Link sped through the Lost Woods as fast as he could, Gerik close on his heels. Link was in a state of desperation. By the size of the enemy fleet he knew that there would be no way to save the Kokiri Forest, but he was determined to make sure that there would be no casualties. He would ensure the safety of the Kokiri at all costs. Everything else just came in second.
Gerik still wanted to go straight to Hyrule Castle, but he knew now that there was no hope of changing Link's mind. He knew that a huge war was coming, a war of which nobody could've imagined in even their worst nightmare. Gerik also knew that there were going to be hundreds, if not thousands of casualties. He was positive that Link had figured this out already so he couldn't figure out why the lives of only a few dozen were so important.
In no time at all Link was passing by familiar areas of the Lost Woods. As he got closer and closer to the Kokiri Forest, Link began to wonder where he was going to have everyone evacuate to. If Hyrule was the target of these invaders, then having them leave the forest would put them right back into the same danger. He had to find someplace within the forest where they would be safe and protected.
As he sped through the woods he came upon the entrance to the Sacred Meadow. Link stopped Epona short and Gerik nearly crashed right into them. Link just sat their atop Epona staring into the meadow. Without saying a word Gerik looked into the meadow as well, but he had no idea what Link was staring at.
"Um Link, we are running on a tight schedule here." said Gerik. "What the hell are you doing? Link?"
"The Forest Temple, of course!" shouted Link. "They'll be safe in there. Saria will protect them if anything. Come on Gerik, let's go."
Link tapped Epona and was once again speeding through the woods towards his home. Gerik just shook his head in confusion and ran after them. He didn't want to question what that was all about; he was just glad that they were almost out of the woods. As they exited the woods Link continued to gallop full speed. He headed straight for his house and stopped right in front of it. Link then hopped off of Epona and ran toward Saria's house. Gerik not knowing what Link was up to just stood next to Epona and waited.
Upon reaching Saria's house Link quickly ran up the ramp that ran up along her house and led to the top of the pillar which stood in the middle of the Kokiri Forest. Link had placed a large bell on that pillar long ago just for this sort of emergency. It was toward this bell that he was now running. Link grabbed the string that extended down out of the bell and swung it back and forth ringing the bell.
The bell sounded all throughout the Kokiri Forest. All of the Kokiri, upon hearing the bell, rushed out and to the pillar to see what was going on. Mido stuck his head out of the door of his house and upon seeing that it was Link ringing the bell, grudgingly walked out of his house and to where everyone else was gathering. When Link saw that everyone had gathered, he stopped ringing the bell.
"My friends," he began, "I have some grave news. There is a huge army heading this way through the Lost Woods. They are going to burn everything in their path, including the Kokiri Forest when they get here."
There are gasps among all of the Kokiri as Link is saying this; that is all of them except Mido. He is just standing at the back with his arms folded and the same scowl on his face as always.
"When they finally get here," Link continued, "they will not think twice about slaughtering all of you. As of yet I do not know what these people want, but I do know that it involves the destruction of Hyrule for them to have brought an army of this magnitude. I alone am not strong enough to take them all on by myself; therefore I am asking you all to evacuate the Kokiri Forest. You all must abandon your homes if there is to be any chance of survival."
"And why should we believe a word you say?" asked Mido. "Where's your proof?"
"Excuse me if I didn't wait for them to sign a piece of paper for me telling you that they're on their way to destroy you. Why would I be making something like this up?"
"I don't know; maybe for some fun. You have been acting like you've been bored a lot recently."
"You know what Mido, forget it. If you don't believe me then just stay here. The same goes for the rest of you. If you don't believe me then just go about your lives normally, but if you do then go to your homes and take whatever you deem necessary. Chances are whatever you leave behind will be destroyed, so choose wisely what you bring. I also need you to fill as many jars of water as you can and gather up as much food as you can. When that's all done raid the shop and take everything. I want you to gather all the Deku Shields, Deku Sticks, and Deku Nuts that you can for protection. Hopefully you will never have to use them, but it's better to be safe then sorry. Okay then, let's get to work."
Link hopped down off of the pillar and headed over to Gerik. All of the Kokiri meanwhile ran over to their homes to grab their possessions and do as Link had requested. Mido just stood there in disbelief as everyone except himself ran to their homes. He then threw his arms up into the air in submission and slowly walked over to his own house.
Link passed right by Gerik without saying a word and headed behind his house. Gerik followed wondering what Link was up to. Behind Link's house was a large wagon. Link had constructed it several years ago to bring goods from Hyrule Market to the Kokiri Forest.
"Alright Gerik," Link said, "I need you to take this wagon and hitch it up to Epona. Have all the Kokiri put their possessions, food, water and weapons inside. I have some things to take care of."
"If it'll make things go faster then I'll do whatever you want me to." Gerik replied.
As Gerik pulled the wagon over to Epona, Link ran to the front of his house and climbed the ladder to get inside. Hanging on all of the walls of his house were the weapons, both kid and adult, that he had gathered when fighting Ganon seven years ago. Link walked over to his bed and spread out the blanket that was laying on top of it. Link then walked around his house taking his Boomerang, Slingshot and Bullet Seed Bag, Goron Bracelet, and Hylian Shield off of the walls and placing them neatly in the middle of his blanket. When they were arranged neatly Link reached into his boot, pulled out the Kokiri Sword, and placed that on top of the blanket as well. He folded the sides and then tied them together to create a bundle.
Link put the bundle by his door and turned to grab the rest of his gear. The first thing he did was take off his Zora tunic and don his traditional Green tunic, which was now battle-worn and torn in a few places. He took the Mirror Shield from the wall and placed that on his back. He then grabbed the Fairy Bow and the quiver of arrows and threw them around his back as well. He grabbed both the Hookshot and the Longshot and attached them to his belt. He did the same with the Bomb Bag. The rest of his gear (tunics, boots, and weapons) he just tossed out of his house so he could place them in the wagon.
With Link's house now empty, he took the bundle he had made earlier and jumped out. When he looked up he saw that the wagon was already loaded with the Kokiri's possessions and the food, water, and weapons were being loaded on now. Link grabbed all the stuff he had tossed out of his house and placed them in the wagon away from everyone else's stuff. He then took the bundle and placed it on top. As Link turned around to see what he could do to help, he saw Mido putting his stuff into the wagon as well.
"I thought that I was making this whole thing up." Link said mockingly to Mido.
"Yeah well, I still don't believe you." he replied. "I just don't want to stay here by myself."
"Whatever lets you sleep at night. Let's just get this done."
When the wagon was loaded with everything that was going, Link hopped on top of Epona. The wagon was completely full, so the Kokiri were going to have to walk. It didn't really matter though since Link couldn't make Epona go too fast for fear of tipping the wagon. Link gave the signal and they all started making their way toward the Lost Woods.
"Wait a minute!" shouted one of the female Kokiri. "What about the Deku Tree Sprout? What's going to happen to him?"
"Oh crap!" shouted Link. "Gerik, lead them on to the Forest Temple. I'll catch up with you shortly."
Link quickly jumped off of Epona and ran as fast as he could to where the Deku Tree Sprout was. Gerik did as he was asked and continued to lead the Kokiri to the Forest Temple. Link meanwhile hopped over the small river that ran through the forest and entered the Deku Tree's meadow. The decaying remains of the original Deku Tree were still there, and situated under them was the Deku Tree Sprout.
"I know why you have come." he said.
"Then you know what is about to happen?" asked Link.
"Yes, and I am prepared to die."
"Die? But won't you just plant another sprout like your predecessor did?"
"I am still too young Hero of Time. I have only a little control over my powers. As such, I will not be able to continue the Deku Tree line. If I die, then there will never again be another Great Deku Tree."
"But, I can't just leave you here to die."
"You have already led my children to safety. That is much more than I could have asked of you. Do not worry about me. While my powers aren't strong enough to hold back this dark army, I will use what little power I have to slow their advance."
"But I can't just leave you."
"You must. You are the Hero of Time. Hyrule needs you once again. You cannot abandon the kingdom. My life is insignificant compared to all the lives that now depend on you. My life will not be the only one lost in the days to come, but if you don't stop worrying and start doing your duty then all will be lost. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Good, then get going. Trust the Sheikah. He does not know it yet, but he is to become a key player in the events about to unfold. Also, in order to push back this growing darkness you must unite the races of Hyrule. Only by doing so will Hyrule continue to have a future."
"But how am I to accomplish that?"
"Time is short and I do not have all the answers. You must go to Hyrule Castle as soon as possible. There you will meet another who can answer all the questions that you seek. Now go Hero of Time. You are the only hope for Hyrule."
"Goodbye, Deku Tree."
With that Link runs off to catch up to the others. He knows that if he runs the whole way he should be able to catch up to them before they reach the Forest Temple. As he enters the Lost Woods he looks up and sees the sun beginning to set. It wouldn't be long now before nightfall. They had maybe one or two hours left. Going to Hyrule Castle today was now out of the question. Link knew that they were going to have to spend the night in the Kokiri Forest and head out at dawn.
Link finally caught up to them about halfway through the Sacred Meadow. The saddened look on his face was all the answer the Kokiri needed. They knew that the Deku Tree Sprout must have chosen death otherwise Link would not have the look on his face that he did. Mido was about to make a smug comment about how Link was leaving the Deku Tree to die, but the way all the other Kokiri were acting he didn't want to chance them turning on him.
When they reached the Forest Temple everybody stopped and rested. The ramp leading to the temple was still destroyed, so the only way up there was by the hookshot or longshot. Link unhooked his longshot and fired it at the hanging tree branch. He flew through the air and landed on top of the broken ramp.
"Okay Gerik," he said, "start handing me up all the stuff."
Gerik hopped up into the wagon and one by one started handing all the weapons, food, water, and possessions to Link. Link in turn took the stuff and placed it all neatly in the room behind him. When everything was up except for Link's weapons, Link jumped down and landed in the wagon. He then unhooked the hookshot from his belt and gave it to Gerik.
"All right Gerik. We'll take them up one by one. You do know how to use that thing, right?"
"Of course, piece of cake."
"Good, then let's do this."
Just as Link said, one by one they each brought the Kokiri up to the temple. With one hand they held on to the hookshot/longshot, and with the other they held on to one of the Kokiri. Link made sure that Mido was last and that it was Gerik who brought him up. As Gerik did that, Link grabbed the bundle he made and used his longshot to once again go up into the temple.
"Okay everyone," Link said when he got up there, "there are no longer any monsters in here so it's completely safe. I doubt anyone would waste their time searching for you here. Just go in as deep as you can and everything will be alright. I'll see you all again. I promise."
All the Kokiri started picking up their possessions first and headed into the temple as Link had suggested. As Mido was picking up his things, Link walked over and handed him the bundle in his hand.
"What th hell is this?" Mido shouted.
"Listen Mido, I know that you and I have never seen eye to eye, but you are the best warrior among the Kokiri. If anything happens, it'll be up to you to save them. I have done all I can for you guys. Just as I must go and protect my own people, it is time for you to protect yours. Goodbye Mido."
"Hold up Link. Just between you and me; you don't believe that you're coming back from this, do you?"
"I don't know. I'm not worried about coming back or not though. What I'm worried about is whether Hyrule will survive this coming war."
"Well. . .well. . .good luck."
"Thanks."
With those words of encouragement Link and Mido turn away from each other. Link headed outside to where Gerik was waiting and Mido started walking inside the Forest Temple, taking a peek at what was inside the bundle as he did. When Link reached the outside he saw Gerik sitting in the wagon.
"Hey Gerik," said Link, "I know that you wanted to head to the castle, but it's getting late. We'll never make it there before nightfall."
"So, it's not like they raise the drawbridge anymore." said Gerik.
"Yeah, but do you really think we'll be in any shape to tell the king about what's going on without a full night's rest?"
"I guess not, but we're leaving at dawn tomorrow."
"No problem. Now come on; we can sleep in the Kokiri Forest."
Link hopped into the wagon as well and had Epona begin a trot back toward the Kokiri Forest. After all that he had gone through today, Link could finally rest. Link knew that the coming days were not going to be fun. This was going to be far worse then what he had gone through with Ganon. At least with Ganon he did everything by himself, mostly, but there was no way he could take on this entire army by himself.
As they approached the exit of the Sacred Meadow, Gerik stood up all of a sudden. He stopped Epona and when Link went to question him he shut Link up. He just stood there listening and staring out into the Lost Woods. He then grabbed Link and dragged him into a nearby bush.
Link was about to yell, but Gerik covered Link's mouth with his hand. Gerik then pointed into the woods and Link looked. Emerging from the woods were four Lizalfos and one, presumably the leader, Dinolfos. They were just walking through the woods looking around, probably searching for any spies.
"What are they doing here?" Link whispered.
"They must be advance scouts." replied Gerik. "They're probably here to make sure that no one is yet alerted to their presence. I think we should show these guys some hospitality. You take the Dinolfos; the Lizalfos are mine."
Before Link could even say anything Gerik jumped out of the bush with both swords drawn. He used his incredible speed to quickly kill two of the Lizalfos before they even knew they were under attack. After they were dead though, the other two drew their weapons and charged at Gerik.
The Dinolfos drew his weapon and was about to join in as well, but Link by this time had already drawn his sword and charged at him. Their swords clashed and sparks shot out from the impact. Link had fought these guys before and knew exactly how to get by their defenses. Link swung his sword sideways expecting the Dinolfos to block, but instead it jumped up and over Link. Link was caught off guard and the Dinolfos slashed Link in his back. Luckily, Link had rolled forward to avoid a killing blow.
When Link came out of the roll he reached into his pocket and pulled out several Deku Nuts. He threw them at the Dinolfos blinding him. Link used this opening to charge forward and completely sever the Dinolfos head off. While the head was still rolling on the ground Link turned to see how Gerik was doing.
Gerik had killed another of the Lizalfos, but the last one was giving him some trouble. Link noticed that Gerik was holding the sword in his left hand a little low, but then remembered that that was the shoulder he had thrown the Kokiri Sword into. Link grimaced as the Lizalfos scored a small cut on Gerik's leg, but the Lizalfos had left himself open to a counterattack and Gerik slammed both swords down into the Lizalfos back.
"Not bad." said Link.
"Not bad yourself." said Gerik as he yanked his swords out and started wiping the blood off.
When both Link and Gerik had cleaned off their swords they grabbed the bodies and started pulling them into the bushes. If there were any more patrols around they didn't want the dead bodies to be found. When Gerik picked up the Dinolfos head though, he tossed it into the wagon instead.
"What did you do that for?" asked Link.
"Proof!"