Note: Somewhat shorter chapter here, but we're almost done! Hope I'm not boring anyone! I tend to make my work long, even when I try not to.

That said, thank you for reading!

Infiltration and Discovery

How long had it truly been since he took the boy off to save his friend? Left him on his own? Allowed him to traverse back into the dense foliage that was no longer ruled by his old friend?

Kapeora Gaebora calculated that it had been a good few hours, almost long enough for the first traces of daylight to begin making themselves known over the horizon, yet the sun had yet to present itself to the world. This was perhaps a benefit to the large bird as his species was more suited for the hours of darkness, the skin he currently wore not entirely unusual to see in the dead of night or early morning. However, he knew that the longer he was away, the more chance there was of that boy getting himself in danger.

Fairy companion or no, and even if he had his moments of wisdom and intelligence, the blonde child dressed in green was still just that, a child, while the forces that currently worked against him were anything but.

Currently, the great horned owl had left the perimeter of what constituted Hyrule and now sailed the skies that belonged to the arid lands to the west. The hostile land, the unknown land, the forbidden land.

The Land of the Unwanted.

The Land of the Gerudo.

Indeed, while he had spent the majority of his time keeping to familiar territory, this barren wasteland of sand and deserted caravans served to remind him of just what Link would be dealing with, the people from this very place are hardened by the environment, community, their rulers, and their neighbors of a greener, more fertile country.

While he held no positive feelings toward their king, the harshness of a life lived in this place wasn't lost on him, realizing well why the idea of Ganondorf's invasion sounded so appealing. He had been keeping an eye on Link since his departure from Castle Town, as well as his journey to and from the Castle itself. While he had been relieved that Navi had still faithfully tailed behind the boy, the other two figures he came to encounter in Hyrule's capital were not exactly expected. Granted, they were a possibility, anything was at this point, yet Kapeora Gaebora hadn't anticipated that, of all people to encounter on the first vital stop on his quest, Link would come across "her."

A Girl from Castle Town.

…well, technically two.

The first was barely noticed, yet she too held a significance, he sensed. Just not one he had anticipated to find in the middle of such a place. A girl like herself, with the way she looked, either prejudice had softened significantly since he was an owlet, or she had gone there out of desperation.

Yet, if her presence shocked the owl, then the appearance of the blonde girl almost startled him out of his feathers. Even more so when he realized just who exactly she was. However, it also appeared that he was the only one among those in Castle Town (or technically above) who had any clue as to who this "Gris" actually was.

Truthfully, keeping her in that Castle for the majority of her life wasn't exactly a wise maneuver on her father's part, yet the owl would be lying if he said he didn't understand why the man did it. He hid his child away for the same reason that the Great Deku Tree kept Link hidden within the confines of the Lost Woods, away and unseen by the rest of the world save for a few select others. And those others were selected very, very carefully.

However, perhaps his quest to attain peace for his country blinded him to some potential dangers, especially those that spoke of companionship and alliance.

Yet, aside from Gris, the child with hair as red as fire also drew his sharp eyes, even more so when he realized that she possessed the same pointed ears as every other Hylian that resided both in Castle Town and the smaller village that rested not too far away. And yet, all that those around her seemed to see was what was on her head and nothing else. This fact wasn't lost on her, as any conversations she had were either quick or to the point, and those who dealt with her only appeared to acknowledge her at the bare minimum.

It was almost as if she weren't even the same people as them, let alone the same creature.

He knew they tolerated her only so much as to keep her head down and behave, numerous shifting and suspicious eyes turning to watch her when they believed she wasn't looking. Yet he was certain she caught more than one or two.

Kaepora Gaebora huffed, or rather, hooed. "Hopefully Link doesn't catch onto some of Hyrule's less than desirable traits." He mused to himself, continuing his journey forward.

However, as he did so, he found that his reluctance to take a moment to catch a small rodent or another creature of some kind was perhaps weighing on his stomach, the pangs of hunger beginning to affect him greatly. Indeed, no matter the body, it seemed that the need for nourishment was one of every living thing. Perhaps that was the reason the Hylians of Castle Town and Kakariko Village tolerated the red-haired girl, Malon, he believed she called herself.

Since the war had ended ten years ago, a good portion of the countryside had been razed by the continuous battles from all sides, save for Kakariko thanks to its close proximity to Death Mountain (and due to the volcano's less-humanoid residents driving off anyone that got close), leaving Lon Lon Ranch one of the few places where animals were raised for food. And, due to the sheer amount of farmland that had been destroyed, the ranch had to then go through an adjustment of becoming a small garden as well. True, there was still a majority of produce and overall necessities shipped from elsewhere, particularly Labrynna, yet, should anyone want anything local, the Ranch was the only place to get anything from.

Speaking of, did he not hear of how the owner was taking a trip to Kakariko to deliver milk and eggs?

The owl tightened his beak, not exactly wishing to consider what Malon's trip would consist of tomorrow. Although, despite himself, the bird couldn't stop from fearing that it would turn out poorly, especially given how she herself didn't appear too enthusiastic about going.

Of course, to do that, she would take Link with her as Kakariko and Death Mountain were some of his next stops, but that also meant he would have to be there to take the boy back to the Ranch once his task was over in the Lost Woods. Unfortunately, despite the enhanced vision this current body brought with it, Kaepora Gaebora could not see as far as that, the greenery of the Great Deku Tree's realm far away from the arid, dry graveyard of sand beneath his wings. For now, he just had to have faith the child could indeed save his friend from the forest.

"Farore," the owl muttered under his breath. "Lead him, guide him," he then let his eyes close for a moment, the wind and night air signaling to the bird where he was, as well as where he was going. "Above all else, provide that fairy with the courage to stay by him."

He then paused.

"…and, if willing, watch over the Girl from Castle Town," he finished. "Both of them."

It was then that the owl's musing was cut short, seeing his destination a short distance away. Granted, its shape had changed greatly since he had last seen it, albeit, that part of his life was from far, far back.

Back before he had even hatched from his egg.

The structure, at first, appeared to resemble a long mountain in the middle of the desert, an archway standing before the dilapidated and abandoned building that once housed a great temple and drew dozens, if not hundreds of worshipers. Yet now, in contrast to the grand Temple of Time located in Castle Town, this place was more fitting as a haunt for night-dwelling creatures such as himself. Or maybe, something even more horrid that dare not present itself in the daylight.

And, if so, perhaps they weren't alone.

These ponderings and theories continued to develop in his mind as the owl inched closer and closer, the rotting, busted visage of what was once an intricately detailed, beautifully crafted depiction of an ideal woman in the eyes of the Gerudo, now stripped down to barest of a form that only scarcely resembled her original shape. A small space in what was once her "ear" served as his way in, albeit, he had to still tread carefully, despite his species' natural inclination to silence. He continued on flapping his mighty wings only when necessary and only disturbing just enough air to make the subtlest of presences.

Even then, the foul creatures that patrolled this place did not notice.

It wasn't until he reached the lower levels that he realized this place was far larger than even he anticipated. Had the forces of evil really done so much to the Temple that it now practically had another structure attached to it? Down, down, down, he flew, his eyes allowing him to navigate through the near-lightless environment until his keen ears heard a peculiar sound.

Is that… boiling water?

Tailing around the circular formation of the inner wall, the owl found an aged, wooden door, yet upon turning the handle with his talons, he found it to be locked from the inside, preventing any entry inside.

"So, he's currently in the Lost Woods?"

"Yes, courtesy of that feather-brained dodo dropping him off there. Blasted bird must've known the Sage was in trouble as well."

Voices were speaking over the continuous sound of heated water, the avian's keen ears picking up on the two sources conversing with each other. Both sounded similar and were female, older in age, yet, despite that, Kaepora Gaebora could not help but sense that there was more to the lengthy lives of the two speakers as opposed to just blessed luck and good health. Continuing along the inner wall, the owl eventually found a small crack in the surface that allowed him to peer inside, spotting a small room concealed within the confines of the stone barrier.

The room in itself appeared to be rather scattered and disorganized, with several items and trinkets lying here and there, strewn out all over the place, as if they were just haphazardly thrown around without a care. This, however, didn't translate for all the objects contained within, several bottles and jars containing various ingredients lining several wooden, near-rotting shelves lining the ceiling that seemed to rise upward into a long tunnel, feeding the smoke rising from the cauldron to the outside.

Well, at least I found the origin of that, Kaepora Gaebora thought to himself. Still…there was a peculiar odor to the smoke, he remembered. It smelt almost like burning flesh…

His eyes took a look at the contents of the jars and bottles on the shelves, his keen sight now detailing a few unique items such as sliced-out tongues and eyeballs of varying colors kept in a preservative liquid, some samples fresher than others. Have they gotten some of these recently? Perhaps gathered from when the Gerudo went to Castle Town? Kaepora Gaebora couldn't say for sure, thus, centered his attention on listening in on the conversation between the two old women.

"So, the Baga Tree is trying his hand at killing the boy, is he?" one of the voices asked, seemingly amused. "Stupid idiot couldn't even kill the Great Deku Tree on his own! What makes him think he'll succeed without Lord Ganondorf's help?"

"He's overstepping his boundaries," the other said. "His rule over the forest is supreme with his enemy gone, yet he is still just a tree," they added. "Completely immobile and unable to move from his place in the ground," they then huffed. "Still, he is not at the height of our concerns. If anything, these two other youths that have met our Little Hero have garnered my interest."

"Hm?" the other hummed in puzzlement. "Which one? The blonde or half-breed?"

Kaepora Gaebora dared not make a sound, yet he tuned in his hearing.

"Both," the main voice said. "And besides, why do you assume one of them has our blood in their veins?" they questioned.

"Oh, come on," the other groaned. "Look at her hair, it's obvious she's one of us," they said. "At least, partially."

"Hm, well, whatever," their companion huffed. "They're Hylian enough," they said. "Still, what of the blonde? Who does that kid think she's fooling?"

"Only other fools," the secondary figure stated. "Of which, our Little Hero is one, it seems," they said. "Still, he and the rest of the children may be naive, yet the killer of our darling Gueys is not."

"Indeed," the other agreed. "They've picked up our means of seeing the going ons in Hyrule faster than any of the King's men OR his snooping daughter," they paused. "Speaking of, where has the boy been taken shelter for the night again?"

The concealed owl continued watching and listening, all the while readying himself to make a bolt for it at any moment.

"The ranch the half-breed resides at," the more calm and composed of the two figures stated. "Lon Lon Ranch, I believe it's called."

"Ah, there are still places such as that around here?" the other questioned with intrigue.

"Yes, apparently," the former speaker responded. "Although it's one of the few that survived the war," they clarified. "As in, we ultimately rely on their exports as well."

"Thus, we leave them alone, is that it?" the other inquired.

"Correct," the former said. "However, should any of them become difficult, there's nothing wrong with reminding them just who can come and raid them of everything they possess in the dead of night, then set their entire abode on fire."

"Fire? That's my thing!" the second exclaimed. "I'll be the one to burn the place down if it comes to it! You can just freeze those that try and escape," there was a pause, Kaepora Gaebora then heard a high-pitched cackle erupt from within the small chamber. "Then I'll try thawing them out!"

"You mean melt the flesh from their bones?"

"No, that would be purposeful. But the two men can die. The girl, on the other hand…"

"Wait."

Silence fell over the entirety of the inner sanctum, both the small, shadowy figures and their eavesdropper hearing not a peep from the other. Nevertheless, there was no hiding it, a Guey situated at the opposite end of the room spotting the eye of another watching them from a crack within the wall.

Lost Woods

"Look out!"

"Whoa!"

No matter who gave the warning, it was too late.

At the last second, the figure carrying Link stopped in its tracks, the massive branch crashing directly in front of them, yet the downward trajectory of the falling wood and the pull of gravity forced both boy and mysterious savior down, Navi crying out in distress as she dove downward, trying to catch up to her Kokiri's falling form.

At least, that's what she believed Link to be.

"Link!" Saria shouted, turning to face her carrier. "You've got to go back! Link's been left behind!"

"He'll have to fend for himself! It's too late now!" the green-haired girl's savior fastened their hold on the smaller child's form, keeping her still and from struggling.

Saria's eyes widened in shock, noticing in the corner that Mido was still unconscious. "But…but you can't just leave him!" she protested. "The forest needs him! The world outside needs him!"

"Correction, the forest needs you," the figure answered her. "And any dealings with the outside doesn't concern you, nor does it us."

"But-"

"He can take care of things if he's who you claim he is!" the stranger interrupted. "Besides," they then huffed. "I'm not risking what's left of my kind for those that nearly led to their extinction."

Saria got out no more as the image of the green and blonde child that had finally reached the ground grew further and further away, her blue eyes soon unable to see a trace of him through the dense, thickened trees of the forest.

On the forest floor, Link and his rescuer had landed mere inches away from the branch that had crashed in front of them, missing the blonde's head by a hair, all the while, to his surprise, he saw that the cloak the figure carrying him had been wearing was removed, caught underneath the boy's weight and body. And while Link didn't exactly believe his companion to be a child like himself, he wasn't entirely suspect them to be non-humanoid either.

Much less a bird.

Indeed, the one that had saved him before from the Baga Tree and the incoming Skull Kids was a bird-like, stout creature with a small beak and mostly peach and brown body, its skin covered in short, fur-like feathers that bore a similar pattern to wood and its arms were short and stubby, yet surprisingly well-developed, if the moves they displayed before were any indication. The talons, or maybe flippers, were more webbed akin to a duck, the eyes on its peach face dark and small, and there was a comical swirl atop of their head shaped by an elongated feather poking out of the top.

"Ah, thank the Great Deku Tree!" a familiar voice shouted, the pale-blue fluttering source coming down to examine and look for any potential injuries on her charge. "I never should've separated from you in the first place, are you all right?" The boy nodded in response to her inquiry, although it was more of an answer to get her to stop poking and prodigy at him, yet her attention was soon drawn to the bird-like being that had fallen down with her boy. "And…you are…?"

She then paused, realizing that, unlike before, she now recognized the creature before her. Whatever covered its form had blocked out her senses, yet now that it had been stripped away, she could see and know just what the bizarre bird truly was.

"You're a…"

"Look, lady, I know how it looks, but-"

"You're a Kikwi!"

Kikwi? Link took a second look at the creature and found that its rotund shape and brown fur feathers much more resembled a Kiwi fruit than a bird, of whatever it was supposed to be, yet Navi continued speaking, not even acknowledging his own confusion as to what this strange thing was.

"But…the Great Deku Tree said that you all were…?!"

The fairy was cut off by several shadows manifesting from the trees and surrounding her and her charge, along with the lone Kikwi, blocking off any path of exit from the inner circle.

Several Skull Kids trapped the three, Link rising and drawing his sword, ready to fight. Yet, as his blue eyes surveyed the amount of enemy forces in front of him, one among the crowd caught his attention.

It took a moment for him to find, yet one among the similarly dressed, strangely-shaped children wore the Skull Mask the blonde had won from Castle Town. At that moment, while he thought their appearance similar before, it was the presence of the mask that made the boy realize that, indeed, he had seen these individuals before.

Far, far before he even set foot outside of the Great Deku Tree's Domain.

Gerudo Territory

He made a bolt for it before the smaller bird could release its warning cry, yet by the time he began to take off, the high-pitched, frantic squawking already echoed throughout the inner room and small space the owl hid in.

"Someone's here!" one of the voices screeched, Kaepora Gaebora continued to fly back the way he came, keeping silence in mind, but speed at the moment was of the most importance. "Where are they, my little beauty?" they asked the still panicking Guery. "Where did they go?"

The horned owl flew past the still remains of what was once a place of reverence and spirituality, exiting through an exit in the upper portions of the temple, more than relieved to feel the night air on his wings once again.

Although his relief didn't last long, for as he got going, the temple getting further and further behind, he suddenly felt his tailfeathers stand up on end, and an approaching source of heat growing alarmingly close.

Lost Woods

Kokiri Forest

Previous Year

"Oh, alack, alay! I, the gorgeous, beautiful Princess have been ensnared by the monster! Oh, who in the world shall save me from such a terror?"

The "terror" in question was little more than a blonde dressed in tattered leaves and a mask, trying to act as "monstrous" as possible while Saria in her far more dress-like getup continued to portray herself as innocent and pure.

"Stop, you villain!"

A voice cried out, a heroically dressed Mido leaping out from behind a pair of bushes, wielding a fake shield and sword of pure wood. Link released a growl as if to say "Who are you?", yet a ten-year-old could only be so intimidating, costume or not.

"I'm the Hero of Legend," Mido proclaimed with pride, although it still somewhat stung in Link's eyes. "And," he then thrust his sword in the "monster's" direction. "I've come for the Princess, you foul creature!"

"And that's what we've been waiting for!"

All three participants, Link, Saria, and Mido were completely caught off-guard and off-script. Suddenly, three shapes emerged from the Great Deku Tree's branches above, surrounding the "hero." They were dressed similarly to Link himself, clothes composed of sewn-together leaves in a haphazard manner, yet, unlike the boy, these clothes appeared to be well-worn and used previously, with small tears in the hems present.

"Um…" Saria began, not entirely sure what to say that would both answer her question and still be relatively in line with the narrative of the play so far. "Who…are you?"

The three figures centered their gaze on Mido, but they nonetheless answered her. "We're the monster's minions!" one of the three declared. "We patrol their territory and look out for anyone that dares intrude on our land!"

"Yeah!" the second declared, adjusting his mask, of which looked very similar to Link's own. Or, rather, the monster's. "And we don't take kindly to the heroic types coming around these parts!"

"So," the third said, he and the rest of his companions closing in on Mido. "For giving our boss such a hard time," he beat his fist against an open palm.

"We're going to take it out on you!"

Then, with that unanimous proclamation, they all pounced, the redhead vanishing from underneath the pile of fighting, punching, beating figures. Suffice to say, no one was entirely sure of what to say. The Princess, Monster, Hero (who was currently getting comically pummeled), the Great Deku Tree, nor the audience had any input to this particular twist in the story. Still, as the punishment went on, the Monster himself found that, while he had been wanting to give the Hero a piece of his mind since casting officially began, he wasn't entirely sure if he wanted things to go down like this.

"W-Wait!"

Present

"Wait…" Navi and the Kiwkwi glanced over, the usually silent boy having said his first words in some time.

Link's defensive stance died down a little, the sight of the Skull Kid wearing his mask allowing him to realize just who those three intruders were a year ago, as well as who had been truly watching him in the Lost Woods.

The boy of the Great Deku Tree and that of the Baga Tree stared each other down, the others unsure as to what exactly was so fascinating between the two of them. Not even the two others who had made their way into the play understood the distinction that the Skull Mask had given their fellow Skull Kid.

Of course, this didn't last long, the masked child of the Baga Tree bringing out his blowdart and firing at Link's boots, forcing him back to the center with Navi and the uncovered Kikwi, any sense of sentimentality robbed from the environment, the Skull Kid remembering his master's words in his mind.

"Don't hesitate," the Baga Tree told him. "You know what he'll become."

The opposing spawn of the woods then drew out a stone knife, chiseled and sharpened just enough to be able to do some damage.

"And, if he becomes that," his master told him before he departed to find the boy in green. "You know that you will die."

Note: Controversial opinion time, but...I'm not the biggest fan of Skyward Sword's story. Especially the Hylia angle. That said, it is part of Zelda lore, and I think that I found a way to make it work in context for this.

And I've decided that I'm sort of making this a "Choose Your Own Adventure" story in some parts. Or rather, "Choose Your Girl" in this case.

I'm including both pairings, but in two separate series of events if you will. But this will be more when everyone is grown up as opposed to children, as things are more set up in that portion.

With that said, thank you for reading, alert me of any errors I may have missed, and I hope to hear from you soon!