Location: Kokiri Forest

The owl and the young hylian arrived at the forest zone of the kingdom. This place was inhabitated by the Kokiri race, a quite curious group of fairy children who never aged. They lived in peace and were protected by the forest guardian, the Great Deku Tree, until just seven years ago, when Link defeated the Parasite Queen Gohma. Unfortunately, the disease that had spread inevitably depleted the guardian's life. Rauru noticed Link's sadness when they passed the area where once, the Great Deku Tree it rested majestically on the ground, and its vast foliage was a sign of the peace and life of the woods.

Rauru: Do not be sad, son. The spirit of the guardian will never leave this forest.

Link: I did everything I could, Rauru, but I couldn't save our father… His age had diminished his strength, and that Parasite's attack… It was too much for him…

Rauru: I know he was important to you, but you still saved him. Believe it or not, he was convinced too of your great Destiny. He was preparing you.

Link: I miss him very much…

Rauru: Let me show you something.

Rauru made a slight turn, approaching the rear of the former Deku Tree's place. On the distance, Link noticed a group of Kokiri, carrying bags, a shovel and a bucket filled with water. They were taking care of a sprout, about one meter tall. Link's eyes widely opened, as his heart replaced the previous sadness with abundant joy.

Link: He's alive!

Rauru: Everything is part of a cycle, Link. The Great Deku Tree was aware that his role as the Forest leader was about to finish, but even so, he was happy. He was going to be able to witness the arise of a promising hero among his children. As you can see, he's still with us. He's just living a new phase of his life, and you are about to do the same.

Link: How amazing. But, who's taking care of the Kokiri now?

Rauru: I'm glad you asked. Let's meet her.

Location: Forest Temple

Rauru took Link to the Forest Temple, located on the deepest part of the forest, where the Hero had never been before. They were received by a young woman who wore a long, green hair, and a dress matching the same color. When she saw Link, she smiled at him, but he was unable to recognize her.

?: It's been seven long years, but you are finally back, Link. I'm so happy to see you again!

Link: T-thank you. I'm sorry, do we know each other?

?: You don't recognize a friend? At least you still remember that song I taught you? I hope you haven't dismissed the Ocarina!

Link: …S-Saria?! Is that you? You look very different!

Saria: Well, I could say the same, boy! It is true I no longer have the appearance of that girl you made before at all.

Link: But Kokiri never age! What's the meaning of this?

Saria turned his head to Rauru. The owl seemed somewhat pleased with the young hylian's amusement.

Rauru: Haven't you figured it out yet, son? She is the new leader of the Kokiri Forest and one of the Ancient Sages.

Link smiled, and happy, he rushed to hug his childhood friend.

Link: I can't believe it! Saria, I'm so happy for you! But since now you are a young woman and leader and sage, does that… mean…

Saria: That I'm not a Kokiri? Hahahaha. Don't worry Link. I'm indeed a Kokiri, but this is my true form, which I adopted when the dark ages established by Ganondorf's Era covered Hyrule. Surely you wouldn't expect one of the Ancient Sages to look like a child forever, would you?

Link: Certainly not. So, Rauru has put me up to date about what happened in the seven years I was absent. Now that I know that you are one of the Sages, perhaps you can help us break the Castle barrier that protects Ganondorf?

Saria: I would be happy to, but I'm afraid there's something I must ask you first. You see this place? This is the Forest Temple, a sacred place that contains a great amount of magic power and represents the cheerful spirit of the Kokiri. A few days ago, one of Ganondorf's minions entered the Temple. I believe his looking for an Ancient treasure, the Fairy Bow, and I need you to come with me to prevent it. In fact, I would like to give this bow to you, as it will be helpful for your quest.

Link: Of course, let's face that monster.

Saria: That's the spirit, boy. I'll take him from here, Rauru, thanks for bringing Link here. When we have retrieved the Fairy Bow, I'll meet you in the Sanctuary of the Sages.

Rauru: All right, youngsters. We shall meet again. Take care.

The owl sage spread his wings and leaved the Forest. Saria and Link entered the Temple. There was a chamber in the center of the main area. The Kokiri sage asked Link to enter the chamber with her. When she used his magic to activate it, Link realized it functioned as an elevator: a few instants later, they started to descend into the lower floor of the Temple, where the room guarding the Fairy Boy was probably located. While they were still descending, Saria started to explain.

Saria: When an intruder tries to mess up with a Temple's source of power, which is always located in a special room, the Temple's magic defenses activate and automatically seal the chamber, in order to prevent the enemy to cause further damage or flee. I see that you carry a proper shield and the Master Sword now, but be careful. These monsters are powerful and dangerous. And since they know you have awakened, they will try to stop you numerous times in numerous places.

The elevator finished its route and opened its doors. They walked into a slightly dark room with everal paintings on their surroundings. There was a chest on the center, and Saria asked Link to open it. Inside there was the Fairy Bow, made with resistant wood and still, light as a feather.

Link: Wow, Saria! This bow is incredible! I bet it can shoot arrows more than 200 meters away!

Saria: It's strange. The phantom is nowhere to be found. Would he just go away? Link, don't let your guard d…

But her instruction was suddenly interrupted by a rapid spark shock, which made Saria lose consciousness. Immediatly after that, The phantom appeared. He was almost entirely similar to Ganondorf, except for the fact that his head was replaced by an intimidating skull with long horns.

Phantom Ganon: I leaved the bow on its place because I don't have the minimum interest in it. I don't need it. I underestimated you when you were a kid. But things are way too different now, hylian. I will bring your intentions of saving Hyrule to an end!

Link and the phantom started a fierceful battle. The phantom not only had great physical strength, but also tremendous magic power. Fortunately, Link discovered that the Hylian Shield and the Master Sword where more than capable of resisting the spark shocks and repeling them back to his enemy, respectively. After a few more hits, the phantom's body started to vanish away.

Phantom Ganon: You are certainly a tough warrior. But do not get confident, hylian. I just sent here my phantom to measure your abilities. You wouldn't stand a chance if you fought the real me! Nevertheless, that match will never take place since you won't get into the Castle! My monsters wait eagerly to get rid of you in the other temples! HA HA HA HA HA!

And after saying that, the phantom desintegrated. Saria recovered from the blackout and Link helped to stand up.

Saria: I never doubted it. You are indeed a powerful hero, my friend. Now I must say good bye again, since I'll add my magic power to Rauru's at the Sanctuary of the Sages. The process of breaking the Castle seal requires a lot of effort and time, so now take the bow and go and find the other sages. We look forward to see you accomplish this.

Link: Count with it, Saria. Thank you for everything.

Saria's body started to illuminate, preparing for teletransportation.

Saria: Oh, Link.

Link: Yes?

Saria: That cute girl from the ranch, she never stopped asking about you since you left. She was too young and pure, and no one was able to explain to her about your mission. You probably should find some time and pay her a visit.

The Hero didn't say a word, but blushed a little. Saria smiled.

Saria: We'll meet again when the time comes. Go and save Hyrule, Hero Of Time!

JaviJavi12's Notes:

Hello, readers! This chapter surely took me more time to complete than the previous ones! I have been busy at work, but I look forward to continue developing this Link's entry to the SSBU-U and many future stories that have to be finished! I want to anticipate that next chapter will probably end the Hero Of Time entry and will be narrated quicker. The main reason is that the OoT plot is already known by almost everybody, so there's nothing much to add. However, you might find a small surprise at the very end, since it will introduce the next story! I can guarantee it will be more fresh and add cohesion to the upcoming smashers union! So thank you for reading and be sure to stay tuned to check it out!

STORY CONTINUES ON NEXT EPISODE!