Author's Note: I have returned again. There isn't much to explain about the story, but I know you'll all love it. And I give a special thanks to Majora's Mask. It took me a third time playing through it, but now my creative juices feel rejuvenated.
~------------------------------~
Link and Malon were eagerly waiting to hear the whole story. Malon's expression was calm, but Link was practically on the edge of his seat. He knew about the Moblins that were raiding Clock Town every night. What he didn't know, was where the Moblins came from and why they were doing it.
Finally, Cremia was ready to tell everything. "We didn't used to have Moblins around these parts. In fact, the last time you were around, there weren't any Moblins around at all. They were just a species that seemingly died out a long time ago. When you left, we were all living happily ever after. Anju and Kafei found the Stock Pot Inn to be cramped, what with Anju's mother and her grandmother. Romani and I were sort of getting lonesome around the ranch, so we asked them to move in with us. A while after they came in, that's when things started to happen.
"Whenever Anju and I would make the deliveries to the Latte, we'd always see those blue pigmies walking into Ikana Village. It looked like they were gathering there, but we never made anything of it. We just thought they were a hidden tribe that finally emerged after centuries. But we didn't think it was a big deal at the time. We were wrong.
"The Moblins were apparently gathering, because a little while after we saw them…that's when it began. Every night, the Moblins would rush into Clock Town and start knocking down whatever they could. They vandalized the walls and set fire to the marketplace. They were just causing damage. Mayor Dotour tried to do something about it. He sent the Hylian soldiers to stop the Moblins, but those swine would just abuse those soldiers. They completely overpowered them and most of the soldiers fled in terror.
"And whenever they were done, the Moblins went back to Ikana Village. No one knows exactly how they got there. It's like I said. There never used to be Moblins in Termina and everyone thought they died out, but somehow they found their way to Ikana. And no one knows why they're always invading Clock Town."
Link nodded assuredly. "Maybe it's time for someone to find out."
Malon gasped and turned to Link. "Link! You can't mean…?"
Link finished her thought. "We're going to Ikana. We're paying the Moblins a visit."
Malon was breathing heavily. She didn't like this. "Link, I don't know if you remembered, but there were about 100 of them and only two of us. And the last time you tried to fight the Moblins, they almost killed us!"
"We have to try, though," Link shot back. "It's not looking like anyone's going to save Clock Town. The only one who remotely stands a chance against the Moblins is…me."
Malon's expression of fear suddenly faded as she looked Link in the eye. "You know I'm coming with you, right?"
At first, Link said nothing. He thought about what might happen if Malon came along. These Moblins were ruthless. Link remembered the last confrontation and he knew that those pigs weren't above putting their hands on a woman. If she came along, then she could be hurt or even killed. Link couldn't live with that.
But on the other hand, Malon knew exactly what she was asking. She was asking to go into a dangerous situation at Link's side. She knew that he might not come out alive and she wanted to share whatever fate awaited Link. He admired that.
But he had to ask anyway. "Are you sure you want to?"
Malon gently held Link's hand. "I want to. I don't want you to risk your life...alone."
Kafei cleared his throat. "Well, if you're going, then you should wait until morning. We could give you guys a lift."
"Thanks," Link sighed. "We'll be ready."
He would be ready indeed. The numbers would be against him, but Link would attempt to stop the Moblin menace.
~--------------------~
"Hey! I see something!"
The call of her brother woke Tatl up. The fairy was in the midst of a deep sleep, but whenever Tael saw something, no one could sleep through his cries. So Tatl woke up and flew towards the purple ball of light that was her brother. It wasn't often that the purple fairy actually saw something, but when he did, Tatl knew what it meant. It was time for action.
"Ok, Tael! Jeez, you can wake the dead sometimes. What do you see?"
"Well, where's the Skull Kid?" Tael asked.
"Right here!"
The ever-mischievous Skull Kid jumped out of a tree and landed right behind Tael. Tael let out a slight yelp and nearly bumped into Tatl.
"I hate when you do that!" Tael whined.
"It's always so funny to see how you react," the Skull Kid laughed. "So what do you see? More people to loot today?"
Tael flew over towards a bush. "Out there. They just came in."
The Skull Kid walked up to the bush and looked outside. Tatl could hardly see, but she managed to squeeze in. She could see two small boys slowly approaching the tunnel that leads to Termina. Their green tunics were unmistakable.
The Skull Kid pointed it out. "They're Kokiri; two of them. That's something you don't see every day. Kokiri never come around these parts." He stomped his foot on the ground. "That's no fun. Kokiri never have anything good to steal."
"Hey, these two look familiar," Tael piped up. "Hey, Sis? Don't they look familiar to you?"
Tatl moved a little bit closer to the edge of the bush and tried to get a better look at the two Kokiri. Sure enough, she did recognize them. She especially recognized the one with the frizzy red hair. It was them.
"I don't believe it," she finally said. She chuckled evilly. "After all this time, they're back for more. You'd think they'd have learned the first time."
"Maybe they need a friendly reminder," the Skull Kid snickered. "Shall we?"
"Let's do it!" Tael said ecstatically.
The trio of troublemakers huddled up and prepared their game plan with the Skull Kid calling the shots.
"Ok. It's the standard Kokiri drill. Take your positions and I'll be waiting in the usual place."
The three broke and headed to their positions. Tatl giggled mischievously. This would be fun.
~--------------------~
Mido looked nervously at that big tunnel. If he had known this was what Saria was talking about, then he never would have agreed to it. He was well aware of what happened last time. And so did Dore.
"Did you ever think we'd see this place again?" Mido asked.
Dore shook his head. "I've wanted to forget this place. It still gives me the creeps."
"So you still remember?" Mido muttered. "I know I do. It was a long time ago…"
~********************~
Mido walked through the Lost Woods. No one knew he was out here, nor did he want anyone to know. It was one year since Saria left the village and there was no sign of her ever since. Mido finally decided to take matters into his own hands. He decided to look for her himself.
He walked for a few hours and had scoured nearly every inch of the Lost Woods. There was no sign of the emerald girl anywhere. Mido didn't want to face the inevitable. It was a year since Saria was last seen. She could very well be dead. He didn't want to face that.
But Mido was too tired to keep walking. He briefly stopped and sat on a nearby log. He reflected on everything that was happening to him. He didn't like Saria…the way he liked her before. He liked her as a friend now. Regardless, though, she was his dearest friend. And he wouldn't give up until he found out what happened to her.
Mido finally got up and kept on walking. He continued walking until he came to a part of the Lost Woods he hadn't seen before. As he looked up at the sky, he suddenly lost track of where he was walking. He accidentally stepped on a snare trap and went airborne. Mido now found himself hanging upside-down on a tree branch.
"Hey! I caught something!"
Dore came out and he was thrilled…until he saw Mido. When he saw he caught the Kokiri 'boss', then his face went back to that usual cynical expression.
"That's just great. I thought I caught a Deku Scrub. But instead, it looks like I caught myself a turkey."
"You wouldn't be saying that if I wasn't hanging upside-down, Dore!" Mido shouted. "Now get me down from here!!"
Dore smirked. "Whatever you say."
He took out an arrow and aimed it right at the rope holding Mido by the ankle. He shot the arrow, which sliced right through the rope and dropped Mido on the ground.
Mido dusted himself off and glared at Dore. "Couldn't you have just untied the snare?"
"My way is much faster…and much more fun," Dore grinned. "How did you get out here, anyway? I thought only I knew about this place."
"I thought nobody knew about this place," Mido said. "I've never seen it before. When did you find it?"
"Um…about fifteen minutes ago."
Mido slapped his forehead. "So you know which way is out, right?"
Dore looked around. "Uh…I think I came in that way…or was it that way?"
"Let's try that way," Mido suggested dryly.
Mido and Dore walked to their left as the Lost Woods seemed to expand. In all the years that the Kokiri inhabited the forest, no one knew how big the Lost Woods really were. Mido and Dore were finding out that the Lost Woods were even bigger than they thought. Then Mido saw something. It was a light.
"Uh…D-Dore? W-What's that?"
Dore peered out in front of him. It was something neither of them had ever seen. It was a big tunnel…with a brightening light inside.
"I've never seen that before," Dore whispered. "Maybe we should check it out."
"Wait. You want us to check it out? What if it's dangerous?"
"If it is, then it's something the rest of the village should know about. Come on, Mido. You're not afraid, are you?"
Mido growled. "No, I'm not afraid! Let's go see what's over there."
Both Dore and Mido very slowly approached the tunnel. There was seemingly nothing around them. It was eerily quiet. Mido and Dore stuck their heads into the tunnel. There was nothing in there. It seemed to lead only to darkness.
"Do you see anything?" Mido asked quietly.
At that moment, something happened. In the blink of an eye, a yellow and purple light suddenly brightened in front of Mido and Dore. The lights were almost blinding and they seemed to shout out…
"BOO!!"
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
Mido and Dore turned to run, but were immediately met by a hideous creature. It was a furry Wolfos, only it looked deformed. It was moving around wildly, as if it were about to attack.
"YEEEEAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Mido and Dore practically tripped over themselves as they tried to run from the horrifying sight. The Wolfos continued to growl and snarl and move around erratically. Finally, Mido and Dore managed to get out of there and run away.
When they were finally out of sight, Mido looked back. This wasn't something the rest of the Kokiri should know about. That thing was dangerous…but maybe it would leave the village be. He could only hope that he wouldn't see that hideous thing again.
~********************~
"You don't think that thing's still around, do you?" Mido asked fearfully.
"There's only one way to find out," Dore said boldly…before stepping back. "So tell me how it goes. Good luck."
"HEY!" Mido snapped. "I'm not going in there by myself! You're coming, too!"
"Fine," Dore huffed. "But you lead."
Mido reluctantly walked towards that tunnel. He walked up to it and immediately noticed a difference. It didn't lead to darkness anymore. The tunnel was shut. There was no way to get in.
"The tunnel's closed," Mido pointed out. He felt Dore tugging on his tunic. "What is it, Dore?"
Mido turned around and began to see a familiar sight. It was the bright yellow and purple light again.
"BOO!!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!"
Mido and Dore tried to run again, and just like last time, they were met by that hideously deformed Wolfos.
"YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!"
This time, Dore managed to pull a trick out. He had a fistful of dirt and tossed it in the creature's eyes. That gave Mido and Dore a chance to run away. Dore was running, but Mido stalled for a minute.
"What are you waiting for?!" Dore shouted. "Let's go!! We already know the tunnel's closed!!"
"But Link's in there!!" Mido suddenly realized.
"Forget Link!!" Dore snapped. "We'll think of something back at the temple!! Let's go!!"
Mido didn't want to leave. But Dore made sense. This was probably what Saria was working on back at the temple. And besides, this wasn't the best place to be right now. That Wolfos was still growling wildly.
So Mido ran. He and Dore got out of there as quickly as they could, but Mido couldn't notice that one of the yellow lights was slowly looking at which way they were going…and following.
~--------------------~
The Skull Kid was laughing uncontrollably as the two Kokiri ran. He loved pulling that prank. They fell for the dead Wolfos skin just like they did last time.
"That was fun!" the Skull Kid laughed. "I only wish more Kokiri would come by so we can play with them, too. Don't you agree?"
The Skull Kid then noticed Tael leaning out towards where the Kokiri ran. He was flashing repeatedly.
"What is it, Tael?"
"Where's Tatl?"
The Skull Kid didn't notice that. His other fairy friend had disappeared. "Tatl is gone. We should find her now."
"It's ok, Skull Kid," Tael said. "I'll look for my sister. She's probably just wandering off again. You stay here in case the Kokiri come back."
The Skull Kid chuckled. "Good idea. I'll be ready to play with them again."
The Skull Kid prepped his Wolfos disguise while he watched Tael fly out into the distance.
~--------------------~
Link couldn't sleep that night. It was kind of Cremia and Romani to offer their beds, but it didn't make a difference. Link still couldn't sleep. He was thinking about what was about to take place the next day. He was about to go into a battle against dozens and dozens of Moblins. This may very well be a battle he cannot win.
"You can't sleep, either?"
Link turned his head to see that Malon was also wide-awake and looking up into the ceiling. Link didn't say anything, because Malon got another word out.
"Link, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Be honest."
"Ok. Shoot."
"Why did you take me out into the Lost Woods today?"
Link wasn't expecting that question. He really didn't want to spoil it. But was there even a point anymore? His wedding masks had been uncovered and taken. His first instinct was the nosy Skull Kid. He was the biggest scavenger of the Lost Woods and he might have them stashed somewhere. But he didn't know where the Skull Kid was. And he didn't know what to tell Malon.
"I can't really tell you."
"Why not? I really want to know. I thought we never kept anything from each other."
Link gulped. "We don't. It's just that…well…I just can't tell you. But believe me. The reason I had for taking you out there…it was really special."
Malon sighed deeply. "Will you tell me someday? Assuming we get through the next few days?"
Link thought about that. "I'll tell you. Just not right now."
"Link?"
"Yes, Malon?"
"Do you ever think we'll go home?"
Link didn't know how to respond to that. He knew only one way out of Termina and that was through the clock tower. But the clock tower was shut. There was no way out. He honestly didn't know if he'd ever go back to Hyrule.
"I hope so," he finally said.
Malon shook her head. She honestly didn't know if they would ever go home. It broke Link's heart to see her so despondent. And it tore him up that he didn't even know what sealed the way back.
"We have a big day tomorrow," she said solemnly. "I'd better get some sleep. Good night, Link."
Link looked back as Malon went back into the house and whispered softly. "I love you."
Malon didn't hear him. It was just as well. Link breathed a sigh of frustration. It was too late for love now. The time for love was while he was in the Lost Woods, seeking the masks. But the time had passed. Now all that remained was the time to risk his life…and Malon's. He really wished this would remain his fight.
He didn't like putting Malon in danger. He protested when she offered to fight against the evil shape-shifter Meyson's army. But she would have none of it, and through her bravery was almost killed by a ferocious Iron Knuckle. Link didn't want to put her in that kind of peril again. But he also realized that he couldn't stop her.
Link looked out into the sky. He wondered if this would become a routine. Back at Lon Lon Ranch, it was already routine, but this was different. He started to imagine living the rest of his life in Termina. He started to think back to those days when he wandered this land and he thought of all the people he met. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
"Link?"
Link turned his head. It wasn't Malon this time. This time, it was someone else. A friendly figure.
"Hi, Anju."
"I-I'm sorry," Anju said nervously. "I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?"
Link smiled. "You weren't interrupting a thing. I was just…thinking."
Anju walked over and sat next to Link. "Are you really going to stand up to the Moblins?"
Link nodded. "I have to. I can't let this go on. I have to do something…even if the odds are against me."
"Will you come back to us?" Anju asked.
"I don't know," Link answered bluntly. "I don't know if I'll be coming back. And if I do…it might be to stay, because I really don't see any way to get home."
Anju let out a smile. "If you do…you can always stay with us. We'd love it if you did."
"Really?" asked a surprised Link.
"Yes," Anju nodded. "We really cared about you, Link. You did so much for us. And we'd love nothing better than to repay you for your kindness. So if you can't go home…then we'll welcome you into ours."
"Thank you," Link said, choked up. "I really did miss this place…despite what I thought beforehand."
Anju stood up and started to walk back inside. "We'll still be here if you need us. Good night, Link."
Link called out before she walked in the door. "Anju?"
"Yes, Link?"
"I missed a lot in the last twelve years. Did…you and Kafei…ever start a family?"
There was a brief hesitation and Link began to wonder if he brought up a sensitive subject. He felt bad for asking what must not have been the best question.
"We've wanted to," Anju confessed. "But for some reason…I can't seem to bear children. It's not that we haven't tried. Kafei and I have been trying for the last twelve years. But nothing seems to work. I…haven't been able to bear any children. It's really sad…because as much as we love Cremia and Romani, Kafei and I…have always wanted a child. We've wanted someone to call our son or our daughter. We've wanted to be able to raise a youth of our own. But…I guess that's not in our destiny."
Link breathed a deep sigh. "I'm sorry."
Anju only smiled. "I never give up hope. I can feel that fate has destined for a young one to come into our lives. But maybe…it won't happen the way we think it will."
With those words, Anju went back into the house. The words felt like an omen. Link hoped so. He hoped that Anju and Kafei would have a child of their own. That was always the dream of any couple. He hoped to have a child with Malon someday.
But before he could even think about that, Link had to get through tomorrow alive and that wouldn't be easy. And even if he did…there was still no guarantee that Link and Malon would find their way back to Hyrule.
~--------------------
Saria kept trying, but try as she might, she couldn't get anything going. This was the toughest part of being a sage. She couldn't get a portal opened. It wasn't just the portal opening. She also had to make sure she was opening it in the right place. It was extremely difficult. This was her test as a sage, and so far she was failing miserably.
But she kept trying. With her three friends occasionally bringing a glass of water, Saria persisted in her efforts. She began to feel something, though. She thought she was finally getting somewhere. But just as she felt a spark…
…Someone knocked on the door…again.
Saria stomped her boot and glanced at her friends. Sodo walked over and opened the door. To Saria's surprise, it was Dila and Sofa. She remembered they went out to the Lost Woods with Mido and Dore. But Mido and Dore were nowhere in sight.
"Saria? You're not busy, are you?" Dila asked.
Saria walked up to the door and pointed at the scroll that said: DO NOT DISTURB.
"Oh, I didn't see that," Dila murmured.
"Where are Mido and Dore?" Saria asked.
"They're still out in the Lost Woods," Dila answered. "But he wanted us to bring this back to you. Sofa?"
Sofa came out, holding a box. "We found this buried in the Lost Woods. Dore told us to bring this to you."
Saria took the box and opened it. The box contained three masks. They were of a Deku Scrub, a Goron, and a Zora. She took the Deku Scrub one out.
"It looks so real," Saria said. "I don't know what I could do with them, though. They're only masks. Still, it brings back memories. I remember when Link used to scare me with his masks all the time while he was on his quest. I wonder what I would look like?"
Saria slowly brought the Deku Scrub mask closer to her face and…
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
Saria started to feel an excruciating pain. It was like nothing she had ever felt before. It was like her face was being torn apart. Finally, the pain went away. Saria immediately noticed that she was several inches shorter. She could see everyone looking at her in awe.
"Hey! Did I shrink?" Saria asked fearfully. "What happened?"
No one moved. Sodo looked at Somi and pointed a trembling arm towards one of her mirrors. Somi reached for her mirror and handed it to Sodo. Sodo held the mirror out in front of Saria and the Forest Sage was ready to faint. The sight in the mirror was like a nightmare come true.
What she saw staring back at her was a short, green-haired Deku Scrub.
Any comments? Then mail me at HyruleKokiri13@hotmail/aol.com and don't forget to review below.
