Link awoke with the dawn light shining in his eyes. Grumbling, he rolled over and covered his face with the blankets. It was too early.
Navi fluttered over to him, noticing his stirring. She looked at her charge, his face half covered in blanket, and giggled. Now that the whole ordeal with Ganondorf was over, the little Kokiri boy was like all other boys: sleepy, hungry, and playful. If he wasn't sleeping away the day, he was eating his weight in food or roughhousing with his Kokiri friends.
But Navi knew it was all a cover. They both knew what Link was; a Hylian raised by Kokiri. But even though he was a Kokiri through upbringing, he could never truly be one of them. The Kokiri never aged, but Link was growing at the rate all ten-year-olds do, and soon he would be too big, and the others would realise. So far, only Saria knew the truth, but that was to be expected.
Sighing, Navi flew over to the boy and fluttered her wings against his cheek. He swatted at her and grumbled, but she kept at it until he threw his pillow at her. Navi nearly hit the wall before she could free herself from the cursed object, then she dive-bombed Link's head and pulled his hair.
"AHHHH!!!!!!"
"Link-kun, wake UP!!!"
Link sat up straight, and Navi flew from his head. His large blue eyes were open as far as they could go, and he had a panicked look to his face. He gingerly touched his head where she had pulled out a few hairs, then gave Navi a most dirty look.
"That was my hair, Navi-chan. I was going to get up anyway."
"Sorry. But Saria was looking for you. She said she needed to talk to you."
"Oh!" Link hurried out of bed, throwing the covers everywhere. He pulled a clean tunic out of the chest at the foot of his bed, then raced to put it on, while trying to lace his boots and hop through the door.
"Link-kun, you're gonna fall!"
"I will not fa-ahhhh!!"
Navi fluttered down to her charge, who was spouting some very uncouth words, his face in the dirt and his legs curled underneath him. Luckily, he was ok.
"I told you, Link-kun."
"I know that."
Suddenly, Link heard a familiar sound, and jumped up, his sprained knee forgotten. Navi blinked in confusion, then hurried after him.
Link dashed through the undergrowth of the Lost Woods, not stopping to notice which way he was going. He knew by heart his way around these Woods, and could always find his way home. Home. He shook his head, not wanting to think of unpleasant things. This was his home, like it had always been. Like it always would be.
Saria's song continued unabated, drawing Link ever closer to his friend. He nearly flew through the maze, knowing exactly where to go. And this time, there were no monsters blocking the way.
Nearly falling in his haste to climb the stairs, Link finally crested the hill leading to the Forest Temple, and there he saw her.
Saria was sitting on her usual tree stump, an ocarina to her lips. Her eyes were closed, and she was completely enthralled in the music. Link crept up to her, then sat at her feet, not disturbing her.
The lovely Kokiri girl seemed to feel his presence, and lifted her face from the flute instrument and smiled at him. Link revelled in her smile, and leaned back, a goofy grin on his face.
"I heard your playing. It sounded urgent."
His friend dropped the ocarina from her lips, a sad smile on her face. Link immediately sat up, sensing something was wrong. Saria didn't look at him, but instead looked up, at the tree tops.
"Link, I feel something in the air. The forest speaks of it. If..." she lowered her eyes. "If it calls, you'll have to answer, won't you? You'll leave again..."
Link looked down at his knees, his happy mood gone. She was right. If something did happen, he'd have to leave again, go back into the adult world. Back into Hyrule, his world.
"Yeah, but...I don't think I would want to again. I mean, I fulfilled the prophecy. I did what was asked of me. But...I know I can't just ignore it. It's why I'm here."
"You have more of a purpose than that, Link."
"Maybe."
Saria jumped off the rock and sat beside him, her hands resting in her lap. "Not maybe, Link. You are a special person, and nothing can change that."
They sat together for some time, staring at the trees and the temple, not talking but understanding each other. Saria was Link's best friend, and she had always been there for him, no matter what. He hadn't enjoyed saying goodbye last time, and knew it would be nearly impossible if he had to again.
For Saria, Link was like a brother and friend. They knew each other so well, it was hard thinking of them being away from each other. But he was the Hero of Time, and she was a Sage. She knew, they would part again. Something was happening in Hyrule, she could feel it.
"Saria...I have to go."
"Huh?" She looked up and blinked her eyes, clearing the dull look from them.
"Navi is calling me." He chuckled. "Probably going to tell me I need to eat or something."
"Oh." She had been scared he'd say he was leaving the Kokiri Forest, he knew. And even though he could feel the pull, the lulling harmony calling him away, he was going to resist it, for just a while longer.
Link woke up and stretched. Navi lay next to his head, her wings fluttering gently. He smiled at her dreaming, then carefully removed his covers, while at the same time covering her up. His bare feet touched the wooden floor, and he trotted to his chest, deciding to get an early start, before the others woke up.
The clothes he had picked out were folded neatly on the chest, and he picked up his tunic in one hand, running the fabric between his fingers. His eyes were sad, but he knew he had to do this. Lying beside his tunic, he noticed the small, worn-out ocarina Saria had given him two years ago, when he had left the Kokiri Forest the first time. Everything-the clothes, the ocarina-were full of painful, joyous memories. He lifted his face to stare out his window at the predawn landscape, at the tiny home of the Kokiri, and felt like crying.
After silently dressing, he padded out of his treehouse, and climbed down the ladder. Saria waited at the bottom.
She was shorter than he was now. It had been nearly two years since they had talked of him leaving, and he had resisted the pull to leave. But now the pull was nearly painful, and he couldn't ignore it anymore.
"Saria, I have to go."
"I know. But...nevermind."
"But what?"
She refused to look at him. "It's an unanswerable question. But please...be careful."
He smiled sadly. "I will."
"Goodbye, my onichan. Maybe...maybe I'll see you again."
Link bowed his head, trying not to look at her. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to be selfish and stay here for the rest of his life. But already, the others had noticed something was different about him, and even if the pull hadn't been there, he would have had to leave. Hylians were not welcome in Kokiri domain.
He passed her, still looking at his feet. She refused to look up, too. Link kept walking out of the forest, and she stayed in front of his home, never lifting her head.
It's worse than last time! At least I knew why I had to leave. But this time...why is this happening? Why can't I live a normal life?
'You can never be normal, Link-san. That is your destiny.'
Link stopped at the voice. It sounded like the Deku Tree, but at the same time, not. When he turned around, though, no one was there.
"Who said that?" He reached for his sword, then remembered he had left it back in its original hiding place, in the Kokiri village. Feeling helpless and alone, Link stood his ground.
'I will not harm you, Link-san. Please, understand. You are needed.'
"Understand what? That I'm always being taken from those I love? That I'm always being forced to do the good thing, and save all the others? Is that my reason for being here?" Tears welled in the twelve-year-old's eyes, and he angrily wiped them away.
'It is your destiny.'
"Well, then I don't care! I fulfilled my part two years ago! Why am I still needed?" This time, he couldn't stop the tears as thoughts of Saria and his other friends came forward in his mind. And strangely, Zelda Hime as well.
'They need you to protect them Link-san. You are the only one that can.'
"No, I'm not." He wiped the tears from his cheeks. "And why the formality? Am I that important?"
'Yes.'
Link ignored him and started walking again. He knew from past experience that it would take the better part of the day to reach Hyrule Castle, but he could make LonLon Ranch before midday. Suddenly, he wanted very much to find someplace warm to stay the night.
He made it to LonLon Ranch well before the sun went down, but he was cold and hungry. The air outside the Forest was different, more touched by the elements and time. So even though it was warm in his home, out in Hyrule, the wind blew and the nights became cold.
Inside the fence, he could see Marron busy feeding the horses. He tried to call out, but she noticed him first, and gasped in shock. He collapsed to the ground, tired and hungry and out of strength.
"Link! Daddy, hurry! Link is here!" She ran over to him, and knelt beside him, cradling his head. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Can I...have some...food please?"
Marron nearly dropped his head when he asked. She hadn't been thinking. Of course he would have been hungry, the way he looked like a starved cat. But just then, her father came up and lifted the boy into his arms, and took him to the house.
They laid him down on the couch, and Talon had Marron go prepare something. Link tried to sit up, but was roughly pushed back down.
"Now now, m'boy, we ain't havin' none o' that. You set yerself down, and we'll take good care o' ya."
Link wanted to say he was all right, that he only needed a little bit of food, but he blacked out. When he woke up, he was sleeping in someone's bed, and there was a tray of cooling food on a stand beside him.
He tried to get up, but there was a pain in his side. He looked, but didn't see any damage. Then his stomach rumbled, and he figured the pain was only because he was hungry. He sniffed at the tray, then began to devour the delicious smelling food.
Marron walked in about the time he was finished and she smiled at him.
"It's good to see you have some strength left. We were worried when you suddenly passed out. I don't remember ever seeing you lose a battle."
"Battle?"
"Yeah. You seemed to be battling something. Hunger, was it?"
Link felt the resonating pull, but he ignored it. "Yeah, hunger. Thank you for the meal, by the way. It was delicious."
"It's the least I could do. You saved my daddy and everyone else. And Epona would be sad if anything happened to you."
Epona. Link's heart jumped when she mentioned his horse's name. He hadn't seen her in so long, it was wonderful that she would remember him.
"Can I...can I see her?"
"When you feel better. She's missed you, you know."
Link smiled shyly, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "She's my friend."
Marron smiled. "Everyone's your friend, Link."
Link looked up at her, his eyes wide, but she was already leaving. He caught her smile, though.
The next morning dawned brightly, and Link woke to the sound of a flute. He crawled out of the bed and to the window, where he saw Marron playing for the horses. They pranced about, revelling in her beautiful playing. And he saw Epona, the only one not dancing. Instead, she stood, looking straight at his window. He smiled at her fondly, then raced to his pack, where he pulled his ocarina from its wrappings. After hustling back to the window, he placed the instrument to his lips and trilled a light-hearted melody that pierced the morning air with its gentle tune. When she saw him playing, she let out a joyous neigh and pranced around. He almost thought she was laughing.
As he was turning to put the ocarina back, Marron noticed him and began to wave frantically. He waved back; the girl laughed and jumped around, putting even more life and energy into her own melodies. The horses neighed and pranced as she danced among them. Link shook his head, then wrapped his ocarina back up and gently placed it within the confines of his bag. With that finished, he slung the bag up over his small shoulders and headed out the door to his temporary room. Oddly enough, it reminded him of his leaving the Kokiri forest. He shook his head. The past was behind him; he had to move forward.
Talon met Link when he was about to leave the room. "Boy, are ya 'bout ready ta leave?"
"Yes, sir. I have to go to the castle."
"Well, take Epona wit' ya. She'll be a great asset, she will."
"You won't mind?"
"Mind? She's yer horse, m'boy. We're only watchin' her."
Link bowed deeply. "Thank you sir."
"Naw. And what's wit' all this 'sir' stuff? I'm just plain ol' Talon."
Marron was sad he wasn't staying long, but she helped him with Epona and said her goodbyes to the horse. It was strange, Link thought when he left, waving goodbye to his friends. He had acquired Epona in the future, after winning a race. These people only knew that he had helped Talon, they shouldn't have known of all the things he had done. And yet, they knew Epona was his, and she in turn remembered him as though they had travelled together.
'Some things people can sense, and animals have this ability naturally. They know something is special about you, Link-san. And Epona does too.'
Link nodded his silent agreement with the unknown voice, then continued towards the castle.
It was midday when he arrived, and the town was bustling with activity. He unmounted, and walked Epona through the crowd. No one seemed to notice the small boy and colt, except for the chickens. But then, chickens notice everything around themselves.
The boy stopped by a shop, his stomach rumbling. After all his adventures, he'd have thought to bring a lunch, but no. So now, he was eyeing the food with raptor eyes, and licking his lips.
"Um, excuse me. But how much for that muffin and bun?"
"Ten Rupees, please."
Link squinted, feeling like he was being ripped off. "Ma'am, I'm sure a muffin and bun don't cost ten Rupees."
She leaned over the counter, sticking her face and huge bosom in Link's face. "Listen, faerie-boy, this is my shop and I say it costs ten Rupees! Now pay up or return to your forest. You don't belong out here anyway."
Taken aback, Link stepped backwards, his face a confused mix of pain and anger and disbelief. Why was he always different? And how come she knew he was from the forest? Was it his clothing? But, no, that couldn't be it. And anyhow, he wasn't a faerie...he never could be. He was Hylian, like her. And how dare she yell at him, a customer?
Without saying anything, Link turned and ran from the store. He couldn't stand it in there anymore.
Outside, Epona was restless. She could sense her master's agitation and confusion, and in turn felt it herself. Link ran to her and hugged her neck, then grabbed her bridle in his small hands and led her away. Epona flicked her tail in the direction of the shop.
He travelled the city, taking in the sites. The capital was so huge! He craned his neck, trying to see it all. Last time he had been here, things were a bit more hectic, and when he had awoken after seven years, it wasn't even the same city. So the little boy decided he'd enjoy his day before going to meet the princess.
Zelda Hime. He could remember her, but at the same time, not. The young, innocent girl who had given him that letter was faded in his memories, and the warrior Sheik was prominent. But so was the beautiful girl she had really been underneath that costume.
Link shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had no time to daydream, especially not about his princess. Besides, she didn't even remember him.
Trekking through Hyrule was a tiring job for any twelve-year-old, even Link, so after about two hours of sightseeing, he was exhausted.
"Epona, we should find someplace to sleep. It's getting cold, and I'm tired."
Epona neighed her agreement, and together they looked for a place to stay. Link considered the castle, but they would never let him in this late in the day. He considered finding an inn, but wasn't even sure there was one here. Then, he saw a puppy.
Not really a puppy, actually, but a nearly grown dog. And a blond little girl, holding him. She looked up and saw Link and Epona, then recognition dawned in her eyes.
"You...you...you're the one!"
"Um..."
"You helped me almost two years ago! Remember? About two years ago, you helped me find my puppy!"
Link blinked as recognition set in. He smiled warmly. "Yes, I remember. So, this is your dog?" He knelt down beside said creature and scratched behind its ears.
"Yes. His name is Ryuusei. Ano...mister? What's your name?"
Link smiled. "It's Link."
"Oh, hello Link-kun. My name is Aria." She paused. "You look lost, Link-kun."
"Lost? No, I just need a place to stay."
Aria giggled happily. "Stay with me! Mama won't mind, and Ryuusei likes you."
"But...I shouldn't...I mean, I don't want to be any trouble for you."
"The great Link-kun, who helped save my puppy and talked with Zelda Hime? You could never be any trouble. Come on." She grabbed his hand and dragged him after her, towards her house.
The house was exactly the same as he remembered it. Aria pulled him through the door, and as she happily explained why she had a strange boy with her, Link roved his eyes around the abode. It was smaller than he remembered, but that could be because he was bigger himself.
"So, it is you." Link turned to see an older woman, who was smiling broadly. "I thought you looked familiar when she dragged you through that door. Please, make yourself at home."
Link nodded and walked around a bit more, studying things and just taking it all in.
The mother watched him, her eyes sparkling. "So, why did you come here again? I thought you were of the faeries."
Link paused in his study of a desk. "No, I'm not. I came here to see the princess." Aria and her mother giggled. Link looked perplexed, and didn't understand. "What's so funny? Did I say something wrong?"
Aria's mother shook her head. "No, we just think it's cute how you came to see the princess. She is beautiful, we hear."
Link blushed. "No, it's nothing like that!"
"If that's how you want it."
The young Hero of Time decided not to go into too much detail with that reply.
Aria showed him his room, which was no more than a small cot in a corner of the attic.
"Sorry, but it's all we have."
"That's all right. Is Epona safe?"
"Yes." The girl nodded and pointed out the window. "We have a yard adjacent with the huge field where we play. She's in there."
"Thank you."
Aria giggled and left him alone, but left the door open enough so he'd have some light to see by. It didn't take Link long to fall asleep.
"W-what the...?"
Link was in a castle that was very quickly falling apart. Beside him was a young woman, who was so exhausted she could barely stand.
"Zelda Hime-sama..."
"Link...hurry. We have to hurry, before Ganondorf..."
Link nodded, and only when he reached down to help her up did he notice he was an adult. He stared at his gloved hands in awe and fear. What's going on? Why am I here? And why am I so old? Before he could think anymore, though, a huge piece of the castle crashed beside them. Zelda screamed, and Link covered her with his arms. When the dust cleared enough to run, he pulled her up and nearly dragged her from the room.
"Link...we have to get to the bottom...before he..."
Link nodded, and ran faster. Zelda caught her balance so he didn't drag her, then followed closely behind.
They battled their way down to the bottom floor, Zelda protecting Link as he cut down the creatures that were under Ganondof's control. At the bottom of the stairs, before the exit, a Re-dead waited. Link barely saw it before it latched onto him, trying to suck the life from his stricken body. He clawed at the figure on his side, trying to dislodge its teeth from his shoulder.
Finally, he managed to get free, and before it could attack again, he pushed Zelda through the doorway, out into the courtyard as the castle crumbled around them.
However, there was no Ganondorf to be found.
"Zelda Hime-sama...we have to go."
Suddenly, Link felt the earth rumble and turned around. He knew that it should be Ganon who faced him, the demon Ganondorf, but instead, all he saw was darkness.
"Zelda Hime-sama..."
She wasn't there. Fire circled everywhere, and someone laughed. A high, girlish laugh. Link blinked sweat out of his eyes and tried to see his enemy, but all he saw was an empty nothingness. No demon, no enemy, just a void. And it frightened him more than anything he had ever known.
"Link-kun, you have to get up...Link-kun..."
Link blinked his eyes, clearing the mist of sleep. A young girl stood above him, calling his name. Her red hair hung in front of her face, and she seemed worried.
"Link-kun, are you ok? You were crying out in your sleep."
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine." He sat up and felt a pain in his side. He wouldn't acknowledge it with Aria around, so he made as though he was rubbing his stomach.
"Oh, are you hungry? Wait here, I'll get something." She went away with glee, and as soon as she disappeared, Link lifted his tunic. His side was covered in a light burn, and when he went to touch it, it faded away, as though it never existed. He was lowering his tunic when Aria came back in.
"Link-kun, here's some breakfast. Are you sure you're all right?"
The boy nodded and Aria left him alone to his breakfast. He ate slowly, and realised he really had been hungry. The muffins and bread were good, and the tea was delicious. He had found a good place to stay.
Outside, Epona neighed her hello. Link crawled off his bed and ran to the window. His horse looked up at him and danced, her mane shining in the sunlight. Link smiled and rested his elbows on the windowsill and his chin on his wrists. He liked it here. Epona was happy, and there were nice people here.
Aria looked up when Link quietly came down the stairs. He appeared happy, and he jumped when she glomped his arm. "Link-kun, will you go to town with me?"
The young Hero of Time was shocked about the question, but agreed wholeheartedly. He needed to go there anyway.
Aria walked him along the streets, pointing out the different things the town had to offer and what were the best things and the worst things in the town. Link absorbed her information, storing it away in case he needed it. Even now, his adventurer instincts were in full use.
"And this is the castle gate."
Link gazed at the looming gate, memories of sneaking into the castle rising in his mind. He smiled slightly, then looked back at the waiting girl beside him. "I'm sorry, Aria, but I have to go see someone now. Am I still welcome to come back to your house and pick up Epona?"
She giggled and kissed his cheek. "You are always welcome Link-kun. And we'd never take your horse away from you."
As she skipped back towards her end of town, Link lifted a tiny hand to his cheek. The only girl who had ever kissed him had been Saria, and it had been on his cheek too. They had been younger, and it was more a goodnight kiss than anything, but...this girl had meant it.
Blushing slightly, and suffering from embarrassment, Link walked up to the gates and the smiling guards. He gulped and they nodded, the silent question completely understood. They opened the gates, and Link stepped into the courtyard.
Fire and crumbling stone surrounded him, and he ducked, covering his head with his arms. The flames licked his skin, and he nearly cried out, when he heard a bird chirp.
Opening his eyes, he was squinting at the ground, standing still. The guards watched him, questions in their eyes. Link blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"I'm fine. I was just admiring the scenery. It's not everyday you get to see the palace."
They nodded, and the younger one spoke up. "Yes, I had forgotten. It's sad when something like this becomes commonplace."
Link nodded and walked away, towards the main door. He felt like he had been lying, and he didn't like that. But he didn't understand what had happened, and didn't want to think about it.
The sun reflecting off the small pond was breathtaking, and Link stood for minutes, watching only that. But when someone tapped his shoulder, he nearly shrieked and jumped into the air.
An older woman laughed behind him. When he turned to look, he saw Zelda's maid, Impa. She wasn't that much older than he remembered, and her attitude hadn't seemed to change.
"What are you doing here?"
"Um...I was looking for Zelda..."
"So familiar, are we?"
Link gulped. "Z-zelda Hime-sama."
Impa grinned. "Better." The boy exhaled in relief. "But no need, since I remember you. Link, if I'm not mistaken." Her tone implied she never was.
"Yes, ma'am. May I see the princess?"
Impa crossed her arms in front of her ample bosom, and tapped her foot as she stared at him. Link felt very, very tiny under that gaze.
"Please?"
A smile slowly crept onto her face, and soon Impa was laughing hysterically. Link blinked, confused, and was about to defend himself when they were interrupted.
"Impa! Impa, where are you?"
Both boy and woman froze, their faces pinpointed to the newcomer. Her pale brown hair was held in ringlets atop her head, and her dress, made of the finest silk, was folded in so many layers Link had trouble deciding how many there really were.
"Zelda Hime." The Sheik warrior half bowed.
"Oh, Impa, there you are. I've been looking for you." She only now seemed to notice the shy boy behind her best friend. "Impa, is that...Link?"
He stepped forward. "Zelda Hime-sama."
"So formal? Just call me Zelda."
Link blushed. "But, Zelda Hime-sama..."
Zelda frowned, but ignored his disobedience. "Impa, what are you two doing out here? And Link, why did you come back? Isn't your mission done?"
Link was going to tell her, but froze. "My...mission?"
She nodded. "Your fight with Ganondorf. And then, with Ganon."
Link stepped back a bit. "But...how do you know about that?"
"Huh?"
"I...didn't fight Ganon...yet."
"What do you mean?" Impa looked from her mistress to the green-clad boy.
Link looked from Impa to Zelda, fear in his eyes. He couldn't understand how they could know...it had happened in the future, so how...?
Zelda seemed to feel his discomfort, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Link, I'm also a Sage. I know...what happened. I remember...and I don't know how or why." She leaned in closer, and he saw tears in her eyes. She whispered. "It scares me, Link. I have nightmares about some battle I've never been in, and some monster is always after me." She pulled away. "But you're here now. And now, we can start a new quest."
Wow...that's a lot o' words...
Well, um...this is where I say all that lovely stuff that fanficcers feel they need to say. For one, I need to thank my sister for helping me as an editor. And can you tell the few paragraphs she added in? Damn her and her ability to write well.
Secondly, well...Aria is made up. I haven't played OoT for a while, but I remember something with a dog. So, I went off that. Yeah is me.
Third, I know not what kind of accent Talon has, so don't ask me, please.
Also, if you read my other fic, My Maiden...Tonight (Sailor Moon ficcy), it's not in this same format. I don't really like doing it this way, what with the skipped lines, but I hate scrunchiness more. Sooo...
Okees, this is gonna be a long fic, with at least five chapters, but...I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, soo...hopefully, I won't screw up and this is the only part you get (not that it's that good anyways...). And...I was gonna say something else...but I forgot....x
Well...um....yeah. I'm done now. Biee!
Navi fluttered over to him, noticing his stirring. She looked at her charge, his face half covered in blanket, and giggled. Now that the whole ordeal with Ganondorf was over, the little Kokiri boy was like all other boys: sleepy, hungry, and playful. If he wasn't sleeping away the day, he was eating his weight in food or roughhousing with his Kokiri friends.
But Navi knew it was all a cover. They both knew what Link was; a Hylian raised by Kokiri. But even though he was a Kokiri through upbringing, he could never truly be one of them. The Kokiri never aged, but Link was growing at the rate all ten-year-olds do, and soon he would be too big, and the others would realise. So far, only Saria knew the truth, but that was to be expected.
Sighing, Navi flew over to the boy and fluttered her wings against his cheek. He swatted at her and grumbled, but she kept at it until he threw his pillow at her. Navi nearly hit the wall before she could free herself from the cursed object, then she dive-bombed Link's head and pulled his hair.
"AHHHH!!!!!!"
"Link-kun, wake UP!!!"
Link sat up straight, and Navi flew from his head. His large blue eyes were open as far as they could go, and he had a panicked look to his face. He gingerly touched his head where she had pulled out a few hairs, then gave Navi a most dirty look.
"That was my hair, Navi-chan. I was going to get up anyway."
"Sorry. But Saria was looking for you. She said she needed to talk to you."
"Oh!" Link hurried out of bed, throwing the covers everywhere. He pulled a clean tunic out of the chest at the foot of his bed, then raced to put it on, while trying to lace his boots and hop through the door.
"Link-kun, you're gonna fall!"
"I will not fa-ahhhh!!"
Navi fluttered down to her charge, who was spouting some very uncouth words, his face in the dirt and his legs curled underneath him. Luckily, he was ok.
"I told you, Link-kun."
"I know that."
Suddenly, Link heard a familiar sound, and jumped up, his sprained knee forgotten. Navi blinked in confusion, then hurried after him.
Link dashed through the undergrowth of the Lost Woods, not stopping to notice which way he was going. He knew by heart his way around these Woods, and could always find his way home. Home. He shook his head, not wanting to think of unpleasant things. This was his home, like it had always been. Like it always would be.
Saria's song continued unabated, drawing Link ever closer to his friend. He nearly flew through the maze, knowing exactly where to go. And this time, there were no monsters blocking the way.
Nearly falling in his haste to climb the stairs, Link finally crested the hill leading to the Forest Temple, and there he saw her.
Saria was sitting on her usual tree stump, an ocarina to her lips. Her eyes were closed, and she was completely enthralled in the music. Link crept up to her, then sat at her feet, not disturbing her.
The lovely Kokiri girl seemed to feel his presence, and lifted her face from the flute instrument and smiled at him. Link revelled in her smile, and leaned back, a goofy grin on his face.
"I heard your playing. It sounded urgent."
His friend dropped the ocarina from her lips, a sad smile on her face. Link immediately sat up, sensing something was wrong. Saria didn't look at him, but instead looked up, at the tree tops.
"Link, I feel something in the air. The forest speaks of it. If..." she lowered her eyes. "If it calls, you'll have to answer, won't you? You'll leave again..."
Link looked down at his knees, his happy mood gone. She was right. If something did happen, he'd have to leave again, go back into the adult world. Back into Hyrule, his world.
"Yeah, but...I don't think I would want to again. I mean, I fulfilled the prophecy. I did what was asked of me. But...I know I can't just ignore it. It's why I'm here."
"You have more of a purpose than that, Link."
"Maybe."
Saria jumped off the rock and sat beside him, her hands resting in her lap. "Not maybe, Link. You are a special person, and nothing can change that."
They sat together for some time, staring at the trees and the temple, not talking but understanding each other. Saria was Link's best friend, and she had always been there for him, no matter what. He hadn't enjoyed saying goodbye last time, and knew it would be nearly impossible if he had to again.
For Saria, Link was like a brother and friend. They knew each other so well, it was hard thinking of them being away from each other. But he was the Hero of Time, and she was a Sage. She knew, they would part again. Something was happening in Hyrule, she could feel it.
"Saria...I have to go."
"Huh?" She looked up and blinked her eyes, clearing the dull look from them.
"Navi is calling me." He chuckled. "Probably going to tell me I need to eat or something."
"Oh." She had been scared he'd say he was leaving the Kokiri Forest, he knew. And even though he could feel the pull, the lulling harmony calling him away, he was going to resist it, for just a while longer.
Link woke up and stretched. Navi lay next to his head, her wings fluttering gently. He smiled at her dreaming, then carefully removed his covers, while at the same time covering her up. His bare feet touched the wooden floor, and he trotted to his chest, deciding to get an early start, before the others woke up.
The clothes he had picked out were folded neatly on the chest, and he picked up his tunic in one hand, running the fabric between his fingers. His eyes were sad, but he knew he had to do this. Lying beside his tunic, he noticed the small, worn-out ocarina Saria had given him two years ago, when he had left the Kokiri Forest the first time. Everything-the clothes, the ocarina-were full of painful, joyous memories. He lifted his face to stare out his window at the predawn landscape, at the tiny home of the Kokiri, and felt like crying.
After silently dressing, he padded out of his treehouse, and climbed down the ladder. Saria waited at the bottom.
She was shorter than he was now. It had been nearly two years since they had talked of him leaving, and he had resisted the pull to leave. But now the pull was nearly painful, and he couldn't ignore it anymore.
"Saria, I have to go."
"I know. But...nevermind."
"But what?"
She refused to look at him. "It's an unanswerable question. But please...be careful."
He smiled sadly. "I will."
"Goodbye, my onichan. Maybe...maybe I'll see you again."
Link bowed his head, trying not to look at her. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to be selfish and stay here for the rest of his life. But already, the others had noticed something was different about him, and even if the pull hadn't been there, he would have had to leave. Hylians were not welcome in Kokiri domain.
He passed her, still looking at his feet. She refused to look up, too. Link kept walking out of the forest, and she stayed in front of his home, never lifting her head.
It's worse than last time! At least I knew why I had to leave. But this time...why is this happening? Why can't I live a normal life?
'You can never be normal, Link-san. That is your destiny.'
Link stopped at the voice. It sounded like the Deku Tree, but at the same time, not. When he turned around, though, no one was there.
"Who said that?" He reached for his sword, then remembered he had left it back in its original hiding place, in the Kokiri village. Feeling helpless and alone, Link stood his ground.
'I will not harm you, Link-san. Please, understand. You are needed.'
"Understand what? That I'm always being taken from those I love? That I'm always being forced to do the good thing, and save all the others? Is that my reason for being here?" Tears welled in the twelve-year-old's eyes, and he angrily wiped them away.
'It is your destiny.'
"Well, then I don't care! I fulfilled my part two years ago! Why am I still needed?" This time, he couldn't stop the tears as thoughts of Saria and his other friends came forward in his mind. And strangely, Zelda Hime as well.
'They need you to protect them Link-san. You are the only one that can.'
"No, I'm not." He wiped the tears from his cheeks. "And why the formality? Am I that important?"
'Yes.'
Link ignored him and started walking again. He knew from past experience that it would take the better part of the day to reach Hyrule Castle, but he could make LonLon Ranch before midday. Suddenly, he wanted very much to find someplace warm to stay the night.
He made it to LonLon Ranch well before the sun went down, but he was cold and hungry. The air outside the Forest was different, more touched by the elements and time. So even though it was warm in his home, out in Hyrule, the wind blew and the nights became cold.
Inside the fence, he could see Marron busy feeding the horses. He tried to call out, but she noticed him first, and gasped in shock. He collapsed to the ground, tired and hungry and out of strength.
"Link! Daddy, hurry! Link is here!" She ran over to him, and knelt beside him, cradling his head. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Can I...have some...food please?"
Marron nearly dropped his head when he asked. She hadn't been thinking. Of course he would have been hungry, the way he looked like a starved cat. But just then, her father came up and lifted the boy into his arms, and took him to the house.
They laid him down on the couch, and Talon had Marron go prepare something. Link tried to sit up, but was roughly pushed back down.
"Now now, m'boy, we ain't havin' none o' that. You set yerself down, and we'll take good care o' ya."
Link wanted to say he was all right, that he only needed a little bit of food, but he blacked out. When he woke up, he was sleeping in someone's bed, and there was a tray of cooling food on a stand beside him.
He tried to get up, but there was a pain in his side. He looked, but didn't see any damage. Then his stomach rumbled, and he figured the pain was only because he was hungry. He sniffed at the tray, then began to devour the delicious smelling food.
Marron walked in about the time he was finished and she smiled at him.
"It's good to see you have some strength left. We were worried when you suddenly passed out. I don't remember ever seeing you lose a battle."
"Battle?"
"Yeah. You seemed to be battling something. Hunger, was it?"
Link felt the resonating pull, but he ignored it. "Yeah, hunger. Thank you for the meal, by the way. It was delicious."
"It's the least I could do. You saved my daddy and everyone else. And Epona would be sad if anything happened to you."
Epona. Link's heart jumped when she mentioned his horse's name. He hadn't seen her in so long, it was wonderful that she would remember him.
"Can I...can I see her?"
"When you feel better. She's missed you, you know."
Link smiled shyly, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "She's my friend."
Marron smiled. "Everyone's your friend, Link."
Link looked up at her, his eyes wide, but she was already leaving. He caught her smile, though.
The next morning dawned brightly, and Link woke to the sound of a flute. He crawled out of the bed and to the window, where he saw Marron playing for the horses. They pranced about, revelling in her beautiful playing. And he saw Epona, the only one not dancing. Instead, she stood, looking straight at his window. He smiled at her fondly, then raced to his pack, where he pulled his ocarina from its wrappings. After hustling back to the window, he placed the instrument to his lips and trilled a light-hearted melody that pierced the morning air with its gentle tune. When she saw him playing, she let out a joyous neigh and pranced around. He almost thought she was laughing.
As he was turning to put the ocarina back, Marron noticed him and began to wave frantically. He waved back; the girl laughed and jumped around, putting even more life and energy into her own melodies. The horses neighed and pranced as she danced among them. Link shook his head, then wrapped his ocarina back up and gently placed it within the confines of his bag. With that finished, he slung the bag up over his small shoulders and headed out the door to his temporary room. Oddly enough, it reminded him of his leaving the Kokiri forest. He shook his head. The past was behind him; he had to move forward.
Talon met Link when he was about to leave the room. "Boy, are ya 'bout ready ta leave?"
"Yes, sir. I have to go to the castle."
"Well, take Epona wit' ya. She'll be a great asset, she will."
"You won't mind?"
"Mind? She's yer horse, m'boy. We're only watchin' her."
Link bowed deeply. "Thank you sir."
"Naw. And what's wit' all this 'sir' stuff? I'm just plain ol' Talon."
Marron was sad he wasn't staying long, but she helped him with Epona and said her goodbyes to the horse. It was strange, Link thought when he left, waving goodbye to his friends. He had acquired Epona in the future, after winning a race. These people only knew that he had helped Talon, they shouldn't have known of all the things he had done. And yet, they knew Epona was his, and she in turn remembered him as though they had travelled together.
'Some things people can sense, and animals have this ability naturally. They know something is special about you, Link-san. And Epona does too.'
Link nodded his silent agreement with the unknown voice, then continued towards the castle.
It was midday when he arrived, and the town was bustling with activity. He unmounted, and walked Epona through the crowd. No one seemed to notice the small boy and colt, except for the chickens. But then, chickens notice everything around themselves.
The boy stopped by a shop, his stomach rumbling. After all his adventures, he'd have thought to bring a lunch, but no. So now, he was eyeing the food with raptor eyes, and licking his lips.
"Um, excuse me. But how much for that muffin and bun?"
"Ten Rupees, please."
Link squinted, feeling like he was being ripped off. "Ma'am, I'm sure a muffin and bun don't cost ten Rupees."
She leaned over the counter, sticking her face and huge bosom in Link's face. "Listen, faerie-boy, this is my shop and I say it costs ten Rupees! Now pay up or return to your forest. You don't belong out here anyway."
Taken aback, Link stepped backwards, his face a confused mix of pain and anger and disbelief. Why was he always different? And how come she knew he was from the forest? Was it his clothing? But, no, that couldn't be it. And anyhow, he wasn't a faerie...he never could be. He was Hylian, like her. And how dare she yell at him, a customer?
Without saying anything, Link turned and ran from the store. He couldn't stand it in there anymore.
Outside, Epona was restless. She could sense her master's agitation and confusion, and in turn felt it herself. Link ran to her and hugged her neck, then grabbed her bridle in his small hands and led her away. Epona flicked her tail in the direction of the shop.
He travelled the city, taking in the sites. The capital was so huge! He craned his neck, trying to see it all. Last time he had been here, things were a bit more hectic, and when he had awoken after seven years, it wasn't even the same city. So the little boy decided he'd enjoy his day before going to meet the princess.
Zelda Hime. He could remember her, but at the same time, not. The young, innocent girl who had given him that letter was faded in his memories, and the warrior Sheik was prominent. But so was the beautiful girl she had really been underneath that costume.
Link shook his head to clear his thoughts. He had no time to daydream, especially not about his princess. Besides, she didn't even remember him.
Trekking through Hyrule was a tiring job for any twelve-year-old, even Link, so after about two hours of sightseeing, he was exhausted.
"Epona, we should find someplace to sleep. It's getting cold, and I'm tired."
Epona neighed her agreement, and together they looked for a place to stay. Link considered the castle, but they would never let him in this late in the day. He considered finding an inn, but wasn't even sure there was one here. Then, he saw a puppy.
Not really a puppy, actually, but a nearly grown dog. And a blond little girl, holding him. She looked up and saw Link and Epona, then recognition dawned in her eyes.
"You...you...you're the one!"
"Um..."
"You helped me almost two years ago! Remember? About two years ago, you helped me find my puppy!"
Link blinked as recognition set in. He smiled warmly. "Yes, I remember. So, this is your dog?" He knelt down beside said creature and scratched behind its ears.
"Yes. His name is Ryuusei. Ano...mister? What's your name?"
Link smiled. "It's Link."
"Oh, hello Link-kun. My name is Aria." She paused. "You look lost, Link-kun."
"Lost? No, I just need a place to stay."
Aria giggled happily. "Stay with me! Mama won't mind, and Ryuusei likes you."
"But...I shouldn't...I mean, I don't want to be any trouble for you."
"The great Link-kun, who helped save my puppy and talked with Zelda Hime? You could never be any trouble. Come on." She grabbed his hand and dragged him after her, towards her house.
The house was exactly the same as he remembered it. Aria pulled him through the door, and as she happily explained why she had a strange boy with her, Link roved his eyes around the abode. It was smaller than he remembered, but that could be because he was bigger himself.
"So, it is you." Link turned to see an older woman, who was smiling broadly. "I thought you looked familiar when she dragged you through that door. Please, make yourself at home."
Link nodded and walked around a bit more, studying things and just taking it all in.
The mother watched him, her eyes sparkling. "So, why did you come here again? I thought you were of the faeries."
Link paused in his study of a desk. "No, I'm not. I came here to see the princess." Aria and her mother giggled. Link looked perplexed, and didn't understand. "What's so funny? Did I say something wrong?"
Aria's mother shook her head. "No, we just think it's cute how you came to see the princess. She is beautiful, we hear."
Link blushed. "No, it's nothing like that!"
"If that's how you want it."
The young Hero of Time decided not to go into too much detail with that reply.
Aria showed him his room, which was no more than a small cot in a corner of the attic.
"Sorry, but it's all we have."
"That's all right. Is Epona safe?"
"Yes." The girl nodded and pointed out the window. "We have a yard adjacent with the huge field where we play. She's in there."
"Thank you."
Aria giggled and left him alone, but left the door open enough so he'd have some light to see by. It didn't take Link long to fall asleep.
"W-what the...?"
Link was in a castle that was very quickly falling apart. Beside him was a young woman, who was so exhausted she could barely stand.
"Zelda Hime-sama..."
"Link...hurry. We have to hurry, before Ganondorf..."
Link nodded, and only when he reached down to help her up did he notice he was an adult. He stared at his gloved hands in awe and fear. What's going on? Why am I here? And why am I so old? Before he could think anymore, though, a huge piece of the castle crashed beside them. Zelda screamed, and Link covered her with his arms. When the dust cleared enough to run, he pulled her up and nearly dragged her from the room.
"Link...we have to get to the bottom...before he..."
Link nodded, and ran faster. Zelda caught her balance so he didn't drag her, then followed closely behind.
They battled their way down to the bottom floor, Zelda protecting Link as he cut down the creatures that were under Ganondof's control. At the bottom of the stairs, before the exit, a Re-dead waited. Link barely saw it before it latched onto him, trying to suck the life from his stricken body. He clawed at the figure on his side, trying to dislodge its teeth from his shoulder.
Finally, he managed to get free, and before it could attack again, he pushed Zelda through the doorway, out into the courtyard as the castle crumbled around them.
However, there was no Ganondorf to be found.
"Zelda Hime-sama...we have to go."
Suddenly, Link felt the earth rumble and turned around. He knew that it should be Ganon who faced him, the demon Ganondorf, but instead, all he saw was darkness.
"Zelda Hime-sama..."
She wasn't there. Fire circled everywhere, and someone laughed. A high, girlish laugh. Link blinked sweat out of his eyes and tried to see his enemy, but all he saw was an empty nothingness. No demon, no enemy, just a void. And it frightened him more than anything he had ever known.
"Link-kun, you have to get up...Link-kun..."
Link blinked his eyes, clearing the mist of sleep. A young girl stood above him, calling his name. Her red hair hung in front of her face, and she seemed worried.
"Link-kun, are you ok? You were crying out in your sleep."
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine." He sat up and felt a pain in his side. He wouldn't acknowledge it with Aria around, so he made as though he was rubbing his stomach.
"Oh, are you hungry? Wait here, I'll get something." She went away with glee, and as soon as she disappeared, Link lifted his tunic. His side was covered in a light burn, and when he went to touch it, it faded away, as though it never existed. He was lowering his tunic when Aria came back in.
"Link-kun, here's some breakfast. Are you sure you're all right?"
The boy nodded and Aria left him alone to his breakfast. He ate slowly, and realised he really had been hungry. The muffins and bread were good, and the tea was delicious. He had found a good place to stay.
Outside, Epona neighed her hello. Link crawled off his bed and ran to the window. His horse looked up at him and danced, her mane shining in the sunlight. Link smiled and rested his elbows on the windowsill and his chin on his wrists. He liked it here. Epona was happy, and there were nice people here.
Aria looked up when Link quietly came down the stairs. He appeared happy, and he jumped when she glomped his arm. "Link-kun, will you go to town with me?"
The young Hero of Time was shocked about the question, but agreed wholeheartedly. He needed to go there anyway.
Aria walked him along the streets, pointing out the different things the town had to offer and what were the best things and the worst things in the town. Link absorbed her information, storing it away in case he needed it. Even now, his adventurer instincts were in full use.
"And this is the castle gate."
Link gazed at the looming gate, memories of sneaking into the castle rising in his mind. He smiled slightly, then looked back at the waiting girl beside him. "I'm sorry, Aria, but I have to go see someone now. Am I still welcome to come back to your house and pick up Epona?"
She giggled and kissed his cheek. "You are always welcome Link-kun. And we'd never take your horse away from you."
As she skipped back towards her end of town, Link lifted a tiny hand to his cheek. The only girl who had ever kissed him had been Saria, and it had been on his cheek too. They had been younger, and it was more a goodnight kiss than anything, but...this girl had meant it.
Blushing slightly, and suffering from embarrassment, Link walked up to the gates and the smiling guards. He gulped and they nodded, the silent question completely understood. They opened the gates, and Link stepped into the courtyard.
Fire and crumbling stone surrounded him, and he ducked, covering his head with his arms. The flames licked his skin, and he nearly cried out, when he heard a bird chirp.
Opening his eyes, he was squinting at the ground, standing still. The guards watched him, questions in their eyes. Link blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"I'm fine. I was just admiring the scenery. It's not everyday you get to see the palace."
They nodded, and the younger one spoke up. "Yes, I had forgotten. It's sad when something like this becomes commonplace."
Link nodded and walked away, towards the main door. He felt like he had been lying, and he didn't like that. But he didn't understand what had happened, and didn't want to think about it.
The sun reflecting off the small pond was breathtaking, and Link stood for minutes, watching only that. But when someone tapped his shoulder, he nearly shrieked and jumped into the air.
An older woman laughed behind him. When he turned to look, he saw Zelda's maid, Impa. She wasn't that much older than he remembered, and her attitude hadn't seemed to change.
"What are you doing here?"
"Um...I was looking for Zelda..."
"So familiar, are we?"
Link gulped. "Z-zelda Hime-sama."
Impa grinned. "Better." The boy exhaled in relief. "But no need, since I remember you. Link, if I'm not mistaken." Her tone implied she never was.
"Yes, ma'am. May I see the princess?"
Impa crossed her arms in front of her ample bosom, and tapped her foot as she stared at him. Link felt very, very tiny under that gaze.
"Please?"
A smile slowly crept onto her face, and soon Impa was laughing hysterically. Link blinked, confused, and was about to defend himself when they were interrupted.
"Impa! Impa, where are you?"
Both boy and woman froze, their faces pinpointed to the newcomer. Her pale brown hair was held in ringlets atop her head, and her dress, made of the finest silk, was folded in so many layers Link had trouble deciding how many there really were.
"Zelda Hime." The Sheik warrior half bowed.
"Oh, Impa, there you are. I've been looking for you." She only now seemed to notice the shy boy behind her best friend. "Impa, is that...Link?"
He stepped forward. "Zelda Hime-sama."
"So formal? Just call me Zelda."
Link blushed. "But, Zelda Hime-sama..."
Zelda frowned, but ignored his disobedience. "Impa, what are you two doing out here? And Link, why did you come back? Isn't your mission done?"
Link was going to tell her, but froze. "My...mission?"
She nodded. "Your fight with Ganondorf. And then, with Ganon."
Link stepped back a bit. "But...how do you know about that?"
"Huh?"
"I...didn't fight Ganon...yet."
"What do you mean?" Impa looked from her mistress to the green-clad boy.
Link looked from Impa to Zelda, fear in his eyes. He couldn't understand how they could know...it had happened in the future, so how...?
Zelda seemed to feel his discomfort, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Link, I'm also a Sage. I know...what happened. I remember...and I don't know how or why." She leaned in closer, and he saw tears in her eyes. She whispered. "It scares me, Link. I have nightmares about some battle I've never been in, and some monster is always after me." She pulled away. "But you're here now. And now, we can start a new quest."
Wow...that's a lot o' words...
Well, um...this is where I say all that lovely stuff that fanficcers feel they need to say. For one, I need to thank my sister for helping me as an editor. And can you tell the few paragraphs she added in? Damn her and her ability to write well.
Secondly, well...Aria is made up. I haven't played OoT for a while, but I remember something with a dog. So, I went off that. Yeah is me.
Third, I know not what kind of accent Talon has, so don't ask me, please.
Also, if you read my other fic, My Maiden...Tonight (Sailor Moon ficcy), it's not in this same format. I don't really like doing it this way, what with the skipped lines, but I hate scrunchiness more. Sooo...
Okees, this is gonna be a long fic, with at least five chapters, but...I'm not sure if I'm doing this right, soo...hopefully, I won't screw up and this is the only part you get (not that it's that good anyways...). And...I was gonna say something else...but I forgot....x
Well...um....yeah. I'm done now. Biee!