The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time - Part Two: The Quest

Chapter Six: The Puruit of happiness

          “What do you mean I can’t go through here?!” Link asked the guard, half shouting in frustration. The guard was just as annoyed with him, he could tell, and while he did not shout in return, he did give him an attitude. Hence, part of his frustration.

          It had only taken about an hour to reach Kakariko Village, but the sun was particularly strong, and there had been little shade to hide from its reach, which left his exposed skin to begin turning red, and his mood fouled.

          The village brightened his mood somewhat. True to Impa’s words, the village was set at the base of Death Mountain, and looked more to be set in a small valley. The most prominent building, and by far the tallest, was a structure with four spinning arms attached to the front of it at the far end of the village. He had no idea what it was, but it was magnificent nevertheless. The rest of the village, as far as he could tell, was composed of houses. In front of the large building was a well. He wasn’t sure why, but just looking at it made him shiver ever so slightly. Ignoring it, he continued to examine the rest of the village as he walked into it.

          He had veered to the north, pursuing his venture to reach the mountain. After ascending three flights of stairs, he had encountered the gate now barring his way, and the lone guard that annoyed him to no end.

          “I mean, kid, that you, can’t, go, past, here. Or did you not read the sign over there? Oh wait, a kid your age…can you even read?”

          “Yes, I can,” He forced out through his teeth.

          “Then I thought it was obvious, no one goes up here. No one includes you.”

          “But I need to get past here! I need to see the Gorons!”

          “The Gorons?” The guard replied, more than a little surprised. “What would a kid like you have business with them for?”

          “That…that’s a secret,” He answered, not wanting to tell him. Who would believe that Hyrule was in danger and he was going to save it?

          The guard recovered quickly, snorting at the reply. “A secret, huh? More like a lie, I’ll wager. Scram home kid, I don’t want to have to get you in trouble.”

          Link swore under his breath. He heard Navi under his hat whisper, telling him to calm down. He took a breath to steady himself; she was right, after all, anger would get him nowhere.

          “Look, is there anything I can do at all? Anything? I really need to see the Gorons,” he finished, letting a pleading note enter his voice. The guard’s face softened a little, staring at him more carefully than before.

          “You know… it may sound strange, but you really do remind me of my boy back home. About your age, and just as stubborn too.” He looked at him a moment longer, than sighed. “OK, I’ll let you pass, but before I do that,” he added quickly, stopping Link from speaking,” I have a favor to ask. You know the new shop that opened up in Castle Town? Happy Mask Shoppe or some silly such. I have no care for it, but ever since it opened my son has been pestering me for a popular mask. Some kee….uhh, kee…something. Some character that’s popular among the kids, I guess.” He shrugged. “I would get it myself, but I’m stuck as a guard here. If you could get that mask for me, I’ll let you pass. Deal?”

          “Back in Castle Town?” He asked, more to himself than the guard. He felt his spirits drop. He had the time, that was true, but he was not looking forward to walking with the sun again. Twice.