Saria couldn't believe it. This was the first time she had ever stepped outside of Kokiri Forest. Though she still felt pain from the loss of her friend and father, her heart swelled with excitement. There was such a vast world out there waiting to be explored, and by her side the whole time would be her fairy Poppy and-

"Link! Look up here!" said a strange voice.

"Huh?"

Saria looked up and noticed a gigantic owl roosting on a branch. Aside from its size, it had long feathers where eyebrows would go, giving the owl a distinct appearance.

"Wait… You're not Link. Who are you?" asked the owl.

"My name is Saria. I'm a Kokiri from Kokiri Village."

"Hmm. Hmm. Most strange. I was certain Link would leave the forest this day…"

Saria glared at the owl. "How would you even know that? Are you some manner of prophet?"

"W-what? Oh, no… Just a wizened old owl…" At this, the owl turned its face completely upside down. "Are you sure he's not right behind you?"

With a pained sigh, Saria explained what had transpired. After she was finished, the owl turned its face upright again and narrowed its eyes in a solemn expression.

"Impossible… Could it really be true? But the…"

"But what?" asked Saria.

"Oh, never mind that. Unfortunate as that may be, perhaps there is still hope. You said that you were tasked by the Great Deku Tree to seek out the Princess, right?" Saria nodded. The owl then extended a wing and bowed his head. "My name is Kaepora Gaebora. I was tasked with guiding the young Link throughout his journey, but it would seem I would be your guide instead. I hope you will accept my service."

"I'm still confused, but I'll gladly take the help. After all, I've never been outside the forest before. I only know of the outside world through stories."

"Don't feel discouraged, Saria. There is much to learn and less time to learn it, but I will do all that I can to help. Here. Take this map." Gaebora raised a scroll clutched in a talon. After dropping it down to Saria, the girl caught the scroll and unfurled it. According to the map, she was on the eastern outskirts of a place called Hyrule Field.

"I see… And I am to go to Hyrule Castle, yes?"

"Indeed! Go west and north," the owl pointed with a wing, "and you will meet the Princess there. Dark forces are at work and monsters roam the wild. You will encounter many hardships ahead… But have courage! You are far stronger than you may ever know. Do you have any questions?"

Saria thought on this, deciding to take things one step at a time and learn on her own.

"No, that should be all. Thank you Gaebora."

"You're very welcome! I'll see you around, then! Hoot hoot ho!"

The great owl took off into the sky and disappeared. Once he was gone, Poppy said, "What a strange fellow."

"I don't mind him so much, but what he said is worrisome. He was so certain he would meet Link today."

"Perhaps he's a magician?"

"But he was wrong…"

"Magicians can be wrong, right?"

"Maybe, but…" Saria stopped, tapping her cheeks with both hands. "Mayhaps it would be better not to think on these matters. To Hyrule Castle!"

"Yeah!"

Saria ran out to the vast fields of Hyrule, first following a dirt road before immediately being distracted by all the new sights, sounds, and smells. Gentle winds carried the fragrant scent of flowers Saria had never smelled before. The sun shined overhead and warmed her face. It was almost like a dream. She felt guilty for exploring and putting off her mission, but she kept telling herself "It won't take that long…" over and over. As she walked through the fields, she noticed a rather large plant with equally large red leaves.

"Oh? What's that?" asked Saria.

"I'm not sure. It looks familiar though," said Poppy.

"Let's go check it out!"

"Saria, I'm not sure-"

It was too late. Saria walked as close as she could, but then the ground started to shake. The plant uprooted itself and flew into the air, with long sharp leaves rotating at great speeds to keep the plant aloft.

"What the? It can fly?!"

The plant bent forward as it flew in Saria's direction. As soon as she saw the sharp leaves cut through dirt and grass with ease, Saria took off running. As the plant pursued, Poppy tried to keep pace with her friend.

"I knew that looked familiar! That's no ordinary plant. It's a peahat!" said Poppy.

"A peahat? How do you know about that, but I don't?"

"We fairies were sometimes tasked to send messages to the outside world. You don't think I spent every waking hour by your side, do you?"

Saria picked up a rock and hucked it at the peahat, only to see the rock shatter against the spinning leaves.

"Fair point! So if you know what this is, do you know how to calm it down?"

"I'll bet its roots are sensitive, but without a good vantage point, we're stuck!"

"Then perhaps we need a distraction. Poppy, do you think you can lead it away?"

"What? Why me?!"

"Because you can fly!"

The peahat continued its pursuit, slicing through bushes and stone. Seeing this, Poppy said, "Fine! But you owe me!"

The green fairy shot a spark of magic at the peahat, drawing its attention as Poppy flew up into the sky. After Saria took cover in a nearby stream, she looked up. Sure enough, small roots could be seen beneath the creature.

"There!"

The girl drew her slingshot, loaded it with deku seeds, and fired. After the seeds hit the roots, the plant squealed and fell to the ground. Poppy flew back to Saria.

"Phew… That should keep it-"

And then the peahat exploded. Saria and Poppy stared blankly at the smoldering crater in the field.

"The outside world truly is filled with wonders," said Saria.

"No kidding," said Poppy.

After collecting themselves, the pair returned to the dirt road and made their way to the castle. Only, the sun was starting to go down…

"Oh shoot, it'll be night soon. We should hurry!" said Saria.

The girl ran as fast as she could, but having dilly-dallied for so long, it was too late. By the time she reached the castle moat, the drawbridge was already being raised.

"No no no! Oh, come on!"

Saria stopped at the edge of the moat, catching her breath.

"I knew we shouldn't have explored so much," said Poppy.

"I didn't think the day would pass by so quickly… It's okay, though. We can just rest in a tree until daytime."

When the sun finally set, a distant howl echoed through the night. The wolf's howl sent shivers down Saria's spine as she looked around.

"What was that?"

"I'm not sure," said Poppy.

"Let's get going, then. We won't find shelter standing here."

As Saria walked throughout the moon-painted field, she found herself constantly checking behind herself. There were no signs of monsters, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

"Hey Poppy, do you think-"

And then it happened. Skeletal hands burst from the ground, grasping at Saria's legs. Other figures appeared from the shadows. Small skeletal creatures with clawed boney hands, tattered clothes, and red glowing eyes in the sockets of beast-like skulls shambled towards Saria.

"Stalchildren!" shouted Poppy.

Saria drew her dagger and sliced at the grasping hands, freeing herself. She was quick to flee with her fairy companion, but more and more emerged from the ground to pursue, while others disappeared back into the earth.

"What are these things?" shouted Saria as she ran. "You said they're stalchildren? Where are they all coming from?"

"How should I know? Maybe this is the work of that evil sorcerer!?" shouted Poppy.

Saria dodged the swipe of a claw and countered, severing the stalchild's skull from its body. The skeletal fiend wandered about aimlessly, swiping at the air while others continued their pursuit.

"Has his influence truly reached this far? There are so many…"

More and more stalchildren emerged from the ground to surround Saria, their eyes gleaming with malice. Saria defended herself, slicing and swiping at the stalchildren as they came at her while striking deku nuts against the ground to thin the horde. The longer the fight dragged on, the more wounds the girl suffered. The creatures cackled with high-pitched, unnatural voices. Soon enough, Saria found herself backed against the edge of the moat, with a short fall to the waters below.

"Any ideas, Poppy?"

"Maybe another deku nut?"

"I'm already out…"

"Then it's time for another leap of faith!"

With a nod, Saria dove back, falling into the watery moat. One of the stalchildren followed, burning up in the water and disappearing in wisps of green flame.

"Ha! I knew it!" said Poppy. "The water is too pure for their kind!"

Saria looked up at the remaining stalchildren, who were staring blankly at the Kokiri girl before losing interest. They looked less mad and more disappointed.

"I thank you for your wisdom, Poppy, but perhaps you could have told me this sooner." Saria looked around and groaned. "How many times am I going to have to get wet before this journey is through?"

The currents of the moat were light enough that Saria could navigate the water with ease. In time, she was able to sneak away from the stalchildren and clamber up into a tree, resting throughout the night.

"I can see why the Great Deku Tree didn't want us leaving the forest. Even with all my training, I could only do so much against them."

"Don't be so glum," said Poppy, resting on Saria's shoulder. "Your journey has just begun. You remember what that old windbag said earlier, right? Have courage!"

Tired, wet, and wounded, the fairy's words were the funniest thing Saria had heard in a long time. After wiping a tear from her eye, she said, "Thank you, old friend. I needed that."

The girl took the time to treat her wounds with powdered medicine. The green powder coagulated on contact with her cuts and scrapes, and though it burned, already she could feel her pain diminishing.

"I can't believe there are so many of those in this field. What could have possibly left behind all those… Bones?" The girl winced at the word, recalling sour memories.

"Hmm… As I recall, there was a lot of fighting before Hyrule was finally united. I believe it was called the Hyrulean Civil War. The fighting never reached Kokiri Forest, but I think I remember acting as a messenger during those times… It feels so long ago."

"Civil war? But… Why?"

"Who can say? The hearts of men are fickle things. Perhaps it was greed, or hatred, or simply indifference. All I know is that the war threatened to engulf even our dear forest."

The fairy then looked out to the distance as if in deep thought.

"What's wrong, Poppy?"

"I'm just thinking of something the Great Deku Tree once told me…"

It seemed too personal, so Saria decided not to push. She simply rested her head against her travel pack and closed her eyes. When she dreamed, she dreamed of distant memories and of friends come and gone…

"Saria, this way!" shouted the young boy.

Link and Saria were running through the Lost Woods together. The boy had something important he wanted to show her, but why it had to be out in the Lost Woods was passing strange. Was it secretly a confession? Saria blushed at the thought but decided to ignore it. Though they were of the same height, Saria had spent most of the boy's life raising him alongside the other Kokiri. In many ways, she had acted as the surrogate that fairies often were to Kokiri sproutlings. The girl wasn't sure what to make of her feelings, so she focused on the now rather than the what if.

After skidding to a halt at a crossroad, Link pointed at a dangling circular block of wood hanging from the branch of a tree.

"Oh, I think I know this place," said Saria. "I've seen deku scrubs gather here to practice their marksmanship."

"Yup! I saw them doing it while hiding in some bushes. It got me thinking. What if I need to defend against something I can't reach with my hands? Or what if I need to shoot down some fruit I can't climb up to? That's when I decided to make this!"

Link drew a slingshot from behind his belt. The craftsmanship was rough but practical, and the band attached to the curved branches was tough yet flexible.

"This is really well-made. Is this your handiwork?" asked Saria.

"Mhmm! That's why I wanted to show ya!" said Link.

Picking up a deku seed off the ground, Link loaded his slingshot, took aim, and hit right at the center of the branch's target. He hit the target two more times until it caught the attention of a deku scrub sleeping inside the tree.

"Hey, this isn't a public shooting gallery! Get outta here!"

Then the deku scrub shot something at Link's face, knocking him over. It was a small pouch.

"What did you go and do that for?!" the boy shouted. "Why the heck did it even have this?"

Saria giggled and said, "Maybe this is its way of congratulating you for your sharpshooting?"

"I guess…" Link groaned. Saria helped the boy up, who dusted the dirt off his tunic. "You know, I bet I could fit a lot of seeds in this pouch. I guess clouds really do have silver lining, huh?"

"Seems so! Now, was there anything else you wanted to show me?"

"Nope, that's it! Pretty cool, huh?"

Saria was staggered at his words but was comforted by his boyish grin. "It was pretty cool, as you say. I bet the others would be dying to see it as well."

"I guess…"

"What's wrong, Link?"

"Oh, it's just been hard fitting in with the others. Even after all this time, I still don't have a fairy. Some of the others are nice, but that Mido is always making fun of me. I've gotten into two fights with him just today!"

Saria pat her friend on his back as they left the Lost Woods behind. "Don't worry, Link. I'm sure you'll get your fairy someday…"

When Saria next awoke, she felt herself gripping something in her lap. It was her green cap. She loosened her grip on it and put it on, looking out to the vast fields before her. The sun was rising, bringing warmth and light to all of Hyrule. It was soothing, but the dreams still echoing in her mind made for a somber morning. It was then that Saria realized Poppy was nowhere to be found.

"Poppy? Poppy, where are you?!"

"Here I am!" said the fairy, floating towards her. She was carrying a small sack which was dangling beneath her. After Poppy gave Saria the sack, the Kokiri looked inside. Nuts, seeds, medicine, and other useful things could be found within.

"What's all this? Did you really go all the way back to the forest?" asked Saria.

"No no, nothing like that," said Poppy. "I just felt bad about last night and thought I'd help out. You remember how the Deku Tree's influence went far beyond the forest?"

"Mhmm. Are you saying we can find these elsewhere?"

"That's right! It seems his roots extend all over the place, so even ordinary bushes may have mixed with him. I uh… Took the liberty borrowing your dagger for a little while in order to harvest from some of the bushes. I hope you don't mind."

Saria's head was filled with images of the tiny fairy wielding the dagger like a greatsword, struggling with every swing of the blade. She couldn't help but giggle at the thought. After retrieving her dagger and dispersing the supplies to her pouches, Saria stood up and stretched.

"Mmph! I really needed that rest. Now that it's safe to do so, let's go to the castle! I'm starving."

"Really? But what about those rations you brought?"

"Well… I could eat them, but I'm more curious what Hylian food tastes like."

"Oh, you really are hopeless!"

Then a loud growl bellowed from Poppy's stomach. Saria laughed at this while the fiery fairy grumbled.

After climbing down from the tree and making her way across the drawbridge, Saria took a moment to marvel at the craftsmanship. As she walked further in past the gate, she noticed an especially tall man wearing metal armor and holding a spear.

"Oh? Hello there! Welcome to Hyrule Castle Town! I don't believe I've met you before."

"Hello," Saria bowed her head. "My name is Saria. This is where the princess lives, right?"

"Another admirer of the princess, eh? Well you wouldn't be the first. Yes, this is the town surrounding Hyrule Castle – hence the name! The king and the rest of the royal family live further north up in the castle. I wouldn't expect to see them anytime soon, though."

"Really? How come?"

"Ever since people started trying to sneak onto the castle grounds to see Zelda, security has been ironclad. It was just tomfoolery this time, but who knows? Better to be safe than sorry."

"Oh, I see…"

"Cheer up, kid! There are plenty of other children your age in the market square. You don't have to meet royalty to make friends!" The guard laughed before returning his attention to Hyrule Field. He didn't seem to take Saria very seriously (perhaps all Hylians were like this?), but maybe it would work in Saria's favor. She thanked the guard and continued on her way toward the market square.

"What are we going to do, Poppy? If they've really tightened security, we might not be able to see the princess," said Saria.

"We could always try sneaking in," said Poppy.

"Didn't you hear the guard? There's no way we could just sneak in. Besides, it wouldn't be proper. I'm trying to help people, after all."

"Fine, fine. Then why don't we ask around the town? Maybe someone knows a normal way you can see the princess?"

It was a reasonable enough plan. Saria agreed and began walking to and fro throughout the town, taking in the sights, meeting the people, petting the animals (a small dog and a bird called a cucco were running about), and smelling all the delicious food.

"Beef skewers! Get your beef skewers here!" said a cook running a stall in the market.

"Ooh, that looks tasty. Can I have one?" asked Saria.

"For a cute thing like yourself? Five rupees should be plenty."

"You take rupees as well? What a coincidence!" Saria pulled out a blue rupee from her pouch. "These are all over the place back at home. We just thought they were ordinary rocks. Here you go sir!"

The cook's mouth was left agape at the girl's statement. Saria simply set the rupee on the counter, took a skewer, and continued on her way. The meat was soft and savory, with a hint of spice. Poppy struggled to chew the piece she was given, but the fairy would not be deterred. She had been given a veritable feast, so she would not let it go to waste.

While Saria spoke to the townsfolk in Castle Town, she heard many things. Some useful, some not so much.

"I made so much money! I should find some more things to sell over in Lake Hylia!" said an old woman.

"Have you been to Lon Lon Ranch? Their milk is delicious!" said another woman.

"Did you know Hylians have big ears in order to hear the voices of the gods? Well I've never heard them before!"

Many townsfolk were out enjoying the sun, socializing, or competing with each other to get the best sale at the market stalls.

"Hey, who bumped me?!"

"Hey, let go! It's mine! I found it first!"

"Huh? What? Shoo, kid! Shoo!"

It almost reminded Saria of the bickering deku scrubs. Though most of the townsfolk only gossiped, some had more… Unusual rumors to share. An old man in blue walked around the market square in contemplation. Curious, Saria approached him.

"Hey, do you know anything about the castle or the royal family?" she asked.

"Hmm… I know a thing or two, young miss. Would you care to hear a story?"

"Of course!"

"Have you ever heard the legend of the 'Shadow Folk'? There is a tribe known as the Sheikah who swore an oath to the king and acted as his shadows. They worked behind the scenes ensuring peace and prosperity, but…"

"But what?"

The old man shook his head. "Perhaps they were not the best of people. I suppose any place can seem serene if dark deeds are dealt with behind closed doors. Ah, but you know… Things have been so peaceful as of late, no one has seen a Sheikah around for a very long time."

Saria breathed a sigh of relief. "Well that's good."

"Wait, no, I think I heard of a Sheikah woman who still lives in the castle. Perhaps these are merely rumors and nothing more… But you never know! Thanks for humoring this old man."

Then the wizened man went on his way.

"Saria?" said Poppy.

"Yeah?"

"Maybe we should be careful from now on."

"I agree."

The pair continued asking around for information. They heard that Princess Zelda could see prophetic visions in her dreams, they heard that a temple had been built around the entrance to the Sacred Realm (an unbelievable rumor to be sure), and they even met one of the people who tried sneaking into the castle. They were laughing it up, unaware that their blunderings had made preventing disaster that much harder. Saria rarely got angry, but even she was losing her patience.

"Easy there, Saria. We don't want to make a scene," said Poppy.

"Of course, of course," she muttered to her companion. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you sneak into the castle?"

"Ha! You'd never believe it! There's a drain hole right out in the open! You have to get past some of the guards, but if you make it up the moat you're halfway there! It's crazy!" said the first man.

"I know, right? I still can't believe you did it! What a goof, am I right?" said the second man.

The pair of friends continued laughing at the absurdity of the situation while Saria tried to keep her cool. She tore off a piece of meat from her skewer and chewed on it to calm her nerves. After finding a nice quiet place to rest, she said, "I can't believe it! Did he even have any good reason for wanting to see Zelda?! What a buffoon!"

"I know a lot of people think Zelda is cute," said Poppy.

"That doesn't make me feel better about the situation." Saria then took off her cap and looked at it. "Link… What would you do in this situation?"

Saria thought on the matter. If Link was here, he'd probably charge straight in without giving it a second thought. Sometimes he was careless, but his swift actions and bravery were always his strong suits. As she weighed Link's approach against more careful options, Saria lost herself in thought. She didn't even notice the young girl approaching her.

"Hey! Your clothes seem awfully different from the others. You're not from around here, are you?"

Saria was surprised the girl had gotten so close to a stranger. Looking up, she saw that the girl had long red hair, bright blue eyes, and a beastly pendant on the collar that sat over her dress.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met," said the apprehensive Kokiri. "My name is Saria. I'm from Kokiri Village."

"Ooooh, I see. You're a fairy girl from the forest! My name is Malon. My dad's the owner of Lon Lon Ranch!"

"Right, the place with the milk and the horses. I've heard of that before."

"Ha! It figures even someone from the forest would know about us. We are pretty famous." Malon put her hands on her hips and wore a smug expression. Saria wasn't sure what to make of the girl, but she seemed friendly enough.

"Say, this might be a weird question, but does your family's milk ever get delivered to the castle?"

"It's funny you ask. My dad and I came here to deliver some milk this morning! Only… He's been gone an awfully long time."

"Maybe the Sheikah woman got him. He's probably a lost cause," whispered Poppy.

It didn't seem like Malon heard her, but Malon did see the fairy. The girl's eyes lit up with excitement as she got closer and closer.

"Wow, a real-life fairy! No way! Can you cast spells? Grant wishes? Can you make someone taller? … Not that I would know anyone like that."

Poppy wore a smug expression reminiscent of Malon's from earlier as she said, "I'll have you know I can do all that and more. I'd show you, but I have to conserve my power for the time being. Saria and I are on an important mission."

"Ooh! Do tell!"

"No, don't tell please," said Saria.

"Do you know about Princess Zelda?" asked Poppy excitedly.

"Do I!" said Malon, matching the fairy's enthusiasm. "I heard she can see the future! How cool is that?!"

"Wait a minute…" said Saria.

"You know what I think we should do?" asked Poppy.

"Wait a minute," said Saria.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked Malon.

"I sure am! Let's-"

""Sneak in together!"" Malon and Poppy shouted in unison. Saria would have none of it, however.

"Okay, that's enough," Saria said, pulling them apart. "Listen, Malon: you seem really nice, but what we're trying to do is very important. Not only that, but it's dangerous. You don't want to get hurt, right?"

"Hurt? Why would I get hurt?"

For just a moment, Malon reminded Saria of Link. The Kokiri girl shuddered.

"It's… It's complicated, all right? When I have free time, it would be fun to come visit you on the ranch, but right now it's just not that time…"

"Oh come on, Saria. Don't be such a deku stick in the mud!" said Poppy. "If this girl's family makes deliveries to the castle a bunch, she must know the place in and out!"

"Have you ever been to the castle before?" Saria asked Malon.

"My dad leaves me by myself at the market each time."

"Do you see what I mean?" said Saria to Poppy. "We can't get a young Hylian girl involved just because you think she'd be helpful. What if she was caught by the Sheikah? What if that man shows up?"

"That man? What are you talking about?" asked Malon.

"You wouldn't understand. He's a sorcerer from the desert clad in black armor. If you see him, run as fast as you can."

"From the desert? Black armor? That sounds just like that Gerudo man that came through town not too long ago."

Saria nearly froze in place. Grabbing Malon by the shoulders, she asked, "Where did he go?"

"To the castle… I think. Have you never heard of him?"

"Oh, I've heard of him all right…" Saria paused, letting go of Malon. The air grew more tense. Even Poppy had quieted down. "Listen, Malon: if you tell me everything you know about that man, not only will I let you tag along, but I'll make sure you're reunited with your dad no matter what it takes."

Malon stepped back, scratching at her cheek nervously. "O-oh, is that all? I suppose I can tell you what I've heard. I've never met him, but I see him come through town every once and a while with several Gerudo warriors in tow."

Malon then went on to explain everything she had heard. Most of it was hearsay, but since she had spent so much time in the market, she had heard all kinds of gossip. The Gerudo were a tribe that lived far to the west in Gerudo Desert. They were a race almost entirely comprised of women and were known not only for their battle prowess, but also their agility, tactics, and stealth. Supposedly, a single male Gerudo was born into the tribe once a century. This time, that man was Ganondorf. Idolized by his people, he became the leader of the Gerudo and had started speaking with the King of Hyrule. Malon didn't know what for, but she assumed it was to befriend him.

"Of course, you'd have to be pretty tough to be friends with a guy like him. I once saw him look my direction and his eyes… They were really scary!"

After she finished what she had to say, Saria thanked the girl and made her way towards the castle.

"Why do you want to know so much about Ganondorf anyway?" asked Malon.

Trying to control herself, Saria said, "It's a long story."

When Saria made it to just outside the castle gate, she noticed Kaepora Gaebora was perched atop a lone tree. He didn't say anything. Rather, he simply watched and waited. Saria wasn't sure why, but it was as if he were waiting to see what happened next.

"Saria! Check these out!" said Malon, pointing to a cliff wall. "These vines look pretty sturdy. I bet you could climb them just fine."

The Kokiri tested the weight. "These should do. Thank you, Malon. I know I said you could come with, but now that I look, there are more guards than I thought. You should wait here."

"What? That's no fair!"

"Yeah, that's no fair!" said Poppy.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt. The guards in town seem friendly enough, but I doubt these ones play nice."

"I can take care of myself, don't you worry. Just pretend like I'm not here!"

"If you're really sure, fine - but I'm going first. When it's safe to move forward, I'll flag you down. Deal?"

"Deal!"

Malon then wrapped her arms around Saria, giving her a great big hug. "Thanks for helping me. To be honest it's kinda scary being in the marketplace all by myself. The adults are nice, but when all the shops close up I have nowhere else to go. They won't let you leave since monsters come out at night, so I've been having to stay with a lady with a bunch of dogs." Malon then let go. "I guess what I'm trying to say is… Thanks for being reliable."

Saria felt a little warmth return to her heart. She smiled and said, "Don't thank me yet. We still have to find your dad."

"Yeah! Let's do this!"

"Finally!" said Poppy, joining in. "But if I see even a hint of a Sheikah, I'm leaving."

Saria glared at Poppy while Malon said, "What's a Sheikah?"

The Kokiri's shoulders drooped.

"Oh boy…"

After the girls climbed up the vines, they made their way across an unobserved cliff, climbed down a ladder, then exited the gatehouse. Saria moved ahead, finding a gap in the guards' patrols. By this time it was getting dark, and the guards were growing tired, and laxer as a result. Once Malon caught up to Saria, they made their way across a field of short grass, trees, and shrubbery. For a moment, it all seemed too easy. But then they saw all the guards posted at the main gate up ahead.

"Oh shoot, how are we gonna get past them?" whispered Malon.

"That goofball in the marketplace said he used the moat, right?" asked Poppy. "Let's check it out!"

The girls found a stone cliff that was rough enough to climb. After scaling it and crossing a hill, they were at the moat's edge far from the guards.

"Say, are you going to be okay swimming in that?" asked Saria to Malon.

"Oh, it'll be fine. I got bloomers on!"

"That's not what I meant…"

The girls slipped into the moat and swam with the current, eventually reaching the eastern side of the moat. A few stone steps let them climb out, and sure enough, they found Malon's father sleeping soundly next to a pair of empty milk crates. For the first time, Malon looked furious. Her eyes lit up like fresh flame, and steam billowed from her nostrils. With every step she took, the ground seemed to quake.

"Malon? Are you okay?" asked Saria.

"That no good sonnuva-! I'll tan his hide!"

The young girl leapt onto the sleeping man in overalls and started shaking him by his collar. Much to Saria's surprise, this wasn't enough to wake him. Malon became more forceful, slapping her father across the face over and over again until he had no choice but to wake up.

"Huh?! What the-Malon!"

"You were asleep? You were asleep?! How could you, Talon?! You left me out in the cold! I was imposing on strangers and begging for food, and you were napping?!"

Suddenly, the monstrous pendant on Malon's collar made a lot more sense.

"Malon, keep it down! You're gonna draw the guards over!" whispered Saria.

"I can't believe you!" Malon continued. "How could you do that to your own daughter?! I outta tie you to a horse and slap its flanks so it drags you all the way from here to Gerudo Desert!"

"I'm sorry, Malon! I'm sorry!"

Just as Saria feared, guards came running from all the noise. Their spears at the ready, they shouted, "Intruders! Stop right there!"

"What do we do? We're trapped!" shouted Poppy.

"I don't know. I still have my deku nuts, but what about the others?" asked Saria.

Malon and Talon were oblivious to the situation. Saria had no choice but to step between them and the guards, weapon drawn.

"Is that a kid?" said one of the guards.

"She's got a weapon! Be careful!" said another.

Before the guards got too close, another figure appeared. Leaping from atop the castle wall, she landed on the ground, slamming her fist into the stone. The imposing figure was a tall, muscular woman with white hair tied back, wearing both an armored chest piece and form-fitting clothes primarily black and purple. As she stood up, she cracked the knuckles of the hand she landed on just by clenching her fist.

"This is no ordinary peeping tom. I'll handle this."

"B-but Impa!" complained one of the guards. She merely raised a hand, silencing him.

"Back to your posts. She could just be a distraction. Hyrule has many enemies…" When the guards hesitated, she turned and stared daggers at them. "I said back to your posts!" This was enough to send the guards running like frightened children. They fled the scene, leaving her and Saria alone, all while Malon was still chastising her father. Impa took notice of this and shouted at them. "You two!"

"Huh?" Malon and Talon looked up.

"Didn't you already finish your delivery? What are you still doing here?"

Talon stared blankly at the frightening woman and said, "I… Fell asleep."

Impa rubbed the bridge of her prominent nose. "You… Fell asleep." The woman took a deep breath, widened her stance, and yelled, "Get out of here this instant!"

"Gah!" The startled Talon stood up, picking up Malon. "L-let's get goin', honey! We gotta get back to the ranch before we fall behind schedule!"

"But what about Sariaaaa?" Malon complained as Talon ran off with her.

There was a moment of silence as Impa and Saria watched the pair leave dust clouds in their wake. Impa then sighed, shaking her head. "The nerve of some people. Now where-" Impa looked back, only to find Saria was gone. "Oh! So that's how it is? Well you're not getting away! I, Impa of the Sheikah, will catch you, intruder. And when I do, you'll be sorry you ever stepped foot here!"

After ditching Impa and slipping through the drainage hole, Saria found herself amidst a well-manicured garden. Everywhere she went there were trimmed bushes, marble statues, and guards dutifully on patrol. They seemed on high alert (likely on account of all the noise) but their numbers were thin enough to get by. If only it were that easy…

Not long after Saria entered the garden, Impa gave chase. She didn't even say anything. She was just speed, strength, and rage. Saria fled as fast as she could away from the woman, darting between cover, dashing across wooden fixtures, and leaping between statues. They were so fast that the guards didn't even notice them, and in the final stretch, the two just ran and ran. Saria realized she was reaching a dead end. It looked like a courtyard. It wasn't empty, however. A lone girl was standing near the far wall peeking through one of the windows.

"Wait, I think that's the princess!" said Poppy.

"Oh no you don't!" hissed Impa under her breath. After gaining on the pair, Impa pulled out a glass bottle, uncorked it, then managed to capture Poppy in it just as Saria was about to cross the threshold. Saria skid to a halt, turning around.

"Poppy!"

"So she has a name… Interesting. You know, fairies go for a lot of rupees in the right circles."

Saria stared the woman down. "You wouldn't dare."

"I might, I might not. What's more important is that you leave and never return. If you do this, I'll deliver your friend back to you soon enough."

Saria readied her weapon. "You'll give her back now."

Impa chuckled at this. "A Kokiri with some fight in them. Now that's a sight to see."

"You knew I was a Kokiri?"

"Isn't it obvious? A girl with a fairy, too pale to be a Gerudo, too swift and crafty to be an ordinary Hylian child. I'm more shocked you thought I wouldn't know." Impa then slipped the bottle into a hip pouch. "But that's neither here nor there. It's my sworn duty to protect the royal family. Either you leave quietly, or you don't leave here at all."

Impa assumed a fighting stance while Saria kept at the ready. Soon after, the pair clashed. Impa was the first to strike, darting forward with lightning speed and throwing a punch. Saria narrowly dodged the attack, but the force of the blow made her hair flutter. It was clear Impa was no ordinary woman. Saria tried to strike with her dagger, but Impa quickly shifted the blow away from her and disarmed the Kokiri.

"Hmph. I thought you forest children used wood for everything. Where did you get something of Hylian make?" Saria said nothing in response, trying to formulate a plan. "Won't talk? That's fine. I wouldn't expect you. Perhaps I'll hold onto this as well. Children shouldn't play with knives, after all."

Impa dodged a deku seed to the face by moving her head a half-inch. The deku seed had embedded itself into the wall behind Impa, leaving cracks in the stone. At this, Impa advanced on the Kokiri girl, dodging the incoming slingshot rounds every step of the way. When it seemed like Impa had Saria where she wanted her, Saria drew from her deku nut bag instead, slamming it into the woman's stomach. After a flash of light, the force of the blow knocked Impa back, stunning her momentarily. Saria grabbed her dagger as it fell through the air, cut open Impa's pouch, and retrieved the bottled Poppy.

"Phew! Thanks for that! I could barely breath in there!" said Poppy.

"We're not through just yet," said Impa, standing up. A small crack had formed on her chest armor from the deku nut. "You can keep your things, but no matter what, you will not see the princess!"

Impa and Saria assumed fighting stances once more, but before the fighting continued, a small figure approached from the courtyard. She had blue eyes, the pointed ears of a Hylian, and traces of blonde hair hidden by a headdress.

"Impa? What are you doing here?"

"Your highness?"

Impa changed her tone immediately, taking a knee before the princess. She then glanced over to Saria. "If you know what's good for you, you should follow suit."

Saria decided not to question things and took a knee as well. Poppy made a mocking imitation of the gesture by taking a knee mid-air.

"Honestly, how many times must I tell you to not do that? Stand up already!" said the princess.

Impa stood up, then the princess looked to Saria. "That means you too!"

Saria stood as well, sheathing her dagger.

"So, who are you, anyway? How did you get past the guards?" The princess turned to Impa and smirked. "This isn't a secret training session, is it?"

"Actually, it's-"

"That's exactly it, your highness," Impa interrupted.

Zelda let out a girlish laugh. "You always were a bad liar, Impa. Really now, who are you?"

Saria hesitated for a moment before answering. "Princess, my name is Saria. I'm a Kokiri from the forest to the east. I've been… Sent here on behalf of the guardian of the forest."

The princess did a curtsy in her nightgown. "Is that so? And is that a fairy I see?"

"In the flesh," said Poppy.

"You really are from the forest then. Do you… Do you have the Spiritual Stone of the Forest? That green and shining stone. Do you have it?"

Saria pulled out the stone. Moonlight struck the emerald, making it glow faintly before Saria put it away.

"Just as I thought! I've dreamt about this meeting, you know. Although… You're a little different than I expected."

"I get that a lot lately," Saria muttered.

"Mind your tongue," hissed Impa.

"Oh, come on now! Enough of that already!" complained the princess. "Impa, can you leave us alone for a little while? I have much to discuss with our guest."

"B-but your highness…"

"Pretty please?" The princess clasped her hands together and pouted, giving the woman puppy dog eyes. A bead of sweat slipped down Impa's forehead.

"All right. Call me if you need me." And in an instant, the woman disappeared into the shadows. Poppy pulled out a very tiny handkerchief and wiped her own forehead with it.

"Now then, why don't you step out of the dark? I want to get a good look at your face," said the princess.

Saria obliged, following the princess into the courtyard proper. With the moon shining up above, it was easy to see Saria's sharp yet soft Kokiri features. She was at once like a child and like that of a short, mature adult.

"I see… You're quite pretty, you know," said the princess.

"Thank you, your highness," said Saria.

"Oh, enough with the formalities! It drives me crazy! Speak to me as you would anyone else."

Saria relaxed a little and said, "Thank you. Are you really Princess Zelda?"

Zelda eyes widened in shock. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't even introduce myself properly! Yes, I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule. Would you care to sit down? Knowing how Impa treats intruders, you must be exhausted."

"Maybe a little…" Saria nodded, then the two sat down on a stone bench on the west side of the courtyard.

"I had a dream once," said Zelda. "I dreamt of dark storm clouds blotting out the sun. Faint traces of light tried to face the clouds but were swiftly blotted out. Then, just as all hope faded, a single brilliant ray of light shot out of the forest, parting the clouds, and lighting a path across the ground. The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy…" Zelda paused, looking Saria up and down. "Ever since I could remember my dreams, I've had… Visions. At first, I thought them mere coincidence, but my dreams always seemed to come true – for better or for worse. I think this recent dream is a prophecy as well. Yes… You just might be the one I dreamt of. You said your name was Saria, right? It's strange. It feels like I've heard that name many times before. And not just that one. Sometimes I speak up and say something I don't rightly know why I would say, like I'm remembering a distant memory from another life."

Saria measured the princess's words carefully. It was clear she was no liar. Indeed, she seemed almost frightened by her powers. Were she a Kokiri, Saria would not hesitate to put a reassuring hand on Zelda's head to comfort her. Knowing she was the princess, however, Saria decided against it. Just because Impa was gone didn't mean she wasn't watching.

"Saria?" Zelda spoke up once more.

"Yes?"

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course."

Zelda smiled, her eyes lighting up. "Thank you. This secret is that of the Sacred Realm passed down by the Royal Family of Hyrule. Don't tell anyone I told you, okay?"

The princess then went on to tell the tale of the three goddesses. According to her, the Triforce was hidden somewhere in Hyrule. It had the power to grant wishes to whoever held it within their hands.

"If someone righteous of heart makes a wish, it would lead to a golden age of prosperity… But if someone black of heart made a wish…"

"It would plummet the world into an age of chaos and strife."

"Exactly! That's part of the legend. Because they didn't want the Triforce falling into the wrong hands, ancient sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil."

"The same temple in Castle Town?"

"Right again! You're pretty good at this," Zelda smiled. "The Temple of Time is said to be the entrance to the Sacred Realm, but it's sealed with a stone wall called the Door of Time. In order to open the door, you need three Spiritual Stones. There's one other thing that you need as well, a treasure that the Royal Family has kept safe for generations – the Ocarina of Time!"

"An ocarina?" Saria paused, pulling out her fairy ocarina.

"Something like that, yes. I'm told that in Hyrule, music has great power. This is especially true for those who hold the Ocarina of Time – an ocarina said to be able to change the flow of time itself."

Saria, who was gripping her ocarina firmly, looked at the flowers in the center of the garden as a breeze passed over them. "Could this ocarina send you back in time?"

Zelda hummed in thought. "I suppose so. I wouldn't know myself, but there must be some truth to the legends, right? Speaking of…" Zelda stood up and gestured for Saria to follow. The two went back to the window Zelda had been looking into earlier. "I forgot to tell you… I was spying through this window just now… The other element from my dream… The dark clouds. I believe they symbolize that man in there!"

Saria peered through the window, noticing a tall and striking figure in black armor. His skin was dark brown, his hair a fiery orange, and his eyes… He was speaking to an imposing figure on a throne, but then he glanced over at the window, causing Saria to duck on instinct. Zelda crouched down as well, looking somewhat silly in her nightgown and headdress.

"See what I mean? That was Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos."

Saria, who was doing everything she could to hold in her anger left out quick and harsh words. "I'm familiar with him."

Zelda was caught off-guard by the Kokiri's tone and looked sad for a moment. "Then you must know why I'm worried about him. He swore allegiance to my father as a means of bridging the gap between Gerudos and Hylians, but I don't trust him. Those dark clouds must symbolize that man."

The girls stepped away from the window and returned to the courtyard bench.

"Did you tell your father about your dream?" asked Saria.

"I did, but… He doesn't believe me."

"But you could prove your powers easily to him. Surely you've had time after so many dreams."

"It's not that he doesn't believe in my powers, but he believes they're too unrefined. He would not risk conflict with the Gerudo over simple shapes and colors."

"He's got a point there," said Poppy.

"But even though he doesn't believe me, you do, right?"

"I have no reason to doubt you. Ganondorf has already… Done something unforgivable to my village."

Sadness returned to Zelda's eyes. "I see. I'm sorry. Still, I'm glad to know I was not wrong. That man is evil, no doubt about it."

"And he's after the Triforce as well."

"Exactly! There could be no other reason for playing nice with my father. He must know he needs the Ocarina of Time. If he gets ahold of the ocarina and the spiritual stones, I'm afraid he may destroy all of Hyrule. He already has such terrifying power. I can sense it. I'm glad you have come. We can't let him enter the Sacred Realm!"

"But I don't understand. What can we do to stop him? Do you have a plan?"

"I do! If we can get the Triforce before him, we can use it to defeat him and bring peace to all of Hyrule!"

"And how do you propose we do that?"

"Why, by gathering all the spiritual stones, going straight to the Temple of Time with the ocarina and-oh. I think I know where you're going with this."

Saria nodded. "I hate to say it, but if we did open the door to the Sacred Realm, who's to say he won't follow us in and grab the Triforce? If we can't fight him now, we definitely couldn't fight him there."

"I… See your point…"

"What about Impa? She's strong. Just ask her to take care of him."

"W-what are you saying? I can't just send Impa to fight him! How would that look to the Gerudo if their leader suddenly disappeared while in Hyrule?"

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking."

Zelda huffed and crossed her arms. "I know you must be mad at him but try and think more carefully. If we act in the open, it'll just give him an excuse to do so as well. I don't know much about politics and fighting, but I know that if the Gerudo attacked with Ganondorf as their leader… Well… The guards have grown a bit soft in times of peace. That's what my father says, anyway."

"Then we don't have much choice," said Saria. "Either he gets to the spiritual stones, or we do. It's risky, but I know he's not afraid of hurting people to get them. If he has to chase after someone, then let it be me."

"You'll help me, then?"

"On one condition. We can't open the door to the Sacred Realm."

"Aaah, why not?"

Saria stood up, looking at the moon. "As long as I have the spiritual stones, it won't matter if Ganondorf has the ocarina. Rather than multiple targets, he'll only have one. I'm not very strong right now, but I've already learned a lot in my time in the outside world. I'll keep training and getting stronger, and when the time is right, I'll defeat him. For the Great Deku Tree. For Link…"

Zelda looked up at Saria, eyes wide with wonder.

"Link? Who's that…?"

A cold wind blew through the courtyard. Cold enough to chill the heart. Something was terribly wrong, but Saria didn't know what it was… Yet. What she did know, however, was that she had a goal. She would aid the princess, protect Hyrule, and defeat the sorcerer Ganondorf.

Zelda stood up, rubbing her arms. "It's freezing out here. I have to get back inside, otherwise father will be mad. Saria? I know I ask a lot of you, but please… Have courage. I know you can do it."

"I'll do my best." Saria tried to smile, but couldn't. Zelda nodded as if in understanding.

"Here, before you go, take this letter. It should come in handy. My attendant can lead you out of the castle from here. Don't be afraid."

Impa manifested out of the shadows as if she were standing there the whole time.

"Are you finished, your highness?"

Zelda nodded. "I'm going to take a bath. Make sure Saria safely makes it back to Castle Town."

Impa brought her right arm across her chest. "Of course. Saria… Come with me."

The pair left Zelda behind as they walked out of the courtyard.

"Kokiri, I hope you understand what you've been entrusted with."

"I am."

"Good. While the stones need not be gathered immediately, know that Ganondorf and his minions will always be waiting. Never show weakness, for if you do, it will all be over."

Once the pair reached a secluded area, Impa stopped and turned to Saria.

"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Impa of the Sheikah. I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda. That dream she mentioned, and previous dreams… Everything is exactly as the Princess foretold."

"You believe her?"

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" Impa paused, glancing back at the courtyard. "Those bearing the name 'Zelda' in the royal family have always been gifted. The princess is no different. Though she is young, I sense in her great potential. I sense potential in you, as well."

"Thank you, Impa."

The chiseled woman almost cracked a smile. "There's something else I sense. Perhaps we are not so different. I heard of what transpired in the forest. I'm sorry for your loss."

Saria glared at the woman while Poppy frantically moved a hand back and forth across her neck as if to say, "Please don't!"

"Impa, I've heard of the Sheikah. I don't know much, but if the rumors are true, I have no reason to doubt your words. You being as you are, do you really think Zelda's plan is for the best?"

Impa sighed. "It is not… The best plan. But it is not the best situation either. With Ganondorf's allegiance to the crown, any attack against him in Hylia would be a perfect excuse for war. Trust me when I say that Hyrule has suffered enough from war."

Saria looked back at the sky. "I know."

"Hmph. You're a courageous girl for taking on this quest. Or perhaps it's more than courage that drives you. No matter what it is, I must fulfill my role in the princess's dream. I was told that I must teach a melody to the one from the forest. It is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I've played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby… There is power in these notes. Listen carefully."

Impa played a short, simple, but beautiful song with a small hidden instrument. Saria played the song as well on her ocarina. Somehow, the song made her feel at peace…

"Well done. As for leaving the castle, you and your friends have stirred up enough trouble. If the guards saw you, they'd likely throw you in the dungeon. I'll lead you out. Try and keep up."

Rather than stop at Castle Town, Impa led Saria all the way outside, showing her a secret exit. By the time they crossed the moat, the morning sun had come and no stalchildren could be seen.

"Good. If you couldn't keep up, I'd wonder if you were ready for the task." Impa then looked across the field to a bridge, a river, and a stairway leading up into the mountains. "Few people truly understand the value of peace. This land was once a scorched, desolate place. With peace came healing, joy, and prosperity. We must do everything we can to protect this peace. Understand?" Saria nodded. "Now, take a good look at that mountain. That is Death Mountain, home of the Gorons. They are the keepers of the Spiritual Stone of Fire. At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That was where I was born and raised. It's not a bad place to rest before you undertake the journey ahead."

"Are the others in the village like you?"

Impa chuckled at Saria's words. "Oh, gods no. There hasn't been a need for a proper Sheikah in a long time. It's better that way, I think. No… The villagers are simple, peaceful folk. You'll not find a better lot in all of Hyrule. Do try and behave yourself while you're there."

Poppy smirked at this. "We make no promises."

"Tsk… You're lucky I have better things to do, fairy. Don't forget I always have more bottles."

The fairy shrank away from Impa, hiding in Saria's cloak.

"As for you, Kokiri, do not forget the song I taught you. Its notes hold a mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. It will help prove your connection with the Royal Family, so remember it well. When the time is right, we will meet again. We're counting on you."

Impa stepped away before smashing a deku nut against the ground. When the flash of light faded, Impa was gone.

"Sheesh! You can't even make jokes around her!" said Poppy.

"I suspect she lost her sense of humor long ago," said Saria. She then made her way towards the bridge over the river. "Kakariko Village, was it? Do you think they have soft beds?"

"Hmm, maybe. Why do you ask?" Poppy then turned to look at Saria, who had bags under her bloodshot eyes. "Oh. Right. Because we were up all night."

Saria trudged her way up the tall flight of stairs leading to the village. Soon after, she was greeted by a guard by the village gate. When asked if the village had a place for travelers to sleep, he said, "Not exactly. It was only recently that Impa opened up this village to the public. There are houses, yes, but no inns. I think I know someone who could offer you a bed, though."

After the guard spoke with a woman living in a house at the lowest level of the village, the woman accepted Saria with open arms and offered the girl a bed. It wasn't long until the girl was fast asleep…