find anything there but there was a feeling in the air that told him to dodge. Trusting his feeling he tucked himself into a foward roll just to the edge of the platform. Not a second after he moved did a discharge of a black beam flash through the space he was just standing in.

Looking back towards where the blast came from he could still not see anything. Seeing another beam coming fast he armed himself with the Mirror Shield and stood his ground. As the ebony beam impacted against the reflective silvery surface of the Mirror Shield it pushed him back slightly, but was then deflected back to its place of origin. Standing with one foot precariously over the edge of the platform, Link let out a slight sigh of relief as he walked quickly to the center.

"That was close," he called out to his hovering aide. Closely watching the beam sail off back into the blackness Link observed a ripple in the dark as it hit something. "There's something out there for sure."

Tatl being witness to the same scene as her wingless associate suggested to Link, "Try using a Light Arrow."

Why didn't I think of that sooner? the battle hardy young lad thought to himself. Putting away his shield Link whipped out his bow and infused an arrow with holy light magic. As the magic Light Arrow filled the darkness with light he said, "Now that is more like it."

With the magic of the arrow illuminating everything he saw what resided within the darkness. Obsidian walls were on each side of the platform, giving the area a very long tunnel appearance. Swifly following the platform was another magical orb, only this one was black.

"So that's why I couldn't see anything," Link commented rather needlessly. Seeing the swirling magic within the orb flucuating he assumed it was about to shoot again so he shot the arrow at it.

As the projectile of light left his bow Link's determination filled face was covered up once more with the inky blackness. The arrow streaked through the darkened cave casting shadows on the walls. When the arrow hit its mark there was a brilliant flash of light and then the orb was gone.

Starting to feel the onset of exhaustion now Link congratulated himself with a victorous, "Got it!"

Tatl was about to join her friend in celebrating the successful defeat of that trap when she looked behind him and saw an energy blast of blue fire flaming towards his unsuspecting back. "Link, incoming, jump to the side!"

Doing as Tatl recommended Link held tightly to his bow as his leg muscles constricted in preparation for a powerful leap. Springing into the air to the side he neatly dodged the attack. As he landed his with his bow at the ready he spun around quickly bringing an arrow to bear. With the added blue light being given off from the orb he could see another black orb just next to it. Before he could charge the arrow with magic the orbs fired at him again. Link turned to the side and rolled foward dodging the volley of magic.

Not wasting anymore time he stood up and rapidly shot two arrows at the orbs, each a different magic type. The fire arrow collided with the blue sphere seconds before the light arrow eliminated the dark one.

"Now that, was close," said Link as he breathed deeply, and tried to get his beating heart back to a calm pace.

Tatl breathed a sigh of relief along with her friend, she wasn't sure he could keep up dodging like that on such a small area. "Look Link, up ahead there's light," exclaimed the relieved fairy as she saw an ending to this floating track.

The platform slide neatly against the edge of the landing firmly locking in place, with no way to discriminate it from the ground already there. Link put away his bow and walked through the door. The next room was very small compared to where he just came from. It was about the size of the room with the stone advice near the beginning. In the center was a switch, hanging just on the edge of the switch was 4 crystals, 1 on each side. At the end of the room is a sealed door.

"Looks like another puzzle," Tatl said to Link as she flew around his head a few times. She could sense something not quite right about those crystals. "Be careful, I don't think these are normal weights."

Silently agreeing with his guide, the boy cautiously crept up to the crystal nearest to the door. As he got closer to it, it began to vibrate slightly and blink colors from a peaceful pink to an angry red. Accompanying the change of color to a darker shade was soft whirring sound. Link took another few steps toward the crystal and the reactions in turn became more volatile and erratic.

It's acting like another trap, he thought to himself. Walking back toward the entrance he confirmed his suspicions when the further away he got the less it reacted until it was silent once more. "Hmm, well Tatl, what do you think?"

Since Tatl was watching closely for the reactions she had reached a similar conclusion. Suddenly an idea came to her to try a little experimenting herself. Saying to Link, "I got an idea... I'll fly as close as I can to it and see what happens." This kid's recklessness musta rubbed off on me.

Before he had time to object she flew off towards the crystal. It reacted to Tatl the same way it did for Link. As she got within sword length of the crystal, the build-up reached its crescendo and exploded. Luckily she was able to get away far enough so that she wasn't hurt by the violent magics and sharp crystal shards. Link was far enough away that nothing reached him.

"Tatl, are you okay?," Link yelled when he saw the crystal detonate so closely to his friend. Fearing for her safety he ran up to her to see if she was okay. She was never letting herself get into any dangerous situations before, always shadowing me as her meat shield. I wonder how much a fairy such as herself can withstand before being seriously hurt.. and do healing fairy's work on other fairy's?, Link thought to himself slightly distracted for a moment.

Tatl was disorientated for a few seconds after the boom of the explosion rocked her small frame. Finally regaining her bearings she saw Link in front of her asking if she was okay with a concerned expression on his face. Thankful for her glowing obscurity she answered back, "I'm fine Link. Thank you," she whispered with a small flush to her skin.

Now the two of them set to thinking of how to proceed with this strange puzzle. Apparently the crystals will explode if someone gets to close to them, and so it stands to reason that then some long distance way to be used to push one onto the switch. Link took out his bow and fired a regular arrow at one of the crystals as lightly as he could, but it wasn't light enough. The crystal blew up the moment the arrow touched it.

"You can't approach them, and you can't hit them hard..." Tatl was summarizing outloud. "This has been a test of your magical prowess Link, maybe you have something magical that might work, think."

Figuring it made sense he tried to think of what could work. I need to push it on the switch, but it can't be too hard or it will explode. What do I have that is gentle and uses magic? After a bit of thinking hard Link felt he hit upon the solution. "I got it," he told Tatl, "A deku bubble can travel far and hit gently." Why didn't I think of that before.

Lighting up considerably in enlightenment his compatriot said, "Of course, a magic deku bubble is a very weak attack. Good idea Link."

Deciding to do just that Link took out his Deku Scrub Mask and put it on. Now as a deku scrub once more he ran over to the other side of the room to get a good angle on the crystals. Lining up just right he poured some magic through his snout as he blew a bubble and released it to sail through the air impacting upon his target. It worked just as planned, and the crystal was moved on top of the switch. A single crystal was not enough to push down the switch so he repeated his actions on the last one. That last bit of weight was enough and the door opened up.

As they entered the next room the door behind them shut locking them in. The were brown with a rough rocky surface, the room looked like a cavern with torches on the walls. In front of Link he could see another switch, this one a larger kind only a Goron could pound. Far down a long travel way he could just make out the outline of a door.

"Well this looks fairly simple," observed Tatl.

Looking at the seemingly simple puzzle Link found himself in agreement with her hasty summation of the room. "It certainly does. Do you think it really is?" I hope it is, im almost out of magic. Some simple things to do would be great.

Taking her customary spot near him she said, "Only one way to see, let's go."

Link took off his Deku Mask reverting back to his young hylian self, and took off at a fast paced run towards the door after putting on the Bunny Hood again. After running for near half a minute he arrived at the door. Just as expected it was sealed shut with nothing else out of place around it.

Now walking back at a the pace of a leisurely stroll Link took off the Bunny Hood and pulled out the Goron Mask. He caught his breathe back from his rapid excersions during the calm walk. After a few minutes he was now back at the beginning of the long passage. He placed the Goron Mask on his face and transformed again into a strong Goron. Link ambled his bulky form on to the top of the switch and turned to face the doorway, knowing he would most likely only have a few precious seconds of time for the door to be opened. In that short time frame he would have to reach the door and open it before the timer on the dungeon's mechanism ran out and the lock falls back into place once more.

"Here goes," he announced to no one.

Darmani-Link curled himself tightly together, tucking his hands and legs within his body like a turtle using his back as a shell. He then performed a vertical jump lifting his heavy form off above the ground several feet flipping upside down. Allowing his sturdy rocky armor-like back to endure the impact he fell mightily upon the switch pushing it in, creating tiny cracks to form in the surrounding rocky floor. As the stubborn button was fully pushed in Link heard the door mechanism unsealing itself.

Knowing time is crucial, the Goron hero stayed in his crouch position and began to roll towards the door. After getting a straight path going he began to pick up speed, going faster and faster. Shortly his speed limit was reached, but knowing that this was a magic test he let loose some of his last bits of magic to reach his absolute fastest. As the magic spread through his spinning self, great spikes poked out of his body increasing the speed and deadlyness. Approximately six seconds later he abruptly stopped rolling and uncurled to stand up and open the door before it shut on him. Successfuly getting through he relaxed for a minute, then took of the Goron Mask and looked around.

"G'eh? What the heck?" Was Links startled response as he beheld the room he now was in. It was an exact replica of the Great Fairy's fountain. For a moment he was afraid something went wrong and he was sent back to the start. Everything was the same as above, the gargoylesque statues sitting on top of the pillars, the small amount of water in the basin, the triforce mark above the doorway- wait a minute...this triforce insignia is yellow, the Great Fairy of Magic had a black one over her doorway. Link thought to himself excitedly.

"What now, Link?" Tatl was still trying to find something to do next.

Pointing above the doorway Link said, "Look there Tatl, the trifore is a different color." Pulling out his trusty LOT he put it to his eyes and looked towads the yellow triforce, and sure enough an illusion was revealed. Placing his LOT back away he told Tatl, "There is a sun face there by the triforce symbol, it's invisible."

Following through with his declaration Link took out his bow and shot yet another light arrow, this time at the stationary target of a sun symbol hidden to the naked eye by magic. As the arrow hit the triforce symbol, actually the sun, a 'click' was heard signifying that Link was correct on his assumption.

"Congratulations Link, you have passed the Trial of Magic," said a melodious voice from within another mirror in the center of the pond, the same as he entered through. "Step through the portal to return and recieve your reward," finished the voice.

Link was very glad that he had finished the test, that last shot had drained his magical reserves down to thier last drop. He stood there for a minute basking in the relief that this task was complete. Perspiring heavily and breathing deeply, Link felt as if he had several rounds with an Iron Knuckle. Finally he walked through the portal, being warped back to the Great Fairy's fountain, with her already waiting for him.

The Great Fairy looked at the young Hylian in front of her and proudly told him, "Great job Link, you passed my trial, I knew you could do it." Raising her hands up she called forth a swirl of magic force that turned black. "Your reward is this, the Dark Arrows. They are the counterpart to the Light Arrows and shall serve you well in the times to come."

As the black swirl passed into Link his magical stores were fully replenished and he felt as good as new once more, further he could now call upon arrows of magical darkness.

"Seek the Great Fairy of Power whom resides within the swamps for your next trial, brave adventurer." The GF of Magic said as she vanished back into her waters.

Replies to Reviews

SnowSilver- Thank you very much for your reviewing. I tried my hand at some more, actually alot, of character interaction here and I hope it isn't too unbelievable. I hope you like my next chapter here, I followed the advice to make it longer, my longest ever.

Arthus- It is great that you liked my story. I only wish you had more to say. Please leave a review here, thank you.

Rika- I hope you enjoy this, and it is longer as asked.

Lunatic Pandora1- This is a taste of what Link's start to his quest is like. Longer chapter too. Thanks for reviewing.

Jedi SSJ- Hiya and thnx for reviewing my story. I am trying to update more often, but I do have several other stories I am working on simultaneously. I coulda had this chapter out days ago, but I wanted to finish the scene.

A/N- I need help coming up with ideas for the Trials of POWER, WISDOM, AND KINDNESS.
Please leave any thoughts or ideas you have for a good test, thank you.

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