A Hero's Fate by Caroline (caskl@hotmail.com) prologue Thump. Thump. Thump. The pounding of his footsteps on the ground matched the rhythm of his heart beating in his ears and that of the rain hitting the ground. Thump. Thump. Have to run. Get away! The man behind him was getting closer. Don't turn around. Don't let him know you're afraid! The rain came down in sheets now, soaking him to the skin, but he didn't care. Must keep running. Must get away! Thump. Thump. Thump. Where is momma? Got to find momma! Got to get away! Don't let him see your fear! He had to keep running. He couldn't stop. No can't stop now. The man behind him had a horse. It truly was not a fair race, he knew. And somehow he sensed that the end was drawing near. Thump. Thump. Can't... stop... can't turn... around...don't let... him...see... He had to stop. His legs couldn't take it anymore. He had used every last drop of energy the gods had given him, and all in vain. *Pant, pant, pant, gasp* Thump. Thump. Thump. The thumping was only his heart and the rain now. Where was the man? Surely he... He turned around before he realized he shouldn't. The man was there. He pulled back his arm and swung... Get down! He ducked and hit the ground. Rolling over, his head struck a rock. Hard. Pain seaped through his body. His blood mixed with rain falling all around, soaking everything under the heavens. How much longer to live? He felt a strange tingling in his hand. He looked down, and noticed that his birthmark seemed to be glowing. "What the...?", the man said. He had noticed too, and, with an evil laugh that terrified the boy deep in his soul, lept off his horse to bring his heavy blackboot down on the boy's tiny right hand. He couldn't utter a sound, he knew. Couldn't let the man know he was in pain. He grabbed his hand and cradled it close to his chest. "Ha ha ha!" he heard faintly over the thump thump thump of his heart and the rain. "Now that he is out of the way... heh heh. Miserable pest." Gallop gallop gallop. The man was leaving! He was free to run away, far away, forever! Gotta get up and find momma! He had forgotten about his head. He sat up all too quickly and barely had time to scream before the whole world turned black. chapter 1: At First Sight From Link's balcony, he could watch the sun rise. The balcony faced the north, so the sun first showed face to his right, right where the Deku Tree's meadow was. It started low in the sky and rose very slowly, sending rays of pink and yellow shooting across the sky to mix in with the pre-morning darkness and light up the sky like a thousand firelies. Not many 14 year olds liked to watch sunrises. Well, of course not many 14 years olds had at one time been 17 and had saved the world, now had they? And most of them didn't live in a treehouse in the forest with a bunch of permenant 10 year olds. Link went back inside and laid down in his bed. He sighed heavily. He had enjoyed saving the world, he had to admit, but it did have its drawbacks. Like the fact that his best friend, Sworn Brother, "fiancee", and the most beautiful girl he had ever met were locked away forever in some "sacred realm". Just because they were sages. Yeah, well what makes them so special? Link thought. Now his only friend was Malon over at Lon Lon Ranch, halfway across Hyrule. He liked her well enough, he guessed. But she was so- immature wasn't the right word- carefree in a way. She was never serious like Link was. "Malon," he had asked her once, "do you ever think about the future?" "The future? Well I guess not. I mean its so far away and all. No point in fretting over it now," she had replied. "Come on, let's go pester some chickens." She had gotten up and ran, calling over her shoulder for Link to catch up. He had mumbled something under his breath and trudged over to her. Chasing chickens was OK when he was 10 or 11, but now it seemed so pointless. When was his life going to amount to something? When was he going to feel important? Technically he wouldn't save the world for 3 more years yet. Link got out of bed and climbed down the ladder of his treehouse. Across the way he saw Mido, the Kokiri "bully", trying to make some kid pick up rocks in front of his house. Link sighed. Did this really have to happen every day? Being the nice person he was, he offered to lend the boy a hand. "Hey thanks Link," the boy said. "By the way, did you hear? The Deku Tree wants to talk to you." "Are you sure?" Link asked. "Yep. If you don't believe me, ask Navi." "Navi? Why she's-" "Right here Link!" a high pitched voice called. Link ran towards his fairy friend. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you around in ages." "Well, I, um..." Navi stammered. "Umm, I've been.. busy is all. Come on Link the Deku Tree really does want to see you." Puzzled, Link followed the fairy toward the Meadow. The new Deku Tree had not yet earned the title "Great", but he was a magnificent creation of the goddesses. His tall branches towered over Link's head and cast a shadow on everything in the meadow. His trunk was already almost double as wide as the Great Deku Tree's had been, and he had a joyous demeanor that one doesn't usually find in a tree. "Hello there, Link," the Tree bellowed. "How are you on this fine day, my boy?" "I am doing marvelously, Deku Tree!" Link called, and began a recount of his life since he had last seen the Tree. There had been the cat he recused from a tree in Kakariko Village, he had made several deliveries of precious stones from Goron City to the Castle, and then there was the whole Skulltulla infestation over at the ranch. "Well well," the Deku Tree laughed. "I am glad our resident hero has kept himself busy lately." Link smiled. "However, there is something more important that I wish to speak to you of now." Link sat down on the soft grass and Navi fluttered over his shoulder for a bit before sitting down next to him. "As you know, Link, every so often the goddesses bless us with several new Kokiri, correct?" Link nodded. The Deku Tree continued, "Link you are not a Kokiri, this you remember?" Link nodded. It was the thorn in his side always, that he was different, but the forest was his home now. "Link, do you remember, when you were younger, how the others used to tease you constantly because you had no fairy?" Ouch, Link wished the Deku Tree hadn't brought that up. It had been awful, the teasing he'd endured. "Link, there are 6 Kokiri sent to us by the goddesses to keep safe from harm here in the forest. However, for some reason there has been a fairy, shortage, I guess you would say. I know the pain you suffered as a child becasue you had no fairy. There is one new Kokiri, the youngest, and, well, I am very sorry to have to do this Link, but I- no, we, the new Kokiri and I, need to, well, borrow your fairy so that no this boy wil never have to endure the pain that you did. You wouldn't mind if Navi became another Kokiri's fairy would you?" Smiling to himself, Link stood up. What a silly thing for them to worry about. "Of course I don't mind at all. After all I am not even a Kokiri, so I do not even rightly deserve a fairy. If it is OK with Navi, I would be happy for her to guide another." Link looked over to Navi for her approval. She nodded. "Excellent, that is just great," the Deku Tree said. "However there is something else. Even for a Kokiri, this boy is very small. I fear his safety out there." "In the forest? What could possibly-" "From the other children, Link. Mido can be awfully mean when he so chooses." "True," Link agreed. "That is why I am asking you to be the boy's, well, bodygaurd of sorts. Makes sure he stays out of trouble, hmm?" Link thought for a moment. Well, he wasn't sure he would want a little kid tagging around all the time, but it could be fun to have an adoring fan. "Sure, why not?" Link replied. "Good, good," the Deku Tree smiled (although it is quite hard for a tree to smile). "Now this only means you will have to help him in areas where Navi is of little help, such as introducing him to others, showing him around, or defending him from bullies. None of the Kokiri will stand up to you, I believe." Link nodded. "Wonderful!" said the Deku Tree. "All the new children will be formally introduced at the naming ceremony tomorrow, but I think you should meet the one who is Navi's new charge. Link, meet your new fellow Kokiri!" From behind the Deku Tree stepped a small boy with blonde hair and blue eyes, who probably measured over a head shorter than Link. He was dressed all in green, and wore small leather gloves with the fingers cut off on his hands. He kept his head down as he walked timidly across the meadow. He stopped in front of the Deku Tree, as if he was scared to move any farther away from the Tree, his forest father. The boy clearly wasn't moving, so Link took the first step. He walked slowly so as not to scare the boy. Link crouched down on one knee in fornt of the boy, who still had his head down. "Hello there," Link said, smiling. The boy slowly looked up until his eyes met Link's for the first time... And he promptly started to cry. chapter 2: The Old and the New Well this was not supposed to happen, Rauru thought. Not yet anyway. Oh goodness, now what am I supposed to do? *Cough cough* Well I guess I have to tell Zelda. Oh, it is far too early. After the previous day's backfire, Link was feeling pretty upset. He was a nice guy, right? So why did that Kokiri start crying? Well maybe I didn't want anything to do with him either. Link was definitely having second thoughts about taking this job. But now wasn't the time to worry. From what Link had heard, this ceremony was a very big deal around here, and the Deku Tree had a special surprise in store. "Link, Link, hurry up!" Navi called. "Oh I'm coming already! Calm down!" Link called. He finished slipping on his boot and headed out the door and down the ladder. The Kokiri had done a fabulous job of decorating the Deku Tree's meadow for the special occasion of the naming ceremony (the celebration had to be held here of course, as there was no way the Deku Tree could move). Every Kokiri had had a job to do, and each had done it spectacularly. Flowers were everywhere Link looked, in hues of purple and red and gold and pink. Link was amazed at the detail in the elaborate costumes the Kokiri wore, not the usual green, but in all colors. Even Mido looked quite strapping in his blue tunic with red and gold embroidery on the sleeves, hem, and neckline. Link thought it quite funny that somehow the small Kokiri had managed to make a purple cloak with an elaborately embroidered silver design for the Deku Tree. Everything, from the sparkling streamers to the beautiful rugs that had lined the entrance to the meadow, looked so spectacular that Link felt slightly out of place in his boring green tunic. "Ah, Link, you have arrived!" the Deku Tree called. "Come take your seat here." Link made his way through the excited crowd of Kokiri and sat in a rather large wooden chair just to the Deku Tree's right. "I had no idea this was such a big deal!" Link said. "Well of course it is my boy. You forget, the Kokiri cannot leave the forest. They are terribly excited to meet new people. They have been preparing for this day for months." "Wow," was all Link could say. "Link, why are you not wearing your ceremonial clothes?" a small voice asked. Link looked down at the small Kokiri girl who stood next to him. "Well if I had any I would have worn them," he retorted. "Well try this on. I think it's your size," the girl said giggling. She handed Link the most beautiful cloak he had ever seen. It was royal blue with red and silver trim. Embroidered on the back in a shiny sort of gold thread was&ldots; the Triforce. "Wow," Link said again. He was absolutely stunned. He had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. "Thank you very much," he managed to spit out. "He he he," giggled the Kokiri girl. "Anything for our favorite Hylian!" "Deku Tree, this is amazing-" Link started to say. "Shhh my boy. You're babbling," the Deku Tree said. Link started to blush but suddenly the banging of a large drum made him snap to attention. Then came the ocarinas, playing "Saria's Song" in wonderful unison. The drums boomed and thundered in Link's ears. He had no idea the Kokiri were such good musicians either! He was utterly amazed. When the music stopped, all the Kokiri took their seats, and the Deku Tree began to speak. "Today," he thundered, "is a day of great celebration, for today we receive a wonderful gift from the goddesses. Six Kokiri children have been sent to our forest this day so we might protect them and keep them from harm." "Yeah!!!!" rose the mighty cheer from the Kokiri. Link had never seen them so excited. "Wait my children! You have not heard perhaps the best news of all," the Deku Tree interrupted. "A very honored and special guest is here to preside over this ceremony today." The Kokiri all began whispering among themselves. "Who can it be?" "Oh wow a surprise!" "This will be great!" Link cast a suspicious glance in the direction of the Deku Tree. The Tree winked at him as best a tree can and said, "Bring out the guest of honor!" From the back of the meadow came a stir, then gasps of amazement as the crowd parted to allow the newcomer to step up to the Deku Tree. Accompanied by four Kokiri in bright red tunics, was a small girl wearing a purple dress as lovely as Link's own cloak. He had to do a double take before he realized who stood before him. *Cough, cough.* "Zelda my dear," the old man gasped. "Oh Rauru," said the princess, "must this happen now? We are not ready, I know nothing of being a sage, oh there is so much to learn still! I-" "Hush girl," he coughed. "It may seem like an impossible task, but do not forget that it is your destiny. There is so much you do not yet know, so much you don't understand, but it will come in time." "Oh no!" Zelda cried. She crouched down next to the bed where Rauru lay. "But we will miss you. We need you!" "It is my time, and yours will come someday. Tell the others what I have passed to you. *Cough* But be careful of Saria *cough*. She is the weakest. She *cough* will surely be *cough* next." Zelda nodded in understanding and gave Rauru a huge bear hug. "Have faith my child *cough*. Remember all this and be careful." Zelda stood up and wiped away a tear as she walked over to the platform. She watched Rauru take his final breaths as she was carried off into the blue light. "Saria!" Link cried. He jumped up from his chair and ran to greet his old friend. "Link! Hello!" she called waving. He ran up to her and knelt down so she could embrace him in a friendly hug. "How are you?" he asked. "Oh I miss you terribly!" she said. Under her breath she added, "Being a sage can be so tedious!" Link could help but laugh at that, and together they took their seats on either side of the Deku Tree. "Hello Deku Tree," Saria said, smiling. "Hello my dear. I am so glad to see you again," he said. He turned to the Kokiri. "I am quite sure that most of you recognize Saria, fellow Kokiri and current Sage of Forest." The Kokiri burst into applause yet again, and they cheered and shouted for Saria, as she was greatly admired by them. Saria stood up slowly. "Thank you my friends," she said. "And now it is time for the real reason we are all here today, to receive a wonderful gift from the goddesses. Let the naming ceremony begin!" Link was not quite sure what exactly to expect, as he did not remember the day the Great Deku Tree had introduced him to the others, so he sat back to watch what surely pleasant ceremony the Kokiri had planned. "The first," said the Deku Tree, "is a boy." The Deku Tree opened his mouth, and from inside stepped a small brown-haired young lad with hazel-grey eyes, dressed in a red tunic with black embroidery. Saria walked up to the boy and, taking him by the hand, they stood in front of all the Kokiri. "This is Alan," Saria said. " The name means 'the handsome one'." With that the Kokiri broke into a mightier cheer than any Link had ever heard, and the music began to play again. Alan smiled broadly. Link laughed. He was a very bold and energetic child, and he was not afraid to show it. His grin was a mile wide and Link was sure he'd have no trouble fitting in, although his name was a little odd. Saria and Alan were greeted by a small fairy, Link regognized her to be Lydia, Navi's good friend. She flew up to the boy and kissed him on the cheek. His cheeks blushed a deep scarlet. " Meet your fairy, Lydia," Saria said. Then came the celebration part: the dancing. After each introduction the band began to play and all the Kokiri danced as Saria and Lydia led Alan around the meadow, introducing him to all the Kokiri, and to Link. "Alan this is Link," Saria said. "He is my best friend in the world. He lives here in the forest and, well, helps the Deku Tree look after all the Kokiri." "Hello there," Link said, standing up and offering Alan a firm handshake. "Hello Mr. Link," Alan said. "I remember, when I first came here, the Deku Tree told us about you." "Oh he did?" inquired Link. "Why yes, he said that you are very special and important to the Kokiri, but he would not say exactly why. He said you were very brave." Link smiled and looked at Saria. She was smiling too. "Just like him to go bragging on me," Link chuckled. "It was great to meet you, Alan." "You too Mr. Link. I hope I will like it here," Alan said. "Don't worry Alan, you'll love it here." And so the ceremony continued; Link and the other Kokiri were introduced to Lillian, a redheaded girl, the sandy-blonde haired and highly energetic twins Tomas and Tobias, and a painfully shy brunette named Kyrin. All took their seats in turn, next to Saria and Alan. Then the Deku Tree bellowed, "And the last, but most certainly not the least, is a boy." He opened his mouth and out stepped... No one. No one came out to be introduced. The Kokiri started to whisper amongst themselves. Link looked at Saria quizzically. She shrugged and got up to enter the Deku Tree's mouth. Not very much later, she came back out into the meadow, holding a small boy's hand. He looked even stranger than Link had remembered from the previous day. He wore a dark green tunic and, strangely, the leather gloves still covered his hands. Saria cleared her throat as though she had been socked out of her mind. She looked strangley disheveled and worried. Link wondered what could have possibly been wrong, but decided to ask later. Saria raised her voice and said, "Meet Dorian," she said. "The name means 'gift'." The awkward silence that followed seemed to simply hang in the air. Then the applause started, slowly at first but then it became louder. Dorian raised his head slowly. Link noticed something he hadn't before: the boy's eyes. He had the most piercing blue eyes Link had ever seen. The boy's eyes seemed omniscient, as if he could see into your very soul. Link shuddered at the thought. Navi flew down the center aisle and made her way up to Dorian and Saria. "Meet your fairy, Navi." Navi gave Dorian a peck on the cheek and he wiped it off, blushing. Link chuckled to himself. Well perhaps the kid's gonna be all right. The blue light materialized, and Zelda felt herself standing again. Darunia had his arm around Ruto, and her face was red and tear-streaked. Impa sat serenly on the steps, as usual, and Nabooru sat beside her, nervously twirling a lock of her red hair round her finger. Nabooru stood up hopefully. "Well?" she asked. All eyes in the room turned to Zelda. She lowered her head and sighed. "No," she gasped. "He's gone." Zelda stared at the ground. She heard Ruto sobbing and Darunia quietly consoling her. Nabooru cried out in anger to the gods and sank back down onto the steps, crying just a little. Impa walked over to Zelda and placed an arm around her. "It is all right my dear. There was nothing you could do. It was his time," Impa consoled. "But Impa, he said," Zelda sniffled, "he said that it was too early and, and," "Shhh shh my child. Now is not a time to explain. It is okay to cry." Zelda threw her arms around Impa's neck and did just that.