Chapter VI
A fortnight had passed since the haunting incident. Link spent most of his days resting, having fallen into a deep depression that would be difficult to emerge from. He was constantly weary; sleeping was hardly an option considering the nightmares. Zelda, on the other hand, remained a busy bee trying to scavenge any of the information she could on Ganondorf's whereabouts in the kingdom. Considering the intensity of the previous events, Zelda would not be permitted to leave the castle, not even under the protection of the Hylian Knights – not even Link. It became apparent that he was no match for such a deadly threat. So if Link wasn't able to handle the demon, who would? For now, it was up to the knights of Hyrule to search for the demon and hopefully bring down the enemy. Several soldiers were sent into the depths of Castle Town, all of them returning without a scratch of knowledge to bestow the practically insane princess. Not until one traumatizing knight arrived at the doorstep of the castle's garden walls.
Twinrova had taken effect yet again, but not without a twist. Literally. The forever frozen soldier's neck was turned brutally to look down at his spine, which was mutilated and kinked and broken in all odd places. His arms and legs as well were wound strangely, one of his legs twisted and his foot touching his back, his toes pointing at his base. The look of the soldier's face, however, struck the most horror in everyone's heart. His once confident eyes had been plucked from their sockets and his tongue had been stretched out of his broken and falling jaw. This soldier, before a happy family man, had been turned into a warning. A note was set delicately in one of the soldier's hands that looked as if they clawed for savior. The note, stained in blood, read; "I'm always watching. Meet me under the full moon by the tower in central."
Central Castle Town, the square of the city. The full moon was in one week. Zelda's spine shivered and her head fell unbearably light. Had this soldier been out on the streets when this happened or had he been on castle grounds? No, that didn't even matter. Ganondorf still managed to nonetheless breach the castle walls somehow, making his way through the tight security. This man was capable of anything. More importantly, he was still running the streets somewhere wreaking havoc and there was nothing she could do until that time, if there was anything she could do. No one was strong enough to protect the princess from such a diabolical force. Worst of all, she wasn't strong enough to protect anyone else.
xXx
"Alright," Princess Zelda soothed as she and Link stood in the training grounds. "Trying holding it."
It wasn't the most genius of engineering considering the limited time they had, but this temporary invention would hopefully allow Link to properly hold a sword again. It was a leather glove with a metal thumb stuck to it. The thumb was permanently bent as if it were holding the hilt of a sword, promising for a strong grip. This contraption wouldn't be useful for everyday life, such as eating or of the like, but it would hopefully be great for sword battle.
Link held the familiar blade in his grip, Zelda watching intently behind him. She gently rubbed his tense shoulders as if to calm the hero's nerves, but he simply wouldn't be eased into tranquility. "Good! You're doing great so far. Now try hitting the soldier."
It was a stump designed to look like a knight. The trainee soldiers often made use of it, but it had been a long time since Link touched the thing. Link gripped the sword in his hand. It felt odd not having a thumb to wrap around the hilt. While this mechanical thumb was doing great support, the knight felt as if he didn't have a tight enough grasp around the thing. But that was just him. Link's dreading eyes gazed at the mannequin, never wishing to have to fight ever again, but it was under the princess' orders and he would never deny her. It was essential that he fought again if he wanted to defeat Ganondorf, anyway; and by the goddesses he so craved with every fiber in his body to defeat him. Not for himself, but for the safety of the princess and the kingdom.
So Link held the sword firmly in his hand and studied the figure before him. With a tight squeeze, he jolted forward, grabble spitting beneath his feet, and dashed for the wooden enemy as quick as he could. With all of his strength, he threw the blade behind him and slung it forward. The impact of the blade against the wood was so strong that it managed to slice right through, something that none of the soldiers were able to accomplish. Then again, Link was named head Hylian Knight for a reason.
The wooden half flew from the mannequin and fell to the stone with several heavy thuds, sliding on the ground until it came to a quiet stop. Link stared contently at the defeated enemy. The sword in his hand suddenly felt strange and unbalanced, and without warning it fell from his grip. He looked down surprised at the fallen blade with flickering eyes. Next to the sword was a shattered metal thumb, its pieces sprawled across the floor. Not only was the mannequin destroyed by his superhuman strength, but so was his newly designed thumb.
A small smile folded on Zelda's newfound usual sorrowful lips. She walked to the frozen hero and placed a calming hand on his shoulder, which was now far less tense than before. "At least you still have your undying strength. Unfortunately, we'll have to think of a new and stronger design."
xXx
A rather windy night fell upon Hyrule, the flags of the castle never falling. The second class Hylian Knights kept a traditional sleepless guard in preparation of an attack, and like the guards, Link too was sleepless. Just outside of Zelda's room, where he now usually rested, was a quiet balcony left all to his thoughts. He sat on the rail with one arm laying on his propped knee and his other leg dangling. Though he didn't currently have the power to do anything, he still felt it was his responsibility to watch over the town. Nowadays a certain sadness lingered over him, keeping in mind that he lacked the power he used to without a proper way to hold a sword. His confidence had dropped tenfold and his fear overwhelmed him; not that he was specifically fearful of Ganondorf. More so he often pondered as to whether or not he could truly defend himself or anyone else from the ruthless being. On the bright side, the wicked drug lord no longer had any creature to craft his substances, but the demon was still strong and still alive. Still wreaking havoc. Still thirsty for power… Still a threat.
Link aggressively pulled back his bangs. If he never succumbed to that stupid witch's wretched influence… none of this… none of this would have…!
"Link, you should get to sleep."
The former hero looked over his shoulder to see an elegant princess dressed in sapphire moonlight. Her hair was unkempt, which was rare considering it was normally fashioned; she probably couldn't sleep. In her arms was a velvet, vinous blanket. A smile was masked on Zelda's porcelain face, but the weary bags under her eyes made it obvious she was beyond troubled and buried in thought, seeking company from her loyal friend. She gracefully crossed her light feet over to the sitting warrior and threw the blanket over Link's shoulders, tying it around his neck to keep it from falling. Link obediently took the edges in his hands and pulled it around his quivering body, but Zelda would be prone to the unforgiving gusts of wind. A frost shiver ran down Zelda's spine, sparking conversation. "My, the mistral sure is unwelcoming. You'll catch a cold if you stay out here too long."
Naturally, there was no reply from the mute who merely met the wind with his sparkling eyes. Yet the loyal knight tossed himself from the balcony and began to make his way inside, but Zelda halted him before he even traveled halfway towards the warmth of the bedroom. He turned fully to face her, hoping he didn't appear weak despite his previous face.
"Actually, Link…" the princess started with vision locked on the dangerous streets of Castle Town. "I wanted to thank you… and apologize." She now moved from the rail and took Link's strong hand in hers and tightly squeezed, then looked up at the bewildered knight with a twinkling, tearful gaze. "I'm sorry that you've been forced to endure all of this suffering because of me. I never should have left your side. I believed you could handle the situation, but I didn't know you would falter." Zelda suddenly turned her attention to the floor, unable to face the man she almost killed. "This is all my fault. You never once denied any of my commands, trusting in me like I trusted you. You, my most loyal knight, I nearly destroyed. I'm so sorry I did this to you. I'm sorry it's not over!"
The princess moved into Link's chest, loudly sobbing with shivering, uncontrollable shoulders. The hard wind calmed itself as if the goddesses desired mercy on the Hylians' unfortunate burdens. Link stared down at the broken princess in utter regret of all that had happened. He had no idea how to console Zelda in her time of need without words, especially unused to such grieving bestowed by her; she was always so sturdy. Link had to prove to her that everything would be better, that she had nothing to worry about, she had no guilt to bear. And so he stepped back from Zelda, wind catching her hair as she lifted her eyes in astonishment. Link, one hand remained locked with the princess, threw his other hand over his heart and dove to the marble floor, kneeling gallantly for the royal highness. He traditionally bowed his head low and gently squeezed Zelda's hand, reassuring the troubled girl that he was still strong.
Princess Zelda's heart fluttered with undying hope as she gazed down at the noble hero. With the wind allowing the crimson blanket to float above Link's shoulders, the sound of its folds hitting against his back, it could have almost been mistaken for a cape. Just the idea promised faith with the highness, gleaming with warmth towards her most precious knight. "You're a stubborn idiot," she laughed in between her sobs. She quickly wiped away the falling tears with her niveous glove and demanded that Link stand once again, brewing herself back to who she once was; rock solid and a fine ruler. "Well, I watched you on the training grounds today; if you're unwilling to falter, than so am I. I'll be strong for you and you'll be strong for me. That's how we've always been, right, soldier?"
Link was well taken by surprise with this reaction, but it eased him tremendously thanks to these satisfying results. He smiled gratefully at the beloved woman and nodded.
A light shower of rain unexpectedly sprinkled on the two, waking them from their thoughts. A tint of deep blush smacked their cheeks, realizing that their hands hadn't departed since the beginning of their conversation. They were hesitant to move away, enjoying the warmth of the other in the freezing temperature, but were overwhelmed with embarrassment due to the affection bestowed between a royal and a guard. Zelda nonetheless cherished the moment with a comforting simper, which Link gladly returned.
Suddenly, as the knight's cautious vision focused behind the princess, he noticed a large dark figure crouched on the balcony rail. Link's eyes immediately lit up; he instinctively jolted forward and threw Zelda behind himself, one arm held out in front of her as if to block her from an incoming attack. His hand naturally grabbed at the hilt of his sword, but it struck him with utter panic that his weapon was unequipped. The mysterious being merely offered a bombastic snicker towards the pathetic two, rising to a tall stand and revealing his robust build. "Ah, your relationship nearly had me moved…" Ganondorf, king of evil, spat with a heavy step on the marble floor.
Quiet thunder erupted in the background. Link and Zelda had to crank their heads back to look up towards the tall foe. "Why are you here?" Zelda demanded with renewed strength, though her knees trembled. "We're to meet under the full moon in Central Castle Town."
A malicious grin crept over the demon's curled lips. "I was hoping to catch that green boy in his slumber… He actually proved to be a threat when I watched him slice that wooden soldier. However, I got tired of waiting for you to fall asleep, so here I am to wipe you clean while your weapons are absent."
I'm always watching, the princess recalled from Ganon's threatening note. Zelda's eyes lit up; how long had Ganondorf been hiding within these walls?
Before the princess could open her mouth to speak another word, the monster suddenly lunged forward to attack. Link roughly pulled Zelda aside, nearly losing their balance on the damp floor as they just barely dodged the heavy beast. Ganondorf slid to a stop and whirled around to embrace the innocents again, but a red blanket suddenly tackled his face. The wind against the velvet was so strong it consumed the confused animal, wrapping him up while he desperately tried to claw his way out of the sturdy fabric. Link's heart beat at a rapid pace, having thrown the blanket as a distraction, and jumped forward and viciously kicked the stumbling Ganondorf in the chest with his heel, knocking the enemy to the ground with a thud. Upon impact of the merciless floor, the demon growled and ripped off the blanket and jumped to his feet in time to see Link jumping off of the balcony with the Zelda in his arms.
Link was already discharged as a soldier due to the failure of protecting Princess Zelda, but the council would surely have him banned from the castle for this! Link tightly held the young girl in his arms as they soared down the tower rooftops, shingles flying off behind his feet. The wind and rain hit their face with so much force that it actually stung, nearly taking their breath away. Link had to critically focus as his feet slid down the tower, keeping sure not to lose any sense of balance. Zelda, on the other hand, merely had to hold on. She looked over Link's shoulder to see of Ganondorf's whereabouts only to watch him fly over the balcony with rage. His feet stuck into the shingles like sticks in mud, then began to race down the decline in a straightforward run. His balled fists helped him move at a quick pace; however, his heavy character wouldn't be able to keep up with Link and Zelda's light and fast moving bodies.
The two were quickly running out of roof, and the next tower top was a good several feet away. Link held his breath, wondering if he would make the jump or not. Link crouched the best he could with his permanently damaged leg and hoped for the best, gritting his teeth as tight, before leaping off of the rooftop. Zelda let out a wild scream while clawing at Link's tunic, possibly waking up some of the servants and startling many of the soldiers on duty. The feeling of being airborne was incredible, but the two of them were far too fearful of the monster behind them to bask in the moment. Link slammed against the rooftop with his stumbling feet, thankfully making the landing, but unfortunately began to slide down the steep and slippery slope. Link gasped and uselessly clawed at the shingles. Unfortunately it was far too steep, so the hero and the highness merely began to slide off at rapid speeds. Quick breaths slipped Link's lips as he desperately reached out for anything to save himself. The two rolled off of the rooftop, Zelda letting out another ear-piercing screen, when Link was lucky enough to grab onto the rain gutter.
This proved to be another problem; Zelda was far too heavy for Link with only one arm, especially having to support the two of them in midair, the hellish winds made it difficult for his grip on such a small object, the growing rain that was beginning to pour made the gutter awfully slippery, and Ganondorf was quickly racing behind. Zelda's arms were tight around Link's neck, wide eyes watching as Ganondorf closed in on them. Would that beast actually be able to make it, despite his weight?
The demon reached the end of his rooftop, marking the start of his jump. It was obvious by departure that Ganondorf would make it nowhere near to Link's landing spot. A deep scowl dug into his face and a desperate hand clawed for the air before him, hardly reaching anything. His fingers wriggled for vengeance. If it wasn't for the wind, he never would have made it; Ganondorf barely latched onto Link's ankle, slamming himself and everyone else into the side of the stone tower. Everyone grunted with pain and discomfort, especially Link, who now supported three people dangling in the air. Ganondorf snarled as he began to climb up Link's legs. Zelda shrieked and kicked at the demon's face, impaling him square in the eye with her heels. The monster wailed and held his bloodied wound with his trembling hand, but refused to let go.
The rain gutter suddenly emitted a loud creak that echoed throughout their ears. It was beginning to peel away from the roof due to the extreme weight. Link bit his lip, his teeth sore from clenching so hard, and tried with all his might to pull the three of them up, but he was nowhere near strong enough. And with the pain of everyone stretching his arm and leg and abdomen, it was impossible to lift all the bodyweight. Zelda continued to kick at Ganondorf's face, giving him bruises all around his skull. The demon had quite enough of that; he latched onto the princess' legs and began to climb up her fragile body, squeezing her delicate frame as tight as he could. Zelda's body in Link's arm suddenly grew too heavy and she practically slipped from his grip; the hero barely managed to seize her wrist to keep her from falling. The princess screamed again and the constant struggling that Ganondorf brewed made it rough on Link's shoulder, holding those two up. The rain gutter creaked again, jerking away from the wall, and the wind swayed their twisting bodies all around. Link looked at the metal support with despairing eyes, watching it slowly but surely tear away from the roof. Zelda held onto Link with dear life. A fall from this height would probably break every last one of their bones, kill them if they were lucky.
It was no use. The rain gutter split from the rooftop, sending the three to fall at a rapid pace. But the wind was so strong that it blew them towards another declining rooftop down below. They aggressively slammed into the hard shingles and rolled down, falling onto another downslope roof, hitting a horizontal flagpole, descending to their deaths, and landing conveniently on a wooden wagon, though the landing wasn't soft. The impact against the surfaced object was so forceful that the wheels to the wagon broke, causing the latch at the end of the wooden structure to open and for one side to fall forward, everyone rolling and bouncing out onto the rugged cobblestone.
Everyone groaned with pain and remained unmoved, their bodies sore from the rough descent. Only the cold and piercing rain managed to bring them back to their senses. Link landed face down, ears ringing so loud that he could hardly hear himself breathing before waking up to a hoarse cackle. He propped himself up with his aching elbow, hardly being able to stand. Several seconds passed before his spinning vision landed on the dreadful sight; Ganondorf kneeled over a semiconscious Zelda with a syringe filled of Twinrova pointed at her neck. The demon was still coming to his senses as well, precarious in his movements.
Link froze, his heartbeat stopping still. His flickering eyes studied the dire scene as he forced himself to his knees, but Ganondorf moved the syringe closer to Zelda's vein, indicating if Link came any closer, the princess would be injected with the deadly serum.
Ganondorf's beaten lips coughed in between his titters, one eye droopy from the fall and the other pouring with blood and secretions. "You brought this all upon yourself, boy… All you had to do was help me."
Link's entire body shivered with so much intensity he could hardly hold himself up. He merely held his breath, afraid to even breathe in case Ganondorf was startled by the small movements and decided to destroy the princess. Zelda's dull eyes stared at Link with desperation. A pool of blood was slowly spilling from her skull. She must have landed fairly hard.
"I'll let her go on one… measly… condition… A condition even an idiot… would be able to suffice…"
The knight clawed at the ground. He didn't know where to look; Ganondorf, Zelda or the syringe. His mind began to grow fuzzy, too scared to breathe.
"Aaall you have to do… is plead."
Link let out his breath and took another deep breath in, regaining what little air was in his lungs. He didn't understand the order. Plead? As in beg? How?
"That's right," Ganondorf snickered. A trickle of blood ran down his skull. He must have been knocked out of his senses, not that he was sane to begin with. "Plead. Beg for mercy. Scream to the heavens! Tell me all about how you don't want me to lay a hand on your precious princess!"
Link gasped. He didn't have the ability to do such a thing! His voice was ripped away from him. The fallen hero creased his eyebrows into a deep perturb, frustrated with such a demand. How was he to accomplish such a request?
"Don't be shy, hero. All you have to do is ask. It's that easy!"
Link choked, opening his mouth but not knowing how or what to say. He swallowed hard, falling into a sweat. What was he supposed to do? He sat on his knees and took a shivered breath before forcing himself to say something – anything, but no audible sound pressed from his nonexistent voice.
Ganondorf lightly cackled. "Is that the best you can do?! Do you even care for her?!"
The knight shook his head, irritated by Ganondorf's thwart. Please, don't do this, he begged, digging his fingernails into his uniform. Deep circles appeared under his eyes, knowing he couldn't do anything.
"What's the matter, boy?! You're not even trying!"
Link suddenly began to scream and shout and plea at the top of his lungs, begging for mercy that wouldn't come! His voice remained silent, but he didn't give up, though it was pointless! He was merely making a fool of himself, but he had to give Zelda a chance to live!
"Ah, what an answer! I see your choice," Ganondorf snickered as he lifted the syringe above his head. "Well, princess! It was nice knowing you!"
No. The knight jolted to his feet and dashed towards the enemy, only to slip and slam his cheek back onto the wet cobblestone. Ganondorf thrust the needle into Zelda's neck, the semiconscious girl flinching from the strange pain. Link caught his breath and raced for Zelda once more, tackling the heavy beast to the ground with so much force that a clear crack of a bone was heard and the demon slid several feet away. As much as Link wanted to rip that monster to shreds right then and there, Zelda was his number one priority, not that he had a weapon to fight anyway. He spun back around and looked at the fallen princess, suddenly falling into uncontrollable tears. The syringe was jammed into her neck with only a little of Twinrova having been injected in her, the bottle still mostly filled. Would she still be okay? Would she still live?!
Link ran and slid to a stop on his knees before the princess, lifting the limp girl in his arms and tearing that wretched bottle from her neck. Already she felt cold, but surely that was because of the wind and rain, right? Link thoroughly examined her body. Small bits of flame appeared and disappeared on her body, the rain quickly putting it out and replacing it with ice that slowly spread itself. Link took a shivered breath, bringing her closer to his body as if to keep her warm.
"Don't worry… It doesn't hurt at all."
The knight gasped, pulling Zelda away to look at her. She was faintly smiling, though pain was clearly etched on her face. Link couldn't help but sniffle and lightly wheeze, unable to control himself in such a moment. He hadn't even noticed that Ganondorf had long since run off, thick trails of blood escaping to the sewer vents. The knight was far too strung on the idea that Princess Zelda was quickly falling out of his grasp, having worked so hard to get where he was to protect her for so long.
Zelda lifted her delicate hand in the air, her eyes locked on the bits of flame dancing on her palm. "I… I don't feel like I have violent tendencies…? Maybe it wasn't enough…" She clenched her fist, studying the icy form overcoming her. "I can't believe this is happening… I don't know what to say. I never imagined dying so soon."
A heavy lump found its way in the back of Link's throat. He choked and flinched and shivered and clenched his teeth, tightly hugging his beloved princess. This was all his fault. He failed her. He didn't even know what to do or how to react.
Zelda smiled at her friend lovingly, ashamed that he had to see her like this and especially regretful that she made him cry. "Don't give me that face. Imagine how I feel," she lightly teased. Now that her hand had cooled down and was slowly freezing, she delicately caressed his cheek, embracing his warmth while she was still able. "Thank you for making me feel better, for b-being my friend and loyal guard… I couldn't have picked a better guy... When I chose you, it was because I enjoyed your friendship, your loyalty… It wasn't until later th-that I realized your true strength… your true desire to protect me… And I wanted to protect you…" Her smile lightly faltered as she flinched in pain, unable to hide her troubles, but she nonetheless held it fairly well. "You have to d-defeat Ganondorf… p-protect Hyrule. I have the utmost faith in you… especially n-now… He said your power earlier in the training ground was g-great… I thought it was great… Greater than ever before… I believe you'll defeat him."
Link's lip quivered and he shook his head, unbelieving of such an event taking place. He always assumed that he would die long before she did in some sort of battle, yet here she was. It wasn't fair! Zelda was giving him too much credit. He failed! He could hardly hear what she was saying, he was so lost in his thoughts.
"You're squeezing so t-tight!" Zelda faintly giggled.
The knight, without realizing it, discovered that he had her fastened against his body as if holding onto the last of her life. He eased on his grip, but was surprised to feel Zelda snuggle closer against his body.
"I d-don't mind. I'm f-freezing. The rain and w-wind," she caught herself, not wanting Link to think about the effects of Twinrova. "Just h-hold me c-close and k-keep me warm." Zelda shivered tremendously in Link's arms that also trembled as well. She tightly pressed her cheek against his wet chest, Link's chin resting on top of her head. The ice was consuming her far faster than she desired. "I h-h-have one l-last req-quest…"
Link's heart felt so heavy he thought it might burst. This pain of losing Zelda was far worse than any torture experiment Ganondorf put on him. He could be treated for any wound, but this would never heal. The full impact was beginning to truly strike him. He was losing it – losing her. The knight couldn't imagine life without the princess. Who else would inspire him to live?
"P-please, dear Link..." she started, her once porcelain face being swallowed by Twinrova. "F-for me… Don't… give up…"
Link tightly shut his eyes, trying to do all that he could to stop his never ending tears, not wanting to gaze at her transforming face. Zelda's skin grew so cold it burned. Her body was as hard as a rock; she was nothing of the princess she once was. It had merely been seconds and he already craved to feel her warmth again, hear her encouraging voice! His shoulders shook and his whimpering refused to cease. What good was this world without her?! It was all his fault. He should have let Zelda come with him inside the drug house in the beginning. But he couldn't let her get hurt! It was his sworn duty to protect her! Yet here he was, sitting over a frozen princess that would never return to him. No more jokes, no more friendly talks, no more enjoyable adventures together. That was it. That was their ending. The princess was supposed to die a happy old lady! Link didn't deserve the title of head Hylian Knight. Zelda was wrong for choosing him merely because of friendship. She was wrong for choosing him at all! He was worthless!
Link didn't know how long he sat there wallowing in regret, but by the time his tears had stopped, the rain finally did as well. His eyes had difficulty opening, having held them shut practically most of the night, yet his vision fell on a certain object. The rays of the dying moonlight landed perfectly on the syringe he tossed away earlier, lighting Twinrova with a shimmering blue. His dead eyes studied the loathed glass tube. This detestable drug caused the beginning of this horrible journey; it made him nothing but miserable! It was because of that vile, abominable, damnable drug that he was now grieving over the single most beloved character in his entire life!
And yet… as he began to carry the cherished Princess Zelda back to the comfort of her home…
He picked up the bottle.
