Tales of a lost Kokiri

By Pata Hikari

Chapter 1: A Bitter Hero and a Lonely Sage

It was warm inside the tavern. People, travelers, taking shelter from the storm outside were laughing, enjoying ale and stories. The door opened, and with it a rush of cold and a peal of thunder, to reveal a boy.

The boy looked no older then 13, wearing a green tunic and hat. His dark blond hair seeming to frame his face. On his back one could see two swords, and a shield. His face held a look which some of the men recognized. A look of bitterness, resentment, the look of one who had seen too much death and had lost too much. Many of then men thought the boy was too young to have such a look on his face, and wondered what hells the child had been through.

The boy walked up to the counter and placed two blue rupees upon it." A room for the night please." he said, his voice lacking the innocence that most children that age had.

The owner of the inn looked at the boy, his apperence, despite seeming harmless, seemed to frighten the owner, somehow. The boy, seemed to have little pactince and seemed to suddenly erupt into a rage.

" I said, give me a goddess-forsaken room!" the boy shouted, fury etched through his face. "Or is this tavern so patathic that it doesn't have any more rooms?" He sneered at the owner. "Or are you so stupid that don't know if you have rooms or not?"

By this point the owner was angry, this child was insulting him! Now listen here boy-" The man was interpted by one of the childs swords being drawn. It was a long blade, much longer then one his age should be able to hold, with swirls of gold mixed in with the steel.

"Never call me 'boy' again" he hissed. "You will call me 'sir' and you will show me a room or I will give you a nice scar to go with that ugly face."He then sheathed the golden sword. and looked at the owner, contempt written all over his face.

The owner was by now afraid for his life, and decided it would be best to do what this bo-,young man, said. "V-v-very well s-sir," he stuttered out "Here is your key," he deposited a silver key into the green-clad young mans hand, "upstairs, two doors down and to the right."

The young warrior, for what else could he be?, began to march upstairs when the owner spoke up again. "Um, s-s-sir?" The boy turned around. The irritation on his face was plain and day. "Er, I'll ,um, need your name. Surcity reasons, you see we cant have-"

"Link" the boy stated "My name is Link. Now I want to get some rest!" Link then stormed upstairs.

Everyone in the tavern let out a breath they hadnt even known they had been holding. "Poor kid," one of the regulars stated "I wonder what happened to him?"

"If you ask him he'll probally cut your head of as soon as answer you!" another piped up.

"Now now," the owner said "Lets just forget about that lad, in fact, how about a free round for everyboy?" This caused the mood to lighten back up and soon everyone had forgoten about the strange boy named Link.

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There was, however someone who would not forget about Link.

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It is said that when the goddess Farore created the life that exsits on this world, she created a froest. A forest that covered the whole world. A forest that contained every form of life that exsits, has exsited and will ever exsit. However the forest gradually reseeded, creating the plains, deserts, feilds, ocean,and lesser forests that cover the world today. It is also said that the remains of this forest reside in the contry of Hyrule. This forest has many names, some call it the Cursed Woods, Others call it the Forest of Demons, the more optomistic called the the Forest of Lifes Beginning. Most however, call it by the by the simple name of The Lost Woods. This name is purhaps most fitting in this day and age, for that is what happens to people who enter it. They are lost forever. But it is not evil magic that traps poor souls. It is mearly strong and old magic which does not tolerate outsiders. So it twists their forms to fit the forest, with protection it is possable to enter the forest without harm. But few are willing to offer protection, perfering to keep the forest untainted and its creatures free from outside influance.

Among the most powerful of the forest creatures are the Kokiri, children of the Great Deku Tree which was said to have been planted by Farore herself, they were created in a human form. The Kokiri are unmatched in magical power, even the Sheikah are only second. Dispite their great power, there have been few Kokiri mages in this worlds history. Perhaps this is fortunate, for if they ever learned of their true power, they could easely take over this world. Most Kokiri use their power for small, pratical things, such as the magic bags they make from magical plants and infuse with their power, which can never be filled and can hold anything yet still feel empty. They also use their power to care for the forest, making plants grow faster or in poor soil. They are also connected to all life and can even feel a person soul. No disguise can fool a Kokiri for they can tell if one is lieing.

The Kokiri live in a small village near the western edge of The Lost Woods. Here they live their lives alone, outsiders rarely entering, when they do the Kokiri always guide them out before the forest can take them. As such they lived their lives alone, all of them content to stay in their forest, with not contact with outsiders. This changed one night.

War had been ravaging the land for many years. But the Kokiri were unaware of this, but the Great Deku Tree was. he sensed an Hylain woman coming to the forest, he sensed she had a child with her, and that she was dieing. Feeling something about the child the woman had with her, he let her through, masking her and her childs souls so the Kokiri could not sense them, and guided them to him. Once there he sensed the great destiny this child possesed, and, relizing that the fate of the world rested upon this baby boys,whos name, as given by his mother was Link, shouders, took the child in. The mother did not survive the night. The Great Deku Tree had work to do. Infusing the child with Kokiri blood, he placed him under the care of his youngest child, a Kokiri girl by the name of Saria, whom he could also feel a great destiny within. And so Link was raised as Kokiri for many years until his destiny was ready to be fulfilled. Link faught many battles and finally saved Hyrule from evil. Saria was awakened to her destiny as well. But all was undone, and only Link and the princess of Hyrule, Zelda, remembered. After that Link became a wonderer traveling from place to place, righting wrongs as he went, he even saved another world.

Meanwhile Saria, who did not remember the part she played in the fate of the world was sitting on the roof of her house. Looking up at the night sky above her, a sigh escaped her lips."Is the sky the same where you are?"Saria was, of course, thinking about the boy who had changed her life in so many ways.

Link

'Why?' she thought 'Why haven't you come back?' Almost six months ago the Great Deku Tree and died, and with his death, Link left. The whole forest morned the loss of the Tree God, but the Kokiri also morned the loss of Link. For if Link had left the forest, surely he was dead. Yet both proved to still live. A month after the Deku Trees death, a sprout grew, this sprout became the new Great Deku Tree, but it would be a few years before he assended to full power. Then, as if on que, Link returned. The joyous partying seemed to breing new life into the forest, as Link answered questions about the outside world. The answers flew over most of the Kokiris heads. But not Saria, she could easlily picture the vast feilds, scorching deaserts, and vast mountians. She could picture the world beyond the forest. And Saria wanted to learn more, she talked to Link constantly, spending even more time with him then before he left. She was always with her best friend. The Kokiri girl began to notice that Link had...changed. He had become taller, his hair slightly longer, his features more rugged.But Kokiri do not change past the age of twelve! Their hair does not even grow unless the child wills it. So how could Link be changing? Just when Saria was about to confront Link on this issue, he left. He said he had some things to take care of, and he left. Three months have passed since then. And Saria could not stop thinking about him. She was also exerencing something no Kokiri had felt in over a thousand years.

Wonderlust.

Saria was tired of the forest, she wanted to see the world!

"I want to go with you." she wispered "I want to travel with you, see the world with you" Saria began to brake down sobbing "Don't leave me Link..." She curled up into a fetal position sobbing loulder and back...I need you..."

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Mido, the leader of the Kokiri, listened to Sarias sobs. Link he thought Why did you leave? Why did you...did you hurt Saria?'

Mido never had liked Link, and everybody knew the reason. Saria. Mido was always jelous of the attention Link got from her. From when he was a baby and she was assigned to care for him. To now, when she was crying over him being gone.

And yet, when Link returned the first thing he did was say "Hi Mido, did ya miss me?" with a silly grin on his face. Link had matured, he was friendly to everyone, even to Mido and his friends, who were never nice to Link. Mido now found himself hoping, like Saria, that Link came home soon. All right Mr. No-Fairy, come home soon, Saria needs you.



Chapter 2: Bloodshed

The plains of Hyrule are vast. One could spend weeks traveling in them and not find any sign of civilvation. This is exactly what Link wanted. Wandering through the fields, hoping to not run into anyone else. That was all he wanted. Damn them all rang through his head, it doesn’t matter what I do for them, what I’ve given up for them. He took out his sword and started practicing with it I’m always mistrusted, abused, used, why should I help them anymore? Links angry thoughts were interrupted by screams of terror.

Link casually looked around and noticed that just over a hill, was a small village near the forest. Link began to walk to the village, wondering what was going on. When he got there people were running away screaming. One man stopped in front of Link and said “Kid, get outta here! There are some wolfos that have escaped!”

Link looked at the man. “Escaped? You mean you people were stupid enough to capture some and keep them alive?” Wolfos were forest creatures, generally they stayed in the forest, feeding on the animals that lived there. But sometimes they would stumble out of the forest. They went mad after leaving the magical safety of the woods, killing anything that moved. Kokiri sometimes used their magic to tame wolfos, but Rabid ones were always killed.

“Hey! They seemed perfectly harmless when we found them in the woods!” The man, hearing a howl, started to run again.

Link turned around, and saw the reason the people were fleeing. A whole pack of wolfs’ their eyes clearly showing the madness that came from leaving the forest. Link also recognized that these had been tame once, they had the mark of the Kokiri painted on their chest. So that’s how these idiots were able to capture them. Heh, I bet Midos pretty pissed off about now, what with a whole pack of tame Wolfos vanishing. The wolfos’, sensing something about the young man in green stopped and looked at him. Link held out the Gilded Sword and whispered “Come on puppies, I’m waiting.” The alpha male of the pack charged, eager to taste this familiar boys blood. The Gilded Sword began to glow a fiery red. Link grinned. The wolfos struck! Swinging one of hits paws at Link. Link ducked under the blow and stabbed his sword straight through the animal. The wolfos howled in agony, and then burst into flames! Link watched impassively as the wolfos was burned to ashes.

The other pack members, seeing their leader killed, began to circle Link slowly. He would have none of that. Link charged forward, cutting through the beasts, burning them with the fire of his sword until the entire pack was destroyed.

Link sheathed his sword. “What...what was that!?” He turned around and realized that most of the people in the village were staring at him. They were afraid of him.

Anger suddenly overtook Links mind “What is wrong with you people!? I just saved your sorry hides and all you can do is stare? A thank you would be nice!” One of the men took a step forward his hand over a knife on his belt. Link couldn’t take it anymore “That’s it! You ungrateful freaks can rot in hell for all I care!” He stormed off, running toward the Lost Woods. No matter what I do, I’m never thanked, never allowed to rest, instead, I’m feared! And for the first time in months, he entered the Forest of Lifes Beginning.

Once surrounded by the welcoming magic of the Lost Woods, Link felt at peace. More at peace then he had for a long time. The Kokiri blood that had been put in his veins as a baby was rejoicing and strengthening as it welcomed the powerful magic that filled the air. It brought thoughts into Links head that he had been avoiding for a long time. Saria...

I need to tell her the truth he thought. I need to tell her, that I’m not a Kokiri What would she do? Would she reject him, or would she just give him that sad look, that same look she gave him when he left for the first time? So many things were unspoken between them. Perhaps I shouldn’t return to the village. But could he lie to her? Because not returning would be a lie. He felt it, the bond they shared, the bond that allowed them to talk through their ocarinas. It's gotten stronger. He felt drawn to her, their bond calling out to him. Suddenly it was overpowered. By a dark force that had emerged in the forest! Link could feel the evil, all qualms forgotten, he ran to the village, feeling the need to save what he once called his home.

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He felt the hero coming. He laughed. Things were going just like he hoped.

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Saria woke up with a look of joy on her face. “Link!” she exclaimed “Links coming home!” She could feel their bond, she knew he was coming closer. She quickly got out of bed, and began to get ready. I should look my best when Link gets here she blushed a little as she thought about looking nice for him, why should she worry what she looks like to him? She looked around to see if Kalo, her fairy, was here. He wasn’t. Good, then I won’t have to explain. She pulled out a shining tunic, treated with Forest Water to make it sparkle, it was the closest thing Kokiri had to formal clothing. Saria put it on, then she pulled a headband that had hardened, colored tree sap embedded in it (The Kokiri equivalent of jewelry) over her hair. She smiled. “Link will be here soon.” She felt happier then she had been in a long time. She completely ignored the nagging feeling In the back of her mind, the feeling that said something was wrong.

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The evil was approaching. Soon they will meet, and his plans will come to pass.

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Kalo was currently speaking to the Deku Tree. “I’m worried about Saria, she’s depressed all the time, almost every night she cries herself to sleep. What can I do?”

-I’m afraid there is little we can do to help her, Kalo, you have felt her destiny, correct?-

“Well, yes, I know she is the Forest Sage, but there is no reason for her to awaken, is there?”

-No, there is no reason for her to awaken. But as the Forest Sage, her fate is deeply tied to that of the Hero of Time.-

“But, Link is the Hero of Time! And Link is the reason she is depressed! Is her destiny the cause of her sadness then?”

-No-

“No? Then what is?”

-Her heart, she loves Link, more then she should.-

“You mean she desires him?”

-Yes-

“But Kokiri should not feel such things!”

-Saria is not a normal Kokiri, you knew this when you were assigned to be her guardian.-

“But what of Link?”

-I do not know, Navi may know, but she is gone.-

“Link is a Hyilan, it would be natural for him to feel such things, perhaps that is why Saria feels for him.”

-I don’t think that’s the case, Kalo. I think it is true love-

“But...she can not be with him...Wait! Link has Kokiri blood in him! We can strengthen that until he is almost a pure Kokiri! It works for the Gerudo, why wont it work of us?”

-No-

“Why not?”

-Link is needed by the world.-

“So there is no way for Saria to be happy?”

-There is a way...but it may not exist anymore-

“I see...”

-Perhaps you should return to your charge, you must warn her of the evil approaching. I feel that her strong bond with Link has blinded her to it.-

Kalo nodded, “Very well, will their be a need to evacuate the village?”

-No, Link will handle it.-

“I see...” Kalo then went back to his child.

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“Saria, why are you wearing that?” Mido asked. She was wearing her best clothing. ‘What’s going on? She seems happier then she’s been in months.’

Saria beamed, “Link’s coming home” she smiled even brighter. “I can feel him coming.”

Before Mido could respond to that, Kalo flew in front of them. “Saria! Something bad is coming!”

“What?” Saria asked “What do you mean by that?”

“Something evil.” Kalo was glowing a dark red by now. “Its going to attack the village.”

“What!” Mido shouted. “We need to get ready to run or fight!”

“No!” Daka, Midos fairy, said “the Deku Tree said we should stay here.”

“So fight it is.” Mido “Daka! Go tell the other Kokiri to get ready to fight!”

“OK Mido” the fairy said, and flew of to warn the rest of the village.

“Saria, please go inside. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Mido looked at Saria, concern written on his face.

“But...”Saria seemed to stop, worry flowing through her “OK, I’ll go inside and get ready.” She walked inside her house. ‘Come home soon Link, we could use your help.’ She began to change out of her clothes.

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Link had arrived. He was standing on the cliff overlooking the village. He looked down and noticed the Kokiri were gathering, holding bows and spears. They knew they were about to be attacked. Link jumped down, started running towards the group. “Saria! Are you there!” he shouted.

Mido turned around and saw someone he had not expected to see. “Link!?” he exclaimed “Your back, and just in time to! You use that sword of yours to help defend the village-”

“Mido I know its being attacked!” Link shouted “Now where is Saria!” Link didn’t want to leave her unprotected, he wanted to keep her safe. And he knew why.

“She’s in her house,” Link turned and ran to her house “now wait, stop!” Link wasn’t listening. He just kept running to Sarias house.

“Saria!” Link shouted, running into her house. Link suddenly stopped, seeing that Saria...was changing her clothes. Link instantly turned his head away, blushing furiously.

Saria stared at Link, her joy at seeing him was quickly overrun by embarrassment. “EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!! Get out!” she shrieked, throwing one of her shoes at him. She was blushing even more then Link was.

Link ran out of her house. Panting and red-faced What a way to greet her... he thought wryly. A minute later Saria came out, dressed. She looked at him for a second before pulling him into a hug.

“Thanks for coming back.” She whispered into his ear. Link could feel his breathing quicken. Saria pulled back and looked Link in the eyes. Link felt lost, everything vanished, it was just him and Saria.

Then Saria slapped him.

“That’s for barging in without warning and seeing me half-naked.” she said matter-of-factly.

“I deserved that” Link muttered, rubbing his cheek. “But, I’m glad to see you again.” His eyes brightened.

“Link! Saria! We could use your help!” Mido shouted at the two of them. Interrupting the moment between them.

“Were coming Mido!” Saria shouted “Come on Link, something’s about to attack the village, we could use your help.”

“I’d be glad to” the green-clad boy said. And the two went to join the rest of the Kokiri.

Kalo sighed Saria, I’m sorry...I don’t know what to do, I want you to be happy but to be happy you need Link, but you can’t have him. I wish I could help. He then flew back to talk to the Deku Tree about that way he talked about.

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An hour passed before the attack came. Before that, all the Kokiri eagerly welcomed Link back. When the attack came, Link realized how bad the attack was.

It was an army.

Stalfos were there, rabid Wolfos, and Stalchildren as well, all creatures of the forest. Stalfos and Stalchildren were outsiders twisted and driven insane by the magic of the Lost Woods. They hated Kokiri and attacked them if they ever saw one. But there was also some creatures that showed this attack was not of the forest. Moblins. These monsters were shaped by evil magic. They hated all life and wished to destroy it. They feared the forest because all creatures within would normally turn against these abominations. To see them here meant one thing. Someone evil wanted the Kokiri killed.

“Oh boy.” Link said “Looks like I came here just in time.” With a savage grin, Link drew two swords. The Gilded Sword and The Great Fairy Sword. “Saria, stand back this won’t be pretty.” Link walked toward the mass of beasts. “Who’s first?”

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Mido looked on as Link marched straight to the army that was poised to kill them. “What is he doing!?” he hissed “Trying to kill himself? That stupid, Fake-Kokiri is-”

“Mido!” Saria shouted “I believe in him, I know he’ll be safe.”

“How can he? Look at the odds!”

She blushed “I...I just know...”

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A moblin charged, its huge spear pointed forward, ready to kill the small green thing holding two blades. The thing jumped over its spear, shocked and confused it began to ponder this new development. It looked down, and there was the thing! The thing thrust the longer blade into it. It felt the cold metal go through it, it felt the black blood flowing from the wound. It felt the pain. It fell over, dead.

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Link pulled out his sword from the moblins corpse. “Who’s next?”

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Saria watched in horror as two Stalfos lunged at Link, their rusty swords ready to kill. Link be careful! Link spun around his swords, blocking both attacks, before cutting the stalfos in half. Praise Nayru! Saria stood up and shouted for joy as Link removed six Stalchildren from the attacking force.

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The monsters were attacking Link all out now. The whole army was swarming around him, and the whole army was falling. His swords gleamed in the sunlight, with each flash a monster died. However, one got a lucky hit in. A moblin managed to ram his spear into Link, instantly he flew back, slamming against a house. He could hear Sarias scream his name. “Ung..” he stood up slowly, there wasn’t even a mark on him! The moblin looked confused, shouldn’t he be dead?

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“All right, now you’ve gone and pissed me off.”

Saria was confused. Why did Link say that? She had been so relieved when she saw he hadn’t been hurt Must have been the flat side of the spear. But what did he mean by that?

Sarias question was answered by Links swords suddenly being surrounded by a golden light. He charged forward, slamming them into the moblin that hit him. The moblin exploded in a golden light, and there was nothing left afterwards.

“The time for going easy on you bastards is over!”'

Link charged forward slicing each monster, leaving nothing left. Link slammed his swords into the ground. And the golden light flew out of them, destroying the creatures as it went. Only five Moblins remained. They turned and ran, droping their spears.

“You think you can run? it's to late to run!”

The swords began to glow brighter. Link was getting ready to finish them off. What is he doing? Oh goddess, he’s going to kill them even though their running, he’s enjoying it! No, Link isn’t like that...

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"Stop!!"

Link heard Sarias voice, and stopped. The Light Magic faded from his swords and he turned around. What he saw was the shock of his life.

The Kokiri were staring at him, and they all had one look on their face. One he had seen on some villagers a few hours ago. One of fear..


No...

Saria was looking at him, shock and disbelief on her face as well as fear

No...no...

She slowly backed away, her eyes never leaving his swords.

"No!"

Link turned and ran, running past the Kokiri, towards the edge of the forest. nonononononononono.... They feared him.

Saria feared him.

And that tore his heart in two. He didn’t stop running. He realized he was left the forest and was on the plains. It didn’t matter. He just kept on running.

no...no...no...no...no

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Saria watched Link leave. What happened to you Link? What changed you into someone who enjoys killing?

“I can help you find the answer”

Saria turned around and saw...someone. He was about as tall as Link, wearing a black cloak that covered his whole body, even his face was shadowed. “Who are you?”

“Someone interested in your welfare, Forest Sage.”

“Forest Sage?”

“Never mind. The point is I can help you.” He took out two bottles. “These are filled with forest water.”

“Forest Water doesn’t last long outside the forest.”

“If you would let me finish, Forest Sage, these bottles have a spell of preservation on them. The water will last for years. Take one sip each day and you will be able to leave the forest.”

Saria took the bottles, it seemed too good to be true. “How can I trust you?”

“I assure you they’re harmless. After all, it is impossible to lie to a Kokiri, is it not?”

She paused “Well, you are right..”

“Of course I am Forest Sage. Now will you accept?”

“Wait, who are you? And what’s the catch?”

“As I said, someone interested in your welfare. And there is no catch. I only ask you find Link as soon as possible.”

Saria seemed to accept this. “Okay...” she took the bottles. “I guess I’ll go...thank you...um...can I call you something?”

The cloaked man seemed to smile. “Call me Shadow.”

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Shadow laughed as he watched Saria leave he forest, taking the bottles with her. “Enjoy your happiness Forest Sage. Enjoy your happiness Link. I have taken steps to start it. But do not think it will last.”

Chapter Three: Searching for Answers

Saria was standing at the edge. She knew if she crossed this line, she'd be out of the forest. Shadow told me as long as I have this Forest Water, I'd be able to leave. She took a deep breath, and ran. She felt the magic that had always embraced her growing weaker as she moved. Finally, she stopped.

It was huge! Never before could she see so far. "This is the outside world?" she wondered. "I wonder if I'll meet all the strange people Link told us about?" She thought about the rock eating people. "I hope so." Her face gain a look of determination. "But first to find Link." She marched foreward into the plains.

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Link was standing in a void. Nothing seemed to exist. "Where am I?"

-Murderer-

Link spun around "Who's there?"

-Hateful Murderer-

Link reached for his swords, only to find they weren't there! He was completly unarmed!

-What's the matter Murderer? Scared now that you don't have your tools of death?-

"Shut up." Link scowled "Who are you anyway?"

-Not only are you a murderer, but your also rude.-

"Ha ha. Your very funny" Link replied sarcasticly "Now who are you?"

-Why don't you look behind you Murderer?-

Link turned around. And nearly screamed.

It was Gohma. At least Link thought it was Gohma. It looked like it had rotted away, its eye was nothing but a bleeding mass of pus. It had bleeding gashes all over its body.

-Meet your first victim, Murderer.-

Gohma spoke, somehow. "Why did you kill me? I did nothing to you. All I was doing was trying to survive. And you killed me. And left me to rot! I would have understood if you had needed food, but you killed me for no reason!"

Link was agasp, "You were killing the Great Deku Tree!"

"Only so I could live! I was eating his roots and trunk! I wasn't cutting him down and leaving him to rot like you did to me!" Then Gohma vanished.

-Did that enlighten you Murderer?-

"What makes you think showing me a dead spider is going to accomplish anything?"

-Did you enjoy killing Gohma?-

"What?"

-Did you enjoy it?-

"No!"

-And yet you enjoyed killing the Wolfos, you enjoyed killing the Moblins and the Stalfos-

"But, but..."

-But what? Your a murderer, it wasn't easy at first. But now you can kill as easily as you can breathe. And you enjoy it. How does that make you feel?-

"How I feel is none of your concern!"

-Touchy, aren't we?-

"Shut up! Your the one messing with my head here! Your a liar!"

-Your calling ME a liar? You forget, you are not only a murderer, but also a liar.-

"I am not!"

-Look behind you.-

"Fine, what's it going to be this time, a dead chicken?" he chuckled at his little joke. He then turned around.

It was Ruto.

Her face was twisted with rage, anger and sadness. "How could you" she spat. "How could you play with my heart like that."

"Ruto I-"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear anymore lies from your mouth!"

"You don't understa-"

"You don't understand! I gave my heart to you, and you took it. So what did you do? You spat on it and threw it at my feet!" She stormed toward Link "You treated me like I was nothing! Like a whore!"

"Ruto, I didn't know-"

"What did I say about your lies!"

"Ruto, I'm not lieing."

"Yes! You! Are! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" She began punching him shouting "I hate you!" with each blow. Her punches became weaker, her shouts became softer, until she was curled up on the ground, whimpering "I hate you..." over and over again. And then she vanished.

Link stood there. He didn't know what to do, or say.

-Want to see more? Lieing Murderer?-

"No."

-You sure? I have soooo much more I could show you.-

"Shut up."

-I sense anger.-

"What did I say about shutting up!"

-And I'm cheerfuly ignoring you.-

"FINE! I am a Liar annd a Murderer! Are you happy now?! Are you!?

-Yes, but I don't think they are.-

Link looked behind him and saw, everybody he had ever met. "What the?"

-They have something to say-

Zelda was the first to speak up. "I can't beleive I trusted you with the Ocarina of Time."

Malon was next. "How could I leave Epona with you!?"

Darunia. "We are Brothers no longer!"

Impa. "I'm amazed you didn't hurt the Princess!"

More and more people spoke up, rejecting Link utterly. The Great Fairys, people he had helped in villages, Skull Kid, Tatl and Tael, even Anju and Kafei! Finally there were two people left.

Navi and Saria.

Navi flew up to Link, glowing an angry blood red. "I'm glad I left you."

Link reached out towards her. "No! Don't leave me again! Please!" But Navi was already gone. Link turned to the green haired girl. "Saira, please..."

Saria stood there, her face blank.

"Please Saria, don't leave me...I need you..."

Saria spoke, in a monotone voice. "I hate you." and vanished.

Link fell down on his knees. "No..please!" Tears were falling down his face. "Please come back! I need you...Saria I love you!" He finally fell to the ground sobbing.

He cried for what seemed like hours before the voice spoke up again.

-Heh, you ok kid?-

Link looked up "You..." he hissed "You did this!

-Sorry, you did. I just helped set it up.-

"I will kill you."

-Why? I'm the only friend you have left.-

"Your not my friend!"

-Well, then, how about kindred sprit?-

"What?"

-Me and you are a rare kind. We could almost be concidered family!-

"Shut up! Who are you!"

-Look behind you and you'll find out. Heh heh heh.-

Link spun around, eager to stangle whoever had been tormenting him. He stopped. "No...No..."

Gannondorf was standing there.

A sick grin was on his face. "I'm the only one you have left, Murderer."

"No no no! Liar! Thief! Evil!"

"Scream all you want Murderer. It won't do you any good."

"No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! no no no no..."

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

Saria looked around. "Wow, this place is huge!" The field extended on for what looked like forever. "Now where is Link? How am I going to find him in this huge place?" She continued walking "Hey, whats that?" She jogged towards something she saw over a hill.

It was a complex of some kind. A large amount of land was surrounded by a fence, she could see all kinds of animals on the land that was fenced in. Large buildings dotted one end of the fenced in land. One of them had looked like it was a house. "Is that where outsiders live?" If it was maybe they had seen Link! "I think I should go check it out." She started walking toward the house.

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

"No!"

Link woke up. It was just a dream, thank Din! He stood up. He was in the field, his swords were a short distance away. Alright, lets see where I am. He seemed to be near Lon Lon Ranch. Should I go there? I would like to see Malon and Epona again. A moment later he shook his head. No, I should just leave. He reached into his bag and pulled out the Ocarina of Time. 'I should return this to Zelda. Yes. Thats what I'll do. I'll return this to Zelda and leave Hyrule for good. The dream had shaken Link up and hardened his conviction that he was unwanted. 'Yes, it would be best for everybody if I left. He then set a path towards the castle.

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

Shadow looked on as Link trudged off. "Well Link, lets see what happens when you you reach the castle." He chuckled. "I wonder what will happen with the farm girl and the Forest Sage?" Something fun, he knew that. All was going according to plan.

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

Saria looked at the house. It was large enough to hold the whole village! She raised a shakey hand, and knocked on the door.

"I'm comin' I'm comin'." And the door opened to reveal the largest man Saria had ever seen.'

She knew outsiders grew larger, but she didn't know they grew THAT large. He had strong, muscular arms. Those were the only things that looked hard. His belly buldged out. His face appered gentle, with a large, round nose. He was bald, with some hair under his nose.

"Well hello Miss. What brings you here this early?"

Saria felt nervous, "Um..well whats your name?"

The man laughed, a big booming laugh. "The names Talon Lon. Whats yours?"Saria smiled weakly, there was something about this man that she liked. "My name is Saria, Talon Lon."

Talon Lon smiled. "Just call me Talon Saria."

"O-OK.."

Talon looked at the Kokiri "So Saria, what brings you here??"

Talons friendly demeanor had relaxed Saira so she piped up "Well you see, I'm looking for someone, and I has hoping you had seen him."

"Daddy, who's at the door?" another voice called out, a minute later a face was added onto the voice.

She was about Sarias size, with long red hair flowing down her back. She was wearing a white dress which went down to her feet. She had the same friendly aura that Talon had.

"Oh Malon, this is Saria, she says she's looking for someone." Talon said, waving his hand towards Saria.

Malon looked at Saria for a while before speaking. "You dress like a friend of mine, Saria, you know that?

Saria took this information in. "Really? What is your friends name?"

"Link."

Sarias eyes widened in shock "Link? Thats who I'm looking for! Have you seen him?"

Malon gave Saria a knowing smile, "So your Saria, Link talks about you all the time you know. And no, I haven't seen Link in a while."

Saria blushed. Link, talked about her? "What did he say about me?"

Malon, eyeing Sarias blush, grined. "Oh he talked about how wonderful you are and how your his best friend and that he thought you were way smarter then him and..." Malon trailed of when she saw that Saria was a red as her hair.

Talon looked down at Saria, giving her his booming laugh. "Well any friend of Link is welcome here! Why don't you come in and have some breakfast?"

As if to answer his question, Sarias stomach growled loudly. "Um, OK."

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

"Saria! Where are you!"

Kalo was flying through the forest, yelling himself hoarse, looking for Saria. Stupid stupid stupid! How could I leave her after Link snapped like that? He asked some Gossip Stones if they had seen her. They hadn't. I've looked everywhere for her, what if she left the forest?,If she had she would be dead in a few hours. "Arg! Where is she!"

Just then he heard a voice speak up. "I know where she is" It was the Gossip Stone that overlooked the village.

"Really? Where did she go!"

"Outside the forest."

Kalo nearly fainted right then and there. "No! Please tell me what happened!?"

"Well, you see, a cloaked man showed up, gave Saria two bottles of preserved Forest Water. Saria left, and the man vanished."

Preserved Forest Water? Forest water was water saturated with magic of the forest, however, it quickly lost its power once outside of the forest. It was possable to preserve it, but it took powerful magic. In times of old Kokiri Mages would use the water to leave the forest, for just a sip would revitalize them for thirty hours. But the secret to the magic was currently sealed away, in the Forest Temple. 'Someone had access to forbidden knowlage. And used it to get Saria out of the Forest!' "Thank you!" he called out to the Gossip Stone.

"Just doing my job."

"Well I'd better get going!" First to the Deku Tree to tell him he was leaving, then to find Saria!

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

Saria was full. Breakfast was strange. Good, but strange. "Please tell me how to make bacon." She begged to Talon "I love it!"

"Link liked the toast and jam better" Malon said with a giggle. "What do you Kokiri eat anyway?"

"Nothing this good!" Saria exclaimed. "Thank you for letting me have breakfast."

"It was our pleasure Saria." Talon said "Now why are you looking for Link?"

"Um, I need to find him. He's hurt and I need to help him." Tears began to well up in her eyes.

Malon placed a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't you wait here for a while, Link stops by sometimes, maybe he'll show up soon."

Saria looked at the red-head. "Well I guess so."

Malon beamed "Good! Come on Fairy Girl, I'll show you around the ranch!" She then grabbed Sarias wrist, and began leading her.

'Fairy Girl?' the Kokiri thought.

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

Link had arrived. Hyrule castle loomed over him. He slowly walked across the drawbridge.

"Hello Link. Good to see you again."

Link turned toward the guard, they all knew him name by now. "Hello there."

The guard winked at Link "Going to see the Princess?"

Link rolled his eyes "Maybe." He really didn't need the guards gossiping about him and Zelda. But it seemed to be unavoidable. 'Dosen't matter, I'll be leaving after this, so let them talk.'

The gaurd snickered, "Well good luck, and say 'Hi' to the Princess for me!"

"Sure." Idiot...

The Market Place.

Link was trying to force his way through the crowd.

It was times like this Link wondered if most Hylians were completly insane. What possesses them to all swarm in a cramped place like this every day? He sure didn't understand them half the time! And he was one of them! Kokiri are much easier to understand. Links thoughts were interupted when a dog nearly ran him over.

"Bad Richard! Don't tackle the boy!"

"I hate you all..." Link muttered to himself.

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

"Wow Malon, the horses are amazing." Saria was looking at the horses. They were wonderful animals. Saria then saw one she reconized. "Hey! thats Links horse! Epona!" She ran up to the foal, only to find her run away as soon as Saria got close.

"Well Fairy Girl, looks like you don't know how to handle Epona." Malon commented.

"Oh shut up." Saria fumed. How did Link get her to trust him? Oh! The song! Saria turned to Malon, "You wrote Eponas Song, right?"

Malon shook her head. "My mom did, but I guess I consider it my song."

What's a "mom?" "Can you teach it to me?"

Malon seemed surprised, "I don't know, I only teach it to my friend..."

"I'd like to be your friend..." Something clicked in Sarias head. "I know! I'll teach you my song and you can teach me your song."

"Your song?"

"Yes, my song, I only teach it to my friends."

Malon seemed to take this in. "All right, you teach me your song and I'll teach you my song. Deal?"

"Deal." They shook hands. Before bursting into giggles.

"OK," Saria begun, "This is my song." Pulling out her Ocarina, she began to play. The cheerful song filled the air. Sarias eyes were closed as she let the Song Of the Forest take over her senses.

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

Link suddenly stopped. Sarias Song? he could hear it as clearly as if he was right next to her. he looked around, searching for the source of the tune. When he had to dodge the dog, again.

"Richard! Leave that boy alone!"

Link gritted his teeth. "Urge to kill...rising."

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

Saria finished playing. She always felt relaxed after playing her song. She opened her eyes and saw Malon, with a look of awe on her face.

"Saria, look around you."

Saria did. All the animals that had been out at the time had gathered around her! "Wow." she whispered.

"Even Epona was there, though she ran off once you stoped playing. I'll...I'll teach you my song now."

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

Link stopped once again as he heard a song he knew Eponas Song? Whats going on? Is Malon here? Link started to look for Malon. Then the dog tackled him, and then it took something from him.

"Richard! Leave him alone!"

Link groaned and got up and got a good look at what the dog had.

The Deku Mask.

"Give that back you dumb mutt!"

And so the chase began.

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

"Good job Saria!" Malon cheered.

Saria had managed to learn Eponas Song very quickly. And now the horse was standing right next to her. "Hello there." she whispered.

"Well she likes you now Fairy Girl! So were friends?"

"Friends." Saria smiled "You know, your the first new friend I've had in a while."

Malon laughed "Always good to hear. Hey, you want to learn how to ride Epona?"

"Well I don't know-"

"Come on, it will be fun!"

Saria sighed "You win. I'll learn." This girl was convincing!

"I always do. Lets start!"

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

Chasing a dog through the back alleys of Hyrule Castle Town is not Links idea of fun. Unfortunatly that is what he is doing right now. "You stupid dog, when I catch you I'll Ice Sword your sorry tail so hard..."

"Must you always resort to violence Link?"

The dog stopped, dropped the mask, and ran off. Link looked at the man that made the dog flee. "Oh great, it's you"

The Happy Mask Salesman frowned. "Now Link, is that any way to great a friend?"

"No, but luckily we're not friends."

"You wound me Link."

"Cry me a river."

The Salesman laughed "Oh I do enjoy bantering with you Link!"

"Can we get on with this? I know the only reason your here is because you need to tell me something. Or you have a screw up you need me to fix."

The Salesman seemed to pause. "I liked you better when you were childishly noble and kind."

Link smiled bitterly "Well, you're one of the bigger reasons I'm a cynical bastard, you do know that right?"

The Mask Salesman face showed regret "I'm sorry Link, if I had known what the Terra Force Mask could do..."

"Yeah yeah, its all in the past. So shut up and lets get down to bussiness. Is it work or just advice?"

"A warning from my bosses."

"Thats new, usually they just plop stuff on me with no warning."

"Well..they kind of...didn't relise this was going on."

"So its like Majora?"

"Yes, only it's connnected to you in some basic way. They can't tell who or what it is."

Link stared at the man in front of him. "Anything I need to watch out for?"

"Shadows."

"That's it?" Man, if I have to watch out for shadows, the next few days are going to be real fun. he thought bitterly

"There is one more thing though..."

"What?"

"You are ordered to stay in Hyrule."

Link glared at the Salesman. "I hate you."

"Don't hate the messagner."

Link sighed What am I going to do now?

"Goodbye Link, I'll see you later." he began to walk away.

"You know" Link began "for messagner of the Goddesses, your kind of weird."

The Happy Mask Salesmen laughed "Since when have they chosen normal people?"

Link smiled "True, true."

"You want to spend the night at my shop, or will you mooch off the Princess?"

"Depends on weather or not I want to sleep at a freaks house."

"I'll take that as a maybe."

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

Kalo was out on the plains. "Ok, I need to find her, bring her back, and find out who gave her that water, and pray he isn't evil." Why was he given a Kokiri with such and important connection to the fate of the world? "I can almost understand why Navi just went up and left." He stopped. "Its the Song of the Forest! Saria's playing it!" He began to fly towards the source of the magical song.

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

Shadow was angry. "Cruse that salesman! Curse that Gossip Stone! Now Link is prepared, and that stupid fairy is going to find the Forest Sage!" He took a few deep breaths "OK, calm down, you can deal with this. But how?" He suddely relised it. "Of course...heh heh heh. This may work out to my advantage. Now Fairy, fly to your little charge, but don't think you'll help." He burst out laughing.

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

Dinner at Lon Lon Ranch was a wonderful meal. Saria enjoyed the meat and potatoes. She had spent most of the day learning how to ride a horse. It had been pretty easy, beause Epona had been very helpful. Apparently she was wlling to do anything anybody who could play her song, namely Link, Malon, and now Saria.

"Will you be spending the night Saria?" Talon asked.

"I don't see why not. This has been a wnderful experence for me, Thank you."

"Well, its wonderful to see Malon make a girl friend her own age."

Malon smiled "I'll show you to the guest room."

"Thanks."

Malon took Saria to the room pointing to the bed she said, "You can sleep there."

"Thanks. Good night Malon."

"Good night Saria."

Saria sat down on the bed. It was so soft. I'll have no trouble falling asleep on this. She reached into her bag, and pulled out one of the bottles filled with Forest Water. One sip per day.. She pulled out the cork and drunk some.

Instantly she felt a rush of energy flow through her. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before! A power, which she hadn't even known was being drained, was instantly filled. What a ruch! I can see why Shadow said this will keep me alive. Yawning a little, she decided to go to sleep. Pulling her pajamias out of her bag, she changed into them, laid down in the very soft bed and almost instantly fell asleep.

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

Saria was in her meadow. She didn't know why, but she has always had thought of it as her domain. Maybe it was the old building that rested in it that drew her too it.

She was sitting down on the large stone slab that was in the middle of her meadow when she heard a sound.

It was Link.

He was standing there, a small smile on his face. He looked...different somehow. He looked...desireable. He walked towards her, slowly. Saria stood up, Link was just a few inches from her. Neither said anything, or even moved for a few seconds. Then Link moved. He wraped his arms around Saria, and then he pressed his lips against hers. It was a strange feeling, but a very pleasent one. Saria felt all strenth leave her as he held her closer to him. She melted into his arms, their lips still pressed together. Her whole body felt warm inside as she felt Links body press against hers. Link pressed forward against Saria, and Saria found herself lieing on the ground, with Link on top of her. That warm feeling was now a fire.

She knew she wanted more.

She pressed her lips against Links even harder, tasting his lips and mouth. A long moan escaped her thoat as she reached up to his shirt and began to take it off....

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

"Saria..."

"Saria..."

"Wake up Saria!"

Saria groaned. Whoever stopped my nice dream is going to pay... The dream left her in a strange state. That warm feeling was still in her, plus she was all sweaty. And at the same time she felt good, half-asleep, but good.

"Saria, wake up right now!"

"I'm up, I'm up." Saria looked at the thing that had woken her up. "Kalo? Is that you?"

"Yes it's me! What are you doing here!"

"Last I checked I was sleeping" Saria said sarcasticly.

"You know I don't mean that!"

"Sorry, Kalo, but you just stopped a really good dream. So I'm kind of irritated."

"It doesn't matter. You need to go back to the Lost Woods right now!"

Saria relised what he was saying, he wants me to give up, to go back, to never see Malon again, to never find Link...

"No."

Kalo was stunned. "What do you mean 'no'?"

"I'm not going back without Link, and that's final."

"Saria, you don't understand-"

"No. I will not go back and that's final!"

'Dosen't she relise that she is likely falling into a trap?'"Saria, I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice."

Saria relised what he was about to do No Kalo, please don't make me choose between you and Link...

"Saria of the Kokiri, as your Gaurdian Fairy, appointed by the Great Deku Tree, I order you, under penalty of banishment, to return to the forest with me."

It was the last resort for any Gaurdian Fairy. For if a Kokiri became too rebellous, they could envoke this order, if the Kokiri disobeyed, he of she was banished, never allowed in the village or the presence of the Great Deku Tree again. Only twelve times in the history of the Kokiri has there been a banishment. And only once had a banishment been revoked.

Tears were flowing down Sarias face. Please take it back..

"Saria, I'm waiting."

"No...."

Kalo was sure he didn't hear her right. "Saria, what did you say?"

"I said no."

"Saria! You understand what that means, Don't you!?"

"Yes I understand! You had to make me choose between home and Link, and I chose Link!"

Saria... "You love him."

"What?"

"You love Link. You love him in a way Kokiri shuldn't and there is nothing I can to about it." Kalo was glowing a depressing blue now. "I'm sorry Saria, I'll be going to imform the Great Deku Tree of you decision. Goodbye Saria..." My daughter... He flew away slowly, taking on last glance at the girl he loved as his own child.

Saria was numb about what just happened. She had just given everything up, for Link. I love Link... it echoed through her mind I love Link...

I love Link...

I love Link.

"I love Link!" she finally said aloud. She loved Link! That was why she always felt happy when he was around, thats why he gave her that warm feeling thats why she would do anything to find him!

"I love Link!" Tomarrow, she would put those horse-riding lessons to use. To find Link.

And to tell him how she felt.

Because he is all she had left.

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

Kalo drifted slowly back towards the Lost Woods, in no hurry to inform the village that Saria had chosen banishment.

"Sucks to be you." A voice said.

Kalo looked foreward, to see a cloaked man. "Who are you!"

"Call me Shadow. I am the one who gave the Forest Sage the tools that led to her banishment."

A cloaked man.. "You..how could you! Wait, Forest Sage? How do you know about that!?"

"All part of my plan. But your interfrance almost runied it." He let out a sinister chuckle. "Luckily I managed to strenthen it by leaps and bounds, all thanks to you."

"You monster..."

"Thank you." Kalo could see the sick grin. "However, I can not let anyone else know of her banishment." Shadow vanished suddenly appering in front of Kalo, there was a flash of light and Kalo was in a glowing sphere of light. He was trapped.

"Let me out!" Kalo shouted.

"Don't worry, I won't harm you. You can wittness my plans come to fruit."

His laughter echoed through the plains.