It was the dawn of the next day. After breakfast, Link, Saria, the King and Zelda went into the royal treasury. It was guarded by members Hyrulian Knights, and it seemed every precaution was made to save guard the emerald. Piles of rupees, artifacts, and other things of high value were scattered all over the place. Many people were trying to add more things in, with the knights watching like hawks.
They came upon a sealed chamber, two Knights guarding the doors. At once, the guard opened the imposing iron doors and allowed the party to go through. The chamber was the size of a large room. Various pieces of armor and weaponry were all being displayed neatly. In the middle was a pedestal and in its center was the Kokiri Emerald. It had a glass case with an iron lock mechanism.
"Wouldn't someone try to smash the glass to get to the Emerald?" Zelda asked.
Impa looked over the case. "They could try. This glass has been reinforced numerous times over. Not even a bomb would be able to make a dent."
"Who made the glass?" Link questioned.
"Some craftsmen from my clan. They like to experiment with different techniques and materials. They created the case so that you need a key to release the case from the pedestal." Impa took out a very intricate key. Putting it in the hold, a couple of gears turned all at once. She took out the case. The king grabbed the Emerald and gestured Link to take it. "Make sure that this special treasure goes back to its rightful owners."
Saria bowed before the king. "I cannot thank you enough, your Majesty. The Kokiri Emerald is a treasure like no other. I'm sure the other Kokiri and the Great Deku Tree would agree."
"Link," Impa said, in a deadpan voice. "With haste." Saria held on to Link's shoulder while he took out the Ocarina.
The king couldn't help but worry about the Royal Family's treasure. "Link, I ask you that once your business is concluded, you return the Ocarina to us."
"Yes, your Majesty." Link played 'Minuet of the Forest' and were whisked away in a green light.
When Saria and Link arrived in the Kokiri Forest, they were met with a surprise. Instead of monsters greeting them, Kokiri and lumber were spotting various parts of the forest. Ropes were being pulled and lumber being lifted. Wooden nails were being hammered and blades were cutting timber. The leftover materials were being put into a separate pile, most likely for disposal later. It was a good thing everything was biodegradable. Link started to feel slightly agitated at this sight. The Kokiri were back in the forest. With the lack of the send-off, they gave him the last time he was there, it was a given that he still held hard feelings over their indifference.
Looking at her friend's face, Saria couldn't blame him. She was the only one who saw him off while the rest shunned, and worst, vilified him. "You don't want to go down there, do you."
Link looked away. "They said I killed the Deku Tree. It was all my fault. At best, they ignored me. At worst…"
"I know. Feelings were high during that time."
He looked towards the forest. "When I went to the future, and you awakened as a sage, they never recognized me. Even though I conquered the Forest Temple, the Kokiri Forest was never the same." He made a small smile. "Mido did admit that he regrets being mean to me."
"So, that just proves that change is possible. All you need to do is give them a chance."
He was quiet for a moment. "Let's just go." He walked off with Saria concerning following behind him. As they descended to the ground below, some Kokiri spotted them. Those who were in Saria's and Link's immediate vicinity, immediately stopped what they were doing. Some started to whisper and point. Others had stone-cold looks and guilty faces. Link ignored them all the same, even when some of them called out to them. He walked faster and faster. The sooner he got the emerald back to the Deku Tree, the sooner he could leave the forest.
The feeling of hatred and sadness Saria felt emanating from him made her uncomfortable. She did not know the depths of his sadness, nor how hurt he was with the past. This made her feel more terrible about not recognizing the signs sooner while he was still in the forest. At last, they reached the entrance to the Deku Tree Meadow and the two powered on through. Coming out from the other side, they met with the Great Deku Tree, Bato's body and one other.
By Bato's body, there was a Kokiri boy. Orange hair, shaggy green tunic with a white undershirt and light green boots. His hat was off as he continued to look at Bato's body. Before Saria could react, she heard a terrible sound coming from Link's mouth. It was full of venom and contempt.
"You." He marched over towards Bato's body and held the shoulder of the boy. "Don't you dare touch him! What are you planning to do!?" Grabbing the shoulder, he spun the boy around and both Link and Saria were shocked to see the boy crying.
The boy stammered quietly. "Link. I… I'm-"
"Mido." Saria went beside Link and grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "Why are you here?" Mido said nothing.
"He's been visiting ever since mine's revival." The solemn voice of the Great Deku Tree spoke. "I told thee what has transpired and about the man and how he gave thee back mine life."
"Great Deku Tree," Link whispered. The three walked to in front of the tree, Mido not once looking at either of them.
"The children returned soon after thy departure. Great joy and wonderment came into thy meadow. But then thou regaled them with the story of the man here. By the end, the children came to revere this man as a savior, Mido chief among them."
Mido was looking down and blushed a little. "Well, I wouldn't put it in such a way."
"What's gotten into you, Link?!" Saria admonished. "I've never seen you behave or talk like that."
"I don't know!" Link was confused as well. Why did he feel angry? Mido wasn't a bad Kokiri. Despite him being called 'Mr. No Fairy' and 'not quite Kokiri-ness' it didn't stop him from giving him advice and helping the Kokiri as a whole. "I don't know. I've never felt this way with anyone. It's just…when I saw Mido with him..."
The Deku Tree spoke again. "Thou jealous, Link. Thy bond with this man is like no other. You feel it reserved only for thyself."
"Jealous? So, that's what I was feeling?"
"Thou aren't the only one." Saria and Link looked towards Mido. "Mido, thou think might be the best time to share."
The Kokiri leader said nothing. Saria broke the silence, "Mido? You were jealous? Of what?"
"Who. Not what. Who." Mido turned to Link. "It's the Deku Tree's command. I was jealous. You're favored by the Great Deku Tree and Saria's best friend. I wanted that too."
"Is that why you blamed me for the Great Deku Tree's death and have everyone against me?" Link slowly realizing. "Is that why you've been bullying me all this time?!" The anger in his voice was rising; he fumed in anger. Tears streamed down his face. "The Kokiri Forest was my only home! The Kokiri were my only family! You took it all away because you were jealous?!"
"Stop it, Link! Stop!" Saria cried out to him, but Link was already backing out of the meadow. A look of anger and disgust on his face.
A violent wind blew forth, almost knocking everyone down. Then, the gentle voice of the tree echoed. "Link. Peace. Please." Link stopped, stared long and sat down. "Disagreements have led to strifes. Strifes leading to battles. Battles leading to wars. Even ere all that ye naught know the sacrifices that have been made, how many losses on both sides, how many lives shattered into the night. Until the very end, when the dust setteth and the swords are laid down, all sides come together and do what thou should have done in the first place. Hearken unto one another. Think, little children. Ere the blood and blades. Ere the anger and hate take thee. Think upon changing thy minds."
Link silently helped himself up, with Mido and Saria watching him. They didn't like the look in his eyes. They were full of anger and regret. He turned to address the tree. "I've come to return something that rightfully belongs to the Kokiri, Great Deku Tree."
"The emerald. Thou can feel its power on you."
He took out the emerald. It was golden and green colored, shining in the sun. Holding it up, the emerald glowed, and it levitated towards the sky. It spun a couple of times until it completely disappeared. Closing his eyes, he turned towards the exit. As Saria ran up towards him, Mido stood silently.
"Link! You can't just end it like this!"
Link stopped for a moment, without looking back. "Sure, I can. I'm a hero, after all. I can't stay in one place for too long. I'm a hero… and I have to leave." Saria was about to call out to him again, "Link-"
"Time heals all wounds. It is only a matter of when." The Deku Tree's leaves waved in the wind. "Regardless of thou'st words, the forest will always welcome thee."
The rest of the Kokiri said nothing as Link was walking away. In the corner of his eye, he saw the remnants of his house. It was still ruined. It wasn't surprising to him; they hated his guts. Even when he was at the entrance of the forest, no one said anything, and he never looked back.
Once again, he found himself on the bridge leading out of the forest. This time, he didn't stop. He kept on walking silently, anger and sadness brimming. It was night now, and the cold air dispelled all the warmth the forest had before. Fireflies started to light up and the forest had an eerily quiet before the nocturnal creatures started to stir. Then, he heard running from the back of him. The steps became louder and louder.
It was Saria. She stood right behind Link. Panting; trying to catch her breath.
"I thought you were staying with the others," Link said, not looking at her. "Help rebuild."
"When I said I was staying with you, I meant it." She shook her head. "Even though I don't agree with how things ended, I won't leave you alone. Not again."
"I'm…tired of being alone." He turned to her. "I want the things the way it was before."
She held his hand. "Sometimes that's not possible. Change is always going to happen in your life." She gave a soft smile. "But we can make it close. Bato will find his way back to you. He's good at that sort of thing anyway. So, let's wait for him."
The pain was still there, but it felt lighter. Holding on to her hand, Link took Saria by his side and walked out of the forest once again.
A few days after Link and Saria returned from the Lost Woods, Impa called a meeting with various people in the kingdom. A summons was given to them; the meeting place, one of the rooms in the castle. Time: early afternoon. Baza was the first one to arrive at the meeting place. Padded seats with tables and chairs made of finest wood. There were some bookcases on the side of the wall, with a window overlooking part of the courtyard. There were some refreshments and tea on the table.
The man didn't like the mystery. He always had a policy to know the terms of any arrangement before deciding. But this being a summons, he couldn't exactly turn it down. Sitting on a chair, he poured himself a cup of tea and ate some biscuits while thinking to himself. "Lady Impa asked me to a meeting to discuss something important. What does it have to do with the guild?" Ruminating over this, he didn't notice another person arriving.
"Baza?" Canoness Aita walk through as one of the servants bowed. As he was closing the door, what felt as a rush of wind went through the room. She looked around before acknowledging the guild master. "What's the meaning of this?"
Baza looked at her, candidly. "You think I have something to do with this? All I know is that Lady Impa invited me to this meeting. I should say the same for you."
"Funny." Aita sat herself down on one of the sofas in the middle of the room. "Because it was Lady Impa who requested me to come down here."
Now Baza was stroking his chin. This was becoming peculiar. Why did Impa ask for a meeting with the guild master and the head of the convent? Another knock was heard at the door. Minutes later, the door opened to Captain Jofary and Commander Cobn looking around. "Just like Lady Impa to choose the bare necessities." He gave his attention to Baza and Aita, who stood up and bowed. Commander Cobn saluted his captain before making his way out the door and closing it.
He returned the gesture, sitting down right beside Baza. "How's guild life treating you, Baza? You hardly stop by anymore."
"Business is booming and so is the paperwork," he replied, with respect. "Especially now."
"Would it be because of the number of pelts and produce your merchants been peddling in and out of the kingdom?" Aita looked at the guild master with a discerning eye. "You've been making a sizable profit within the inner circles and middle merchants."
"Yes, my arrangements with Bato have been profitable, thank you for asking." Baza returned her glare with one of his own. "The quality and size of the crops. The amount of surplus wolfos pelts has made gains, but also, we're trying to make up for the losses from the beginning of his venture."
"Imagine if he continued to sell the way he did. Hyrule's economy would be in tatters in a few weeks." Jofary and Cobn sat opposite of Aita while Baza made his way over to Aita's side and sat down. "The man's remarkable."
Aita gave out her trademark laugh. "I would certainly say so. The goddesses have truly blessed him. A product of providence."
"Really?" Baza asked, with his arms crossed. "I thought of him as a pragmatist, myself."
"Can you explain the strange things that have been happening around him? The ideas he has, the power he wields. He's able to speak with the goddess themselves!" At that moment, everyone was facing towards her.
Baza looked very unimpressive. "You're joking. He's a businessman and a farmer, not some holy man. He always puts his needs over the needs of other people."
"So, what do you call the community kitchen, then?" Aita snapped back. "Eyewitness accounts from far and wide paint him as a kind man, perhaps, to a fault. They say that humility is one of the characteristics of a great person. He's like a precious stone in a million rupoors. The message is clear."
"And what, oh Canoness, is this message he's bringing?"
"Hyrule will be entering a new age," Jofary replied, matter-of-factly. "My family has been putting forth reform bills to help with the downtrodden of the kingdom for years but gained no traction. Bato's request of endorsement from the king was the start needed to put forth those bills and have them taken seriously."
"Some merchants and nobles have started to push back, haven't they?" Baza asked. "They don't like change and, even though this is Bato we're talking about, some of those changes don't sit right with me."
"They don't sit right with you because inspiration came from a higher source." Aita shook her head. "No one in this kingdom would ever consider these radical ideas besides the aforementioned company." She gestured towards Jofary.
"It's shaking the power structure down to its core." Jofary looked around, before speaking again. "There were some talks about 'getting rid of him.'" At once, Baza gave a very loud laugh.
Meanwhile, Aita didn't look too pleased with his reaction. "Baza, dear. Perhaps you misunderstood the lord. He said someone wants to kill Bato!"
"That's what makes it funny," Baza struggled to hold the laughter in. "Can they really take him down? Don't they remember what happened at the farm?"
"That's how desperate these people are in holding power," Jofary said, fixing himself on the sofa. "They see Bato as a symbol of change, a threat that would undermine the order which was set when this kingdom was first founded." He paused for a moment. "For the record, they could send as many people as they could. It wouldn't change. If it wasn't for his virtuous heart, there would be a lot more dead bodies that day."
Aita nodded her head. "That's what makes him special. He knows the value of life, commands power but doesn't abuse it, is generous and merciful to those who need it. He's a precious stone; one that will make this kingdom shine with his ideas."
"Which begs the question," Jofary replied. "Where has he gone? He's been missing the past few weeks. No one has seen him in his fields or in the woods."
"He hasn't been to the guild hall, either."
"Or the church." Aita face turned, one of concern. "You don't think…something happened to him?"
"Maybe this is what this meeting is about," Baza offered. As he was saying that, a knock on the door was heard again.
"You're right about that, guild master. This is indeed about Bato."
Everyone looked in a small corner of the room. Impa was standing there impassively, leaning against a bookshelf. "May I ask how long you have been there, my Lady?" Jofary asked, tiredly.
"Since the Canoness entered the room. I stood listening through your intriguing conversation." Impa took a chair and sat down in front of some of Hyrule's influential people. "You are all right about Bato. He prefers to do things his own way. He is a divine messenger of the goddesses. He's also a businessman with strange, new ideas and a hesitant warrior of magic and skill. But…"
"Something's actually happened to him?" Jofary asked, intrepidly.
"Yes. With this tale, however, might border the fantastical and insane. Personally, I didn't want to tell anyone about this but to prevent any misunderstandings this has to be done." She took a breath. "What do you all know about the Great Deku Tree?"
Forty five minutes had past and Impa finished her story about Bato's internment. Everyone went a different shade at various points of the story but knew not to interrupt. When she finally finished, everyone was stunned in silence. "Well," Baza said, after a while, "this is one ride after another."
"Are you even surprised at this point?" Jofary asked him. He shook his head and gave a deep sigh. "That man has been doing some crazy things since he got here."
Suddenly, Aita started to smile silently. "What's so funny," Baza asked. "Because of this stunt, the plans that involve him are up in smoke. We don't even know whether he'll wake up or not."
"That's not for us to say. Everything happens for a reason. That includes why Bato was sent here to Hyrule and why he decided to make a pact with spirits to resurrect the Great Deku Tree."
"I'm sure it wasn't in part because of altruism. Had he had known the cost-"
"You think he wouldn't? He would have done it even knowing the cost!"
"Are we talking about the same person, here? Because that's not the Bato I know."
Impa interrupted by knocking on the table. "Canoness. Guild Master. I tell you this story as a courtesy knowing that you have some relation with Bato. Also, it seems that he's been involved with some of the ventures that both the church and the guild put forward a couple of months back." She turned to Jofary. "Your actions were influenced by him as well, weren't they?"
"You're not wrong, my Lady. He raised many valid points about the support we give to the veterans after they leave the army. I doubt I would have thought of that myself."
"He also mentioned about the charitable work and how it would look good for the guild," Baza added.
"Your guild was but a means to an end, Baza," Aita said quickly. "He aims to help the poor and needy of the kingdom. That's why he paid for the community kitchen with his own resources in the first place."
"We don't know exactly what Bato's intentions were," Impa said, coolly. It was very apparent that she was getting sick of the bickering. "But consider yourself informed about why our favorite farmer will be out of action in the foreseeable future."
"What will happen to the land," the guild master asked.
Jofary took a minute to think about it. "His land is under my territory. I'll have more patrols set up to make sure nothing happens to his house or farm."
"That's very fortuitous that you say that" Impa nodded at him. "Because His Majesty was about to order you to do so."
Aita looked around the table. "Will that mean no one will work the land, then? The church does have a sizeable stockpile of produce for the community kitchen but if we have no farmer tending to it then we'll surely run out." She turned to Baza. "I assume that you've not moved from your position the last time we spoke on helping the poor and needy."
"You assume correctly, Canoness. My members have families of their own to take care of. It'll be an extra burden."
Jofary took a sip of tea before speaking. "Even if we were able to work the field, we don't know whether the produce's increase growth is due to what Bato did to the ground or it's his unique power. I will make this proposition to you, Guild Master. House Cobn will hire workers for the farm for one season. If the produce grows at the same time and size as regular crops, it won't be worked on. If the opposite occurs, House Cobn will retain those workers, and the previous arrangements will be kept. In exchange, we only ask for ten percent of the profits."
Baza stroked his chin, hum and hah before deciding. "I suppose it's better than nothing. You have a deal, my lord."
Jofary turned to Aita. "We will continue to support the community kitchen and the needy of Hyrule so long as it is viable."
The Canoness shook her head, regretfully. "I don't have a say in this, my Lord. The success of this project relies on the generosity of others and the farm."
Impa decided to close the meeting. "It doesn't have to be said that this information is strictly confidential. No one needs to know what happened at the Lost Woods. If anyone asks, Bato went on a journey to a distant land somewhere. Make sure you stick to this story. Jofary, I ask for your support in this matter."
"You have it, my Lady." Jofary stood up and bowed. "I'll have my people work out the logistics for you, Baza. It should be done by the end of this week."
"Thank you, my Lord." Baza shook Jofary's hand, winked at Aita, stood up and bowed towards Impa. "Is this acceptable to you, Canoness?"
"It'll have to." Aita stood up, likewise did the same. "I'm just glad that the kitchen is still on."
"We should have renovations done soon. If there are no more hiccups, then we should be open within the next month or so." The three departed from the room, with Impa silently reflecting on the meeting.
"That's one task done. Now for the other."
Just because the emerald was returned, the Deku Tree lived, and the forest returned to its peaceful state, didn't mean that the kingdom was satisfied. These goodwill acts were of benefit to the kingdom, but the king, regardless of personal feelings, thought it would be prudent to send a third party to the forest to verify these facts. Link, Saria and Impa entered the Kokiri Forest. By now, most of the houses were completed and the Kokiri were fixing various areas destroyed during the rampage.
But now, there was no one in the village, and Impa took note of this. "I sense some children in the houses. Why don't they greet us?"
"The last time a stranger appeared was when the Deku Tree was cursed," Saria replied. "Outsiders don't exactly have a warm reputation. Besides." She looked over to Link, who was scanning the area. "Things were a bit complicated the last time we left."
Impa looked at Link, then ahead again. "I'll just leave things there, shall I?"
"It would be much appreciated. Thank you for your understanding." The forest was eerily quiet now. Even though the forest was restored, it didn't mean the darkness that once inhabited the village was completely erased. Lingering feelings of helplessness and fear could be felt by the trio, but each of them said nothing about the matter.
Link knew that feeling all too well. He put on a brave face, but on the inside was turmoil. Now that he knew that Mido cast him from the village out of jealousy, a deep-seated resentment started to stir. For the good of everyone, he kept these dark thoughts to himself, but there were times when they leaked. An example would be during his first week with the knights. A standard practice bout ended badly when Link continued to attack his opponent relentlessly even after the match ended. Being in this forest made him irritable, and he did his best to not show it.
The three entered the meadow, and it remained as majestic as before. Impa took in the sights; the Great Deku Tree before them, as tall as a mountain. Maybe even more so. They were approaching the center when they heard the Deku Tree's voice ringing out in the meadow.
"Link. Saria. Thou hast returned. Welcome back." There was a brief pause. "Who is this stranger with thee?"
Impa, sensing she was referred, stepped forward. "Great Deku Tree. I am Impa, a loyal retainer to the Royal Family of Hyrule, member of the Shielah and protector to Princess Zelda. The kingdom wished for me to verify your well-being. I am glad that you are healthy again."
"It hath been a while since the Royal Family hath come into these woods. To be sooth, I thought us to be forgotten."
There was a stunned silence for a moment. "Forgive us, Great Deku Tree. The Lost Woods are treacherous to the normal folk, and rumors have spread about its curse."
"Curse?" The tree ruffled its leaves, creaking wood moving from the trunk and the roots. "I see. Ye must be referring to those that enter with ill intent. Those that do so would find themselves hopelessly lost until the forest taketh them. If a soul desires no harm, then no harm shall come to that person. Mine little children must be protected, ye see."
Impa gave a bow. "I understand. Thank you for your explanation."
"Great Deku Tree," Saria asked, stepping forward. "Impa would like to see Bato."
"He is where thou last left him. He had not shewn any signs of moving." That comment pierced Link's heart, and he showed it but clutching his chest. "I am sorry, Link. I spoke something unkind." He didn't respond, but rather headed towards the nook where Bato's body was being held. Saria and Impa followed closely. As they approached, they saw some candles, flowers, plants, and toys surrounding it.
"What is all this?" Impa asked.
"That should be the work of the forest children," the Deku Tree said. "Some come to this meadow to pay thy respects to the man who saved this forest."
Impa knelt down, observing Bato's body. She held her ear against his chest and felt his wrist. She continued to look at him, discerningly. Finally, she got up. "It's like you two say. By all accounts and purposes, he's-"
"Sleeping!!" Link yelled out in anger. Saria and Impa looked at him, surprised at the outburst. "He's just sleeping," Link quietly whispered. He shook his head and headed back towards the front of the Deku Tree.
Saria looked at her friend, concerned. "You'll have to forgive him. He's taking this entire thing very hard."
"I've noticed." Impa and Saria returned to the middle, where Link was brooding. He was sitting with his legs up in his chest, head down. "I'm sorry to ask this, but" she addressed the Deku Tree. "Did you say that it might take years for him to awaken?"
"Thy soul was damaged during the transfer of energy. It is recovering slowly. Thus, it will take time. Thou art not sure how long this process might be."
"I see."
"No ordinary man would be able to accomplish such a feat. Thou are blessed by the goddesses; thou'st can feel it."
"You're right. He isn't an ordinary man."
"What do you mean by that?" Saria asked her. Link was looking at her too. Impa had long considered whether to tell Bato's true nature to them or not. They've seen the many wonders he performed and the knowledge that he shared that was inhuman. But if she were to make up for her failure of helping Bato, then she would need his closest allies to be on the same page. Besides, this would grant mercy in explaining it to them later.
"He'll probably get angry with me. But I've resolved myself to take on those consequences. What I'm about to tell you is a secret that no one else will share, so it will stay in this meadow, understood?" Link got up, went up to Saria and sat down. She sat down as well, holding his hand. "There's no easy way of saying this, so I'll just say it. Bato is a being from another world."
The two children could see the seriousness in her eyes, and she wasn't one to make jokes. "You're saying that he doesn't even belong in this world?"
"Yes." Impa sat down with the children. "He is a soul that exists outside this realm. Outside the Sacred Realm and possibly from all known creations. He has been blessed by the goddesses; given powers that could either save or ruin the kingdom."
They both looked at her for a while. "I believe you," Link said, finally. "It would explain about all the weird stuff that he was doing and saying."
"It also explains why he has such power," Saria added. "So, you're saying he's hiding his true power?"
"He is. He doesn't want to be the center of attention. Rather, the opposite. To leave a quiet and peaceful life as a farmer."
"Where did this revelation come from?" Saria asked.
Impa took a breath and answered slowly. "From the Goddess Hylia herself."
A gentle wind breezed through the meadow. Saria covered her mouth in surprise, while Link looked stone-cold. "Was this the lady who was speaking to Bato and you when I was in the clinic?"
"The very same."
Link looked down. "I was out of it for most of the time. When I came to, it was the goddess, you and Bato speaking to one another. About Bato being responsible for me." He smiled a little, "she was warm."
"Do you know any other powers he might have?" Saria asked, looking more complexed about this whole thing.
"I know that he is a prophet and a keeper of lore. He knows our past and also knows our future."
"That's why he said he saw 'right through my eyes.' He was reading the past. My past?"
"I do not know, Link. Truly." Link shook his head, in frustration. Saria quietly said his name. "But I do know why. The future that he knows has changed and is no longer the same one he saw."
"Because of us changing history, right? He mentioned back at the castle about living in an 'alternate timeline?'"
"Alternate timeline?"
"That's what he referred to it as. The dark future that I was a part of. That still happened. When I was sent back and let the castle know what was going on with Ganondorf, that changed events. So, right now, we're living in a different timeline: one that won't be following the chain of events leading to Hyrule's downfall."
Saria and Impa just looked at Link as if he were growing two heads. "It's so much easier when he was explaining it."
"To be fair, this is something that no one has ever experienced, apart from you." Impa put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry that you had to face that dark future alone."
"I wasn't alone," Link said, sadly. "I had help, and they helped me save the kingdom. But it didn't mean I came out of it unscathed." The physical scars might have disappeared, but the trauma and pain he when through would take a while to sort out. "I still feel it."
"The monsters," Saria whispered. "That's what they are."
"Yeah." He went silent after that, bothered by sharing something so personal.
"So, what will happen now?" The Deku Tree asked. "What will you say to your king and the others?"
"I will confer what was said here and nothing else. They have no need to know of Bato's true power nor of the knowledge he possesses. I've promised the Goddess Hylia to help him, and I will."
"Good. It pleases me to hear that. The forest will protect him from whatever threatens him. We will all see to that."
Impa gave a bow. "I'm sure that the two of you wish to speak privately with the Deku Tree, so I will wait outside the meadow. Try not to take too long. I have to return to the Castle, after all." Smiling a little, she headed out of the meadow. It was Link and Saria now, and another gentle breeze blew forth.
"The mystery of this man is beginning to unravel. Perhaps, he is destined for greater things."
Saria agreed with him. "The goddesses sent him down here for a reason. He can both say and do things that no one else can do. But I know that he's here to help us. Like Impa said, if he were evil, then he would have used his power to conquer Hyrule by now."
Link said nothing, but he was seething by this comment. It appeared that the Deku Tree picked up on this. "Saria, no one said that he was evil. Evil wouldn't risk themselves for the sake of another. Nor would they ever help others like this man does."
She looked tentatively at Link. "I'm sorry, Link. I wasn't thinking. This is all so overwhelming! A soul from another world, blessed by the goddesses themselves." She kept the fact that Impa told her about Hylia to herself. No need for Link to be even more stressed out.
"Saria. Link. The road of recovery is long, but it will end. Whether long or short, I know the two of you will see it through." The boy went over to Bato's body again, but Saria didn't stop him. He knew that he would return to them once he was finished in the meadow. Saria exited quietly, looking sadly at her friend.
Link walked up and sat down before Bato's body. He stared at it for a while.
"Link," the Deku Tree whispered. "He will return. Just have faith."
"I never needed anyone before," Link said, quietly. He looked upon Bato's still body, and he felt a sense of fear and dread. "Why is it that I need him?"
"He hath shewed thee a love that was never experienced afore. The love of a guardian caring for his charge. To be understood. To be assured that the danger has passed. To know that thou art safe."
"What if he doesn't wake up?" Link sounded like he was on the verge of tears. "What if he's like this, forever?"
"He will awaken when the goddesses deem it so. Until then, you have others that can be your strength. Open yourself to them. Let them comfort you in your time of sorrow. If all else fails, think back to your time with him. Ask yourself, 'what would he do?' Have faith. Have-"
"Courage," Link whispered to himself. The Deku Tree was right. Now was the time to be brave. He dealt with many demons and monsters in his journeys. The toughest ones would be the ones in his mind. He got up. "I'll wait for you, Bato. I'll wait for you as long as I can."