Link chuckled as the wet nose of the young foal tickled his cheek. "Now, now..." he said. "That tickles..."
"I don't believe it," Malon gushed happily. "Epona finally warmed up to another person than just me..."
"Might have to do something with that song you taught him," Navi giggled as she sat on one of the fence's poles.
It was the next morning. Malon and her father had agreed to let them stay for the night.
It was a peaceful morning. While Ryoga was sitting among some Cuccos (the chickens were awfully friendly around him), Akane and Ukyo were taking a small stroll around the pasture.
"Sooo..." Akane said. "Umm... what's your relation to Link?"
"Well, were really close friends..." Ukyo started.
"Oh reeeaaally?" Akane snickered. "I see, I see..."
"N-not like that," Ukyo blushed fiercely. "We're really just friends... but we're as close as brother and sister, you could say... Both of us were outsiders in the Kokiri village. Also, I believe there's this other girl Link likes..."
"You mean Malon?"
Ukyo shook her head. "No, no. I mean a Kokiri girl that's also a good friend of mine. Her name is Saria, and she could be easily considered the most mature of us all."
"Mature?" Akane asked. "But I thought Kokiri didn't age...?"
"That's true, but that doesn't mean they can't age mentally and emotionally... In a sense, I consider Saria my 'big sister'. But her relationship with Link, now that's a different story..."
"I see..." the Sheikah girl nodded and sighed. "I guess I can sympathize... I also believe there's someone I like..."
Ukyo smiled reassuringly at her. "Hey, just don't give up hope, and your dreams will come true... that's what Saria always tells me."
"Thanks, Ukyo," Akane smiled. "You know, your friend Saria seems to be quite wise for a Kokiri..."
"Yo, Ukyo! Akane! We're leaving!" Link yelled from the ranch's main gate.
"I guess we should go," Ukyo smirked. "We don't want to keep the boys waiting..."
Akane giggled.
----
"So, where to now?" Link asked as they all left the ranch.
"I think we should split up," Ukyo suggested. "That way we can save some time and get both Spiritual Stones at once... we can also make sure that Ganondorf doesn't get his hands on any of them."
"Good idea," Tatl nodded. "But may I suggest that each group should consist of one Kokiri and someone else? I mean, Ukyo and Link are the princess' messengers, after all..."
"That might actually be the best," Akane agreed. "Okay... while Ryoga may not have the best sense of direction - no offense, Ryoga - he has many friends in Goron City, so perhaps he should be the one to accompany one of you two to Death Mountain..."
"Okay, then I'll go with him," Ukyo decided. "I've always wanted to see the mountains..."
Akane nodded. "Okay... my mother told me that the Zoras - the aquatic race of Hyrule - have the Spiritual Stone of Water, so I guess Link and I have to go to Zora's Domain."
"Sounds good to me," Link grinned.
"W-wait a minute..." Ryoga protested. "C-can't I go with Akane?"
"Think about it, Ryoga," Akane said. "We're going to the Zora Domain... a kingdom of water. Do you really believe that would be the best place for a Goron like you? Besides, Tatl is right... as Zelda's messengers, Ukyo and Link should be accompanied by each of us."
Link patted his new friend on the shoulder. "Don't worry..." he grinned. "I'll watch out for her."
Ryoga thought about what Nabiki had told him and hesitated. "I dunno..."
Link noticed the Goron's worries and looked at him firmly. "Hey look, I promise: Nothing will ever happen to her, I swear... or else the Deku Babas shall get me!"
Although he still was uneasy about this, Ryoga realized how serious Link was about his vow and nodded. Hopefully, the princess was right with putting that much trust into those forest children...
----
BOOM!
"Man, this is boring..." Happosai yawned as he blew up the 14th Dodongo. "I already explored the entire cave, and I found no other exit... and I STILL can't lift that cursed boulder in front of the exit. Dang, I don't wanna blow up those stupid lizards all the time..."
With teary eyes, he looked at the remains of his beautiful collection. "But did those Fire Keese have to burn my darlings all up? Now I need some new underwear... but how am I supposed to find some if I'm stuck in here? WHAAAAAAAAH! Life is so unfair..."
He sniffed. "Curse you, you stupid Dodongos... couldn't you at least have attractive females? And you're all so pathetically weak... I need a good opponent to unwind a little bit."
That's when suddenly, the ground collapsed under the feet of the ancient martial arts pervert, and he plunged down into a deep cave...
Landing next to a scorching hot pool of lava, Happosai carefully looked around the circular cave. "Now where am I?"
Without any warning, heavy footsteps coming from behind him made the ground shake.
Happosai turned around... and came face to face with the biggest, ugliest and scariest Dodongo he had seen.
Well, actually, his face was much closer to the ground than that of the massive dinosaur, but you get my point...
King Dodongo let out a deafening bellow as he stared down at the tiny human that had dared to come into his lair.
Happosai smirked. "Now, now... This should be interesting."
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(Posted Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:50)
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