Chapter 5:



Hope blinked at the Kokiri.

"I'm not princess Amelia," she replied softly. "I am Hope." Impa's eyes were staring into hers. Hope was surprised to see that there was a measure of fear in them.

"Saria, watch the girl."

"What?"

"I don't need to be watched," Hope protested.

"You are still a prisoner," Impa informed her coolly, though her eyes kept darting to the shadows. "Hero of Time, Shiek, we must speak."

"Of course, Impa,"



Impa dropped a deku nut at Hope's feet. She cried out, stunned, and when she was able to stand again everyone was gone except the small Kokiri.

"Hope," Saria said softly, "You can tell me, and I will not tell the others. Are you Amelia, or the spirit of Amelia come to save your kingdom?"

"No," Hope replied. "I am a simple girl, raised beyond the mountains." Suddenly, the ground began to tremble.

"Not now," Saria whispered. "It's a Daemon!" She floated up into the air, looking off in the distance. "Attacking the ranch."

"I'm going, Saria." Saria looked over at her.

"Go. Quickly, young Hylian. I will tell them that I let you go."

"Won't they be mad?"

"Only Impa."

"Hum. Out of all of them, I think I'd like her the least mad."

"Just go, Hope," Saria said, grinning. "I'll be here when you get back."

"Thank you, Saria."



Hope dashed out of the forest. There was no time to lose. If the Daemon was attacking the ranch, then Malon and her two adorable children would be in danger! She would not tolerate the loss of children's lives, not if she could help it!



The Daemon was an ugly thing. It had a long, black tail with a sharp, pointed barb on the end. It moved about gracefully, barely touching the ground. Where it did touch the ground, a black goo appeared, and the nearby plants died. Hope saw Malon's two children cowering under a create while their mother brandished a pitchfork.

"Get out of here, Daemon!" Malon cried. "We have nothing for you."

"Give me a child," the Daemon thundered. "Offer me one child as a sacrifice, and the others will live. You will live." Malon moved in front of her children.

"Never will you have either of them," she replied. Hope moved in.

"You want a victim, Daemon, come and get me," she called. The Daemon whirled, a perplexed look on his dog-like face. He snarled.

"You look familiar, Hylian," he hissed. "You also look tasty."

"Just try," she dared, looking for the gem that encased the fairy. She spotted it under his tail.

"Great," she muttered. "Better save." She clicked her arm."Save," she whispered.



Hope raised her sword.

"So, you going to attack me, or what, you overgrown imp?"

"You are a foolish child. I like foolish children. Especially when charred." The Daemon swooped in at her, blasting fire. Hope rolled out of the way. "You will not out maneuver me, girl. I am the Daemon of Death. Death is inevitable!"

"Ha. I scorn you, Daemon of Death. You are a pompous fool."

"What?" He roared, lunging at her. His claws dug into Hope's left arm. She screamed, the pain nearly unbearable. With all her might, she drove her sword into the Daemon's gem. There was a flash of light, and the terrible Daemon exploded, black goo showering Hope. Hope gagged, feeling ill.



There was a flash of blue light, and Hope found herself floating in a blue void.

"Thank you, Hope. I am the Fairy of Life." The tinkling blue fairy appeared before her. "Close your eyes and relax. I will heal your wounds."

Hope felt the warmth seep through her body.

"Thank you, Fairy of Life," she said.

"You have given us a great gift, Hylian, and so I will give you a gift." She fluttered around, and Hope felt suddenly giddy. "Use this magic wisely, young one. And be careful. Dark eyes are upon you now, waiting for an opportunity to strike."

"I'll be careful," Hope promised.

"May the Goddesses be with you."





Hope blinked, and suddenly found herself outside the ranch. Malon ran up to her.

"Thank you," she gasped. "You saved my children." She held out a bottle filled with milk. "Take this. And know that you are welcome any time at my ranch."

"Be careful," Hope urged. "Keep your children safe." Malon nodded eagerly, and then her eyes went wide.

"You look like the Princess," she breathed. Hope tensed. Why did everyone think she was the dead princess? It must be part of the game, she decided. Still, to be safe, Hope turned to go.

"Take care," she called. She transported herself back home. It was lunch time.