The Legend of Zelda: The Missing Link

Chapter 17: Kakariko

Kakariko Village was a warm and dry town, with a few run-down buildings such as a branch of Malo Mart and an inn. There weren't many people lingering outside except for a few Gorons, their big, imposing rock bodies helping to scare off anything that could threaten the village.

Zelda sauntered forward, taking in her surroundings; Midna fell back and into Zelda's shadow.

Oh, there's Malo Mart, she thought as she picked up her pace, heading for the shop. She took a hold of the doorknob, turned it, and pushed.

The inside of this Malo Mart was a stark contrast to the Castle Town branch. The inside was soft, small, and quiet, with only a young boy about four years of age sitting behind the counter with three items for sale, including a Hylian Shield.

"Oh, hello." The boy said.

"Good evening," Zelda responded. "Is there somebody working here that can assist me?"

The boy scoffed, his expression unchanging. "I'm the owner of this establishment. I'm Malo."

Zelda was caught off guard. She scrutinized his face, and indeed, it matched the pictures of the young boy that served as the logo for the store. "I am very sorry, young sir," She said, bowing slightly to show respect. "I would like Hylian Shield, please."

"I guess so." He said, reaching behind him and picking up the shield. "200 rupees."

Zelda reached into the pouch she kept tied around her waist, underneath her cloak, and pulled out a silver rupee. The two traded the items they held and Zelda slipped the shield into her hammerspace pouch. "Thank you very much," she said as she turned to leave. Malo muttered something reminiscent of a "goodbye."

"But we need your shops here, we need you for our economy!" A male voice called out as Zelda stepped outside. She turned towards the voice, curious.

"Renado, are Goron families are in danger. I'm sorry, but we just have to return home." A low, gravelly voice said in reply. Zelda looked to her left and saw a tall man with robes and dreadlocks talking to a Goron, about 30 feet away.

She approached the men. "I am sorry to interrupt. I am Zelda, Queen of Hyrule. Is there a problem here?"

"Oh, queen," Renado said, "what are you doing in our humble village?"

"I do not mean to worry you, but I fear our beautiful country of Hyrule is currently in peril, as well as the hero of legends." She spoke, her voice strong and confident, fitting for a ruler.

Renado gasped. "Link? There's no way. Link is the strongest, most courageous man I have ever met."

Zelda bowed her head slightly. "I must agree. However, even the mightiest structures can still crumble. I have taken on the responsibility of rescuing the hero and our land, and I am here to aquire a shield, and possibly anything I may need in my endeavor." He voice rang out with courage and assurance.

"Well, queen, you came at bad time." The Goron said in an almost curt way. "Death Mountain, our home, has been erupting recently."

"All of Goron City is being reduced to shambles." Renado added.

Zelda opened her mouth to speak, but it seemed as if the Goron could read her mind.

"We don't need help from you people." He crossed his arms to cement his statement, then turned back to Renado. "With that, we will be on our way."

Renado sighed as the Goron retreated back to his village.

"I am sorry for that, queen." Renado spoke. "Don't take it personally; the Gorons are a very proud group that will never accept help from outsiders. That is, unless, you can prove yourself stronger than them. They value strength above all else."

"Renado!" A young man carrying a book came barreling towards the shaman. "Renado!" He gasped again as he approached. He came to a quick stop, almost tripping over his own feet in the process, and leaned over, putting his free hand on his knee and trying to catch his breath.

"Shad? What is the matter?" Renado asked worriedly.

After a few seconds of gasping, Shad straightened himself. "Renado! Death Mountain's eruptions are worsening and lava is heading towards the village!"

"What? Shad, are you sure?"

Shad nodded, still somewhat out of breath.

"We don't have any protective measures in place..." Renado said concernedly. "Shad, come with me. I am sorry, Zelda, but I must go. Please, enjoy your stay here." He gave a weak smile before dashing off with Shad towards a tall, circular building.

Midna slipped out of Zelda's shadow. "Sheesh, who thought it was a good idea to build a village at the bottom of an active volcano?"

"Midna!" Zelda chided her. "We must to do something to help this village. We cannot let it fall to a terrible fate!"

Midna sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But what are we supposed to do? You heard the shaman. The Gorons don't accept help unless you can prove you're stronger than them. How the hell are you supposed to do that?"

Zelda pondered this. "I do not know. But I cannot let something bad happen to this town. We have to do something!"

"Hmm," Midna shifted her weight. "I think I got an idea."