LoZ: The Elemental Pearls

[Evilslayer]

This is my little AU (alternate universe) Zelda fan fic. It's kind of like a mix between several games in the series. For example, it has the sage towns and Impa from AoL, the Kokiris from OoT (although here they're a whole civilization).

Chapter 1

Athdar was the name of a Kokiri boy, a race of forest faeries that lived in the Lost Woods. The Kokiris never grew up, and their normal hair colour was blond, and the colours of their eyes were normally blue, as was the case with Athdar as well; a normal Kokiri boy he was.

They wore green tunics, and the boys wore green hoods as well. The girls did not wear hoods, though. They were shy beings, and did not go well with humans, which they called the Frailty People. They were a merry people, though, and usually always stayed within their forest, and few there were that knew the art of fighting. Their ruler was a huge tree, whom they referred to as the Great Deku Tree, or simply Father, for it was he who had created them.

Each and every Kokiri had his or her own guardian faerie. The name of Athdar's faerie was Tiria. She had dark hair and wore a green faerie dress. Tiria's duty was to guard Athdar with her life and heal him if he was wounded... and tell him when it was bedtime.

Like all the other Kokiris Athdar lived in a tree that had been made like a house, but it wasn't very big. However, Kokiris did not need big houses, because they were outside almost all the time.

Athdar gazed down from the hillside, at the endless sea of trees, which was now covered in fog. It was raining, but the rain was light. Athdar had always liked the rain, though, because it was a healing force and always eased his heart. Due to all the things he had in common with the other Kokiris, due to the fact that he seemed like an ordinary Kokiri, he was not like the others. All his life he had dreamed of getting away, go on exciting, yet dangerous, adventures and find treasures.

He had been on long trip throughout the forest, searching through the caverns he could find, but it had not been able to ease his heart. He longed for more, wanting to get away. He knew there once had been a Kokiri boy -- he had not known him personally -- who had left the forest on a journey and never returned. His name had been Link, and his faerie companion had been no one else but the faerie Princess herself, Spryte, which proved Link was a Kokiri destined to do great things. He wondered if maybe he should follow him. Maybe he should leave the forest and follow him, and maybe meet him.

A Kokiri boy, who was a little bit taller then him, came climbing up the stone hill. Like him he was dressed in green, had blond hair and blue eyes. It was his best friend, Durian.

"Hi, Addar," he smiled as he reached him. "Dinner's ready." Since Athdar was horrible at cooking they were always eating dinner together, along with Durian's girlfriend, Mila.

"I'm comin', Duri," replied Athdar, getting up. Although they looked like children they behaved very much like adults.

The two Kokiris walked down the slope hill, almost climbing. At several occasions they almost fell, but they managed to stay on their feet. Soon they were under the trees again, and then the trip went northwards a hundred metres or so, until they reached a river. Then they took off westwards until they reached a stone bridge. They crossed it and entered the Village of Mori.

Mori Village was a peaceful village with not too many inhabitants, and not too few. Most houses were fairly small, with the opening at the ground. There were some houses, though, that was tall and had the opening high up. To get into them, one had to climb a ladder up to a platform. There were also some suspension bridges that led from house to house.

Athdar and Durian went up a small hill were there was a huge tree blessed with white flowers. Behind the tree was another, thicker tree, but that was a Kokiri house. The smell of fresh fish reached them and they could barely wait to get inside and get warm food.

Mila was waiting for the two boys inside and she had already placed the dinner on a wooden plate on a table in the middle of the house. The house was fairly small, with only two beds, one in the left corner and one in the right, but Kokiris never cared much about size. There was only one window, which led towards north.

Mila was a short-grown Kokiri girl with blond hair, and was as all other Kokiris dressed in a green tunic. She was very tomboyish and adventurous, but could act all sweat and innocent if she wanted to.

"Finally some food," smiled Durian, kissing Mila on her cheek. "I'm starvin'."

"Ya're always starvin'!" laughed Athdar, sitting down on a stool. Mila took a mouthfull of fish with both hands and ate it.

"Ya should eat in smaller portions," pointed out Athdar, eating in a fairly smaller portion of fish. Mila just giggled and continued eating huge mouthfuls.

"I just think it just makes her even prettier," said Durian, giving her a dreamy look. Mila giggled.

"Ya think everythin' she does makes her even prettier," sighed Athdar, eating some more.

"Ya need yourself a girlfriend, Addar," stated Durian.

"No thank you," said Athdar, shaking his head and taking a big bite. "I don't need romance in my life; I have everythin' I could wish for. I only need friends and a place to stay."

"Aww, ya're so borin', Addar," replied Mila, making a grimace. "It's soo much fun." She leaned over and kissed Durian on his lips.

"Cut it out, ya two, I'm loosing my appetite," grimaced Athdar.

"Aww, ya just don't see how good it feels," replied Durian, kissing her back.

"That's it, I'm not hungry anymore," replied Athdar, making a grimace. He dropped his knife to the table and exited the house. The two lovers gazed after him.

[Evilslayer]

"Have ya noticed that 'e has started to behave kinda strange lately?" questioned Durian, turning to his girlfriend.

"Uh, yeah," replied Mila. "He never plays with us anymore; just sitting on that hill all day."

"I think I should go an' talk to 'im," suggested Durian. Mila nodded.

"Do that, Duri," she replied, kissing him on his cheek.



Athdar walked along the river, at the north side, deep in thoughts. Lately he had had strange dreams every night. Some were just weird, others were true nightmares. In one of those dreams he had seen a daemon, in the shape of a pig, standing in fire. Then he had seen a holy sword, a calmaca, as they called it. It was stuck in a pedestal, somewhere in a hidden cellar. Then it had been pulled up by someone who looked like a Kokiri, yet he was grown up. After that his vision had turned black, and he had seen a sacred shrine. He knew that shrine, because he had been there. It was the sacred Forest Shrine, not far away from the Deku Tree. It was the shrine where the Kokiris protected the Elemental Pearl of the Forest, a sacred pearl they needed to keep the forest in balance. Then he had seen an evil looking person taking it away. He did not remember anything more, because he had woken up. As he walked there, deep in thoughts, something caught his eyes. He hurriedly hid behind a huge tree.

"Hey, Addar!" called Durian, as he came from behind. "We need to talk!" Athdar turned around, hurriedly.

"Sssh, be quiet!" he whispered, waving him over. "Look there!" He pointed at two Moblins who were talking next to a cave. Both were very unusual. One had purple skin, while the other had orange.

"I tell ya, bro Mashgrath, we kun't 'ave our keep 'ere!" said the orange one. "Wut witt dat tulkin' tree?" The purple Moblin, who obviously was Mashgrath, laughed.

"Haw haw, 'ee'z just a tree. 'Ee kun't do nuthin'," replied Mashgrath. "Dun't ya wurry, bro Zushgrath." Just then a taller, blue Moblin came out. By the look of him, he was surely a captain, or something.

"Dis cave nut big enough," he said. "Uz need ta find enother cave." The three Moblins then went westwards, and Athdar and Durian sighed in relief.

"C'mon, we better tell the Great Deku Tree," said Tiria, the others nodded in agreement.

"I have a pony, I shall tell him," suggested Durian. "C'mon, Niria." Niria was Durian's faerie companion, and Tiria's younger sister. He ran off at full speed.

Athdar also got up and returned home in a slower pace. He did not know why, but deep within his heart he felt that his long awaited adventure was about to begin.

Athdar stood in a huge field. The rain was pouring down from the grey -- almost black in fact -- clouds. Normally he liked the rain, but this time it was different. This time there was something evil in the rain. He looked northwards, and a ray of lightning lit up a city in the distance. The walls that surrounded the city were made of white stone, yet the darkness made it look grey.

He started to walk in the direction of the city, but suddenly he found himself staring on a huge mountain. Now the weather was clear and the sun was shining, yet to him it looked deceitful. Soon he learned why, because he soon found himself in the crater of the mountain, which obviously was a volcano. It was packed with monsters, and on a cliff stood the same pig-like daemon that had bothered him in his dreams for so long.


Athdar woke with a start, as if something had startled him in his sleep. He was back in his small house, yet he could feel that not everything was as they should have been. Outside it was night. He got up and lit a candle. He then exited his house*, looking around. He lived in a tall tree, and therefore had to climb up and down a ladder if he wanted to get out or in. There was only silence outside, yet Athdar felt that there was something out there, an unknown evil. Shaking off the thoughts, he returned inside, blew out the candle and went back to bed. After some minutes he entered a dreamless sleep.

*: The Kokiris didn't have sheets; therefore they slept with their clothes on.



Athdar woke up as someone was standing above him. He rubbed his eyes, and looked sleepily up. It was Durian, and he looked distressed of some reason. Athdar had never seen him looking like that before.

"Mmm, Duri, what's the matter?" he questioned sleepily, sitting up.

"Addar, ya better hurry, somethin' has happened," he replied. Athdar could see that he had been hurrying.

"Huh? What's happened?" inquired Athdar, getting up.

"The Great Deku Tree has sent me to get ya," explained Durian, taking a short break as he was collecting his thoughts. "Someone has stolen the Elemental Pearl."

"Wha--?! The Elemental Pearl, stolen?!" asked Athdar, almost yelling. "But what does that have to do with me?"

"I don't know, he just told me to get you," replied Durian. "You can borrow my pony, but first you need some breakfast."

[Evilslayer]

After breakfast Athdar went to the small wooden stable outside of Durian's house. There he mounted his friend's pony, which was a brown pony with a black mane. Durian wished him good luck and off went Athdar on the pony.

The pony, whose name was Era, was faster than what was normal for a pony. She galloped through a mile-or-so long canyon, then up a small hill. She crossed a river and at the left side of him Athdar saw a village in the distance.

After about an hour or so he reached a huge cliff. Looking down he saw a huge city in the trees, Ardoru City. The Kokiris there were not like others, well most at least. They did not live within the trees they lived in houses on platforms in the tree-tops. Those that lived on the bottom were the exception, though, because they lived like most other Kokiris.

This whole place was protected by a magickal light and it was the original home of the Kokiris. From there neither the sun nor the stars could be seen. As Athdar raised his glance he could, far in the distance, see an enormous tree on an island in the middle of the lake. He knew that there was a bridge leading over to the island.

Athdar turned to his left-hand side and started to ride the pony slowly down the steep road. After about a minuet he needed to turn almost completely around in order to proceed further, this time to his right-hand side. After several such turns he finally found himself under the trees again.

He continued towards north, until he reached the great stone walls that protected the city. There he met two Kokiri guards, both armed with spears. They came to greet him. He recognised the shortest of them as an old friend.

"Athdar!" he greeted. "It must have been a century since last time we met."

"Indeed it is, Aldin," smiled back Athdar. "We never have time to meet each others anymore, ya being a guard an' all."

"Athdar," said the other guard. "You better hurry. The Elemental Pearl has been stolen, or so I've heard, and the Great Deku Tree wants to talk to you."

"I know that already," replied Athdar. "Just let me through."

The gate opened and Athdar rode Era into the city. It was strangely quiet for a city. That, he thought, was either because most people were high in the tree-tops or because the Elemental Pearl had been stolen.

There were some people hurrying back and forth in the streets, though, and the market place, in the centre of the city, was bustling with people. That was also the only place in the city where there were more than just one or two people.

The journey through the city was about an hour long, but it would have been more if he had ridden around the city, even if he had galloped. At the other side he yet a time reached the protecting wall. The guards led him through without asking any questions. He then spurred Era into a gallop and hurried towards the Deku Tree.

As he got closer the magickal feeling he had felt when he entered the valley grew even stronger, and he felt his spirits rising. There were lots of faeries in these parts and the whole valley was blessed with a very magickal and often huge tree-type called ellana, which meant holy in their language.

Very soon Athdar reached a hill which led down into a long canyon-like pathway. He rode down into the 'canyon' at full speed, suddenly getting a feeling that he had to hurry. He rode through the 'canyon', round a swing and soon he was on his way up. There he met with some more Kokiris. They stood up as he reached them. He got off the pony, and one of them led the pony to a stable.

"Are you Athdar?" inquired the one who seemed to be their leader. Athdar nodded.

"Yes, that is me," he answered.

"Then you shall receive entrance to the Great Deku Tree," replied the Kokiri, making sign for the two Kokiris who were guarding the bridge to the island were the Deku Tree was to let him pass.

"Good luck, Athdar," wished the Kokiri. "I hope you know what honour it is for you."

"I do," smiled back Athdar, stepping onto the bridge.

The bridge was longer then he had imagined, and it was made of solid stone. He wondered how many Kokiris had cooperated to build this bridge. He could hear the sound of beards as he walked across the bridge. Underneath him the sea was calm and he could smell the smell of salt water.

In front of him the Deku Tree was growing bigger and bigger as he got closer. He suddenly felt nervous, or maybe shy, and constantly was fighting against the urge to turn around and run back. But, he defeated that urge and eventually he had finally arrived at the Deku Tree's island. He fell to his knees.

"O, Great Deku Tree, what makes thou want to speak to me?" he said, his head so low that he touched the grass.

"Stand, my child," began the Deku Tree. Athdar stood up. "Thou dost not need to bow for me." He made a break in his speech. "Long haft I, the Deku Tree, foreseen the return of darkness, but never did I know when it would happen. Will thou listen to my tale, young child?" Athdar nodded, although he didn't have much choice. The Deku Tree continued, "As thou, my child, already know, Moblins haft appeared in our peaceful forest. That is, indeed, very troubling news, but it is sadly not all." The huge tree sighed. "This very night an evil minion, who called himself Blind the Thief, of a darkness I can not yet see entered the holy Temple of the Forest and stole the Elemental Pearl of the Forest from its sacred shrine."

"Yes, I've heard about that," replied Athdar, sighing. "But, won't the forest be cast into chaos then?" The Deku Tree sighed.

"Yes, eventually it will, therefore I shall send thou on an adventure to win back the pearl," said the Deku Tree. Athdar stared at him with surprise in his blue eyes. "On the day that thou was born, young Athdar, I foresaw that thou was destined to do great things. But, to test thy skills in battle thou must go to the Temple of the Forest and defeat the monster I haft created there to test thy skills. A young Kokiri boy called Lindor shall take thou there and give thou a weapon." Athdar bowed and went back to the bridge.

[weienw]

I couldn't stand to see something like this get un-replied to--though I haven't been able to give the entire thing a good read (just moved quickly through the first half). But from what I've seen, I like what you have here! Your development of character personality and 'characteristics' is really great; not to mention an excellent moblin dialogue method. The overall flavor of the surroundings is delicious; my only thought would be that combining some sentences here and there could add to the general fluidity and story-like feeling of the piece. But the clarity of description is a huge plus, something that may tend to be lost when sentences are made less square (it's all balance, I guess). But anyway, keep up the good work, just wanted to swing by and encourage the cool writing.

[Evilslayer]

Chapter 2

"Is this the place?" inquired Athdar, gazing up at the huge temple in front of him. Lindor nodded.

"The Great Deku Tree told me to give you this," he said, handing over a gold-hilted sword. "It's the sacred Kokiri Sword. You should be honoured to wield it."

"I am," replied Athdar, taking the sword and the sheath. He then turned to the temple.

"Good luck, Athdar," said Lindor. "An' may the gods watch over you."

Athdar took a deep breath, and then started to climb the long staircase. It was perfectly made for small children-feet to climb. There were three places where the stairs stopped and he could have a short break. After a while he started to wonder how this Blind had gotten all the way to the top without giving up, unless he was really desperate or could fly. The worst thing was that there was no fence on either of the sides that he could hold on to. After what seemed like eternity he finally reached the top, and he fell to his knees, breathing heavily.

As he finally looked up, he could see two golden sculptures standing at each side of the staircase. They seemed to resemblance Gold Dragons. In front of him was a huge oaken door with the sacred mark of the Kingdom above it.

Athdar gathered all his courage and strength and stood up. He very slowly walked forwards, then pushed up the huge door and stepped inside.

He entered a long hallway, with pillars all the way across the walls at each side. There were no doors, neither were there pictures at the walls, but there were a torch between each of the pillars, and due to the darkness in the hallway Athdar saw a door in the other end of the hallway.

He slowly walked closer and pushed the door carefully up, peeking into the next room. He hurriedly jumped back as a beam almost hit him in his leg. He slowly approached the door and opened it some more. Just outside he saw a Beamos, a statue-like creature that twirled its head around in circles in an eternal, yet slow, dance. If it spotted an enemy it would fire a beam from its big eye.

Athdar waited for a while, keeping out of sight, and when it was turning away he took the chance and ran forwards. Unfortunately, because the room was so dark, he couldn't see where he was running, so he stumbled and fell down and hit the ground some five metres below. He was lucky, though, because he did not break anything, although it hurt and he started to bleed some places on his body.

He got up, though quite shakily from the fall, and gazed around himself. It was obvious that he was in the main chamber of the dungeon. In front of him was a wide staircase, not very long, and a huge door of stone. In front of it was an altar. At each side were torches; in one there was a red flame, in the other a blue. Athdar walked over to the altar and looked on it.

"Looks like I'll need two jewels, or somethin' to enter this door," he stated, looking to both sides. At each side of the chamber were an oaken door, but one of them was locked behind iron bars, so he had to take the door to the left.

He started to walk over to the door, but as he approached it he discovered that it was guarded by two Darknuts. Even before he got to stop they started to move and advanced towards him. He knew that Darknuts were dumb creatures, but still they were mighty warriors armed with thick armours that no sword could slay.

Athdar barely managed to jump to the side as one of them attacked. He landed on the ground and gasped as he hit the stone floor. But, fate had brought him fortune. The Darknut, as dumb as he was, stumbled forwards and hesitated, and Athdar jumped to his feet and drew his blade into the back of the Darknut. The Darknut let out a horrifying scream and Athdar drew his blade up, so that the armour fell off.

He barely managed to dodge as the other Darknut tried to cut off his head. Instead, the Darknut slashed the other Darknut, killing him. Athdar then rolled between the remaining Darknut's legs and the Darknut gazed around himself, confused. Athdar got up and slashed it across the back, so that his armour fell off.

The Darknut turned around, almost chopping off Athdar's head in the process. Athdar got to his knees and the Darknut gazed around himself, a confused look in his face. Of course, he was too dumb to look down, so he did not spot Athdar before it was too late. He suddenly felt an overwhelming pain between his legs and then noticed that Athdar had stuck his sword deep into his flesh. He let out a scream of pain and fell to the ground, in a pit of blood. Athdar got up and to drew his blade into the Darknut's chest.

Relieved that it had been so easy Athdar turned and gazed back to the door. The young Kokiri boy then walked over to the door, slowly. He turned his right ear to the door, seeing if he could hear something. He couldn't, so he slowly opened the door, little by little. As it was wide open he gazed into a long corridor, barely lit up by torches. On the other side was a door, so he started to walk towards it in a slow pace, making sure he didn't go in any traps.

Halfway through the corridor, though, something fell from the ceiling and Athdar could feel a great pain, as if something hit him. He let out a cry of pain, and as he opened his eyes again he could see nothing, but he could feel that there was something in the room.

He got up and stared towards the door. He slowly pointed his sword forwards and he touched an invisible creature with his sword. He realized it had to be an invisible Skulltula. Just luck he hadn't been a centimetre closer, then he would have surely been dead by now.

He knew that Skulltulas, after some time, would turn around and reveal the soft spot of their body. Therefore he had to rely completely on the sixth sense now. He closed his eyes and was ready to jump forwards at any moment. As he could feel that its soft body was turned towards him he jumped forwards and drew his blade deep into the Skulltulas' body. It yelped and fell to the ground, bursting into flames.

[Evilslayer]

He stepped forwards and soon he reached the door. He slowly peeked inside, listening with both his ears. The room was black as the night and there were no sign of enemies. He opened the door completely and spotted a torch at his left hand. He grabbed it while still holding his sword with his right hand. He looked downwards and spotted a spiral staircase that went downwards. It was the only way he could go.

He slowly went down the stairs, careful in case there were any enemies there. At the bottom, behind another door, he came across another big room. He gazed around himself and saw inscriptions on the wall. As he turned around he felt a wind on his face and the flame on the torch died out, and he dropped it to the ground. There was an uncomfortable silence and Athdar could feel his heart beating quicker. He was starting to sweat as he realized he was afraid. He did not dare to move forward. Everything was silent.

Just then the chamber suddenly became as light as the day as all the torches in the room lit up at once. He saw something that reminded him of a theatre scene (the Kokiris also had such things). At each side there were a torch, both were lit up by red flames. As he went closer he suddenly heard a voice.

"Ho ho ho, what a brave and clever little boy you are by getting so far," said the voice, a twisted voice, and a red-cloaked Wizzrobe appeared on the scene. "But I shall show you why you cannot get any further!"

A red staff appeared in the Wizzrobe's left hand. Laughing evilly he advanced towards Athdar. Athdar barely managed to dodge as the Wizzrobe released several fire bolts at him. He got up and pointed the sword at the Wizzrobe with both hands.

"You shall not stop me from fulfilling my destiny!" he declared, staring directly at the Wizzrobe.

To his surprise the sword suddenly released several beams, and the Wizzrobe was not able to dodge them in time. He was sent flying backwards, gasping of pain as he landed. He, very shakily, got up.

"You have talent with your sword, little boy, but that alone cannot defeat me," stated the Wizzrobe.

He twirled his staff several times, faster and faster, and missiles of fire came out. Athdar jumped to the ground, barely dodging the missiles. As the inferno was over he got up, shakily. He had no thoughts in his mind, only to defeat this creature. As the Wizzrobe prepared for another attack, Athdar ran forwards. As he got closer he tossed his sword over to his left hand, and with a powerful strike he cut the staff in two.

"You fool!" cried the Wizzrobe, angrier than ever. He grabbed Athdar by his neck, holding him up and choking him. "You should know better than breaking a Wizzrobe's staff! Now I shall kill you!"

"Noo!!" cried Athdar, kicking the Wizzrobe where it hurts the most. The Wizzrobe fell to his knees, gasping in pain. It had been a hard kick. "No, I shall kill you!" he continued, drawing his sword into the Wizzrobe's head.

The Wizzrobe cried in pain. He had never felt so much pain before. It was not only in his head, but his whole body, even his soul. Beams of light, red light, started to glow from his body. With a final scream he exploded in a ray of red light. Athdar covered his eyes and when he uncovered them he saw that there was nothing there.

The curtain on the scene rose and Athdar held up his sword, prepared to attack, as he saw the same Wizzrobe appearing on the scene.

"Young hero, thank ye for saving my soul," began the Wizzrobe, and Athdar sheathed his sword. "I am the guardian of fire. An evil sorcerer, who called himself Blind, came here and brainwashed me. He said he was after the treasure that is in this ancient temple."

"The Elemental Pearl has been stolen," sighed Athdar, running a hand through his blond hair.

"Alas! This is a bad day indeed," sighed the Wizzrobe. "If that is the case I fear also my brothers has been brainwashed by that dark sorcerer. Athdar, please save my brothers too, but at first you shall have this Jewel of Fire that is behind me."

With that he disappeared and Athdar could now see a red statue behind where the Wizzrobe had stood. It was obviously a statue of the Wizzrobe. He was holding a dish of stone. There Athdar could see a red jewel that he guessed to be the Jewel of Fire. On each side of the scene there was a small staircase.

Athdar took a deep breath and started walking towards the right staircase. Thousand of thoughts were going through his head. He wondered how his friends were and what would happen after he had passed the test... if he passed the test. He knew fine well that this might be his last day in this world, although the thought struck him that the Deku Tree wouldn't have sent him on this dangerous quest if he hadn't had strong believe in him. Athdar was, indeed, quite surprised by his own courage. If it hadn't been for his courage he would have never gotten so far as he did.

By now he had reached the statue. He carefully grabbed the jewel and gazed at the red ruby that was forged into it. Then, all of a sudden, he saw a bright light all around him. He covered his eyes, not to be blinded, and as he removed his hands when the light was gone he discovered he was back in the huge room. He gazed down and discovered he was standing on the sacred mark of the Kingdom. Suddenly, he heard a voice, the voice of the Wizzrobe.

"Now, place the Jewel of Fire on the altar," said the Wizzrobe.

Athdar took a deep breath and walked up the stairs. He gazed down at the ruby that he held in his right hand for a while and then placed it on the altar. A red light lit up the chamber for a moment before vanishing into the Jewel of Fire. The iron bars that had blocked the door to the right went down into the ground.

The young Kokiri boy walked carelessly towards the door, as it seemed he would meet no challenge before entering the next room. However, as he reached the door he heard a war-cry from behind. Thanks to his incredible fast reflections he managed just in time to be hit by a huge ball-and-chain. Instead it hit and smashed the door in half. He got up and saw a Chain-and-Ball Trooper, with heavy, red armour and a blue cape, coming right towards him.

[Evilslayer]

"Now I'm in trouble," he said to himself. How should he defeat this enemy?

He barely dodged again as the Ball-and-Chain Trooper tried to smash him again. He rolled between the Ball-and-Chain Trooper's legs and drew his sword upwards when he was just underneath the Ball-and-Chain Trooper. This caused the Ball-and-Chain Trooper to scream in pain and Athdar's face was covered in blood.

He got up and ran forwards, just avoiding to be smashed by the gigantic ball-and-chain as it hit the floor just behind him. He turned around, staring at the Ball-and-Chain Trooper for a while. It was as if time itself had stopped. The chamber was cool, but Athdar felt warm from all the fighting.

The Ball-and-Chain Trooper stepped closer, starting to swing his ball-and-chain above his head. Athdar started walking towards him, then running. As the Ball-and-Chain Trooper tossed the ball again he barely dodged the attack. He reached the legs and rolled between them. He made a deep cut in both of the Ball-and-Chain Trooper. With another cry of pain the Ball-and-Chain Trooper fell to his knees. He had never felt so much pain before. It was now overwhelming all of his senses. The Ball-and-Chain Trooper fell further down, now only resting his weight on his left hand.

Athdar got up, aiming at the Ball-and-Chain Trooper with his sword in his right hand. He then quickly drew it into the back of the Ball-and-Chain Trooper. With a last cry the Ball-and-Chain Trooper fell completely to the ground. Athdar sighed of relief. Against all odds he had defeated the mighty warrior.

The Kokiri then turned around and entered the next room. Like in the first room in the other direction this was also a corridor, barely lit by a few torches. But, by the sounds he could hear that there was something else in this corridor as well. He thanked the gods for his pointy ears, which enabled him to hear much better than any Humans.

By concentrating his senses he could feel the presence of the invisible creatures. He opened his eyes and knew what it was... a Like Like. He knew that if he got too close to a Like Like it would swallow him and eat all his treasures, except the sharp ones, like the sword. Then they would spit him out. He had never been swallowed by a Like Like before, but he knew that it hurt.

He grabbed a torch with his left hand and held his sword ready with his right. Then he slowly got closer, until he could almost touch it. The Like Like stepped back a little, but Athdar knew it was about to attack and swallow him. Therefore, he leaped forwards and forced the torch into its flesh. With a cry so horrifying it could make even the bravest warrior fall to his knees the Like Like burned up, until there was nothing left.

He proceeded and stopped when he reached the door. He leaned towards the door, trying to hear anything from the next room. He could hear nothing, so he slowly opened the door and saw another set of stairs that went in spirals down. As he reached for the torch at his left hand he could hear a bloodcurdling scream. He looked up and a Gibdo fell from the floor. It screamed again, and out of surprise and confusion Athdar fell to the floor, completely paralyzed.

The mummy-like creature hovered above him, before it with another scream lowered itself to bite Athdar and make him into a Gibdo. Though he tried, he could not control any muscles in his body. The Gibdo got closer and all hope seemed to be lost, but then, with a last strength he managed to fight himself out of the paralyzing and he hit the Gibdo in its face. The Gibdo backed away, confused and furious.

Athdar grabbed his sword and drew it into the Gibdo's chest. He then slowly drew it upwards and the Gibdo cried of pain. At last he drew the sword out and the Gibdo fell to its knees. Then he cut off its head.

"You're a good fighter," spoke Tiria, his guardian faerie.

"Not thanks to ya," replied Athdar, a bit rudely. Tiria was a bit surprised by his harsh words. Athdar had always been a very calm and polite boy. Maybe it was all the killing that had went to his brain?

"What d'you mean?" inquired the tiny faerie.

"I mean that you could help some more," replied Athdar. "I almost got killed just now."

"Oh," said Tiria, as if she hadn't noticed what had just happened.

"From now on I would like it if ya help some more," acknowledged Athdar. Tiria nodded.

Athdar grabbed the torch with his left hand and started to walk down the staircase. Just then the ground started shaking violently; not just in the Temple, but in the entire forest.

"What's happening?!" exclaimed Tiria, frightened.

"An earthquake!" replied Athdar, managing somehow to hold tight to the wall. He was a bit confused, because earthquakes in the Kokiri Forest never were very big.

Sand fell down from the stairs that was above them, and in some cases parts of the stairs above them fell down. It felt like as if the world itself was breaking apart. Athdar was particularly dirty in his face when it finally was over. There was an uncomfortable silence.

"The Elemental Pearl of the Forest!" the young Kokiri boy suddenly exclaimed. "It is as the prophecy foretold. The element of the forest really is gettin' out of balance. C'mon, Tiria, we gotta get goin'!"

Followed by his guardian faerie, Athdar ran down the rest of the stairs. He had lost the torch in the earthquake, but he did not really care. He managed somehow to feel his way through the darkness and still keep running. As he eventually reached the bottom he burst through the door, knowing the next Wizzrobe would be there.

"Give me the second jewel!" he cried, pointing at a blue Wizzrobe that was having his back turned to him with his sword.

[Evilslayer]

"Ho ho ho, so the pity little boy has come and claims the Jewel of Ice, has he?" sneered the Wizzrobe, and evil smirk forming on his lips. "We shall see about that!" The Wizzrobe turned around. "If ye really want the Jewel of Ice ye must defeat me!"

Three blue bolts were released from the Wizzrobe's hands. Athdar barely managed to avoid them, and the ground where he had just stood turned to ice.

"Let's see if can this," said Athdar, swirling and twirling his sword.

The Wizzrobe sent away three more ice bolts, but all of them were deflected at the Wizzrobe. Unfortunately, they had no effect on him and he laughed evilly. Athdar rolled to the side as the Wizzrobe sent away three more ice bolts. He then got up and leaped towards the Wizzrobe, avoiding another ice attack, and then another, and a third one.

The young Kokiri boy got down on his knees and cut the blue Wizzrobes on its legs. Crying of pain the Wizzrobe fell to the ground and Athdar, now standing up, pointed at the Wizzrobe with his sword.

"Now I shall finish ya!" he exclaimed and drew his sword into the head of the Wizzrobe.

The Wizzrobe let out one final cry of pain and blue light came from his body. He then exploded like the last one. The curtain on the scene rose and the blue Wizzrobe appeared.

"Thank ye, young hero, sent by the Great Deku Tree himself, for saving my soul," began the Wizzrobe. "That evil sorcerer who calls himself Blind came here and said that he would bring the world out of balance by stealing the Elemental Pearl. But, it's fortunate that ye have come. Please, defeat the last guardian and complete the task of the Great Deku Tree. The faith of the world rests on yer shoulders, young one." With that he disappeared again.

"Great job, Athdar!" exclaimed Tiria, cheering. Athdar nodded.

The young Kokiri boy now climbed onto the scene in this room and saw the Jewel of Ice on a stone-dish that the statue of the blue Wizzrobe held. He walked over to it, pretty excited that he had gotten this far. He grabbed the Jewel of Ice and in a moment he was back in the main chamber.

Knowing what to do now, Athdar walked up the stairs, grabbed the Jewel of Ice and placed it on the altar, next to the Jewel of Ice. There was a silence, then red and blue light lit up the chamber and the ground started to shake. Athdar covered his eyes from the strong light and almost stumbled because of the quake, but somehow he managed to stand.

As the rumbling stopped and the light faded he noticed that the door of stone had been opened and there was a long, dark corridor, only barely lit up by some torches that hung on the wall. He started to walk through this new passageway. He could feel it now. He was getting close to the guardian of this Temple. Only by defeating him he could prove himself worthy of the Deku Tree's task.

As he reached the door he sighed of relief. There had been no enemies in this room, not even invisible. But, he did feel that something was moving behind him. He whirled around. Nothing! Not even a sound, but he knew that he was not alone in this room.

Suddenly he got the answer of why. An invisible creature, or force, pushed him hard into the door. He gasped of pain and Tiria cried his name. He got up, shakily, sword in hand. The creature became visible and turned out to be a Poé, a pure evil kind of ghost. It also had a sword drawn.

"Ho ho ho, do ye really think ye can harm me?" laughed the Poé. Its voice was a creepy one, enough to make a brave knight fall together of fear. But Athdar, however, managed somehow to push the fear aside.

"I shall not let ya stop me!" yelled Athdar, running forwards. Unfortunately the Poé disappeared just before he managed to slay it.

"No, no, dear boy," sneered the Poé. "Ye are not fast enough!" He cast a black bolt at Athdar with his sword. Athdar hit the black bolt with his sword, so that it broke up and all the smaller bolts hit the walls.

"Impressive, very impressive!" praised the Poé. "We shall meet again!" Then he all of a sudden, to Athdar and Tiria's surprise, disappeared.

"Why did he do that?" asked Tiria. "It seems to me he wanted to kill you, so why didn't he kill you when he had the chance?"

"I-I don't know," replied Athdar, still a bit surprised.

He walked over to the door, leaning his right ear to it. He could not hear anything in the next room. Therefore he careful opened the door and peeked inside. The next room was large, and dark. He slowly walked inside, but as soon as he was completely inside the door looked itself and a stone-door covered it.

He let out a cry of surprise and ran back to the door, trying to open it. After a few tries he gave up, and sat down, thinking. Tiria landed on his hood. She was just about to speak when the ground suddenly started to shake violently.

"What in Kokiri is that?!" cried Athdar, standing up.

"I think it's another quake!" cried Tiria. She was lucky, because she could just fly when the ground was shaking.

Soon enough they discovered the true reason of the quake as a gigantic Manhandla dug himself up from the ground. Manhandlas were gigantic plants with four heads and unlike their smaller relatives they could move. They could also spit small fire-balls.

"A Manhandla; I've read about those," spoke Athdar, feeling a tad nervous.

He ran towards one of the many huge pillars of stone in the chamber, hiding behind it. From there he gazed at the enormous plant wandering around the chamber. Why had the Deku Tree sent him on such an impossible test? His gaze wandered around the chamber, until it settled on a black bomb that seemed to be growing from the ground; a Bomb Flower. This gave him an idea.

"What should we do, Addar?" questioned Tiria, a bit nervous.

"I've got an idea!" exclaimed Athdar, running towards the Bomb Flower. If he could only reach it, he could blast one of the heads if he managed to get the Manhandla to open one of its mouths.

"Addar, no!!" cried Tiria, but he continued to run.

The Manhandla spotted Athdar and started to move towards him. Luckily Athdar reached the Bomb Flower first and as the Manhandla opened the mouth of one of its heads he picked up the bomb and tossed it into the mouth. One explosion and the Manhandla had now only three heads left. It walked a bit in circles, confused, which gave Athdar the time to run back to his hiding place.

"Addar, you're mad!" yelled Tiria. "You could have been killed!"

Athdar ignored the faerie and gazed at the Manhandla. It seemed pretty pissed off and was rampaging the room. Suddenly, the Manhandla advanced towards the pillar where he and Tiria were.

"Dear gods!" he exclaimed, backing off. "It's heading this way!"

With its mighty leaf-arms it crushed the middle of the pillar. Stones fell down, some almost crushing Athdar. He got up and ran in the opposite directions, but stumbled and gasped as he hit the ground. Now was the end. He knew it. Nothing could save him now.

He was proven wrong, though, because as he looked up he saw another Bomb Flower that he had failed to notice right in front of him. With all his strength he got up and picked it up, turning towards the Manhandla. The Manhandla opened another mouth, ready to spit a fire-ball so he tossed the bomb into its mouth and after the explosion the Manhandla had only two heads left.

Now it was furious, and it spat fire-balls all over the place. Athdar ran towards it and rolled between its legs. He saw another Bomb Flower just a few inches away. The ground behind him was catching on fire as the Manhandla ran and spat fire-balls after him. He grabbed the bomb, tossed it and finally there were only one head left.

Now it was so close that it kicked him into the wall, a few inches away. He gasped of pain as he hit the wall, and stumbled forwards. As the Manhandla was about to crush him underneath its incredible weight, Tiria appeared as from nothing and tossed some faerie dust in its head. The Manhandla backed off, crying of anger.

"Now Addar, destroy the last head!" cried the tiny faerie.

Athdar noticed a Bomb Flower a few at his right-hand side. He got up and ran towards it. The Manhandla followed him adjusted to crush the young Kokiri boy. All seemed to go in slow motion. Athdar suddenly stumbled and he grasped around the Bomb Flower. The Manhandla opened its last mouth to toast Athdar with its fire, but Athdar tossed the bomb and it went right into the mouth. The Manhandla swallowed it and the head exploded. Athdar just barely avoided being crushed by the body of the monster as it collapsed to the ground. He sighed of relief.

"It's finally over," smiled Tiria, flying around Athdar's head in circles. "And we're both alive!"

"Yes it is ova', for now," replied Athdar, walking towards the door that had now opened. "But, let's not forget what the Great Deku Tree said."

Athdar entered the Forest Shrine. Yes, that was indeed where he was, and the Deku Tree had been right. The Elemental Pearl of the Forest really had been stolen. He sighed and gazed at the blue light that emerged from the floor.

"Let's return to the Great Deku Tree," he spoke, and walked into the blue light.

[Jack]

You have a knack for action writing.

[Evilslayer]

Thanks, and I'm terrible sorry it's been so long since my last update. But don't think it's because I haven't been writing at all. I've almost finished Chapter 6.

Chapter 3

Athdar felt a strange sensation as he was teleported by the magickal light. No one really knew what it was, but Hylian philosophers believed that it had something to do with the magickal waves in the atmosphere. The day they found out what it was, they would be able to create teleportation spots throughout Hyrule so that travelling would be easier. It would also be an advantage in wars.

As he opened his eyes the light was gone and he was back in the meadow of the Deku Tree. He could see Durian holding his pony, and Mila was there too. Lindor sat on a rock close to the Deku Tree. Mila ran over to Athdar, embracing him.

"Addar, you made it!" she exclaimed, joyful.

"Mila, Duri, what do you guys do here?" questioned Athdar, a bit confused.

"The Great Deku Tree summoned us," explained Durian, patting his pony. Athdar gazed up at the ancient tree.

"Yes, I did," the old tree spoke. "For now the time has come for thou to start thy adventure. Athdar, thy valiant effort to defeat the guardian of the Temple has proven that thou indeed are capable of completing the quest ahead. Thou must win back the Elemental Pearl before it's too late."

"But Great Deku Tree, you aren't seriously sending Athdar out on such a dangerous quest alone, are you?!" asked Durian, surprised.

"No, my dear Durian," replied the Deku Tree, laughing a bit. "Those of you who wish to follow him can do so."

"Then I shall follow him!" spoke Durian bravely.

"Me too!" exclaimed Mila. Durian stared at her.

"No, I can't let you! It's too dangerous!" he told her, trying to make her change her mind. Unfortunately for him, she won every single time they ended in such an argument.

"You may be my boyfriend, but you can't make me change my mind. Wherever you go, I go," Mila spoke, folding her arms. She could be very stubborn at times. Durian sighed, looking down in the ground.

"OK then," he murmured. Mila smiled and kissed him on his cheek.

"I'll be alright, you know I'll be," she assured.

"I shall join you," stated Lindor. "You need a good swordsman!"

"Or rather swords boy," Mila laughed. Lindor blushed slightly. Athdar gazed back up at the Deku Tree.

"Where shall we go? I do not know anything about the world outside the forest," spoke Athdar.

"Your first stop shall be Mihorin City, the capital city of Hyrule. There thee shall meet the Princess of Hope, and hopefully the Hero of Light," explained the Deku Tree. "Lindor knows the way."

"So, I s'ppose this is good-bye to our forest home for now," said Durian, sighing. Athdar kept silent. "But, we can't leave like this."

"Follow me," Lindor told them as he walked back to the bridge.

As they reached the other side of the bridge they met the same Kokiris from before. Their leader motioned them to follow after him into a small house of stone with a roof of straw. Inside two more Kokiris were packing sacks to them with food and other things they needed for the journey, like weapons. Mila chose a bow and arrows while the boys chose swords.

"Here you have all you need for your journey," the leader told them. "May Farore watch over you and make your journey save." Athdar, however, doubted it would be any save journey.



"How long will it take us to reach Mihorin City?" questioned Athdar as they had left the small house.

"Depends," spoke Lindor. "We must sleep outside tonight, but the day after tomorrow we'll reach Saria Town, where there's a tavern. Then there are six more days of walking."

"So, it will be a six days walk?" asked Athdar.

"Yeah, most likely," replied Lindor, nodding. "Unless we are delayed." Durian sighed.

"It'll be a long walk," he said.

"Ooh, but you have me as company! It'll be fun!" exclaimed Mila.

"Lovey-doveys," Athdar sighed. That was what he used to call people who were in love and acted as sappy as Durian and Mila.

The three children continued their journey, laughing and talking. They told their new friend, Lindor, lots of stories from their lives and in return he told them some stories from his journeys and how it was being the apprentice of the Deku Tree. Certainly, if something happened to the Deku Tree he would be the leader of the Kokiris.

After walking for about an hour, and when Lindor talked about the time he helped defending Mihorin City from a huge Gleeok they stumbled into a river. As they looked to their right side they saw a roaring waterfall.

"We need to cross this river," explained Lindor, although the roaring sound of the waterfall made it almost impossible to hear what he said.

"What?!" asked Mila with a raised voice.

"I said that we need to get across the river!!" Lindor cried, pointing to the other side.

The Kokiris then crossed the river by jumping from stone to stone, trying to avoid falling into the river. Durian, however, who was last didn't manage to balance too well. He lost his balance and with a splash he fell into the river. Lindor and Athdar laughed, but Mila ran over to him and helped him up. He gave them ugly looks when he came over to their side.

"What?!" asked Athdar, trying to sound innocent.

"It wasn't funny!" snapped Durian.

"Ya needed a bath," replied Athdar jokingly.

"I did not," Durian spat back.

"Now, you shouldn't argue like this," said Mila, leaning up and kissing Durian's right cheek. "I don't like it when boys argue over such a simple matter."

"C'mon, guys," called Lindor. "We better get goin'."

"Comin'!" called Athdar, running after Lindor.

"Athdar can be so rude at times," said Tiria, gazing after her Kokiri. "D'you think Durian will be okay?" She gave Durian a concerned look.

"Of course he will," replied Niria, Durian's faerie companion. "Am I not right, Duri?" Durian nodded. Then they hurried after Athdar and Lindor.



After some time they came across a very steep downhill. At the bottom there was a broad river with water streaming hurriedly forwards. The stream came from the west and the river went downwards. Lindor told them that they couldn't cross it because of the stream, so they had to follow it downwards.

The downhill was so steep they had to climb downwards. The climb went slowly and here and there there were treacherous stones. At several points they almost gave up on getting the pony, Era, down. Eventually they reached the bottom and they went eastwards. There they could see the forest far beneath them. The river went northwards, out of the forest and after a while it went eastwards far into the horizon. Far to the east a range of huge mountains dominated the view. Athdar, Mila and Durian were amazed by the view from where they were.

"Have ya guys ever seen anything so beautiful?" asked Durian, taking a deep breath.

"Now you have finally seen how the world looks outside our safe forest," smiled Lindor, walking forwards.

[Evilslayer]

"I never imagined it to be so vast," replied Athdar, walking to Durian's side.

There was a long silence. Birds could be heard above them. Then, as if something had exploded, the ground started to shake violently. A tree fell down and almost hit Mila. Era panicked, but Durian held his pony tight. He wouldn't have made it, though, if it hadn't been for his three friends. Just as quickly as the shake had started it ended. Era relaxed.

"Another quake," said Athdar, sighing. "We gotta get goin'." The others agreed.

They continued their walk, now a tad faster, down the hill and after about ten minutes they had reached the bottom. Now they turned and walked northeast. For four hours they walked through the seemingly endless forest, with only a few stops.

At last, after the sun had gone down they stopped for the night. They made a small campfire and for an hour and a half they sat there, eating supper and telling stories. Afterwards they got ready to sleep.

Although the others had no trouble falling asleep Athdar was away a long time. He all the time had a feeling that unfriendly eyes were watching him. After a while of listening to the sounds of the forest he finally fell asleep.

He did not know what time it was when he woke up. It was still dark, so he supposed that the sun had not appeared yet. He did not know what had awoken him, but something had. He knew! He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

Then, standing on a big stone about ten metres away he saw a mage. The mage wore a red cloak and most of his face was hidden. He could only see the mage's pointy nose and his two, red eyes, burning with hatred.

Athdar let out a cry and stood up. Then three Wolfoses appeared as if by magic. All of them ran towards Athdar...


Athdar woke with a start and sat up. He was wet of sweat. He took a deep breath. It had just been a nightmare. He gazed up and saw Durian.

"Ya had a nightmare," Durian spoke, as if Athdar didn't know.

"I know that already," replied Athdar.

"I didn't wake you up because I've heard that it's unwise to wake up someone who has a nightmare," explained Durian.

After breakfast they continued their journey westwards. There were barely any animals to see as they walked through the lush forest save for a few birds they barely could see that flew above the trees and one or two foxes.

They crossed a small river by jumping from stone to stone and continued northwards. After walking for two-three hours the trees got thinner and they guessed it wasn't long before they were out in the open.

By then they had decided to have a rest and eat lunch. They sat down at the root of one of the few giant trees and unpacked their sacks. After eating they rested for a while. However, there was something magickal in the air and soon they could barely stay awake.



It was Athdar who first came to himself, realizing how long they had been there as the sun had already went down. He felt nervous, yet he did not know why. It felt as if someone was watching him and he turned around. There was no one there. He quickly got up and awoke his friends.

"What is it?" asked Durian, rubbing his eyes sleepily. Then he noticed that it was dark.

"We have been here for too long," replied Athdar, shaking Lindor and Mila awake.

"What is the time?" questioned Mila sleepily, rubbing her eyes. She sat up.

"First we need to leave these woods; then can we see by the position of the moon," replied Athdar, getting his sack on his back. "But, now we have to hurry. I have a creepy feeling we're not alone." Athdar was glad his friends were with him, as it would have been a whole lot worse had he been alone.

As they started to move Athdar's gaze went deeper into the woods, and more than anytime before could he feel someone was watching him. He walked closer and thought he could see glowing, red eyes. Then they

"Hey Addar, are you coming or what?" Durian called impatiently, snapping Athdar out of it. Athdar turned around.

"Yeah, I'm coming," he replied, hurrying after his friends.

"What was ya lookin' at?" Durian questioned as Athdar caught up with them.

"Nothin' really," replied Athdar, not very keen on telling his friends.

"Addar, we're your friends. We need to know if anythin' is botherin' ya," tried Mila. Athdar sighed.

"Alright, I'll tell ya," he replied. "I saw somethin'."

"Saw what?" questioned Durian interested.

"Two eyes, that's what I saw," explained Athdar. "I saw two glowing red eyes in the woods. I have a feelin' that's what woke me up."

"No matter what it is, we gotta hurry," replied Lindor, walking faster.

Now it was just an hour of walking, almost running in fact before they reached the borders of the forest. All the time they felt that someone was following them and many times they looked behind themselves.

"Do ya think he's following after us," spoke Durian, staring back at the forest as they hurried northwards.

"I don't know," replied Athdar. "And I have no intention of findin' out, either."

"We will go on for two more hours," spoke Lindor, looking back at the others. "Luckily for us it isn't midnight yet and if we keep this pace and start early tomorrow we might reach Saria tomorrow before nightfall after all!"

The Kokiris hurried through the vast plains between the River Town of Saria and Lost Woods. The grass was tall here, and having bare legs the Kokiris thought it was itchy. After hurrying on for almost two hours, and the Kokiris really started to get tired, they set up a camp and rested their backs to a small cliff. The grass wasn't so tall here, so it wasn't painful.

Soon, after eating supper and telling each other faerie tales, they all fell asleep, but Athdar sat close to the bonfire that they had lit a while before he went back to get some rest. It took some time, but finally his eyes closed and he entered the land of dreams.


He did not know what time it was when he woke up all of a sudden. It was as if something had warned him of a nearby danger. He got up, gazing around himself. He felt nervous, as if he knew not everything was as it should. He carefully withdrew his sword.

The young boy heard a growling from behind him and hurriedly turned around and came face-to-face with a Wolfos. Startled he stepped, back. The Wolfos was growling hungrily at him.

Just then a shriek came from the others. Mila had been awakened by the Wolfos. The Wolfos turned around and ran towards Mila, but became victim to Durian's sword as he and Lindor had been awakened by the shriek, something which Mila was thankful for.

"So you believe you're safe now, eh?" came a voice from behind. The Kokiris turned around.

What they saw was a person who stood on a boulder. They could not see his face because a powerful darkness streamed from him. That darkness was the complete opposite of light and no light, unless it was strong enough, could penetrate the darkness.

"Who are you?!" demanded Athdar, ready for battle.

"Who are you to ask for my name? Silly boy!" laughed the mage, his icy laughter sending creeps down their spines. "Now, my dear Wolfoses, taste the flesh of these silly kids."

[Evilslayer]

To their horror, several more Wolfoses appeared from behind the boulder and somewhere behind them. They were surrounded, with no place to flee. Durian stood protectively in front of Mila.

Just then, as one of the Wolfoses ran towards them, an arrow whistled through the air and pierced into the throat of the Wolfos. Athdar gasped in surprise as only an expert could send such a well-placed arrow away. As he looked around he could not see anyone who could have fired that arrow. The mage also looked surprised, scared even.

More arrows went through the air and all of them avoided the armoured back of the Wolfoses and killed them instantly. Athdar thought it either had to be many, as it took such a short period of time between each arrow, or one extremely good archer that was more than just an expert. He got his answer as a stranger dressed in green and white jumped down from the small cliff and stood a few metres behind the Kokiris.

Mila watched him in amusement. She had never before seen any 'outsiders', as they called them back in the forest. He was dressed in a green tunic made of leather and a white shirt and tights. A brown belt was tied around his waist and he wore red-brown gauntlets and brown boots, made of leather. And, he wore a dark green cape with a hood. He was also tall, taller than Mila had imagined the outsiders to be at least.

All of the Wolfoses attacked him, but he swiftly and easily fought them off as if it was now big challenge and the Kokiris were amazed, except Lindor who giggled.

"What's so funny? Do you know him?" asked Athdar, staring at Lindor.

"I've met him once or twice," replied Lindor, smiling secretly.

"Why you!!" snorted the mage, referring to the stranger. "I shall not forget this!!" Then he disappeared in a puff of smoke. The stranger went up to the children. Mila blushed and thanked the Goddesses that Durian didn't notice.

"Little kids like you shouldn't be out here during night time," spoke the stranger, gazing down at them. "Now, where are your parents?" His face looked strict, but Lindor knew it was a joke and smiled to himself.

"For your information, Mister," began Athdar, annoyed. "We are Kokiris and we are all pretty grown-ups, in the way our people sees it!" The stranger laughed.

"No need to take everything so seriously," he began. "It was just a joke and I knew at first sight that you are Kokiris."

"Well, good for y...," replied Athdar, but was interrupted.

"How did ya get so good, Mister?!" exclaimed Mila.

"Mila!" replied Durian, shocked. "Don't forget that I am your boyfriend!"

"Sorry," giggled Mila. Athdar sighed.

"Don't mind them," he spoke. "They are lovey-doveys."

"Lovey-doveys?" questioned the stranger.

"It's what he call people who are in love," explained Mila. "He doesn't understand how beautiful it really is."

"It's not beautiful!" replied Athdar, making a grimace.

"Yes, it is," replied Mila, holding around Durian.

"No, it's gross!" stated Athdar, making another grimace.

"Can't you children stop arguing and tell me why you're not in your safe forest?" suggested the stranger.

"We...," began Durian, but he was interrupted by Athdar.

"No, wait!" he exclaimed, staring back at the stranger. "How do we know we can trust you?"

"I did just save you from those Wolfoses, did I not?" replied the stranger.

"Well, that's true," said Athdar. "We are here because the Elemental Pearl of the Forest has been stolen." The stranger sat up, shocked and horrified. "The Great Deku Tree put me on a test and I completed it, proving my courage to our Father. He sent us to Mihorin City."

"Then that is where we must go," stated the stranger, standing up.

"Are we going already?" asked Lindor, who was surprised by his attitude. "We have barely slept and it's still dark."

"Not for long, but we have to hurry," replied the stranger. He then pointed northwards. "We must reach Saria tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow we must hurry through terrain that few have ever walked through to reach Mihorin faster."

As they started to walk he wondered why the stranger was in such a hurry. He knew it was serous stuff, but what knowledge did this stranger have of the Elemental Pearls that made him so concerned about them? And who in the names of the Goddesses was he?!

[xarlote]

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