Link and the Milk Bar Mystery: A Short Story (G)
I actually wrote this piece for another site, but figured I'd share it here as well. It was my first attempt at keeping to a restriction: 3000 words (it has 2993). It was tough, and there was a lot more I wanted to do with it, but rules are rules, I guess.
It definately is a departure from my usual style, as it is rather lighthearted. Let me know what you think. 
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The sun was lazily setting over the western horizon of Kokiri Forest, fleeting rays of light cascading through the swaying browns and yellows of autumn. A cool breeze gently whispered around Link’s tree-house, wrapping it in the scent of dried leaves and crisp, clean air.
Link was there, at home, sitting on a tree stump with his feet upon a rotund log, his hands comfortably gripped behind his head. His gaze was aimless, directed out the window to his left, his thoughts wandering. He had a long straw of wheat sticking out the side of his mouth, his tongue idly making the golden husk at the end bounce and dance.
It had been a long day with little or no business coming in or out of the forest. Weeks had passed since he had received a decent contract, the last one being to find some lady’s cat. Link felt the work was below him, as he was an adventurer for hire, but he needed the rupees.
In times of peace, finding work was tough.
As he was sitting there, reliving past quests in his mind, the sound of hard shoes could be heard coming up the ramp to his house. They weren’t Kokiri, as all forest people wore soft leathers, but instead had the distinct sound of a wooden sole. There was something else following the steps, a faint sludgy noise. He closed his eyes, letting out a brief sigh.
This person had never been to the forest before.
Link kept his attention to his window as the tapping neared the draped entry. The footsteps fell silent for a moment, as if they were hesitant to pass through.
"Link?" A youthful female voice called through the thick fabric. "Are you at home?"
"Yeah, I’m here." Link kept his voice low, sounding annoyed as if he were busy.
There was a long pause, as if the other was waiting for Link to say something. "May I come in?"
"Be my guest." Link put on his rugged exterior. "But be sure to wipe the mud off those heels. I don’t want spotty tracks all over the inside of my tree too."
There was another pause, followed by the sound of shoes being kicked off to the side.
"How about now?" The voice asked. "Am I proper?"
Link surrendered his comfortable perch, turning to face the door. "Proper enough, my Lady."
Delicately pushing the curtain aside, a young woman revealed herself. Standing under the arch, her posture was stiff and regal, her attire clean-pressed and ornate. A complexion fit for a Queen, Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, stood before Link, one hand holding the curtain open.
"How did you know it was me?" She asked, always curious about her old friend’s ability to sniff out anything.
"Easy." Link answered, a smug look on his face. "You step was constant and light, each paced equally with the other, which speaks royal. Your shoes click as you walk, which means heels; also a sign of royalty. And as for how I knew it was you..." Link leaned forward, resting his elbows on the log and putting his chin on his interlocked fingers. "Just a guess."
"And the mud? Was that just a guess too?"
Link smiled. "No one who comes to the forest leaves with clean shoes. Laws of nature, Princess."
"Well, it is a good thing you are adept at guessing." Zelda moved completely into the room, letting the curtain fall and sway. "Link, I need your help."
"Again?" Link replied sarcastically.
"May I have a seat?" Zelda motioned to the other tree stump that was across from his. "Please?"
"Sure, go ahead." Link leaned backwards again, taking the wheat out of his mouth and twirling it in his fingers. "So, Princess, what can I do for you?"
Zelda brushed away some dirt from the log before she gracefully sat down. "Something has been stolen from me."
"Stolen?" Link was intrigued. "Who can steal something from a Princess?"
"Apparently anyone. It was a package that was being sent by messenger to...a friend."
"And what was in the package?" Link arched an eyebrow.
"Something...special." Zelda answered dubiously. "It is not important. All that matters is that we get it back."
"Fair enough." Link didn’t want to prod. "Where was this...package going?"
"To Clock Town, in Termina."
"Clock Town?" Link’s sat up, his attention grabbed. "Where in Clock Town?"
"Latte, the Milk Bar. You know, the one owned by Mister Barten?"
"Latte, huh?" Link stood up and walked over to the window. "It’s been ages since I’ve been there."
"Fond memories, no doubt." Zelda had only been to Termina once before, but the trip didn’t end pleasantly. "I would go with you, but I have pressing matters here to attend to."
"Like?" Link probed.
"Royal business." Zelda quickly answered. "So, how soon before can you leave?"
"Well, I can’t just uproot and run off to Termina on such short notice." Link exaggerated. "I have many responsibilities here in the forest that need to be taken care of..."
"How does a gold rupee sound?"
Link smiled. "I’ll get my gear."
Link got Epona, his rust-colored horse, saddled up and ready to go within fifteen minutes. Swinging over her sturdy back, sword and shield strapped to his, Link casually rode over to the tunnel that lead out of the wood, the Princess standing there, waiting.
"Ready to go, Link?" She asked, her hands clutching a small pouch.
"Almost..." Link alluded to the purse.
Zelda handing it over, Link quickly opened it and let the contents dump out onto his palm.
It was a single purple jewel.
Link looked at the Princess plainly. The gold one he was promised was worth two-hundred rupees, while this purple one was only a mere fifty. A decent amount, but nowhere near his expectations.
"Payment upon delivery." Zelda said. "That one is to compensate you for your journey. In addition, the gold one will be given to you once the package has been found."
Link shook his head, but tucked the purple rupee into his belt indiscriminately. Giving the Princess a subtle nod and Epona a gentle kick, he rode out.
Link traveled for three days, winding through the seemingly endless breadth of the misty western forests, his mind trying to retrace the path he took when he wound up in Termina before. It was an impassable labyrinth of trees, rivers, and rock, but Link’s nose hadn’t failed him on a contract yet.
Just then, while Link was thinking about how much farther he had to go, a loud, painful yelp echoed through the hallow wood. Turning to the sound, his left hand reaching for his sheathed blade, he could see something yellow in the foggy distance, flailing about like a fish out of water. Surrounding it were dark heads attached to vines, snapping viciously.
Spurring Epona on, Link rushed towards the creature, drawing the Kokiri Sword out as he neared.
Reaching the open grove, Link spied a yellow three-tailed fox, fighting bravely against five ferocious Deku Babas. Link recognized the fox from his travels to Termina before.
It was Keaton.
Routing Epona to circle the Deku Babas, Link skillfully hacked all the evil plants down.
"You okay, Keaton?" Link jumped off Epona, looking around for more enemies.
"Yes, I am fine, Link." The fox’s voice was clean and comely. "Thank you, for rescuing me. I was just passing through when I landed in this nest of Deku Babas; filthy creatures!"
"Yeah, they can be a real handful." Link sheathed his sword. "What are you doing all the way out here?"
"...looking for something."
Link folded his arms. "Like what?"
"I’m on an errand for Princess Zelda." Keaton dodged the question, sitting down on his haunches. "I would be home by now if it were not for these things!"
"An errand?" Link mulled over the thought. "You’re the carrier of the missing package, aren’t you?"
"Ah, so you know then?" Keaton’s head lowered slightly. "Yes, it was I that lost it."
"Lost?" Link took hold of Epona, brushing her neck to calm her down. "I thought it was stolen?"
"...maybe stolen and lost." Keaton looked about the grove. "I was taking a rest around here about five nights ago. I fell asleep, the package at my side, but when I awoke it was gone. No trace to be seen."
"And so you’re out here looking for it?" Link gazed around. "What makes you think it’s still here?"
"Just a faint hope, young Link." Keaton scratched an itch behind his ear. "I would not know where else it could have gone. No one could have known I was here, as my mission was secret. I suppose it could have been taken, but, more likely, I must have dropped it somewhere."
Link released Epona to let her graze a little. "Keaton, Zelda has sent me to Termina to find this package. More specifically, she wants me to go to the Milk Bar in Castle Town."
"The Milk Bar?" Keaton looked confused. "Why would she...." He trailed off, his mind lost in thought. "Perhaps she knows more than I."
"Perhaps."
"Well, I should be going." Keaton stood up, his three tails waiving. "I wish you best of luck in your search, Link. I pray you will fare better than I."
"You too, Keaton. Stay out of trouble...and Deku Babas."
"I will!" Keaton said as he dashed off into the wood, his direction that of Hyrule.
"Zelda...." Link mumbled softly as the fox disappeared. "What are you up to?"
Link hopped back on Epona and resumed his trek through the wood. As he went, the surrounding environment began to look more and more familiar until he finally came upon it. He was closer than he thought he was.
The cavern that lead him to Termina once before was right in front of him, it’s dark portal covered in vines and leaves. Save a small gap where Keaton must have passed through, the vines were solid, as if the egress had not been crossed in months.
Link left Epona alone in the field, telling her to watch over herself. She was a prize animal, one that shady travelers would no doubt wish to own, but Link knew that her renowned stubbornness would scare off anyone who tried to take her.
Hacking the vines away with his sword, Link confidently passed through and found his way in the dark until he reached a gaping crevice: the passage to Termina. Turning around, his back to the abyss, he took a deep breath and gently swayed back on his heels, letting gravity take him down.
Plummeting for what seemed forever, the passing air coursing around his shield like rock splitting water, Link pulled his eyes closed to feel the rush. Then, suddenly feeling a solid surface beneath him, he opened his eyes. The sound of turning cogwheels and a river could be heard underneath him; the inner workings of a water-powered clock.
Rubbing the stars from his sight, Link rose to his feet and made his way to a near exit, faint slivers of light passing through cracks in the wood to softly illuminate the winding gears and pulleys. Pushing the heavy doors wide, he was bathed in the sun of that other world that he had once saved.
He was back in Termina.
Walking through the main square of Clock Town, Link made his way to the eastern side; the location of the Milk Bar.
Link entered, unabashed, passing by tables of Terminians hunched over cold milks, some of the more affluent enjoying the fabled Chateau Romani drinks. It was quiet, no band playing this day. He moved up to the bar and took a seat, gently rapping on the hardwood to get the host’s attention.
Giving Link a belated glance, the mustached Barten turned and walked towards him, polishing a glass in his grip. "What’ll ya have, little man?"
"I’m not drinking today, Barten." Link rested an elbow on the bar. "I’m after some...information."
"Drinks are cheap today, words aren’t." Barten gave Link a weak smile. "Times are tough, ya know?"
Link reached into his belt and revealed the purple rupee, holding it up for him to see.
Barten smiled again. "What’ll ya have?"
"I was told there was a package sent here."
"I should have figured that’s what you wanted." Barten leaned back on the wall behind him, now polishing that glass with an anxious vigor. "Yes, I was supposed to receive something from Zelda, but it never made it here. I don’t have it."
Link tapped the edge of the rupee on the bar. "What was in the package?"
"How should I know?" Barten shrugged. "She didn’t tell me. All she said was that I needed to keep it safe until...someone came and asked for it."
Link raised an eyebrow. "And who is this...someone?"
"...I figured it...was going to be you." A bead of sweat rolled down Barten’s face. "I don’t have it, honest!"
"Why so nervous?" Link smiled. "Know something you shouldn’t?"
"I...." Barten stumbled with his words. "I don’t know, it’s just a rumor."
Link gave him a blank stare.
"All I heard is that Kafei had bought something from a traveler; one of a...shady nature. The timing was about the same, so I thought that the package might be there." Glancing at the hilt of Link’s sword, Barten set the glass down, showing his hands.. "That’s all I know, honest!"
Link stared the man down for a moment, but then nodded. "Thanks, Barten."
Link moved to walk away when Barten feigned a cough.
A smile coming to his face, Link turned to the mustached man and flicked the rupee in the air. Barten caught it and discreetly tucked it into his suit, acting as if the exchange never happened.
Link left the bar, walking over to the laundry pool on the southwest side of town. Rounding the corner, he was caught by surprise when he saw a shadowy character knocking loudly on Kafei’s door. Taking cover behind a nearby tree to hide his presence, he kept a keen eye on the individual.
"Come on out here, Kafei!" The cloaked person said loudly.
A rat scuttled a rock into the pool, causing a loud splash. Link hugged the tree to remain concealed, the shady man looking around apprehensively.
Relenting, the man ran off. "I’ll be back later, Kafei. And by then you better have what I want!"
Waiting for a moment as the man left the pool, Link moved to Kafei’s door and lightly rapped on it four times.
"Who is it?" Kafei’s shaken voice came from within.
"It’s Link, Kafei. Let me in."
Without hesitating, the door unlocked and swung open, Kafei pulling Link inside.
"What’s going on, Kafei?" Link asked. "What do you have that would make someone break down your door?"
"I bought a package from a traveler, one that is...unique." Kafei reached into his shirt and pulled out something wrapped in cloth. "That man wanted me to sell it to him."
"What is it?" Link asked.
"I’m sorry, Link, but I can’t tell you. Not now." Kafei tucked the cloth back into his shirt. "Meet me at the clock tower at midnight and I will explain everything."
Link folded his arms. He did not want to let whatever Kafei was carrying out of his sight, in case it was the item he was looking for.
"Please, Link?" Kafei pleaded. "I’ll wait here until then. Go out and make sure the tower is safe, and I’ll meet you."
Link reluctantly agreed and went to the tower. He didn’t like how Kafei was acting. He glanced to his left, ensuring his sword was still there.
Waiting until near midnight, he spotted Kafei’s small frame skirting the outer wall towards him, his eyes darting back and forth cravenly as if he was afraid of being followed.
"Good, you made it." Kafei came up to Link, package in hand. "Still want to know what it is?"
Before Link could answer, a thunderous booming noise came from above. He instinctively jumped away and pulled out his sword, his suspicions turned true. Looking up to the sky, expecting some beast to attack, he was surprised to see that it wasn’t a creature or villain that made his heart rumble.
It was the dazzling explosion of a firework.
Soon, more lit up the sky, plumes of red, green, and white streaking across in brilliant waves. Link stood there, confused, gazing at the display until Kafei broke out in unrelenting laughter.
The entire square then lit up with torches and lamps, people coming from all the corners of town applauding. Hyrulean and Terminian alike surrounded Link with cheery faces, making the hero feel a little awkward holding his bared edge. Putting it away, he tried his best to make sense of what was happening, but came up empty.
"I think it worked, Princess." Kafei said to the crowd.
Princess Zelda walked out of the mob, sporting a large smile and trying hard not to laugh.
"What is this?" Link asked, gazing at all the people.
"Have you forgotten what day it is, Link?" Zelda gazed up at the clock just as it struck midnight. "It’s your birthday!"
The crowd cheered and more fireworks were launched into the sky.
Link’s jaw dropped. He had been duped.
"What better gift for an adventurer than an adventure?" Zelda motioned to Kafei to give the wrap to Link. "And as a symbol of you playing the part of the patsy, we present you with this trinket."
A huge smile came to Link’s face upon feeling the shape of the package. He tore it open in rabid excitement, but was dismayed to find just a gold-painted piece of wood, carved in the shape of a rupee.
Trickery revealed, Link couldn’t help but laugh. "Nice job, Princess."
Zelda grinned. "Hey, excuuuuse me, Hero!"
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07-20-2008, 11:17 AM
Yea, the grammar portion you mentioned was something I picked up on last fall, some time after writing this, so all my current works are proper...mostly. 
My biggest obstacle with my writing is that, ironically, I don't read much. Most of my skill-building has happened through trial and error and good input, so thanks for yours.
