The Day Hyrule Wept (A BOTW AU)

Old Friends

A short time later, a large tree-like figure was standing near the road to Kakariko. I was worried it may be hostile, like nearly everything else seems to be.

I carefully dismounted Cloud and walked towards it.

"Hi there?" My voice was the opposite of confident.

The tree shook with surprise. "You can see me?"

"I can see you."

"It's been over 100 years since anyone has seen me! My name is Hestu. I live in Korok forest with my other Korok friends. We are forest spirits."

"That sounds lovely, Hestu. I'm Zelda."

"Zelda!?" Hestu looked confused...at least what looked like confusion for a forest spirit.

"Yes?"

"Well shakala! Nice to meet you! I would like to go home but I lost my maracas."

"I could find them for you." I offered. The day was still young and I knew we were close to Kakariko Village. According to the signs along the road at least.

"You would!? They were stolen by a bunch of bandit bokoblins over there in those rocks."

Bokoblins. They must be the creatures!

"Consider it done." I mounted Cloud and headed towards where Hestu had pointed.

The piglike bokoblins were guarding a chest, probably the maracas. There were three, two red and one blue.

Using the soldier's bow, I crouched and shot a red one straight in the head causing it to fall, signaling the others that there was an enemy.

Taking out my sword, it felt ready to fall apart.

I might have to improv these next steps...

One blow to the other red bokoblin left the blue one out of a team. I knew my sword was worn and tattered at this point, so I had to think of how to make the last hit count. The blue bokoblin was almost to me, in a panic I threw the sword at him, causing the sword to explode in shards and knock out the monster. Taking out my traveler's sword, I delivered the final blow.

Throwing weapons does more damage.

Grabbing the maracas from the chest, I ran to Cloud and back down to meet Hestu.

"Here as promised." I handed the large beautiful red maracas to Hestu, who squealed with joy.

"Thank you!!! In return, I'll expand your ability to hold weapons and other inventory items in exchange for Korok seeds."

"Korok seeds?"

"When you find my fellow friends in odd places, have them give you a Korok seed and find me in Korok forest. There I can grant your increased ability!"

"Sounds great, thank you Hestu. That would be incredibly useful."

"Shalaka! See you later! I better be off now."

And with that, the spirit was gone.

Jumping back on Cloud, we rode the rest of the way to Kakariko Village.

An elderly lady was sitting in the grass, looking like she was in pain.

"Are you alright?" I inquired.

"Just think I sprained my ankle, nothing too much to worry about." She slowly rode from the ground, stopping suddenly.

"Everything alright?"