Inspirations: "Time" by Hans Zimmer from the "Inception" soundtrack.

Major SHOUT OUT: To my boy OA author of the incredible fanfiction 'Visions,' check it out if you haven't already (he's a regular reviewer if you want his full name).

Orignal Shout Outs: Joseph Kuo: Dude I'm love with your "Madness" check it out, it's an awesome story.

New Shout Outs: LoveMadness, and Cimar Tiralis thanks for reading.

Author Note: Reedited 4/9/2012 ADDENDUM 1/15/2013- I highly recommend listening to the song "Time" with the scene of Link inside the Deku Tree (yes, you read that right). You have to start the music once Link is inside, and end it when its over. I wrote the entire sequence in tandem with the music. I hope you listen while you read, because the next several chapters are all influenced by songs (with the exception of chapter 10). This may seem silly and corny, but I'm a silly corny person lol. Thanks for reading. ~ZR~.

Chapter 9

When I left the Seaside Laboratory, I didn't take Epona. I needed to keep, and maintain a low profile. I wore a dark brown cloak over my standard green tunic, and kept myself hooded. The expanse of Hyrule Field was wide and spacious, so I was taking a great risk travelling across it the way I was. Even still, I was careful, making sure to hide behind trees and small thickets as I made my way to Kokiri Impasse.

I had to halt several times when I saw riders ride by. I knew this was only the beginning of Daphnes' search for me. He wasn't going to stop until I was recaptured and brought into custody. I passed Lon Lon Ranch quickly, realizing I could have stayed with Malon as an alternative to Saria at Lake Hylia. However, with the proximity of the castle and the obvious friendship I had with her, that would have too obvious of a place to go. Even still, I did need to visit her to reassure her that I was okay, but I couldn't do it at this time. I had to hurry and see the Deku Tree.

I paused for a moment while I thought about that. It was strange that I was going to see the Deku Tree on the premise of an assassin's word. There was absolutely no reason for me to take anything he said at face value. However, there was something about that killer that felt haunting and familiar. I didn't understand why, or what it was, but there was definitely something about him that was... auspicious.

I don't know what it is now, I thought, but I will find out.

I travelled over the small wooden bridge to Kokiri Forest, fully intending to get answers to my questions. I was tired of being left in the dark. The Deku Tree. The King. Zelda. Zant. Even Saria. Everyone had a story to tell. I wanted to know them all. It made no sense for all this secrecy to prevail when times were so dangerous.

I can't go for the run around like I did before, I thought, I need clarity.

I entered the Deku Tree's alcove without any questions or issues. I was fortunate I didn't get too much hassle from the Kokiri that day. They probably saw the determined look on my face, and decided to leave me alone. The Deku Tree was in a slumber when I approached, but a moment later green quanta, or particles of light, iridized like a differential progression across the commodious expanse of space. The ground reverberated and oscillations of sound cadenced off the branches and foliage of its leaves. I raised my hands to cover my face when the light got brighter, and stayed that way until the magnificence subsided. When the Deku Tree fully awakened, I looked up at it in silent reverence.

I will never get tired of that, I thought.

"A king's interdict, and a recent fall from grace, slow not a true warriors heart down," the Deku Tree said, "for this is so of you is it not, young hero?"

I grinned and nodded at the tree's use of rhetoric.

The Deku Tree speaks better Hylian than I do, I thought.

"These are certainly urgent times," it went on, "you are urgent of heart, are you not Link?"

Urgent is an understatement, I thought.

I nodded.

"I need some answers great Deku Tree," I replied, "I need to know the truth. I'm surrounded by so many mysteries and secrets, that I don't know which one to address first."

The Deku Tree fell silent for a moment.

"I will help you sort them out to the best of my abilities," the Deku Tree said evasively.

I raised my eyebrows and stared at it when it said that.

That's pretty vague, I thought, because you have some pretty noteworthy abilities.

"Alright," I replied, hoping for the best.

"What is your first question?" the Deku Tree asked.

I should probably start with the most recent turn of events, I thought.

"I recently came across an individual who plans to assassinate Zelda," I began, "I learned this killer was hired by Zant."

The Deku Tree paused for a moment.

"There was a threat placed upon the princess?" it inquired.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

The tree seemed unsettled with this news, but honestly who wouldn't be.

"Go on young master," the Deku Tree said.

I didn't want to waste anymore time hesitating. All I knew was I needed to know answers and needed to know them now.

This has gone on for long enough, I thought.

"Why is Zant so blood thirsty?" I asked point blank. "Why is he so vengeful towards the royal family?"

The Deku Tree grew quiet at my inquiries before it spoke.

"Zant is a being from the Twilight Realm," the Deku Tree divulged,"his father was the leader of the Dark Tribe, who was used by the former king of Hyrule to beat back another incarnation of Demise."

I nodded at the information.

"Yes," I replied, "I know that already. What I don't understand is, why the bad blood between the two parties? It doesn't make sense to me."

The Deku Tree fell silent again, maybe too long that time.

What's this? I wondered.

"Deku Tree?" I inquired, wanting it to continue.

There was a shift in the breeze and a cold chill in the air. It came from the tunnel leading to the alcove and it didn't feel natural at all. It actually made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

What was that? I wondered looking over my shoulder to the tunnel. This is the same feeling I got when... I shook my head of my thoughts, needing to stay focused, it's nothing Link, I thought, stop spooking yourself.

I turned my attention back to the Deku Tree, and that was when I took note of the subtle nuance in its bark. The sap was expectorating from many different seams and crevices. I had never seen the tree like this before. I looked at it concerned.

What's going on? I wondered.

"Deku Tree, are you alright?" I asked.

The tree paused for a moment and stared at me.

"What I am about to tell you is of the utmost secrecy," the tree said to me, ignoring my question, "it must never get out. Never."

I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the gravity of what it was going to tell me.

Never get out... I thought with unease, am I sure I want to know?

I couldn't piggyback on indecision. I came here with the distinct purpose of getting answers. I couldn't cower on the side of fear now.

It's time to know the truth, I thought.

"You have my promise," I swore finally, "I won't tell anyone."

The Deku Tree fell silent again, but then abruptly opened its mouth at the base of the trunk. I looked at the tree puzzled. It had been fifteen years since my descent into the first Deku Tree, with the intention of killing Ghoma. Now, the forefather's successor wanted me to venture forth as well. I looked at the opening and then to the branches in difference.

"What is this all about?" I asked.

"You want answers to your questions, young master," the Deku Tree said with its trunk ajar. "If you want the truth then you must enter."

I suddenly got a very uneasy feeling about the entire matter.

What could be so terrible that the Deku Tree feels that it shouldn't be said in the open? I wondered.

I looked from the branches to the opened trunk, and took in a deep breath.

It's now or never, I thought, then walked inside.

The Deku Tree sealed up its opening behind me, and everything became dark. I looked behind me in slight alarm, but then turned back around and walked a few steps ahead of me. I smelled xylem and phloem inside the dank tree, and stepped in weeping sap that scented of fern and maple essence. Everything was pitch black as I waited for what was to come next.

I wasn't expecting anything like this, I thought.

Out of nowhere, a sudden cascade of bright lights flashed and swirled around me like a transfixed cadence. It rotated and twirled, until it bore an image in the air. It was the scene of a great war. My eyes grew wide at the spectacle.

What in the world? I thought in disbelief.

A tall demonic looking figure with flame red orange hair, scaly dragon like skin, and a countenance of the nether regions was leading a vast army of dark forces. In his hand was a great six pronged, full tang sword with an inverted Triforce representing his position against Hyrule and the goddesses. It was Demise, or another incarnation of him.

I watched in wonder as the scene unfolded.

"The Great War," I whispered.

There was a battle with the then Hero of Legend. He and Demise clashed swords back and forth for what seemed like forever. However, Demise did not prevail and was defeated by the power of the Master Sword.

The lights swirled and shifted until another scene bore through.

The scene showed hordes of monsters that made up Demise's army being chased into the bowels of the earth by coalition forces. The most dynamic aspect of the coalition forces was the segment of the Twili. They were fierce, powerful warriors, and were the primary reason for the coalition victory. Shadowy looking Twili soldiers thrashed and pummeled at the demon horde with tenacious ferocity. The faction was led by a powerful looking, broad chested Twili, with an unbelievable countenance. His hair was fiery blue and he towered over his foes.

That must be Zant's father, I thought, watching the scene play out in amazement.

The lights shifted and rotated differentially, until another scene appeared.

The leader of the Twili forces effectively cleared the land and was awaiting payment at Hyrule Castle; a piece of the Triforce of Power. He received no such payment. The lights shifted again and a new scene appeared. It was at a place I had never seen before. There was a great mirror in the middle of the desert and a circular gazebo with equal columns surrounding it.

Gerudo desert? I thought flummoxed. But where is this? I've never seen any of this before.

The lights flashed again differentiating the scene. A flash of the words 'Arbiter's Grounds' came into view, then another flash of desert.

This must be beyond the Haunted Wasteland, I thought.

The lights flashed again and the then king of Hyrule appeared in that same desert place.

Daphnes' grandfather, I thought.

The lights shifted, showing the Twili ruler now at the same Arbiter's Grounds with his head resting on a stone block. The lights swirled and shifted again, showing the Twili ruler being stripped of his armor, something called the 'Fused Shadow,' and apparently was awaiting death. He looked solemn, but at peace. A great executioner's axe was raised above his head. The scene cut to a little Twili child with big yellow eyes crying profusely, calling out to his father and begging for the king to set him free.

"Father no!" the little Twili boy cried out. "Sire, please he's done nothing but help you!"

My eyes widened in disbelief.

Sweet Farore! I thought shocked.

"Zant!" I heard myself say bewildered.

The little Twili child's pleas went unanswered, and he was forced down on the ground to watch as his father was beheaded. I looked on in horror, as the scene shifted again and the Twili leader's blood was splashed onto the mirror. The scene shifted again to a portal being opened in the mirror by a young Hylian scientist. It was Paul Dirac. The small Twili child was then shoved into the portal, and the portal was closed.

I couldn't believe it. I was sickened beyond belief.

He was sent there alone? I thought incredulously.

The lights then rose high into the treetops and shifted and swirled profusely. Finally, the particles dissipated, and I was left in a world of black again. The whole experience was incredible, and I was left dumbfounded by it. The Deku Tree then opened its trunk and let me out. I left in complete and utter astonishment.

The Twili leader helped defeat Demise, only to be betrayed and murdered by the king of Hyrule, I thought angrily, and...and Zant was forced to watch, then was cast away into the Twilight Realm alone with... no one. No wonder he has so much vengeance. No wonder he has so much hatred.

I stood in the Deku Tree's presence, not knowing what to say or think.

This is what I've been fighting for? I thought, questioning my loyalty. A family with a history of this kind of betrayal and blood shed? No wonder Daphnes never wanted me to know the truth. He knew I would want no part of it.

The Deku Tree was staring at me the entire time as I thought.

"You are troubled young hero," the Deku Tree discerned, "however, you must remember what I told you not so long ago. What you find out may shake your confidence in protecting Hyrule."

This is beyond shaking my confidence! I thought. This is downright insanity!

I shook my head angry and confused.

"All this time I thought I knew what was really going on," I said absently to myself, "they killed Zant's father and made him watch. Those depraved barbarians!"

The Deku Tree was silent as I reflected.

I shook my head not wanting to believe what I just saw.

"How... could they do that?" I asked almost feeling like I had to. "How could they kill his father in front of him like that?"

The Deku Tree hesitated, but then said, "If the dark tribe had received a portion of the Triforce of Power they would have taken over Hyrule and everything would have been encased in twilight."

I looked up at the tree angrily just then.

"So that makes it right?" I demanded.

The Deku Tree paused at my inquiry.

"You are very young and do not know the ways of the world," the Deku Tree said to me. "It's hard to understand, when your ideals are so deeply ingrained."

I narrowed my eyes at the tree in surprise.

"What?" I replied. "Are you serious?"

The Deku Tree was silent. I think it knew that wasn't going to slide with me. I was not about to be told I was naive. Not after what I had been through in my youth. Not after all I had done and seen for Hyrule.

You've got the wrong man, I thought.

"I've travelled all over this country and seen things, and done things that still give me nightmares!" I replied back forcefully. "Don't tell me I don't know the ways of the world! I know plenty!"

The Deku Tree was silent again as if reflecting on what I said.

"What would you have done?" the Deku Tree asked me, breaking the silence.

I stood there uneasy, still reeling from what I just saw.

There was so much blood, I thought still in disbelief, they made that child watch... with all that blood.

I shook my head of the thought.

"I wouldn't have killed him," I replied honest, "I would have cast him away," I said, "I would've have created a seal, or something, but... but what they did was just barbaric. I didn't think I could witness such cruelty."

The Deku Tree was silent again.

I was trying to understand it all.

That's why Zant wants to kill Zelda, I thought, that's why he's so obsessed with revenge. Look at what the ancestral family did to him.

There was a long tense silence between the Deku Tree and l.

"Do you have any other concerns young master?" the Deku Tree asked me, obviously wanting to change the subject.

I couldn't say I blamed it. One of the Deku Tree's duties was to be a protector of the royal family, it needed to redirect the conversation. I shook myself free of my thought process and tried to refocus. I did have other concerns I needed to address.

Saria, I thought suddenly, I need to ask about Saria.

"I do have one more question," I began, having to remember my resolve, "it's concerning a friend of mine."

It was almost as if the Deku Tree's wood sapped when I said that.

"The young maiden with the green hair," the Deku Tree divulged, already knowing.

I looked at the tree perplexed.

Is it that obvious? I wondered.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"That young girl has been on your mind for quite some time," the Deku Tree said.

I nodded honestly.

That's true, I thought, not denying it.

"I know you said she has to find her story out on her own," I said, "but what about me? Can you tell me who she really is?"

The Deku Tree fell silent again.

"I will tell thee what I can," the Deku Tree replied, careful not to say too much.

I took in a deep breath when I heard that.

More evasion, I thought.

"Fine," I replied, realizing I had no choice, "who is she really?"

A breeze come through the alcove just then, rustling through some of the Deku Tree's branches.

"The young maiden known as Saria is indeed the same Kokiri girl that you grew up with young hero," the Deku Tree disclosed.

I felt my eyes widen and my heart stop momentarily.

I knew it! I thought, feeling a strong sense of vindication. I knew it!

From the moment I saw her, I knew there was something special about her. I knew she was the girl from my past. I knew she was more than an antiquated coincidence. That Hylian woman was my best friend. She really was my lost kindred spirit. Even still, I didn't know how it was possible. How was she able to become a Hylian when she had her duties as the Sage of the Forest?

There's still some things I need to know, I thought.

"But how?" I asked. "Saria is the Forest Sage."

The tree paused for a moment.

"Young Saria was the Forest Sage," the Deku Tree corrected me, "she was relinquished of her duty."

I looked at the Deku Tree shocked.

Relinquished? I thought.

"Why?" I asked in disbelief.

The Deku Tree fell silent again.

I raised my eyebrows expectantly, wanting the tree to go on.

"Why was she relinquished Deku Tree?" I asked again, getting a little impatient.

The tree didn't answer right away.

"The barrier on Ganondorf's seal was breaking due to little Saria's lack of concentration," the Deku Tree stated carefully.

I looked at the Deku Tree perplexed.

"Precipitated by what?" I asked not understanding. "She was one of the strongest individuals mentally I know. She wouldn't-"

"It was precipitated by her love for you," the Deku Tree interrupted me.

I looked at the tree stunned.

"What?" I replied surprised.

"The seal needs the full power of all the sages," the Deku Tree stated, "Saria initially was very strong, but as time went on her love for you grew and she couldn't sustain her concentration on the seal alone. She wanted to get out of the sage-ship."

I couldn't believe it, all that time she was having the same doubts as I. So much so, it affected her ability to do her duty.

Saria, I thought, not being able to believe she was really back.

I actually felt myself smile for a second, but then it quickly went away. Even with all this good news, something was not sitting right with me.

"If the Hylian woman is Saria the Forest Sage, why doesn't she remember anything?" I asked.

The Deku Tree was silent yet again. It had to be doing that for dramatic affect.

"Her memory was erased so she could live a normal life," the Deku Tree stated, "fresh; with a new start."

That sounded all nice and well, but I knew better, and something else was puzzling me too.

"Why did she come back as a Hylian?" I asked.

The Deku Tree paused.

"That was her desire," it said simply, "that was her wish."

Even though the Deku Tree was telling me a great deal, I still felt as though there were some huge gaps in the story.

Then why is she disappearing? I thought. If everything is 'fresh' and 'new' why is she having such a hard time in her new life?

"She's starting to disappear great Deku Tree," I divulged, looking to the ground, then looking up at it again, "why is that happening?"

There was a tense retrograde g-force in the woodland suddenly.

What in the...? I thought, feeling the gravity shift around me for a moment.

I looked up at the Deku Tree.

Is... is that coming from the Deku Tree? I wondered.

"What?" The Deku Tree said in alarm. "Saria is disappearing?"

The alarm in the Deku Tree's voice signaled several of my own.

Why is it reacting like this? I pondered upset. What is so significant about her disappearing?

"What does that mean Deku Tree?" I demanded suddenly, trying to speak above the reverberating forces. "What aren't you telling me?"

The pressure exerted was suddenly released like a pulsar. The blowback nearly knocked me out.

My goddess! I thought in disbelief as I fell on my behind. Those are some strong emotions coming from a tree.

I got back up when silence fell upon the woodland once more.

"Deku Tree?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Please!" I demanded. "Tell me!"

The Deku Tree reflected for a moment.

"I cannot tell you," the Deku Tree said finally, "I'm sorry master Link."

I took in a frustrated breath.

"Why?" I asked.

"It is not for you to know," the Deku Tree told me, "at least, not right now."

More damn circles when I finally thought I was getting somewhere, I thought, this is ridiculous!

"But I-" I tried.

"Drop the matter young master," the Deku Tree told me, "I will not tell you."

I looked at the tree stunned. That was the first time the Deku Tree was ever forceful in its nature.

This is serious, I thought.

"Fine," I replied, realizing I had no choice and dropped the matter.

There was another silence over the course of the next few moments. All of this was so strange, and there were other things that just didn't make sense.

How is the seal still intact if Saria is here? I thought. All six sages are needed to confine the seal.

That I needed to know.

"The seal is still up," I began, changing the subject, "how is that possible without the presence of the Forest Sage?"

The Deku Tree ruffled its leaves.

Finally, I thought, a subject you like.

"Ah, but there is a Forest Sage," the Deku Tree revealed.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion.

Wait a minute, what? I thought.

"Who?" I asked surprised.

The Deku Tree paused.

"A little Kokiri by the name of Mido has resumed the role," the Deku Tree divulged, "he has shown he has a pure heart by making the ultimate sacrifice to save his friend."

My mouth dropped at the revelation.

"He saw the burden was too much for Saria and said he would take her place," the Deku Tree went on.

Mido? I thought in shock. The bully who hated my guts? He's the new forest sage?

"That astonishes you great hero?" The Deku Tree asked with laughter in its voice. "The other Deku Tree knew well of your troubles with young Mido."

Troubles? I pondered. That guy was a jerk! I thought, but had to admire his unwavering loyalty to Saria. I paused for a moment and had a realization about the other day.

That's what the Kokiri were talking about when they said Mido had been gone for five year, I thought, feeling my heart accelerate, he had taken over the sage-ship.

Five years.

Wait a minute, something wasn't adding up.

Why haven't I seen Saria as a Hylian until just recently then? I wondered. I know she lived in Ordon briefly, but why the intense secrecy regarding her identity? If she was a Hylian all this time, why wasn't I notified? She was my best friend for crying out loud, I had a right to know.

That thought wasn't sitting well with me. The look of inquiry must have shone on my face.

"You still have many questions don't you, master Link?" the Deku Tree inquired of my expression.

I merely nodded, but I didn't bother to share. I figured I wasn't going to get the answers to those questions from the Deku Tree anyway.

"It's just a lot to take in," I verbalized.

The tree rustled its leaves.

"Indeed," the Deku tree replied.

There was a thoughtful silence that precluded us, when out of nowhere a loud scream came from the main area of Kokiri Forest. I turned in surprise at the sound.

What in the...? I thought.

"An intruder has infiltrated the forest!" the Deku Tree exclaimed.

Oh no, I thought, what the hell is going on?

I immediately ran towards the tunnel leading to the forest residences. When I got there I stopped short, and I looked across the expanse to see a tall, slender, greyish blue skinned figure, with almond shaped yellow eyes. It was Zant.

"Damn it," I muttered to myself, then realized that's what that chill earlier was.

It was the same sensation I had when I was back in Ordon, I thought, it must be the energy from the portal rift.

He smirked when he saw me.

"I knew we'd meet again," he called out to me.

I looked around and saw there were fifty or so Twili with him.

This isn't good, I thought, looking at my one sword and my one... well me.

Zant smiled when he saw the expression on my face

"The encroachment has begun," he mocked with a wicked laugh, then pointed for his followers to attack.

They came quick, and all charged for me. I took out my sword, and assumed my battle stance. There was no way I was not going to defend the forest. I just didn't know how this was going to take place.

I'm going to need a miracle to get out of this one, I thought, and then ran to join the party.

Please write a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 10 will be up soon.