Growing up in Ordon Village, Link spent much of his time exploring the wilderness of Faron Woods. Many long hours were spent climbing lofty branches and playing amongst the benevolent animals. As young children, Ilia and he often adventured into the playground of trees in search of excitement and danger. Ilia was often content to just watch Link perform his dangerous stunts from a distance. After he was done getting tired, dirty, and bruised, the childhood friends swam in the spirit's spring to cool off before returning back to the chastising of their parents for neglecting household chores. The woods served as a second home for the pair; a place to rest from the troubles of farming and village life.
However, despite his childhood ventures into the forest, the hero found the Lost Woods entirely foreign and unfamiliar. He had only journeyed into this deep section of the forest a few times, usually with the guidance of the Skull Kid. Entering the woods had been easy enough; the entrance was still clear from his last journey. However, several years' worth of undergrowth and bushes made the remaining journey difficult. Kari and Link quickly found themselves lost with little clue to indicate the correct direction.
In stark contrast to the well-known Faron Woods, the Lost Woods contained a mystical aura that hung over the air. This ancient forest lay dormant and unperturbed for centuries before Link's first visit. Leaves rustled beneath the travelers' feet as the pair trudged through the thick undergrowth hampering their path. Ancient trees of all sorts surrounded them, blocking out the sky overhead with a vast canopy. Vines hung down tree barks like strings of pearls, wrapping around branches and diving into the undergrowth below. Squirrels, birds, and other small critters went about their business uninterrupted in the lofty treetops despite the obvious intrusion. They seldom encountered outsiders, and as such, considered them no threat. Deer wandered about the forest as if they owned it; choosing to graze on the wild berries offered by a few choice bushes.
THWACK!
Kari grunted as a branch slapped his forehead. The ensuing mark matched the red of his eyes as he rubbed it gently with his hand. The pain was slight, but present nonetheless. He cast a quick glance to his clothes covered with leaves and moisture from the forest mist. A few small tears were beginning to peak through his favorite outfit as well. "I hope whatever we're looking for is worth trudging out here. That's the third branch I've been hit with. Could you give me forewarning next time?"
Link's boots crunched the vegetation beneath him with each carefully placed step. His brows furrowed in concentration as he looked for any familiar landmarks. His eyes honed in on a hollow log no more than fifty paces ahead. He recalled passing through many such passageways on his previous trips to the Sacred Grove.
"Sorry about that. I'll try." Link replied half-heartedly.
Kari eyed him carefully and shrugged his shoulders. "Why are we out here, anyway? I fail to see how trudging through the woods-"
"Branch!" Link called behind him as his hands pushed another limb aside.
THWACK!
The branch connected with the unfortunate Sheikah's face, leaving another red gash across his cheek. Kari stared blankly at the swaying branch in front of him, letting a soft sigh of resignation pass through his lips. "At least I was warned."
Link turned around and let out a suppressed smile. "Your face has red stripes all over it. Have you been hit by that many?"
Kari nodded slowly, rubbing the newly sore spot.
"I thought you Sheikah had quick reflexes? Or do I have the wrong race?" Link asked curiously, looking around the forest for any recognizable landmark.
Kari's brows furrowed as a smirk rose to his lips. "You question my abilities?"
Link looked at him, answering Kari's smirk with a playful one of his own. "Yeah, I do. If you get whacked by one more branch, I'm going to start calling you 'Tree Kisser.'"
The Sheikah pointed a finger in the hero's direction. "I accept your challenge. I never back down."
"Good, then dodge this one." Link pulled a nearby branch behind him and let it fly.
The limb sailed for the Sheikah's face. Kari caught it barehanded and glanced quickly at it. "Is that the best you could muster?"
Link shrugged his shoulders. "Lucky catch. There'll be more where that came from later on. For now, we should keep moving." Kari pushed the branch behind him, and the two continued on.
For over an hour, the two trudged under ancient trees and through thick undergrowth. The animals watched in curiosity as the two companions wandered around their domain. Before long, the two companions stumbled upon a freshwater spring.
The spring had little vegetation around it, not even cattail or lily pads. Several rock formations stuck out like tall towers, challenging the sovereignty of the older trees. The water rippled as it licked against the banks of the spring, providing a soothing sound for the weary travelers. They sat down beside the water and refilled their packs with the vital liquid, grateful for an opportunity to rest.
"You really have no idea where to go, do you?" Kari asked as he splashed some water into his face. His canteen was already full, so he capitalized on the chance to feel the refreshing water against his cheeks.
"We're not lost! I just need to reorient myself!" Link shot back as he checked their surroundings. His teeth were gritted in frustration.
The Sheikah was taken back. "It was just a question."
The hero shook his head as he dropped his gaze. His voice was much softer. "Sorry, Kari. I just have a lot on my mind, and this isn't helping."
Kari shook the water off his hands and sat down next to the Hylian. "Anything I can help with?"
Link shook his head. "No, I'll be fine. It's nothing." Eager to change the subject, he looked up at the forest canopy. His eyes squinted as they darted from branch to branch. "How old do you think this forest is?"
The Sheikah's eyes narrowed as he searched amongst the branches surrounding them. "It is older than even I am. My father used to tell me stories about this place."
The hero looked at him intently. "Like what?"
Kari took a quick swig from his canteen and sighed quietly. "He said the spirit of the forest created these woods long ago to protect his children. Those that entered into the forest without his permission never came out, doomed to wander it for the rest of their lives and beyond.
Link shivered at the thought of being trapped here forever. "I've seen one of those scarecrow kids. He helped me find my way the first time I was here."
Kari nodded slowly, but didn't take his eyes off their surroundings. "You mean a Skull Kid? It is possible. I would not doubt they still exist, even now."
Link followed the Sheikah's hard-set eyes to the canopy above. "You sense it, too? That someone's watching us?"
Kari nodded. "I didn't wish to say anything. I sense no malice from it."
The hero rose to his feet. "That's not all I sense. Something's coming this way!"
Suddenly, both jumped as they heard several twigs crack a short distance away. Their attention shifted to the narrow path they had entered earlier. Trudging through it were several Lizalfos armed with short scimitars. The reptiles were smaller than normal, and didn't sport the small bucklers and axe heads their more mature counterparts handled. They sniffed around as they trampled the vegetation beneath their clawed feet.
Kari jumped to his feet while Link raced for his bow. The two companions stood side by side as they awaited their attackers.
Kari gave Link a sly grin. "Now I have a challenge for you. The one who dispatches the most monsters wins." He retrieved the Wind Waker from his sleeve.
The hero's eyes fired up at the prospect of battle. "On one condition: no wind magic. I'm at a disadvantage without my sword."
Kari nodded and put the baton back. "Very well, but that means you cannot use your bow. We use nothing but hand-to-hand combat skills."
Link nodded and placed his equipment back on the ground. He raced towards their unsuspecting foes. "You're on."
Not to be outdone, Kari ran after him. Spotting a sturdy branch not too high, he leaped onto it. Crouching low so as not to be seen, he scouted the enemy: about six Lizalfos. He'd have to dispose of four to win.
" Here I come." He mumbled to his unsuspecting foe. After performing some quick mental calculations, he leaped gracefully through the air. With a shinobi's stealth,, he landed deftly on the strong shoulders of an unsuspecting lizard, and the two toppled to the ground. Kneeling on the monster's back, Kari placed two strong hands on its head and gave it a quick twist. The Lizalfos's neck cracked, and the monster became motionless.
Meanwhile, Link used his keen instincts to sense the attacks of the Lizalfos and twist his body to evade them. Kari's maneuver inspired the hero to try one of his own. He waited until one of the Lizalfos swiped at his head. He ducked to evade the strike and grabbed at the scaly arm with both hands. Holding on as tightly as he could, he front-flipped his entire body over the reptile's arm, rotating the limb in a full circle. Beset by the pain of a dislocated arm, the Lizalfos fell to the ground thrashing. Before the monster could recover, Link grabbed the scimitar it had dropped on the ground and stabbed it several times in the head. The monster twitched a few more times before becoming silent and motionless. It soon disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Link dropped the weapon and shrugged his shoulders. "Hopefully Kari didn't see that. We never said anything about using the monster's weapon."
Luckily for the hero, the Sheikah hadn't noticed. He was occupied with two other opponents. With the element of surprise no longer on his side, he relied on his proven method of exploiting pressure points. Monsters were different from humans, but he figured their weaknesses had to be similar enough. Dodging the lizard's swipes with the grace and fluidity of a mountain river, Kari countered with several well-placed jabs of his own. To his utter dismay, the scales were too tough for his technique to penetrate. He'd have to try a different strategy.
"That's two!" Link called out as he tricked one Lizalfos into stabbing its comrade with a well-timed feint.
Kari tensed as he looked at his two opponents. His normal fighting style wouldn't work, and he was forbidden from using his forte wind magic. He avoided several more swipes as he searched for ideas. Inspiration caught him as he spotted a nearby branch covered in vines. He effortlessly jumped on the branch and grabbed a vine in each hand. The lizards looked at him in animalistic fury as they ran for the bark of the tree to pursue him.
Not wanting to miss his opportunity, Kari jumped down and wrapped a vine around the necks of the unsuspecting reptiles. He then ducked around their arms and through their legs so that the two monsters quickly became entangled. The Lizalfos hacked in an angry frenzy to become free. As they did so, they slashed one another, further fueling their rage. Quickly forgetting their common foe, the two monsters bickered amongst themselves and further entangled themselves in the mess of vines. They collapsed to the ground, momentarily fatigued from their struggle and fresh injuries. At last, Kari put the imprisoned monsters out of their misery by snapping their necks as well.
At the same time, Link finished his duel with the sole remaining Lizalfos. After working it into a rage with several strong kicks and punches, the monster slashed wildly and unpredictably at the hero. Even so, Link's instincts were keen enough that they posed no real threat. Seeking that Kari had finished, he brought his lust for battle to a close. He swept the monster off its feet with a low kick, causing it to collapse onto its back. Link stomped on the Lizalfos's stomach with his full weight, forcing air from the reptile's lungs. The resulting shock caused the creature to pass out for a few seconds. That precious time was all Link needed to grab the creature's neck and give it a sickening twist.
As the creature disappeared in a cloud of smoke, Link rose to his feet. The lingering adrenaline made his breathing quick and unsteady. His blood boiled with the thrill of the hunt; the wolf inside him tingled with excitement.
"Goddesses, you fight like a beast. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you enjoyed that." Kari said, his arms crossed into one of disapproval.
Link shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say? It's all I've known for the past few years. It's kept me alive." He took a few deep breaths as he looked to where the Lizalfos had been only earlier. "I got three. How many did you get?"
Kari smirked. "The same. It appears we are equals. Pity there wasn't one more opponent."
As if in response to the Sheikah's statement, a heavy clunking could be heard slowly approaching.
A big smirk crossed Link's face. "You had to say something, didn't you?"
"What is that?" Kari asked, casting a nervous glance in the direction of the sound.
Link closed his eyes and focused his hearing. He could detect the clinking of iron against iron, like a knight's armor. He sifted through various enemies he had encountered in his previous travels.
"It's a Dark Nut; a heavily armored swordsman not to be underestimated. Those Lizalfos we faced were far weaker than normal; probably runts of the pack. The fact that they're traveling with a Dark Nut tells me they were sent here by Zant." He ran back to the spring and grabbed the shield and bow he had left on the ground. The hero looked at Kari. "At any rate, we'll need to be on our guard. I'd rather avoid a confrontation if we can."
"I don't think we have a choice in the matter." Kari replied hesitantly. He pointed to the heavily armored foe standing where the Lizalfos once were. The monster had a large claymore in its hand, ready to sweep a terrible path of destruction through its foes.
"Come on!" Link yelled as he pulled the Sheikah by the arm. "This way!" The Dark Nut heard the two as they bolted and pursued after them. Kari and Link passed through a hollow enclosure as they emerged into another section of the forest. Thick walls covered in vines surrounded them on all sides, with two possible escape routes on their left and right.
"Which way?" Kari hollered as they eyed each door.
"This way!" Link replied as he made for the left exit. The clinking of armor was growing steadily louder as the dark creature gained on them.
They ran through yet another enclosure and skidded to a halt. Just a few inches from where they stopped, the ground simply dropped off. The forest floor resumed a good distance below them, covered in several stone structures. If they proceeded with caution, they could use some of the vines growing on the precipice wall to reach the lower ground. Kari was about to do this when Link halted him.
"Hang on, I have an idea."
"What are you thinking?" His words fell on deaf ears as the Hylian ran out of sight.
When Link saw the Dark Nut in the enclosure they had been only moments earlier, it took little effort on his part to get the monster to storm after him. It ran after him in blind fury, taking little notice to the path they were taking. Its single-minded thought focused on only killing its opponent. Therefore, it had little chance to notice the trap that awaited it.
Link stepped quickly to the side as he approached the small precipice, causing the monster to stop short. The momentum from its heavy armor kept it going, causing it to lean slowly over the cliff. Kari caught the mischievous sparkle in Link's eyes and instantly understood. The Sheikah gave the monster an encouraging kick to the back, and it careened over the edge and down into the ground below. Several of the stone monuments crumbled to pieces as the mass of armor tumbled through them and slowly ground to a halt. The air was silent as the dust slowly settled.
Kari looked at Link with a smirk. "So who's kill is that?"
Link shook his head. "Well, I don't think we killed it, at least not yet. Otherwise, it would've disappeared." He looked around at the ruins. His gaze was met by a large stone wall that circled around like a room. A quarter of it had succumbed to the forest, showcasing the ancient trees in the distance. Several stone pillars stood erect close to the wall, forming another small circle. Directly in front of them was a doorway carved into the wall that lead further into the ruins. "It doesn't matter though. We're finally here. We found it."
Kari looked at the ruins in a mixture of awe and confusion. "What is this place?"
Link spoke the words with reverence. "The Temple of Time."
The Sheikah nearly choked. "This is the Temple of Time? It's in shambles!"
Link readjusted the gear on his back and began to slowly climb down the vines. His voice carried over the precipice. "I suppose it's a matter of opinion. I think it's kind of nostalgic."
As the hero descended, he heard a soft thud as Kari jumped down below. When Link reached the bottom, he shot Kari an odd glance but shrugged his thought off.
It must be nice to have the agility and flexibility of a Sheikah.
They proceeded through the doorway into a wide open space surrounded by two stone walls. Once again, much of the structure had succumbed to the forest, but its shape was still recognizable. A crumbled set of stairs descended from an elevated platform on their right. Two statues stood guard on their left with the crest of the Triforce carved onto the floor between them. Kari eyed the statues as they proceeded through another doorway and up a small flight of stairs.
They emerged into one final clearing with mist hovering low to the ground. Giant stone archways and tall trees intertwined around one another in a remarkable display of man versus nature. Rays of light shone through a large gap in the trees as if sent from the heavens. They shone down on the center piece, where a stone pedestal housed a legendary blade.
Link and Kari stood in reverence of the Sacred Grove. The place had an ancient and supernatural feel to it. They would do well to respect it. The hero's eyes rested on the sword he had wielded several years earlier. "Feast your eyes, Kari. Before you stands the blade spoken of in legends: The Master Sword."
Kari couldn't take his eyes off the sword. The winged cross guard, the blue pommel, the triangles etched onto the shimmering silver blade. The weapon that stood before him truly lived up to the legends he had memorized as a boy. Never in his life would he ever have thought he'd have the chance to actually lay eyes on it.
"To read about it is one thing, but to actually see it takes my breath away." Kari said at last. "The blade of evil's bane. Only one with a pure heart may wield it. The final key to the Sacred Realm where the Triforce awaits one worthy to possess it."
Link raised a brow. "I don't know about that last one."
The sword continued to mesmerize the Sheikah. "True. Much can happen in several hundred years. You have the Triforce of Courage, after all. Now, I wait to see if the sword accepts you as its master."
Link was silent as he slowly walked up to the sword. He planted his feet firmly on the ground and grasped the hilt with both hands. He took one last breath for good measure before pulling at the weapon.
It didn't budge.
"I think it's stuck." Link called out after a moment of trying.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Kari exclaimed with wide eyes. "We journeyed all the way out here and you can't even pull it? What kind of hero are you?"
"You're right, I was kidding. The expression on your face was just too priceless to resist." Link let out a quick laugh as Kari scowled at him. The hero's expression quickly turned serious as he turned his full attention back to the sword. The blade slid smoothly out of the pedestal as he pulled, giving off a radiant light that nearly blinded the Sheikah.
When Kari turned his gaze back to Link, he found the Hylian taking a few practice swings. The sword felt light and natural in the hero's hands, as if it had been designed specifically for him. He had sworn to never draw the blade again, but now he realized just how much he missed having the weapon grasped in his fingers. There was simply no other sword that could compare.
Kari walked carefully up to him, being sure not to be struck by a stray swing. "Tell me, Link, do you find the weapon invigorating?"
Link stopped swinging and let the sword rest in his hands. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't."
Kari continued. "And so you'll use that weapon to fight in a war."
The hero sheathed the sword and attached it to its back. He rolled the Sheikah's words in his mind. When he finished adjusting the scabbard, he turned towards Kari. "Only because I have to. If I don't, then thousands will die, including those dear to me." He paused for a moment. "You sound troubled."
Kari averted his gaze. "Only because I know what the horrors of war are like."
Link placed a comforting hand on Kari's shoulder, but he flinched away. "What do you mean?"
Kari shook his head. "Before my village was destroyed, our two races fought one another for several years. Let us just say those battles have left their mark on me."
"Kari, I had no idea. What happened?"
The Sheikah turned his back to Link. "I'd rather not talk about it." He awaited the hero's answer, but was only greeted by silence.
After a minute, the sound of a soft thud directed Kari's attention back towards Link. He shook his head in disgust as he saw the Hylian collapsed on the ground with his eyes closed.
"You can't be tired already. We just rested." He complained bitterly as he knelt down and opened Link's eyes. He was greeted by a blank stare that didn't even comprehend his presence. Kari quickly placed his ear by the hero's chest. His breathing was slow and barely audible. A wave of panic spiked through the Sheikah.
"Oh goddesses! Of all the places! Why here?"
When the light surrounding him faded, the hero found Kari nowhere in sight. Instead, he found himself inside the Temple of Time in its restored glory. Light poured in from the stain-glass windows onto the pedestal before him. Resting inside was the Master Sword in its legendary glory. He heard surreal voices speaking around him, making him feel as if submerged in a pool of water. He attempted to look at the rest of his surroundings, but he found something else guided his vision entirely. He wanted to speak, but the words that came out were not his own.
"No. You can't be serious."
"Link, I have to go."
Wherever he was, he suddenly felt his heart overwhelmed with sorrow and a great emptiness. He couldn't explain why he felt this way, only that it hadn't been the first time.
"But after all we went through together?"
Link's sight was turned to a glowing blue fairy. Its winged back was facing away from him.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you in the final battle."The fairy turned to look at him once again, pain written on her face. "Goodbye." She began to fly towards the window when Link found himself running wildly after her. He reached out to her, but she was just beyond his grasp.
"Wait. I'll see you again?"
The fairy paused in its tracks, keeping her gaze towards the window.
"Link…I…see you later."
Those last words rolled over in Link's mind. He had heard them once before, but their origin eluded him. The sharp pain of loss stung him once again as the fairy flew to the window high above. The bright sun blocked its departure as bells began to ring all around him. Suddenly, the bright light blinded him once again as he felt his spirit returning to his body. The other speaker's last words rung in his heart as he returned to the real world.
"See you later, Navi."
Link awoke with a start, gasping for breath as he slowly took in his surroundings. His senses were vastly dulled as his mind reeled from the images he had seen. It was only a dream? But was it only that? It felt so real. He could still feel the sorrow resonating in his heart. Whoever that had been, he could identify with their pain. That same sorrow had stung his heart when Midna left.
The hero's daydreams were shattered like a broken mirror as Kari sucker punched him in the cheek.
"That joke was far from funny. Here I thought something serious actually happened to you, but you were just making a fool out of me." Kari stood over Link as he rubbed his sore cheek.
"What are you talking about? One minute I was listening to your story; the next I find myself seeing strange visions." Link rose to a sitting position. The pain still stung his cheek. Kari was stronger than he looked.
"Like I'm going to believe that," Kari said crossly. He cracked his knuckles, ready for another blow if necessary.
Link held up his hands in defense. "I'm being entirely serious. Just now, I was in the Temple of Time, except it was restored. There was this fairy, and another voice I didn't recognize."
Kari's eyes bore into him for several seconds. Content, he helped the Hylian to his feet.
"No apology?" Link teased.
Kari's annoyance dissolved quickly as a smirk crossed his lips. "Consider us even for the tree branches from earlier." The hero couldn't help but crack a small smile.
"SOMEONE HELP!"
Both tensed at the unexpected plea. They raced out of the sacred grove and down the flight of stairs to the source of the yell. To their horror, they found the Dark Nut from earlier fully conscious. Much of its armor had cracked and collapsed from the fall, but the monster itself seemed relatively unharmed. In one hand, it held a small girl no older than the age of ten. In the other, it held a large rapier, pointing it at its terrified hostage.
"Kari, rescue the girl! I'll take care of the monster." Link called out as he raced forward. The Master Sword rested in his left hand; his trusty shield grasped firmly in his right.
Having little time to process the demand, Kari whipped out the Wind Waker and closed his eyes. He mumbled a few magic words and pointed the baton at the dark creature. The wind suddenly picked up and began circling around the monster. Unsure of what to make of the sudden disturbance, the Dark Nut attempted to escape, but to no avail. The wind formed a small cyclone, raising the monster up and throwing it and its hostage into the air. The sudden toss caused the monster to lose its grip on the girl, and she went flying through the air. Kari caught her as she descended and slid her gently onto the ground.
Meanwhile, the monster rose from the sudden toss and recovered its rapier. No sooner had it grabbed it than it felt the cold steel of Link's blade against the back of its chain mail. It whipped around to counter attack, only to have its weapon clash against the hero's shield. Link used the opportunity to shield bash the monster, stunning it temporarily. He bent his knees and jumped above the monster's head, slashing at its skull with a helm splitter. After recovering from the blow, the monster launched a series of quick thrusts at Link. He countered by rolling around it and performing a back slice. This threw the monster off balance just enough for Link to counter with a series of slashes of his own. A jump strike and spin slash later, and the dark creature was vanquished.
Link sheathed his sword and put away his shield. He walked to check on the girl when she tackled him, nearly throwing him off balance. She couldn't have been any higher than his waist, making even Malo seem tall by comparison. Her brunette hair flowed no higher than her neck, and was held back by a white headband. She wore a sleeveless green skirt belted at the waist. Her brown eyes looked up at him in gratitude and admiration.
"Thank you so much for saving me, Link." She broke her thankful hug and looked curiously at him. "Wow, you've gotten taller since your last visit."
Kari walked slowly up to him, eyeing the young child with curiosity. "How do you know this child, Link? Supposedly the Kokiri are never seen except with extreme luck."
"Ko-what?"
The Kokiri girl's smile twisted into one of disappointment as she glanced at Kari. "You're not Saria." She looked again to Link. "Where's Saria? And what happened to your hat?"
Link rubbed his temples with his hands. "Wait. I'm confused. Have we met before?"
The Kokiri girl tilted her head to the side, unable to hide her smile. "Are you joking with me again, Link? You expect me to believe you don't even recognize your old friend, Tifa?"
A/N- Well, sad to say, this may be the last update for the summer. Classes start in little more than a week, which means much of my time will be soaked by school, work, homework, and church activities. Well, such is life. In completely random news, I recently celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago. It was a lot of fun. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Darkride, the Dark Nut scene was for you.
Twilight-Barber, to answer your question, Zelda doesn't know about Geroshida's or Scorpio's existence. While they have a vast reputation, that reputation stays in the underworld. Their shop is located closer to the edge of Castle Town, and the door is well hidden in a side alleyway. Perhaps I should've described that better. They really don't have to worry about authorities either. Most of the soldiers are cowardly and corrupt, and their silence can easily be bought. Sylviah Elric, you have a good point with Zelda's transformation. It's a good idea, and if it fits well with the plot, I'll use it.
One last random tidbit. I would love to have some character illustrations done for this story. I would do it myself, but sadly, drawing is not one of my talents. If one of you reading this is interested and you have some spare time on your hands, let me know. I'd love to see what you come up with.