Bato, Link, and Saria got up early. They were preparing to leave when there was a knock at the door. Looking at each other, Bato opened the door. Mido greeted him.

"The Great Deku Tree wishes to speak with all of you before you leave."

An hour later, Mido led the group into the Deku Tree Meadow. Fado was there, as well with some linens. Even though the sun had not yet risen, the imposing tree's outline was clear with the emerging rays. A chill ran in the meadow where it would disappear in a few hours. The group bowed before the tree.

"Mine little children. Bato of Termina. Ye have done well for the Kokiri and the remnant of this forest. We are in thy debt; in more ways than one."

"We're glad to have you back, Great Deku Tree." Saria smiled a little. "You were greatly missed." Link and Mido looked at each other for a moment before turning away quickly.

"Hast thou been in contact with the king?"

"Yes. He has not moved from his position."

"Then we have reached an impasse. I will not suffer his army to move through this sacred forest."

"I agree. Their ways of harvesting resources are concerning. I will let His Majesty know of your position."

"Thank thee, Saria. So long as thou art willing, I would have thee to abide as Speaker of the Forest."

"So long as I am able. I will continue to speak for our people." She gave another bow.

"Yet thou hast naught that signifies thy station other than my word. That changes now." As if on cue, Fado approached the group with the linens. "After thine and Link's departure, I asked Fado and the others to create these cloaks. These linens are made of rough silk; fashioned from the same material as the Kokiri tunic. Further, we created broach pins in the form of the Kokiri Emerald. See for yourselves."

Link and Saria took the cloaks. They were green, with a dark green outline. A zig-zag pattern was stitched on the edges of the cloak. It had a hood stitched on, as well. The two looked over the cloak and the pins.

Bato then noticed one extra linen that Fado was holding. "You got one more. What is it?"

"Yours," Mido stepped forward. "I had it made at the same time as the other two cloaks. We took your measurements while you were asleep."

Fado presented Bato's cloak. It was the same as the other two but the broach and the cloak itself was a lot bigger. He put his cloak over with everyone else. "This is a thoughtful gift. Thanks guys."

Mido and Fado smiled, bowed and stepped away.

The Deku Tree spoke again, "There is one more matter as well." A mighty gale blew that took everyone unawares. It knocked all the children off their feet and moved Bato a few feet. A familiar green orb came down and the visage of the young Kokiri boy spirit appeared.

"You." The boy called out. Fado, Saria and Mido knelt down before him.

"It's you." Bato gave a solemn bow. "Many thanks to you and your brethren for your help in the revival."

He rushed over to Bato in the blink of an eye. Link started to unsheathe his blade furiously. There was an intent to kill in his eyes.

"Stay your hand, Link. Let's everyone calm down." Link held his blade for the moment and Bato turned to the boy. "The Great Deku Tree has been revived at the agreed upon price. I had thought my business with you, has ended."

The boy knelt down before him. "I have yet to offer my thanks in helping us revive the Great Deku Tree. The forest has its guardian again. The children, their father."

"At great cost to you, I'm afraid." Bato felt bad about the sacrificed spirits and wished there was another way.

The boy shook his head. "Our spirits belong to the forest. There is no cost when something is given freely." He looked sheepish. "But there has been an unforeseen consequence."

"Such as?"

"Myself. I resolve to give myself to the Great Deku Tree, like all the others. But some of us still wished to protect the forest. There were only a few of us left so we combined ourselves into a single being…and the body that you conjured up became a perfect vessel. The spirits are indebted to you and in turn, I am indebted to you. Thus, I wish to enter into a contract to repay this debt."

"You don't need to do that. I had other reasons to restore the forest."

The Great Deku Tree stirred, "Nevertheless, thou must enter into this pact, Bato. The moment thou didst contact the spirits, the two of ye were spiritually tethered to one another. He is a part of thee as thou art a part of him."

"Are there any benefits to forming a contract with him?"

"Thou wouldst gain more influence with the other spirits that dwell in Hyrule. Thou canst summon him for a short time, depending on the energy thou wishes to expend. Any wind magic thou possesses shall be enhanced and more.

"More broken powers? I swear this sounds like a sales pitch more than anything. Bato turned back to the spirit, "I guess I am responsible for the situation that you're in. For that, I deeply apologize. You're taking it surprisingly well."

"Now. Before, I was angry. Enraged, even that my spirit would be forever bound to this place."

"Forever bound? What do you mean?"

"Again, you and I are spiritually tethered to one another. Until the contract was formed, I was bound to your body."

Bato's face went pale. "So, if I took years to wake up…"

"My spirit would still be bound even after all the years have passed, yes."

"I see." Bato now understood the gravity of the situation. He had unexpectedly bound the spirit's being into himself and forced him to stay in the meadow.

"Four seasons with the Great Deku Tree helped me come to terms with this reality. Also, with myself. Now, as a singular vessel, I felt great power. With this, however, I was conceited and arrogant. Speaking to the Deku Tree, I know now that I exist to serve the forest. The forest does not exist for me." There was a beat. "Besides, he's a fantastic conversationalist once you get to know him."

"Con-ver-what?" Mido asked.

"He a great talker," Bato replied. The children nodded as Bato headed towards the boy. "Then, I am obligated to enter into a contract with you. Tell me what I need to do."

"It's simple, really. All you need to do is give me a name."

"A name?" Bato stared blankly, then remembered that the same thing happened when Hylia gave him his name. He had given life to this spirit, so now he would be responsible for him. "Then I have one."

The Deku Tree ruffled its leaves. "Speak it, then. Do not keep us in suspense."

"…Fado." The children looked at Bato with awe while the Spirit Fado was enveloped in a green light.

Spirit Fado nodded his approval. "My name shall be Fado, then."

The children looked at each other. Finally, Mido coughed a few times. "Okay, I'll be your huckleberry, why the heck did you name him 'Fado?'"

Kokiri Fado blushed a little. "I mean- I'm flattered, really, to be a name for the spirit. But-"

"You guys wouldn't believe me if I told you." The children's faces still showed confusion. How could he tell them? That the name Fado was the name of the Wind Sage in Windwaker? The name of a sage that existed in a future without the hero. "How do I call upon you?"

"You can create a song using the ocarina," Saria pointed out. "Any tune will do."

"Any tune?" Bato laughed a little, thinking about the A button song. He thought and came up with something. He took the fairy ocarina out of his pocket. He played the six note rendition of the 'Wind God's Aria'.

"That's a very weird song," commented Link. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"So is 'Elegy of Emptiness', but you don't hear me complaining." The young hero laughed at that, with the others in visible confusion. "Will this suffice?"

Spirit Fado nodded, "Yes. I will continue to protect this forest. Use that song and I will come if I am able." Nodding, he disappeared into the wind.

As the sun peaked over the horizon, the Deku Tree's features showed more. Light pierced the darkness and showed the fertile landscape full of green and flowers. "Thy name. Even thy song. Are thou revelations from thy goddesses?"

"Yes," Bato admitted. "And that's all I will say on the matter."

"Very well, then. Go, then, children and friends from the forest. Go as thy goddesses command and live well."

By the time the group made their way to the exit of the Kokiri Forest, the Kokiri were all lined up for them. Link gripped Bato's hand tightly. As they approached, the Kokiri saw them and started to wave, cheer and applaud. Mido raced in front of the group and faced them. "Bato. The forest is at peace, once again. The Deku Tree protects all living things again. This is a debt that the Kokiri will forever repay." There was some applause over this statement. Bato walked over with Link towards Mido. The young hero was hiding his face.

"Children of the Forest," Bato started. "You honor me with your words, your kindness, and your hospitality. "You have kept my body safe for a year and," he lifted Link's hand slightly, "even honored some of my friends. But I say to you now. There is no 'life debt', for the revival of this forest was my decision alone. If, however, you are compelled to settle this debt, I would only ask you all to do one thing: to repeat the words of the Great Deku Tree and 'live well.'

All the Kokiri looked around, mumbling to one another. "Saria has shown that it is possible for you all to leave this forest. Leave the contented life that you know and love. I ask you, then. Rather than flourish here in one place, you would scatter yourselves like seeds on the wind. From this forest to Hyrule Castle, to Zora's Domain and Death Mountain, and all the places afar and in between. Explore the world and come to love and cherish it. Will it be easy, no. The world is full of dangers and evil. However, there are good people out there who would seek to aid those in need and, if required, defend them from their enemies."

He shrugged a little. "I guess what I'm trying to say is for you all to try. Life and death are part of the experience in the outside world. Good or ill, try to understand and bring some of that knowledge back here. Again, little seedlings, I ask you all to 'live well.' But be forewarned. If you do decide to leave this forest, be prepared to lose the innocence you cherish." He gave a solemn bow. However, there weren't any cheers or applause. Just uncertainty. Especially the last part. What did it mean to 'lose innocence?'

As they were leaving, Mido called out, "Link!" Link looked at Bato who smiled gently and nodded his head. Hesitating for a minute, he let his hand go and went over to Mido. Suddenly, Mido embraced him, crying and cradling his head. There were words Mido spoke that Bato couldn't hear. Link looked confused and heartbroken. He clearly didn't know what to think about what he said. Letting go, Link gave a slight nod and a small smile before returning.

He was about to tell Bato what Mido said, but he stopped him. "No. Those words are for you and you alone." Link ran up and gripped his hand again. "Ready to go?"

"Yes." With a wave, Saria, Link and Bato exited the forest.

Saria and Link were walking ahead of Bato. The sun was slowly rising, and the forest floor was getting easier to see. Link scanned his surroundings, making sure that no monsters were there to attack them.

"The forest is a lot more peaceful again," Saria noted. "There's been a decrease in monster activity."

"Yeah." Link held his sword up. "But if I learned anything, it's that you can't be too cautious."

"Is that what you've learned your journeys?"

"Yes, and more." They continued to walk quietly for a while.

"Link?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you regret in becoming a hero?"

Link stopped and looked at Saria. Bato was still far from them. "What makes you say that?"

"Bato's story about the Dead Hand. Those weren't the only bad things that you saw, right?"

Link started to walk again. "I saw a lot of things."

"Why?"

"Because I had to. There wasn't anyone else. The guards couldn't do anything. There wasn't anyone else to fight those things. It was just me."

"Do you enjoy being a hero?"

Link went quiet again. "Sometimes. When people that you helped have smiles on their faces or knowing that you changed someone's day for the better. Those things feel good."

"And the other times?"

He didn't say anything. "Not so much. But it didn't matter because there was no one else."

"In life, you don't always have to do what's expected of you." Saria said, pointedly. "No one was expecting you to be a hero."

"So, it's okay just to leave innocent people to die!?" Link snapped back at her. "I didn't become one because I wanted to! It was because I had to!"

"I'm saying that sometimes what's expected of you might not be what you're good at or what's really best for you!"

"What do you know?!"

"HEY!" The two children turned to see Bato, looking at them. "What's going on?"

"Nothing." Link mumbled and rushed off.

Saria shook her head. "We were just talking, Bato."

"I can see that." Bato looked at Link concerning. "What did you say?"

Saria turned to him. "You know, Bato? You're not always right." She stormed off.

"What the hell has gotten into them?" he wondered, silently.

A half hour later, they spotted Bato's wolfos skulls. "Home, sweet home." He said, grimly. "Or what's left of it."

"It's not as bad as you think," Saria said, back to her old sweet self. "The guards did a good job of protecting the farm. Regular patrols and checks were ordered by Lord Cobn."

"Well, let's just see what we have here." When they emerged, they were shocked. Half of the farmland was wasted. Tools of every shape and size littered the ground. That wasn't the only thing. Swords, spears, and the bodies of soldiers and bandits alike. Then, they heard a commotion out in the distance. It was a group of guards, with their spears and swords pointed towards something. "Do I really need to say anything?" The children stared as if insulted by the audacity of the question. They rushed over towards the scene.

When they got there, it was more carnage. Soldiers were holding off a substantial number of brigands and bandits. Both factions of all shapes and sizes. Then, the yelling. He noticed one of the voices.

"You are trespassing on private land," Commander Cobn shouted. "A squad of soldiers are on their way! Stand down!"

"Not until we burn down that house!" One of the front bandits yelled back. "This is by order of Lord Rowan!"

"Lord Rowan doesn't own this land," yelled the commander. "Lord Cobn has been appointed by His Majesty to steward this ground."

"Give it up! The farmer's been dead for a year! Stewardship rightfully now belongs to Lord Rowan!"

"We haven't received official word. Until we do, you're not stepping on foot here!" The two sides were furiously yelling at one another. Perhaps, on the brink of a bloodbath. Link and Saria stood shocked, but it was Bato who had the most worrying look. He was completely calm.

"Link. Keep Saria safe. Don't come until I tell you." His tone was levelled, and he was staring towards the crowd.

"Okay," Link nodded and took Saria back into the woods.

Bato called forth his bound sword and stepped forward slowly. When he got to the fences, Commander Cobn yelled while fighting off the crowd. "Leave, citizen! Leave now if you…value…" A strange blue glow entranced him. Cobn started to turn around to see the wielder.

"If anything, I should be the one resolving this dispute. So, you can go right behind me and be safe." He grinned. "Unless you want to die."

Commander Cobn rubbed his eyes and shook his head. "Where in Hylia's name have you been?!"

"A story for another time. Let me deal with these guys first."

A younger man raised his spear. "Know your place! We-"

"Are leaving." Commander Cobn took the young man by the shoulder and dragged him away. "Everyone, back to the house! Now!" As every soldier was pulling back, Cobn saluted. "Glad you're back, Bato. I hope you stay that way." The crowd of brigands and bandits yelled out in victory and prepared to run through the fence before they were stopped by a suffocating aura. The majority of the front line began to shake in fear, looking at one another with confusion.

Bato stepped forward with his sword. "Gentleman! Greetings and welcome!" He surveyed the crowd closely. There were some men who were present in the last attack on his farm. They also had great fear in their eyes. "I see some familiar faces but also some new ones. For the uninitiated, my name is Bato. I'm the farmer of these lands. From what I gather, I hear that this land is in dispute. Rightfully so, I've been away for a while, and it appears that the majority of you here are in the employ of this Lord Rowan. I am not one for politics, I am but a simple farmer who knows his place. However, I did purchase the land lease from the kingdom, and I do have an investment on this property." He grinned from ear to ear, towards the bandits at the front. "As these men here can attest, I put a lot in my investment and will do anything to protect it. That includes burning, freezing, poisoning, maiming, killing, etc."

His tone was disturbingly happy. "It is good to see again so many familiar faces, so, in the name of those old days past, I will allow you this one opportunity to leave…now."

The men in the front dropped their weapons and screamed as if a giant monster was chasing them. The remaining men looked unsure of themselves. "To you who are left, I assume you still wish to assail this property. That is your choice. But the only thing I ask you is this: let some other schmuck go first."

A bald man with a heavy build started yelling and charging towards Bato. As he thrust his great sword, the man moved very slowly. Bato walked beside him, summoned his blade and beheaded the man. The man's body hit the ground; his head rolling with a horrid expression. The sword disappeared again, Bato held summon orbs in both hands. What he conjured was a fire and ice gargoyle made of black stone. While the creatures tore through the crowd, Bato paralyze every able man he could find. The majority of them were the front bandits who looked at him with fearful eyes. Others spat in his face. Others were maimed, but not dead.

When it was all finished and the conjuring monsters were dismissed, there were ten captured bandits. Another thirty bandits and brigands were either maimed, wounded or killed. Bato called the soldiers back, and they all surveyed the damage. Most of them looked uneasy at the carnage. All the paralyzed bandits were still able to speak, but couldn't move. They were all gathered in a group. Cobn stood with Bato. "I heard the rumors, but to actually see it in action. Your magic, your swordsmanship."

"All figments of your imagination."

Cobn looked at the destruction left by the gargoyles. "Of course. I suppose the hewn, frozen and burnt bodies are also 'figments of my imagination'"

"Yes?"

"You will have to answer for this attack, you know. Regardless of what they were doing, some could say this action was extreme. At any rate, we'll take them to the castle. I'm sure that our 'interrogator' will find it most refreshing. Meanwhile, the soldiers will help fix whatever needs fixing. But" he surveyed the destroyed farmland. "You might have to rebuild again."

"Nothing I can't handle. Thank you." A soldier was sent to a nearby farm to commandeer a wagon from a nearby farm. "Will you be able to handle the cleanup here? Or do you still need me?"

"Hold a moment, Bato." Cobn whispered something to a younger guard. Saluting, he ran off. "Are you aware of what's been happening since the last year?"

"I was…indisposed. Enlighten me."

"The crops that grew on this soil doubled in size, even without you. For about a month, people from the guild have been harvesting and storing the crops in that barn there. However, when their contract was up, the land was no longer being used. News of your crops had reached the upper echelons of nobility and into the ears of an ambitious young Lord Darra Rowen. Seeing the potential of the used land, he petitioned the king to take control. He stated that he could do a better job at stewardship than my father." He spat at that. "Rowan has friends in high places, however. He built a power base that could disrupt the inner workings of the kingdom. At worse, open rebellion. There were many petitions to have my father removed as the steward."

"I guess that didn't happen. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."

"Indeed. My family fought them off, both on and off the battlefield. Guild Master Baza and Canoness Atia also sought your land as it was tied to the community kitchen you were trying to set up. At Rowan's stewardship, he would have cancelled the project, and both would have lost time and resources."

"So, with your father stewarding the land, did anyone get the chance to work on it?"

"The commerce guild had some farmers come here to plant and harvest the crops. Although the size didn't change, the amount of time it took was substantially longer. Regardless, they were always a boon for the guild and the church. They managed to stockpile a sizeable sum before the disputes." Bato listened intently. "The land blessed by the gods and the multiple hands that sought to control it for one reason or another. Where have I heard that before?"

"Rowan had both the nobles and bad faith actors speak ill of my father. It got so bad that the king agreed to hold a special session to decide on the matter." Cobn looked at the field, dejected. "Rowan thought he had won. So, he sent his men to claim his supposed prize."

"Thus, we come full circle." Nodding, he bowed before Cobn. "You and your father have my greatest thanks for protecting this land. Your family name has been slandered to the ground, and for that, I will make him pay."

The guard returned and gave Cobn a package. "Then use this," Cobn took the parcel and gave it to Bato. "This has been a result of months of testimony, reports, and collusion with Rowan and other nobles. I was to give this to His Majesty; however, I got tied up here. Please see this delivered."

"When will this special session be held?" Bato asked. Cobn looked away. "No…"

"Like I said, I was to deliver this to His Majesty. But I was tied up with this. See it through, Bato. End this ridiculous cavalcade of events."

"Understood." Cobn saluted and left towards the farm. Bato quickly headed towards the back of the forest where he saw Link and Saria sitting down quietly on the bench. "It's quite the scene back there. The soldiers are dealing with the cleanup, but I wouldn't go there until after a few hours. We're also strapped for time and need to leave for Castle Town right away."

"We can use 'Prelude of Light' to travel to the Temple of Time. Are the soldiers good taking care of the stuff here?"

"They are." Bato noticed Saria looked disturbed. "Are you okay, Saria?"

"Oh! Yes, I'm fine, thank you." She shook her head. "I guess the loss of life still disturbs me, somewhat."

"All life is sacred, after all. I would like to talk more on this when we have time."

"It's okay, Bato. You're right, there's no time to lose." Bato and Saria held onto Link's shoulders and all three teleported away to the Temple of Time.

The trio arrived at the Temple of Time. The sun had reached its height for the day. When they ran, there were some people doing double takes and pointing. Ignoring this, they made all speed towards the castle. When they got there, the gate was locked, and the guards were poised.

"Lady Saria," one of the guards called out.

Bato looked at her. "I didn't know that the king had granted you a peerage"

"Peerage?"

"Did the castle say anything about granting you a title?"

"Um. I think the king did say something about being a 'Lady of the Forest Realm.'" She turned to the guard. "We're in a bit of a hurry, so if you would please?"

"Yes ma'am." The order was given, and the gate was opened. They continued to run. Running uphill, the children were having difficulty keeping up with Bato's long legs. Both slowed down and stopped, panting.

"You go ahead, Bato," Link said, tiredly. "We'll…we'll be fine."

"Then we'll all be fine." Bato picked both children under his arms. Saria squeaked in surprise while Link went full-blown freak out. "Bato! What the heck are you doing?!"

"Getting up there faster." He started to run.

"This is embarrassing," Link mumbled to himself. Saria said nothing as they were carried up the hill. They started to see carriages lined up on the side of the unsaved road. Coachmen, under the blistering sun, saw the sight and stared. Finally, reaching the top of the hill, Bato mercifully let the children down. "Don't do it again." Link pouted for a moment before seeing the other two run off towards the castle gates. A crowd of people, both nobility and guards, were squished right at the front. In the middle of the chaos, Jofary was controlling the flow coming in and out. He was decked out in what could be an equivalent of a military dress uniform.

"Don't just stand in the entrance! Coming or going, it's your choice but make it quick!" He turned his attention to Saria in front of him. "Lady Saria. What are you doing here? You know there's an entry for nobility, do you?"

"I'm not a noble, and that title is in name only. Besides, I have someone who wishes to see the king."

Jofary laughed a little. "You and the rest of the emissaries. His Majesty said he will make time for you. I was about to head inside, myself. Presently, they'll be discussing what to do with…Bato's…farm." He trailed off as he saw the farmer in question, standing with Link.

Bato bowed before Jofary. "My Lord. I didn't know that they would relegate a man of your prestige to crowd control."

"Leaders lead from the front," he said, walking towards him. "One part of me is truly glad to see you alive and well."

"And the other part?"

"Wants to bash your skull in."

"Fair. Feel free after we're out of this mess, but I warn you that there's a line. Here." Bato took the parcel and gave it to Jofary. "Commander Cobn wishes this to be delivered to you."

Jofary smiled widely. "Most excellent. Then, we will end Rowan's delusions here in front of the entire court. Follow me."

The castle was full of people, this time. Unlike at the royal summons, nobles of minor and major houses were here with their servants. Further, there were some races present, including the Gerudo. Bato wanted to ask about it but thought to put it aside for later. Jofary took the three towards the entrance of the royal chamber where the session was being held. Before two members of the Royal Guard, he turned towards them. "Before we go in, I'd ask for your cooperation in this matter."

"Of course, my Lord. Least I can do."

Nodding, Jofary continued. "You will announce yourself at this session. You'll know the signal."

Bato's face went white. "I just hope I don't screw up the timing."

"What are the two of you talking about," Saria asked. Link was just as perplexed.

"I would assume that you would be above these games, My Lord," Bato said matter-of-factly. The children just stared at both of them.

"Normally, you would be right," Jofary replied. "But Rowan has been a blight on my family for the past year. I'd like to beat him at his game."

"If that is what you wish." The guards opened the door, and they all went through.