The Hero Returns To Hyrule
A/N: This is my very first fic that I've ever written, so please take that into account when reading.
This is the first chapter to describe Link's quest within the Forest Temple. There are two parts, the first (this one) deals with the rooms, puzzles, and monsters leading up to the boss chamber. Part two (which should be updated within the week) is the boss fight.
As for classifying this story, it is only consider it action/adventure/drama because I can only use two categories. I officially proclaim that I consider this story an action/adventure/drama/humor/romance. The humor and romance parts will become more evident later on in the story.
I'm going to try and set a minimum chapter length at around 1500 words. My past chapters averaged around 1500, so that's why I've set this min. limit. My guess is that each chapter hereafter will range well above 1500. Enjoy!
(--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------) Chapter 4: Forest Temple
A pack of Wolfos howl in the distance. An owl hoots as a wind carries through the forest. A full moon illuminates the ground as a blue circle appears at the base of a tree. From out of the ground, Link rises to face his next challenge. Navi appears from inside of his hood.
The hero looks around at his surroundings. This forest based temple doesn't look like any of the forest dungeons he's faced in the past. The temple is not in the form of a castle or a swamp, or even a tree. This temple has a unique feeling to Link as he walks out from under the tree.
This Forest Temple is not a bunch of rooms, for it is actually a forest. Link looks about, uncertain over which direction to head. Every direction looks the same as the others. A noise from behind him causes Link to take cover behind a nearby tree.
Link watches in surprise as a fully armed Stalchild marches past. The Stalchild is wearing a suit of armor with the Triforce clearly marked on it. In each hand it carries a dagger. The Stalchild proceeds along a somewhat beaten path towards the North.
Link waits until the Stalchild is out of sight before commenting to Navi, "Why would Ganondorf equip his army with the symbol of the Royal Family?"
"I have no idea." Navi remarks, "Maybe he thought it was appropriate that since he is the new King that he uses the King's symbol. Plus he always has been addicted to the poser of the Triforce."
"Makes sense." Link says as he follows the Stalchild's path.
After a few minutes of tracking the Stalchild Link notices a light in the distance. He carefully approaches and finds a clearing with a fire in the center. Sitting around the fire is the Stalchild that Link followed as well as two others. A small treasure chest rests beside a cage. Inside of the cage is a monkey, similar to the ones found in the swamps of Woodfall in Termina.
"We should help the little guy. He may be able to help us somehow." Navi suggests.
Link nods as he unsheathes his sword. The hero then proceeds to stealthily make his way around the fire undetected. Link crouches against the bars of the cage as he watches the Stalchilds' actions. He takes careful notice of where the weak points are in their armor as well as the places where their bones lay uncovered.
The monkey notices Link beside him and is about to say something. Link notices this and quickly reaches into the cage, covering the monkey's mouth. In the rush to silence the monkey, Link accidentally brushed his shield against the bars of the cage. The hero curses as the Stalchilds react to the noise. Spotting Link, they charge into battle.
Link acts quickly, parrying the blows of the lead Stalchild. He makes a short side jump to dodge the second charging skeletal creature. Link needs to make a couple of back flips to avoid the third Stalchild who had anticipated Link's dodging attempt. Link immediately ducks after his third back flip in order to dodge the first enemy.
Eyes shift left and right as Link watches the movements of the two Stalchilds in front of him. Using the blade of his sword, Link keeps an eye on the one behind him. The Stalchilds look at each other and give short muttering orders to their comrades. Link smirks as he watches the one behind him giving some sort of count. Upon a given signal all three charge Link at once.
Link pulls his sword to his side and concentrates his energy into it. He can feel a glow emitting from the blade as he channels his magical energy into it. Link watches as the Stalchilds get within a few steps of him before releasing his mighty spin attack. As he spins, Link notes that each Stalchild was caught off guard by his actions. The sword connects with each Stalchild, cleanly severing their skulls from their bone shoulders.
The hero stops his spin as the bodies fall to the ground. Link faces the treasure chest and attempts to make his way towards it. Instead, he is a little disoriented from the spinning and stumbles off into a tree. Navi giggles as the hero falls on his rear after his head connects with the sturdy tree.
Link rubs his head as he gets back on his feet. This time he makes no error getting to the treasure chest. He opens up the small box and picks up the small silver key that lies inside. Link then proceeds to put the key in the lock of the cage. After a few turns, a soft click sounds and the door swings open. The monkey gleefully hops out of its confinement.
"Thank you for rescuing me, Mr.!" The monkey chatters, "Please save my friends. We were captured by Ganondorf and taken from our home. There are five of us in total. Please free them and we will show you how to get to the boss." With this the monkey climbs up a nearby tree and disappears into the darkness.
"Do you think we can trust them?" Navi asks somewhat concerned about the monkey's allegiance.
"Of course we can trust the monkey. Ganondorf honestly must not trust him or he wouldn't have locked him up. Plus, we have no other way of getting to the boss." Link reasons.
Link looks around the clearing and notices the glint of metal from a stack of crates. Link walks over to the crates and pushes them aside. Lying on the ground is a compass. The hero picks up the device and pockets it. He then proceeds to continue along the Northward path.
The path takes a couple of twist and turns before it abruptly ends at the bank of a stream. Link looks across the water, noting that it is too far to jump across. He grabs a stone and tosses it into the water. Hissing and bubbling the water melts the rock into I pile of molten sludge. "Swimming is a no." Navi comments.
"We must need something in order to get across. We should head back to the clearing and find another path. It isn't far back." Link says as he turns and retraces his steps.
"It isn't far back," Navi says sarcastically.
Nearly an hour has passed since Link and Navi came across the stream. They have yet to come across the clearing where they found the monkey and compass. The walk from the clearing to the stream had taken only a few minutes. "Something isn't right here." Link says as he stops his trek.
The hero turns around and takes a few steps in the general direction of the stream. After a dozen steps he finds himself back at the stream. "This forest must have some sort of curse placed on it." Navi says as she floats around looking at the nearby trees.
"Thank you very much Captain Obvious!" Link mutters as he rests against a tree.
'What's your problem?" Navi asks as he rests on Links shoulder. 'You've become so moody since the last time we save Hyrule. What is it that has you so upset this time?"
Link sighs, "It's just that I'm tired of adventuring. Twice, I've had to skip my adolescence and become the hero. I feel like this is my only purpose in life, when I feel like I'm destined for something more."
Navi nods her head in agreement, "I know it must be hard for you. How about we call this our grand finale?"
"You mean retire? Settle down, get married, have kids. I think I'd like that." Link says as a smile creeps across his face.
"Then it's settled! We call it quits after we defeat Ganondorf. Just one problem, though, how do we get out of here?"
As if in response of Navi's question a beep sounds from Link's pocket. The hero pulls out the compass and stares at it. A big flashing arrow points downstream. "Think we should follow it?" Link asks.
"Got nothing to lose." Navi says as she flutters off Link's shoulder.
The hero grabs hold of an overhanging branch and pulls himself to his feet. He then follows the direction of the arrow and treks along the bank of the stream. Sure enough, within moments a flame can be seen in the distance.
There is a clearing surrounding the illuminated torch. A Wolfos lies sleeping at the base of the torch. Link notices a switch, a small box, and a small target across the stream. The Wolfos stirs when Link steps on a stick as he enters the clearing. The Wolfos spots the hero and lets a haunting howl into the night sky. As if in reply, a second howl sounds from another Wolfos as it enters the clearing.
Link focuses on the newly arrived Wolfos as it encircles him. The other Wolfos crouches as it prepares to leap. Link glances to his side at the crouching Wolfos, letting down his guard. The Wolfos that circled Link takes a sweeping claw at Link's legs. Link is knocked to the ground by the blow, losing hold of his sword. Link's breath is knocked out of him as the other Wolfos pounces on his chest.
Link stares into the gleaming eyes of the crazed beast. Drool drips from the Wolfos mouth as it howls in triumph. Link sees an opening and strikes out with his right hand. The Wolfos collapses on Link as it loses consciousness from the strike. The other creature, seeing his partner defeated, beats a hasty retreat.
The hero pushes aside the unconscious Wolfos and reclaims his sword. He then pulls out his bow and easily shoots the target across the water. A chest appears to the side of the torch. Link then grabs the box and puts it on the switch causing a second chest to appear. Inside each chest is a silver key.
A growl sounds from behind the hero. Link turns to see the Wolfos has returned and is rushing towards him. Since he has his bow handy he fires an arrow at the beast. The Wolfos dodges the arrow and jumps at the Hero of Time. Link steps aside and kicks out at the passing creature. The momentum of Link's kick sends the Wolfos rolling across the clearing into the water.
Link averts his eyes as the Wolfos melts into the poisoned stream. Painful cries are emitted from the creature as it struggles to free itself from its inescapable demise. Navi takes a look at the stream and shudders, "Let's get out of here."
The hero pulls out the compass. This time the arrow points in a Southeast direction. Link leaves the clearing as the dying creature emits one final cry.
The next clearing along the path contains two cages, each with a monkey inside. Between the cages is a small platform. Link warily approaches the cages, but isn't interrupted as he opens each one. The monkeys thank Link before disappearing into the treetops. Link watches them go when Navi calls to him, "Link! We have company!"
Link draws his sword as he turns to face his new challenge. Emerging from the trees is a Stalfos. Link sighs, "Can't I ever go anywhere without getting into a fight?"
The Stalfos approaches Link, wildly swinging his sword as he approaches. Link blocks the attacks using his shield, with each strike knocking him backwards. The attacks stop causing Link to look above the edge of his shield. He sees the Stalfos jump towards him and manages to roll aside just in time to dodge.
A few more dodges and Link is panting for breath. "This guy's too fast for me," he complains as he dodges another powerful swing. Link turns and runs towards one of the cages. The Stalfos eagerly follows him. Link notices the Stalfos pursuit and jumps against the edge of the cage. He shifts his feet and pushes back.
Link soars through the air above the Stalfos. The Stalfos stops himself before running into the cage, but is unable to turn before Link buries his sword into the Stalfos back.
The Stalfos lies dead at Link's feet. A high pitched sound fills the air as a chest materializes on the platform between the cages. Link approaches the chest and carefully pries open the lid. Inside lies a grappling hook (think Windwaker). A note accompanies the hook, which says "Use this item to pass the stream. Aim at the V in the branch. Good luck, Link! This is all I can do to help you for now. Good luck."
"It's signed by Princess Zelda!" Link exclaims as he reads the note again.
"So that's what she's been up to. She disappeared after Ganondorf took over. We all thought that he had kidnapped her or maybe worse..." Navi explains.
Link ponders over this ideal. Is it possible that Zelda took on the persona of Sheik again? If so, when would they cross paths? Why did Zelda say she couldn't do any more to help him?
"Snap out of it Link! We should hurry and get back to the stream crossing. There are still two monkeys that need to be saved." Navi yells at Link.
"Ok, I'm going. You don't need to rush me. I was just thinking about something." Link retaliates.
About ten minutes later, Link and Navi stand on the bank of the stream. The path is clearly visible on the other side of the water. Link looks up at the tree branches that extend over the water. He spots a branch that has two smaller branches sticking out of it in the shape of a V. The hero pulls out the grappling hook and begins twirling it around. Once it reaches a good speed Link releases the hook. He watches the hook sail through the air before latching onto the branch.
Link gives the rope a quick tug to ensure that the hook is secure. He knows that he can't swing across because the ropes length would dip him into the water. So, Link climbs the rope in order to get on top of the branch. Link stands on the branch and looks across the river. A second V branch is visible just a short distance away.
The hook latches on to this second branch. After giving it a short tug, Link swings across the river. Once he is safely across the water, Link reclaims the grappling hook. "I like this thing." Link comments as he returns the hook to his kit.
The path ahead of Link branches out in two directions. One path Link can see a small flame flickering in the distance. The other path is nothing but darkness. Of course, Link picks the path that he can see the light.
Link finds a bundle of arrows on the edge of the clearing. A torch burns on the ground, illuminating a small silver Rupee. A second Rupee floats in the air above a box. Link notices a crudely constructed walkway built above the forest floor. A V branch appears to give access to the catwalk. Two more Rupees lie along the near edge of the wooden structure. Link assumes that a fifth gem is up on the catwalk but is out of sight. At the end of the walkway is a chest surrounded by flames.
Link moves to the torch. He leans over and picks up the first Rupee. He hears a small click as he picks up the gem. Link runs over to the box and climbs on top of it. He snatches the second gem as he tosses the grappling hook at the branch. The hero climbs the rope and rolls off onto the platform. Link was right; the fifth gem is up here.
Link makes a mad dash down the catwalk, staying careful not to slip and fall. He collects each of the three Rupees that hover in the air. The fire dies around the chest as Link pockets the fifth gem. A silver key is in the chest.
The hero climbs down from the catwalk. He looks around the clearing. Seeing nothing, Link consorts the compass. The arrow on the compass points back down the path towards the fork. Link proceeds to retrace his steps back to the fork.
Link turns and begins walking down the other half of the fork. The visibility is very poor as fog encroaches across the path. Link takes a look at the contents of his pockets to make sure everything is still there. One key, the grappling hook, the compass, and the Ocarina of Time are all present. Link returns all of the objects to his pocket and looks back to the path. A small light is approaching Link.
Link ducks behind a tree as the light gets closer. A second light joins the first, slightly behind it. Link watches as a Poe carrying a lantern passes by his hiding place. The other light is a second Poe. Between the two Poes is a pair of Stalfos carrying a pole between them. Attached to the pole is a hog tied monkey.
The hero trains his bow on the lead Poe. Link waits for a few seconds to ensure that he is still unnoticed. He fires his arrow at the Poe. He watches in amazement as the arrow passes through thin air. Both Poes disappear, leaving the Stalfos and Link in darkness.
Within seconds the Stalfos are defeated. He quickly unties the monkey, who runs off into the distance. Link looks down the path to see the two Poes fleeing and gives chase. Navi takes off after the hero.
By the time Navi catches up to Link, he is already engaged in battle with the Poes. Navi watches as Link strikes down one of the Poes. The second one takes the opportunity to flee the small clearing. Link is about to give chase when a tree crashes down in front of him. Link looks up to see the cause of the falling tree and jumps in surprise.
Floating before Link is the largest Poe he has ever seen. The Poe is at least the height of the treetops and takes up nearly the entire clearing. Inside of its lantern is a cage containing a monkey. Link watches as the Poe that ran floats back towards the large Poe. The large Poe simply absorbs the smaller Poe, causing himself to grow even larger. Link gulps as the giant Poe focuses his attention on the hero.
The Poe twirls around his lantern, launching fireballs in every direction. Link blocks the fireball heading towards him with his shield. He then fires a couple of arrows at the Poe, but the arrows pass through the ghost. The Poe proceeds to send more fireballs at the hero. Link dives to the dirt as the fireballs scorch past him.
The hero looks up, ready to dodge the Poes next attack. To his surprise, the Poe is no longer hovering in front of him. Link stands up and looks around in confusion. "Behind you!" Navi yells, but is too late. The Poe had charged Link and sent the hero flying against a tree.
Link gets up, rubbing his head in pain. Navi flies over to the hero to see if he's ok. Meanwhile, the Poe disappears into the trees behind Link. A trickle of blood rolls along Links cheek. Navi tries to wipe the blood away but Link pushes her away. Link grabs a branch of the tree and pulls himself into a kneeling position.
The sound of laughter fills the forest as the Poe charges Link. Link looks around to find where the Poe is coming from. He catches as glimpse of light coming from behind him. The hero pulls out his grappling hook and instinctively tosses it into the air. Link can feel the breath of the Poe at his back. The Poe once again sends Link flying across the clearing.
This time, Link turns so that his feet are facing the trees that he is headed for. Link feels a tug from the grappling hook as it latches onto some branch in the treetops. Link pulls on the rope, causing him to change direction. A tree springs up in front of Link. The hero plants his feet against the wood and pushes back towards the Poe.
The Poe sees Link heading towards it, so it attempts to disappear, but to no luck. Link passes by the spirit, stealing its lantern as he goes by. The Poe can no longer disappear. Link drops the lantern onto the grass as he lands.
Link pulls out his bow and fires half a dozen arrows at the helpless ghost. The Poe howls as its body disintegrates into the fog. A small black spirit floats in the air where the body was destroyed. Link watches as the spirit's face turns from a look of disappointment into a maniacal evil look. With an evil laugh, the spirit vanishes.
Link pulls out the key that he had stored and heads over to the lantern. The glass casing lies broken across the clearing, leaving the cage with the monkey easily accessible. Link steps across the broken glass heading over to the cage. He unlocks the cage, releasing the monkey. The monkey jumps around enthusiastically upon freedom.
Within seconds the other four monkeys have hopped their way into the clearing to join their friend. One hops over to Link and beckons him to follow the other monkeys. Link trudges after the energetic creatures as they bounce through the fog and trees. After a half hour or so the monkeys stop at the edge of an extremely large clearing. The monkeys beckon Link to enter the clearing.
Link does what the monkeys tell him to do. He walks into the center of the clearing and looks around. "There's nothing here." Link tells Navi.
"Maybe the monkeys were somewhat confused with the meaning of boss. I'll go ask them." Navi says as she flies off.
Link hears a deep growl behind him. The hero nervously looks over his shoulder and stares wide-eyed at the sight. "I wouldn't worry about asking the monkeys, Navi. I think I found the boss." Link says as he pulls out his sword. (--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------) A/N: Thus ends part one of the forest temple. Any guesses as to what or who the boss is? You'll have to wait for a week or so, maybe less to find out. Thanks for the reviews. This is Tint signing out after a chapter that nearly doubled the amount of words that I've posted so far. Hope the numbers keep up.
A/N: This is my very first fic that I've ever written, so please take that into account when reading.
This is the first chapter to describe Link's quest within the Forest Temple. There are two parts, the first (this one) deals with the rooms, puzzles, and monsters leading up to the boss chamber. Part two (which should be updated within the week) is the boss fight.
As for classifying this story, it is only consider it action/adventure/drama because I can only use two categories. I officially proclaim that I consider this story an action/adventure/drama/humor/romance. The humor and romance parts will become more evident later on in the story.
I'm going to try and set a minimum chapter length at around 1500 words. My past chapters averaged around 1500, so that's why I've set this min. limit. My guess is that each chapter hereafter will range well above 1500. Enjoy!
(--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------) Chapter 4: Forest Temple
A pack of Wolfos howl in the distance. An owl hoots as a wind carries through the forest. A full moon illuminates the ground as a blue circle appears at the base of a tree. From out of the ground, Link rises to face his next challenge. Navi appears from inside of his hood.
The hero looks around at his surroundings. This forest based temple doesn't look like any of the forest dungeons he's faced in the past. The temple is not in the form of a castle or a swamp, or even a tree. This temple has a unique feeling to Link as he walks out from under the tree.
This Forest Temple is not a bunch of rooms, for it is actually a forest. Link looks about, uncertain over which direction to head. Every direction looks the same as the others. A noise from behind him causes Link to take cover behind a nearby tree.
Link watches in surprise as a fully armed Stalchild marches past. The Stalchild is wearing a suit of armor with the Triforce clearly marked on it. In each hand it carries a dagger. The Stalchild proceeds along a somewhat beaten path towards the North.
Link waits until the Stalchild is out of sight before commenting to Navi, "Why would Ganondorf equip his army with the symbol of the Royal Family?"
"I have no idea." Navi remarks, "Maybe he thought it was appropriate that since he is the new King that he uses the King's symbol. Plus he always has been addicted to the poser of the Triforce."
"Makes sense." Link says as he follows the Stalchild's path.
After a few minutes of tracking the Stalchild Link notices a light in the distance. He carefully approaches and finds a clearing with a fire in the center. Sitting around the fire is the Stalchild that Link followed as well as two others. A small treasure chest rests beside a cage. Inside of the cage is a monkey, similar to the ones found in the swamps of Woodfall in Termina.
"We should help the little guy. He may be able to help us somehow." Navi suggests.
Link nods as he unsheathes his sword. The hero then proceeds to stealthily make his way around the fire undetected. Link crouches against the bars of the cage as he watches the Stalchilds' actions. He takes careful notice of where the weak points are in their armor as well as the places where their bones lay uncovered.
The monkey notices Link beside him and is about to say something. Link notices this and quickly reaches into the cage, covering the monkey's mouth. In the rush to silence the monkey, Link accidentally brushed his shield against the bars of the cage. The hero curses as the Stalchilds react to the noise. Spotting Link, they charge into battle.
Link acts quickly, parrying the blows of the lead Stalchild. He makes a short side jump to dodge the second charging skeletal creature. Link needs to make a couple of back flips to avoid the third Stalchild who had anticipated Link's dodging attempt. Link immediately ducks after his third back flip in order to dodge the first enemy.
Eyes shift left and right as Link watches the movements of the two Stalchilds in front of him. Using the blade of his sword, Link keeps an eye on the one behind him. The Stalchilds look at each other and give short muttering orders to their comrades. Link smirks as he watches the one behind him giving some sort of count. Upon a given signal all three charge Link at once.
Link pulls his sword to his side and concentrates his energy into it. He can feel a glow emitting from the blade as he channels his magical energy into it. Link watches as the Stalchilds get within a few steps of him before releasing his mighty spin attack. As he spins, Link notes that each Stalchild was caught off guard by his actions. The sword connects with each Stalchild, cleanly severing their skulls from their bone shoulders.
The hero stops his spin as the bodies fall to the ground. Link faces the treasure chest and attempts to make his way towards it. Instead, he is a little disoriented from the spinning and stumbles off into a tree. Navi giggles as the hero falls on his rear after his head connects with the sturdy tree.
Link rubs his head as he gets back on his feet. This time he makes no error getting to the treasure chest. He opens up the small box and picks up the small silver key that lies inside. Link then proceeds to put the key in the lock of the cage. After a few turns, a soft click sounds and the door swings open. The monkey gleefully hops out of its confinement.
"Thank you for rescuing me, Mr.!" The monkey chatters, "Please save my friends. We were captured by Ganondorf and taken from our home. There are five of us in total. Please free them and we will show you how to get to the boss." With this the monkey climbs up a nearby tree and disappears into the darkness.
"Do you think we can trust them?" Navi asks somewhat concerned about the monkey's allegiance.
"Of course we can trust the monkey. Ganondorf honestly must not trust him or he wouldn't have locked him up. Plus, we have no other way of getting to the boss." Link reasons.
Link looks around the clearing and notices the glint of metal from a stack of crates. Link walks over to the crates and pushes them aside. Lying on the ground is a compass. The hero picks up the device and pockets it. He then proceeds to continue along the Northward path.
The path takes a couple of twist and turns before it abruptly ends at the bank of a stream. Link looks across the water, noting that it is too far to jump across. He grabs a stone and tosses it into the water. Hissing and bubbling the water melts the rock into I pile of molten sludge. "Swimming is a no." Navi comments.
"We must need something in order to get across. We should head back to the clearing and find another path. It isn't far back." Link says as he turns and retraces his steps.
"It isn't far back," Navi says sarcastically.
Nearly an hour has passed since Link and Navi came across the stream. They have yet to come across the clearing where they found the monkey and compass. The walk from the clearing to the stream had taken only a few minutes. "Something isn't right here." Link says as he stops his trek.
The hero turns around and takes a few steps in the general direction of the stream. After a dozen steps he finds himself back at the stream. "This forest must have some sort of curse placed on it." Navi says as she floats around looking at the nearby trees.
"Thank you very much Captain Obvious!" Link mutters as he rests against a tree.
'What's your problem?" Navi asks as he rests on Links shoulder. 'You've become so moody since the last time we save Hyrule. What is it that has you so upset this time?"
Link sighs, "It's just that I'm tired of adventuring. Twice, I've had to skip my adolescence and become the hero. I feel like this is my only purpose in life, when I feel like I'm destined for something more."
Navi nods her head in agreement, "I know it must be hard for you. How about we call this our grand finale?"
"You mean retire? Settle down, get married, have kids. I think I'd like that." Link says as a smile creeps across his face.
"Then it's settled! We call it quits after we defeat Ganondorf. Just one problem, though, how do we get out of here?"
As if in response of Navi's question a beep sounds from Link's pocket. The hero pulls out the compass and stares at it. A big flashing arrow points downstream. "Think we should follow it?" Link asks.
"Got nothing to lose." Navi says as she flutters off Link's shoulder.
The hero grabs hold of an overhanging branch and pulls himself to his feet. He then follows the direction of the arrow and treks along the bank of the stream. Sure enough, within moments a flame can be seen in the distance.
There is a clearing surrounding the illuminated torch. A Wolfos lies sleeping at the base of the torch. Link notices a switch, a small box, and a small target across the stream. The Wolfos stirs when Link steps on a stick as he enters the clearing. The Wolfos spots the hero and lets a haunting howl into the night sky. As if in reply, a second howl sounds from another Wolfos as it enters the clearing.
Link focuses on the newly arrived Wolfos as it encircles him. The other Wolfos crouches as it prepares to leap. Link glances to his side at the crouching Wolfos, letting down his guard. The Wolfos that circled Link takes a sweeping claw at Link's legs. Link is knocked to the ground by the blow, losing hold of his sword. Link's breath is knocked out of him as the other Wolfos pounces on his chest.
Link stares into the gleaming eyes of the crazed beast. Drool drips from the Wolfos mouth as it howls in triumph. Link sees an opening and strikes out with his right hand. The Wolfos collapses on Link as it loses consciousness from the strike. The other creature, seeing his partner defeated, beats a hasty retreat.
The hero pushes aside the unconscious Wolfos and reclaims his sword. He then pulls out his bow and easily shoots the target across the water. A chest appears to the side of the torch. Link then grabs the box and puts it on the switch causing a second chest to appear. Inside each chest is a silver key.
A growl sounds from behind the hero. Link turns to see the Wolfos has returned and is rushing towards him. Since he has his bow handy he fires an arrow at the beast. The Wolfos dodges the arrow and jumps at the Hero of Time. Link steps aside and kicks out at the passing creature. The momentum of Link's kick sends the Wolfos rolling across the clearing into the water.
Link averts his eyes as the Wolfos melts into the poisoned stream. Painful cries are emitted from the creature as it struggles to free itself from its inescapable demise. Navi takes a look at the stream and shudders, "Let's get out of here."
The hero pulls out the compass. This time the arrow points in a Southeast direction. Link leaves the clearing as the dying creature emits one final cry.
The next clearing along the path contains two cages, each with a monkey inside. Between the cages is a small platform. Link warily approaches the cages, but isn't interrupted as he opens each one. The monkeys thank Link before disappearing into the treetops. Link watches them go when Navi calls to him, "Link! We have company!"
Link draws his sword as he turns to face his new challenge. Emerging from the trees is a Stalfos. Link sighs, "Can't I ever go anywhere without getting into a fight?"
The Stalfos approaches Link, wildly swinging his sword as he approaches. Link blocks the attacks using his shield, with each strike knocking him backwards. The attacks stop causing Link to look above the edge of his shield. He sees the Stalfos jump towards him and manages to roll aside just in time to dodge.
A few more dodges and Link is panting for breath. "This guy's too fast for me," he complains as he dodges another powerful swing. Link turns and runs towards one of the cages. The Stalfos eagerly follows him. Link notices the Stalfos pursuit and jumps against the edge of the cage. He shifts his feet and pushes back.
Link soars through the air above the Stalfos. The Stalfos stops himself before running into the cage, but is unable to turn before Link buries his sword into the Stalfos back.
The Stalfos lies dead at Link's feet. A high pitched sound fills the air as a chest materializes on the platform between the cages. Link approaches the chest and carefully pries open the lid. Inside lies a grappling hook (think Windwaker). A note accompanies the hook, which says "Use this item to pass the stream. Aim at the V in the branch. Good luck, Link! This is all I can do to help you for now. Good luck."
"It's signed by Princess Zelda!" Link exclaims as he reads the note again.
"So that's what she's been up to. She disappeared after Ganondorf took over. We all thought that he had kidnapped her or maybe worse..." Navi explains.
Link ponders over this ideal. Is it possible that Zelda took on the persona of Sheik again? If so, when would they cross paths? Why did Zelda say she couldn't do any more to help him?
"Snap out of it Link! We should hurry and get back to the stream crossing. There are still two monkeys that need to be saved." Navi yells at Link.
"Ok, I'm going. You don't need to rush me. I was just thinking about something." Link retaliates.
About ten minutes later, Link and Navi stand on the bank of the stream. The path is clearly visible on the other side of the water. Link looks up at the tree branches that extend over the water. He spots a branch that has two smaller branches sticking out of it in the shape of a V. The hero pulls out the grappling hook and begins twirling it around. Once it reaches a good speed Link releases the hook. He watches the hook sail through the air before latching onto the branch.
Link gives the rope a quick tug to ensure that the hook is secure. He knows that he can't swing across because the ropes length would dip him into the water. So, Link climbs the rope in order to get on top of the branch. Link stands on the branch and looks across the river. A second V branch is visible just a short distance away.
The hook latches on to this second branch. After giving it a short tug, Link swings across the river. Once he is safely across the water, Link reclaims the grappling hook. "I like this thing." Link comments as he returns the hook to his kit.
The path ahead of Link branches out in two directions. One path Link can see a small flame flickering in the distance. The other path is nothing but darkness. Of course, Link picks the path that he can see the light.
Link finds a bundle of arrows on the edge of the clearing. A torch burns on the ground, illuminating a small silver Rupee. A second Rupee floats in the air above a box. Link notices a crudely constructed walkway built above the forest floor. A V branch appears to give access to the catwalk. Two more Rupees lie along the near edge of the wooden structure. Link assumes that a fifth gem is up on the catwalk but is out of sight. At the end of the walkway is a chest surrounded by flames.
Link moves to the torch. He leans over and picks up the first Rupee. He hears a small click as he picks up the gem. Link runs over to the box and climbs on top of it. He snatches the second gem as he tosses the grappling hook at the branch. The hero climbs the rope and rolls off onto the platform. Link was right; the fifth gem is up here.
Link makes a mad dash down the catwalk, staying careful not to slip and fall. He collects each of the three Rupees that hover in the air. The fire dies around the chest as Link pockets the fifth gem. A silver key is in the chest.
The hero climbs down from the catwalk. He looks around the clearing. Seeing nothing, Link consorts the compass. The arrow on the compass points back down the path towards the fork. Link proceeds to retrace his steps back to the fork.
Link turns and begins walking down the other half of the fork. The visibility is very poor as fog encroaches across the path. Link takes a look at the contents of his pockets to make sure everything is still there. One key, the grappling hook, the compass, and the Ocarina of Time are all present. Link returns all of the objects to his pocket and looks back to the path. A small light is approaching Link.
Link ducks behind a tree as the light gets closer. A second light joins the first, slightly behind it. Link watches as a Poe carrying a lantern passes by his hiding place. The other light is a second Poe. Between the two Poes is a pair of Stalfos carrying a pole between them. Attached to the pole is a hog tied monkey.
The hero trains his bow on the lead Poe. Link waits for a few seconds to ensure that he is still unnoticed. He fires his arrow at the Poe. He watches in amazement as the arrow passes through thin air. Both Poes disappear, leaving the Stalfos and Link in darkness.
Within seconds the Stalfos are defeated. He quickly unties the monkey, who runs off into the distance. Link looks down the path to see the two Poes fleeing and gives chase. Navi takes off after the hero.
By the time Navi catches up to Link, he is already engaged in battle with the Poes. Navi watches as Link strikes down one of the Poes. The second one takes the opportunity to flee the small clearing. Link is about to give chase when a tree crashes down in front of him. Link looks up to see the cause of the falling tree and jumps in surprise.
Floating before Link is the largest Poe he has ever seen. The Poe is at least the height of the treetops and takes up nearly the entire clearing. Inside of its lantern is a cage containing a monkey. Link watches as the Poe that ran floats back towards the large Poe. The large Poe simply absorbs the smaller Poe, causing himself to grow even larger. Link gulps as the giant Poe focuses his attention on the hero.
The Poe twirls around his lantern, launching fireballs in every direction. Link blocks the fireball heading towards him with his shield. He then fires a couple of arrows at the Poe, but the arrows pass through the ghost. The Poe proceeds to send more fireballs at the hero. Link dives to the dirt as the fireballs scorch past him.
The hero looks up, ready to dodge the Poes next attack. To his surprise, the Poe is no longer hovering in front of him. Link stands up and looks around in confusion. "Behind you!" Navi yells, but is too late. The Poe had charged Link and sent the hero flying against a tree.
Link gets up, rubbing his head in pain. Navi flies over to the hero to see if he's ok. Meanwhile, the Poe disappears into the trees behind Link. A trickle of blood rolls along Links cheek. Navi tries to wipe the blood away but Link pushes her away. Link grabs a branch of the tree and pulls himself into a kneeling position.
The sound of laughter fills the forest as the Poe charges Link. Link looks around to find where the Poe is coming from. He catches as glimpse of light coming from behind him. The hero pulls out his grappling hook and instinctively tosses it into the air. Link can feel the breath of the Poe at his back. The Poe once again sends Link flying across the clearing.
This time, Link turns so that his feet are facing the trees that he is headed for. Link feels a tug from the grappling hook as it latches onto some branch in the treetops. Link pulls on the rope, causing him to change direction. A tree springs up in front of Link. The hero plants his feet against the wood and pushes back towards the Poe.
The Poe sees Link heading towards it, so it attempts to disappear, but to no luck. Link passes by the spirit, stealing its lantern as he goes by. The Poe can no longer disappear. Link drops the lantern onto the grass as he lands.
Link pulls out his bow and fires half a dozen arrows at the helpless ghost. The Poe howls as its body disintegrates into the fog. A small black spirit floats in the air where the body was destroyed. Link watches as the spirit's face turns from a look of disappointment into a maniacal evil look. With an evil laugh, the spirit vanishes.
Link pulls out the key that he had stored and heads over to the lantern. The glass casing lies broken across the clearing, leaving the cage with the monkey easily accessible. Link steps across the broken glass heading over to the cage. He unlocks the cage, releasing the monkey. The monkey jumps around enthusiastically upon freedom.
Within seconds the other four monkeys have hopped their way into the clearing to join their friend. One hops over to Link and beckons him to follow the other monkeys. Link trudges after the energetic creatures as they bounce through the fog and trees. After a half hour or so the monkeys stop at the edge of an extremely large clearing. The monkeys beckon Link to enter the clearing.
Link does what the monkeys tell him to do. He walks into the center of the clearing and looks around. "There's nothing here." Link tells Navi.
"Maybe the monkeys were somewhat confused with the meaning of boss. I'll go ask them." Navi says as she flies off.
Link hears a deep growl behind him. The hero nervously looks over his shoulder and stares wide-eyed at the sight. "I wouldn't worry about asking the monkeys, Navi. I think I found the boss." Link says as he pulls out his sword. (--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------) A/N: Thus ends part one of the forest temple. Any guesses as to what or who the boss is? You'll have to wait for a week or so, maybe less to find out. Thanks for the reviews. This is Tint signing out after a chapter that nearly doubled the amount of words that I've posted so far. Hope the numbers keep up.