Chapter 7 Off To the Hyrule Castle Town
It was quiet in the Deku Tree's cove. Birds chirped and a light mist began to fall. Suddenly the serene scene was broken when a transparent blue sphere of energy flashed into form in front of the Deku Tree. There was another bright flash of light. The surface or the ball became blurred. Energy surged across it. Spearite fluttered forward to get a better look. She could make out two figures through the swirling distorted surface, a boy and a fairy. The sphere of energy stretched into a long pillar of light. Link's feet were slowly lowered to the ground. The pillar vanished with yet another flash and Link, now unsupported by the energy, fell to his knees. Navi fluttered down to his side. She looked up to the Deku tree who looked browner then before. She just thought that maybe she was just underground to long. It felt good to be outside again; she sucked in the fresh air allowing it to blissfully fill her lungs. "You have done well Link. Your courage has been demonstrated beyond necessity," The Great Deku Tree's speech seemed strained and weak. Both Spearite and Navi noticed this. Link was too busy resting to pay any attention to the more minute details. The Deku Tree spoke again "Young Link I have much I must tell you. Will you listen to my words?" Link looked up breathlessly, nodded, and moved himself to the sitting position.
The Deku tree wasted no time in starting, "Pure Evil has once again come to scourge this fair land of Hyrule. It comes in the form of a wicked man from the desert. This man of evil is skilled in the magic of evil and uses these vile and sorcerous powers to search for the Sacred Realm connected to this land. He is the very same man who cast the death curse upon me." Link looked perplexed "Sacred Realm? What is that?" he asked when he'd collected enough air to do so. "Ah, the Sacred Realm I had forgotten that you Kokori know little of such things. The Sacred Realm is an alternate dimension of Hyrule and the resting place of the divine relic the Triforce," The Deku Tree explained. Link was just about to ask what the Triforce was when the Deku Tree began again. "The Triforce is the living power of the gods. Before the creation of Hyrule, before time, spirits, and life existed three goddesses descended upon the nothingness. They were Din the goddess of Power, Nayru the goddess of Wisdom and Farore the goddess of courage. Each of them took part in the creation of this land. Din... with her powerful, flaming arms cultivated new land and created the red earth. Nayru... poured her wisdom into the world creating laws to govern the land. Farore... with her rich soul, produced all life forms to live by the law." The Deku Tree paused as if to rest for a moment and then began again. "When their labors were complete the three goddesses departed for the heavens leaving behind the sacred, golden triangles as a symbol of their power. Since then the Triforce has resided in the Sacred Realm as the center of all providence in this world. Link you must never let the desert man enter the Sacred Realm. Even worse would it become should that wicked man lay his hands on the Triforce. That evil man, who sapped my strength with that curse and sealed my fate."
The Deku Tree's words had become slower since he had started talking again. Spearite piped up, "What do you mean 'sealed' your fate!" she demanded with worry. "Because of this curse my end is near," The Deku tree answered weakly. "WHAT!" Link yelled, jumping to his feet despite his fatigued state, "But we broke the curse how can you die if we already broke the curse?!" "Though Valiant your efforts were, young one. I was doomed from the moment I was cursed. Your breaking of the curse was nothing more then a test to see if you were truly the chosen hero. This is a test you passed." The Deku Tree took a longer pause. "Link because you have proven yourself capable, go now to Hyrule Castle once there you must meet with the Princess of Destiny." Link, along with the fairies, was speechless. The Deku Tree's voice became even weaker, "Take with you, Link, this stone, the Kokiri Emerald. This is the stone which the evil man wanted so much that he cast the death curse on me. This stone is the sacred treasure of the Kokiri race and one of the keys to the Sacred Realm." The Deku Tree's limbs shook violently. A large nut, high in his branches, cracked. Link looked up to see a brilliant, green gemstone fall from the Deku Tree's branches. The stone fell at great speed until it was right above Link then it slowed down. Link cupped his hands and held them out. The stone slowly came to rest in them. Link stared in wonder at its gleaming surface. It was shaped like a tree. It had curved branches of gold that coiled across the surface of a huge green emerald. "Now... go... young... one... and...good...luck..." Link looked up to the Deku Tree who went completely silent. Leaves and branches of various sizes began to fall. Link saw the Deku Tree's bark slowly become an unhealthy black. Slivers of bark peeled and curled before they fell as the Deku Tree became totally lifeless. Link stared solemnly for several moments. Spearite slowly fluttered away, weeping quietly. Link remembering where he had to go then he abruptly turned and rushed away. Navi remained staring for several moments after Link had left. "Good Bye... Great Deku Tree," she muttered and with that turned to catch up with Link.
Link ran through the passage leading out of the Deku Tree's cove. He had only seen the Deku Tree once and yet he felt as if he known him forever. He felt some how responsible. He felt that if he had been faster the Deku Tree might not have died. Link came to the end of the passage and saw Mido standing there. He shoved the jagged feeling of failure out of his mind because he knew it would take all of his patience to deal with Mido. Link slowed to a walk and went to face Mido who stared back at him as if nothing had happened. Link tried to walk around him, but Mido side stepped to block his path. Link tried to go around the other way and Mido stepped in to block that one too. "Get out of my way, Mido," Link said firmly. "The Deku Tree is he... dead?" Mido asked timidly. Link nodded, under normal circumstances he'd be surprised that Mido was being civil to him but that ended. "How could you do that?!" Mido yelled. Link's head lowered "I didn't do it," Link muttered. "Who else could have done it? You were the last one to see him! I can't believe I fell for your stupid trick," Mido yelled. Soon the attention of all the nearby Kokiri was attracted as Mido continued to yell at Link. "Shut up," Link muttered, but Mido kept up his harassment. Link couldn't take any more of Mido's yelling. He had endured Mido's cruel harassments for his entire life. Now, with the depression of the Deku Tree's death and the abuse from Mido reaching its limit, his patience had finally run out. "I SAID SHUT UP!!!" Link roared, lunging for Mido. He grabbed Mido by the tunic and threw him to the ground. Then he jumped down on top of him and raised his fist ready to pound it into Mido's frightened face. Just then Navi fluttered around the corner. "Link what are you doing?" She yelled. Link realized he had lost his temper. He regained his composure, and lowered his fist. He stood to his feet, and rushed past the group of shocked Kokiri back to his house followed by Navi. He scurried up the ladder. Tears streamed from his eyes as he threw himself onto his bed. Link couldn't believe what he could have done if Navi hadn't stopped him.
He sat up on his bed to see Navi floating above him. "Don't feel so bad. I probably would have done the same thing if I was in you position," Navi comforted. Link nodded. "C'mon you'd better get some sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow," Navi suggested. Link nodded in agreement. By this time the sun had already begin to set. Link took off his equipment and leaned it against the table. Then he removed his belt, cap, and boot. After he was ready he laid down. Not even the bright orange light of the sun disturbed him. He was out like a light in seconds.
Link slept peacefully through out the night until his sleep was broken by Navi's annoying wake up call. "Wake up! C'mon get up! It's time to wake up, sleepy head! So Wake Up!" she buzzed. Link reluctantly climbed out of bed. "How can you be this happy this early in the morning?" Link asked groggily. Navi just smiled. Link sighed and grabbed a little bread off of the table and ate it. He got dressed hastily. Then started packing things he would need for his trip into a small satchel. He crammed some food and a few extra tunics inside the pouch. He slung it over his back and his sword and shield over top of that. Then he started to leave but something caught his eye. Sitting on the table was his unfinished boomerang. He longed to complete it but knew he wouldn't have time to do it. Navi turned around to see why Link had stopped. "You can take that with you. You'll probably have some time to finish it eventually," she informed him. Link grabbed it and shoved it into the satchel along with his other stuff. He left the house and climbed down the ladder. As Link walked up to the main path he stopped and turned around to take one last look at his home. "Hey what's with the long face we're going on an adventure smile for a change," Navi said cheerfully. "There is nothing left for me here. I lived here my whole life and I doubt I'll ever return," Link said solemnly his tone rose positively with his next few words, "But it's time to leave. Let's go Navi!" Link ran toward the exit of the forest.
The large hollowed trunk that was the entrance to the Kokiri forest was deserted. No one went there since they had long thought that if a Kokiri left the forest then he or she would die. Link stood in front of the massive opening lost in thought. He argued with himself on whether he should do it. Even with his excitement and eagerness he still had trouble leaving. The tunnel was dark he couldn't see anything on the other side despite the fact that it was broad daylight. Link finally shoved all unwillingness from his mind. "Well lets see what really happens if a Kokiri leaves the forest." Link said and with that he walked through the trunk. Several Kokiri girls had seen him go through. They gasped and rushed off to tell their friends. Link reached the other end of the trunk which opened up into a wide space of forest. He found himself on a wide suspension bridge over an area of the lost woods. He ran on. Suddenly he stopped in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice. "I knew you would leave one day," the voice said. Link turned around to see Saria standing to the side of the bridge. He wondered why he hadn't seen at first. "It's because you are different from me and the others. So you don't belong here," Saria continued. Link walked over to her. As he got closer he could see her trying to fight off tears. Link remained tensely silent. "But that's alright we'll always be friends, right. Even though we won't see each other," Saria continued, forcing a smile. Link only nodded. "Remember when I tried to teach you to play the ocarina?" Saria reached back to her satchel and pulled out a potato shaped ocarina. It was made of wood and had a plain tan color to it. "I want you to have this as sort of a memento. Please take care of it and think of me when you play it." Link reached out and took the ocarina. "Thank you," he said quietly. Saria then walked up to him and kissed him gently on the cheek. Link gaped at her for a moment than took a step back suddenly he didn't want to go, but he had to. His mind went into a battle against with what he wanted and what he had to do. Finally one side won he turned and ran across the bridge as fast as he could. He never looked back. If he took one more look at his friend his mind would be changed. Saria stared at Link as he left the forest. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched him go. Even after he had left she still stood there staring.
Link rushed out of the trunk still running. He came to the edge of the walls of dirt that were on either side of the Kokiri entrance. His heart ached. It wanted to turn back. He wanted to forget all about what had happened but he couldn't. The entire world was counting on him; he couldn't give into his selfish desires. He leaned against the wall and began to cry quietly. Navi watched him quietly she understood how he felt but there was nothing she could do. She was as surprised as Link about what happened next "Come now, child whatever has happened I'm sure it something that can be overcome," said a gentle but deep voice. Link's eyes shot up he looked around and saw no one. "Up here, little one." Link looked up to the tree branch hanging over him and he was surprised by what he saw perched on top of it.
It was quiet in the Deku Tree's cove. Birds chirped and a light mist began to fall. Suddenly the serene scene was broken when a transparent blue sphere of energy flashed into form in front of the Deku Tree. There was another bright flash of light. The surface or the ball became blurred. Energy surged across it. Spearite fluttered forward to get a better look. She could make out two figures through the swirling distorted surface, a boy and a fairy. The sphere of energy stretched into a long pillar of light. Link's feet were slowly lowered to the ground. The pillar vanished with yet another flash and Link, now unsupported by the energy, fell to his knees. Navi fluttered down to his side. She looked up to the Deku tree who looked browner then before. She just thought that maybe she was just underground to long. It felt good to be outside again; she sucked in the fresh air allowing it to blissfully fill her lungs. "You have done well Link. Your courage has been demonstrated beyond necessity," The Great Deku Tree's speech seemed strained and weak. Both Spearite and Navi noticed this. Link was too busy resting to pay any attention to the more minute details. The Deku Tree spoke again "Young Link I have much I must tell you. Will you listen to my words?" Link looked up breathlessly, nodded, and moved himself to the sitting position.
The Deku tree wasted no time in starting, "Pure Evil has once again come to scourge this fair land of Hyrule. It comes in the form of a wicked man from the desert. This man of evil is skilled in the magic of evil and uses these vile and sorcerous powers to search for the Sacred Realm connected to this land. He is the very same man who cast the death curse upon me." Link looked perplexed "Sacred Realm? What is that?" he asked when he'd collected enough air to do so. "Ah, the Sacred Realm I had forgotten that you Kokori know little of such things. The Sacred Realm is an alternate dimension of Hyrule and the resting place of the divine relic the Triforce," The Deku Tree explained. Link was just about to ask what the Triforce was when the Deku Tree began again. "The Triforce is the living power of the gods. Before the creation of Hyrule, before time, spirits, and life existed three goddesses descended upon the nothingness. They were Din the goddess of Power, Nayru the goddess of Wisdom and Farore the goddess of courage. Each of them took part in the creation of this land. Din... with her powerful, flaming arms cultivated new land and created the red earth. Nayru... poured her wisdom into the world creating laws to govern the land. Farore... with her rich soul, produced all life forms to live by the law." The Deku Tree paused as if to rest for a moment and then began again. "When their labors were complete the three goddesses departed for the heavens leaving behind the sacred, golden triangles as a symbol of their power. Since then the Triforce has resided in the Sacred Realm as the center of all providence in this world. Link you must never let the desert man enter the Sacred Realm. Even worse would it become should that wicked man lay his hands on the Triforce. That evil man, who sapped my strength with that curse and sealed my fate."
The Deku Tree's words had become slower since he had started talking again. Spearite piped up, "What do you mean 'sealed' your fate!" she demanded with worry. "Because of this curse my end is near," The Deku tree answered weakly. "WHAT!" Link yelled, jumping to his feet despite his fatigued state, "But we broke the curse how can you die if we already broke the curse?!" "Though Valiant your efforts were, young one. I was doomed from the moment I was cursed. Your breaking of the curse was nothing more then a test to see if you were truly the chosen hero. This is a test you passed." The Deku Tree took a longer pause. "Link because you have proven yourself capable, go now to Hyrule Castle once there you must meet with the Princess of Destiny." Link, along with the fairies, was speechless. The Deku Tree's voice became even weaker, "Take with you, Link, this stone, the Kokiri Emerald. This is the stone which the evil man wanted so much that he cast the death curse on me. This stone is the sacred treasure of the Kokiri race and one of the keys to the Sacred Realm." The Deku Tree's limbs shook violently. A large nut, high in his branches, cracked. Link looked up to see a brilliant, green gemstone fall from the Deku Tree's branches. The stone fell at great speed until it was right above Link then it slowed down. Link cupped his hands and held them out. The stone slowly came to rest in them. Link stared in wonder at its gleaming surface. It was shaped like a tree. It had curved branches of gold that coiled across the surface of a huge green emerald. "Now... go... young... one... and...good...luck..." Link looked up to the Deku Tree who went completely silent. Leaves and branches of various sizes began to fall. Link saw the Deku Tree's bark slowly become an unhealthy black. Slivers of bark peeled and curled before they fell as the Deku Tree became totally lifeless. Link stared solemnly for several moments. Spearite slowly fluttered away, weeping quietly. Link remembering where he had to go then he abruptly turned and rushed away. Navi remained staring for several moments after Link had left. "Good Bye... Great Deku Tree," she muttered and with that turned to catch up with Link.
Link ran through the passage leading out of the Deku Tree's cove. He had only seen the Deku Tree once and yet he felt as if he known him forever. He felt some how responsible. He felt that if he had been faster the Deku Tree might not have died. Link came to the end of the passage and saw Mido standing there. He shoved the jagged feeling of failure out of his mind because he knew it would take all of his patience to deal with Mido. Link slowed to a walk and went to face Mido who stared back at him as if nothing had happened. Link tried to walk around him, but Mido side stepped to block his path. Link tried to go around the other way and Mido stepped in to block that one too. "Get out of my way, Mido," Link said firmly. "The Deku Tree is he... dead?" Mido asked timidly. Link nodded, under normal circumstances he'd be surprised that Mido was being civil to him but that ended. "How could you do that?!" Mido yelled. Link's head lowered "I didn't do it," Link muttered. "Who else could have done it? You were the last one to see him! I can't believe I fell for your stupid trick," Mido yelled. Soon the attention of all the nearby Kokiri was attracted as Mido continued to yell at Link. "Shut up," Link muttered, but Mido kept up his harassment. Link couldn't take any more of Mido's yelling. He had endured Mido's cruel harassments for his entire life. Now, with the depression of the Deku Tree's death and the abuse from Mido reaching its limit, his patience had finally run out. "I SAID SHUT UP!!!" Link roared, lunging for Mido. He grabbed Mido by the tunic and threw him to the ground. Then he jumped down on top of him and raised his fist ready to pound it into Mido's frightened face. Just then Navi fluttered around the corner. "Link what are you doing?" She yelled. Link realized he had lost his temper. He regained his composure, and lowered his fist. He stood to his feet, and rushed past the group of shocked Kokiri back to his house followed by Navi. He scurried up the ladder. Tears streamed from his eyes as he threw himself onto his bed. Link couldn't believe what he could have done if Navi hadn't stopped him.
He sat up on his bed to see Navi floating above him. "Don't feel so bad. I probably would have done the same thing if I was in you position," Navi comforted. Link nodded. "C'mon you'd better get some sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow," Navi suggested. Link nodded in agreement. By this time the sun had already begin to set. Link took off his equipment and leaned it against the table. Then he removed his belt, cap, and boot. After he was ready he laid down. Not even the bright orange light of the sun disturbed him. He was out like a light in seconds.
Link slept peacefully through out the night until his sleep was broken by Navi's annoying wake up call. "Wake up! C'mon get up! It's time to wake up, sleepy head! So Wake Up!" she buzzed. Link reluctantly climbed out of bed. "How can you be this happy this early in the morning?" Link asked groggily. Navi just smiled. Link sighed and grabbed a little bread off of the table and ate it. He got dressed hastily. Then started packing things he would need for his trip into a small satchel. He crammed some food and a few extra tunics inside the pouch. He slung it over his back and his sword and shield over top of that. Then he started to leave but something caught his eye. Sitting on the table was his unfinished boomerang. He longed to complete it but knew he wouldn't have time to do it. Navi turned around to see why Link had stopped. "You can take that with you. You'll probably have some time to finish it eventually," she informed him. Link grabbed it and shoved it into the satchel along with his other stuff. He left the house and climbed down the ladder. As Link walked up to the main path he stopped and turned around to take one last look at his home. "Hey what's with the long face we're going on an adventure smile for a change," Navi said cheerfully. "There is nothing left for me here. I lived here my whole life and I doubt I'll ever return," Link said solemnly his tone rose positively with his next few words, "But it's time to leave. Let's go Navi!" Link ran toward the exit of the forest.
The large hollowed trunk that was the entrance to the Kokiri forest was deserted. No one went there since they had long thought that if a Kokiri left the forest then he or she would die. Link stood in front of the massive opening lost in thought. He argued with himself on whether he should do it. Even with his excitement and eagerness he still had trouble leaving. The tunnel was dark he couldn't see anything on the other side despite the fact that it was broad daylight. Link finally shoved all unwillingness from his mind. "Well lets see what really happens if a Kokiri leaves the forest." Link said and with that he walked through the trunk. Several Kokiri girls had seen him go through. They gasped and rushed off to tell their friends. Link reached the other end of the trunk which opened up into a wide space of forest. He found himself on a wide suspension bridge over an area of the lost woods. He ran on. Suddenly he stopped in surprise at the sound of a familiar voice. "I knew you would leave one day," the voice said. Link turned around to see Saria standing to the side of the bridge. He wondered why he hadn't seen at first. "It's because you are different from me and the others. So you don't belong here," Saria continued. Link walked over to her. As he got closer he could see her trying to fight off tears. Link remained tensely silent. "But that's alright we'll always be friends, right. Even though we won't see each other," Saria continued, forcing a smile. Link only nodded. "Remember when I tried to teach you to play the ocarina?" Saria reached back to her satchel and pulled out a potato shaped ocarina. It was made of wood and had a plain tan color to it. "I want you to have this as sort of a memento. Please take care of it and think of me when you play it." Link reached out and took the ocarina. "Thank you," he said quietly. Saria then walked up to him and kissed him gently on the cheek. Link gaped at her for a moment than took a step back suddenly he didn't want to go, but he had to. His mind went into a battle against with what he wanted and what he had to do. Finally one side won he turned and ran across the bridge as fast as he could. He never looked back. If he took one more look at his friend his mind would be changed. Saria stared at Link as he left the forest. Tears formed in her eyes as she watched him go. Even after he had left she still stood there staring.
Link rushed out of the trunk still running. He came to the edge of the walls of dirt that were on either side of the Kokiri entrance. His heart ached. It wanted to turn back. He wanted to forget all about what had happened but he couldn't. The entire world was counting on him; he couldn't give into his selfish desires. He leaned against the wall and began to cry quietly. Navi watched him quietly she understood how he felt but there was nothing she could do. She was as surprised as Link about what happened next "Come now, child whatever has happened I'm sure it something that can be overcome," said a gentle but deep voice. Link's eyes shot up he looked around and saw no one. "Up here, little one." Link looked up to the tree branch hanging over him and he was surprised by what he saw perched on top of it.