Two weeks after the summons, Bato did a few things during this time. First, he hired out some helpers from the commerce guild. Experienced farm hands that were looking for work. They would come out every five days; when the harvest was ready.
Mutoh and his men were not available this time, so he hired some carpenters and craftsmen to build a barn to store his crops. While this was happening, he sold the excess produce and the pelts for a very sizeable sum. All his crops didn't go towards the guild, however. Using the church's storage, he stockpiled some of them for the church's use. The community kitchen was still being built and wouldn't be in operation for quite some time.
During this time, Link's time was split between helping Bato with these tasks and visiting Zelda at the castle. The guards were wary of Link first but received standing orders to let him through if it didn't conflict with Zelda's responsibilities and/or training. At the end of every evening, Link and Bato were both home and cooked a variety of meals together. They swapped stories of what they did and if any one of them sought advice, they would give it.
It was one of those days, while Link was at the castle, that Bato just completed his tasks for the day. He was about to head home when suddenly the stone around his neck glowed a dim green. Taking it out, he held it until it became brighter in one direction. It seemed to be pointing in the direction of the castle.
When Bato reached the castle gate, two guards stopped him.
"Halt. State your business." Bato was fortunate. At least they didn't throw him out like they usually do to the peasants that find themselves here.
"I seek entry on the castle grounds."
"None may enter without an official invitation. Off with you." Bato was about to try and think of a way to sneak in, like Link did, when a third guard spotted the exchange and called the two other guards to him. They spoke for a while, whispering and pointing. After five minutes, the two guards took their original posts. The gate then opened.
The third guard came before him. "You were with Lord Cobn during the summons a few weeks ago, are you not?"
"Yes," Bato said, uncertain where this line of questioning was going.
He looked around. "Are you the one that spoke on reforms for the people? Especially, for the veterans?"
"What do you think? I suppose I am."
"Something been happening to Lord Cobn and his house. They started to advocate for the treatment of former soldiers and providing for them compensation for their time with the army. Judging the time frame and that you were travelling with the Lord on that day, I must assume that you are responsible for this."
"All I did was just give his Lordship an idea, that's all." So, Jofary took Bato's words to heart and started reforms for veteran affairs.
"Everything is still in its early stages and some of the nobles are fighting against it. I'm not sure if it will come off the ground but I pray to the goddesses that it does. A lot of my friends were former soldiers, once. They were released from service and couldn't work anymore. They made their lives in the slums, some of them considering banditry." He took up his spear. "I'm the watch commander right now. If you mean no harm, you will have no problem having me tag along to whatever you're looking for here."
Bato shrugged and nodded. "Then, follow me."
They didn't have to walk far. Soon, they reached a fork in the road and right of that, a huge boulder. "Wait here," he instructed the guard. Looking slightly annoyed for a moment, he slammed the butt of the spear down. Bato walked up about five feet away from the boulder. Holding out his palm, an orange light began to focus on the center. After a few moments, he released the orb and it crashed right into the rock, destroying it. There was a slight rumble, and the guard's jaw dropped with amazement.
"Are you coming?"
The guard considered for a moment. "I'll wait out here, sir."
"Very well. "Nodding, Bato went in. The Great Fairy Fountain of Power. Stone pavement with pillars reaching towards a seemingly unlimited top. A pink back facing arch connected two pillars, with four pink pillars underneath. At its center, was a back façade in a circular pattern. Two torches, one on each side, covered the altar in a hue of green. Pink lights were shining everywhere.
He beheld the Triforce Symbol, and he took out the pocked Ocarina. Playing 'Zelda's Lullaby' he waited for the Great Fairy to appear. A flash of light and a giant woman revealed herself. Three pink ponytails, a very revealing dress in leaves, amber and gold scales. Some foliage was growing in various places of her body. She looked at Bato. "You are not a child of destiny." She floated around the room, then stopped in front of him. "Yet, you have been blessed by the goddesses."
"I've come for knowledge, Great Fairy."
"Interesting." She floated onto an invisible chair. "Speak then, what would you like to know."
"I wish to commune with spirits."
"Dead spirits?" asked the Great Fairy. Floating from her invisible chair she stood in the middle of the fountain.
"The spirits of all living things. Between heaven and earth and under the earth."
The Great Fairy stood silent for a moment, before laughing. "You are a strange one. When people find my fountain, they ask for power or something tangible. Tell me, Hylian." She got in front of Bato's face in a blink of an eye. "To what end do you wish to speak with the spirits?"
"Planting a seed," Bato responded coolly.
The Great Fairy beheld him for a moment. After a moment, she returned to the middle of the fountain, turned, and cupped her hands. She blew on it and out came pink sparkles that covered Bato's entire body. "I grant you now the ability to commune with the spirits of all living things. Do with it what you will."
"My thanks."
"There is one more consideration. Take out that black stone from your pocket." Surprised, Bato took out the stone that was used to summon Hylia. "That is known as a Pactstone. In ancient times, it served as a conduit between mortals and the divine. With it, they could enter into a binding agreement, granting the wielder untold power in exchange for whatever price was agreed upon. Thus, it is a powerful tool used to harness the energy of the spirit world. How did you come across it?"
"I…It was a gift," Bato replied. He didn't want to tell her that it was given to him by Hylia. She looked at him, suspiciously.
"It can only be used once. I know what your plans are, but I can sense they are not malevolent. Your destiny is a mystery to many. If you require any more help, I will send word to my sisters. Let the goddesses guide your way." The Great Fairy then disappeared silently.
Exiting the passage, Bato walked towards the guard. "I'm done here."
The guard nodded, "then, I'll return you to the gate."
Link didn't know that Bato had visited the Castle Grounds when he returned home. Both went through their nightly routine. When he was assured that Link was fast sound asleep, he got himself ready, sword in its scabbard, and played 'Minuet of the Forest' to teleport himself to the Forest Temple. Arriving, he looked around. Lighting his lantern, he saw the dark foliage in the torchlight. The stars were doing a good job illuminating the area, as well. He did not see Saria anywhere. Perhaps she was sleeping with the rest of the Kokiri.
"All the better," Bato thought. He stood on the pedestal and sat down. "Spirits of the Woods. Do you see me? Do you hear me?" A gentle wind was blowing in every direction. Orbs of green light started to form out of nowhere, in various degrees of brightness. "Who is the strongest of you that will entreat with me?" The orbs slowly started to flash. More and more orbs started to appear in the canopy, from the trees and the earth below.
Finally, a green solid colored orb appeared in front of him. Bato watched as a gush of wind surrounded the orb. It started to take the form of a child. A blond haired child with white, fair skin. Dark tunic with a blue shirt underneath. He wore gray and red braces on his arms. On his waist was a covering fabric, red, and green in a diamond shape with a red tassel. His white collar was apparent, and so was the dark green Kokiri symbol on his chest.
The boy looked at himself and smiled a little. "Well now. It has quite some time since anyone has summoned us here." He tilted his head, "tell me, mortal. Do you know what you carry with you?"
Bato took out the Pactstone. "I'm told this is a tool that can be used as a conduit between mortals and the divine. It was used a long time ago."
"You are right." The boy walked among the orbs, some of them shaking in his steps. "The Pactstone was a gift from the goddesses after the war to call upon the spirits of the past to help with those living in the future. I'd honestly thought it would be forgotten, for no one has used it in many years. How did you come across it?"
"The goddess Hylia gave it to me. Though, I don't know the reason."
The boy looked at him for a second, then nodded. "I believe you. Tell us, outsider. Why do you summon us?"
"I seek the aid of the spirits."
The orbs started to shake violently, and the winds started to pick up. The boy held his hand, and the wind died down. "You'll have to excuse my friends. The last time an outsider came into these woods, he cursed our beloved Great Deku Tree. He killed our friend. So, you can understand why the spirits are hostile towards your kind."
"I get it," Bato said, smoothly. "That's what I need help with. I want…to revive the Great Deku Tree."
There was no reaction from the boy, and the orbs didn't move for a while. Everything stood still. Bato wondered whether he had broken them. A gentle laugh came from the boy's mouth. "I'm sorry, I think I misheard that. You said that you aim to revive our friend, the Great Deku Tree."
"I do," Bato said in the affirmative.
"I see. Oh, dear." The boy looked at the orbs. Some of them bounced up and down. Others violently shook again. Most of them remained still. "What we wouldn't give to bring our friend back. Alas, I'm afraid this is impossible. I actually find it humorous. An outsider took the life of our Great Deku Tree, and now another outsider seeks to undo that mistake."
"Yes." Bato held the Pactstone in his hand, tightly. "I seek to undo that mistake. To give back the forest, its protector. Its children, its father. I say again: I wish to revitalize the guardian and see this forest full of life once more." He still noticed the orb's impassivity. "I know a lot of you doubt my sincerity. Rightfully so, an outsider was the one that got you into this mess. Now I'm offering the opportunity to rectify that mistake. It's said that the Pactstone has the power to act as a conduit between mortals and the divine. You can use that power to revive your friend."
The boy sighed, sadly. "If only it were that simple. The Pactstone is, indeed, the key to the power you seek. But more will be required from you to achieve such a feat."
"Explain."
"While the stone is powerful, it is limited as a conduit. It would simply shatter before gathering enough power to revive our friend. However," the boy started to pace excitedly, "if we used your body, with the stone, then there might be a chance." The orbs started to bounce excitedly. Some orbs were still violently shaking, but it wasn't many of them. Realizing what he said, he slumped, disappointed. "Therein lies the issue. It requires putting your life on the line." He opened his hands. "If you are truly serious about this venture, show us your resolve. How much are you willing to give to complete this task?"
"Is it possible for you to tell me what the chances of this actually succeeding?"
The boy shook his head. "Two outcomes will play out. It either works or it doesn't. If it does work, the forest will have its guardian again. If not."
"Then, I've gambled and lost," Bato said, dejectedly.
"Either way, your life force will be used. You'll be living a shorter life."
"… I understand." He stood silent for a moment, considering his options. He could forget the entire thing. This wasn't his problem to begin with. But then he started to think about Saria, Link and the other Kokiri. The forest, dark and rampant with evil. Each day, he looked upon the Lost Woods with sadness, sorrowful that he couldn't do anything to change the forest's fate.
Now, he could. "No cost too great."
"What?"
"No cost to great. No mind to think." He stood up, approaching the boy and towering at him. "No will to break. No voice to cry suffering. Alright, bet."
The boy's face lit up. "Then?"
"I agree to your terms. I will do what is required to bring back your dear friend."
The boy couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. It didn't mean that he didn't restrain himself. "Give me the Pactstone for just a moment." The boy held it in his hand. Green light started to surround it, and the once black stone was now a shade of dark green. "You will speak an oath of your commitment to this deed. When finished, you will break this stone. But be forewarned, it will hurt."
"Good."
The boy looked at him, disturbed. "Why would that be a good thing?" Bato didn't say anything. The boy asked him again, with some concern, "might I ask as to why?"
"…you might." When the boy realized, he wasn't going to get a straight answer, he nodded, and the wind picked up in the area again. Bato called out to him. "Tell your brethren. We embark on a quest to save this forest from the coming darkness. For the good of all, lend us your aid."
"I'll ask, but it doesn't mean that they'll listen." As the boy said this, he disappeared, and all the orbs of light vanished instantly. Bato heaved a great sigh and washed his face with his hand. There was a possibility he was going to die; regardless of if it worked or not. But, oddly enough, the idea of his death didn't disturb him. The people that he would leave behind, though. Turning around, he saw Saria holding her chest with one hand and tears in her eyes. There was a look of absolute terror.
The two looked at each other for a while. Finally, Bato said, "I'll let myself out." Turning, he walked towards the Lost Woods. "Don't get in my way." He departed swiftly before hearing anything.
A few days had passed and one night, Link was about to head upstairs to his room when Bato spoke with him about going back to the Kokiri Forest. Wide-eyed, it took Link a couple of minutes to process what he just said. He had to ask the obvious question: "why?"
"I need to check up on something."
"Where?" Link asked, wearily.
Bato was silent for a moment. "I guess there's no sugarcoating this. I need to go down to the root of the Great Deku Tree. Specifically, in the liar of Gohma."
"What?!" Confusion was all over his face. "I don't understand, why do you need to do that? What are you checking up on?" Again, silence. This unnerved the young boy and had his imagination going on overtime. What was he looking for? Is there something that he missed? Why is Bato being very vague about this?
"I can't tell you that, right now, and I'm not sure if it's even going to work. But regardless of whether you approve of me going or not doesn't matter. I'd thought I give you a heads-up, is all."
"So, you'll be going either way, huh?"
"Yup." An unease rose between them. Bato was never this secretive before. "Feel free to join me if you wish. A warning, though: I'll be leaving early. Before the sun comes up."
Link didn't like this one bit. "The last time you were in the forest, you almost died!"
"Only because of the moblins."
"And if the moblins are still there?"
"It's a chance I'll be willing to take. They'll probably be monsters still there, but the village is destroyed. It's been reduced to nothing but timber."
"Hey! That's my home you're talking about!" Link felt incensed about how he casually refers to his home in such a way.
"You're right, I apologize. That was insensitive of me." Bato held up his hands and looked remorseful.
"In-sensi-what?" It was another word that Bato used; he didn't know.
"Insensitive. Not being aware or not showing any sympathy about the other person's feelings."
"Oh." The boy thought again. He still didn't like it. There were too many unknowns. What was he trying to do? Bato was asking to put his trust in him. "I…I want to come, too."
"Well," Bato whispered quietly. "Then I guess we better go to bed. Before that, though, we'll need to make sure that we got everything for the journey."
Just as he said, Bato and Link departed for the Kokiri Forest before the break of dawn. It had been some time since they both visited the forest last. The ground crunched under their feet. The buzzing of the bugs and night creatures were starting to subside. It was still pitch black, so they had lamps on them.
"The light might attract monsters," Link said, carefully. "Why do we have them on?"
"Well, unless you can see in the dark like a keese, we're going to need these things to get to the forest. Besides, it'll only be about half an hour or so, right? Hopefully, we won't run into anything nasty on the way there."
A wolfos howled in the far distance and Link looked at him, annoyed. The two silently walked through the forest floor.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the bridge leading towards the village. This time, there weren't any Deku scrubs blocking the way. Nevertheless, they approached cautiously and peered out of the log entrance. An Octorok shoots a rock at them, nearly hitting them. Soon, the entire village springs to life with monsters.
"Just like before." Bato looked around. "I don't see or hear any moblins, though."
"Then let's just rush to the meadow. We don't need to waste our time with these guys." Nodding, both started to run and dodge from all the monsters that were there. Octoroks and Deku Scrubs were shooting projectiles at them and a pack of wolfos approached them with frightening speed. Streaks of lightning shot through Bato's palm, incapacitating some of them. Link shot a few of them with his bow. When the enemies were getting closer, Link used a Deku nut to blind them momentarily. It was enough. The two entered the Great Deku Tree's Meadow.
None of the monsters followed them in. The sun was rising, and the rays illuminated the grove. There was the decomposing body of the Club Moblin, that was almost a skeleton now. Link flinched in disgust. He noticed the head hacked away from the body. "Did…did you do that?"
Bato was looking towards the Deku Tree. "Hm? Oh, yeah." He walked towards it and examined the corpse. "To be fair, he was about to kill me so once I knocked him out, I had to make sure that he was absolutely dead."
"That involved you cutting its head off?"
"…yes." Both looked at each other before walking in silence towards the Great Deku Tree's mouth. Extinguishing their lamps, they looked at the enormous dead tree. Link didn't say anything, but his heart ached. The Deku Tree practically raised him and was probably one of the good things during his time in the forest. His death not only hit the Kokiri hard, but him at a personal level.
"Do you want to wait out here for me?" Bato asked.
Link shook his head. "I want to come with you."
The farmer looked at him, grimly. Giving a small sigh, he said, "then, let's go." Turning, he started to walk before stopping. "Link?"
"Yes?"
"Don't die." Bato started to walk away again, leaving Link fearful on why he would make such a comment. But, if Bato was committed to entering the tree, then he had to be to. He wanted to know, what was it he intended to do in there.
Spiders covered various parts of the trunk. Some Deku Babas dotted the floor, posing to strike. The foliage originally there was now darkened and full of mulch. Branches leading to the upper floors were still there, but some of its parts were missing. It was no surprise that the Deku Tree had degraded greatly after its death. Link was completely silent while they walked to the middle of the room. The web that was destroyed previously reappeared.
"Web's back." Link looked up towards the ceiling. "We'll have to climb all the way up and jump off to break it."
"Yeah, I'm not doing that." Bato held out his palm. Orange and red flames covered the web. It was gone in a matter of seconds. He then outstretched his hands and created a platform made of wind. "Shall we?" Quietly, they both got on the platform and descended below. It was a good thing too because the water that was there before was now dried up. Sighting another web filled hole, they descended towards the other web.
"Speak your mind, Link." Bato knew that Link was unnerved about this place. Technically, it was the body of his dead surrogate father.
"It took me a while to figure out all the puzzles here, and yet you use magic to clear it in no time." So, that's what was bothering him? That he was gunning for the boss room in such a short amount of time.
"Well, you didn't have any fire magic, and you needed the slingshot, so you would have to do a few more puzzles. Luckily, all we need to do is head over to Gohma's room directly. But I feel that's not the only reason." The vines this time were sturdy, so they could climb down to the bottom.
"It's been a while since I was last down here." Link started to climb down the vines with a focused face on him. "I guess remembering this place bothers me."
"Hmm." Bato had some theories behind this feeling, but he didn't want to come off as insensitive again. "This was his first dungeon and even though he's dead, monsters still inhabit this place. It probably reminded him of Ganondorf's curse and the tree's subsequent death." The torches within the tree had long since gone out so they had to depend on their lanterns, once again. The vines squeaked as they climbed down and at times when they felt they were about to give way. Like before, all the water was gone and they hit solid land. Walking up, they only saw the hard ground and a door leading to the boss room.
"There used to be Deku Scrubs here. Guess they moved."
"Good thing the door's open." Now in front of the door, the two stood side by side. Even in the torchlight, he saw Link's face of apprehension. "You killed Gohma a long time ago. You also made sure that its larvae were taken care of. There's nothing in there."
"But you don't know that." Link looked at him for a long time before he entered the door, with Bato following behind. Wooden pillars held up the rotting bottom. They walked upon the dry ground room; evidence that it once had water there. The two made it to the center and the shiny light to transport them out was gone.
"Guess we'll have to go back the old-fashioned way." Link stood near the entrance while Bato looked around. Walking in the darkness with only the torchlight his path, he felt oddly compelled to go to a particular spot in the room. When he made it there, he heard the boy's voice in his head. "You came. Our thanks."
"Let's do this thing." Gusting winds started to pick up at a quickening speed. Link's heart started to pound, his torchlight flickering in the wind. He wondered what was happening and what was creating this wind.
The strong, booming voice of the boy was heard. "Speak the words then. Let your intent be known."
Nodding, Bato took out the Pactstone and placed it on the ground in front of him. He held his sword up on its handle. A green, shining circle appeared. Countless dim orbs appeared all around him, multiplying and filling the room. They all glowed with various levels of light.
Rogo te, O spiritus, hic oratio mea.
Ab imis sacri regni, sequere vocem meam.
Omnes qui vocationem meam audire possunt
All the orbs started to shine brighter and brighter.
Silva moritur. Liberi sine patre sunt.
In nomine Deae, rogo te ut potestatem tuam mihi tribuas.
Sit corpus meum aquaeductus ad virtutem transeuntem per hoc vas
Et mortuos iterum vivifica.
He planted his sword into the ground, blade first, shattering the stone. The orbs violently went through Bato's body and into the ground. More and more orbs appeared not only from the ground, but through every part of the trunk as well. He screamed in pain; his body wanting to let go of the sword. He knelt before it and looked up to see Link's face in the green light. He was dismayed. He was trying to say something. Bato struggled to get up but forced himself to. As the room became brighter and brighter, he made one final scream before everything faded to white.
Link woke up in the Great Deku Tree's meadow. He looked around him. Everything was still. The sounds of the various monsters that made their home in the Kokiri Forest were no longer there. His hands pushed the ground, and he felt…grass. "Grass? Why is there grass here? This meadow was totally barren." Perhaps it was just a patch of grass. He looked around carefully this time, and he saw.
It wasn't just a patch of grass. The entire meadow was full of grass. Not only that, flowers of all shapes and sizes too! The trees were full of green leaves; no sign of the desolation that was there when the Deku Tree died. Wide-eyed, he wondered how was it possible before seeing Bato's body resting on the ground. He immediately rushed towards him and started to shake his body. "Bato?! Bato?!"
He wasn't breathing. There was no pulse.
So, just like that, the only person who treated Link with any personal affection was gone. "You can't be dead. You can't!" The tears started to stream down his face, then he felt rising anger that he could not restrain. Slamming Bato's body on the ground, he started to beat his chest with his fists. He howled in sorrow in the meadow and was like that for a while, before he stopped and took out his sword.
The gilded sword. The sword he used to save others and the world. Bato was his last chance. Because of him, he became hopeful for his future. That he would be able to live a proper childhood. He stared at it, thoughts racing. He had never felt this sadness before. More intense than the day Navi left him. More sorrowful than the day, future Zelda sent him back. It was similar to when the Deku Tree died. The death of a loved one.
Back then, the death of the tree hurt him, but he didn't mourn for him. He had a mission that he would see through. But now, there was nothing to focus on. Nothing to distract him from this pain. If Bato wasn't there with him, in this life, what's the point?
He started to breathe heavily, and his entire body was shaking. But then, Bato's words echoed within him. "Don't die." The shaking became more violent and just when he was thinking to end it all, he threw the blade on the ground.
"Goddess damn you, Bato! Why?! Why…" Link collapsed on his knees, crying into Bato's chest.
"Link." A solemn voice echoed in the meadow.
Link looked in front of him to see the Great Deku Tree. His trunk was all brown. His canopy of leaves was vibrant green. A gentle, strong presence enveloped him. It couldn't be. Link looked completely dumbfounded as the voice continued to call to him. It wasn't any voice, though.
"Link." The voice of the Great Deku Tree resounded in the meadow. "Link, why are thou still here?" He didn't sound angry, bur rather confused. "Are thou preparing to meet with the child of destiny?" There was a brief silence. "Where art thou, Navi?" Another pause. "Who is this young man before thee?"
Link clutched his head, tears renewed and a feeling of dread washing over him. For he realized what Bato had done. He cried out in anguish, howling towards the sky. He wanted to cry some more before being hug from behind from someone. He knew that scent anywhere and buried his head against Saria's chest and cried into it.
She stroked his back slowly, her eyes towards the tree. "Great Deku Tree." She said this while keeping a calm face. "How is this possible?"
"Saria. I do not understand thyself."
"What was the last thing you remember, Great Deku Tree?"
His leaves waved in the wind and his trunk creaked with hidden activity. "I was sure of mine own demise. I bade Link and Navi farewell. Now, thy awake hither."
"Many moons have passed since then." Saria continued to comfort Link, who was calming down. His breathing became steady and while still crying, it toned down considerably. "I would be happy to explain everything to you." She turned to Bato. "Once, we've taken care of our dear friend here." Link flinched ever closer to Saria, hurt about the idea of burying him.
"Do not think thee dead. Thou is very much alive. Thou body is now frozen in time. Thy spirit is weak but shall recover."
Link jumped at that moment and walked towards the tree. "He's…still alive? When will he wake up?"
"That dependeth on the soul. It could be days. It could be years. Worry thou not. I shall sustain him whilst he is in this forme." A large nook on the trunk appeared. "Bring thee here and lay him down. Thou wilt take vigil." Saria and Link laid Bato's body down carefully in the nook. The two children were devastated when they saw Bato's body lying in the nook. Feeling the bulge in Bato's pocket, Link took out the Ocarina of Time. He looked at it with such pain, shut his eyes, and shoved it in his satchel. Neither of them said anything and Link was holding his arm in pain, looking away. "That man means a lot to thee, it seemeth."
"Yes," Link whispered. A gentle wind blew into a meadow with the grass, trees, and flowers waving in the wind. Small orbs of light started to rise out from the ground. The Kokiri Forest was becoming alive again.
After a while, the Great Deku Tree spoke. "Be at peace. That man is not dead. Thou is merely sleeping."
Link took a deep breath, and stepped out of the nook, with Saria following suit.
"If thou needest more time, thou can wait. Tis hurts to seeth thee liketh this."
He shook his head. "No. You need to know everything that has happened." He looked at Saria, meaningfully, "you too."
As the sun had reached its zenith and started to lower in the early afternoon, Link recounted his adventures in Hyrule. How he was able to meet with Zelda, obtain the Spiritual Stones and open the Door of Time. How Ganondorf was able to enter and obtain for himself the Triforce and began his reign of doom and destruction. How Link was sent forward seven years, wielded the Master Sword and awakened the sages and their destinies, with Saria being one of them.
She didn't show it, but there was look of surprise on her face. The Great Deku Tree continued to listen, not interrupting once.
Link spoke on his travels to the temples, his reunion with Zelda who had trained in the arts of the Sheikah and revealed herself to be the Sage of Time. Ganondorf's capture of Zelda and subsequent rescue and sealing of him in the realm. How the future Zelda sent him back through time to 'live his childhood,' and Navi's disappearance. (He did not mention the personal struggles he had with this). Finally, he briefly mentioned Termina, his return and Bato. When it was all over, the sun was beginning to set.
Saria looked at Link with quiet awe of the adventures he had but, moreso, of the struggles he faced by himself. "If I'd known…" Link held her hand and smiled gently.
"Thou have beheld and thriven much, Link. Ye also beheld great pain. Thou art sorry for making you face such ordeals."
"I wanted to help. You took care of me, and I wanted to take care of you." He bowed before the Great Deku Tree. "It's good to see you, Great Deku Tree."
"But nay at the cost of another life. Specially his." Link turned to Saria, who looked very pale and heartbroken. But he shook off this odd feeling. No doubt that she was feeling just as bad as he was. Maybe, even more so.
"I have to go." Link turned away from the tree and Saria.
"Link? Where are you going?" Saria held her arm out to him; as if to stop him.
"The others will probably find out what happened here. Or I'm sure you'll tell them, Saria. As for me, I'm going back to the farm." He laughed a little. "Someone has to take care of those crops, right? Also, I have to let the castle know what happened with Bato. He was involved in a lot of plans back there."
"Link." The Great Deku Tree called softly. "Thou dost don a valiant visage, yet 'tis plain they heart yet doth grieve. Thou have ever been welcome hither. Why dost thou flee from thy home? Why dost thou flee from us?"
Link yelled out in reply, "This was never my home!" He started to walk away again. "The land is my home now. I will continue to live on it, as I've always had."
"Link. Stop!!" Saria called out to him. "Can't you see that you're not alone anymore? Why do you insist on taking everything on by yourself! Why don't you allow yourself to be helped by others?" But he kept on walking, out of the grove and out of the Kokiri Forest. It was evening now and thankful he didn't see any of the other Kokiri. No doubt they would be happy with the revival of their father.
At the cost of his.
Coming up to the bridge, Link stopped for a moment and held on to the rope. He collapsed on the bridge, brushing the tears away before trying to push himself up. There was great difficulty, but a hand reached out for him. It was Saria. "Come to see me off again, Saria? I know you and the others have a lot of work ahead of you in the village."
She shook her head. "I'm coming with you."
Link looked at her, confused. "What? Are you crazy? Don't you remember, the curse-"
"Is a lie. The Great Deku Tree made it up, so we didn't stray too far from the forest and out of his protection." She looked at the exit. "I don't know the world that's out there. But I won't leave you alone again. So, I'm coming with you."
"But-"
"I'm coming…with…you." Saria punctuated, and that usually meant that it was not up for discussion. Knowing he couldn't win, Link sighed and held out his hand. Taking it, the two exited the forest.