Disclaimer: Zelda owned by Nintendo. O-chan owned by me. Matt owned by Matt the masterofshadows

Chapter 7 – Marketplace Mayhem

"Link! Slow down!"

Damn, O-chan thought as she chased Link, this is just like being at primary school. The boys always have to run ahead and be the fastest whilst the girls have to lag behind.

O-chan had never been great at running. Exercise was not her thing. She spent a lot of time playing her video games instead. Well, when she thought about it, she was playing a video game now, only she was in it. So this running was all part of it. Nonetheless, Link could slow down just a bit.

"LINK!"

Ahead of her, she saw Link come to an abrupt halt. She hurried up behind him and stopped to catch her breath.

"Thank you."

She glanced up but Link wasn't really paying attention to her. Frowning, she turned her gaze in the direction Link was looking.

"Oh...Oh wow..."

Link nodded slowly.

"Oh Din," he agreed.

Before them lay the vast expanse that was Hyrule. In full scale 3D, it was absolutely breathtaking. The rolling green fields stretched as far as they could see on all sides, merging gradually into the surrounding landscape; the mountain, the desert; the lake and the forest. And just visible on the horizon was:

"The castle!" Link cried, "I can see it! Come on! Let's go!"

And he leapt off ahead again. O-chan sighed as she looked over the distance they had to travel. It was huge and if it had taken Link a 'day' in game terms then in reality it would surely be the same. This was not going to be fun...not. Well, she had better start because the sooner she did, the sooner it would be over.

She began to trudge after Link but she didn't really feel up to it, now she had considered the distance.

"O-chan!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!"

"You better move it or you'll get left behind," Iku commented, batting into her cheek. "Come on now, mush!"

O-chan swatted her away irritably.

"O-chan!"

"I said I was coming!" O-chan snapped, picking up her pace to catch up with Link.

He was some way ahead but had stopped again. And from the looks of it, he was talking to someone. As she drew closer, O-chan could see it was a man, with brown hair on his face and most of his head, a somewhat chubby belly and dressed in, what would have been to the Kokiri's, rather odd clothes. But O-chan didn't think so. She had seen them enough times to not even think about it.

"And you say you are going to the castle?" the man was saying as she reached them.

Link nodded.

"Well, it's a fair walk from here. It will take you all day."

Knew it, O-chan sighed mentally.

"But, I'm going there myself. Have some milk to deliver to the market. Would you care for a lift? We will get there in no time." His large face broke into a cheery grin.

Link's face brightened.

"Really? Aw wow, that'd be great!"

The man laughed.

"Good. Wait here, I'm just gonna fetch my cart from the ranch. Won't be long." And he walked off in the direction of a large circular stone wall.

Link clapped his hands together in delight and beamed at O-chan, who just smiled. Well, this would certainly speed things up.

-------

"So," the man said cheerily as the cart trundled along the makeshift dirt road, "why ya going to the castle?"

Link looked at O-chan to see if he could tell him but O-chan was too busy sitting eith her head between her knees. The bumpy cart ride was making her feel sick. Link hesitated for a moment and then said:

"We're delivering something to the princess."

"Ooh, the princess you say? Interesting. What exactly are you delivering?"

"A stone."

The man nodded then glanced at O-chan.

"Hey, is the lass all right?"

"I think she's ill. She isn't used to travelling this way."

O-chan groaned. Too right she wasn't used to this. She was used to cars and buses and trains, even aeroplanes. Not rickety carts moving along a stone ridden dirt path. She was seriously considering that the walk may have been better after all.

Link's face creased into a concerned expression and he laid a hand on O-chan's shoulder. She moved her head slightly to look at it then up at him. She smiled weakly. Link then moved closer and put his arm around her, letting her rest her head on his chest. Although a little surprised by this, O-chan didn't want to move. Her head was spinning slightly and she felt extremely nauseous. So she stayed there.

The man chuckled, his ruddy face breaking into a grin.

"Ah, don't worry lassy; we'll be there soon enough. See? There's the drawbridge up ahead. Not far at all."

She didn't look, her eyes were squeezed shut and she was trying to relax. But Link looked.

"Oh wow! It's huge!" he said in awe as the cart drew close to the giant grey wall.

Navi and Iku also appeared to be impressed as the cart rattled over the thick mahogany wood of the drawbridge and through the large archway.

The sounds of the hustling and bustling reached them immediately. Everywhere there were stalls selling their wears and people eager to bargain for them. The cart turned into a side alley and stopped.

"Here we are," the man smiled. "Off ya get."

Link jumped down and then helped O-chan to dismount. She wobbled slightly, still dizzy, and fell into him.

"Sorry," she groaned.

Link didn't seem to mind and put an around her to support her. Then he turned to the man.

"Thank you so much sir, we really appreciate your help."

"No problem lad. My pleasure. Good luck at the castle now. Oh, and whilst I think about it, take this. Might make her feel better," he smiled, looking in O-chan's direction.

Link took the bottle that the man held out to him and nodded. The man grinned and then shook the reigns of the horse.

"Okay, let's go!" and the cart began on its way again, disappearing into the bustling crowd.

Link watched it vanished and then looked at O-chan.

"You okay?"

She nodded meekly. "I will be. I just need to sit down for a minute."

Link carefully let her down onto a crate lying by the wall and she slumped back, staring at the sky. Iku came to rest on her shoulder.

"Here," the blonde kokiri said, holding out the bottle to her, "he said it'd make you feel better."

O-chan took the bottle and looked it over. It was made of clear glass and contained a white fluid. The label on the side of the bottle read "Lonlon Ranch Milk" and there was a picture of a cow underneath.

"Milk from Lonlon Ranch?" she said, uncorking it. "That means that was Talon." She smiled as she sipped it. I thought it was him.

The milk tasted slightly warm as it passed her lips and the taste was deliciously sweet. She quickly finished half the bottle and Link could see the colour returning to her cheeks. He grinned.

"I guess it works then?"

O-chan nodded and got to her feet.

"Yup. I feel fine!" she declared, before her stomach growled.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," Iku said, batting into O-chan's stomach.

O-chan went red and swatted at Iku. Link laughed but was cut short by his own stomach demanding for food. He, too, went red.

"I'll go find us some food," he said quickly. "Come on Navi."

He hurried into the crowd, leaving O-chan in the alley with Iku.

--

"Food....food," he muttered as he squeezed between the people.

His stomach growled again, causing those around him to stare. Link blushed, embarrassed and hurried on.

"I'm looking," he whispered. "I'll find some; just have some patience will you."

His stomach responded with a quiet grumble.

"Thank you."

Hmm...how was he going to find anything amongst these people? He couldn't see a thing. Looking about, he spied a row of stone boxes containing flowers running through the centre of the square. He scrambled up. Much better. He could now see over people's heads.

Raising a hand over his blue eyes he scanned the area, sniffing for any scent of food.

"Ah!" he exclaimed in delight.

He could see a stall, not too far off, laden with all sorts of delicious cuisine. Gleefully, he jumped down and navigated his way over, with some help from Navi.

He felt himself drooling as he gazed upon it. All of it was so appetising: the shiny red apples, fresh baked bread, cheese, milk, cakes. Every food imaginable. Without waiting another second the young kokiri began grabbing what he could, taking a bite here and there whilst stuffing the rest into his bag. Wait 'til O-chan saw the stash he had gathered. They were going to have a feast and she would be so happy.

He hummed as he gathered his supplies. The owner of the stall was watching him out of the corner of his eye as he served his customers.

Link finished his hoarding and turned to leave.

"Excuse me. How will you be paying for that?"

"Hmm?"

Link stopped and turned around. The stall owner and the surrounding customers were staring at him, eyebrows raised.

"Well?" the stall owner enquired.

Link gulped. He hadn't realised he would have to pay. After all, in the forest the food had been free. And he didn't have any money.

"Well, you see..." he began.

"He hasn't got any money!" someone yelled.

"Little thief!"

"Get him!"

"Link! I think we should run!" Navi jingled hysterically.

Link nodded and shot off into the crowd, the yells of the stall owner echoing behind him:

"Stop that boy!"

----

O-chan looked at her boots, wondering what was taking Link. Iku flitted about impatiently above her head, looking for signs of Navi. O-chan's stomach growled again, causing her to double over.

"So...hungry..." she moaned.

"Stop whining! Link will be back soon," Iku grumbled. She was feeling peckish herself. "Oh, where are they?" She flew a little higher. "Ah! I can see Navi. Link's just behind her. Wait...why are they running like that?"

"Huh?" O-chan clambered on top of the crate she was sitting on in order to get a better look.

"There's a whole crowd of people chasing them," Iku jingled frantically.

"Oh God, what has he done?" O-chan groaned, putting a hand to her head and jumping down.

"O-CHAAAAAAN!!" Link yelled, running clumsily towards her. "Heeellp!!"

"Stop him!"

"Thief!"

The cries were not too far behind him. The kokiri leapt behind O-chan and crouched down.

"Hide me."

O-chan told him to hide beneath the crate and stay quiet. Navi too. Then O-chan resumed her place on top just as the stall owner rounded the corner.

"You, girl, have you seen a young boy pass here? He dressed in funny clothes with blonde hair. Carrying a large bag of stolen food."

O-chan sighed inwardly. Idiot. But she didn't say it allowed. Instead she shook her head.

"No sir, no one has come down here...although, I thought I saw a boy go that way, towards the mask shop."

"You mean the one that has just opened?"

"Yes sir."

"Thank you," he nodded curtly and then ordered the rest to head in that direction. "We'll catch him!" he bellowed.

O-chan waved until she was sure they were out of sight and ear shot. Then she lifted the crate, frowning. Link grinned sheepishly up at her. She shook her head.

"Idiot. Why'd you have to do that?" she asked, sitting down beside him.

"I didn't know I had to pay."

"Of course you do. Nothing is ever for free."

"Then why didn't you tell me that?"

O-chan opened her mouth and then closed it. He had a point, she should have told him.

"You got some food then?"

Link grinned.

"Yup, loads. Feast your eyes on this!" and he opened the bag.

O-chan's stomach growled at the sight of the delicious grub before it and O-chan immediately grabbed some bread and ate it. Aah, that was so much better. She smiled.

----

As soon as they had eaten their fill the four of them took a short rest.

"So," Link said after a while, "what we gonna do now?"

O-chan frowned and looked at him.

"You're the one who kept going on at me about getting to the castle and finding the Princess. So that's what we're doing next."

"Oh."

Link looked a little nervous and O-chan followed his gaze towards the crowd in the market square.

"He's still worried about that stall owner," Navi explained. "He thinks that he will be caught if you go out there. And we don't know which way the castle is so it's more likely that it will happen."

O-chan nodded and stood up. Iku flew up with her.

"Okay, well me and Iku will go look for the quickest route then we'l come and find you. For now, stay here in the crate."

"Sounds good to me," Link said and clambered beneath the wooden box once more. Navi bobbed briefly for a moment before diving after him.

"Come of Iku," O-chan smiled and the two wandered off into the crowd.

Okay, she just needed to work out where she was exactly. Maybe if she knew where they had come in by. After all, the way to the castle was opposite the large archway. Yes, that sounded like a good plan. Problem was where was the large archway?

"What are we just standing around for?" Iku asked impatiently, bobbing to and fro in front of the girl's face.

O-chan scowled.

"I'm trying to find the way we came in."

"Why?"

"Because the way to the castle is opposite it."

"How do you know?"

"Because I do. Now shut up and follow me," O-chan snapped and marched off irritably in a random direction.

Iku hovered where she was. She flitted about, mimicking O-chan:

"Because I do. Now shut up and follow me. Hmph, why was I stuck with such an annoying girl?" she grumbled, starting to fly after O-chan's retreating figure.

However, she didn't get very far. Something large reached out and grabbed her, crushing her wings. Everything was dark for a moment and then, all clear again. Only...only there was an invisible field around her, trapping her. She looked around frantically, banging her tiny hands on the field. She could still see O-chan in the distance. She called out but the girl didn't seem to hear.

The man tucked the bottle away in his bag, smiling.

"That'll fetch a nice price that will," he said.

----

Link fidgeted in the dim glow of Navi's aura, uncomfortable. There were narrow slats in the crate so he could sort of see out. In front of him he could see only the opposite wall of the alley and the occasional person passing by. So far, no one had found him. Yet he still wished that O-chan would hurry up. He wasn't sure how much of this cramped position he could take.

"Stop wriggling," Navi whispered angrily, "you'll give us away."

"Sorry but it's kinda tight," Link hissed back. "It's okay for you, you-re –"

"Sssh!" Navi jingled suddenly. "I heard something."

Link's sensitive ears twitched at the sound of gruff voices. All of a sudden, a dark shape loomed in front of the crate, sending it into darkness. Outside, Link could hear panting and felt hot and musty breath on his face. The shape let out a series of barks and the crate was abruptly pulled off and tossed aside. Link looked up at the towering figures and gulped.

----

"Dammit, where is that stupid archway," O-chan grumbled, coming to another dead end.

She would say she was going around in circles but surely she would have come across the archway by now, or even the castle entrance. Why did the market place have to be so crowded?

"Iku, what do you think? Does this look familiar? Iku?"

She looked around. Surely the little ball had something to say, even if it was a snide remark about how useless she was.

"Iku?" O-chan said, a panicky tone to her voice. "Iku, where are you?"

Nothing. There was no sign of the familiar golden ball anywhere. She had vanished.

"Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh NO!" O-chan cried and plunged back into the crowd. "Iku! Where did you go! Come back, I didn't mean to be horrid! IKU!"

----

"Well, well, well," the stall owner remarked as Link was hauled to his feet and his bag snatched from him, "what do we have here? Looks like we found the little thief." He rested a hand on the dog's head, scratching his ear. "Good boy, you will have bone tonight."

The dog's tail wagged enthusiastically. The stall owner smirked.

"Now, what are we going to do with you?" he enquired to Link.

The kokiri shook his head.

"Please, I already said I can't pay you," he began.

"Hey boss, look at what this kid's got," one of the men said.

The stall owner looked around in amusement. What could a kid possibly have that would interest him? The man with the bag pulled something from within and the stall owner's eyes widened in amazement. The jewel in the man's hand was a brilliant green, rimmed with a fine gold edging. He had never seen such a beautiful stone.

Link saw it too and wrenched free of the grasp of the two men holding him.

"No! That's mine! You can't have that!"

He lunged forwards in attempt to grab it but the stall owner snatched it up out of reach. He held it up to the sun, grinning.

"I think this will suffice as payment, don't you?" he asked.

"NO!"

Link tackled the man down, scrabbling for Kokiri Emerald.

"You can't...have...the...Great...Deku...Tree's...EMERALD!" he growled, grabbing it and rolling off the stall owner. He slid beneath another man's legs and made a break for the crowd. Before anyone had a chance to grab him, or the gem, he was gone.

"Damn," the stall owner cursed.

----

O-chan sniffed and sat down on a flower box. She hadn't been able to find Iku anywhere. And she had no idea which way the castle was or even the alleyway where Link was hiding. She needed Iku's help. She was so alone. Before she realised it, she was crying.

Geez, I'm so pathetic, she thought, wiping the tears away. But this is hard. Very hard. I never imagined how trying this would be but then I never did expect to be pulled into Hyrule. I hadn't realised before how lonely Link must have been when he was journeying. I can understand that when you play the game the fairies can seem irritable and pointless but here, in actuality, they were really your only friends. And now, hers was gone.

"I can't believe the last thing I said to her was to shut up," she sobbed, covering her face with her hands. "I'm such an idiot."

"Excuse me, Miss, are you alright?" an unfamiliar voice asked.

O-chan looked up at its owner through parted fingers. She didn't recognise them, even from the game.

Something was held out to her. A handkerchief.

"Here, dry your eyes with this," the figure said.

She took it silently and slowly mopped the tears away. As she did so, she took the chance to take in the figure's appearance.

The figure was a boy, possibly a couple of years older than her current form. He was definitely taller than her with blond hair and green eyes. His clothes were black, comprising of a sleeveless vest and baggy trousers. A sword was strapped to his back.

O-chan finished drying her eyes and handed the handkerchief back.

"Better?" the boy asked.

She nodded.

"Yes, thank you."

The boy smiled and sat down beside her.

"So, what was wrong?"

O-chan looked away. She wasn't about to tell a complete stranger that. And she told him so. He laughed.

"Fair enough. But so I'm not so much of a stranger, my name is Matt." He held out his hand to her.

She paused and then took it.

"I'm O-chan," she said quietly.

"O-chan? An interesting name. Interesting clothes too. You're not from around here, are you O-chan?"

"No."

"Didn't think so. You sorta stand out amongst us Hylians."

O-chan frowned and looked down at herself. She didn't look that odd. Wait until he saw Link. Then she looked back up at him.

"You live around here?"

"Yup. All my life. I know every square inch of this place," Matt said, somewhat boastfully.

"Then you know the way to the castle?"

"The castle you say? Of course I know the way."

"Then could you show me?"

Matt tilted his head slightly, as if studying her. Then he stood up.

"Sure. I wouldn't normally do it but you're quite cute so I will." He pulled O-chan to her feet. "Come on, it's this way."

----

Link didn't stop running until he was sure that no one was or could follow him. Then he slumped down, gasping for breath and clutching the Kokiri emerald close to his chest. Navi sank down on to his shoulder, her wings drooping, exhausted.

It seemed that evening was drawing in. The sky above was turning the clouds a bright pink and the crowd in the market seemed to have thinned somewhat.

Tucking the emerald away in his bag, Link looked around him and realised he was at the entrance to the market place. He could see the archway they had come in by only a few feet behind him.

He wondered where O-chan was.

"Excuse me?"

Link nearly jumped out of his skin and drew his sword, pointing it at the owner of the voice.

"Whoa, whoa, WHOA!" the girl cried, holding up her hands. "Geez, don't freak out on me like that."

Link lowered the sword and grinned sheepishly at the frowning face of the girl.

"Sorry."

He sheathed the sword. The girl's hands fluttered in front of her face.

"Ooh, that gave me such a fright," she said, flustered. "Do ya do that to everyone who tries to ask ya help?"

"Only if they sneak up on me," Link replied, a little irritated.

"I didn't sneak up on you."

"You did. Anyway, who are you and why were you asking me for help?"

The girl pushed some of her reddish hair from her face and placed her hands on her hips.

"My name is Malon and I was wondering if ya had seen my father. He was due back home an hour ago but hasn't shown up."

Link stared at her blankly. She tutted.

"He's about double my height, a little chubby, brown hair and beard. Seen 'im?"

Link pondered.

"Does he deliver milk?" Navi enquired.

Malon looked up at the little glowing ball of blue light.

"Ooh, is that a fairy?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Ooh, she's so pretty. Does this mean you're from the forest?"

Link nodded. Malon clapped her hands together in delight.

"Oh, so you're a fairy boy! Well, it's nice to meet you Fairy Boy."

"Weren't you asking about your father?" Link asked.

"Yes, yes I was. And in answer to your question Miss fairy, he does deliver milk. He was taking some to the castle."

"Then we have seen him. He gave us a lift this morning."

Malon frowned.

"So he did arrive, he just hasn't come back. Urg! I bet he's fallen asleep. Wait until I get a hold of him. I'm gonna punish him so bad."

Link took a couple of steps back from the girl. She was scary.

"Well, me and my friend are heading to the castle anyway. We can keep an eye out for him if you like," he said.

"Really? You'd do that?" Malon's face brightened and she flung her arms around him. "Oh that'd be wonderful. Here, I must give you a gift."

She rummaged around in her long dress, searching for something.

"Aha! Here we are." She held it out to him.

Link stared. It was an egg. Malon placed it in his hands.

"Keep it warm and it'll hatch."

"Oh...great. Thank you," Link said, putting it in his bag.

Why the heck do I want an egg? He thought. But he didn't say anything because Malon was smiling so broadly.

"Remember to tell him if you see him. Tell him Malon isn't very happy," she winked and then left the market.

Link watched her go.

"Strange girl," he muttered. "Come on Navi, let's find O-chan."

----

O-chan was standing at the edge of the market square, the road to the castle just ahead. She had stopped. Matt didn't realise and carried on talking to an invisible person for a couple more feet. Then he paused and turned around.

"Why'd you stop? The castle's just up ahead."

"I know, I'm just thinking about someone," O-chan replied.

"Who?"

"My friend, Link."

"Link?" Matt said the name with a tinge of dislike in voice that O-chan didn't notice. "Why?"

"Because we're supposed to go to the castle together."

"Well, where is he then?" Matt enquired, walking back to her and standing with his hands behind his head.

"He's somewhere in the marketplace, hiding."

Matt scoffed.

"Sounds brave. Hiding from what?"

O-chan frowned slightly.

"He is brave. He just got into some trouble with one of the stall owners."

"Ah, so he was the one that stole the food?"

"How did you know?"

"News like that travels fast in the market," Matt grinned.

"Well, I can't go to the castle without him. I think I should go back and get him."

Matt nodded and looked around.

"Hey, what does this Link guy look like?"

"Blonde hair, green clothes, my height, stupid hat," O-chan said in an offhand tone.

"Is that him?"

O-chan looked where Matt indicated and sure enough, there was Link, running towards her and waving.

"Link!" she cried, running to him and throwing her arms around him in a hug. "I was just coming to find you. Are you okay? Why are you here?"

Link, whose face had gone slightly pink from O-chan's sudden embrace, explained about how he had been found and had had to run for it.

"Oh Link, at least you're okay," O-chan smiled.

Link blushed and had to look away.

"Yeah...so...erm...did you find the way to the castle?"

"Yes, it's just along that road."

"Oh good." He pulled himself free of O-chan's grip, hiding his face still. "Well, we'd better get a move on." And he started off in the direction she had indicated.

Navi hung back.

"Hey, O-chan, where's Iku?"

O-chan jumped at the question and then looked down at her boots. Link turned to stare at her. O-chan felt she might cry again.

"I–I–I I don't know. I lost her."

"What?! You lost Iku?" Link exclaimed. "How? When?"

"When I was looking for the castle. I guess we got separated in the crowd. We had another argument and before I realised it she was gone. I looked everywhere but I can't find her." Her voice was quite shaky by this time. "Oh God I wish I knew where she was."

"Hey O-chan, who is this "Iku" you are talking about?"

The three of them looked up at Matt, who looked somewhat puzzled. Link scowled and moved closer to O-chan.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

Matt raised an eyebrow and folded his arms.

"Name's Matt and I've been the one helping O-chan find the castle," he said, a little smugly.

"Really?"

"Yes. Now," he turned to O-chan, "is this "Iku" the reason you were crying earlier?"

O-chan nodded.

"And who is she exactly?"

"My fairy friend. She a little golden ball with wings but I lost her in the market place."

"Hmm...would this be her?" Matt asked, pulling something out from under his vest.

O-chan stared in surprise and joy as he showed her the glass bottle with a floating golden glow inside. He uncorked it and the fairy flew out.

"About time! Do you know how stuffy it is in there?" Iku snapped.

"IKU!" O-chan cried, snatching the fairy from the air and hugging her close. "It's really you."

"Hey, hey, watch the wings there," Iku said, in a tone that she had wanted to sound irritable but had come out a little soft.

"Oh Matt, thank you so much," O-chan smiled. "Wherever did you find her?"

"Some guy was selling her off at one of the stalls. She looked rather distressed so I bought her. Had no idea she belonged to anyone though."

"You bought her? Oh, then I have to pay you back...though I don't have any rupees at the moment. But as soon as I get some I swear I'll give them to you. How much do I owe you?"

Matt stared down at her and his face broke into a grin.

"You owe me nothing. Seeing you happy is good enough for me."

He turned.

"B-But –" O-chan began.

"Come on, let's get you into that castle shall we," he said and head off towards the dark silhouette rising up against the evening sky.

O-chan didn't move for a second but then Link touched her arm.

"Let's go. We've got a Princess to see."

"Yeah, you're right," O-chan smiled. "Let's go."

-------------------------------

Lady-obsessed: Aww guys, I'm so sorry. I left this for a...g...e...s didn't I? Well, I was on holiday the last couple of weeks of summer and now I'm back at school I have a tonne of work to do. Plus this ended up being and extremely long chapter. Hope it wasn't too boring for you.

Anyway, I'm going to try and update as often as possible but as I have two fictions on the go, they'll be being updated at the same time so it may take a while as I will be writing two chapters for each update.

Oh and Matt, I got your character in. Hope I portrayed him okay :D

Until the next chapter then.