Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Heroes

Chapter 4: Aw, Deku Nuts!

Link and Malon awoke early that morning, the sun shining over them.

After counting up their supplies, they followed their map to the forest where the Kokiri people are supposed to live.

Malon had packed most of their supplies.

Food.

Water.

Their ocarinas.

The map.

Etc.

As they rode atop Epona, Malon decided to ask about the Kokiri.

"So…. What are the Kokiri exactly?"

Link, "well, my dad told me the legend as a kid. The Kokiri that love within that forest cannot leave, and are said to have the appearance of small children. And on top of that, each one receives a fairy companion."

Flynn actually managed to listen as he walked alongside Epona.

Malon, "what about this Deku Tree? What is he?"

Link, "he's the guardian of the Kokiri. He watches over all of them. And he's very old. The old man sent us to him because he said that he's very wise, and would be able to lead us in the right direction to find the people he mentioned."

Malon, "and who ARE these people?"

Link, "he said that we're looking for a Goron, a Zora, a Gerudo, a Fairy, and a 'lost soul'."

Malon, "ok. So, we'll have help on this journey."

The two stopped talking as soon as they found it.

Kokiri Forest.

The two began to chat again as they entered the forest.

Malon, "so, this is the place?"

Link, "yeah, but we need to make sure we don't get lost."

Malon, "why?"

Link, "well, my dad also told me that those who become lost in the woods become a Stalfos."

Flynn started to whine.

Malon, "what's a Stalfos?"

Link, "a forgotten soul, transformed into something resembling a large skeleton or a wooden doll, depending on the person"

Malon, "sounds scary."

"Oh, it is!"

Link and Malon immediately pulled out their weapons, Flynn getting into an attack stance.

They looked around them for a minute until they saw what made the noise.

A small man with a skull mask and red hat, standing on a stump.

He held a small flute in his hand, and his head was tilted to the right at Link and Malon.

"Hello there, who are you guys? Heh, heh."

Link and Malon look at each other a confused look.

Link, "who, or what, are you?"

"The name is Skull Kid! Who are you dorks?:

Malon, "I'm Malon, and this is Link."

Flynn yapped.

"Oh, and that's Flynn."

Skull Kid, "mhmm, and what are you guys doing in this forest? You do know what could happen to you, right?"

Link, "yes, we do."

Malon, "we're on our way to meet the Deku Tree. Do you by any chance know where he is little guy?"

Skull Kid, "yes I do in fact! I know these forests like the back of my hand! But why should i lead you there?"

Link, "please, It's very important."

Skull Kid, "can ya give me something in return?"

Malon, "... how about a cookie?"

The kid perked up at the mention of sweets.

"A cookie!? I haven't had one of those in a LONG time!"

Malon reached into her satchel and pulled out a cookie wrapped in a small rag.

The kid grabbed it with lightning speed.

"Alright, I'll take you to meet the old shrub."

Malon, "thank you Skull Kid!"

Skull Kid, "well, since I'm leading ya, just call me Skull for short, ok?"

Link, "sure, fine."

And so, Skull lead the group through the forest, preventing them from getting lost.

Soon, they arrived at a small village, with tree houses, tall grass, and children running around.

Malon, "those must be the Kokiri."

Skull, "yep. But don't be fooled. The little anklebiters aren't kids. They just don't age."

As Skull lead the group through the village, the Kokiri children all looks dat them with curiosity.

And right as they were about to meet the Deku Tree, they heard a voice from behind.

"Hey Skull Dork! What have you done now!?"

They turned around to see a small red haired boy with a dumb face staring at them with frustration.

Skull, "look Mido, I don't got any beef with ya! I'm just bringing these people to see the Great Deku Tree."

Mido, "you aren't even a Kokiri! And they certainly aren't! They aren't one of us!"

Skull, "Mido, you can yell at me all you want, but you know I'm not gonna listen."

Miso grew angry and stomped off, but in his place now stood a small girl with green hair.

"Sorry about Mido", she said, "he just doesn't like outsiders. In Saria. Who are you people?"

Malon soon lifted herself off of Epona, Link doing the same shortly after.

She knelt down in front of Saria.

"Hello Saria. I'm Malon, and this is Link."

She pet Flynn, "this is our wolf Flynn, and horse Epona!"

Saria, "neat. So why has Skull Kid brought you here?"

Link, "we're on a mission to save Hyrule."

Saria, "ohh, can you tell me more?"

Link, "sure. You see, the Princess of Hyrule castle, Zelda, was captured, along with my sister Aryll, by Lord Ganondorf. He wants to take over Hyrule, and now it's up to me, Malon, Flynn and Epona to save the land."

Malon, "yep. And we've gotta find several other people to help us. And so, we're here to see the Great Deku Tree, So he can lead us on our way to finding them!"

Saria, "I understand. The Great Deku Tree is very wise. He'll know what to do."

And with the conversation finished, the warriors and their pets went through the passageway, and now stood in front of a large Deku Tree with an old withered face and moustache.

It spoke with a deep old voice, "hello there travellers. What are you doing here?"

Link, "oh Great Deku Tree, we have come to seek your wisdom on our quest! I am the Hero of Time! And I must find 5 other warriors to help me on my quest! We were told you know what we must do next!"

The tree stood silent, and then spoke.

"I know of two of these warriors you must find…. And they are here with you!"

Malon, "what do you mean?"

GDT, "The Skull Kid is your first warrior."

Skull, "what!? Me!? How!?"

GDT, "I have also seen visions of your companions you must find. The two you will find are Skull Kid, a lost soul, and my fairy Navi, who will help guide you in the darkest of times!"

As soon as she heard her name, the small blue fairy named Navi flew to her master.

"Master, do you need me?"

"Yes Navi, I do. I need you to accompany these people on their journey."

Navi shook, and then looked at the warriors.

She felt her heart flutter at the blonde swordsman in front of her.

"Are, are you sure?"

"Yes. I have seen visions of you helping them. I believe in you Navi."

Skull, "but what about me? I'm with the floating ball! Why am I chosen?"

"You have been alone for a very long time Skull Kid. You have yearned to help someone for a long time. These reasons are why you and Navi are supposed to help young Link and his friends."

Skull just looked at the old tree, and then replied, "fine, but I won't like it."

"Heh, I know you'll change your mind soon enough."

Navi, "I'll do it for you sir!"

"Very good."

Navi and Skull now stood with Link, Malon and Flynn.

Malon, "Mr. Deku Tree, um, what do we do now?"

"You must now head to Death Mountain, there you will meet a young Goron named Chuko. Then, to Lake Hylia, where you'll find a young Zora named Shin-Ju. And finally, in Gerudo Valley resides a Gerudo thief named Jo-Ann. Do you have any other questions?"

Link, "one more. What will I have to do to defeat Lord Ganondorf?"

"Fight with all your resolve, and seal him once more with the sword toy carry on your back. You will need everyone to help in some way, whether it be support, or actual combat. Now, farewell to you all! Link, Malon, Flynn, Skull Kid, Navi and Epona!"

As soon as he finished, Link and Malon hopped aboard Epona, and Skull Kid hopped atop Flynn, as he was the right size!

Navi flew behind as Skull lead The group once again through Kokiri Village, and through the forest, on their way to meet their new companions, Chuko, Shin-Ju and Jo-Ann….