Bato woke up in the Sacred Realm. But he knew that there would be hell to pay.

In the same empty, white void, he knelt and said nothing. How long had he been like this? The last thing he remembered was the spirits coursed through him, an unimaginable pain and a bright light. He didn't even know whether it worked. It was all a gamble. Now, currently, he knew that the goddesses would be furious with him. They had given him a second chance to begin anew. He just threw that life back into their faces.

So, why sacrifice his life in the first place? Was it even about that?

He didn't have long to contemplate this because the next thing he knew he was on a patch of green with flowers and a ray of light shining through. It was pitch-black all around. He recognized it almost immediately. This was the place where the interlopers were confronted for trying to obtain the Triforce through forceful means. It was a vision provided by the light spirit to Twilight Link when learning about the history of the fused shadows. So, he waited, in the darkness.

After what seemed to be like an eternity, the voice of Hylia came forth. "Do you know why you're here?"

"Judgement," Bato replied, somberly.

"You threw away a life, given to you by the goddesses themselves, to save those who you have no relation to. The Great Deku Tree was no friend of yours. The Lost Woods were of no concern to you. Why sacrifice yourself for them?"

He didn't answer. This wasn't the answer Hylia was looking for, nor the other goddesses because after a while, four pillars of light appeared in all four cardinal directions. A pillar of light. A pillar of fire. A pillar of wind. A pillar of water. Each of them contains their elements, great power emanating from each of them.

"Who the hell do you think you are?!" roared the voice of Din. The flame pillar spiked with fire energy. "Sacrificing your life like this! We gave your life for you to live! Not to throw it away!"

"But I never threw it away, my lady. I gave it to someone else. Someone more worthy."

"The Great Deku Tree," answered the voice of Farore. A pillar of wind blew strongly. "The revival of the Lost Woods. While the act is admirable in itself, this isn't what we intended for you. This act defies our will. You, of all people, should know the dangers of defying the divine."

"Of course, my lady. However, I would say that this act is being completely worth it."

"Really?" asked Nayru, incredulously. A pillar of water surged through itself, creating an endless vortex of water. "Sacrificing yourself could be considered a crime. Would you gladly accept the punishment? Imprisonment? Oblivion? Or endless torment?"

"Actions speak louder than words, my ladies. The fact that I'm still speaking with you means that you want something more from me. Presently, you'd like to know the reason for my actions."

Nayru signed in her water pillar. "It would explain a great deal, yes. Mayhaps it would prove your case to us?"

"I have no excuse. But if I had to give one, it would that I'd never liked the idea of what happened to the Kokiri and the forest. Their fates, as you say."

"Their fates have changed in multiple ways in other timelines," Nayru countered, "why did you decide to do this one?"

"I suppose this timeline is the one that I've invested my time in. No pun intended. I lived in Hyrule, I've seen the Lost Woods, the Kokiri Forest, the Kokiri themselves and the future that 'fate' had in store if continued on its present path. I wanted to change that. With the power given, I had an opportunity to make a difference."

"When I made that remark about your blessings and how strong it would be equal to what you were willing to sacrifice, I didn't expect you to go this far." Farore's pillar flared up. "This was your precious life. A richly blessed life, and you willingly gave it away. For what? For the life of a tree and to save some innocent forest children?"

"Exactly!" Bato shouted, immediately.

"Don't you get snippy with us!" Din yelled back. "We could -"

"Din, dear. Just shut up." Nayru's scolding voice rang rebuke not to Bato, but to her sister. "I want to hear what he has to say." Mumbling some curses, Din calmed down.

Silent for a moment, Bato continued on, "in my world, there's a saying. There's no greater love than to sacrifice one life for another. I have come to love the world of Hyrule and its people. You're right, I did have a richly blessed life. But every time I looked into those woods I thought about the Great Deku Tree and how he provided haven and protection. How, without him, the children would have to face the dangers and evils." He laughed, a little. "Even being fated to be turned into leaf people in one timeline; their intelligence and physical prowess greatly diminishing."

"Koroks," mumbled Farore to the others.

"In the end, I couldn't stand it anymore. Knowing the fates of those innocent Kokiri. That's why I did what I did. So, the forest can have its protector again. The Kokiri can have its father again."

There was silence from all the pillars now. His heart beaten like a drum, his inside aflame with anxiety. There was no use worrying about it now. He was done for in any case. What he did was the ultimate heresy. There would be no going back from this, and he knew it.

Hylia was the one that broke the silence. "That isn't the only reason, is it?"

"It's the only reason, my lady."

"It's not smart to lie to a goddess, Bato. You know this. There's something else, is there. In your heart. Tell us."

He groaned, stumbling onto the ground. He tried to focus, his vision of the pillars blurring. Shaking his head, he got up. In exasperation, he threw up his arms. "You know what? Screw it. I'm probably gonna be either erased or tortured, so I might as well get this out now!"

Nayru laughed at him. "Finally."

Sighing, Bato took a deep breath. "The fickle nature of gods and goddesses. Do I begrudge them? No, of course not. Do I hate you all for it? Not really, that's in your nature. It's to be expected. Who you are and your arbitrary decisions on whom, what, when, where, why and how are not what angers me. It's who you did it to."

"Link." Farore whispered.

"That kid again?" Din complained. But Nayru shushed them both.

"I've only known Link for a few months personally, but I feel like I've known him for years because of my experiences in my world. But one of many things I didn't know was his soul."

"His soul," question Hylia. "What do you mean?"

"I only know the events that happened to Link. His adventures, who he met, what he did, how he got from point A to point B. But I never knew how he felt. How he was scared, alone and angry at the world for abandoning him." He was rambling now. "I mean, let's face it, he got the short end of a very shitty stick."

"Fate has deemed it so," Nayru replied.

"That's what bothered me! You gods and goddesses with your talk about fate and destiny. You knew that this was wrong. You knew that having a boy shouldering the responsibilities of the world was wrong."

"What are you trying to say, Bato?"

He sighed, painfully. "He's just a kid. A kid who should be learning how to farm or become a merchant or some other occupation they had in the Middle Ages. A kid with a family that deals with trivial matters to their being and family, not where the fate of the world hangs in the balance! That title of hero should have been given to someone a lot older." He whispered, "he's just a kid."

Another silence. The wind pillar blew gently. "A kid who's in need of guidance, Bato. Your guidance."

Laughing, he shook his head. "Flattered as I am, I'm afraid that I've failed all of you spectacularly. You asked me to do two things: live life the best I could, and to protect Link. I couldn't even do that. It was out of spite I did this. Kid suffers for the world and ends up with nothing. That, I could not abide by." He held his hands up, in supplication. "So, I have told all that you wished for, to the best of my ability. Do what you will with me. The only thing I ask is for mercy. Not for me, but for the boy. No child should be punished for any sin of mine."

"So be it." The pillars started to shine brighter and brighter. Bato was engulfed in a blinding light. So, this was it. The final judgement of the goddesses. He was expecting the worst, either imprisonment or true death. Instead, he found himself back in the Sacred Realm. The same, reassuring white void with all the goddesses in the corporal forms.

"Let it be known, then," Nayru announced haughty, "that the mortal, Bato, shall be returned to Hyrule forthwith. His punishment will be responsibility for the boy, Link, and for the denizens of Hyrule. Service to his ward and the people until the end of his mortal days."

The look of surprise Hylia made was reflected on Bato. He briefly looked at her, before turning to the other goddesses. Din was wearing a scowl, while Farore was smiling gently. He blinked a couple of times, "what the fuck?"

"Do I really want to know what 'fuck' means?" asked Farore with a raised eyebrow.

"No. No, you do not." Bato breathed deeply, either from relief or exasperation. Hylia, meanwhile, was standing there, completely confused about what happened. Nayru intuitively picked up on this.

"Hylia, dear. I understand that you must be confused at this point. But I'll be happy to explain everything once all of this is over."

"Yes, my lady." Hylia bowed and gave a weird look to Bato before disappearing in a wave of light was the three goddesses now. Once again, he was amid the goddesses. While granted a reprieve, he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling he had in his gut and knew that there was more to it than just this. "I can tell you this now. This will be the last time you perform a magic of such magnitude. The next time it happens, you will die." Farore gave a small nod. "Keep out of trouble, won't you, Bato?"

Nothing would be gained from lying to a goddess. "No promises, my lady." She sighed and disappeared, and it seemed that Din followed suit because she was no longer anywhere. Nayru and Bato were the only ones there. She made a pondering pose, paced a few steps, mumbled something, then turned to Bato. "What do you think about fate?" Nayru asked suddenly.

"Fate? Um. By definition, it is a power that decides what happens next. A power that is beyond mortal comprehension and control."

"Correct." Nayru waved her hands, and an image of a bare tree appeared. "I believe you are familiar with the multiple timeline theory."

"Yes. The theory that each choice that we make creates a new timeline. One where we made that choice and the other where we didn't."

"Good, it saves me time to explain." She walked over to him. "In some of these branches, we influenced decisions, changed places, created things, taking control when needed to steer a timeline to an inevitable conclusion. Occasionally, it works out and other times it doesn't. But the constant had always remained the same. We three goddesses controlled every element necessary to fabricate the desired 'fate.' This is where you come in."

"In what way?"

"There were few souls that came from other realms, just like yours. They were given power, knowledge, and the courage to mold the world to whatever they wished. The two souls of note that transferred here always had the same story. Apart from minor differences, they did the same thing, made the same choices and, ultimately, arrived at the same end. All because they sought to empower themselves and control whoever they saw useful." She pointed her finger at him. "But you? From the moment you chose to be a humble farmer, I knew that you were different. You made choices that were outside that mold."

"Is that a good thing?"

"It certainly makes things more intriguing. We may be goddesses, but it doesn't mean that we're omnipotent and can predict every single result from the choice made. It would drive us to madness."

Bato was unsure to what to think about this revelation. Certainly, the moral implications of controlling the fate of others were deplorable but not surprising. Gods and goddesses had always sought humans for entertainment. It was simply their nature to move with the pieces that were in play. But while other gods would do this out of enjoyment, Nayru sought to 'experiment' with fate. To find out what she could and couldn't control. Which, by no means, makes it any more terrible than the former. "What are you trying to say, my lady?"

She was quick. Instantly, she coupled his face with her hands. "My little soul. You are an unknown. You make decisions so creatively that sometimes I can't comprehend them. You opened my eyes to a wider view of creation. You…interest me."

"I…thanks?"

"So that is why your life has been restored. I want to see how far you'll go. What will you create? What will you destroy? Which other life will you influence with your choices." She released him. "How will you use your gifts and either save or damn Hyrule."

"So, this is just a nice way to say that I'm engaging your curiosity and will continue to use me until my time is up."

She shook her head, slightly taking offense. "You put it in such an ugly way, Bato. But yes." The tree disappeared as she walked past it. "Make no mistake, there will be an end. We arranged it, after all. I always aim to keep my word. Until then, don't die again too easily." With a wink, she disappeared. Bato breathed a sigh of relief, but when he turned around, he saw Din's face staring right at him.

"You just went through a whole ordeal. In the end, you would accept a goddess' judgement; whatever it may be. I will admit, you are a strange soul. One that I have not seen since Hylia." Her tone grew serious and dark. "I love my sisters and will do anything to defend them. You may have won others over with your charm and knowledge. But threaten our sovereignty in any way and I will show you no mercy."

"Nor would I expect any, my lady."

She scoffed at him. "I find your lack of fear infuriating. Or perhaps, you don't understand the gravity of this situation. So, I will speak plainly. Just because you are forgiven, doesn't make you completely innocent."

"There is no such thing as innocence. Only varying degrees of guilt."

She beheld him for a moment. Her face said that she was confused by his ever-changing words. She shook her head at him and fiercely looked into his eyes. "Fuck you, Bato." and disappeared in a pillar of flame.

He nodded his head. "Fair." He took in the empty, white void.

The next thing he knew, he smelt mint. He struggled to breathe for a few moments before calming himself down. The ground he was lying down on was hard. There was a mixture of mint and wood coming all around. He wiggled his fingers and his toes and forced himself up by grabbing onto the sides of the walls.

He looked around, taking in the sights. The trees, the grass, the flowers. The sounds of birds chirping and animals running every which way. Looking back, he was greeted by small knit knacks, foods, some candles and other forest related items. He looked back to see that the ground he was on was a massive knot. The items were surrounding the knot. "This looks like a shrine of sorts. But for whom, I wonder." He didn't have long to think about it because he saw movement on one of the Great Deku Tree's roots. A green hat was waving around; not knowing that it had already been spotted.

"I know you're there," Bato called out. "Let me see who you are." The hat ducked and a few minutes later, Mido sheepishly stepped forward. Bato scoffed a little, "calm down. He's a kid. Be polite." He knelt down while Mido inched closer. "Hi there. What's your name?"

"M-Mido, sir." He took off his hat and gave him a small bow. "I lead the Kokiri here."

"Pleasure. My name is Bato. I'm a farmer." He looked around and took in the sights of a restored Deku Tree. "I take it I'm in the meadow?"

"Yes, sir." The two were silent for a moment before he started to tear up. "I-I'm sorry, I'm not making a good first impression."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it. So, what is it that you're doing here, anyway?"

"Well, I was tending to the shrine." He pointed to the wooden knot. "Just rearranging some things around so it makes it look nicer."

"Shrine?" Bato gave a confused look. "I don't mean to offend, but it sounds like you thought I was dead or something."

"You were dead, sir! There was no breath in you and no heartbeat."

Bato's eyes went wide with surprise. "So, I was really dead? Well, as you can see, I'm very much alive." Mido was still crying, wiping of the tears with his hat. "Come on, don't do that. You'll cry yourself out that way."

"You don't understand. You restored the Deku Tree. You gave back our forest! You're our savior!"

"Okay, let's not get too excited..."

"It's true!" Mido's eyes were full of admiration. "You're a hero to the Kokiri! We owe you our lives! Tell us if you need anything and we'll get it done!"

"Anything?" Bato pondered on that for a second. "Okay, then I have something I need you to do personally."

"Okay?" Mido's excitement turned into worry. "What…What is it?"

"I need you to make nice with Link."

The boy stammered for a moment. "L-Link?" He looked down. "I've been trying. Really. I tried talking to him. We even fixed up his house! But, apart from a few words, I think he's still mad at me."

"Why?"

"Well. I did get him kicked out of the forest and never fully accepted him as one of us. Because…I was jealous."

"You told him that you were jealous? I guess it didn't go so well."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"I mean; to be fair, I would hold a grudge against that as well. I'd think it's really tough for him to get over it." Bato looked at him with sincerity, and it seemed to do the trick because Mido perked up a little. "Even so, I want you to try. Regardless of what the outcome will be, you can say that you tried."

Mido was quiet for a moment and looked down. "You think I can do it?"

"You're the Leader of the Kokiri, you can do anything." Bato smiled at him.

Mido nodded at him. "Okay. For you, Bato! I'll be friends with Link."

"Well, I'm asking you to be his best friend. Just be able to understand one another. No more of this 'no-fairy' and 'Kokiri-ness' nonsense. The apology must be genuine. From your heart."

The Kokiri looked at him with confused eyes. "How did-"

"Hop to it, Mido. Get this done and we'll call it even." Agreeing, he bowed again before running out of the meadow. Bato looked up at the tree.

"Art, thou awake from thy dream?" The voice of the Deku Tree rang through the meadow like a soft wind. "I would rather not interrupt your conversation with Mido."

"If you could call it a dream. It was more of a conversation." He walked a little closer to the tree and grinned. "It worked… Alright."

"Verily. I have thee to thank for mine revival."

"All I did was become the bridge. If you want someone to thank, it would be the spirits of the forest. They sacrificed themselves for you to come back."

"I see. That's why it hath been hushed of late. The trees, the streams, the earth, the leaves, we were wont to have colorful conversations. Now, thous't hardly hear aught."

"Will the spirits return?"

"Hard to say. Such a thing hath not happened before."

"How's Link?" Bato asked, intrepidly. The last time he saw him was at the roots of the tree. He had fears in his eyes and rushed towards him before the flash of light. "He is, okay?"

"Ah, Link." The tree was quiet for a moment. "Thou would not say that he is fine. Rather, he is coping with your disappearance. With thy apparent death, he was devastated. So much that he considered taking his life."

"Oh, what the hell?" Bato threw his arms up and couldn't believe it. Link thought to kill himself.

"He mourned your death most bitterly and fought off Mido when he was tending to thy shrine."

"Link shouldn't have…We're not-"

"Deny it all thou wishest. Naught will change. The boy now seeth thee as his father. That bond is deep, and thy actions have changed him. This event hath tormented him." He rumbled, "Perchance it would have been a mercy to let him in on thy plans."

"Mer- Mercy?" Bato stammered in a laughing tone, his anger rising. "Like the mercy you showed Link and Saria when you kept them ignorant of their destinies? Or maybe the mercy you showed your children when you died and left them in the evil wild alone? Or, perhaps, the mercy you showed Hyrule when you allowed Ganondorf to walk out of this forest alive?!"

The tree was silent. Its leaves waving in the wind, a strong gale entered the forest. Bato remained impassive, planted to the ground. Then, it dissipated. "Thy knew not of Saria's destiny of being the Forest Sage. The goddesses bade me to nurture Link and have him bring the emerald to the princess. The other twain points, though, shall grant. Thou knew thee was dying. Thou should have told them what would befall thee, but thou did not. Thou had not the heart to wound them so. Thou also suffered Ganondorf to take advantage of thy gentleness and mercy. The realm suffered sorely for that."

Bato sighed in resignation. "Well, I guess we have all our faults, don't we." He ran his hand through his hair. He started to whisper-panic, "I'm in trouble. I'm in trouble with a lot of people, and they'll probably want to kill me a second time."

"Oh! Aoh! Aoh! Aoh!" He had never heard the Deku Tree laugh before. It was a mix of an old man, natural grunts and moving wood. "Indeed! More than you can possibly imagine.'"

"I'm so glad that you found that entertaining." Bato looked at the nook. "Do you know how long I was out for?"

"Four seasons have passed since you were interred here."

Bato's eyes popped out. "ONE YEAR?! YOU GOT ME FUCKED UP! I'VE BEEN OUT FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR?!"

The tree was silent once again. "Thou hast used many strange words and phrases. But, judging by thine countenance and how loud that exclamation was, I dooth doubt it is a good thing."

"It…wasn't. Sorry. But I'm just surprised. One year has passed since then?"

"Sooth to say, I thought it were more than a year. At least five to ten. Thine revival after such a brief while is naught but a miracle."

"You got that right." He started to pace around, with his hand on his chin. "Now I gotta check the farm, the kitchen, my pelts, my crops!" He stopped in realization. "But first, I gotta look for Link and Saria."

"Dread thee not. Thou shalt not need to seek them. They shall come unto thee."

Before Bato could ask, he turned and was instantly tackled by a blond haired boy in green clothes. The tackle was so hard that it knocked both of them a couple of inches away from where Bato was standing. Link gripped Bato's chest hard, his hat on the ground beside them. He wailed on top of him; tears and mucus damping his shirt. Surprised for a moment, Bato reached over to embrace him with his tears. "Oh, Link. I am sorry. I am so, so, deeply sorry." He didn't get a reply, and Link kept on crying. His sword was poking Bato's body as he moved slightly. Bato pushed himself up and embraced the boy close to his chest. He calmed down.

But then, another figure showed up. Saria looked at Bato with both anger and sadness. "Saria I-" He was interrupted by a slap across the face. It stung a little, but her hands were soft. That slap took Link by surprise, and he looked at his friend.

"That was for putting us through all that!" Saria yelled. She hugged him around the waist. "And this is for coming back." She smiled with tears on her face.

"I'm home, guys."