So begins the start of my second fanfiction. I was talking to my roomate about cosplay and Crossplaying. I always like a male Link, but it made me think. What would have happened if Link was in fact a girl? How would this change the gameplay?

What follows is what happens when I got overexcited about the idea, since I changed a lot in this one way.

The glade was lit with predawn twilight. Fog swirled across the dewy blades of grass that swayed in a gentle breeze. The soft sun was just starting to shine through the leaves of the one tree that grew in that spacious clearing when the forest guardians came to listen to their last commands from the spirit who watched over the children lost to time.

A boy with skin of wood and hair like peeling tree bark crouched on a root with musical pipe in hand. Feathers fell from the trees where another landed with a creaking sway of the thick branch below its large taloned feet. A child with green hair and eyes to match walked up and placed a hand against the massive tree with a small frown.

His eyes watered up in understanding and he dropped his chin to his chest in sympathy. The last to arrive padded up on silent paws. Their luminous eyes stared with unnatural cunning for the canine beasts. At last, the tree shook its leaves and looked to the dawn for what it knew to be its last.

"Long have I served as the guardian spirit in this vast, deep forest." She was mother to the forest. This was the task she had been granted by the goddess herself. Her voice was soft and nurturing. Yet her voice hadn't always been so soft, so weak.

Her strong limbs were already starting to rot while she still breathed and there weren't enough fairies in the world to save her, nor would she wish there to be. The young ones watched from on high, their minuscule voices whispering fearfully while their wings fluttered in anxious worry.

She trembled and continued softer yet, "Time has been gentle to me. I have watched over the children entrusted to me with care. The fairies help me, but the goddess herself led fate to bring me one more child not but a decade past.

"Navi, where art thou? You must go to this child, the girl without a fairy, and bring her to me. Her destiny is about to be set in motion. I can no longer protect her. Do you understand, Navi?"

A blue fairy nodded its head and zipped out of the glade while its siblings watched nervously. The great tree sighed and shivered. "Already I can feel the cold grip of death setting into my roots. Guardians, watch these woods closely. Protect the children, the magic, this hallowed ground. The girl will need your help, my closest friends."

The wooden boy and the large wolves blinked in understanding before running off into the woods. The feathered one gazed upon the tree with reverent respect. He asked, "And what shall I do, old friend?"

"You, wise one, must stay closest to the girl. Guard her from the ones that wish her harm, the one who put this curse on me and her ally. They will stop at nothing if they discover the girl yet lives. Please, Kaepora."

The owl knew that trees could not cry, but if they could, the Deku Tree would be doing so right now. He bowed his head and promised, "You have my eternal vow, great one. Go now to the sacred sisters. You have fulfilled your purpose."

The tree laughed. "I am not dead yet, silly owl. I have one last task. When the girl comes to me, all will be brought to light."

The owl nodded and spread its wings. It soared above the glade, eyes searching for its charge. The tree house where the girl resided was still dark. He glided silently into a tree to watch for her.

I woke up with a start. I was crying. The nightmare had returned yet again. As I thought about the dream, I started crying harder and I pounded my fist in my pillow. I turned over and tried to fall back asleep. I had just succeeded when I heard a sharp voice.

"Wake up! Wake up, Link!"

I sighed and gave up on sleep. I turned over and swung my legs out of bed. A blue fairy floated before me. It said, "Finally! Come on. The Deku Tree wants to speak to you."

"There's no need to shout."

The fairy said as I got up and prepared to leave, "My name is Navi. I'll be your partner from now on!"

I dropped the cup of water I held and said incredulously, "What?"

Navi said, "The Deku Tree asked me to be your fairy."

I threw a towel over the mess I had made and didn't get a chance to respond before I heard from the base of my tree house, "Hey, Link!"

I ran to the mirror and checked my hair before pulling my hat on and running outside. Sario stood below my tree waving. I smirked and jumped down, rolling and coming to land on my feet.

Sario frowned and said, "I don't know why I ever taught you that."

I said, "Because if you hadn't, I would have kept bothering you. And let's not forget about the fighting and swimming."

Sario smiled grudgingly and said, "Sometimes I really wonder if you're a girl. You should do things like sew and play with dolls."

"Ah," I said, "But would you still like me if I became another Mida? That stuff isn't nearly as fun as rough housing with you."

Sario said, "I'm glad a fairy finally came to you. I just came to tell you that the Deku Tree asked to speak to you."

I put a fist on my hip and said, "Not you too! That's all Navi said since we met."

Sario smiled gently and said, "Go talk to her."

I nodded and jogged to the path to the Deku Tree. I groaned inwardly as I saw Mida standing to one side. I walked up and she stood in my way. I said with my arms crossed, "Let me pass. The Deku Tree has summoned me."

Mida smirked and said, "If you're going you should at least equip a sword and shield."

I pointed out, "You don't have them."

Mida sputtered and said snobbishly, "That's why I haven't gone! Just go get them and I'll think about letting you pass, miss no-fairy."

I rolled my eyes and turned to go. Mida had done things like this since I was little. As I returned home, I ran into Sario. He asked angrily, "Why aren't you with the Deku Tree?"

I cocked my hip and replied, "It's not my fault! Mida won't let me past without a sword and shield."

"That jerk!" Sario frowned and said, "But she may have a point. Strange things have been happening in the forest."

He drifted off and I asked quietly, "What's going on?"

Sario snapped out of his mood and said with a smile, "Don't worry about it. You can buy a shield at the shop, but there's only one sword. Find it and I might tell you more."

I frowned at him and he ruffled my hat. I straightened it and blushed. Sario said, "I don't know why you wear that. Your hair looks fine."

I pulled my hat down to my eyes and said, "You know everyone teases me about my ears."

He reached forward and hugged me. He whispered, "Someday, you won't care anymore."

I looked at him strangely as he released me. He jogged backwards before smiling and running off towards the Lost Woods. Sario always went there when he wanted to be alone to think.

I sighed and started looking for rupees. They were more for play than actual value, so they were often strewn around the small village. As I worked, Navi told me about the Deku Tree. I collected enough money to buy a shield when I stopped in realization. Navi flew back and asked, "Why'd you stop?"

I asked, "Are you a boy or a girl?"

The fairy glowed red and said, "What kind of a question is that? Of course I'm a boy!"

I laughed and said, "Your voice is so high, it's kind of hard to tell."

Navi beat his wings angrily and said, "Just find the sword so we can continue."

He floated silently. I could tell he wasn't happy, but left him alone. I went to the training grounds and looked at the tunnel. The only one who had gone through was Sario. Everyone else had chickened out. If I wanted to hide a sword, that was where I'd put it.

I gathered my courage and entered the tunnel. The ground was dry and roots pulled at my clothes and hair. Navi lifted the corner of my hat and hid underneath.

I saw light at the end and crawled toward it. The ground beneath me started rumbling and I emerged. I dusted off my tunic and looked around. A boulder rolled to my left. I glanced at it and said, "I'm in need of a little help, Navi."

I felt him crawl out from behind my ear. He looked at the boulder and said, "Time it right. You're going to have to run."

I set my feet and watched in determination. The stone rolled away and I took off after it. Navi shouted, "Right!"

I turned and another rock rolled just behind me. I said, "Thanks."

Navi said, "I'd be a poor guardian if you died so easily."

I snorted and said, "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

The first rock rolled by again and Navi shouted, "Now!"

I ran again and the path widened to the right. A large chest sat on a stump. A sign posted said, "To learn about fighting, speak to the Know-It-All brothers."

I opened the chest and had to lean over the edge to reach in. I reemerged holding the sheath of a small sword. I held it out and Navi said, "You found the Kokiri sword. Now you can fight monsters."

I strapped the sword to my back and followed to rocks back to the tunnel. Once out, I drew the blade and took a few practice swings. Navi said as I did an unassisted backflip, "You're pretty good at this. Watch me as I highlight that rock."

Navi flew over to it and glowed yellow. He said, "This is how I'll help you target enemies."

I nodded and said, "I'm sorry about what I said earlier."

Navi floated close and dimmed. I saw him fold his hands behind his back and glance away as he said, "I should have told you. I guess I'm not such a good guardian fairy."

I took in his blue hair and clothes sewn from small plant fibers. His pale skin matched his wings. He glowed brighter and I said, "You're my partner. It's not just you who has to get used to helping someone."

He glowed brighter, happy again. I smiled and said, "Let's get that shield so we can see the tree."

I bought a shield and went to talk to the self-imposed boss of the Kokiri. She glanced at me as I walked up and said, "I already told you, you're not getting past."

I drew my sword and shield. I grinned. They were heavier than I expected, but I wasn't going to show her that. Mida puffed up angrily and her freckles hid amidst the red in her face. As she stomped away, she said, "How come you're the favorite of the Deku Tree and Sario? It's not fair!"

I started down the path and spindly plants popped up. Navi said, "Deku Babba, not very threatening."

My sword made short work of it. I took a moment to slip the stick it left behind into my belt and I ran around the other plants. Before me stood the Deku Tree's. The Deku Tree was ancient. Sario had told me once that the Goddesses themselves had planted the seed she grew from. I didn't know if it was true, but I wasn't going to doubt it.

Navi flew ahead of me and said, "I'm back, Deku Tree."

The Deku Tree said in her ambient way, "Welcome, Navi, and you as well, Link. Thy sleep hath been restless and full of nightmares these past moons. A vile climate of evil has fallen over the land and affects those sensitive to it. I have a task I must ask of thee. You must use your wisdom and courage to break a curse on me. Do you have courage enough to undertake this mission?"

I frowned and thought of my nightmare. It was always the same. I stood before a bridge and lightning flashed in the darkness. A black horse ridden by an equally black rider attacked me, but I always woke up just before I was hit.

I looked up and nodded. She opened her mouth and said, "Enter, brave Link, and you as well, Navi. Help Link with your knowledge and Link, listen well to his words."

I felt fear and excitement as she spoke. I walked forward and into the Deku Tree with Navi at my shoulder. I looked around in awe. Vines and paths lined the inside of the tree. I placed a hand against the wood and said, "It's warm."

Navi placed a palm against the tree and hissed in pain. He said, "Something's poisoning her."

He flew around and I asked, "What's the source?"

He flew forward over a hole covered by cobwebs. I followed and looked down. "What's down there?"

Navi said, "That's part of the root system. If something's wrong, it will be down there."

I tried to rip the thick cobwebs apart, but it wouldn't break. I looked up and said, "Let's get some height."

I ran over to some vines and took hold. Navi said as I began climbing, "These should hold our weight."

I frowned and asked, "Did you just call me fat?"

Navi said, "Of course not! I just didn't want you to fall. You're actually quite cute for a girl."

I smiled and said, "You're pretty cute for a fairy."

Navi fluttered his wings happily at my compliment and I climbed up the vines. The path wound around and slowly ascended. At the next section of vines, a chest sat. I opened it and found a map. Navi said, "This will tell you where you are, where you've been, and where you still have to go."

"How did it get here? How does it know that?"

Navi shrugged and I asked, "How can you not know?"

Navi asked, "If I told you it was magic, would you believe me?"

I nodded and he smiled. "Good, 'cuz as far as I know, that's how it works."

I started to climb the vines when Navi said, "Don't go up there! Those skulltulas will bite you and their venom hurts."

I let go and dropped back onto my feet. I glanced around and saw a door further up the path. I jogged to it and opened the door. A chest sat on the other side of a floating platform. I jumped across and it started to wobble. As I pushed off the platform, it collapsed to the floor.

I opened the chest and found a slingshot. Navi hovered around the ceiling looking for a way out. He went near the door and said, "Look over here!"

I saw what he noticed and pulled a seed out of the pouch and pulled back on the band of the slingshot. I released it and the seed went flying above Navi's head. He yelled in his high voice, "Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry," I called. "Just give me a second."

"Don't shoot that thing at me!"

I drew the band back again and said, "Don't worry. Sario and I toss rocks all the time. I'm highly accurate."

Navi said, "Highly isn't one hundred percent."

I loosed another seed and it flew to knock down a ladder. "There! Accurate enough."

Navi stuck his tongue out at me and I climbed up. Back at the vines, I shot the scary spider monsters known as skulltullas and climbed to the next level. A door sat halfway around the circumference and I opened it.

The door closed behind me and bars blocked it. A plant thing popped out of the floor and spat at me. I rolled out of the way and drew my shield. "What is that thing?"

Navi floated by my face behind the shield and said, "Deku Scrub. They can be annoying, but aren't harmful unless in large numbers. Bounce its nuts back at it to defeat it."

I nodded and raised my shield. The scrub spat again and the seed hit my shield. It ricocheted back. The scrub squeaked and started dancing around. At least, that's what it looked like. I shouted and ran after it.

Before I could strike with my sword, it said, "Have mercy! If you spare me, I'll tell you something useful."

I stayed my blade and said, "Speak then and I'll decide if what you say is worth your life."

It squeaked again and said, "You'll never defeat my brothers ahead unless you know the code. The password is 2, 3, 1. 23 is #1! Do you think I'm a traitor?"

The scrub hopped away in that odd fashion. Navi asked, "What did that mean?"

I shrugged and sheathed my sword. The door opened and I went to the next room. A button on the floor and a burnt torch were the only thing on my side. Across a dip in the floor sat another chest. A cave to the left sat suspiciously. I pressed the switch and sections of the floor rose. I heard a ticking and jumped across.

As I leapt the final gap, the floor lowered. In the chest I found a compass. Navi said, "Use that to see where chests and you are positioned on the map. "

I gave a look and Navi said, "It's magic again."

I looked at the map and sure enough, there was a gold icon where I was standing. I spun in a circle and the icon did too. I looked more closely at the room I was in and saw a box. "What's that mean?"

Navi looked over my shoulder and said, "That's a chest. There might be something useful inside."

I used the map to find the strange box. Then I opened the chest. A heart shaped object lay inside. I pulled it out and asked, "What do I do with this?"

Navi looked at it and said, "It's supposed to heal you."

"Yeah, but how do I use it?"

Navi looked thoughtful and said, "Try eating it."

I wrinkled my nose and said, "Ew!"

Navi asked, "What does it feel like?"

I squeezed it between my hands and it moved like a water skin. It popped and coated my hands in pinkish liquid. I shook my hands, but it disappeared. I looked at my hands and saw a cut from a couple days ago vanish. "I got it in my mouth! It tastes like medicine!"

Navi put his hands on my thumb and said, "Well that was interesting."

I giggled and the fairy smirked. I made my way back to the main truck and looked over the edge. I groaned and Navi said, "You're going to jump. Please don't do this."

"Sorry, Navi. Not much of a choice here." I took a deep breath and jumped feet first. The cobweb gave some resistance before breaking and I screamed as I fell the last distance to land in water.

I swam to the surface and gasped. Navi hovered over a piece of wood that floated and I swam to it. I caught my breath and flipped the hair out of my eyes. Navi patted my cheek comfortingly and I continued. Eventually, I made it to the root of the problem. Three deku scrubs watched from beneath their frond like hair with beady eyes.

I asked, "You don't suppose these guys are the ones that plant told us about?"

Navi said, "Can't hurt to try."

I used my shield to attack the middle scrub and then the one to the right. They froze and I went after the last one. As I pinned it in the corner, it said, "You knew our secret! How irritating. Now I have to tell you the trick. In order to administer the Coup de Grace to Queen Gohma, you must first stun her with a blow to the eye. Oh Queenie, sorry about that!"

It bounced off and its brothers disappeared down their holes. The door opened and I walked into a dark room. I glanced around in amazement and fear. I looked at the ceiling and a giant spider dropped down.

Navi said rapidly, "Parasitic Arachnid, Queen Gohma. Shoot in the eye and follow up with your sword."

"Thanks," I shouted. I drew my slingshot and shot her right before she attacked. I slashed twice and used a jump attack before she recovered. She backed up and climbed the wall. I shot her eye when she paused on the ceiling. She fell and I struck again.

Queen Gohma exploded. When I looked around, a blue light appeared and I walked into it. A portal took Navi and me back to stand in front of the Deku Tree.

She said, "Thank you. You have done well to break the curse, but I'm afraid it is too late."

I felt my eyes water and asked, "What do you mean?"

The Deku Tree said, "Do not fret. I knew I was going to die even before you entered. An evil woman from the desert came to claim the treasure that was entrusted to me. She was so angry that she cast this death curse on me. You must never allow yourself to suffer this person. Their malevolent nature is beyond redemption. But before I pass on, I must tell you why she wanted the treasure."

I tried to focus as the tree told me once again the creation story. I had heard it lots of times, but there was a sense of finality about this time that I felt so sad. When she finished, the tree said, "I'm entrusting the Kokiri Emerald to you. Link, you must leave these woods and travel north to the bustling city of Castle Town. Meet with Prince Sheik and tell him what has come to pass."

The emerald flew over to me and landed in my hands. The tree said with difficulty, "Fare thee well, Link and Navi."
I watched as her bark lost its soft look and the Deku Tree petrified. Even her mustache hardened to become like stone.

I whispered, "Goodbye."

I turned and ran from the glade. Navi stayed behind, but caught up as I paused to wipe my face. Navi hugged my finger before crawling under my hat. I felt him shake behind my ear.

I ran again and smacked into Mida as I rounded the corner. I picked myself up as she demanded, "What happened!"

I sputtered and said, "It wasn't my fault! The Deku Tree… she's dead."

Mida's eyes widened in surprise and hurt. She opened her mouth to blame me like she always did, but I shoved past her. I ran to the tunnel exit and left before I thought about what I was doing.

I was almost across the bridge before I felt it move from someone else. I turned back and saw Sario holding onto the rail. He said, "You're leaving, aren't you. I always knew you would because you're different than the rest of us."

I walked back and he held out an ocarina. He said, "I want you to have this, so you'll remember and visit the forest again."

I took it from him before throwing my arms around him. He gripped me tightly and said with a tight voice, "Don't forget about us."

I didn't trust my voice so I nodded against his shoulder. I released him and took a couple steps back. I looked at him one last time before turning and leaving the forest.

The other guardians watched me from beneath the trees. The wolves who had cared for and protected me as a baby and the strange wooden boy silently watched until I turned back to face the path and the morning sun.

The path between the trees led me out into a field. The sun was already low to the horizon in front of me between the trees. I took a step before I heard a loud, "Yoo hoo!"

I looked around in alarm and the voice said, "Up here!"

I followed it and saw a large owl sitting on the branches of the last tree. It said, "My, my. You're starting out on an adventure, aren't you. Before you is Hyrule Field. Follow the road and it'll take you to Castle Town. Lon Lon Ranch lies in the middle directly ahead of you. Now, fight hard and persevere. I will see you again."

With that, the owl launched out of the tree and into the air. I saw the road he mentioned and ran. I saw people walking with carts and on animals. Night fell. I kept running. I saw monsters at the edge of my vision, but didn't bother fighting them. Once the sun rose, the monsters disappeared. I took a short break before continuing. I came to the bridge into Castle Town as the sun was setting. The draw bridge was lowered and I entered.

The first person I saw was a guard. He glanced at me in surprise and asked, "Are you alone, boy?"

I wrinkled my nose, but said, "Yes."

He frowned and said, "You should be careful. It's dangerous out there. Kids like you are easy targets for monsters."

I motioned over my shoulder to my sword and shield and said, "I'll be alright. And I've got my fairy to help me."

The soldier's eyes widened in disbelief and he said, "If you say so. We have a curfew tonight with the emissary that's coming. Make sure you're home by then."

I mulled over his words as I entered the market. I had heard of adults, but until now had never met one. Supposedly, they had children and took care of them. They also fought fiercely to protect said kids. This would explain the guard's words. As a Kokiri, I wasn't raised to worry about anything adults had to worry about. We were fairly self-sufficient and what we couldn't do the Deku Tree or our fairies did.

Navi still hid beneath my hat as I whispered, "I can't believe he thought I was a boy."

I heard Navi laugh and say, "You do dress like one, and you haven't hit puberty. None of the Kokiri do."

I asked, "What's puberty?"

Navi answered, "It's a time when your body changes into an adult, but I don't know any more than that."

Choosing a direction, I struck out into the town. There was so much to see and hear. Walking around wasn't easy. People of all ages bustled past me about their business. I stuck to the periphery of the city. Knowing where the gates were helped keep me oriented.

As the clock struck eight, there was a loud clanking sound. I ran toward it and saw the guards turning a great wheel to raise the gate. One of the pair ducked into a room and returned with a long torch and a bell. Using the torch, he lit a lantern hanging along the side of the road. He started ringing the bell as he passed.

I watched him go by. "Navi, what does that mean?"

"Oi, kid."

I turned to see the other soldier looking at me. Butterflies in my stomach, I answered, "Yes?"

Navi whispered in my ear, "Don't do anything stupid."

The soldier nodded toward his partner. "Curfew is in fifteen minutes. You've got nowhere to be, yeah?" I didn't respond. He motioned toward the door the soldier had exited from. "In there is a cot and some food. I saw you this morning. And you've been hanging around here all day. Help yourself. Life's hard enough without being so young on top of it."

I hesitated. He shook his head exasperatedly. "Hurry before my partner gets back. He's not as soft hearted as me." He smiled to himself. "But even he wouldn't kick a kid out of his bed."

I heard the bell nearing from the guard's rounds. Navi whispered, "Go."

The guard opened the door for me as I closed the distance between us. He winked as he shut the door. "Welcome to Castle Town."

Inside the guard house, I listened for the other guard's voice. "I'll be glad once this whole pretense is over. I don't know why we're even bothering to let them visit."

The guard who let me in sighed. "They just want the opportunities we have to offer. They can't help it if their homeland has limited resources."

"So why do they think they can come take ours?" The conversation lowered until I couldn't hear what was being said.

Navi flew out from under my hat. He illuminated the room. Against the left wall were several flat beds. A small kitchen and dining area sat at the other end. The right wall was filled with armor and weapons. But a good portion of the floor was covered by boxes and clay jars. I stepped forward and peeked into one. Grain in some kind of vinegar preservation filled it to the brim. Navi floated over several others and motioned for me to come.

I looked inside his jar. Some kind of soft white substance filled this one. I dipped a finger in and licked it off. It was really sweet and smooth. "Navi, what is this?"

"I think it is the product of an animal called a cow. If you put it on bread, I think you'll be happy."

I spotted a hunk of dark bread on the table. I swiped it and dipped it in the stuff in the jar. Navi guided me to a few other items. I grabbed a thick blanket off a stack and hauled my feast onto a cot. As I munched, I realized how far from home I was. A pang of homesickness sat heavily in my stomach. But I couldn't return home. Not until I'd done what the deku tree had asked.

I turned onto my side. Navi sat beside me. My body shook as I couldn't hold my sobs. I heard the door open. The guards stepped inside. I kept my back to them and hoped they didn't hear me. As they moved around, one of them sighed. "She really had nowhere to go? Poor kid. I wish that relief program the king wanted was being pushed along."

The guard who let me in grunted in agreement. "In the morning I'll take her to my folk's place. They wouldn't mind having her."

"That's good. Goddess, what happened to leave a child alone like that?" The door shut behind them as they resumed their watch. I wiped my eyes, but the tears kept coming. I wasn't sure when sleep finally came for me.

The next morning, I stretched and sat up. I yawned and kicked my blanket off. As I swung my feet off, they landed on cold stone. I opened my eyes. Walls surrounded me, but not those of my tree-house. I stood quickly and turned toward the door.

I jogged toward it, remembering the guards' conversation as I fell asleep. I put my ear to it and listened. All was silence on the other side. I put a hand to the handle. Before I could twist, it began to turn. A guard pushed and I stepped back as it swung toward me. I hid behind as the guard who invited me in stepped into the room.

I skirted around the door as he went to where I had been sleeping. The other guard was facing Hyrule Field. On silent feet I ran toward town. I wandered around the market listening to the people talk. A woman from the desert had come to talk to the queen. Apart from that, I didn't find out anything useful. I was concentrating so hard on where I might find the prince that I walked into a boy standing by the well.

We fell and my hat went flying. Navi was tossed as well and I quickly grabbed him before he was stepped on. I snatched my hat off the ground and yanked it back on, my cheeks blushing fiercely.

The boy asked, "Are you alright?" I nodded quickly and he laughed saying, "You sure are shy. Your clothes are funny. Are you from the forest?"

Before I could answer, Navi flew out of my hand and said, "Leave her alone!"

The boy took a step back and I said, "Navi, be nice. He was just asking."

The boy asked in awe, "Is that a fairy?"

I nodded and he grinned. "I've never seen one before! Ma says they never leave the forest, but since everyone who enters never returns, I thought I'd never see one. What are you doing outside the forest, fairy girl?"

I said, "I'm supposed to go to the castle, but no one will tell me where that is. And my name's Link, not fairy girl."

The boy said, "My name's Malone. My ma owns Lon Lon Ranch. She's at the castle delivering milk while I wait for her. The castle is north of here."

I said thanks and took the path to the castle. I talked to the owl again and he mentioned something about time moving slowly when I was in a town. I already knew time seemed to pass much quicker when I was traveling and didn't understand what he said.

I walked up to the guard and said, "I need to speak with Prince Sheik."

The guard looked at me kindly and said, "Sorry, kid. No one gets through without a summons."

I put a hand on my hip and said, "The world is in danger!"

The guard crouched to my level and said, "Look, I don't know what game you're playing, but if the world needed saving, they wouldn't send a kid like you."

He wasn't like the first guard I had met. This one seemed much less experienced. I could tell he was trying to do his job and be as nice as possible to me. I sighed and nodded in understanding. The guard smiled and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a blue rupee and said, "Go buy yourself some candy or something."

I nodded in thanks and walked away. On a cliff face grew some vines. I tested them and they held. I jumped down and ran back into town to kill some time.

Malone was still by the well waiting for his 'ma', whatever that was. I walked over to him and leaned on the well. He leaned back on his elbows and said, "They didn't let you in."

I nodded and said, "I plan on sneaking in tonight."

His eyes widened in surprise and he said, "Don't let anyone catch you saying that. The guards will take you home and tell your parents what you were up to. Then you'll be in trouble."

I asked, "What's a parent? Do they eat you when you don't do something they like?"

Malone's red eyebrows rose so high I thought they'd get lost in his hair. He laughed and said, "Not that I know of. Parents are your family. I'm an only child and my mom's the only family I have. I used to have a dad, but he died a few years ago."

I said, "I don't have a family. None of my friends do. The closest we have is our fairies. What does a parent look like?"

Malone explained, "A parent is an adult. Most adults will be parents sometime in their life. Every now and then a person becomes a parent too young and they have a hard time, but usually they're at least twice our age."

I frowned and asked, "How old are we?"

Malone said in disbelief, "You really are sheltered, fairy girl. I kind of feel bad for you. You look about my age, which is ten years old."

"Oh," I said. I waited a second before asking, "What's a year?"

Malone spent all morning telling me about everything, from the weather to the hatching of birds called cuckoos. Around noon, my stomach rumbled and I realized I hadn't eaten in almost two days.

Malone laughed and grabbed my hand. He led me through the market and bought food for us. We sat in a back alley eating the strange snacks. An animal called a dog wandered by and Malone fed it bits of something called meat.

Malone kept talking, telling me about Hyrule. When we were done, we went back to the market. A building with a sign reading Shooting Galley and Game caught my eye. I ran in and had to stand on my tiptoes to see over the front desk.

"Excuse me," I said. "How do I play?"

The large hairy man laughed and said, "This is a game for adults, but I guess I could let you play. Hit the targets and win a prize. It's twenty rupees a turn."

I reached into my wallet and dug around for a red rupee. Malone watched me and said, "Your allowance is much better than mine."

I pulled out two yellow rupees and put them on the table. The shop keeper looked surprised that I was serious, but pulled a lever and said, "Take your place."

I took out my slingshot and walked to the low wall separating the front of the store from the back. I said, "I'm ready."

A whistle blew and a green glass rupee appeared. I shot it and another took its place to the right. I shot all the rupees and put away my slingshot. I turned back to the counter and the shop keeper and Malone watched me with wide eyes. I blushed and skipped back to the desk.

The man laughed and said, "Here's your prize. Come back when you're older and show your skill with a bow. I reckon you'd be a good shot."

I took the seed pouch he held out and left with Malone. He said, "I want to show you something."

We ran to a quiet part of town where a beautiful building stood. We sat on the steps and Malone said, "This is the Temple of Time. I often come here to wait for my mom. The music from within is so soothing."

I listened for a bit and laid down on the step. The sun felt so warm and after my big day, I was suddenly sleepy. Malone lay down beside me and smiled. I smiled back and closed my eyes.

I woke up cold. The sun had set and Malone was gone. I sat up and called, "Malone, where are you?"

Malone ran up from the market and said, "Shh. I was just looking for my mom. I fell asleep and was afraid she had gone home without me, but no one's seen her. There's only a couple hours left until curfew."

I heard his worry and said, "She's probably just at the castle. Let's see if she's at the gate."

Malone nodded and we set off, but didn't find her. I started up the vines when I heard Malone say, "I can't go with you. I don't want to get in trouble. I'll go to a friend's place and wait there."

I nodded and said, "I'll keep an eye out for her."

Malone reached into a pocket and pulled out an egg. He said, "Take this. I've been incubating it and it should hatch soon."

I shook my head and he said, "We're friends now. I want you to have it."

He smiled and I found I couldn't say no. I reached down and grabbed the weird egg. I tucked it safely in my pouch and climbed. The gate had a guard posted at the top so I couldn't run across. A ladder led to a gatehouse and I started up the road. A pair of guards walked their rounds ahead of me. I ran up the hill to the left. A garden spread before me with guards posted intermittently about.

I was glad for my dark clothes. I wound through the trees and climbed a wall. A canal flowed around the castle keep behind another pair of guards. I jumped in. As I swam against the current, the sun rose.

I climbed out as a cuckoo hatched from my egg. I walked away from the guards and saw a person sleeping. I tiptoed to them and tapped her shoulder. She mumbled, "It's just a chicken, Malone."

I cocked my head to the side. Could this lazy person be the dreaded mother I was told about? The cuckoo started peeping and the person jumped up. She shouted, "What in tarnation?"

I backed up and hid behind a nearby crate. She looked around before focusing on me and I said, "Please don't eat me!"

The woman stared at me and burst out laughing. She said, "Now what gave you that idea? Were you the one to wake me up?"

I nodded and she laughed again. "That's good. I need to deliver this milk and then get back to my son, Malone."

I held out the cuckoo chick and said, "We waited all day for you, but you never returned."

The woman cursed as she took it. She said, "I made him wait. Sorry, kid, but I've got to get back to him."

She jogged away and I asked, "Why did she leave before doing her job?"

Navi said, "Maybe parents do strange things for their children."

I tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside. Navi flew over to a hole where water flowed and I used the crates to jump across. I crawled through and entered the inner gardens.

Navi said, "Be careful, Link."

Guards paced their rounds. I used the hedges and fountains to sneak past. I was nearly spotted, but reached the round courtyard where a child looked through a window. He wore pants that ended at slippers and a stole covered his shirt. It bore the mark of a triangle and bird.

I walked forward and he turned in surprise. His wide, naive blue eyes held fear and his blond hair fell across his face. He asked, "Who are you? How did you get past the guards?"

I took a step back nervously and Navi hid behind me. His light spilled around me and the boy asked, "Is that a fairy?"

I nodded and the boy said, "But then, you don't happen to have the Spiritual Stone of the Forest? You know that green and shining stone?"

I nodded and the boy laughed, all fear gone. "I thought so. I had a dream where dark clouds billowed over Hyrule when a bright light shone from the forest held by a figure and followed by a fairy. I took this to mean a messenger from the forest was coming." The boy added suddenly, "My name is Sheik, Prince of Hyrule. What is your name?"

I answered quietly, "Link."

The boy frowned and said, "Link, it sounds somehow familiar." His blue eyes brightened and he said, "I'm spying. The dark clouds from my dream, I believe they symbolize that woman in there." He gestured through the window and asked, "Would you look through?"

I nodded and stepped up to it. A woman in black armor with bright red hair knelt before a throne. She looked over and I saw her intense orange eyes before I ducked out of sight.

Sheik asked, "Did she see you?" I nodded and he said, "Don't worry. She doesn't know what we're planning yet."

I asked hesitantly, testing out my new vocabulary, "Did you talk to your mother about your dream?"

He frowned and said, "I did, but she doesn't believe it to be prophecy. Listen, I need to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else."

I said, "I promise."

Sheik said, "This is part of the creation story passed down by the royal family."

He told about the Triforce and about the wish it could grant based on the holder's heart. He said, "I know that woman is after the Triforce, but I have a plan to get to it first. Find the other Spiritual Stones and meet me again."

He took out a piece of paper and started writing. "This will get you part of the way. Now, you must leave before the guards change."

I nodded and turned to leave. At the exit of the garden, a tall, well-built man stood blocking my way. He was wrapped in strips of white cloth and a loose vest and pants covered them, light armor barely visible beneath. Bold black paint seemed to bleed from one eye. His white hair was cut choppily to frame his face.

He said with a pleasantly coarse voice and crossed arms, "I am Impaz of the Sheikah. I have served as the Prince's nanny. In the Prince's dream, my role was to teach a song to the person from the forest. Listen as I sing Sheik's Lullaby. I have played it for him since he was a baby and it will prove your connection to the royal family."

I pulled out the ocarina Sario had given me and waited. Impaz held a hand to his mouth and whistled. I closed my eyes and played it back.

Impaz grinned in a hard manner and said, "I'll escort you out. If the guards catch you, it won't be good."

I followed the man all the way to the gate of Castle Town. He almost reminded me of Sario, but they were hardly similar. This man seemed very tough, but if he cared for the Prince, surely he wasn't heartless. I felt homesick again.

Impaz interrupted my thoughts by saying, "The Gorons of Death Mountain hold the Spiritual Stone of Fire. It's a dangerous game you and the Prince play, but I fear the consequences should you fail. I wish you luck."

I heard a snap and when I turned to look behind me, Impaz was gone. Navi said indignantly, "That was rude!"

Lon Lon Ranch sat to my right. It caught my eye and I started toward it. Navi said, "Death mountain is that way."

"It's just a detour. And I need to talk to Sario before I start this mission."

I walked into the ranch a few hours before sunset. A barn sat to the right, so I walked into the left building. The woman I had woken sat by three cuckoos.

She saw me and said, "If it isn't my little lifesaver. Took me a while, but I got Malone back in a good mood. My name's Talona. Malone told me your name is Link."

I took her in. I hadn't noticed before that she wore suspenders over a white shirt and blue pants. Worn work boots covered her feet, but what caught my eye was her chest. Two large lumps jiggled as she gestured around.

Talona caught my stare and said, "You are sheltered. Malone told me all about you, but I didn't want to believe it. To think of a bunch of children living alone makes me sick."

I blushed and lowered my gaze. Talona crossed her arms and smiled. "How about you play a game with me. If you can find these three special cuckoos amidst that there gaggle of normal cuckoos I'll give you a gift."

She released them before I could decline and I chased after them, pushing down my annoyance. I picked up a random cuckoo and Talona said, "One down!"

I ran to the corner and looked around. They all looked exactly alike. I grabbed another and Talona said, "One to go."

I stared between two birds and chose one. Talona laughed and said, "That's the last of them."

I walked back grinning, my annoyance and embarrassment forgotten. Talona said, "Now for a reward. How'd you like to marry Malone?"

I frowned in thought. Malone hadn't explained marriage to me. Talona laughed at my expression and said, "I'm just teasing you."

She pulled out a bottle of milk and said, "This is your prize. A kid like you should drink lots of milk to grow big and strong. Bring back the empty bottle and I'll refill it for you."

I took the bottle and she said, "I have to start cooking now, but you can go play with Malone if you'd like. He was out in the corral."

"Thanks," I said. I ran out to the corral. Pasture spread beyond and cows spotted the green landscape. Horses grazed freely. One ran circuits around the outside of the fence on a worn track. I waited for it to pass and ran into the pasture. Malone sat on the ground by a lean-to with a red foal.

I ran over and heard Malone singing. I said, "Hey again!"

Malone waved and said, "Hi, fairy girl."

I stopped and folded my hands shyly behind my back. Malone put a hand on the foal and said, "I'd like you to meet my friend. She's this horse. Her name is Epona."

The filly stood as I walked closer and ran away when I tried to rub her neck. Malone frowned and said, "I'm sorry, Link. I'm afraid Epona is even more nervous around strangers than you."

I sat down on the hay beside him and asked, "What were you singing?"

"It was a song my father used to sing when he worked. Do you sing, Link?"

I leaned on my elbows. "I've never really tried. My friend, Sario, taught me how to play an ocarina, but that's it. We hold a dance once a year in the forest. The children play instruments and dance with the skull kids. I always stayed home."

Malone laid back and said, "That's too bad. With your talent with the slingshot, I thought you'd be good. Movement seemed so easy for you. We hold a dance here at the ranch for all the surrounding towns."

I pulled out my ocarina and played a tuneless melody. It turned into a theme the girl above the shop in the forest always sang. When I finished, Malone asked, "Would you like to learn my song?"

I smiled and he sang. I listened and when he stopped, I played it back to him. I lowered my ocarina and asked, "How was that?"

He blushed and lowered his eyes quickly. He changed the subject by saying, "That was good, but now Epona won't leave you alone. She knows that song is for friends only."

Sure enough, the red filly trotted over. I placed a hand on her neck and said, "She's very pretty."

Malone said, "I named her after the song. The horse in the song was named Epona, a goddess among wild mares. She's the only red horse we have. My dad used to plan which horses would mate. One day, the stallion he rode slipped and fell, crushing my dad and breaking its legs. There was nothing we could do for either of them. Epona is the first and last foal born of that sire."

I glanced over and saw Malone's eyes tear up. I didn't fully understand why he was sad. I had never had a father before, right? Then I remembered how I had felt when the Deku Tree died and I knew that wasn't exactly true.

I wrapped an arm around him the way Sario had done so often for me. Malone sniffed and said, "I deal with it, but my mom poured herself into the ranch to bury her pain."

"She seemed like such a strong woman. I never would have thought she was so sad," I said quietly.

Epona reached back and grabbed the edge of my hat. She pulled and I tried to grab it, but she was too quick. I clapped my hands over my ears and blushed. Malone looked at me oddly. I ran to the barn. Navi flew at my shoulder and I knew Malone watched in confusion.

I passed another woman holding a bucket, but didn't stop until I was alone in an empty stall. Navi glowed faintly in the dark barn. I shut my eyes and tried to block out my humiliation. I heard the barn door open and someone sat beside me.

I heard Talona say, "Now what's all this about? There I am, stirring dinner, when Malone comes running in saying something about Epona stealing your hat. He said you ran into the barn upset. So, why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!"

"Of course not," Talona said gently.

She ran a thumb across my cheek to wipe away a wet trail. I opened my eyes in surprise and saw her smiling at me. I glanced at the floor and said, "It's too embarrassing."

Talona said, "Try me."

I slowly lowered my hand to reveal my pointed ear. "They're different than all my friends."

Talon laughed and said, "Look at this."

I saw her pull back her brown hair to show her own pointed ear. I opened my mouth in shock and Talona laughed again. She said, "You're not the only one. In fact, most of the people I know have ears like you."

She held out my hat. I took it and put it back on. Navi stood on my knee and watched Talona suspiciously. The woman finally noticed the blue light he was giving off. I held my hand out to him and Navi knelt in my palm with his hands on my thumb. "This is my fairy partner, Navi. I just met him a few days ago."

Talona smiled in awe just like Malone had when he first saw the fairy. She said, "He really is special."

She stood and said, "Well, dinner will be ready soon. We should head inside."

I shook my head and said, "I have to get back to the forest. My friend Sario… I need to talk to him."

Talona smiled and said, "Stay the night. In the morning I'll give you a ride to the forest."

I looked at Navi, who shrugged. I looked at her and nodded. Her smile broadened and she led me inside the house. The woman who I had passed earlier was setting a table. Talona said, "Inga, place another setting. We have a very important guest tonight."

I looked up at Talona and she winked at me. She left me in the dining room and I stood in the corner awkwardly. The woman asked, "So who are you?"

I didn't like her gruff tone. She wasn't like Talona. I didn't respond and the woman said, "I work all day and take care of everything around here, but I don't get the respect I deserve. Forgive me for not appreciating your stay."

I waited impatiently for Talona to return. This Inga woman was truly vile. Malone and Talona exited the kitchen with a pan of meat patties in gravy and potatoes. After placing the dishes on the table, they went back to the kitchen and returned with milk and a vegetable. Talona sat at the head of the table and the rest of us filled in.

She said, "Let us give thanks for our food." She folded her hands and said, "Goddesses who watch over us, we thank that you have provided us with a bountiful harvest yet again. May we learn to appreciate your gifts in times of plenty and accept them with humility."

When Talona finished, she began to dish food. She put a meat patty on my plate and potatoes before covering them with gravy. A pile of the long green veggie sat beside them. I stared at my plate, unsure of what the food was. Malone stabbed his meat with his fork and ate with enthusiasm.

He looked across the table to me and said, "Try it. Ma makes the best ground steak in Hyrule."

I hesitantly took a small bite. The meat broke apart in my mouth and a rich flavor coated my tongue. The gravy complemented well with both the meat and potatoes and I found myself smiling in happy surprise. Talona snorted at my expression and I dug into my food.

During dinner, Talona spoke about life on the ranch. She told me about her childhood before she met her husband and about the times they snuck into the loft. Malone blushed and I listened intently to find out why he was embarrassed. After dinner, I helped clean up and Talona took me upstairs to find pajamas. She pulled out a long shirt and lifted my tunic off over my head. She dropped the shirt over my head and I pushed my arms through the arm holes. It fell down below my knees and she laughed. I took off my boots and put them with my tunic. Talona began undressing as well. I found myself staring again.

Talona glanced at me and asked, "Do you know about the changes that happen to your body as you grow older?"

"You mean puberty?" I asked.

She nodded. I shook my head and she sighed. She dropped a dressing gown over her own head and covered her nakedness. She sat on the bed and patted the spot beside her. She told me what Navi couldn't. Over the next hour I learned that I wasn't very far from becoming a woman myself. Talona explained it all and that I shouldn't be afraid.

When I yawned, Talona said, "I think that's enough for tonight. I have to put Malone to bed. You can sleep here."

"Where will you sleep?" I asked.

She smiled sadly and said, "I think I'd like to sleep in the loft tonight. All those stories from the past just bring up bad memories."

I watched her leave before lying on the bed. I asked Navi, "How can what she said be true if I'm a Kokiri?"

Navi said, "Maybe Sario will know."

I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep.

I may have changed a little bit more than I intended. I knew Mido didn't like Link and since they're children they tease each other. I made Link the only Kokiri to have pointed ears to give them something to tease about since Link is different than them.

So how was that? I treated this chapter like the game does. It's an introduction to the basics and I explained things how I think they would work.