Ocarina of Time Chapter 4

 Chapter 4

Farewells

His limbs aching from exhaustion, Link crawled out of the hole that brought him into the familiar comfort of the Great Deku Tree's meadow. He stood on tired feet and trudged through the withered grass until he was halfway to the edge of the glade. His elation at defeating the gohma queen was fading as fatigue dulled his senses.

"Great Deku Tree!" Link managed to sound cheerful despite how tired he was. "I did it! Navi and I broke the curse!"

The ancient spirit's mind touched his own, and with it came an overwhelming wave of emotion that filled Link with a confusing sense of sorrow that he didn't understand. Why was the Great Deku Tree so sad?

The bonding of their minds left Link cold with dread and the bubble of elation inside of him burst. This wasn't what he'd expected. He thought the Great Deku Tree would be happy and proud of him.

He glanced at Navi, thinking that she must have sensed it too; she was silent, her brow wrinkled with worry as she stared at the Great Deku Tree.

He's going to be okay, Link told himself.

"Well done, Link," the Great Deku Tree said at last, his words sounding pained. This was not the congratulations Link was expecting.

Something is really wrong.

"I knew you had the courage to destroy the curse within me," the Great Deku Tree continued, and Link sensed the pride that flowed from the ancient guardian. "Time is short, and there is much I must tell you-"

"Wait. What do you mean?" Link asked, alarmed. He didn't pay any mind to the fact he had interrupted the Great Deku Tree. "Is something wrong? Navi and I broke the curse, so you're going to be okay now, aren't you?"

The feeling of sadness that flowed through the bond intensified. A dull ache throbbed in Link's chest, growing and spreading outwards. It was only magnified by the Great Deku Tree's next words.

"Your efforts in stopping the curse were indeed successful; the forest is safe. Through your courage and determination, you stopped their invasion into our realm. For if they had escaped, the result would have been catastrophic. I am proud of you, Link, and I regret what I must now tell you. It seems that I was doomed before you started. I feared as much, but I could not confirm it until you broke the curse."

It took a very long time for those words to sink in.

Doomed?

"W-What do you mean?" Link asked, his voice trembling.

There was a long, terrible pause. Then the Great Deku Tree finally replied, his voice heavy with sorrow, "None can withstand the currents of time forever. Not even me. With each beat of the heart, it flows ever onward, driving the turning of the wheel, and so life must come to its inevitable close. There is no easy way to put this, Link, and the only solace I can offer you now is that this is just part of life's endless cycle. It is an end, but also a beginning. I am dying."

At first, Link didn't understand. The very idea that the Great Deku Tree could die was beyond imagining. It was inconceivable. Death wasn't an entirely foreign concept to him; Saria often tended to sick or injured animals when she found them in the woods, and they didn't always survive, despite her best efforts.

I am dying.

Those last words hit Link with the force of a savage blow, leaving him unable to form words. A gasp from Navi told him he had not misheard.

No.

It was suddenly hard to breathe. His throat was tight and the simple act of breathing seemed painful. What would the other Kokiri think? What would Saria think? He wished she was with him. How else could he face the others if the Great Deku Tree died? He couldn't stand the idea of telling them. What would he tell them?

"But-" he choked, barely able to form words. It hurt so much. "You can't die! Great Father, we killed the gohma queen!"

Link ran up to the Great Deku Tree, no longer aware of the pain in his leg or his fatigue, and collapsed against one of the gnarled roots. He could still feel the warmth of the magic that flowed through the tree, but that vibrant hum of power was beginning to fade, barely discernible beneath his fingers.

"No, please," he begged. "You can't die! You can't!"

Hot tears fell unbidden from his eyes, leaving wet spots on the root. He trembled, choking back a sob, and stared up at The Great Deku Tree.

"I have already told Saria what she must do. She will plant a seed in front of me that will one day take my place. I ask that you do not grieve for me-" he paused when Link's sobs didn't stop. "Link, listen to me. I know this is hard, but I need you to listen to what I must tell you. Can you do that for me?"

Link wiped his damp cheek with a grubby hand, taking deep shuddering breaths as he did so. Navi sat upon his shoulder, not uttering a word, tears glistening on her cheeks.

"Link?"

At the Great Deku Tree's gentle tone, Link sat up, pulling his knees against his chest. He wrapped his arms around his legs as if to form a cocoon that would keep away the chill that now gripped him.

"I'm listening," he replied weakly.

"Good. This curse was the work of a man from the desert. He was possessed by a power from well beyond Hyrule's borders, a power from a time immemorial. The power belonged to a demon that was sealed within a mask by the sorcerers of an ancient tribe. This man seeks a relic created by the Goddesses in their final act before departing our world. It is called the Triforce. "

An image flowed through the bond, taking form in Link's mind. He saw three glowing triangles joined together. They hovered in mid-air as if held up by some unseen magic, floating above an altar of smooth white stone. Link felt a strange allure from the relic as though it was calling to him. Suddenly, the image faded, and he was back in the meadow once more.

"The Goddesses Din, Farore, and Nayru created this relic, entrusting its care to the ones called Sages," the Great Deku Tree explained, sounding as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened. Link was familiar with the creation stories of the Kokiri, for they were often played out a magnificent display of singing and dancing, the forest children decorating themselves with masks, paints of ochre and colourful ornaments made from feathers, wood and leaves. The thought of it only made Link's heart ache all the more. He knew of the Triforce too, from those same stories, but it seemed the Great Deku Tree was not about to assume Link remembered everything. The Sages sealed the Triforce away in a place known as the Sacred Realm, to protect it from those who would misuse its power. There is only one entrance into this sanctuary, protected by four keys. One of those keys was given to me. It was for this that I was cursed. The sorcerer from the desert does not know the emerald is in the Forest Temple. Nor that I set wards to stop him from entering. Those wards will fail soon. I must entrust you with the emerald's care. It holds the essence of a soul long lost from this word and his power still runs through it. Take it to a place called Hyrule Castle. Navi can guide you."

"I can leave the forest?" Link asked. Navi shuffled uncomfortably on his shoulder, and he continued, "I thought a Kokiri couldn't leave, except to visit the other groves."

"They can, but the wards that protect this realm only stretch as far as the borders of the woods. If a Kokiri ventured beyond these wards in their present form, they would not survive long on their own. Years ago, one Kokiri left the forest, but he was unprepared for what he faced. Though I sent the forest guardians to retrieve him, it was too late."

Link looked at Navi, but she would not meet his eyes.

"Once you get to Castletown, find Princess Zelda," the Great Deku Tree continued. "Tell her to warn the ones who hold the other stones. They too will be in peril."

The link between his mind and that of the Great Deku Tree began to weaken. Alarmed, Link willed himself to hang on to that tenuous connection, but it was like trying to cling to the memory of a dream.

No!

"Please, don't go-" Link laid a hand on the Great Deku Tree's trunk.

"Find Princess Zelda," the Great Deku Tree's voice was as soft as the rustling wind. "You must not let the Desert Man lay his hands on the other Spiritual Stones... Warn the others who guard them."

The frayed threads of the Great Deku Tree's life force began to unravel, his presence drifting away like dandelion fluff scattering before a breeze.

"I regret there is much more I wished to tell you... all of you, but recent events have been set in motion far earlier than anticipated. Make haste, Link, for time is of the essence." The Great Deku Tree's voice was barely more than a whisper in the wind, "Help Saria keep the others safe, for she is one of the few that hold the key to the Kokiri's future." He was rambling, Link realised, the last desperate struggles of a soul trying to escape its inevitable fate. "Things will be much harder for you now, but I know you and Navi will succeed. Farewell, Link, and to you most loyal sprite. Take care of him, Navi... please, do not grieve for me."

And just like that, the tenuous link between their minds broke, and the Great Father of the Kokiri was gone.

"Wait!" Link cried.

There was no answer. The Great Deku Tree's bark turned from a healthy brown to a sickly grey with unnatural speed and the leaves within his thick canopy rapidly turned brown, shriveling and snapping free, drifting upon the wind like snow on a winter's day. The air itself seemed to heave a sad sigh, as if the forest itself was bidding the ancient guardian goodbye.

Tears rolled down Link's cheeks, splashing upon the gnarled root. He knelt there for some time, weeping silently. After a while, he became aware that it was nearing nightfall. It was growing cold, and the sun was low in the western sky, hidden behind a shroud of greenery.

"Link?"

He almost jumped at the sound of Navi's voice. She had been so quiet he'd almost forgotten she was there. "You heard what he said. We should go."

Link drew a deep breath and nodded.

"I'll keep the others safe," he promised the lifeless tree.

Link became aware of someone approaching them from the path behind. He was sure it was Mido, and his heart sank. He breathed a sigh, bracing himself for the coming blow, and turned around. Only it was not Mido walking towards him. It was Saria.

Her eyes were red and moist. Fora was staring at the Great Deku Tree, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"It's true then?" she asked no one in particular. "He really is gone?"

Saria threw her arms around Link, not saying a word. For a time, they just stood there, sharing each other's grief.

"I did not know this would happen," Saria said at last.

"I tried to save him," Link said with a sniffle. He swallowed, his throat tight. "I tried, Saria, but I failed."

"You mustn't think like that, Link," Saria said, stepping back and looking him squarely in the eyes, her hands in his own. "You didn't fail. You stopped the curse from spreading, and that's what he wanted."

Link did not feel so reassured. He stared at his boots, refusing to meet Saria's eyes.

"Here. He asked me to give you something." Saria's tone caught his attention as she reached into her tunic pocket and withdrew a large emerald encased in a golden wreath. She gave it to him and Link clutched it gently. When he touched its warm surface, he was certain he could sense a faint hum of magic that resonated from the gem.

"The Kokiri Emerald?" he asked.

"Yes," Saria said.

So, Link thought. It was for this that the Great Deku Tree died?

"Keep them safe."

I promise.

The Great Deku Tree's final wish echoed in Link's mind. The stone could not remain in the forest, and nor could he. Not while the Desert Man was still after it.

He would have to leave soon. Carefully, he placed it in his satchel and then followed Saria's gaze. She was staring blankly at the Great Deku Tree, disbelief plain in her eyes.

"I always knew you would leave the forest someday," she murmured. Her eyes met his briefly, and then she lowered her gaze to the ground. "I didn't want to believe it... but..."

Her words trailed off into a sorrowful silence.

"Did the Great Deku Tree tell you?" Link asked.

"He did," Saria admitted, looking back up, hesitation plain in her voice.

"What about Mido? Does he know I can leave?"

"No," Saria said, with a faint flicker of uncertainty that Link only just caught. "He believes you are under the Great Deku Tree's protection, as we all are. I'm sorry, Link. I really wanted to tell you, and I can explain it all later, but now isn't the time. You're hurt and exhausted, and you need to rest."

"I'm not hurt," Link said, trying to keep himself from grimacing at the pain in his leg.

He didn't want to get angry at Saria. Not now. Not while they were standing before the lifeless trunk of the Great Deku Tree whose leaves still fluttered from the boughs above.

Saria smiled sadly. "I'm glad. I have something else for you."

From her other pocket, she produced a wooden ocarina. It was identical to the beige one she always carried with her, except for the little fairy carved into its side. Saria held it out to him. Taking it, he brushed his fingers across its surface.

"Thanks, Saria." He allowed himself a smile, meeting her eyes. "Maybe I can put some of that practice you gave me to use, and I won't sound like a strangled bird."

She laughed ruefully. Link had never been an excellent student when it came to learning an instrument.

"The Great Deku Tree infused the ocarina with earth magic," she said.

"What's that do?" Link asked, a little perplexed.

"He did explain it. I'll show you," Saria offered, her smile fading. "But not now. You need to rest, or else you won't make it far." She took him gently by the arm, ushering him towards the path. "Come on. I'll make sure Mido doesn't give you a hard time."

"Thanks."

Link let her lead the way. They paused as they reached the edge of the clearing, realizing Navi and Fora weren't with them. The two fairies were still hovering in front of the lifeless tree. Link called out to them. Fora returned to Saria, while Navi remained in place, her eyes fixed upon the face carved into the tree trunk.

"Come on, Navi."

Finally, Navi zipped over to him and settled on his shoulder.

"I'll be okay," she said, noticing Saria and Link's concern.

With that, they left the meadow. The vegetation surrounding the glen was dead, leaving behind a mass of twisted branches, stems, and thorns. The trek seemed to take far longer than it had before, and it wasn't fatigue that burdened Link's steps now. He didn't even notice that there were three fairies following him- Mori had joined her two companions in hushed conversation.

Mido was at the end of the path. He must have known something was horribly wrong because he was pacing, fidgeting, and casting an occasional glance towards the meadow. He seemed torn between staying where he was and going to find out what was happening. Then he saw Saria and relief flooded his face.

"Saria, did you find out what happened?" he asked. Then he spotted Link and frowned at his forlorn appearance. Then, as he fully realised what he was seeing, Mido gaped, his eyes wide. "What-" the next few words were unintelligible. When he finally unstuck his tongue, he uttered the question Link had hoped would never come.

"You stopped the curse, right?" Mido looked to Saria for an answer. Everyone else, the fairies included, refused to meet his eyes. Saria let go of Link and placed a hand on Mido's shoulder. He flinched and jerked away at the unexpected gesture.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" Mido demanded, sounding afraid.

Link was too tired to argue with Mido, and his grief from the Great Deku Tree's death was still too raw. A voice in the back of his mind told him to leave, but he didn't heed its warning.

Saria heaved a sigh, her voice barely audible as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Mido. Link stopped the parasites from escaping, and they're gone now. They won't escape into the woods like we feared, but the Great Deku Tree didn't make it. That chill you felt not long ago was a sign of his passing."

"You... what?" Mido had never sounded so shocked. "How... but..."

Link tensed as the boy's eyes fell on him. Suspicious. Judging. Accusing.

Navi hissed in his ear, "Link, leave. Now!"

"You were meant to save him!" Mido said, his voice gaining strength. The colour had drained from his face. "What did you do?" he demanded. Link offered no answer, and in doing so, he spurred Mido's temper. The boy's face flushed as he reached his own damning conclusion. "You killed him. You killed him, didn't you?" The accusations came like punches, but Link bore them as best he could. In a way, Mido's accusations were a mirror of Link's own thoughts, and that only served to worsen their sting.

"Mido, you know very well none of that's possible!" Saria's words went unheeded, but still she tried to diffuse the situation. "Let Link go, and we can talk about this together, okay?"

"How could you let this happen?" Mido rounded on her. "I warned you when you brought him here that there was something odd about him!"

Link should have fled then, but Mido's words cut deep, driving under his skin like a dagger being twisted in his gut. Hurt, and not wanting Saria to have to defend him alone, he jumped to his friend's aid. "It was too late to save the Great Deku Tree!" he bellowed, his temper growing hot. "I tried! So don't blame me, and don't blame Saria!" Link knew he should have stopped there, but his anger got the better of him, and like a serpent uncoiling in his gut, it struck out. "What did you do anyway?" he spat. "You just ran off. You're a coward, Mido! A coward!"

Mido's face went sickeningly pale, "What... what did you call me?"

"Let it be, Mido. He didn't mean it," Saria said, her voice calm but firm. She grabbed Link's arm next and stepped in between the pair.

Despite regaining some semblance of his normal composure, Mido took no heed of Saria's words. "How dare you-" he snarled. Link ignored him and started walking off, slipping free of Saria's grasp and yielding to Navi's frantic whispers. Saria was too busy holding Mido back to do anything, having grabbed the boy by both shoulders and staring him down.

"Wait!" Mido bellowed. "Don't just walk away. I want answers!"

Link didn't see him roughly push Saria to the side, causing her to stumble and cry out. Link couldn't hear anything through the pounding roar in his ears, didn't see Saria fall face first into the earth- which was probably just as well- but he did feel Mido grab arm, his grip so hard it actually hurt. Link spun around, knocked the boy's arm aside and shoved him, pushing Mido back a step.

"Leave me alone!" Link roared. Beyond the pair, Saria got to her feet.

"I want answers first!" Mido roared. "What did you do?"

"Mido, that's enough." Saria's voice was stern. "Let's-"

"Stay out of this," Mido snapped, rounding on her. "I want to know what he did!" he turned and jabbed a finger at Link's chest.

Aware of Navi tugging at his collar, Link turned and continued to walk away, leaving Mido and Saria to yell at each other. He'd barely gotten several steps when Mido's words caught his attention.

"I warned you, Saria! I told you there was something different about him. Something dangerous! Nothing good ever comes of strangers in the woods. I told you! Nothing!"

A shocked silence followed his words, but before Link could even process what Mido was talking about, he heard heavy footsteps approaching.

"I haven't finished with you, murderer!"

Freak.

Coward.

Wimp.

Murderer.

As the echoes of Mido's taunts rushed into the forefront of his mind, Link's anger betrayed him, and the fire in his belly roared. He turned on his heels, ears ringing, saw Mido reaching for him, and swung his fist straight into Mido's face. It was a solid punch, his blow connecting with Mido's nose with a crunch. He knew a moment of regret as Mido recoiled, blood dripping onto his tunic. Then, before Link could seize his chance to flee, rage flashed across Mido's eyes and the boy was on top of him, fists pummelling at him. With his arms crossed over his head to shield him from the blows, Link stepped to the side. He aimed a kick at Mido's legs, hoping to topple him over. Mido grabbed him as he fell, pulling Link down until they were rolling on the ground, clawing, punching, snarling. Mido's punches were wild and unfocused. Link was more used to defending himself; his efforts were more precise and practised than Mido's. He came out of the tussle and quickly leapt to his feet.

"Link, stop it right now!" Saria yelled. "Mido, that's enough. Mido! Stop!"

Link was half in mind to obey and flee into the woods, but Mido was fast, slamming a boot into Link's wounded leg. The younger boy cried out in pain. The nearby Kokiri were hesitantly approaching to see what was going on, none of them making a move to break up the fight, though several looked at each other as if wondering who should go first.

Mido jumped towards Link, but he was too slow. Link sidestepped him and allowed the other boy's momentum to send him stumbling. Seizing the chance, Link shoved Mido hard, sending the boy's full weight into a boulder beside them. Mido's head struck the rock with a sickening crack, and he instantly went slack. He hit the ground, his head at an odd angle.

Link's fury gave way to horror with a sickening lurch, all breath leaving him as though he'd just been punched hard in the gut.

Oh no. What have I done?

An odd ringing filled Link's ears, and his vision swam in a moment of dizziness.

"Mido?" he gasped, voice unsteady.

The boy did not even so much as twitch.

Saria left Link's side without a word, falling to her knees beside her friend. For a horrible moment, Link thought Mido was dead. That was when he noticed Mori was still hovering above her injured charge, staring daggers at Link but otherwise unharmed. That meant Mido was still alive.

"Saria, I... I didn't mean to go that far," Link stammered, unable to keep his voice from trembling.

She didn't answer as she placed a hand on Mido's chest. To Link's relief, the boy's eyes fluttered open for a moment, and then he moaned weakly.

"What's going on here?"

Forenz's voice carried through the gathered Kokiri as the boy pushed his way through the crowd. They parted easily, and he came to an abrupt halt at the edge of the gathered throng. Someone else broke through the crowd and ran up behind him. It was Fado, Mido's best friend. She was one of the last people Link wanted to see right now, and so was Forenz, for different reasons.

When Fado discovered the source of the commotion, she shrieked and ran to the injured boy's side. Link was sure she might have shaken Mido if another Kokiri hadn't restrained her, fending off a few angry blows from her fists that quickly went slack.

Forenz still didn't move from the edge of the onlookers. There was disappointment written across his face, and the sense of shame that tore through Link was almost crippling. He didn't have long to dwell on it.

"Saria. Is he going to be alright?" Fado wailed, having finally collapsed into the grip of the Kokiri holding her. She seemed to remember Link and quickly rounded on him. "What did you do to him?"

"It wasn't his fault," Mori said. "Mido provoked him."

Link didn't pay any attention to Mori, despite the fact she was trying to defend him. The grim expression on Saria's face was frightening.

"He's going to be okay, isn't he?" Link asked.

Forenz found his voice at last, concerned and disappointed. "Link, what happened?"

It would have been a kindness if he'd just shouted, Link thought.

"Forenz, you have to believe me, I didn't mean it. It's just..." Link faltered, his throat going tight, words failing him. Nothing in the world could help him utter the truth he wanted so badly to deny.

"The Great Deku Tree is dead," Navi finished for him. "Mido thought Link was responsible, but he's not."

Everyone stared at her. Shock rippled through the forest children as the news spread through the crowd. Their stunned looks were far more than Link could bear. One girl whimpered, another sobbed, and one of her friends moved forward to comfort her. Several grumbled amongst themselves, before exchanging a couple of words with Saria that Link couldn't hear through the drumming in his ears, and then they left, heading towards the Great Deku Tree's meadow.

"He can't be," Forenz said, fear tinging his voice. "Look-" he stammered, which was very unlike him. "Link, you've obviously had a nasty shock... Did something attack you? Was it more of those creatures?"

"What creatures?" someone demanded.

Link couldn't find the words or the strength to tell Forenz that he wasn't making things up.

"It's true, Forenz," Saria said solemnly. "I was there..."

"Then you saw what happened?" Forenz asked. He looked towards the Great Deku Tree's meadow as if hoping that the group of Kokiri who'd just left would come back and explain that this had all been a terrible misunderstanding, that something had attacked Link and he was not in his right mind.

"I will explain later." Saria's voice told all that she'd speak no further on the subject. "Forenz, help me get Mido to my house. Fado, come with me."

The remaining Kokiri watched Link as he stood there, each one of them staring in fear. Even their faeries watched him. Nobody spoke, and the silence became deafening. At that moment, Link felt as though the entire forest was judging him. For what he'd done to Mido, and for failing to save the Great Deku Tree. He was surrounded by the Kokiri he'd grown up with, and even then, he felt truly and utterly alone.

"It wasn't me," Link tried to find his voice, tried to find someone who would look at him, who would not judge him as the others did. "You have to believe me. It wasn't me!"

Silence.

Nobody met his eyes. He searched for a friendly face, but the few who met his gaze quickly turned away. Forenz and Saria were busy helping Mido, lifting him up as gently as they could.

"Link, go home, now. I'll meet you there." Saria's voice was firm and hard. "Navi, see that he gets some rest."

"Listen to her, Link." Navi urged him. "Come on. There's nothing more we can do here."

"But, Saria, you have to believe me," Link pleaded, tears stinging his eyes. "Please. I didn't mean it."

"Go, Link!" Saria's voice was stern, all trace of its usual warmth gone.

Fado threw a filthy look towards Link that Saria didn't notice. He didn't retaliate, knowing full well he deserved it.

Link turned, and the Kokiri parted like leaves drifting before a breeze. He broke into a run before they could see the tears that traced his dirt-smeared face. Behind him, there was another outburst of questions directed at Saria and Forenz. At an order from the two, some of the older Kokiri moved forward to help keep the younger ones calm.

Link didn't watch them. He didn't turn back to see what was going on. He didn't flee back to his home. He ran past it, fleeing as fast as his legs could carry him, the limbs of low-hanging branches slapping his face. Roots and vines snatched at his boots, making him stumble, but he kept running, sweat mingling with the tears that blurred his vision.

When he finally came to a halt by the roots of a wide tree, Link wasn't sure how long had passed since he'd left the village. His limbs were trembling, his breath ragged. His legs gave out beneath him, and before he knew what was happening, the world became a blur of noise and swirling colors. Distantly, he heard a fairy cry out, and then the forest floor rushed up to meet him.

The next thing Link heard was Navi's voice, the green canopy above a dazzling blur. His mind was completely exhausted, his senses deadened by fatigue, so he just lay staring listlessly at the violet sky. At some point, Navi disappeared, and when she returned several Kokiri were with her, staring anxiously down at Link. Whether it was out of concern or fear, he couldn't have said.

He drifted in and out of sleep, dimly aware that he was being carried, as everything became little more than a blur of colours. At some point, he was bundled into the little lift that brought supplies up to his home and finally deposited on his small bed.

Link's memory failed him after that, and when he finally returned to awareness, night had fallen. His tunic had been changed, his wounds cleaned, and he was no longer covered in grime or gore. His memory returned slowly, and he vaguely remembered the fight with Mido.

Somebody sitting near the bed stirred, and for the first time, Link noticed Saria. Her eyes were red-rimmed and tired, but she still offered him a sad smile.

"I was beginning to think you'd sleep until the morning," she said.

"Is Mido-"

"He'll be okay," Saria finished for him. "I gave him some sleeping draught. A headache will be the worst thing he has."

"I didn't mean to hurt him like that," Link told her earnestly. "You believe me, don't you?"

"Of course I do," Saria said, gently stroking the bangs off his damp forehead.

"What about the others?" Link asked.

"I don't think it's sunk in yet," Saria told him sadly. "I told them what happened and some of them saw for themselves. Navi and I both vouched that you were trying to help the Great Deku Tree."

"Do they think I did it?"

Saria took a moment to realize what he meant. "Of course not."

Link was fairly certain she was just saying that for his benefit.

"What did Mido mean by he knew there was something odd about me?" It was difficult to recall that experience without feeling the painful sting of those words. "That nothing good ever came from strangers in the woods?"

Saria's mouth twitched, her expression pained. "He didn't mean it. Grief and anger can make people say stupid things."

That did little to reassure Link.

"Sa... will I turn into a skull kid now?"

"What?" she seemed startled by the question.

"Brynn told me Kokiri who do bad things turn into skull kids."

"I doubt he was being serious," Saria said with a faint ghost of a laugh. "Brynn's always saying silly things. You should know that."

Link was too tired to talk about it more, his eyelids drooping. Saria said something else, but it was lost beneath the last hazy threads of consciousness.

Saria still sat by his side even as he drifted off to sleep. The last thing he heard were the soft and gentle notes of her ocarina.

~ 0 ~

Link opened his eyes slowly in the predawn light. As he gazed up at the dark ceiling, he realized he must have slept for some time; Saria was gone, her empty stool the only sign that she'd ever been here. The Desert Man had not haunted Link's dreams again, but that was of little comfort in light of the previous day. The memory of what had happened still lay heavily on his mind. It should have been the happiest day of his life, and it had been, for a heartbeat. The Great Deku Tree's proclamation that he was dying, his death, and the fight with Mido, had brought all that crashing down. The happiest day of Link's life had become his worst. A nightmare.

If only he could turn back the cogs of time and change it all.

Abruptly, he realized his eyes were damp again, and he was chewing his lip to the point it hurt. He rolled over, numb to everything but the steady beat of his heart, sobs threatening to rise from deep within his chest.

Unconsciously, he'd clenched his fist around the pillow, as if wanting nothing more than to punch it. Then he heard something, a sound like the distant echo of a song drifting through the leaves. He blinked, sensing something brush his mind. It felt like the strange power that came from the Kokiri Emerald, and the distant notes made him think of the forest nymphs of Saria's stories. Then it was gone, leaving Link keenly aware of the silence that engulfed him.

He realised that there was no chirp or carol of birdsong. No croaking frog or even the chirrup of a cricket. There wasn't even the soft clatter of the wind chimes in the canopy above. The forest was still, but it was a cold tranquility, not the kind of silence that bespoke of peace.

Link rolled again to face the rest of his hut's interior. His eyes fell upon the dark shape of his bag nestled beside the bed. Again he was aware of that distant almost inaudible hum. Link rummaged through his bag until felt the warm, smooth surface of the Kokiri Emerald. He had the sense of something ancient brushing against his mind, as though a piece of the Great Deku Tree still lingered within the stone. He withdrew the emerald, holding it carefully in his hands.

"Hello?" he whispered, feeling foolish. Link remembered the Great Deku Tree saying that something ancient lingered within the emerald, and for a moment he wondered if it could speak to him.

Nothing.

"Stupid," he muttered to himself. "Talking to rocks and hoping it'll talk back to you."

"Link?" Navi called from somewhere beside him. "What are you doing?"

Navi was looking at him, having just emerged from the folds of a clean green hat that lay on the table. She had not slept soundly, for her eyes were still red and swollen.

"Nothing," Link lied, thrusting the emerald back into his bag.

If Navi noticed the lie, she chose to ignore it. "I was going to wake you if you didn't wake up soon. It will be light before long."

"How long was I asleep?" Link asked.

"A while," Navi said. "Saria made sure the Kokiri knew not to disturb you."

"Thanks," Link replied softly.

He hesitated for a moment, not eager to leave his home. It was not the leaving which bothered Link so much. He was certain that, despite Saria's reassurance, the other Kokiri would blame him for the Great Deku Tree's death. Leaving the forest would be as good as confirming his guilt. Most of them knew Link did not have the power to harm the forest guardian, but Mido would try to convince them otherwise. Nor was Mido going to be happy about being knocked senseless.

Pushing the thoughts aside, Link got ready to go. After eating a simple meal of fruit, he donned his gear on and went outside. He clambered down the ladder, jumped the last rung, and landed in the soft grass which was still damp with dew. Then, he took one last look at his home.

Will I ever see it again? he wondered.

"C'mon, Link," Navi whispered.

Turning his back on his home, he walked out of the village.

Save for the odd bird, and a fairy that neither Link nor Navi noticed, no one saw them leave.

The forest was silent and all Link could hear was the steady thumping of his heart. When Link reached the edge of the village, he felt strangely relieved. If anyone saw him, they didn't call out.

Link did not have far to go until he reached a stream with a wooden bridge over it. It marked the western boundary of the grove and the start of the Lost Woods. He took one step onto the bridge and then froze. Behind him came the distinct crunch of boots upon leaf litter.

They stopped.

"Link?"

Saria, Link thought, a heavy weight settling on his chest. Why did she have to follow me?

He was afraid to turn back, sure that if he did, he would never leave.

Turn back, Saria, he thought, swallowing a rising lump. Turn back, please.

She didn't.

"Link, wait!"

The pain in Saria's voice hurt him deeply. Link paused and closed his eyes for a heartbeat. He didn't betray her by running off. Everyone else thought he was a murderer now, didn't they? He could still see their angry, frightened eyes. The thought of running off and having Saria think poorly of him was too much. Swallowing, he spun around.

Saria's eyes glistened with tears that tore at Link's heartstrings.

"Fora told me she saw you leaving," she said, voice cracked with emotion. "I just wanted to say goodbye and to wish you luck."

They held each other's gaze. For once, Link wished Fora had kept quiet. Leaving was hard enough without having to say goodbye. He took in the sight of Saria's green hair beneath a small headband. She was wearing an emerald green cloak to keep off the early morning chill. Her sad eyes bore into his soul, begging him to stay. They both knew he couldn't. Would he even be welcome after the Great Deku Tree's death, or would the others hate him now? Would they think him a monster, just like Mido did? He could always stay in the woods for a while. If he did, he could still visit Saria.

"I don't know how long your journey beyond the forest will take, but I'll be here if you need me," Saria said. "I will be praying for you, that your journey will be a safe one."

Link almost choked, blinking back a sudden rush of tears. "I'll be back... as soon as I give the stone to Zelda."

"I know, but I feel things are changing Link, and not just because father is gone. We don't know how long your journey will take... just..." she glanced at Navi, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "Look after each other okay?"

Saria stepped up to him and they embraced.

"You're a good person, Link," she murmured sadly, speaking softly into his ear. "Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"I..." Link was unsure how to respond. "Thanks."

"Take good care of the ocarina I gave you, won't you?" Saria asked. "I expect you to practice and be as good as me when you come back."

"I will be," Link could barely speak through the pressure building in his throat.

"When you come back, find me at the meadow," Saria said. "It's our little place, and you won't be disturbed."

The Sacred Forest Meadow outside the Forest Temple was Saria and Link's own sanctuary. Certain that it was haunted, the other Kokiri rarely ventured into its hallowed grounds.

"I would like that," Link said.

They stood for a moment longer, not speaking a word. Only the gurgling stream beneath them broke the silence. Soon, Link couldn't stand it.

"I've always dreamed of going on an adventure," he said, looking far off into the trees. "Like one of the Great Deku Tree's stories. Now I'm on one..."

His voice trailed off. Now he was on one, he wasn't so sure what to feel. Excitement? A giddy exhilaration as he explored a world unknown to him? Perhaps. The recent tragedy of the forest guardian's death had numbed all his eager excitement. Even a day ago, the mere thought of a chance to explore the woods might have filled him with delight.

"You'll be fine. I'm sure Navi will take good care of you," Saria stepped away from him, and Link swallowed thickly. "Go on. You better get moving."

"Saria..." he said hoarsely. "I..."

'Go, Link."

It took all his will not to tear up in front of her. He turned away, wishing the act didn't hurt so much. He ran over the bridge before his emotions could betray him. He broke into a run and fled, not looking back.

Navi didn't try to speak to him for some time. He ran, stumbling over the intertwining roots of trees as he sprinted beneath their branches. By the time he stopped running, he realized the woods were more sparse and dapples of sunlight broke through the thin canopy, enticing Link to venture on.

"We must be close to the edge of the woods now," Navi said.

Link didn't reply. He just nodded and tried to ignore Navi's worried glances.

"You okay, Link?" she asked at last. "Do you need to rest for a bit?"

"No," Link answered. "I'm okay."

The sun was well and truly up now, and a cool crisp breeze stirred the trees. Before long, the woods gave way to a splendid vista of rolling hills. Lush green grass stretched out as far as Link could see. Rocks jutted out of the rugged hills and Link felt a sense of awe at the sprawling wilderness.

"Why are there so few trees?" he asked.

"Not everywhere has as many trees as home," Navi answered.

The idea of being in such an exposed and open area unnerved Link. There was no shelter from the elements or from any wild animals.

Navi flew beside him, looking far less awestruck by the wide vista of the wilderness beyond the woods. "Are you sure you're alright, Link?"

"I'm fine," he lied. Then, more truthfully, he added, "It's just I have never been so far from home."

He drew a deep breath and pressed on, leaving behind his home and everything he
had ever known.

Next Chapter

Reviews

Guest chapter 5 . Sep 30, 2022 So this was the work of a demon called king demise who was locked away in the mask and because of what it did to ganondolf has turned him evil to do these cursed things. Ganondolf does not know it’s not his power but unfortunately the curse is yet to be revealed so the man is evil unfortunately.

ZadArchie chapter 5 . Nov 24, 2016 So, I figure the best way to do these reviews is sort of a chapter by chapter method, in which I give general notes for the chapter, followed by some line by line suggestions. Most of what I bring up is SPAG stuff, so your story is actually well thought out. Having no knowledge of Zelda, this has been interesting to dive into fandom-blind. On with the show! Chapter 1 General Notes: A lot of lore thrown out in this chapter, but it’s not too much or too little. It’s also explained in a way that doesn’t distract from the story. I’m not familiar with the fandom, but I have at least heard of it. Still, this first chapter does make me interested to find out what’s going to happen next. Line Notes: This is but one of the tales... (I feel like because this is written in a different style from the rest of the prologue and seems like an introduction, it could maybe be in italics or bold?) To the Gerudo... (Actually, this reminds me of underworld mythology in Celtic traditions. It was never called the "underworld" but rather the "otherworld" as it was quite possible to simply turn a corner, usually in the forest, and suddenly you were there. It wouldn't surprise me to know that Zelda does borrow some from European mythology, but this is still interesting to note.) They could warp the minds of travelers... (Again, this is a common theme in mythology, though I was going to give you a specific example of a creature in myth, but for the life of me, I can't remember which one I was going to use.) Navi thought they pitied him. She didn't have her own... (I got a little confused here. First, you're talking about a boy without a fairy, then you switch to Navi not having anyone. I had to do a double-take and had a "who's on first?" kind of moment. Is there a better way to reword this?) Intro inspired by the Wheel of Time... (I really need to read these stories. I keep meaning to.) Chapter 2: General: Overall, good pacing and a lot of good exposition. This really helps for someone as fandom-blind as myself. At the same time, you didn’t make the classic mistake of over-describing people with hair and eye colors and stuff like that. You told me about the character’s personality, and I really could gain a lot of information there. Saria is clearly the Demeter archetype in Link’s life, and it was rather fun to read. Line Notes: Normal. (I’m not sure I understand here. One word cannot be a sentence, and I’m not sure what it is you’re trying to convey. Is it that Saria doesn’t have time for him normally? Or is it the time of year?) “No,” Link said, the pin in his chest had subsided to a painful throb. “I’m fine.” (In this case, I think you need a comma after “throb” instead of a period.) “Link,” Forenz sighed with exasperation, “What… (I do this a lot too. You actually need to make “what” lowercase, but the punctuation is correct.) His first thought was a deer,but… (Space after the comma. Minor typo.) revealed a mare tearing down the main road of the burning village. (Horses are often considered a symbol of entrance to the underworld. Much of Arthurian literature touches on this theme.) He drank it,nearly… (Minor typo again. Space after the comma.) Saria asked after a few minutes, “If you want to tell me.” (In this case, I think a period after “minutes” is right, not a comma, because the last phrase ended with a question mark already.) Chapter 3: General Notes: A pattern I’m noticing is the heavy use of various “said bookisms” throughout your work. I used to do this a lot too. While ultimately, it is your choice what to do, it is something considered more hindering than helpful in your writing. You may want to check out this link for more info: : / / www . fmwriters Visionback / Issue % 205 / tags . h t m Line Notes: Hd he let out a jubilant whoop… (Typo, I think. I’m not sure what it was you were going for.) he yelled happily to the ceiling, “Yes, I have a fairy! (Period after “ceiling.”) “I don’t believe it!” Mido spat,. He spotted Link’s sword next… (Typo: eliminate the comma after “Mido.”) Link stepped forward with a growl, “You-” (I think a period would be better than a comma here.) “Saria!” there was concern in Mido’s voice… (I think it would be better if these were two separate sentences in this case. So, just capitalize the “there.” It really is expressing two different thoughts.) Saria shook her head, “I haven’t. (First, period after “head” as there is no speaking verb present to warrant a comma. Second, I think you forgot the second set of quotation marks at the end.) look braver than he felt, “I’ll be okay.” (Again, not speaking verb present, so a period and not a comma.) Chapter 4: General: This is progressing nicely. I like how you’re able to give Link real challenges and show that he does have some incompetence in fighting, making it not so easy. At the same time, you keep it balanced enough that he is still the hero and has to succeed in his quests. The ending where he feels that he has succeeded in defeating the curse. I hope that his not the case. Otherwise, I’m not sure what would happen for the next 56 chapters. Line Notes: “Great,” Link breathed, wiping his sword on the spider. “More giant creepy things.” (In this case, I think you would use this as one single thought and should therefore have a comma after “spider” and make “more” lowercase.) out of trouble,” Navi’s eyes trailed… (No speaking verbs, so it should be a period, not a comma, after “trouble.”) manifested itself as s monster… (I think this was a typo. Supposed to be “as a monster.”) from the inside out,” Navi gasped… (I don’t know if “gasped” is really the right verb. I mean, she already knows what’s been going on, and gasping indicates surprise. I don’t think she’s surprised, so much as Link is.) Shei nodded mutely… (Typo: she) Chapter 5 General: Big emotional chapter here, and you didn’t disappoint. I felt very invested in the emotional responses of the characters. However, I do think that Navi could’ve had more reaction to the Great Deku’s death. She seemed pretty stoic through this, but then, you may have a reason for that. Line Notes: we killed the gohma queen.!” (I think a typo here. You meant the exclamation point only, right?) “I have already instructed Saria on what must she must do. (Too many “musts.”) It was as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened just happened. (Again, too much repetition using the word “happened” twice in a sentence. Can you rework this one a bit?) with you,” Saria offered, “And make sure… (Make the “and” lowercase in this situation.) “it was just a dream, Saria.” (Capitalize “it.”) Go on, you better get moving,” Saria stepped away… (No speaking verb, so end with a period, not a comma in this quote.) I look forward to reading and reviewing more as I go on. Best, Zad Critics United

Barbacar chapter 5 . Oct 9, 2016 You're pretty good at writing dramatic scenes

SunPraiser31 chapter 5 . Aug 31, 2016 I didn't sign up for this feels trip. How dare you make me sad over a tree. But really, that was really well written. I actually had a lump in my throat when the Great Deku Tree died, and Link saying goodbye to Saria was even worse. I may or may not ship the two of them. Now it'll be a long time, if ever, before they see each other again, and that makes me sad. But on the other hand, quest time! Woo!

acctdisabled chapter 5 . Apr 30, 2016 I thought the introduction was neat in the sense you showed the fears of the Great Deku Tree dying through Link’s emotions rather than telling the reader what was going on. Having beta’d several of your chapters now, I really enjoy the whimsical feel your narration has. There’s a sort of introspection evident in the subtext, which is a good way to get your readers to stop and pause a bit when tense circumstances arise. There was a lot of emotion conveyed in the first part of the chapter, and the imagery was lovely as well. Only thing I would suggest unless my memory is lapsing and Link already knows he’s Hylian, would be adding in a line where the GDT hints at it or Navi probes further- that way Navi would trust GDT in that Link wouldn’t meet a similar fate as previous Kokiri who left; didn’t really explain why Link could leave, only that he could not be harmed right away Liked that Saria was the one handing him the Kokiri Emerald- added more gravity to situation of Link having to say goodbye to her. The subtle touches such as ‘only person that knew,’ ‘never been an excellent student,’ brought the scene to life and really made feel bad about the two saying goodbye. And as a massive AoL fan, I’m enjoying the integration of magic into the story- too many Zelda fics are strictly action and forget about Zelda’s roots as a series emphasizing magic. Mido’s grief turned anger gave him more of a dimension, while still keeping him in character. At first I wasn’t too fond of Link getting so angry at Mido to the point of knocking him out. However, as the scene unfolded, I changed my mind because the crowd’s reaction a great job of reinforcing Link’s hidden anger (at least, that’s what I’ve read into) and being different. There’s a ‘being afraid of ones’ strength’ motif going on as well. A suggestion I do have to increase the tension would be providing the reader a line or two of things the Kokiri whispered about Link (maybe hearing them in his mind before he passes out?); pairs nicely with your crowd description. The last scene felt true to the OoT cutscene without being a copy and paste regurgitation. A little bit more body language would heighten the scene’s gravity, otherwise I thought it is done excellently. Dreaming about Link going away also reinforced the dream motif you have going on, and I’m curious to know if Saria will have more dreams in the future. The ending with Link discerning the lack of trees was a good way to show how difficult this journey will be for Link. Overall, a nice chapter with narrative subtleties that evoke emotional resonance. Good work!

Cyan Quartz chapter 5 . Jun 20, 2015 Oh, right, they do meet again where she teaches that song.

Local Minstrel chapter 5 . Oct 1, 2014 Well done. You've provided some details that I hadn't considered before - Zelda's point of view, for example, as well as Link's flashback to the attack on the bridge; also, the size of Hyrule Castle Town. Now for some technical criticism. The past participle of "spin" is "spun." "Span" means to cover an area, to blanket it.

Lord Darth Yoda chapter 5 . Jul 20, 2014 You're giving Ganondorf Majora's Mask? Are you trying to kill us all? ;) Good chapter anyways, Mid is an idiot no matter how you go about it.