Chapter 9- An Unexpected Surprise
Tristan had remained silent on the way back to the castle, and he kept to himself for a few days afterward. Zelda seemed to know what was going on with him, but she never told the others. The other warriors spent their time wandering around the castle and the market, observing the people and learning the ways of Hyrule. Susan was the only one amongst them to notice that not only was Tristan missing from their little group, but Jaimon was too. She never mentioned it to the others, but she still thought it rather odd.
It turns out that Jaimon was spending his free time with Tristan in the castle library. For a while, Tristan hardly ever knew Jaimon was there. Eventually putting down the book he had been pretending to read, though his mind had kept wandering back to the forest, he saw Jaimon standing in the corner with a rather thick book, furiously turning the pages. It was like he wanted to see if the ink would fall off the pages if he turned them fast enough.
Jaimon and Tristan soon became best friends. Jaimon had never met anyone who understood him so well but as Tristan had grown up thinking he didn't have parents, then meeting his father who died soon after, Tristan knew what Jaimon had gone through. When Jaimon asked why Tristan was staying away from the others, Tristan actually told him about Saria, something he normally would never have done. In return, Jaimon told him about his parents, who had died trying to keep him alive.
Finally, the day to begin their training arrived. Tristan led them all to the barracks on the east side of town and introduced them to Captain Ferdinand. With help from some other instructors, Ferdinand began teaching the others how to use their weapons.
This basic training went on for many days, and Tristan, who already knew how to use his weapons, and many others as well, helped out where he could. Several weeks passed, and the five warriors were now showing some true skill with their weapons. Captain Ferdinand complemented them on their skill, saying things like his own soldiers had never learned how to use their weapons as quickly, much less put their armor on correctly.
After a particularly long day of training, Tristan, who had been acting as combat dummy and was pretty beat up and worn out, wandered over to his mother's study. He was surprised when he saw her speaking to someone from Kakariko City.
"Oh! Sorry, didn't realize you were with someone," Tristan said.
"It's no problem," the man said. "We were just finishing." Turning back to Zelda, he said, "So we can expect to bring it next week?"
"Yes, in the middle of the week I would say," she replied, shuffling some papers.
"Very well, good day your majesty."
The man left and Zelda turned to find her son. She saw him sitting on the window sill rubbing his rather badly bruised arms.
"How did all that happen?" she asked, sitting next to him and gently pulling one of his arms toward her.
"Training," Tristan responded flatly, staring out the window. "Since I'm already trained with many weapons, I'm basically just the combat dummy for right now."
"I'm sure that'll soon change," Zelda said soothingly, performing a little spell to heal his arms. "The others are getting quite skilled from the reports I've been getting, and Captain Ferdinand thinks you can get into the real training soon. I must warn you though, the next stage of training will take many years."
"Think we can hold off Ganondorf that long?"
"Of course we can. Without the Triforce of Power, the only thing Ganondorf can use right now is an army, which I'm glad to say he's having trouble gathering. Not all monsters can get along with each other after all."
"Yeah, that's true."
Zelda finished healing Tristan's arms and looked at her son's face. He was still staring out the window and didn't seem to realize she had done anything at all, as he continued rubbing his arms.
"What's wrong honey?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing's wrong. I'm just a little tired."
Zelda looked out the window to see what Tristan was looking at so intently. She could barely see the forest on the horizon and immediately knew he was thinking about Saria. She also knew that her son's birthday was just next week. She had made some arrangements for Tristan to visit the forest until then so the castle could be decorated, even though only trustworthy guests were being invited. Few people knew of Tristan's true heritage, and Zelda intended to keep it that way. Those who did know had been invited to the celebration next week.
"Tristan," Zelda began, smoothing back his hair. He finally looked at her. "What would you say to visiting the forest again for a few days?"
"You mean like a vacation?"
"Exactly, like a vacation."
"Yeah, of course I'd like to. But I just can't abandon my friends in the middle of their training."
"Don't you worry about them. Their in good hands."
Tristan thought for a minute. He really wanted to visit Kokiri Forest again; he hadn't talked to Saria in over a month, she was sure to tear him apart for that. Unable to find another argument he said, "Alright, I'll go."
"That's good to hear. Go up and pack and I'll have Faya saddled up."
"Thanks mom."
They stood up and Zelda hugged Tristan. She knew he needed a break. On top of the basic weapon training with the others, she had been giving him private lessons, teaching him the ways of Hyrule, as well as other things like ethics; the kind of things he would need when Hyrule learned of their prince.
"Go my little prince," Zelda finally said, pushing him toward the door. "I'll let the others know where you've gone and why. You just worry about getting to the forest and relaxing for a few days. I'll send someone to come get you when your needed here again."
Tristan went up and packed and was outside mounting Faya in under a half hour.
"Take care of yourself."
Tristan looked around and saw Jaimon standing under a nearby tree. Zelda had probably already told the others where he was going.
"Thanks Jaimon. Good luck in training. Take care of Celina while I'm gone."
"Will do brother."
Tristan galloped away, smiling to himself. He and Jaimon had only recently started calling each other brother, but they were such close friends that Zelda had even said it was a good idea. Tristan wondered how Celina would do in practice with him gone, as he usually acted as her tutor. Then his thoughts strayed forward to the forest. Now that he was out of the city, he could clearly see Lon Lon Ranch, and way to the east he could dimly see the forest.
He reached the outer edge of the forest just as the sun was setting. He was dead tired and longed for his bed in his tree-house. He dismounted and removed Faya's saddle, allowing her to roam around as she pleased. If Tristan needed her, all he had to do was play her song.
Carrying the saddle over his shoulder, Tristan walked into the forest in the direction of the village. He reached it in no time and when he emerged from the tunnel, he saw the Kokiri were putting away the large table they ate meals at. Being as quiet as possible, Tristan went over to his tree-house and climbed the ladder.
The inside hadn't changed at all. He dropped his equipment and the saddle on the table and found an old pair of shorts and a shirt he had once worn and changed into them. If he was going to stay here awhile, he may as well get comfortable. Putting his other clothes in his bag, he stuffed everything he brought with him under the bed and laid down.
He was just dozing off when a squeal caused his eyes to open in time to see a green blur come flying at him and land on top of him. He looked down and saw Saria hugging him around his middle. Smiling, he stroked her hair. She stood up suddenly and began punching his arm as hard as she could.
"What have you been doing? Did you completely forget about me or something? I've been so worried! Do you know how long it's been since I've heard from you? Over a month! A MONTH!!!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Tristan said, trying to shield himself with his pillow. This was a bad decision, as Saria merely grabbed it and started whacking him over the head with it. "Ow, OW! Saria please, I still hurt from today's training!"
She stopped instantly and knelt down beside him. "I'm sorry, are you okay?"
"I'll be fine. But it's been a rough month. I haven't had a decent sleep for a long time now. On top of training my friends the basics, I also have prince lessons with my mom almost every night. That's one reason I haven't been able to contact you, I've been so busy and tired that I fall asleep before I can even try. I had a rather embarrassing moment a few days ago where I fell asleep while eating. I went face first into my soup."
"You poor thing. I didn't know you were having such a tough time. But why are you here and dressed in your old Kokiri clothes?"
"Mom sent me away for a few days to relax and rest up before my real training started. That'll take several years, but at least I won't have lessons with Mom before bedtime. I should be able to make it through this AND keep in contact with you."
"That's good to hear. How long are you here for?"
"Don't know exactly, someone is supposed to come get me when it's time to go home."
"Sssoooo… You could be here awhile?"
"Yeah, probably. My birthday's next week though, so I'll probably be going home for that."
"I know, I'm invited to come spend the day."
"What? I thought you couldn't leave the forest."
"I'm a Sage remember. I can leave when I want to."
"Oh yeah."
The darkness was growing outside. A sudden flash lit up the sky and rain started falling. They heard the thunder sometime later.
"Oh drat," Saria said, looking out. "It's raining so hard I can't even see the ladder."
She came back in and lowered the heavy curtain to keep the cold out. Not about to let her sleep on the floor, Tristan moved over as far as he could and she laid down next to him.
"Well isn't this cozy?" Saria asked. Tristan's eyes were already closed, but he managed to murmur an agreement before fully falling asleep. Smiling to herself, she stroked his cheek a few times before rolling over, wrapping his arms around her, and snuggling up against him. If he's going to be here awhile, I may as well enjoy it, she thought before falling asleep in his arms.
Tristan woke up in the middle of the night to find his arms wrapped around Saria with no knowledge of them getting there. Turning his head to look out the window, he could barely see that the clouds had shed most of their rain and were beginning to break up. It was still raining lightly, but he knew it would stop before morning. He gently pulled Saria a little closer and fell back asleep.
When he woke up the next day, the first thing he noticed was that Saria was gone. The curtain over the door had been pulled back, revealing a clear blue sky. Just as he was wondering where Saria went, he heard someone coming up the ladder. Her green-haired head came into view, carrying a bag over her shoulder. Saria was so focused on it, that she didn't realize Tristan was awake.
"Oh, hello sleepyhead," she giggled when she saw him. "You do know it's passed lunchtime right?"
"It's the afternoon?" Tristan said groggily. "Why didn't you wake me up this morning?"
"After hearing that you were having trouble sleeping, I decided to let you be. That's why you're here after all isn't it? To rest?"
"And to see you."
"That's sweet. Here I brought you some fruit."
Getting up, Tristan managed to sit at the table and eat some of the fruit. He had forgotten how good it tasted.
"So what have you been up to today," Tristan asked.
"Oh, just milling about. Seems everyone knows your back. Someone saw you climb up here yesterday, that's why I came. I already told them you're not here to stay, and that you're plumb tired."
"Thanks Saria. What about Mido, what did he say?"
"Actually, he's kind of glad you're back."
"I'll believe that when I see it."
"No really. The Deku Tree asked him to go check something that's been going on in the Lost Woods, but he completely chickened out. He's says he went and checked it out, and found nothing, but I know he just went inside the entrance and waited a few hours before coming back out."
"The Deku Tree know I'm back?"
"Yep."
Tristan finished his food and pulled his swords and his shield out from under the bed. Strapping them on, he headed for the door. Saria blocked his path.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm gonna go ask the Deku Tree what's going on. If Mido won't go after it, no one else will."
"You're supposed to be resting!"
"I've gotten enough rest for today. I still have close to a week to rest Saria, no need to worry about me."
"Well, alright. But I'm coming with you."
She gave a look that told him he'd better not argue, so he reached under the bed once more and pulled out his bow and arrows, as well as the Long Shot. Handing Saria the bow, he clipped the Long Shot to his belt, intending to use it only for a quick get away.
They went outside and climbed down the ladder. As they walked through the village, the other Kokiri all welcomed Tristan back. He smiled to himself, remembering when they had been slightly less friendly. As they neared Mido's house, they saw him dash back inside.
"I'll be having a word with him too," Tristan told Saria, who smiled and nodded. With Saria walking next to him, and Tala flying around his head, Tristan entered the Deku Tree's clearing.
"Great Deku Tree! We're back!" Tristan and Tala said as one. Saria giggled.
"Ah, Tristan welcome, and you too Tala. Good to see you too Saria," the Deku Tree said. "I'm glad you've come, though I know your original intention was merely to return to the forest to rest, I have a favor to ask. Something dark and mysterious has entered the Lost Woods. I've been able to use my powers to contain it in the Sacred Forest Meadow, but that's all I can do. I'd like to ask you to investigate this strange thing, and destroy it if need be. Can you do this for me?"
"Of course Great Deku Tree. I'll get right on it."
"Thank you child. I see you have your father's spirit. Please don't be harsh on Mido."
"I won't."
Tristan and Saria walked back out into the village and went over to Mido's house. When they entered, they at first thought it was empty. But then Tala found Mido hiding behind the large stump he used to show everyone he was the boss. Saria walked over and kicked him out from behind it.
"Ow! Saria, that hurts!" Mido said.
"Get up you good for nothing excuse for a leader!" Saria growled.
"Okay, okay!"
"Hello Mido," Tristan said with a smile. Mido froze when he saw the two swords strapped to Tristan's back.
"Oh… uh… Hi… Tristan," Mido stammered. "Listen, about… before you left. All those years… I'm sorry I was so mean to you."
"Forget it Mido. There's no need to apologize. As long as you tell everyone what really happened when you were sent into the Lost Woods."
"O-of course. I-I'll do that."
"Good, well, see ya!"
Tristan and Saria left, leaving Mido to slump to the floor in disbelief, he had been expecting Tristan to take a swipe at him.
They had been walking for some time before Tristan and Saria managed to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow. They could feel the Deku Tree's protective magic as they passed through the tunnel leading to the Meadow.
Remembering when the time's his father had come here, Tristan knew the safest way through the hedge maze leading to the Meadow itself was to walk across the top of the hedges. Taking a quick glance around, Tristan saw a few new sturdy trees that he could hook to in order to get up top. He was about to take out the Long Shot when he stopped. A slight buzzing sound had caught his ear. Looking higher, he saw about a dozen wasp-like monsters flying around. Their large black and yellow bodies didn't seem to portray potential danger as well as their tail. It was composed of a long blade-like stinger that crackled with electricity.
"Looks like walking across is out of the question," Tristan said. "Any idea what those are Tala?"
"They look like BuzzStings," she replied. "But I'm not certain. These are larger than the ones I know."
"Should call them ShockStings because of the electricity on their stingers."
"That's a good idea; I think I'll use that for these things."
"What do we do know," Saria asked.
"Are there still those gigantic Moblins that were in the maze before still here?" Tristan asked.
"No, just Mad Scrubs and there's more of them."
"We're going through the maze. Stay close to me and keep the bow ready."
Holding his shield in front of him, Tristan advanced with Saria aiming an arrow over his shoulder. They indeed met many Mad Scrubs, but they were so easy to defeat that the kids made a game of it. The easiest way to defeat a Scrub was to use a shield to deflect the nuts they spit back at them. Tristan and Saria became bored with this after the first fifteen Scrubs and started an amusing game of peek-a-BYE. Tristan would deflect a Scrub's nut away from it and in its momentary confusion, Saria would pop out from behind Tristan, yell "peek-a-BYE!" and fire an arrow into the monster's mouth. One shot was all it took to kill them, and Saria soon became creative with the popping out part.
Their fun ended when they reached the stairs to the Meadow. Pulling out one of his swords, Tristan kept the shield ready and slowly advanced. The buzzing sound that had plagued them in the maze became surprisingly loud. Just as they reached the entrance to the Meadow, something very large passed in front of it. Quickly pulling Saria back, Tristan waited a few seconds to see if whatever it was would pass by again. Instead of that happening, they saw a very large monster circle the other side of the Meadow. It was a huge ShockSting. Its brilliant orange and black body fluctuated when it twisted, showing an incredible amount of muscle under its skin.
"What is THAT?!" Saria whispered.
"Must be the queen," Tala explained. "Doesn't seem to have too many week points, mainly the eyes. Those will be hard to get at Tristan."
"Not for Saria it won't," Tristan said confidently. Saria recoiled.
"ME?!"
"Yes. I'll distract it, but I need you to hit the eyes. Not until I say so, okay?"
"Um… well… I don't know. I don't think I can."
"Of course you can."
Tristan turned to look at her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. Giving a quick wink he said, "Not until I say so."
He dashed off into the Meadow and ducked under a bush just as the queen turned around. Tala had remained with Saria and, along with Saria's own fairy, they all watched as the queen passed right over Tristan and stopped. Saria notched an arrow and took a deep breath. The queen was now moving slowly around where Tristan was hiding, the feelers on its head jerking left and right. The observers could no longer see Tristan.
When the queen reached Tristan's bush, they saw a blur of green as Tristan shot out and dashed under the beast. It turned quickly, lashing out with its many legs to try and smack this pest.
Managing to roll past the electrified stinger, Tristan turned and leaped onto its back. Grabbing the hairs sticking out of the creature's back, Tristan held on tight as it tried to throw him off. Its insectile wings were beating so furiously that dust began swirling around them. Tristan began clawing his way up to the head. Saria saw him almost get thrown off several times as the giant ShockSting bucked and flung itself around.
Just as Tristan reached the head and tried to grab the feelers, the beast gave an almighty heave and flung him off. He landed up at the entrance to the Forest Temple. He wouldn't be able to get back down, for the original stairs had been destroyed a long time ago, and the Long Shot was no good with out a nearby tree. That's when an idea struck Tristan. Taking out the Long Shot, he aimed at the creature's head as it turned to face him. Letting the hook fly, he was glad to see it stick in the beast's flesh. Pulling himself up onto the queen again, Tristan managed to grab the feelers.
He pulled as hard as he could, turning the creature slowly around to face Saria.
"Aim for the mouth!" Tristan yelled as he took hold of both feelers with his left hand and pulling out his sword. "Get ready!" He swung the sword and severed the feelers. The queen ShockSting reared back, screaming in pain from a surprisingly large, beak-like mouth. Tristan fell off and shouted, "NOW!"
The arrow lodged itself in the roof of the monster's mouth, no doubt going straight into the brain. Its screaming grew louder and its tail started thrashing around violently. Saria never saw Tristan fly over them and get stuck in the hedges of the maze, jerking uncontrollably from the electricity that had coursed through his body.
The queen fell to the floor and began disintegrating. Saria walked forward and examined the monster's remains. She found the arrow and saw a small, normal wasp stuck on the end of it. The queen was cursed? Saria thought. She looked around for Tristan and couldn't find him.
"Hey, guys?" she asked, addressing the fairies. "Where's Tristan?"
They soon found him unconscious in the hedge. She managed to pull him out and drag him into the Meadow. Quickly looking him over, she found a rather bad cut on his upper arm. Swiftly tearing off a piece of Tristan's shirt, she bound the cut and used her magic to remove any poison that had been in the wound.
Tristan opened his eyes to see Saria treating the cut he had received when the queen had been killed.
"Saria," he said quietly. She looked at him. "You did great! I'm proud of you!"
Her whole face went red. Smiling slightly, she nodded and turned back to the cut. Because of the shock he had received, Tristan couldn't move his arm. Using more of his shirt, Saria made a sling to keep it from simply hanging and flailing around.
When Tristan saw the wasp on the arrow, he wasn't surprised. He had felt his Triforce piece react to the dark magic emanating from the beast. Helping Tristan to his feet, Saria retrieved his sword from where it had fallen and put back in its sheath. Then, with Tristan leaning on Saria slightly to keep his balance, they left the Meadow to tell the Deku Tree what had happened.
When Tristan woke up the next day, the first thing he noticed was that Saria had spent the night with him again. He smiled to himself as he stroked her hair. Her shot yesterday against the queen ShockSting had really been remarkable. She had the smallest window of opportunity and a very small, moving target and still managed to make the shot. If it hadn't been for her, he very well could have been killed instead of wounded.
The Deku Tree had been pleased as well, and gave her Mido's position as head of the Kokiri. Mido merely sulked in his house when he found out, instead of throwing a fit like he usually did. She had been so pleased she had immediately set off to find her friends.