Chapter 2: Mind's Poison
How on earth did he get himself into this mess?
That was the only though Link could conjure to his mind as his frail body was twisted around in positions that would make even the greatest contortionist cringe in pain. The bloodcurdling screams that emitted from the boy filled the dark forest as the trees blocked the sun. In front of him, a boy that resembled a skeleton rather than something remotely human, wearing a heart-shaped mask with two wide yellow eyes, cackled with sadistic glee as he watched the Hero of Time's green-clothed form be twisted around into a pretzel shape, then transform from skin into hardened wood.
"That's it, that's it!" the Skull Kid cackled, his masked, insect thin form dancing around in circles. "Feel the pain! Your very body feeling like it's being ripped in two! Yes, yes!"
Among the pain, Link seethed inside. This…..disgusting creature had taken his ocarina, along with his horse, Epona! He had no feelings for anyone whatsoever, no regard for anything! Well, that would change. He would make his creature pay if it took every fiber of his being.
He would get back his treasured ocarina, for it was more than a mere potato-shaped instrument: it controlled the very ebb and flow of time. And through his mind, a royally-clothed girl with blond hair and blue eyes flashed. He tried to reach out with a small hand, but just as the memory had came in a flash, it faded out just as quick. It was replaced with Link once again, still sporting his shock of blond hair with a strange green tint. His eyes were no longer their brilliant blue color, but replaced by a gold, beady look. His scrawny body looked like a tree had melded with his body, his pale skin being replaced with a chocolate wood color. He had actually shrunk a few inches from what he originally was as well.
He looked at his now brown gloved hands and formed his mouth to let out a gasp, but instead was replaced by a feeble squeak. Others like him had formed a ring around him, only they were leafier and loomed over him in comparison. They struck, attacking him with sticks, beating the inhuman Link with no remorse or guilt for their actions, as a red puddle seeped from his rough, blood-stained form. When they finished, they spit bubbles on him, his face now covered in their putrid saliva. The Skull Kid's masked face twisted into a sadistic, crazed grin as he dragged his tongue along his teeth, but obscured as it was, Link could not see it...nor was he in any condition too.
The newly-formed Deku Scrub looked at the masked lunatic with a look combining rage, pain, and loathing, before he collapsed onto his hands and knees, vomiting out a mix of blood and the contents of his stomach.