First thing you should know: There is a prequel. Or maybe prelude is more accurate. Either way, read Create: To Form before reading this. It will make more sense, and has an element that becomes important to the story later.

Second: This takes place two years before Twilight Princess. Two years, give or take a couple months.

Third, this is written from a First person/ stream of consciousness point of view. Third person comes in at chapter 7. While you COULD skip ahead to where it starts the "adventure", there will be points of references where you will be confused as hell. Trust me, the exposition just makes it easier to follow. Plus, it is good for a laugh.

If you want, check my homepage, because I expanded the good old country of Hyrule. Just a tad. I look at the original map and see all that free space, and realize it's practically begging to be used. Though it's only one section at a time. Alright, in another window, go to my profile, click on my homepage, and open up the latest picture, (Family Tree) and carefully set aside. You'll get to read it along with Barry.

This will kick up after the first two chapters. If there is anything you take from this, it's that it leaves an impression as a story that made you think, while you were still having a blast. Let me know how I did.

There are those who carelessly hurt others.

Then again, here are people who enjoy watching people suffer.

And then there are those who can only slaughter, and hurt to see it.

The only difference is the motive of the tormentor.

But what of the victim? There is no difference to them. All they register is the pain.

Hold one moment, I take that back.

The difference is how they carry on the cycle.

Those that carelessly hurt? Well, they are unintentionally spiteful.

They give into their own fears and ignorant cruelty.

Another's pain for the sake of their own security.

They will leave others out, so long as it means keeping themselves in.

Though sometimes, it is just a simple matter of dislike.

Though that may be the case, I doubt it makes the isolation any easier.

Is it not strange, however? How the seeds of cruelty can be disseminated so easily?

An opinion is created, a story is told, the same opinion is formed again.

Save for those who listen with their mind instead of their ears,

Anyone is impressionable.

To what extent is this acceptable?

It should be fair to circulate the truth, to give warning.

But what happens when the wrong truth is given?

Barry

I know Georde warned me about the amount of time a guy spends alone on the trip, but it's a different experience actually doing nothing on a cart for five days. Well, for one leg of the journey. It's gettin' hotter too as summer approaches. Shoulda brought a wider hat…

At least the wind is blowing nicely. I think I'd die without it here. Wait a second, is that… yeah, that's it, that's gotta be the east opening into Faron Woods. Finally, five days of traveling and I'll finally get into an actual bed, and get some better conversation than a blasted mule. It's awful lonely out here. At least this foolhardy journey is nearly half way over. Oh wait, after the entrance it's another whole day to the actual village. Man…

"Just another few hours to go…Oh well."

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Now I forget, did that mean I'd reach the village on the day I entered to woods, or I'd get there the next morning? I hope it's the other; I really don't want to sleep outside tonight with a village so close. And it's cold in all this shade. Couple horses wanderin' around here too. I guess they're not afraid of any of them going outside the woods. Oh hey, there's something up ahead, looks like a fence. Ah, this must be Judiken's Stables. Great, I've always been curious. Wonder if they'll let me leave Joan and the cart here for the night. Anyone there? I think I see someone by that horse over there.

"Hello?"

"Well, hullo there."

Oh, good. That must be the mayor of the village. He looks like a nice guy, like Georde said. He's losing his hair too; probably why he and Georde get along so well.

"You a new carrier?"

"Well, that's the original plan. Georde would have come with me, but he's feelin'a little under the weather. The name's Barry."

"Well, Barry, welcome to Judiken. Well, the Stables anyway. I'm Jod, tha's my daughter, Keian over yonder."

Where? Ah, by the stable building over there, behind that horse. "Hello."

So she's his daughter. They have that same straw hair, but that's it. They don't even look alike. Pretty little thing. Well, not so little, she's kinda tall. Probably strong too if she works out here. She has a nice, friendly smile.

Keian. "Hello."

Jod. "Need a drink or something' 'fore we head back?"

There's southern hospitality for you. "Nah, I got my canteen."

Jod. "Well, we're almos' done with this mare here. Jus' gimmie a minute and we'll get back. Rather not leave the kid here alone, ya know."

"Monsters, of course."

Why are they lookin' at each other like that? Did I say something wrong? Must be my imagination. Huh? My water's gone already. Guess I was thirstier than I thought, might need some more once I get there. Might as well look around a bit. I could use the chance to get off this cart. Seems to me like they're grooming that mare. It looks more like it's herded into a tiny fence. No, more like a frame right by the stables. Jod's pretty patient, I don't know how he can stand being bent over a hoof like that. That girl Keian I guess really likes working out here, or maybe she just really likes horses. Either way I know I was never that cheerful doing my chores. She really does have a pretty smile; reminds me of Haru back home. Wonder what kind of horse it is. I like the color, not quite white but lighter gray, and the spots give it more character than the brown horses. Looks pretty strong. Then again, all these horses do. Wait a second, are all these tails braided? Guess it's a thing of show. Jod must be done since he's straightening up.

Jod. "Ahright Mary, you're done. How many more we got?"

Keian. "Three."

"Ahright, we'll finish up, soon as I get back. Le's take 'em all in."

"I can wait here with 'em."

"An' make sure they don't run off?"

"Pop, it'll be fine, trust me, I can do this."

"I'm sure you can, but I haven't worked with you well enough to know how to watch out for 'em when they're all out."

"I've been watching ya work with 'em all my life, Pop, I think I can handle 'em for a few minutes."

Oops, look like I've stumbled on an emerging family tiff. Ah, young teenage days. The time of trying to take responsibility, and get rid of it, all for the sake of goin' against parents. He seems to be considering it though.

Jod. "Well, get all the finished horses inside so you have less to worry about at least."

Keian. "Ahright."

Well, guess this round goes to her. Still, is it wise of 'im to give in like that?

"You sure it's alright to leave her here alone?"

Jod. "Sure, long as the horses'r taken care of. Why?"

"Well, what if a monster comes by? don't they... well, live down here?"

"Well, the horses would take care of it if there ever was one, but nothing like that ever comes 'round here anyway. Havin' fun?"

Well, as long as he's sure, I guess it's fine. He's been here longer than me, at least. "Just my curiosity running wild. So this is the ranch of Hyrule's finest?"

Jod. "Well, I wouldn't go that far. We raise fine horses, but only a few make army ranks. Some we keep here. But yeah, we do this'th all our horses."

"I want to see one run."

"Usually I'd show ya what one-a these babies can do, but Mitulo stole our best rider to put out in the orchard for the shipment."

Oh that reminds me: "Can I leave the mule and the cart here? For tonight I mean?"

"Oh, yeah you're s'pposed to. Soon as we unload the packages, Mitulo can bring 'em back here."

"Oh right, forgot about these."

At least most of these are light. Except that red bag, it's heavy. Mercy, it's not even that big. Sugar's heavy. Glad I'm not working with this stuff all day. Now why's he looking around so carefully?

Jod. "You sure that's everything?"

"Yeah, I didn't lose any of them anyway. If you're talking about that smaller one, it's wrapped in a blanket to keep it out of the sun."

"Hm, that'll make them warmer anyway, but it can't be helped. I guess they don't have to be perfect. Ahright, le's go."

"How far is it there?"

"Not far, 'bout half a mile. That too much walking for you?"

"No, I could use the chance to stretch my legs."

"I hear ya. How ya like ridin' out through the fields so far?"

"Not exactly a joy ride. I think I'll go for a different career."

Glad he finds it so funny.

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"An altar by the orchard?"

"We're superstitious folk. I's jus' a little thing to bless us with bounty."

Funny how he admits 'superstitious' out in the open like that. It's a quaint little thing. The wood's cut nice and smooth. It's clean too, they take good care of it.

"You ever seen an orchard before?"

"Nope, can't say I have."

Strange, I expected to see a bigger field. And a lot more fruit. Probably because it's all picked off already. There's a couple on at least. Looks like tangerines on one side, but I can't tell what those others ones there are. They're almost shaped like pears, but more rounded. Bit more yellow too. That little shed on the side there must be for storage. Better than carrying crates back and forth I bet. Well, they don't really look hard at work anyway. Though their baskets are filled already, that must be why those two shorter boys are lookin' up at that blond one with the pointy ears. They're just kinda hangin' out. Looks like the blonde one's reaching for one at the top. Nice and big. Wonder how it tastes.

"Almost… there… Got it! Success! Captain, I have successfully acquired the target!"

He looks like he's won a trophy, all over some lousy fruit. Are all kids down here this happy to work?

"Congrats, Lieutenant. You've finally put that height of yours to use. Too bad you couldn't get more fruit in the time it took to reach that one, brat."

Yeah, looks like they're having fun. At least, the one with the funky hair is. The chunky one with curled hair looks kinda annoyed. Actually, he looks kinda mad.

"Shut up, I got it like I said I would. An' don't call me a brat, I'm almost ten!"

"Yeah, so I'll call ya a brat 'til then."

Wait, that big blond one is only nine? I thought the kid was closer to twelve. That's surprising. "He's only nine?"

Jod. "Yeah. Big tyke, ain't he? Goron and Deron're actually eleven an' twelve, but he's gainin' on 'em height wise."

"Hello there."

That big man must be Mitulo. He looks like he's been working out in the sun for a while, with that tan. Those two boys with the rounded ears must be his. He's got nice hair, same brown shade as those two. ah, right, better say hi.

"Good afternoon. Seems like you all are working hard out here."

Jod. "We are. Got a lot of work for the shipping day."

"Hey, you were watchin' the horses. We did all the pickin'." -The blond kid seems pretty vocal.- "Hey, are those the fruits?"

Haha, he's eager too. Him and the other boys. I remember the constant hunger of the teenage years too. At least Mitulo has a hold on him.

Mitulo. "Down boy, ya can get t' them later. C'mon and help me put these baskets in."

"Ahright."

"That was Strider. This is Goron and Deron."

Did he just say Goron? "Goron?"

"Goro's my real name. Everyone jus' calls me that 'cuz I'm fat."

Deron. "And yer grouchy too."

"Still act better than you do in the mornings."

Those two are definitely brothers.

Jod. "Now now boys, no fightin' in front of the guest. Deron's the one I told you about."

"So you're the best rider of the whole village?"

Looks pretty proud of it too. Hope the fruit in that basket doesn't roll out while he's balancing it on his head.

Deron. "You bet. Jus' wait 'til I get older, I'll be the best rider in the whole country."

Jod. "Jus' keep workin' hard an' don't slack off."

"Aye-Aye, Chief."

What's that behind him anyway? Looks like a really big tree. Looks a bit dark too. As in: haunted forest creepy. "That is one big tree."

Jod. "That's actually an ancient temple."

Maybe it's not just the kids, everyone down here seems to have too much humor. Why does he look so easy-going about something like that?

"Temple? For what?"

Strider. "Sacrifices."

Oh sweet mercy, where'd Strider come from? Sacrifices? Why is he whispering? Is someone listening in?

Strider. "Ancient barbarian blood rituals of worship. The ancient race of walking skeletons-"

Ouch. My head hurts just seeing Deron smack the kid.

Deron. "Cut that out, you'll scare the guy away." -Why is he looking around like that?- "Ya know, before he sees the beast."

Beast?... is it big?

Goro. "Ignore them. They're jus' bein' themselves. It's jus' an old temple no one goes to anymore."

Sure, he tells me that when he looks like he's about ready to punch them.

"Right, nothing we really associate with."

Alright, if Jod says it's fine, then it should be good. "Haha, right, right," Come on Barry, calm down, just your imagination running wild.

Jod. "It actually hangs over the village."

"Really? A village built under a huge tree?"

"Mm-hm. I's pretty foggy down there in winter an' spring. Mostly when the rainy season comes in."

"Why wasn't the village built up here?"

"Needed room for the stables and orchard."

"Ah, right."

"Ahright boys, you guys get a break t'help us carry down these packages."

Goro does seem to be a bit of a grouch, compared to everyone else down here. Deron doesn't seem so bad, just stupid for bugging him some more. Then again, that's what brothers do best.

Goro. "Tha's not much of a break."

Deron. "C'mon Goron, look at the bright side: We get outta the sun."

"True…"

Strider. "Yeah, always find the good opportunities in life! If ya let any of 'em pass ya by, ya'll never get a break."

Is Strider always this cheerful? It looks exhausting.

"Hey,"-Oh, Mitulo,- "What happened to getting Goron and Deron's baskets?"

"Oh yeah. Heheh, sorry."

Mitulo. "C'mon boys, le's get these in here."

Deron. "Yes sir, Uncle Mitulo sir."

Wait, uncle? So Goron and Deron are actually his nephews, not his sons like I thought. Hm, that shed that they're going into is not that big, but it's probably packed, and those boys go in and out pretty quick. And that's a pretty heavy duty padlocking on there. Wait, he's locking it? I thought they didn't have pinching out here. It's supposed to be quiet and peaceful here, unlike in Ordon. Mers, I am so glad I'm not there right now. "Don't think they'll attack, but don't trust them with the fruit?"

Jod. "Who?"

"The monsters."

"Ah, right. Well, the sun's out, an' we don't wanna leave them unpicked and ripen for too long."

"Did you need to lock it though?"

Oh good, Goro took the sugar. Thank heavens, that would have been heavy to carry.

Goro. "She might still check it out an' decide t' take some."

I guess that's true. Did I hear that right? "She?"

"They- right. They might be hungry enough t' eat 'em."

"Right." Seems like a funny mistake to make. And how come the other boys actually look a little ticked?

Jod. "C'mon, it'ssa bit of a trek, so you'll hafto watch your step."

Oh mers, he's not kidding. That hillside looks awful precarious. I have to actually walk down that thing? Looks like a long way down from up here too. Well, a journey of a thousand steps. Okay, one step down at a time. No need to rush. Man, even the kids make it look so easy. Wait, is that the same 'carrier's luck charm' Georde gave me hangin on Deron's belt?

Strider. "So you're the new carrier, huh? You from Hyrule or Aishi?"

Mitulo. "Leave the man alone, Strider. He needs t'watch where he's goin'."

Too bad Mitulo's looking out for me, I could've used the distraction.

"I was jus' askin'."

"Ya can ask him as much as ya want when we get down there."

"Fine."

Then again, I should probably pay attention to where I'm going, this path is dangerous. At least I'm not really clumsy. This moss feels slippery, and this fog isn't helping any. It's getting darker too the further we go down. Crap, please tell me we're almost there. Oh, there's the ground. Mercy, it feels good to be on flat land again. I swear I'll never take it for granted again.

"Well, that wasn't so bad. Thought for sure I was gonna fall."

Jod has that funny smile again.

Jod. "The first trip isn't usually the problem. It's when ya get careless on the third trip that ya need to be wary."

"Oh, great."

"Ya jus' gotta get use to it."

Strider. "Can I interrogate him now Pop?"

Pop? You mean Strider is Mitulo's son? I never would've guessed, they don't look remotely alike. His face and gestures look completely different. It doesn't help that he's still skinny and Mitulo is so burly. Though they both are tall. What nine-year-old says 'interrogate' anyway? Am I in suspicion?

Mitulo. "Later, ya gotta package t'deliver. C'mon, le's all get t'the Tavern."

"Aw man…"

So they have torches down here. Is that such a good idea with all this wood down here? Then again with all this fog they probably don't have to worry. Nice little place in here. This cottage here is a pretty good size. It's pretty close to the mountain side entrance, seems like it would be easy to climb on top of. Oh, that building down past it must be the Tavern. Well, it's gotta be. Mitulo and the boys are heading right for it, and even if they weren't, it's long and square and two stories high; not exactly usual house material. Now that sound has been bugging me… sounds like pigs. They must be coming from behind that little house in the middle of the other wall there. The wall's covered with huge brown vines? No, those are roots, now that I look. Really big roots. So that house with the pigs is underneath the temple. How do they sleep at night? The household must be in the middle of spring cleaning. Not going near all that flying dust, thank you. Yep, just as I thought. Oh I hate beating the rug, I feel sorry for her. Having a fence to hang it on is convenient though.

"Well, hello there, who's this?"

This woman is about average height and she's got pretty brown hair too. She looks good in a ponytail. If Strider is Mitulo's boy, then this at least has be Deron and Goro's mother.

"This is Barry, a scout standin' in fer Georde right now. Barry, this is Jiren."

Oh that's right, Georde said I should lift my hat. "Howdya do ma'am."

Jiren. "Are you makin' funna me?"

Oh no, did I offend her? "No, not at all."

"I'm jus' teasin'. Welcome to Judiken,."

I like this woman already. Who's that coming out of the house? … Oh wow, he looks like he could be Strider's older brother. If they told me he was his dad, I'd have believed them instantly.

"Hello there."

Jod. "Hello, Helo."

So Helo's his name?

"Ha, ha."

I get the feeling he's heard that before.

Jiren. "This is Helo, my husband."

Her husband? How old is this guy? And how come he looks more like Strider than Mitulo does? "Howdya do?"

"I do good."

Funny. Regular comedian.

Jod. "I'm gonna have Hera get him somethin' t' drink 'fore we talk business."

Jiren. "Yeah, I'll betcher tired."

"Yeah, it's a long trip."

Jiren. "Well, rest up, make yerself comfortable."

She's actually pretty nice. I knew my instincts weren't wrong. "I will. Thank you."

Jod? What's the matter?

"Can ya give me a second? I wanna check on my daughter. She's a little sick right now, an' I wanna make sure she's doin' ahright 'fore we get started."

"Sure."

Oh, he's not going for that place way in back down there. It looks like it's elevated and it has a stone wall. I thought the most important looking house usually belonged to the village mayor. Well I guess it's more convenient to have his place near the mountainside entrance. Hm, how odd. I didn't notice before, but Jiren and Helo's place is long and rectangular too. It actually looks like a smaller version of the Tavern. Now why is that? He's back already? Well that didn't take long.

"What's with that house?"

"Hm? Oh, it was built like that to save space for the pig pen years ago, so that it doesn't take space all the way to the roots."

"Ah."

Those look like a bunch curvy tree trunks, not little roots. Right, we're under that giant tree temple. For that big thing, these must be tiny.

Jod. "C'mon, let's get you warmed up and something to drink."

This door looks pretty heavy. It feels nice and warm in here- "You're Strider's mother!"

…I don't blame her for looking at me that way. Though maybe I should have waited, she does look pretty young to have a ten year old son. At least she has the same good humor everyone else does down here. Laughing is better than looking at me strangely.

"Why yes, I am. My name's actu'ly Hera, though."

"I'm sorry, I'm still just trying to figure everyone out down here."

"That's ahright, I'm used t' it. You're early. You must be a new scout."

"Name's Barry." -Should I lift my hat? Ah what the hell.- "Sorry for the initial greeting."

"Like I said, I'm used t' it. I'm guessin' you'd also like t' know my age?"

"Er, it's not important…" Was it that obvious?

I think she likes this. "Take a guess."

"Er, uh…" Jod help me out here. No, don't shake your head at me! Right, keep it young, keep it young, the last thing I need is to make her too old… I'd guess thirty maybe, but that seems like maybe too much… but if Strider's her son, then maybe… "Twenty… seven?"

Oh yes, she's definitely enjoying this.

"Thirty-five."

"…Wow, really? I never would have guessed." That's definitely a surprise.

"And in case you're wondering, my cousin is thirty- three."

"You mean Helo?"

"That's the one."

"Ah. Er, thank you."

"No problem. We've done this b'fore. Would you like somethin' t'drink?"

"Water would be great. I ran out a bit ago and I'm really thirsty."

"Sure thing. Don't be afraid t' take a seat."

"Thank you. Just water please… h~h~h~h…" I wish he would stop laughing. "I really hate it when women make me guess their age."

Jod. "Don't we all? She's more devious then most people think. Under that pretty sweet face is a secretly cunnin' woman. I still wonder what my brother was thinkin' marryin' her."

"So then Mitulo's your brother? Is Jiren your sister?"

"No, she's not a relation."

"And here I was thinking everyone was related to everyone."

"No, no. It's confusing for some, but believe me, there's no strangeness going on down here."

Strider. "Hey, you talkin' 'bout our family?"

How does Strider do that? He pops up from no where.

Jod. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Be right back."

…And he's gone again. What's upstairs? Aren't those supposed to be rooms for guests?

Jod. "Anyway, I'm not directly related t'Jiren or Helo, only through my brother's marriage. Helo and Hera came up from Ordon and settled here, and Jiren came down from Aishi with her friend Pergie. Well, Pergie came first, Jiren followed. Pergie's in Ordon. Deron and Goro are second cousins with Strider, though Keian and my other daughter Miren are Strider's first cousins. You with me so far?"

"Not really."

"Least you're honest."

"What about your wife? Where is she in all this?"

"She's no longer with us."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

Crap, maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Though he doesn't look too downtrodden about it.

"It's ahright. It was a long time ago, and all these things get confusing. She came from Kakariko though."

"Alright."

Strider. "Found it!" Wham!

What'd he find? What is this? And why is Jod laughing?

"Ah, I see now, I fergot about that."

Hold on a second, there are names here. The names of these people…

"Is this a family tree?"

"Yep! Made it myself!"

Again with that cheer. This "tree" is not badly made for a kid, so maybe it's warranted. Ah, there's Hera with my water. Good, my throat was getting dry. This chart isn't exactly professional looking, though. It's just so… cute. Am I supposed to take this seriously? But it's fairly clear, so at least I can see how the relationships work. I can definitely recognize Hera with her big hair, and Strider with his big ears. Everything else is easier to figure out. I suppose I shouldn't complain about it then. A squiggle line? Unconventional, but I guess if you want to demonstrate family relations…

… Huh? Hold on a second. Am I reading this right?

"Why does this say 'banana' right here?"

"What where!"

Mers, personal space, please. Strider gets too excited too easy, it was just a question. But why does Jod look like he's about to bust up laughing? And why are Goron and Deron trying to tiptoe past us?

"My enemy…" -Whoa crap, he looks ready to kill something- "No lover of this produce shall escape such transgression…DERON!"

Ow, mers, he's loud. Well, that explains why they were trying to sneak past, but not why Deron looks so smug about it.

Deron. "Toldja he'd find it in less then ten seconds."

Goron. "It wasn't even him, the bet's off."

Holy crap, he's gonna murder them.

Strider. "You're both dead, ya hear me? Get back here!"

They can run pretty fast when they want.

Deron. "That's what ya get fer puttin' yerself in the middle!"

Jod. "Don't forget about yer work!"

I guess Jod really is the leader. He definitely keeps things in order. Guess he would have to. So apparently, produce is bad? And bananas are bad enough to incur a vengeful wrath? Hm... nope, can't figure out why.

"What the hell was that?"

"I don't think ya'd believe me if I told ya. Plus that kid's hearing is too good to get away with. The last thing we need is to get him depressed."

Uh-huh. This place is a little strange, but its not so bad. They're all friendly at least. I'm still curious enough about it.

"Then who lives in that house?"

"Which one?"

"The far one, with the wall and little garden."

"That's my mother's house. She's the one that says 'Heida' down there. My father was the las' Chief of the village an' he lived there. He passed away a bit ago, and we let my mother live in there. We don't think she has a lotta time left. She's hasn't been right in the head fer a while now."

"I see. Sorry to have to bring it up."

"It happens. But I'm prob'ly boring you with all this background stuff. It's jus' that most people get confused and I've explained this so much it's natural."

"No really, it's helpful. I appreciate it. And this chart."

"Really? I'll tell Strider you liked it."

"Just, er, after I leave, okay? I don't want to sound mean, but he's just so…"

"Exhausting?"

At least he understands.

"It's a trade off. We're all used to it now, but most people who come here don't necessarily know how to handle him. Well, Deron can come off a bit cocky too if he's not careful, but…"

"But they're good kids. I get it."

"Good. The only one I haven't explained is Shelen and F'Orine, that little 'bush' down there, as he likes to call it. You haven't met them yet, because they've been inside today."

"Why aren't they helping?"

"Well, F'Orine takes care of the mushroom patch in her front yard, and she prefers keepin' her son next to her. She's kinda solitary, if ya know what I mean. Their family came down from Munsen long time ago, so they're not related to anyone. We lost Nerick several years ago, so it's jus' them two."

"I see. Where do they live?"

"In the cottage down that path there."

"What path?"

"I guess ya didn't see it. I'll show ya when we go out again. So I take it was a safe trip? No attacks 'r 'nything?"

"Nope, everything went fine. It's a long trip alone though. Not looking forward to going back. Definitely not making this my career choice."

"Ya better hope ya remain alone on your trip there."

"You mean bokoblins? I haven't seen one yet. You said they didn't really attack. Are they more common in the deeper path?"

"Yeah, our woods were driven out a long time ago. I's rare we ever see one now."

"That's lucky, don't have to worry about trips out to the ranch. Who got them all out?"

…There's that weird look again, just like the one with Keian at the ranch, and the one he gave Goro at the orchard. Great, now Hera's rushing over like a trapped rabbit.

Jod. "He didn't tell him?"

Hera. "How could he not know, what was he thinking?"

"Is he trying to get us killed?"

Ya know, I'm right here, it doesn't matter if you're whispering. Wait a second, he's wearing that 'charm' too; I just saw it in his jacket. I've just about had it here. "Alright, what's going on here?"

Hera. "You're not from around here, are ya?"

Huh? Now that's just rude, what would make them think that? "I grew up in Aishi, if you must know. Why?"

Jod. "I'm guessin' Georde didn't tell ya anything, then?"

"All he told me were instructions of what to do when I got here, and that you all weren't gonna try and pull a fast one on me if I screwed up."

I'm fidgety enough as it is and seeing his thumb tapping on the table is not helping matters. If I had to sit here through all this family exposition he better at least give me a decent answer on what everyone else is in on.

Jod. "Wouldja mind comin' with us?"

"To where?"

"Somewhere we can talk private."

Huh? Isn't this private enough? No one else is in here.

"Please, I'll explain everything once we get there.

"Alright…"

I don't see why we have to leave the Tavern though. I'd think it was more private inside than out. I'll follow anyway. I can hardly tell what time it is out here. The light is almost completely blocked out down here. And Jiren's still outside.

Jiren. "Well hey there. Where you all headin' off to?"

Hera. "To pay our respects."

What's Hera talking about? Our respects to what? Jiren looks so grim all of a sudden. It's like this village turned completely around. All the smiles just vanished. This is scaring me enough, thanks. Why are we going near Heida's house? Oh wait, is that a tunnel? No, wait, it's a break in the roots, but it makes sort of a tunnel and pathway. Blast it all, why does it have to be so dark? I mean, if it was just a normal day I wouldn't care, but these villagers seem to have a thing for scaring people outta their wits.

"Watcher step."

Thanks Jod, but it's not tripping I'm worried about. Oh sweet dome mercy, thank heavens it's short, more light is good. At least it's grassy and not mossy. Gets really narrow though, looks like it's only single person width. Okay, just squeeze on through, and follow the big fluff of yellow hair.

Hera. "You're gonna hafta watch yer step here."

What's she stepping over? A rope? Hold on, there are talismans on there. A barrier? Here? They still believe in those old protections? If their seriousness is any indicator, I guess so, but if they don't have a problem with stepping over it, I guess I shouldn't either.

Hera. "Take a seat."

This is gonna be long? Fine. This place is nice. The grass is really green, and there's a lot of light. The breeze feels nice. And the stones are washed fairly nicely. Stones. Headstone- is this a graveyard? They brought me out of the tavern to talk in a graveyard? Alright, Jod, you better start talking.

Jod. "I suggest being more careful from now on. Those woods are clear thanks to the works of a witch."

"A witch?" That's the answer I've been waiting for all this time? Are they pulling a fast one on me again like in the orchard? That's pretty funny for an idea actually. "You mean like, pointy hat, flying broomstick witch?"

Hera. "She doesn't need a broom."

Wait… she's serious.

Hold it. Wait a second. Just hold on a second, she can't possibly mean-

"You mean the Witch of the south? When they said "south" I thought they meant Ordon south!"

Don't shush me, this is serious! Of course, why didn't I see it before, the signs were all there!

Hera. "Keep it down! She won't hear ya, but she'll figure it out if you're too excited."

Oh mercy.

"Can I get a drink please?"

Jod. "Actually, we'd rather you keep a right head."

"Blast it Jod, I stayed awake through all this info, all I'm askin is something to relax with. I'm gonna jump outta my skin!"

"Ya get drunk, ya might make a fool of yourself, calling her out."

Hera. "We've had it happen before."

Why me, oh why me? What was Georde thinking sending me to a place like this?

"We're riskin' a lot jus' talkin' about her like this."

Oh come on, Hera! "Then why did you scare me in the first place?"

"We're safe, so long as we stay in here."

Now the barrier makes sense. I think I'm gonna be sick.

Hera. "But we felt you should know."

Oh man, it's so hot in here now. C'mon Jod, tell me it's not as bad as the stories make it out. There are good witches too, right?

"B-But you said she's not that kind of… you know… so is she…?"

Jod. "We jus' mean she doesn't need a broomstick like most. She can fly in a single leap, high as a cottage."

"I saw her myself."

Why does she have to look like that? It's creepy just looking at her.

Hera. "She's faster than a rabbit, no one can catch her."

Jod. "An' she travels in shadows. She sneaks in houses t' steal our food, toys, blankets, anything she wants, an' no one can see her come or go."

Hera. "We've given offerings at the edge of the orchard clearing, and she's left us alone. Usually."

Oh, so that means… "Then the altar…"

Jod. "Is fer her. We're lucky. There haven't been any sightin's of her lately."

Not lately… so mostly safe, but there have been sightings before... "Then she's the one you're concerned with stealing from the cart?"

"She has before. We still travel with talismans, jus' in case."

"Ah." I knew it; it's the same charm Georde had given me. At least they're not the type of folk who seem to think you need to wear it out on your sleeve. What animal hair is that thing made out of anyway? I forgot to ask. Still, this all doesn't sound so bad. "She just sounds like a thief to me. Why call her a witch?"

There's the look again. I really, really wish they would stop doing that. Like my nerves aren't tight enough. And why does Hera look the most heartbroken?

"Early on, we took her in outta the kindness of our hearts. We thought she was jussa lost girl. She repaid us with a curse."

"A curse?"

"Each house she stayed in, some awful fate befell the family. She…" -she looks like she's about to cry.- "She said that so long as she was here, I'd never have another child. And then she tried to take my baby away."

Her 'baby'? Wait- "She tried to steal Strider?" Jod, help me out here.

"Kill him." -What?- "She put a curse on the horses and made them wild when he tried to learn how to ride."

"He was only four… I jus' don't understand why…"

Holy crap. I never would have guessed. He seems so cheerful. It's hard to imagine him having a near death experience. Of course he was young, so he probably doesn't remember.

Jod. "She hurt all 'f us. Ya should consider yerself lucky. "

Hera. "Yeah, you're right. I'm the lucky one."

That sure doesn't sound lucky to me. "Lucky?"

Strider. "He's the only person who's survived a direct curse from the witch. Well, him an' Link."

"Who's Link?"

Jod. "A boy from Ordon. He survived an encounter with her, but he lost his parents t' sickness. We gotta strong suspicion she's responsible. Shelen and F'Orine los' Nerick. I los' my wife. Jiren an' Helo los' a dog. Well, I should say Goron. Kahee was that boy's best friend."

All these people have… died? I mean I've heard of the witch cursing and haunting, but I had no idea it was this bad. Should I be talking right now? That Talisman feels pretty good right now. I really hope it works. "She killed the dog too?"

"Yeah. She tricked him into bein' friends with her, then took him out to the lost woods and slaughtered 'im."

Slaughtered? Oh mercy my neck, it's still there, right? It's not bloody? No, still in one piece.

"Goro was the first t' find him."

Ancient barbarian blood rituals of worship…

So that's where he got it. Now it makes sense. No wonder Goron looked so angry; the joke hit a little too close to home. Poor kid, to have to have to go through something like that… And all these people still live here under these circumstances.

"Why are you all still here?"

Jod. "We told ya there haven't been so many sightin's of 'er, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, it's thanks to a wanderin' Holy Man. Ever since he blessed our houses, we've been safe. That barrier here, and the wards on her old room've protected us."

Hera. "An' now that she doesn't live with us anymore, there's no household to fall under her curse."

"But, you're all still scared of her."

Hera. "I's true that we finally banished her away from Judiken, and that we should be safe, but it's her partin' words that've haunted us."

Parting words- some kind of curse or threat, or some sick promise of death and darkness…

...

…Well? "What are they?"

"You don't need t'hear 'em." -Oh come on Jod!- "If ya see somethin suspicious, don't look it in the eye. Otherwise you'll be haunted by awful visions and nightmares 'til the curse befalls you."

Oh Mercy- curse- nightmare- how can these people live here? O-o-o-oh its cold.

"But of course ya didn't see anything." -Wait, why are you so sure all of a sudden? Don't stand and leave me alone! Why is he leaving? No, don't go! -"So we're fine. Have a nice night."

Jod, no! Oh no, Hera's going too?

Hera. "We jus' told you as a precaution." -Precaution? More like panic attack.- "You should find a room upstairs to sleep in, but don't take the back room or the far one on the front wall."

Don't ask, don't ask, don't ask, don't- "Why?"

"The back one is Strider's. The one on the far right is hers."

"Her's? She still sleeps here? I thought you said she didn't live here anymore!"

Hera. "Oh heavens no, i's jus' her old room. I's jus' sealed off t'keep remnants of her dark magic from seepin' into the house. I told you: the travelin' Holy man helped us out as he came by. I's marked by wards, so ya should be able to tell."

They still want me to sleep here? "Does she… does she come out at night?"

Hera. "Well, I don't reckon much. Though we've never been out at night t'see."

"Of course. Maybe I should get going at night when it's safer-"

"No, no that's when she sends out her keese-"

"She controls the keese?"

"Oh, fergot to mention that, didn't I? Yeah, she does. I's how she attacked poor Link, but mostly 'cuz he wandered too far that day. Like I said, she's left us alone. Fer the most part."

Most part. Right.

"Would you like some tea when we get back?"

"Uh-heheh, no thanks."

"Suit yerself. Sleep well."

"Uh, yeah, thanks."

o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o

Sleep, that's definitely what I need. Just to relax and calm down. There's no witch here, she's in the woods, she's not gonna curse me or anything…

That must be her room: far right on the front wall. Mers, how many wards can they put on a door? There's gotta be a dozen at least, on the door, and the frame. Even on the door knob. Is all that really… er, necessary? I guess so, considering…I'm gonna go ahead and take the room furthest away from it. Mers, this metal is cold. I know there's no such thing as a 'knob warmer' but why does it have to be so cold down here? Blasted fog and weather. The room looks nice though, quaint and cozy looking. Oh crap, it's cold in here too. Those sheets are probably freezing. I really hope that bed is comfy, I could use a really good sleep. Of course, after sleeping on ground for two days, I'd probably be in heaven even if it was a board. Now where's that lamp? I need light- oh, there it is. That's better.

Okay, I just need one night of peace, and then I am straight out of here… but, you know, it wouldn't hurt to keep the charm with me. But where am I gonna put it? Under the pillow? Well, it's better than my other alternatives, I don't exactly have pockets in my sleep clothes. As long as it's just near me, it should be fine, right?

Crap. Can't sleep. It's so quiet outside, maybe too quiet. Nothing to do with the fear of the dark magical energy trapped just two rooms away. Nope, nothing to do with it at all. Mers. Still, I don't see myself getting to sleep anytime soon. Covers are so warm… but I can't stay in them. Maybe a hint of air will do some good. Just enough to breath in and calm me down. Forest air is supposed to help. Okay, how do these shudders work? Basset, can't see a thing. Here's the latch, does it open out? No, inward it seems- EYES!

"YAAAAAAH!"

Sweet holy dome mercy of the heavens above! The roof! Mercy, something's on the roof! Out, I gotta get outta here!

"What's wrong, what happened?"

Hera! Thank the gods! "Out there, there's something out there, on the roof!"

Mitulo. "The roof?"- Are ya deaf?-"I don't see anything."

"It was out there, I swear. I pair of eyes hanging just outside my window!"

Hera. "Eyes?"

And I thought she was pale before. She can get pretty white. Wonder if I'm that washed out.

"What color were they?"

"They were yellow. I swear they were glowing!"

"Sh-sh-sh…"

How can she shush me at a time like this?

Strider. "Did somethin' move? I thought I heard somethin' fall."

Move? What the hell is he talking about?

Hera.

"It doesn't look it. Check the other rooms."

How would she be able to tell if something 'moved' anyway?

"Already did. Probably jus' him then."

Well sorry for getting a little spooked. Honestly!

"Mitulo, can ya get some ale fer 'im?"

"Of course."

Now I get the drink. Great. Shit, I'm still shaking. I need to calm down, I need the strong stuff. "Get me Bodkale."

"Yeah, sure."

He looks uptight too, maybe he'll drink with me.

"Strider, go back to bed."

"Yeah, sure."

He's not much better off. I think she should let the poor kid stay up with us.

Hera. "I'm sorry."

"What?"

"This is our fault. This happened 'cuz we told you so much about her. We shouldn't've said anything to getchou involved."

"But, I thought she couldn't hear us in the barrier."

"No, but she's clever, an' prob'ly suspected. I'm very sorry."

"No, I mean… I guess I shouldn't have asked. Lot of good that stupid talisman did me."

"But nothin' moved, right? She didn't enter, right?"

"Well, no."

"Then the talisman saved you. You're safe."

"What do you mean by 'moved' anyway?"

"Well…"

She's like me, still half expecting to the see the eyes out there. At least I'm not alone. I don't see what good closing the shutters does though, if she can supposedly still hear us.

"She can control things with her mind. Certain things have a tendency t'move 'r break 'thout warning."

…I shouldn't have left my blasted bed.

"I'm sorry t'have t'ask you this, but…"

She looks nervous. Uh-oh, what is she going to ask?

"When you return to town, can ya please not tell anyone about tonight?"

…Is she kidding?

"It's jus' we… we export, we trade, but we don't have much produce. Even sellin' horses hasn't been doin' so well. The army doesn't need to spend money in times of peace. So, even if it's not much either, the Tavern does play a fair role, so…"

"So you're scared people will stop coming if I say anything?"

I guess that makes sense.

"Yeah. Nothin' this extreme has ever happened b'fore. That an'… if word were to get out, and she were talked about any more than she already is, then…"

Then something far worse could happen to this village. Of course, that could happen too. I just don't get it though.

"Why don't you all just move? She's obviously dangerous, she's scaring you and disrupting your lives. Why don't you leave the woods, and go where it's safer?"

She's so quiet. The whole village feels quiet. No forest sounds or anything. Maybe we're too far down for anything else.

"Nothin's happened in years. Jus' scares an' close calls. Even so… This is our home. We know how to live here, we have fer generations. If we left, what would we do?"

I still don't understand it. Maybe because I've moved before and I know it's not so bad, but I still don't see how they could risk anything staying in these cursed woods. But I suppose that's their own decision.

"Alright."

"Le's go downstairs. I'm sure yer drink is ready."

"Yeah. Yeah that sounds good."

"If you'd like… we can move you to Strider's room. You might sleep easier, even if you are going to have nightmares tonight. There's no windows."

That might make it worse, actually, being in pitch black. Maybe I can sleep with the lamp just a little bit on. Of course, I'll have nightmares, I saw the blasted eyes. But, doesn't that mean…? "Aren't I cursed now?"

"You'll see nightmares, butcha don't really live down there. I don't think her magic will affect ya if ya leave."

I hope she's right. "Okay, that's good. But, then where will Strider sleep? I don't want to steal his room."

"He'll sleep in our room tonight with us. We have an extra roll. Hopefully the ale will let you get a good sleep."

"Yeah. I hope so too."

…Hello, my name is Barry, and I'm praying for my life. Please dear Goddesses in heaven above, let me make it through this alive!

o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o_o

"Well, I see you made it out alive."

"Georde, what the hell were you thinking letting me go there without knowing!"

"Well, if I told you, you never would have gone down, would you?"

"You could've warned me or something!"

"Relax, I gave you that charm, and obviously you're fine."

"Hmph."

Easy for him to say. He didn't get the crap scared outta him. Didn't sleep a wink that night. Blast, I'm so worked up even dozzin tea doesn't help.

"I'm not going back there. Ever."

"What's the problem anyway? You're not actually that mad at me, are you?"

"I saw her."

"You what?"

"I saw her, hanging out my window!"

"Really? What'd she look like?"

Why does he look so excited and happy about this? Blast it all, doesn't he see the danger here? "I don't know, it was dark. I only saw her eyes."

"Blast. Glowing yellow, right?"

"Huh? Well, yeah, how'd you-"

"That's all anyone ever sees of her. Yellow eyes in the shadows, or a flash of red in the trees. No one besides those folk actually know what she really looks like."

"I see. Oh crap, don't tell anyone! I wasn't supposed to say anything."

"Don't worry, it's nothing new, people talk about it all the time… but outside your window? Really?"

Unfortunately. Ugh, just remembering gives me the chills.

"Lucky you. Closest encounter with the witch anyone's had in years."

Oh, joy.

"But, you made it out in one piece, that's all that matters."

"Yeah…"

Yeah, I left. I guess I'm safe now, but those people down there still live there. I don't care what they say about all that sentimental home nonsense, it's just crazy still living down there.

"But now you know the way for next time."

"Next time?"

"Right, the harvest load, remember? You make a trip once in the spring, and once for the autumn load."

Crap, that's right.

"Well, I've decided to not really go for this. So much traveling alone really isn't me-"

"Doesn't matter, you're still under a year contract."

Crap! Forgot about that stupid thing. "You're gonna come with me, right?"

"Course I am. But you're still going."

No way, nu-uh. I don't know how I'm gonna do it, but I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep me from going down there again! I'll just have to think, negotiations, fine print, something to get me out. I mean hurting myself to get out of it is a bit extreme, even for me. Come on Barry, think, there's gotta be a way, something I can do to avoid this.

Hold on. Wait just a second...

"Hey Georde..."

"Yeah?"

"Tell me more about those 'Hunters' you mentioned a while back."

Fourth, Link and Ilia will be making very odd, but hilarious indirect appearances. I promise it will make sense as you read.

BTW, If anyone is wondering about the deal with the bananas, I promise there is a reason for it. But you won't find it out until Strider tells the sad tale later.

One note I should make: Keian is pronounced "Keh-EE-uhn." The other names are simple enough, but I figured I should mention the names in this particular village enunciate all the vowels singularly, much like reading hiragana.

Okay, at the end of the chapter comes my thank yous. Leave or skip if you like, that's why I put them down here.

Now, I could do this in order of importance, but instead, I'll do it in chronological order, to show how this all came into being. For this story, I would first like to thank: My Grandmother. Not because she's helped me, or because she supports what I do or watch or play (If she knew I was doing this, she just might faint,) but because if it wasn't for her sending me to that fateful Christian Youth group, I never would have met her. I say fateful, because I never go to church, I don't usually like going to church, and that was the first and only time I ever went to a 'promoted' meeting. (Whatever that thing was called.) And yet it was that single meeting that I met: Jusono. Whether I like it or not, my fate is bound intermittently by our meeting and becoming friends, and this silly little fanfiction is entirely thanks to two people in total, and Jusono is one of them..

Jusono is the alias I'm giving her, since that's what I've known her as for a good few years of my life. (Even if she's going by 'Ayame' now, sheesh) And as mentioned before I met her at a single fateful church sponsored meeting that she also just so happened to be at. Trust me, when we found out we both liked anime, we knew it was a sign, and since obviously it was under God's roof, then anime truly can't be as evil as some might claim, even if it does endorse demons, murders, superpowers, cross dressing and homosexuality. They're technicalities, really.

Well, back to the point. We conversed, we talked, basically kept in touch even when we never went back there. At one point she started up an InuYasha proboards site, and she wanted me to be an admin. At first I didn't really want to, because I'm a bit lazy at times, though I did like InuYasha and had to admit I was tempted by the idea. The amazing thing about Jusono is that she has this uncanny ability to be annoyingly persistant and pleading. I can't even say 'at times' because it's ALL the time. So eventually I gave in and joined site.

Now why is this important? I guess I'll explain later because that's another branch I would have to explain.

In short, if it wasn't for her and this site, non of this would even be existing. So, even if she stalks me via phone and internet, even if she annoys me to no end, and I tease her more than tell her I love her, THANK YOU JUSONO! If it wasn't for your aggravating and nerve wracking disposition, this story would never have happened. So thank you for being the most wonderful pain in the neck I have ever met.

It's all meant with love. Really.