The Legend of Zelda
Hero of Time
Dawn had slowly reached its way across the fields of Hyrule. Everything was quiet. The entire world was locked in a sweet ignorant bliss, all unaware of the dangers that lurk in the darkness. A man stands alone, deprived of a past. A man who searches for reason, one who needs the truth. Then, why is it this man who must stop the darkness? Why is it he who must rid the world of tyranny? Why should he have to do this? Why? WHY? Why do those eyes ever taunt him? And that laugh, that menacing laugh, it haunts him, constantly lingering in the back of his mind. Why...
The General had sat down, resting upon his sword. The night before had tired him. He let the sword drop, and he plopped himself down. He laid there for quite some time, just staring at the sky, dozing in and out of reality. This time he was careful though, he forced his mind to stay focused, to not wander off. He knew what would come if he did, and he feared facing those eyes again. His own consciousness wasn't enough. His eyes grew heavy, and his body gave up. He fell asleep, just lying there.
He awoke in what seemed to him a few minutes. Unlike the past times he has slept, he wasn't sweating, nor did he have any remembrance of terrible nightmares. He sat up and let out a soft moan. After spending several minutes just sitting there, he opened his eyes and stood up in complete shock. His eyes frantically scanned the horizon. It was dusk.
"SHIT!"
He had slept for many hours, almost the entire day to be exact. Now that night was beginning to fall again, he would have to face those terrible creatures once more. He wouldn't allow it. The General grabbed his equipment and tore into a sprint across the field. He ran as fast as his legs could take him. His heart was pulsating in his chest, and he became completely focused on his task. The world around him seemed to be moving and not he himself the one making the movement. Trees, fence posts, shrubs, and signs ripped by him as his feet pounded into the soft Hylian earth. The small cave-like hollow leading to Kokiri Forest came quickly into view, become larger and larger as he tore across the grassland. Kokiri Forest, something had been pulling him towards there ever since he awoke in Lon Lon Ranch. He knew his only chance to not deal with the Stal Children again was to reach the bridge into the forest, the bridge that split the realm of the Kokiri and the Hylian. Beyond that bridge, the land was protected by the Great Deku tree, a mighty spirit who watched over the forest. His power was given to him by the three Great Goddesses for reasons that have been lost within the Hylian lore. His sole purpose was to protect the forest and it's inhabitants. Originally, the only living organism in the forest were the Kokiri, children who would never grow up, each one assigned a fairy for guidance. They would never die, but were completely concealed from the outside. But, when the darkness swept over the lands of Hyrule so many years ago, evil monsters began to make their home in the lost woods. No longer were those woods under the full protection of the Deku Tree, and he had to use his power to keep the Kokiri safe. And so they have lived as children for all time, but something there was something about them that drew the General to the forest.
The General continued his dash across the land. His saw through his peripheral vision that the moon was now rising. The General focused his eyes ahead and picked up his speed. He could hear the Stal Children scratching at the ground beneath him, and was forced to take leap as one managed to plow it's way out of the ground. He did not draw his sword, for it would have slowed him down. All he had to do was make it through that hollow. He looked up to see his distance. He was close, only a hundred or so yards away. The General leaped into the air and kicked a fully risen Stal and used that to propel him several yards. He was now only a few feet from the hollow. He ripped past the tree that was protruding over the bridge and dove across the wooden planks. He dropped on the opposite side of the bridge, and rolled into the Kokiri Village. He laid there breathing heavily. After awhile of regaining his breath, he stood up and looked around. His intrusion had stirred up quite an audience. Most likely, the entire village was now standing around the General, all weary eyed and curious about their visitor. They kept turning and whispering to each other, while others just giggled.
"Kids..." The generally muttered under his breath.
He started to say something, but stopped. He realized that he had no idea why he was there. His only reason was that feeling and nothing else. What was he going to tell them? None of them seemed to want to address the General as well. For a very long time, they simply stood their staring. Nobody said anything, and the general still had no idea what to do. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, a young girl with green hair and blues stepped through the crowd and approached the General. She simply looked up at him and took his hand. She giggled slightly, turned around, and began to lead the General out of the crowd and through the village. After a short distance she stopped in front of a large hollowed out tree. At the base was a child size doorway, where the young girl led him to. The General ducked into the passageway and looked around at his new surroundings. It was a simple large room, with a bed at the far wall, and a window above it. In front was a table with a few chairs around it. Other than a few scattered knick knacks and random furniture, there wasn't much there. The young girl sat him down at the table. She was now eye level with him. The girl simply stared at his eyes for a few minutes, then turned away and spoke.
"My name is Saria. I have lived in this village for all the ages past, just like the rest of them. To the west in the Lost Woods, there is a temple known simply as the Forest Temple. Within that temple, my true power is held. I am the sage of that temple, one of the seven sages who helped the Hero of Time reach his way to the King of Evil. There are many questions that I wish to ask of you, but the Great Deku tree has already summoned you. Rest now, for you will meet in the morning."
The General had little idea on what the girl was talking about, but he was completely exhausted and took her offer to sleep what he now believed was her bed. Saria left the General alone by exiting the housing. The General still didn't know what to do or say, so he simply rolled over and went to sleep.
Another dreamless rest...
The General awoke the next morning to the sounds of children playing outside. He climbed out of the bed and walked towards the exit. The light clank of his footsteps reminded him that he was still fully armored. His arm brushed up against his sword as he stepped out of the hollowed tree and looked out into the village. There were Kokiri running around enjoying themselves. They seemed to be a playful bunch. He looked around and realized that Saria was standing in front of him, apparently waiting. She gave him a slight nod and beckoned him towards a small path beyond a water way.
"The Great Deku tree wishes to speak with you."
The General wasn't sure what was going on, but he had an odd feeling that told him to listen to the girl. He walked across the village, ignoring the questioning eyes of the Kokiri who would stop what they were doing as he passed. He trudged past the water way and entered the small winding passage way that would lead to the Great Deku tree. Following the passage for a short distance he emerged into a massive opening to which an enormous tree stood in the center. It's body resembled the personage of an elders face. It stood there, peacefully. Just to be in it's presence was calming. The General felt at peace, as the breeze swayed his blonde hair. Leaves fell from the tree and floated toward the Hylian earth. The General stood at the entrance to the tree's domain, but was suddenly pushed forward. Saria had followed him, and was now pressing the General into the field. She stopped when they were a whiles way into the area. A few seconds later a light gruffling noise came from the tree, and it began to speak.
"New comer, this is the first time in my life that I have ever encountered something I do not understand. Who are you and how have you managed to enter my realm?"
The General replied quickly, "I do not know who I am, and what exactly do you mean?"
"Only the Kokiri are allowed in the forest, nobody is allowed to leave and nobody is allowed to enter. Only one was allowed to leave this place, and only one was able to enter. You are not him. How have you managed to enter my realm?"
The tree's voice was more direct this time, he seemed to be frustrated. The General didn't know what to say, he did not have an answer for the master of the forest. He looked to the left, and Saria who was now standing next to him, simply shook her head and motioned for him to look forward. The General had to say something.
"Great Master of Kokiri Forest, I do not know why or how I am here. I awoke only a few days ago, unaware of why I exist. I could not remember anything, but something was pulling me here. Something was telling me to make my way to the Kokiri Forest. As time passed, things of my world came back to me. I began to remember everything about this area and it's history very quickly But about my own past, I know nothing. I came here in search of answers, and now that I stand here before you, I pray that maybe you can supply to for me."
The tree did not reply. He stayed completely inert for a long time, until finally he let out a cough and began to speak again.
"This is a troubling circumstance. My power does not allow people outside the Kokiri race into this forest. The only one who was able to accomplish this was the Hero of Time himself." The tree stopped and peered into the General. "You are not this Hero, but there is something shrouding your image. It appears that what we see with are normal eyes is not who you truly are, but not even my power is able to see past this witchery. I wish to seek consul, until I summon you again, you are not allowed to leave this forest. Young Saria, take him back to the village, I need to be alone."
Saria bowed to the tree, and took hold of the General and dragged him back to the village.
The Great Tree, let out a loud sigh. "Navi, come hither." A small glittering ball with wings suddenly appeared from within the tree and began bouncing every which way around the front of the tree.
"You called?" It spoke."
"Yes, Navi, I wish for you to keep an eye on the newcomer. Do not reveal yourself, just watch him. That is my bidding."
"Yes, Great One." Navi, a fairy of the Kokiri, left the Deku Tree's presence and followed silently above the General and Saria.
Dawn had slowly reached its way across the fields of Hyrule. Everything was quiet. The entire world was locked in a sweet ignorant bliss, all unaware of the dangers that lurk in the darkness. A man stands alone, deprived of a past. A man who searches for reason, one who needs the truth. Then, why is it this man who must stop the darkness? Why is it he who must rid the world of tyranny? Why should he have to do this? Why? WHY? Why do those eyes ever taunt him? And that laugh, that menacing laugh, it haunts him, constantly lingering in the back of his mind. Why...
The General had sat down, resting upon his sword. The night before had tired him. He let the sword drop, and he plopped himself down. He laid there for quite some time, just staring at the sky, dozing in and out of reality. This time he was careful though, he forced his mind to stay focused, to not wander off. He knew what would come if he did, and he feared facing those eyes again. His own consciousness wasn't enough. His eyes grew heavy, and his body gave up. He fell asleep, just lying there.
He awoke in what seemed to him a few minutes. Unlike the past times he has slept, he wasn't sweating, nor did he have any remembrance of terrible nightmares. He sat up and let out a soft moan. After spending several minutes just sitting there, he opened his eyes and stood up in complete shock. His eyes frantically scanned the horizon. It was dusk.
"SHIT!"
He had slept for many hours, almost the entire day to be exact. Now that night was beginning to fall again, he would have to face those terrible creatures once more. He wouldn't allow it. The General grabbed his equipment and tore into a sprint across the field. He ran as fast as his legs could take him. His heart was pulsating in his chest, and he became completely focused on his task. The world around him seemed to be moving and not he himself the one making the movement. Trees, fence posts, shrubs, and signs ripped by him as his feet pounded into the soft Hylian earth. The small cave-like hollow leading to Kokiri Forest came quickly into view, become larger and larger as he tore across the grassland. Kokiri Forest, something had been pulling him towards there ever since he awoke in Lon Lon Ranch. He knew his only chance to not deal with the Stal Children again was to reach the bridge into the forest, the bridge that split the realm of the Kokiri and the Hylian. Beyond that bridge, the land was protected by the Great Deku tree, a mighty spirit who watched over the forest. His power was given to him by the three Great Goddesses for reasons that have been lost within the Hylian lore. His sole purpose was to protect the forest and it's inhabitants. Originally, the only living organism in the forest were the Kokiri, children who would never grow up, each one assigned a fairy for guidance. They would never die, but were completely concealed from the outside. But, when the darkness swept over the lands of Hyrule so many years ago, evil monsters began to make their home in the lost woods. No longer were those woods under the full protection of the Deku Tree, and he had to use his power to keep the Kokiri safe. And so they have lived as children for all time, but something there was something about them that drew the General to the forest.
The General continued his dash across the land. His saw through his peripheral vision that the moon was now rising. The General focused his eyes ahead and picked up his speed. He could hear the Stal Children scratching at the ground beneath him, and was forced to take leap as one managed to plow it's way out of the ground. He did not draw his sword, for it would have slowed him down. All he had to do was make it through that hollow. He looked up to see his distance. He was close, only a hundred or so yards away. The General leaped into the air and kicked a fully risen Stal and used that to propel him several yards. He was now only a few feet from the hollow. He ripped past the tree that was protruding over the bridge and dove across the wooden planks. He dropped on the opposite side of the bridge, and rolled into the Kokiri Village. He laid there breathing heavily. After awhile of regaining his breath, he stood up and looked around. His intrusion had stirred up quite an audience. Most likely, the entire village was now standing around the General, all weary eyed and curious about their visitor. They kept turning and whispering to each other, while others just giggled.
"Kids..." The generally muttered under his breath.
He started to say something, but stopped. He realized that he had no idea why he was there. His only reason was that feeling and nothing else. What was he going to tell them? None of them seemed to want to address the General as well. For a very long time, they simply stood their staring. Nobody said anything, and the general still had no idea what to do. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, a young girl with green hair and blues stepped through the crowd and approached the General. She simply looked up at him and took his hand. She giggled slightly, turned around, and began to lead the General out of the crowd and through the village. After a short distance she stopped in front of a large hollowed out tree. At the base was a child size doorway, where the young girl led him to. The General ducked into the passageway and looked around at his new surroundings. It was a simple large room, with a bed at the far wall, and a window above it. In front was a table with a few chairs around it. Other than a few scattered knick knacks and random furniture, there wasn't much there. The young girl sat him down at the table. She was now eye level with him. The girl simply stared at his eyes for a few minutes, then turned away and spoke.
"My name is Saria. I have lived in this village for all the ages past, just like the rest of them. To the west in the Lost Woods, there is a temple known simply as the Forest Temple. Within that temple, my true power is held. I am the sage of that temple, one of the seven sages who helped the Hero of Time reach his way to the King of Evil. There are many questions that I wish to ask of you, but the Great Deku tree has already summoned you. Rest now, for you will meet in the morning."
The General had little idea on what the girl was talking about, but he was completely exhausted and took her offer to sleep what he now believed was her bed. Saria left the General alone by exiting the housing. The General still didn't know what to do or say, so he simply rolled over and went to sleep.
Another dreamless rest...
The General awoke the next morning to the sounds of children playing outside. He climbed out of the bed and walked towards the exit. The light clank of his footsteps reminded him that he was still fully armored. His arm brushed up against his sword as he stepped out of the hollowed tree and looked out into the village. There were Kokiri running around enjoying themselves. They seemed to be a playful bunch. He looked around and realized that Saria was standing in front of him, apparently waiting. She gave him a slight nod and beckoned him towards a small path beyond a water way.
"The Great Deku tree wishes to speak with you."
The General wasn't sure what was going on, but he had an odd feeling that told him to listen to the girl. He walked across the village, ignoring the questioning eyes of the Kokiri who would stop what they were doing as he passed. He trudged past the water way and entered the small winding passage way that would lead to the Great Deku tree. Following the passage for a short distance he emerged into a massive opening to which an enormous tree stood in the center. It's body resembled the personage of an elders face. It stood there, peacefully. Just to be in it's presence was calming. The General felt at peace, as the breeze swayed his blonde hair. Leaves fell from the tree and floated toward the Hylian earth. The General stood at the entrance to the tree's domain, but was suddenly pushed forward. Saria had followed him, and was now pressing the General into the field. She stopped when they were a whiles way into the area. A few seconds later a light gruffling noise came from the tree, and it began to speak.
"New comer, this is the first time in my life that I have ever encountered something I do not understand. Who are you and how have you managed to enter my realm?"
The General replied quickly, "I do not know who I am, and what exactly do you mean?"
"Only the Kokiri are allowed in the forest, nobody is allowed to leave and nobody is allowed to enter. Only one was allowed to leave this place, and only one was able to enter. You are not him. How have you managed to enter my realm?"
The tree's voice was more direct this time, he seemed to be frustrated. The General didn't know what to say, he did not have an answer for the master of the forest. He looked to the left, and Saria who was now standing next to him, simply shook her head and motioned for him to look forward. The General had to say something.
"Great Master of Kokiri Forest, I do not know why or how I am here. I awoke only a few days ago, unaware of why I exist. I could not remember anything, but something was pulling me here. Something was telling me to make my way to the Kokiri Forest. As time passed, things of my world came back to me. I began to remember everything about this area and it's history very quickly But about my own past, I know nothing. I came here in search of answers, and now that I stand here before you, I pray that maybe you can supply to for me."
The tree did not reply. He stayed completely inert for a long time, until finally he let out a cough and began to speak again.
"This is a troubling circumstance. My power does not allow people outside the Kokiri race into this forest. The only one who was able to accomplish this was the Hero of Time himself." The tree stopped and peered into the General. "You are not this Hero, but there is something shrouding your image. It appears that what we see with are normal eyes is not who you truly are, but not even my power is able to see past this witchery. I wish to seek consul, until I summon you again, you are not allowed to leave this forest. Young Saria, take him back to the village, I need to be alone."
Saria bowed to the tree, and took hold of the General and dragged him back to the village.
The Great Tree, let out a loud sigh. "Navi, come hither." A small glittering ball with wings suddenly appeared from within the tree and began bouncing every which way around the front of the tree.
"You called?" It spoke."
"Yes, Navi, I wish for you to keep an eye on the newcomer. Do not reveal yourself, just watch him. That is my bidding."
"Yes, Great One." Navi, a fairy of the Kokiri, left the Deku Tree's presence and followed silently above the General and Saria.