Author's Note

The fact that Link can't talk in his current state stems from the differences in anatomy of Hylians and Dekus. Link doesn't know how to form words with his new mouth. Kind of like a baby.

~Mister Magus

I spun around to face the voice. A man stood there, with a crooked grin on his face. I recognized him. He ran the Happy Mask Shop in Castle Town. What was he doing here?

"Ho ho ho. Don't be upset, but I've been following you." Great, this guy's a stalker, too... "I saw what that imp did to you. I know a way to turn you back, but you'll need to get back that precious item that was stolen from you."

Tatl whispered to me, "I don't like him..."

"Little one, there is no need to distrust me." Tatl turned in shock, surprised that this man could hear her. "All I ask, is that in return, you retrieve the mask that the Skull Kid stole from me. That is fair, yes?" The man let out another laugh.

I nodded. I wasn't quite sure about this man, but I was going to get my ocarina back anyways, so why not grab that mask on the way? Tatl pouted at me.

"Good, good. But, being a salesman, I am a very busy man. I must be out of this land in seven days. Ho ho ho ho. You can do it, right?" The man bowed and smiled at me.

I nodded again and headed out the door.

"Sheesh! That guy gives me the creeps! Why would you say yes? I mean, I understand wanting to get back to how you were before, but I don't trust him!" Tatl snapped at me. "Anyways, SEVEN DAYS? That's only a week!"

I looked at her as if to say Get over it. We're going to get me turned back. Atleast, I think that's how I looked. Dekus don't exactly have a range of facial expressions...

I looked around me, taking in what I saw. Men rushed about, kids played in the street, and market stalls were all around. This must be the center of town. I plodded around, looking for nothing in particular. All the while the clock tower loomed high above everything else. It was about one, and I was starting to feel hungry.

I passed by food stands and tried to get the attention of the people running them. My inability to speak was starting to become detrimental... Eventually Tatl picked up on how I was feeling, and managed to buy me a big, tasty slice of pineapple. I can't exactly explain it, but eating was one of the strangest sensations. I put food into my mouth and something inside me crushed it. I was starting to get sick of this weird body.

I decided to return to the clock tower, and rest for a moment, while I thought over my dilemma. By the clock tower, there was a big orange Deku Flower. I was going over to it, when an akindo nut popped up at me.

"Hey, kid, this is my property! What are you doing here?" The business scrub wailed at me. "Come on! Speak, child!"

"You stupid old stump! Can't you see that he can't talk?" Tatl screamed back. "The poor thing is practically helpless!"

"What do you mean he can't speak?" The scrub softened his tone. "Is it something I can help with?"

"I don't know. He hasn't been able to talk for a while"

"Hmm... Maybe the Great Fairy can help him." the nut offered.

"I suppose it's worth a try." Tatl whispered to herself "I hadn't thought of that..."

"Glad to help. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my wife." And with that, the akindo nut sunk back into his flower.

Tatl guided me to another part of the town. This area was a park, with a slide, and some kids trying to pop a balloon. Tatl hovered over to a big, dome shaped building. "Just through here, umm... Hmm... I don't know your name, do I?"

I shook my head and followed her into the building. Inside was a magnificent fountain, with water that seemed to flow from nowhere at all. In the fountain, I could see a crumpled figure. I ran over to look at it.

Tatl cried "Oh no! The Great Fairy! What happened?" The crumpled form of the once beautiful creature looked up at her.

"It was... Skull Kid..." The Great Fairy gasped for air. "Who is your friend? I... sense something strange about him..."

"He was turned into a scrub by Skull Kid." Tatl quickly explained

"Oh... Let me help you then, child..." With the last of her strength, the Great Fairy summoned a bright green light that filled the room. "Now, while you still are not yourself... on the... outside... you can still feel yourself on the... inside..." She coughed up dark, golden blood, "I'm sorry I couldn't help more..." And then, she was still.