Author's Note: Finally finished converting this chapter so it can be uploaded. Anyways the Forest Temple is in this one and I highly advise listen to the Forest Temple theme from OOT and the Phantom Ganon Boss battle theme for their respective parts.
Chapter 10
Saria, Warrior Of Forest
The sounds of a lone tom cat in battle training could be heard, ringing through the open spaces and echoing of any lifeless objects in the way. In a glade by some boulders and rocks a tom with brilliant, silky, long forest green fur with a stunning blue collar around his neck with a golden pendant in the shape of the Triforce slashed at the air with his unsheathed, glowing claws. His eyes were the most breath taking shade of cerulean blue you would ever see, deep and vast as the Desert Of Illusions and, yet, they were as calm and eerie as the shadows.
I can't help but smile as I slash, smash, and everything else in between as I train with a burning passion of fire in my spirit. A cocky grin on my face and a slyness in my eyes as Navi cheers and urges me on. Battle cries of all lengths and pitches escape me and even laughter.
I am enjoying this.
It feels natural on all levels as I fine tune my new skills.
If I have to guess it is because of my Gerudo half of my blood, that tribe from what I heard never back down from a fight and loved the feeling of the open spaces and the wind in their fur. I have to get better at using my prized pendant, so I turn my mind back to training.
I have to build up my strength and stamina far above what I currently am.
"Come on slowpoke, you gotta move faster then that, Link!"meowed Navi, rapidly keeping up with my movements.
I know if my parents saw me they would be proud. But they are possibly watching from Silverpelt. That alone makes me smile, even a bit more giddy as I get a impish look on my face at striking a near by rock with a jump attack.
But I jolt back with a yelp, franticly blowing on---and licking---my throbbing left fore paw.
Ow! Ow! Ow!
That really hurt and to make things worse I let out another yelp as Navi pulls on my whiskers just above my eyes.
"NAVI~!"I snap.
"Don't go, 'Navi' me, Link. Geez, the way you are going at it you're leaving yourself wide open! You might as stick a sign up that says, 'Look at me, I'm vulnerable to an attack because I'm a stupid idiot!', and I don't know about you---"scolded the blue fairy
"Navi, shut up for Wisdomstar's sake! You're ruining my concentration!"I hastily growl, stopping her lecture in her tracks.
Navi has begun flamming now, her wings beating to a deafening buzz. And her body has gone from her normal skyblue glow to a blinding white out of anger.
"WHAT!? You stupid furball! I am saying this for your own good and because I happen to like you in one piece, and, oh, I dunno....alive!"scolded Navi, spinning rapidly around his head till he's seeing stars.
Crazy Guardian Fairy!
But I guess that's why I love having her around.
"If you can't wield the Evil's Bane---the Master Pendant---then how are you going to even hope to fight Ganondorf's lackeys....let alone him? You'll be made into dragon bait!"chirped Navi in a stern voice.
But I can tell she's worried about me, heck, at those words I'm worried myself. But I remember not too long ago---before I fell asleep for 24 moons---I had found a Fairy Fountain that was home to another Great Fairy. A jaunty look replaces the annoyed one on my face. And I give Navi a look that is equal to the sly expression on my face as I sheathe my right paw.
Navi knew instantly what Link was planning and franticly flew sky high with a squeal.
"Powerstar's...."I mew, paws turning red hot as I leap into the air.
"....Fire!"I yowl, my paw making contact with the ground.
And in an instant a blazing inferno is let loose from my paws. But it doesn't last long, the flames are causing me to tremble, and the sight of the flames is causing me to shake like a leaf. I quickly raise my right a minute later and stumble back, tripping over my own paws as my other paw sheathes its claws. I am now lying on the ground, curled up in a tight green ball, mumbling.
Fire based attack, uh....bad idea!
Navi watched in amazement at seeing her partner use Powerstar's Fire, even though the flame wasn't the best and didn't go far. But a shiver went up her spine as she saw the change in Link's aura. She knew that change, but never had she seen it that bad. He was petrified out of mind and it had happened the instant the flames came forth, spreading away from his paw.
Link was scared of fire.
Navi quickly flew down and started stroking the trembling two year old Gerudo/Sheikah hybrid. She then remembered that Raul had said the place he had been at he had become stuck, trapped by flames until his mother and aunt had finally reached him. That event must have traumatized him. And that, quite frankly, didn't surprise the Kokiri Guardian Fairy.
She really felt pity for Link.
The temple within Death Mountain would be a huge struggle for him mentally and emotionally in a battle of will to fight his fear of the flames.
Finally, Navi moved and shot a small beam at Link's flank, "Get a hold of yourself! It was just some fire you big kitten!"
I let out a yelp at this sudden shock, jumping to my paws from the tiny shock of cold Navi had shot at me. Why wasn't I surprised? I've seen Lulu do it hundreds of times to help Saria get at the much higher prey and fruit.
"I'm not a kitten,"I grumbled under my breath, licking my flank.
I then give my head a shake, getting a hold of myself again and make way for the entrance of the Lost Woods. I had to reach the Forest Temple. And I really can't wait to see Saria again.
I've missed my friend so much.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again!
I HATE having long fur!
I hate it~!
It is so damn hot and wet in here now it might as well be a jungle. My long fur is getting snagged on burrs, twigs, and other stuff and Navi has to constantly help me break free of the plants and get rid of the burrs I can't reach.
What a pain in the tail!
"Dammit Navi, it is so hot in humid in here! And my long fur isn't helping matters either here."I growl as I take my anger out on the plant life that are blocking my path, slashing restlessly and constantly with my claws.
"Yeah, but I'm glad I have short fur and can fly."jeered Navi, flying lazily on her side. But the playful look on her face is soon replaced with concern.
"Hey Link, do you think Ganondorf's evil reaches even here?"she asked, worry cracking her voice.
I stop once I finally break though into a glade, panting from the effort. "Gee, you think?"I say sarcastic manner. Navi rolls her eyes at me, tail lashing. She knows how tempermental I can be at times. But this is a step up for me. I can hear her chiming, bell like laugh that soon comes about clear as day. She must have missed how I used to be two years ago before grabbing my Master Pendant 24 moons ago.
And frankly I don't blame her.
I've been quite depressed and easier to anger then normal. That thought alone makes me blush a little bit before chuckling along with my partner.
"Nice to know my good ol' Link is still in there. I missed that smugness and that sharp tongue of yours."she purred.
"Yeah....I did too."I mew contently.
Navi then zoomed forward with uncontrolable mirth. She is prancing around in a circle in the air, doing backfilps and twirls.
"Navi why are you---"My voice then fades away at the sight.
Kokiri Village!
An excited yowl of my own escapes me as I race over and down the slope, my spirits soaring as high as the birds could fly. No words have to be spoken between us this time, we both are over the moon at this!
"This---this great Navi! We came all this way and found the village!"
"How nostalgic, it feels good to be home."Navi purred.
I freeze in my stride, sending up leaves and dust in my wake. A horrified look is creased on my maw, my cerulean blue eyes wide at this sudden surprise. Navi gasps at the sight as I stop. I don't like this, vines cover the dens walls of the Kokiri Tribe apprentices. I force myself to keep moving, staying on my guard. My face goes all out Sheikah, not showing any emotions but my eyes are a dead give away anyways.
I don't like this.
"It's quiet, Navi....it's far too quiet. I don't like this...."I state softly.
As I continue on my paw nears what appears to be a simple weed. But my instincts are screaming red alert at me over time. And the moment I pass by it a huge mutated plant shoots out of the weed and more quickly follow around me. My eyes turn wide from the shock of it.
Why didn't I listen to my instincts just then?
I swore violently under my breath.
"Deku Babas!? Great, just great! They're here in the village too!"I hiss as I unsheathe my claws.
"Well, better do us some gardening then, so.....get a cutting Link!"meowed Navi, dodging one of the ugly plant monsters.
I sware, Navi is taking on some of my habits of sarcasm and some other stuff in between.
It's kinda creepy.
Yet, strangely, I don't mind at all!
"With pleasure!"I yowl as I slice through one Deku Baba with no trouble at all.
I land on my paws, a little bit clumsily.
That was not my best of landings. But my ears perk at the shriek of a tom apprentice. And I turn to find a Deku Baba going in to snap down on the poor kit. And with out second thoughts I spring forward slashing clean through the drooling, toothy plant. I gag as I land, my stomach doing a flip flop out of distaste.
I think I'm going to be sick!
I've got Deku Baba spit all over my paws as well as monster plant guts. I quickly waste no time to wash my paws in the water, with claws out before sheathing them again. I then go back over to the Kokiri tom, "Hey kid, you alright?"
But a shocked look shows on my face.
That green tabby fur!
"No way! It's Mido!"I thought as the younger tom looks up at me, swiping a paw over his muzzle.
I can't help but feel giddy with excitement, "Mido! It is Mido right?"
Navi flutters over to me, landing on my head with a impish look on her face as she lay on her back, looking over at my kithood bully. She is clearly amused, but, not shocked in the slightest.
Mido looked up at the much bigger and stronger adult tom cat. This guy reminded him of Link for some reason. It was really weird. "All we ever did was get into fights with each other, stupid half-breed! He always got me in trouble with the Deku Tree...."he thought bitterly.
I still can't believe it, I'm happy to see Mido. So many times I dreamed of being bigger then him and push him into the pound over and over.
But strangely....I don't want to!
It's so nostalgic, it brings back memories of growing up here.
"Mi----"I begin to say, but I'm stopped by Mido's growl.
Tenderly I rub my right paw with the birthmark out of habit. Mido still has that hateful leer in his eyes and that smug look on his face. "Some things never change, he still has that look he always used to give me! But wh-why.....why does he look like he hasn't aged a bit?"I thought.
"Hmph, it isn't fair! There is nothing but monsters all over the forest....not even the village is safe to play in anymore. And all thanks to that half-breed leaving!"grumbled Mido, flexing his little claws.
I step back a bit, my whiskers twitching as I try to keep my temper under control.
Half-breed.
StarClan, I hate that those two words combined. Even though I am a hybrid of Gerudo and Shiekah blood lineage. Navi hisses in my ear to get a grip of myself, and I take a deep breath. But I stare dumbfounded as Mido is up on his paws and throwing a tantrum, blaming what happened to the forest on me again.
"That's not true, it is all because that jerk, Ganondorf...."
"IT'S ALL HIS FAULT! It is because Link left the forest that we can't play and that Saria left!"yelled Mido angrily.
Navi is now floating beside Mido's Guardian, Miko and they both are rolling their eyes at the scene. But knowing Navi, she's laughing inside at seeing my displeasure. Saria's face instantly flashes in my mind. "Saria.....?!"I thought. With a desperate hiss I have Mido pinned beneath my large, slender paws with great ease.
"Where is she!? What happened to Saria!"I demand.
"Eek! T-take it easy!"shrieked Navi in panic to me.
Mido looked coldly at the adult tom, giving him a cold look, tail lashing.
"That is none of your business!"he snarl before kicking him in the stomach and making a dash for Saria's Secret Place outside the Village, deep in the Lost Woods.
I let out a yelp, falling of Mido at being kicked in the gut. But my gaze turns frightful at seeing him run out of the village.
"WAIT, IT ISN'T SAFE!"I call after him, hastily getting to my paws.
But Mido won't listen to reason, let alone look at me. This caused me yet again to sware under my breath. I chase after Mido as fast as I can as Navi explains to me the Kokiri Tribe never age, and there for, never die.
But I know where he is heading, he is heading for Saria's special place!
I race through the thick brush of a maze that was the Lost Woods with Navi flying close behind me. Before long I spot the ancient ruins, quickly gaining on Mido's heels. But the sounds of wolfos on the attack and Mido's voice yelling at the top of his lungs, telling the wolfos to leave the forest. I dash in at full speed, my fangs and claws glowing as I deliver a side swipe to both the canines. And as they get to their paws, looking me in they eye they instantly begin to cower in fear. And I know why, I'm giving them that look I gave Navi when we snuck into Hyrule Castle.
Only, it is more commanding and eerie.
"Get lost mutts!"I yowl, one paw in front of the other.
And with a whimper and a yelp the two wolfos dashed away with their tails between their legs.....ritually. I spat the blood that was in my mouth onto the ground to my left and quickly move to a near by stream, lapping up the water and cleaning my paws.
"You again?! Why did you do that?"asked Mido bitterly.
I am about to answer but the scent of a tom reaches my nose, the scent of a Sheikah. And I know that scent, it seems Mido has noticed it too.
Sheik had watched the way the young hero had sent those wolfos cowering, running away just by a tone of his voice and that look of fury of a Gerudo in his eyes. That was something of interest. He had always wondered why Link's cerulean blue eyes had the ominous air of a Sheikah, yet, the vastness of the Desert Of Illusions at the same time. He hate to admit it, but it sent a chill up his spine too.
No wonder those wolfos ran for their lives.
But at seeing he had been scented Sheik quickly leaped down from his perch in the old ash tree, not disturbing a single leaf as he landed silently on the ground below.
"You are quite the....unique tom, hero."he mewed.
Mido is looking totally weirded out by the sight of Sheik, but I give a loud purr at the sight of him, "Hey Sheik, good to see you again."
"Hi Sheik, whatcha doing here?"chirped Navi
Sheik gave a pleased purr at the warm welcome from the both of them as he walked towards Link until he was but a tail length away. The Forest Temple platform lay not far from the two toms as warm, green-leaf light dappled through the trees of the Sacred Grove.
"Ah yes, the flow of time is vast---yet always so cruel. It speed differs from cat to cat, young hero, that cannot be changed. But one thing that doesn't change with the sands of time is a memory of youth."
I look blankly at Sheik and then at Navi and back again. Here we go again, why was it with Sheikah always liked speaking in riddles and such?
Sheik then pulled his harp off his back, rising to his fore paws and gripping the golden carved harp. His orange eyes gleamed with amusement, "Young hero, if you ever wish to return here at any time, play the Minuet Of Forest."
"....Minuet of....Forest?"I echo, looking quite confused as I tilt my head to the side.
Sheik gave a nod.
"Now listen closely, and repeat after me."he mewed.
Shiek then unsheathed his left paw, holding the harp firmly in his right paw and placed his claws on the string and started playing.
I close my eyes and listen contently. This melody is so wonderful to hear, it reminds me of all my fond memories playing and growing up here and talking with the Deku Tree. But before long the melody ends all too soon. I give a nod and get to my hind paws, snatching my long, bushy tail and grab old of the Ocarina of Time, placing it to my lips. I let the melody flow through me. Unlike the first few songs I learned two years ago like the Sun Song and Zelda's Lullaby, I learn this song quickly and with no mistakes.
Sheik gave a pleased grin under his scarf and started to play along with Link, sending music into the air.
Mido just watched, staring in a dumbfound manner at the two. Who were these people anyways?
Sheik and I return to all fours when we are done and the Sheikah placed his harp back on his back.
"Well done, hero....I look forward to seeing you again."he purred.
And with a flash of a deku nut Sheik was gone.
"Why does he always have to do that?"I thought. I then turn back to Mido and walk over to him. "Anyways, you wanted an answer Mido? well, here you go."I chirp. I then hum the first few notes of Saria's Song.
Mido blinked his eyes in astonishment, "Th-that tune...you know Saria?"
I give a nod, "You and I both know she only teaches it to her closest friends, Mido."
The Forest Temple is a interesting sight.
There are old paintings and carvings in or on the smooth, dusty stone surface. I like it in here, there is a lot of green. I like green a lot in fact, maybe it is the fact my mother was a green ranking Gerudo? Like I know for sure. I could do with out the monsters and spiders Mido and I run into though. I'm covered in a few scratches and very small wounds here and there from going through the levels.
"....Ever sense the Great Deku Tree died monsters have swarmed in like crazy. Even the creatures that protected the Lost Woods vanished...it was really scary! I wish I could be as strong as you."
I give Mido a cocky grin at hearing the last part before my face is wiped away by the emotionless look I get when I'm caught up in something else. But I keep a ear wide open for Mido.
"Saria said, 'I gotta do something, I can't just sit here any longer.' and then she entered this temple. She hasn't been back for moons."said Mido, with concern.
"Don't worry, we'll find her Mido. I'm just as worried about her, you know."I mew as we walk by a old, faded painting.
But as we do I shiver runs up my spine and my right paw feels all tingly as a very faint golden glow radiates from the Triforce. Things have been real quiet sense we entered this part.
I really don't like it.
"Saria tried to warn that jerk it wasn't safe, and what does he do? He just goes! What in StarClan is that stupid furball doing out there? He always messes things up!"growled Mido, kicking a old jar.
I look at him, giving him my what-on-earth-are-you-doing look. And Navi has the very same look I have on placed on her face too as we watch Mido fuming.
"He's probably chasing after a bunch of she-cats somewhere."My face instantly blushes, a timid look on my face as I glance away at what Mido said.
But at hearing Mido scream, asking why I wouldn't come back. I raise a brow at this. If only he knew, if only he really knew that same Link is standing right here. But at seeing him start to cry a little I knew then.
He really cares about me.
Deep down in that thick head and spirit of his he really does care about me.
Now that's a shock I wasn't expecting!
"Mido..."I whisper softly.
At that same moment a shadowy, ghostly figure starts to slowly come out of the painting. And my back is still turned, facing Mido. I give Mido a reassuring smile, my eyes narrowing a little bit.
"Don't worry, I'm sure he is safe and sound wherever he is and I know Saria is too somewhere in this temple...."I meow.
My ears instantly perk and swerve about and I'm instantly on the alert once more, my gaze drifting to look behind me, a troubled look on my face. But at what I see I let out a yelp and force Mido to the ground, covering him with my body to act as a shield as I duck and cover as well, yelling for Mido to get down a harsh, commanding tone as Mido shrieks.
My claws are instantly unsheathed, glowing with that familiar soft blue glow as I whirl around to attack. But I miss, colliding with the painting---head first---as the phantom vanished into it, causing Mido and Navi to flinch at the sight of me crashing into the wall.
I rise to my paws, shaking stars from my eyes.
"Oi, that's gotta hurt!"said Navi, flinching at the sight.
I put my front paws onto the painting, completely and udderly confused. "The painting? How in StarClan is that possible?!"I thought franticly.
Great.
Just great!
Somebody clearly loves himself too much to have made another Ganondorf.
Without warning Phantom Ganon comes out of another painting, striking a blast of burning energy in my back, causing me to wail in agony and stagger. I almost fall over from the force of it but I brace myself, one eye close as I try and endure the injury to my back, quickly getting some space between me and it as I pant and grunt from the pain, red liquid trickling off me and dripping onto the floor and my fur has been stained a bloody maroon color because of it.
This guy clearly aims to kill me.
No way I'm going to let him have his way!
I let out a battle cry as I feel the adrenaline begin to course through my blood. I make a side swipe for the phantom but my claws just move harmlessly through him. I try again, my patience running thin.
"Why....can't....I.....slash.....through....him!?"I snarl, rapidly trying to land attack after attack each time he came out.
As I miss Phantom Ganon once more, my claws hitting the picture frame I swore violently out of frustration and anger. Phantom Ganon comes out of the middle painting, its massive taloned paw raise to strike at me as he corners me near a wall.
"NAVI! MIDO! A little help here would be nice right about now!"I shriek, ducking my head, just barely dodging the blow.
But the black and silver ersion of Ganondorf's claws grace my head, causing a crimson liquid to flow down my face. I watch as Phantom Ganon went back into another painting.
That had been too close for comfort!
Navi and Mido waste no time at all. Navi quickly flies to my side while Mido began franticly looking around for something that might help me.
But I'm getting my but kicked pretty bad here, I'm quite cut up and my fur is singed in places he struck me."Dammit! Some time now would be nice Mido!"I thought with a hiss, dodging a blast of energy.
Mido back up against an a wall, looking very frightened for the stranger. The much older tom was getting hurt pretty bad. But when he heard a wooden clink her hastily turned his eyes around and grabbed a long bow with a case of arrows. A smug grin spread on his face and he quickly grabbed them, tossing them at the fighting green and brown tom cat, "Hey, think fast!"
At hearing Mido and the bow being thrown at me I hastily snatch it within my mouth, and it quickly shrinks in side, strapping to my right fore leg.
Now that's a sight you don't see every day!
But I'll admire it later, right now I'm busy trying not to become crowfood. So, I hastily race over and grab an arrow, raising my right leg and setting the arrow, gripping it between my fangs and kept my wits about me. Navi flutters over to me, astonishment and admiration clear in her eyes as she eyed the bow on my right leg.
"L-Link, do have any idea what that is!? Th-that's a Fairy Bow Leg-Brace!"she chirped.
"Navi, that is nice and all but I really am trying not to get killed here!"I growl through the arrow and bow string in my mouth.
My eyes turn harsh at spotting the monster start to come forth, and hastily I took aim and let go, hitting a fatal blow right in the weak spot Navi points out to me. The unearthly roar of Phantom Ganon is very unnerving to hear as I watch. And soon nothing is left of him, not even a wisp of smoke.
I won!
Thank StarClan, it's over.
I give a relieved sigh, starting to feel a little woozy from the blood loss. But I had worse wounds from fighting in Lord Jabu Jabu. All the wounds I have are minor except for my back. But as I start to topple over I see a green, sparkling light come forth from one painting of a beautiful forest glade and somebody catches me as I pass out.
I let out a groan as I come to.
I wince, a grunt leaving the back of my throat from the sudden burst of light. Damn, my back feels like a Goron hit it! A scent of a she-kit hits my nose and a mirth filled giggle rings in my ears.
I know those two things anywhere!
I open my eyes slowly, blinking until my eyes adjust. And I know instantly I'm in the Chamber Of Warriors. Well now, this is confusing. But at seeing a six moon old brown she-cat with green eyes smile down at me I can't help but give an overjoyed, wide smile.
"S-Saria....!?"I rasp.
"Hi Link! I can't believe how big you grew. But you are as reckless as ever, you crazy furball."laughed Saria.
She then came over from the green symbol and touched my back wound, her paws instantly glowing a soothing dark green hue.
"Ow, Saria~!!"I whine, gritting my teeth to fight back the pain from the first second of contact.
"Oh, quit your whining Link."
Navi watches in interest and concern at the same time. She hated it when Link got hurt. But whatever Saria's doing it is healing his wound and before long it is nothing but a thin, tiny scar. She watched as Link gave a pleased purr as Saria takes her paw off him back, the glow from her paws gone. He was soon sitting down, tail wrapped over his brown paws.
"Saria, you were the Warrior of the Forest?"
Saria then gave a fond purr, looking up at me with a smile.
"Link, thank you for freeing the temple and me. Because of your actions I have been awakened as the Warrior of the Forest. I am the smallest of the other warriors but I'm just as important."Saria then gave a sigh, swiping her tongue over a paw.
"Because I have awoken as an Elemental I can't be away from the Sacred Realm for in times of chaos and suffering like now, but I can leave now and then. And I will come to your aid with my tail held high. But, even if we are realms apart, we'll still be best friends right?"chirped Saria.
I'm quite tired, and that is clear to see.
Fighting monsters and ghosts can do that to a cat. But I managed a smile, leaning down and nuzzling Saria.
"Count on it."I promised.
She gave a smile, closing her eyes and before long a green medallion suddenly appears in a burst of light and is quickly absorbed by the Master Pendant just light with that yellow light. And I instantly feel all the wonder and security of the forest ripple through me, joining the warmth and honesty of a simple light in unison.
Saria looked up at Navi and Link as they were listed up and off the ground. The look in her green eyes was enough as the two friend looked at each other, exchanging silent a fair well as Link was teleported back to the forest.
Navi and I have left the forest behind us. Mido was quite surprised to find out Saria was a Elemental Warrior, her's being the forest---earth. As I walk through Hyrule Field, finding a vacant burrow, I stop at the entrance and glance up with a smile as the first star in Silverpelt shows up in the twilight.
"Are you really ok with not telling Mido the truth about who you are Link?"asked Navi tiredly.
I give a content nod, looking at my partner.
"It is alright, I might tell him someday. But for now it is better not to. That way whenever I go back to the village, it will be as friends."I purr with a yawn.
That fairy fountain I found has healed the rest of my injuries but I am still very worn out. With a yawn I retreat into the burrow to sleep for the night. But my sleep is restless for the next temple I'll have to face my fear head on....my fear of fire.