Lost Woods: The Village Long Forgotten

 Tack woke to the sound of voices speaking in an ancient, forgotten language. His vision was hazy, but as he slowly regained his senses, he noticed figures moving around in forest-green tunics, each accompanied by glowing fairies. He blinked and squinted, spotting Carly tied to a tree branch, unconscious, her arms bound tightly.

"CARLY!" Tack shouted, panic in his voice. He struggled against the ropes restraining him, but they held firm. His outburst caught the attention of the figures around him.

"Ah, you're awake," a woman said, poking him with a stick. Her voice was cold and unfamiliar. Tack realized he had drawn unwanted attention.

"The chief is deciding what to do with you and your friend," she added, her tone smug.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on my sister!" Tack snarled, anger burning in his eyes. But the group of strange forest people merely grinned, their expressions unsettling.

"We don't take kindly to outsiders," said a young man wearing a tunic with a strange, ornate design.

"Chief Midona!" the group suddenly chanted in unison. The crowd parted as a tall figure approached. The chief's piercing gaze fell upon Tack, and everyone immediately bowed.

"We, the Kokiri, do not permit outsiders into our domain," Chief Midona hissed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Until your execution is decided, you'll remain here—bound."

"The Kokiri were once kind," Tack said, his voice wavering in disbelief. "What happened to you?" His words fell on deaf ears as the Kokiri turned and left without responding.

Moments later, Tack heard rustling in the bushes nearby. The sound grew louder, closer. Suddenly, a small, strange-looking kid darted from the foliage, slashing through the ropes that held him. The kid motioned for Tack to follow. Without hesitation, Tack grabbed Carly, slung her over his back, and quickly retrieved their weapons lying on a nearby stump.

As they ran, Tack glanced at the mysterious child leading the way. The kid's appearance stirred something in his memory, something his parents once described to him, but it was too fuzzy to recall.

"Who are you? What are you?" Tack called out, but the kid remained silent, leading them deeper into the woods. Soon, they reached a hidden camp, where more children like the mysterious one were gathered.

"Whoa, so many kids like you," Tack muttered in awe.

"They're Skull Children," a voice behind him said. Tack jumped at the sudden answer, turning to see a young girl with green hair and a skull mask.

"Gah!" he exclaimed, startled. His abrupt movement caused Carly to stir. He gently set her down as she rubbed her eyes.

"Morning already?" Carly mumbled with a yawn, still groggy. As she became fully awake, her eyes widened in surprise. "Where are we?" she asked, scanning the camp.

"You're in what was once the old Kokiri village," the green-haired girl explained. "It used to be beautiful, but it was overrun by monsters. The villagers left, and now only outcasts remain."

"And who are you?" Tack asked.

"I'm an outlaw," she replied softly. "I used to be the village's protector, but Chief Midona blamed me for the monster attacks. She cast me out."

The girl's voice trembled, and she looked down, clutching her arm as if trying to hold back tears. "He'll send people to search for you. You'd better stay hidden for a while."

Tack and Carly exchanged looks, both silently agreeing to follow her advice. As they explored the camp, taking in the sights of the ruined village and surrounding forest, Carly couldn't help but admire it.

"This place is amazing," she said in awe, sitting on a nearby stump.

"Yeah, but how are we supposed to get to the mine?" Tack wondered aloud. Their moment of peace was suddenly shattered by screams and cries for help. Tack's heart raced as he saw Stalfos charging into the camp, attacking everything in sight.

"The village is under attack!" Tack yelled, drawing his weapon.

Carly, now fully alert, jumped into action alongside him. Together, they fought off the Stalfos, his blade, her crossbows and arrows, as well as the skull children and the green haired girl's various weapons clashing against the skeletal warriors. After a fierce battle, the invaders were defeated, and the village began picking up the pieces.

"Thank you," the green-haired girl said, approaching Tack and Carly with a grateful smile.

"It was our pleasure," Tack replied, catching his breath.

"Where are you two headed?" she asked, brushing dirt from her tunic.

"We're heading to the mine," Carly said, her voice innocent but determined.

"The mine? It's dangerous there!" the girl exclaimed. "But if you're set on going, you'll need the right tools. Follow me."

Tack and Carly followed her to a small, worn-down hut. Inside, a single chest sat in the back of the room.

"Are the tools in there?" Tack asked, eyeing the chest with curiosity.

"Yes," the girl said, stepping aside. "These will help you on your journey."

Tack lifted the chest's lid to reveal several brown bags. He reached into one and pulled out a familiar item. "Bombs?" he questioned.

"You'll need these to get past cracked walls, fallen boulders, and certain enemies," she explained. Before they could ask more, a Skull Child burst into the room.

"Ms. Guardian! The Kokiri have found us!" the child shouted, panic in their voice.

Tack's heart raced as he saw the fear in the child's eyes. "Do you need our help defending the village?" he asked, already preparing to assist.

"No," the green-haired girl said firmly, grabbing a spear. "You need to get to the mine. Defeat whatever's causing the chaos. We'll handle things here and keep them distracted."

Tack and Carly nodded. After receiving a map of the woods from the girl, Tack crouched down, letting Carly climb onto his back again. With determination, they sprinted off in the direction of the mine, leaving the Skull Children to face whatever was coming their way.