Nanio-713: (Shirt ripped off, bleeding, with hands handcuffed to pole suspended over head) I'm tired of explaining this. Why won't you just listen! I don't believe in the Matrix and I don't own Zelda!
Agent Smith: (Smiling maliciously) Of course you don't, Mr. Anderson.
Chapter 3: The Kokiri Forest Pt. 1
When Link arrived at Kokiri Village, he expected many things: the same old quiet village he remembered, a village beginning to show signs of invading monsters, or a village where the Kokiri were training to fight monsters. What he didn't expect to see was what was really going on. A big party was engulfing the entire Kokiri Village. Children were running around playing games, like tag and catch, and dancing. Some Skull kids jumped around, playing with the Kokiri, while others played musical instruments. There were also bunches of Deku's everywhere. Many of them played tag with the Kokiri, while others stood in circles playing catch by spitting Deku nuts at each other.
There were quite a few places where music was being played, but the spot most were paying attention to was right in front of the Kokiri shop. One of the Know-It-All brothers (A/N: Shame on you if you don't remember them) was playing a fast paced tune while sitting on the roof with a Skull kid, who was keeping up on a flute. Right behind them was a Deku shrub playing along on a set of Deku pipes. There beat was lively and louder than any other music being played. A large gathering of Kokiri, Skull kids, and Deku's surrounded the shop, dancing wildly.
Link watched all the fun and games as he walked through Kokiri Village. No one bothered to look at him twice, though. I wonder what happened to cause such a large party, Link thought. He decided that he would ask the one person who would give him a straight answer: Mido.
Link walked through the village to the entrance to the path to the Great Deku Tree. Mido was standing by the entrance. Making sure nobody passes without a sword or shield, I guess. He's always trying to be the big boss. Link chuckled at his thought as he walked up to Mido. "Hey Mido, what's going on?"
"Well, if it isn't Link." Mido sneered. "Looks like your Mr. No-Fairy again. I knew you couldn't be one of us!"
"No," Link said. "I'm not. I'm Hylian. That's why I can leave the forest. So tell me: What's going on?"
Mido was so shocked at Link's statement that he didn't know how to react. He's really not Kokiri! I only ever meant it as a joke! He didn't know what to say, so he merely stated, "The Great Deku Tree has been reborn. He stated that he wished to speak to you as soon as you got here, but once everyone discovered he was alive, they forgot the message and began celebrating."
"So that explains why nobody noticed me walking around," Link responded. "Alright, then. I'm off to see the Deku Tree." Link began striding towards the tree as Mido began shouting comments about how Link better not kill the Deku Tree again.
Link ignored him as he walked down the familiar path of the Deku Tree. He stopped as soon as he reached the clearing. The old Deku Tree stood as large as ever, but without it's usual radiance due to the fact that it was dead. Ahead of the old Deku Tree was the Deku Tree Sprout: A short, fat tree with a small face on it. In front of the sprout was a very familiar little girl with green hair held back with a green headband.
"Link," Saria shouted. "It's so good to see you back again!" Saria suddenly ran up and hugged Link with all her might. Link was so shocked to see her he just stood there speechless as she began to pull him towards the Deku tree Sprout. He's not supposed to be born for seven years, and she… What's Saria doing here? She's supposed to be in the Temple of Time! Link finally reached the Deku Tree Sprout, looking dazed and confused.
"Well," the Sprout said, "I see that you have questions, so let me explain a few things first. You remember what you were told about shadow memories, right?"
Link nodded, but Saria shook her head and replied, "I don't have shadow memories."
"That's because you're a Sage," the Sprout stated. "Link, you, the other six Sages, and I don't have shadow memories, they are real for us."
"Why does Zelda have shadow memories, then?" Link asked. "Surely she should remember everything as well as we do, seeing as she has the Triforce of Wisdom."
The spout shook it's leaves in confusion and answered, "I don't know, Link. Maybe she didn't have enough energy after the final battle to retain her memories as real ones. But don't worry: If she makes sure she remembers the shadow memories, they will return to being real ones by the end of the month."
Link nodded to show that he understood everything so far. He remembered how weak she looked, standing in the clouds. He also remembered how beautiful she looked. The way her hair was still well organized, even just after defeating Gannon, without a single hair out of place. How she wore that dress that showed her natural beauty in a graceful and proper way. He also remembered why he came here. To seek the one he cared for, and find the answers he needs from that person.
"Let's get back to my original explanation, which is why Saria and myself are here." The Sprout looked at Link, sighed, then began, "Along with the shadow memories being placed in everyone's head, other things happened that were too powerful to be changed. I wasn't meant to be reborn, seeing as I was never meant to die. The Sages placed me in this time because Rauru knew that I had to protect the forest. If not, then Gannon's minions, if there are any left, could begin to bring him back by destroying the Forest Temple. That would waken the other temples, causing his barrier to break."
"OK," Link said. "Then why is Saria here and not in the Temple of Time?"
"Well," Saria said before the Sprout could talk, "I'll answer this. The reason I'm back is because in this time I never left. It would be too obvious to anyone if seven people suddenly disappeared along with Gannondorf. People would believe in the shadow memories and…" Saria shook her head and raiser her hands, palms upwards. "Who knows what would happen, then."
Link agreed, "Yeah, I suppose they're shadow memories for a reason. I wouldn't want to remember some of what happened in those last seven years, either." Link remembered how many people he discovered had died, been tortured, gone crazy, or fled Hyrule because of Gannon. He knew that if they realized that was true, they would panic, and who knows what they would do.
Saria nodded and smiled, "You see? So, all of the Sages are back in their old lives, but we are all still connected to the Sacred Realm, and could go back whenever we wish."
Link nodded, "Well, that answers most of my questions. Now there's just one more thing I want to know." Link began to shift a little nervously.
Saria looked at Link curiously. "Sure, we'll tell you whatever you want to know."
Link stared at the Deku tree Sprout, then at Saria. He remembered how bad he felt when the Deku tree died. It was like holding the lead in a race just to fall on your face at the last second when he defeated Gohma, just to discover that the Deku Tree was still dying. And Saria… When Saria became a Sage, Link felt so bad because he felt as if he just kept taking the most important things from the Kokiri. His Family. Then, the Deku Tree Sprout was born and it eased a bit of his pain, but not all of it. Now, seeing them, he felt so happy that the Kokiri went back to their old happy selves. They didn't need him anymore, so he didn't have to worry while in search of his next adventure. "I was wondering if you could help me find someone."
"Sure," The Sprout said. "Who?"
Link scratched the back of his head. "Well, I'm looking for…"
A/N: Hurray for Cliffies! (Sorry Dreamer1313, you'll have to wait to find out who it is, though I think you already know.) Actually, I hate them, but please don't hate me for them. I'm working on the next chapter now, so you only have to wait 2 or 3 weeks for the next part. Also, am I too wordy? I've been told I take too long to explain things. I don't think I am, but I don't want anyone to get bored with this. Please review and give me your thoughts.