The first thing the pair of resistance leaders did once they returned to camp was to hit their beds, and hit them hard. It had been a very long night for the pair of them. Impa barely managed to tell one of her Sheikan guards about why she'd suddenly disappeared. The teen stumbled out that he would "spread the information" and left to do just that, Impa silently shaking her head behind him. Clearly the youngsters would need better training if they hadn't even noticed her leave.
She let the thought go, too concerned with getting a decent night's sleep. Darunia seemed to have beaten her tothe punch on that however; his snores could already be heard roaring across the camp, much to the chagrin of a few survivors nearby.
When daylight finally woke her, Impa rose with a restless energy. She'd only barely gotten the sleep she needed, too stimulated from the adventure last night. Something about the temple and the forest sage had gotten her riled up, and the fights against the ghosts and other dangers in the temple had restored much of the confidence she hadn't realized that she'd lost with the fall of castle town. Today, she felt like she could do something. The Sheikan felt a change in the air. Today felt like a day of action. It took her but a few moments to understand why she felt this way.
Today, of all days, she could feel it. The camp was ready for the plan hatching in her head, a plan that had appeared as suddenly and impulsively as the little boy in green whom they had rescued less than 24 hours ago.
She wandered around the camp, checking on things. Supplies were plentiful, proof of the benevolent bounty of the forest. All but a few wounds were healed, and spirits, though beaten down, were beginning to heal, stronger than ever. Even Zelda was returning from her mental retreat, staring around the forest with the beginnings of curiosity. In fact, if Impa didn't act soon, the survivors would become restless.
Once Darunia awoke, she consulted him on her idea. He whole-heartedly approved. After that it was but a quick conversation with the highest ranked of the Zoras at the moment, a royal advisor, and the captain of the Hylian guard, before she became convinced that her idea was correct. A final planing session with the trio of Rito survivors, and they confirmed their loyalty before flying off for reinforcements.
She spoke to the whole camp then, rousing them. People spurned themselves to action, making some quick final preparations before they left the woods forever.
The counter-attack had begun.
XxXxX
The refugees weren't the only ones that had come to a decision.
Link stood before the Great Deku Tree, his head bowed in respect. He'd spent all morning preparing his room, locking away valuables and tidying as much as he could, for the journey ahead. As he lifted his face he could hear the rustle of leaves and groaning of wood from the surrounding forest, the sounds travelling across the sacred tree's meadow with ease. Noise from animals gaily permeated the clearing, as if affirming Link's decision.
The Great Deku Tree moved, voicing his thoughts aloud, "Oh sweet child, thou has come to ask of mine opinion. For you, whom has requested permission to fulfill a heroic deed, mine opinion shall be heard." A great cacophony of leaves and twigs sounded as a small object plummeted from his branches, "I, the Great Deku Tree, wholly approve of thy mission. As a symbol of my approval, take this dagger and uphold justice wherever thou shalt tread."
Link picked up the sword reverently. It had a silver blade and a yellow-bronze guard. "Thank you, Great Deku Tree."
"As you have decided to leave the forest to help those of Castle Town, young one, it is but the least I can do to aid thy journey," replied the wise tree, "but before thou leaves, I would advise that thou should find a worthy shield for thy journey. Whether on the road or in these woods, it will be an invaluable tool."
"Yes sir," Link thanked. He gave a final bow before leaving, his small frame darting across the meadow and its stomach-high grasses waving leisurely in the breeze. It was the biggest decision in his life, leaving the forest, and his Guardian's acceptance of his decision lightened his steps considerably.
Ever ancient, the wooden being behind him sighed in memories long past, "Be ever vigilant... and fulfill thy destiny."
XxXxX
Dashing through ferns and bushes, Link had all intentions of finding himself a proper shield before he left the woods. He knew the store would have some sturdy deku shields in stock if all else failed. Before that, however, he wanted to check on the survivors. This was both to reassure himself and them.
His plans quickly derailed when he arrived at the camp to see them already gone. He groaned. Had he taken too long preparing? What would he do now? Link gathered his thoughts, looking desperately around the clearing to find a trail. He stepped sedately into the center of the former refugee camp, forlornly looking at a few scraps of cloth that had been forgotten behind. In their excitement to leave, a small number of things had been lost in the rush. It might have just been the nature of the lost woods too. No one entered these woods without leaving some part of themselves behind.
"Planning on leaving already? Without telling your friends? How rude."
Startled, Link whirled around, trying to find the source of the voice. He searched high and low, but found nothing.
"Down here you fool."
Link looked down, squinting. His mouth formed a little 'o' when he finally found the source of the noise. He leaned down, letting a very familiar little Minish clamber up into his palms.
Said Minish dusted his robes off as he stood, his beady red eyes somehow managing to look down upon the taller being, "Took you long enough brat. But anyways, you are leaving the woods? You look horribly under-equipped for that, not to mention your friends are going to wonder where you went. Then again, let them. Friends are a nuisance more then anything. Why bother."
Link frowned, "I've got no choice! I was gonna say goodbye as I got equipment, but if the guys from castle town already left, I have to follow them! Besides, the Great Deku Tree knows, he'll let everyone know..."
Vaati huffed, "They've only been gone an hour or two, and they're not making any sort of fast pace with all the junk they're carrying. And that old wooden codger will only be able to inform your Kokiri friends, chances are your other ones won't hear the news until after they've freaked out about you. Besides, after all they've done to help you, I think some thanks are in order."
"I still have to catch up to the refugees quickly, but...!" Link looked around the clearing worriedly, "but you have a point too. My friends...! But I need equipment too, but the survivors are already gone...!" There were so many things to prioritize right now, what did he dare worry about the most?
"Ugh you are pathetic!" spat the frustrated albino, "Goddesses you are needy! Fine! I'll help you! Anything to make you stop standing around like an idiot. It's annoying."
Link looked sheepish, and would have scratched at his hair in embarrassment had his hands not been preoccupied with the diminutive sorcerer. Vaati grumbledangrily to himself before he made a sudden dash up Link's arm, and before the Kokiri boy could properly process what was going on, the Minish had already scrambled up his hair and settled himself into his cap.
"I can't believe I'm doing this... ugh. Fine then! Let's start with your friends and get that out of the way first. Ugh, I hate gushy stuff like that but who knows, they might be able to help with the equipment thing too. Well what are you standing around for, get running!"
Link stumbled over a reply, but in the end gave up and ran to find the first of his friends outside the village. Goddesses only knew if he'd ever see them again...
XxXxX
Hyrule field was a vast and calm as ever. As the refugees slowly but surely made their way out of the forest, they kept their eyes peeled far into the distance of the deceptively calm grassland. Only a short time ago it had been the site of a slaughter, but now it was the home of nothing more than an eerily silent breeze and swaying grass.
The trip was without incident so far, however, so the group gritted their teeth and moved forward.
The stoic silence was broken by an infuriated whinny from one of the Lon Lon foals. Several people looked back as the stubborn young horse, Epona, gave her owners the quickest slip anyone had ever seen.
A cry of alarm arose from Malon as her favourite young mare dashed back into the cover of trees, determination in her equine features. Even so, the redhead didn't dare run after her.
"There she goes again..." grumbled the former head of Lon Lon Ranch. Talon, the heavyset but gentle rancher, walked up to his worried daughter and patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry Malon, she'll come back. She always does."
"B-but this isn't like other times Daddy, we're moving around this time-!" She sniffled.
Talon chuckled warmly, "That girl's a smart horse. Smarter than me even. She'll find us no problem."
Malon, pacified, made one final sniff before they resumed their journey.
XxXxX
Link's first stop in his trip to say farewell was to the enthusiastic Deku, Bumper. The sharpshooter listened intently to Link's reasons for his journey before breaking out bawling. "Ugwaaah! Oh, my leetle mon is awl growin' up! Ooh ooh,I wish ya deedn't 'ave to go, mon! Waaaaah!"
Link nervously tried to calm him down, but the Deku was having none of it. Instead he disappeared inside his flower and came out with the largest deku seedbag the Kokiri had ever seen. It had multiple pockets, one or two of which were already brimming full.
"Yo mon, I was thinking..." sniff, "of geevin' this to ya on yer birthday, but... waaah! You gonna need eet fer thuh journey aheed... Use eet to hold ya supplies, mah leetle mon!"
When he handed it over, Link saw that it was more like a knapsack than a bag. He gratefully thanked the Deku before the sharpshooter shoved him on his way. Neither wanted an extended farewell. As Link considered his next destination, he picked up some herbs and hard fruits along the way. He'd need them for his trip, after all.
The Kokiri dashed around quickly outside of the village, hoping to find Stall somewhere on its edges. No such luck. With no idea where to find the skull child, he instead ventured into the deep woods to locate the great wolfos Bloodclaw. The deep woods eagerly allowed him entry, as if it knew of his haste. Gigantic trees easily gave way to the wolfos's den, Link gently rustling the thorny thicket to let the beast know he was here.
"Bloodclaw! Bloodclaw, may I have a word?" He hollered, hoping the beast was about. The day was ever waning, and he feared that he wouldn't have time to find his friend if he weren't about.
Much to his surprise, both Bloodclaw and Kieri stepped out, the female keaton looking both smug and sad. "How interesting to see you here, little one!" She said.
Link bowed to the pair before responding, "Actually I was gonna say the same thing to you! But it's actually good. I, ah... I am going to be leaving..."
Bloodclaw did a double take, snorting. His eyes went wide. "Leave the forest? But that will be dangerous, pup-!"
"I thought this would happen," the keaton interjected. This brought a strange look from both the males, "it just so happens that I heard a few rumours." Her ears drooped, "You're a very special boy, Link. Bloodclaw, it's best we don't stop him." The wolfos snorted at her, his fur ruffled, but she merely smiled in return, "Don't think I can't see that protective streak from a mile off, sweetheart."
The wolfos, despite being taller than the other two combined, seemed to wilt in sorrow. But he soon gathered himself up, staring down at the young blonde boy with respect, "I wish I could convince you otherwise, but I can see it in your eyes that your choice has already been made. Very well. There comes a day when every pup must leave the den. I am glad to have met you before that day."
The great beast disappeared into his home, but soon returned with a shaggy greyish-white pelt. "This is the fur of a lesser wolfos who once tried to prove his worth against me. A brave, if foolish opponent. May his fur keep you warm on your travels."
Link gratefully accepted the pelt, which was large enough to act as bedding whenever he needed it. He was about to put it away when Kieri offered him some rope with a strange metallic object tied on the end. "Here, sweetheart. It's a grappling hook made from deku vine. It won't ever break! You might find more use for it than I ever will!"
Link took the object happily, using it to tie his pelt in a roll before attaching it to the bottom of his pack. He solemnly bowed. "I can't thank you guys enough. Thank you for supporting me on this."
Bloodclaw emitted something between a growl and a snort. "Kieri explained much to me about your situation last night. It would be foolish and selfish of me to keep you here. I will miss you pup. Now go, before we change our minds."
Link giggled, turning and running into the forest. He gave them one last smile and wave before disappearing out of sight.
Bloodclaw shifted as he faded into the forest. Glowing eyes blinked, then blinked some more. The keaton turned to the wolfos upon noticing this. "...You're going to miss the little one too, huh?" A snort come in reply, but it wasn't nearly as carefree as its owner intended. The keaton smiled. "Yeah, I know. It's hard to speak."
Silence greeted her. Then, "I will indeed miss him. I hope... I hope to one day have a pup as brave and loyal as him."
Kieri was slightly startled by the tone. It had been unusually meek, and now that she noticed it, the alpha wolfos's tail was dragging. She sniffled, her own emotions surging to the fore. "Yes. I would like that too, I think. Maybe someday, when I find someone."
"Maybe...someday..." said the beast, great loneliness weighing upon his shoulders.
For a while, silence was king upon the two lone figures sat side by side. The leaves of great trees swayed in the wind, birds rising above the woods. But as the memory of a small boy clad in green disappeared with time from the memories of these small animals, a howl arose. The lone wolf's cry was long and sombre. A serenade to innocence always lost in time.
XxXxX
Link heard the sound far in the distance, marvelling at its solitary beauty. When he returned his gaze to the path before him, however, it had changed. It was mildlystartling, but the Kokiri simply followed the new path before him. The forest never did anything without a reason.
As he trekked down the solemn path, the soothing voices of animals and birds met his ears. Vaati, as always, remained silent. Even he, however, seemed pacifiedby the gentle swaying of trees and soft golden light falling down upon various leaves and simple, yet beautiful flowers.
As they walked, Link smiled. He recognized this path.
He rounded a corner just as small pieces of some ancient ruin came into view, marble and other white stone hidden in fragments underneath vines, long grasses, and bushes. A great gate came into view, its doors broken and open as if inviting the world to share in its regal, yet soothing splendour. Waiting at this gate were two figures, and beyond, just out of sight, a glint of metal.
Link could feel Vaati squirm and hunker down further into his cap, but he ignored this feeling. Saria's gentle smile, and Stall's teasing grin, had occupied his attention. The little hero came to a stop just a few feet away from where each stood, the calm camaraderie in the air all that needed to be said. For a few minutes the trio just stared at each other, drinking in the sight of the others. Then, Saria spoke.
"I knew you would come."
Her voice was both happy and sad. Link merely nodded, "The forest led me here."
"I think more than just the forest helped you find your way here today," she replied cryptically. Nonetheless her gaze was ever so proud. "I know you're leaving. I knew this time would come. So I won't say goodbye. I'll just say good luck."
She bowed, and he returned the gesture. Stall rustled to the side, causing them both to look at him. "Hee hee, seeing friends like you guys really takes me back a ways, yeah?" the skull kid's beak twisted nostalgically. "Whenever there is a meeting, a parting is sure to follow." The boy sighed, his gaze going past the gate. "I've been here before you know. I had a friend... he asked me to guard this place." Smiling, the skull child turned back to Link, "You're so much like that friend... this is your special place, yes? Heehee, I knew I recognized you somehow...no wonder we were such great friends. A parting need not last forever!" With that, Stall's cryptic words were put aside in favour of him rustling with something. It turned out to be an old Kokiri pouch, worn from untold ages. A gift, or something picked up from the forest, no one could tell. But Stall produced something from the pouch that Link knew, he just knew, was a precious memoir of a time long past.
The shield held before him was a simple but sturdy affair, lovingly kept despite the battle scars upon its decorated face. It resembled a Hylian shield, and yet had a design entirely foreign and familiar.
"It's called the hero's shield. My friend had no need of it after his adventures in a far-away place. It should keep you safe on your journey!" He said happily. Stall turned to Saria, "just like we're gonna keep this place and your blue ocarina safe, right?"
"Right" she answered.
Something changed in the air, both relief and apprehension infecting the atmosphere. Link knew in his heart what kind of a moment this was. He couldn't be happier that he was setting out, and yet he also knew, he knew so well, that this was a finite moment. The end to an innocent, peaceful way of life he'd known for so long.
Saria smiled again, but it didn't quite reach her watery eyes, "The Kokiri all know what's going on. Geer and Mido, heh heh... I had to stop them from coming here and trying to stop you. They have a gift for you as well, though." And here she offered some provision, some deku seed and nuts. As link was gratefully receiving them, a whinny sounded from the woods. Link gave a cry of joy as the young horse, Epona, broke through the cover of the trees and came to his side, snorting happily and proud of herself as she shook her head. Link wondered vaguely why he wasn't worried about everyone having suddenly appeared in his special place, but a part of him didnt care because in a way, it just felt right.
Saria bowed one last time, "Now go. The refugees are not waiting for you to catch up, after all!" she giggled.
Link laughed, hopped up upon the willing Epona's back, and together they took off through the trees. Grass and branch alike were flattened under hoof. Link managed to turn one last time,waving at his friends. They waved back.
As he turned the corner from the ruins, a glint of metal gave farewell as well... but only for a short time. Because it knew its wielder would someday return.
Link was in a daze as Epona rushed him through the woods. His whole world was being turned upside down, and it felt strange and exhilarating to finally be doing something other than preparations. He had chosen to do something on his own, and the venture was both huge and humbling. He was only broken out of his daze when the bright evening sun glanced across his eyes, causing him to blink.
Before him was a vast expanse he could never have imagined before. Hyrule field, the great golden plains, lay before him like a treasure map waiting to be drawn upon. Grasses swayed eagerly, the sound of wind beckoning him forward. It took the little hero time to let it all sink in.
Vaati pulled at his hair suddenly, making him wince. "They're not slowing down for you any time soon, buddy. Those refugees are gonna be hot-footing it across the field 'cause of monsters. Better get moving!"
Link hummed in agreement, tapping Epona's side to start her moving again. Rearing up and letting out a cry, she broke into a gallop, leading the group into the unknown.
He never looked back. Had he done so, he might have noticed the small, sad-eyed shadow that had followed him.
"Whether a parting be forever or merely for a short time… That is up to you." Stall blinked away tears, mumbling more to himself than the world around him. A great smile broke his face depsite it all. "I'm gonna miss you... but we'll meet agiain, okay?"
And as the day passed, no one noticed the sound of a little skull child playing broken notes on a flute near the edge of the woods. The song he'd been taught so long ago lilted over the field, at once both both sad and cheerful.