Disclaimer: GrimGrave does not own any of the characters featured; they belong to their respective franchises of Nintendo, Namco Bandai and Arc System Works. GrimGrave does not make money for writing fiction.

To Hunt Down a Hylian

Chapter 3

The Hero's Precaution

The forest fragrance was one Link would never forget. It was the air he breathed since childhood, a peaceful and pleasant aroma that always calmed him. The ancient trees of the forest had not changed, still standing proudly with rich green crowns.

His side still stung sharply with pain and bones creaked with every effort he made to get back up on his feet. Silently he swore, grasping the aching flesh in a vain attempt to still the anguish. He had managed to rise up – but his legs shook under the weight and threatened to give up right then and there. Still, Link took a step – then another. So far so good, he tried again – a slow, but steady progress.

Bracing himself with every step down the stone stairs, Link eventually reached the beginning of the maze, though he had no intent on going through it – not the complex way at least. He climbed the ladder, pulling himself up with the last of his strength to the mossy platforms before he fell down the edge, right down the hole below.

The landing was slow, fortunately – and a tad bit surprising. Sparing no time to ponder that thought Link pulled himself up as he walked down the small stone corridor, damp grass being traded for flat marble of the Fairy Fountain, its pink sprites fluttering in a slow dance above the shallow, crystal clear water.

Fatigued, he reached out to one of said orbs, allowing it to gently land as gentle as a feather and slowly dissipate with a hymn.

Never had he felt as rejuvenated as he was now.

:::::::

Greeting the sunlight once again, Link arched his back with his arm reaching up to the sky and sighed with content. Being healed up and feeling confident again, he stuffed his third bottle down his pouch, smiling.

"I'll never leave without you again…" he said with a light chuckle, inspecting his three bottled fairies before closing the pouch. With his strength returned and feeling rejuvenated, Link began to hurry out of the Sacred Meadow and into the next clearing.

As he navigated through the thick woods, his mind once again took him back to the fond memories of his younger years – a child, just on the journey's start, running willy-nilly through these very woods. One such memory took him back to the meadow, a dear friend waiting for him on that very spot.

Without realising it, Link stumbled out of the woods and was greeted with a familiar sight – he couldn't contain his joyous laugh as he walked to the cliff's edge to see the Kokiri Forest. His hometown, his childhood – the beginning of his legacy.

Though, as much as he would love to dwell in nostalgia Link shook his head and climbed down to the village – his first stop, the shop.

"Hello?" Link inquired as he stepped inside the tree-hut. "Anyone here?"

"Oh, a customer…" Link eyed the small Kokiri shopkeeper, stifling a small chuckle that threatened to escape due to his small size. Link had forgotten that the Kokiri were only the size of young children and his adult height rendered the Kokiri house into a room. "You look familiar… hmm… Never mind, what can I help you with?"

"I'm in need of a green potion sir. You wouldn't happen to have any of those in stock?"

"You're in luck," the shopkeeper said, scratching his neck. "Since the borders outside of the forest have been harmless, I've managed to trade with you hylians every once in a while." He had to stand on his toes in order to reach the bottle, which next to him looked ridiculously big.

"That'll be 20 rupees…"

With the potion paid for, Link exited the shop with a hearty farewell. His first order of business had been taken care off, but there was still much left to do.

As he wandered to what once was his home, Link began to contemplate what had brought him here – he had to flee from a battle. A course of action he had not done since way back against Dead Hand's (honestly, what nightmare had spawned that aberration?!) and that had been once. Possibly twice.

Yet again was his house, which had looked so big in his childhood, reduced to a single room with furniture that was way too small. Memories of times long gone flooded through his mind as he crossed the wooden floor to the only thing that was big – a slightly rusty, but formidable chest. It opened with a low creak, dust whirling as a result of the action.

Items filled the brim of the otherwise large chest, many of which Link had never thought of using again due to them not being "needed" – he had the most basic means of an arsenal. These objects were special, be it that they only served one purpose or otherwise. He rummaged through them, picking up only those he deemed necessary for his survival against the foreign attackers; amongst these was a pair of gauntlets that still beamed with their golden armour, a shield whose blank surface had not faltered. Lastly, he picked up an object that bore a familiarity of which had him shiver ever so slightly with dread.

"I hope I don't have to use this again… But just in case…" he whispered, placing it in his hammer-spaced pouch. Feeling ready, the chest was once again under lock and key as Link exited his house.

He was ready – he was prepared. He knew his attacker's pattern and their fighting-style. He would win, of this he was sure.

Though he was eager to meet the fearsome trio, he brought the ocarina to his lips; before anything, he had one thing left to do.

He had to notify Zelda.

Short chapter with nothing major going on - but it's an update nonetheless. The next chapter is already in the works though! :D And it should be uploaded sometime next week.

Until then, adieu.