**Chapter 2: The Villain Strikes**

The studio door burst open with such force that it seemed to shatter the very air around it, like a wrecking ball crashing into a fragile vase. A tall, lean figure with a menacing grin strode in, his eyes fixed intently on Link Neal with an unnerving intensity. "Ah ha! A Link! I've finally found one!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with malice, like a snake slithering through the grass. Link's eyes widened in alarm as the villain approached him, his smile twisting into a snarl. "Link Neal, you're coming with me," the villain sneered, his words laced with venom. Before Rhett could react, the villain grabbed Link and dragged him out of the studio, leaving Rhett standing alone and helpless. Link struggled and kicked, but the villain was too strong, his grip like a vice. "Hey! Let him go!" Rhett shouted, but the villain just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound that sent shivers down Rhett's spine. As the villain disappeared into the hallway with Link, Rhett was left standing there, feeling useless and scared. He looked around the studio, hoping to find some clue as to what was happening, but there was nothing. The only sound was the soft hum of the cameras and the distant echo of Link's muffled cries. Stevie rushed into the studio, her face pale with worry. "Rhett, what's going on? Who was that?" Rhett shook his head, still trying to process what had just happened. "I don't know, but he kidnapped Link. We have to do something." Stevie quickly grabbed her phone and started dialing. "I'll call the police," she said, her voice trembling. But Rhett had other ideas. He quickly grabbed his phone and dialed a number he had saved for emergencies. As he waited for an answer, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a wild and unpredictable adventure. The phone rang several times before a cheerful voice answered. "It's-a me, Mario!" Rhett took a deep breath and tried to compose himself. "Mario, it's Rhett from Good Mythical Morning. I need your help. My co-host Link just got kidnapped by a villain." There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment Rhett wondered if he had lost the connection. But then Mario's voice came back, firm and resolute. "Don't worry, Rhett. We're on it. Luigi and I have dealt with this villain before. He's got a history of kidnapping people named Link." Rhett's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? What's going on?" Mario's voice turned serious. "It's-a a long story, but let's just say this villain has a thing against people named Link. We've rescued several of them in the past, but we never thought he'd strike again." Rhett's mind was racing. He had to get Link back, but he also had to keep the show going. He couldn't just leave his audience hanging. "Okay, Mario. I need your help to rescue Link. But I also need another Link to co-host the show with me. Can you help me out?" There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Mario said, "Actually, I think we know just the guy. Link from Hyrule, the legendary hero. He's-a got the skills and the bravery to help you out." Rhett's eyes widened in surprise. "The Link from Hyrule? You mean, like, the hero of Hyrule?" Mario chuckled. "The one and only. We'll send him to the studio right away. He'll help you keep the show going while we rescue Link Neal." As Rhett waited for Link to arrive, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the day had in store for him. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a wildly entertaining adventure that would take him and his new co-host on a perilous journey to rescue Link Neal and save the day. The studio door opened, and a tall, green-clad figure strode in, his sword at his side. Rhett's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight of the legendary hero from Hyrule. "Well, well, well," Rhett said, trying to sound calm. "Look what we've got here. The one and only Link, hero of Hyrule." Link nodded, his eyes scanning the studio. "I'm here to help, Rhett. Let's get started." Rhett grinned, a plan forming in his mind. "Well, we've got a show to finish, and a friend to rescue. Let's get to work."