The weather had not been kind in Hyrule for the past few days. However, water wasn't the only thing hitting the ground that fateful day. Hundreds of wounded and dead soldiers scattered the fields of Hyrule. More were fighting to avoid the same fate. The Gerudo thieves to the west had made their march just two weeks prior, almost without warning. Meeting them on the battlefield were the ever-serving Sheikah. The Gerudo's quest for power lead them to this conflict.

Neither side showed signs of stopping either. The Gerudo had expanded their army as far as the southeast corner, before being cut off of reinforcements that would come from the desert. Though small in number, the Gerudo were skilled in swordplay. It was their profession. Being a race of primarily women, they've had to fight the gender battle harder than anyone ever should. The Sheikah, on the other hand, had served the royal family of Hyrule for generations. Doing so required numbers. The Sheikah outnumbered the Gerudo on the battlefields 10 to 7. It didn't matter, not to the desert thieves. They've always been the minority, and would most likely always will.

The Hyrulean Civil War had led most of the citizens either to flee to Kakariko Village, which had turned into a refugee camp as a result, or to board up their houses. Citizens of Lon Lon Ranch were no exception. Being in the middle of Hyrule Field made it a keep to be taken. Most residents had been forced to flee to the safety of the refugee camp. Others stayed to fight. One family in particular took a third road. To escape the chaos, they'd gone somewhere no one would dare to follow: Kokiri Forest. The one place they'd be safe.

It just so happened the only way to get to the forest is through the enemy camp. War was something the father knew all to well. He had been in one before, during the time of the Zora Incursion. 10 years ago, he had led his army to the Zora capital, and returned a hero. Now, he had to dawn his armor once again, against the Gerudo. It still felt heavy after all it had been through. Looking out the window, he saw many camps set up on the path they were to take. Looking to his wife and 8 month old son didn't ease his nerves in the slightest. "He needs to be heavily asleep before we even think of doing this," he said, coming to sit by her.

The wife, who had just finished feeding the child, smiled at her husband. "It won't be long now," she said in a quiet, loving tone. Pushing her long blond hair from her eyes, she leaned down and kissed her son on the forehead, earning her a happy coo from the sleepy child. He had to be asleep. Silence was a key part of sneaking about at night. They planned to entrust the child to the guardian of the woods: the Great Deku Tree. This was, by far, the hardest decision to make as a loving mother. But it's not like she had much choice. The refugees have been lying on the ground around Kakariko village for about 4 days now, so finding a suitable home there just wasn't in the cards.

She stood up, walked over to her son's bed and grabbed a green blanket with his name stitched into it. Carefully, she wrapped it around him to keep him warm, making sure his name was visible on the outside. "I hope he stays asleep through the night. Would be all for naught if he wakes up," worried the father. His wife looked at him, with a look of less worry. He had been putting a quiver full of arrows at his left side, and holds the bow in his right hand. "After all, if we get caught... things could go very wrong." He positioned his sheathed sword on his back, to be drawn by his left hand.

"We're not going to get caught. But better safe than sorry," the mother replied, rocking her child to sleep. It didn't take long before he was out. Slowly moving to sit by the door, taking care not to wake him, she leaned in to whisper to her husband. "When are we to leave?"

"A few minutes. We'll be following the tree line to the bridge. Of course, we'll need to get to it first, so we'll be going through camp before anything else," the father explained. After the few minutes had passed, they set out for the tree line, reaching it in roughly half an hour. Together, they followed the trees for almost an hour, the latter 15 minutes past enemy lines. Off in the distance, he could almost see the entrance.

They weren't the only ones awake. A small group of Sheikah had plans as well: sneak into enemy camps, and take their lives in the night. Unfortunately for them, it wasn't that easy. The Gerudo had been keeping watch all night, and had decided to awaken several others on her way to the intruding Sheikah. With various weapons drawn, the clanging of metal quickly woke warriors from both sides, causing even more chaos.

It didn't take long for the sounds of war to reach the child's ears. Waking in a fit, he started to cry, getting the attention of the Gerudo. "We have to hurry!" The father exclaimed, as he noticed a few Gerudo had taken notice. Making sure his wife was in front of him, he nocked an arrow and took aim at one of the approaching enemies. After firing, which was deflected, he picked up his own pace and readied another. After a minute or so, he became slightly fatigued. He decided to plant his feet and fire on the pursuing threat.

The woman stopped, and turned to face her husband, "Forget about them and just run!"

After firing all of his arrows, which didn't take long, and killing off at least a dozen and a half, he chased after his wife, who continued to run. Thankfully, that moment's rest did good, as he was able to catch up to her. Not long after, they found and crossed the bridge. Once on the other side, he looked back, seeing the Gerudo stop following had put a small smile over his face. Turning away, they faded from the Gerudo's sight.

Traveling in the woods without a guide was a dangerous thing to do, especially at night. Finding the village was easier than originally thought, as they got there in just under ten minutes. "That was easy," the father said, taking a break near the entrance of the village. The woman was too busy trying to get her son to calm down to notice. A look around this village would show a mess of scattered houses made of trees, all dimly lit on the inside. No doubt the residents, he thought. Glad it's still nighttime.

They had heard of the forest dwellers, and their trait of reaching maturity at a young age. Doing so had the effect of keeping their youthful appearance. He didn't envy them in the slightest. The mother thought this is where they'd live now, in the peaceful forest free from war. Their child held more priority.

Getting to his feet, they made their way to the Great Deku Tree, who was on the furthest opening away from them. On their way, he saw one of the houses brightly lit inside. It didn't take them long to reach the guardian. The woman took to her knees, and set her son on the ground in front of her. "Oh Great Deku Tree. I pray to thee," she spoke clearly, "to take my child, and keep him out of harm's way. Let him not know of war."

The Great Deku Tree creaked as it opened its hollow eye sockets. Though empty, the two could tell it was looking at her. "Woman. I have heard your wish. However, complying would mean sending him to a time and place of harmony. You would likely not see your child ever again." The Great Deku Tree's voice was deep, and somewhat muffled.

Slowly, hesitantly, she picked up her son and held him close. "A few words then, before I give him up..." Clearing her throat, she began. "Son, I'm very sorry for the world you were born into. Moreso that we weren't a family for very long. Nevertheless, know that wherever you are, whenever you are, I love you with all my heart. You're going to a much safer place than this." She ran her fingers through his thin blond hair.

"I hope you grow to be big and strong, like your father. And make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make friends, and be nice to everyone, even if they don't deserve it." She motioned for the father to come over, who did so in a lumbering manner.

"Link, I uh, I'm not good with this sort of thing... But, all I can say now, is I love you too. We both do. So much. And it's because we love you that we want you to be safe." Believing he could leave knowledge of his own, he took a knee beside his wife and son. "If there are friends who stand behind you, be the shield that protects them. If you gain allies that stand at your side, give them your respect. And for those who dare oppose you... Grant them no quarter." The father took a slow breath and eased his expression and grip. "For those that seek your guidance, speak well. To those that ask for mercy, grant it. I may not know where you're going... but I'll always be right there." He tapped the little Hylian on the chest above his heart. "Great Deku Tree," turning his attention, "I too have a request. Give this boy a fairy companion. That way, he'll know what happened, and the circumstances of this event. Let him know who his parents are, where he comes from, and who he is."

Upon hearing this, the guardian of the woods called on a little blue light. It came down in a spiral to the family. "Hello, my name is Navi," the fairy introduced.

"I'm Falon, this is my wife Ankho. Our son's name is Link." He looked down at him. The boy smiled and reached up to the fist sized fairy. "Can I trust you will remember our wishes, and tell him, when he is ready?" She landed on his hand, dimming her light. She was barely an inch and a half tall, had light blue hair, with a pair of double wings coming from her back, and a light blue tint to her skin. This particular fairy wore a dark blue dress that stood out from her skin tone. She flew up to the parents.

"Of course. Your words... I will remember them. I will tell him all about you two." Little Navi turned to face the Great Deku Tree. "Where will we be going?"

The Great Deku Tree paused a moment. "To a land of harmony, where he will not know of war. As was her wish." Both the boy and fairy were wrapped in a green light, getting brighter. Suddenly, the light, child and fairy vanished. The mother collapsed in sorrow into her husband's arms. The Great Deku Tree hesitated to say anything, wishing for the parents to have their moment. "If that is all, you may go."

Slowly rising to their feet, they bow to him, "Thank you for your assistance and generosity," the man said, wiping his tears away. No sooner did he turn, than a young man approached them, an angry look on his face.

"What are you doing here? This is a sacred place, only the boss of the village can be in here, and that's me! The Great Mido!" The young man barely came up to the father's hip, but knew he meant business. "Since you've woken our guardian deity, you have to leave this place, Hylian. You are no longer welcome."

"I can speak for myself, Mido..." the Great Deku Tree chided. "Escort these two brave souls to the entrance. Do your best to ensure they make it out safely."

Mido was taken aback at the command. "Y-yes, Great Deku Tree... As you wish." He simply turned around and waved a hand for them to follow.

There wasn't much they could do. Going back to the entrance at a Like-Like's pace only brought more tears to the woman's eyes. Finally, at the exit, they proceeded to look for the bridge. The father had his sword drawn.

Not 5 minutes in, the little angry Kokiri had disappeared, leaving the two of them to fend for themselves. Whether for spite or for carelessness, the two parents had gotten separated.

After wandering around for an hour, they rested on the ground. "I'm going to look ahead. You get some sleep," the father instructed. As she lay her head down, the man walked off. Slowly, he faded from sight. She wasn't sure why, maybe fog had rolled in? Or it was just the night? She wasn't sure, but confirmed he'd be fine. She slept.

The man, having not found the bridge, had a look of surprise on his face as he somehow made it out of the woods back at allied camp. The war was still raging from earlier, so he decided to rejoin. He fought valiantly, to the end. His name would be remembered for ages as the Hero of Hyrule, who put his life on the line to protect his country. When the war was over, the leader of the Gerudo, Ganondorf, had pledged his allegiance to the king. To what end, no one knew.

The woman couldn't tell if she woke up at all. Only one voice rang clear in her head.

"Anybody who comes into the forest will be lost. Everybody will become a Stalfos."

Everyone, Stalfos.

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