Chapter 10

She didn't know how much time she had to herself, but she was burning through her precious time. She stood up stiffly, feeling the effects of the potion wearing off. It left a nasty head ache, but that could also be from not eating for a while. She noticed her hunger immediately and held her stomach. She would want to find food soon, but now was not the time.

She started to head back through the woods. It was for the best and the easier part to get back to Saria and Link. It would take her an hour or two to eventually make it, and that might even be too late.

She began to run, her heart pounding in her chest making a racket in her head. She could feel herself getting tired and weak, but she kept pushing on. She could hear herself sighing, saying just a bit further Zelda, you have to make it. Zelda reached a small circular opening in the woods, and there he was, with Saria. Her tiny frame snuggled against Link's mangled body. She looked up at Zelda, very carefully, looking like something had happened.

"I made it, I'm here." Zelda whispered to Link. She put her hand in her pocket and pulled out the small egg, handing it over to Saria. Saria nodded and tilted Link's head back, opening his parched mouth and dropping it inside. She quickly took her water horn and poured the Hylian Lake water down to help ease the medicine. Link barely swallowed, but he did it, he swallowed the egg. Zelda finally sat down, taking her gear off, and enjoying the night air against her body. Saria stood up and walked over to her.

"You did well, but I'm scared it might be too late… He was so ill Zelda…" Saria looked over at Link, he was flat on his stomach, sprawled against the cool grass, glistening in sweat, and his face was so grey he looked dead. Zelda frowned and looked away from him.

"He can't die… I won't let him die." She whispered, letting the wind carry her words. "All I know is that we can't stay here for much longer. Their magic will overpower mine and that portal will be open immediately. We should rest then start moving again." Zelda said laying down in the grass.

"Yes, I supposed you're right. I'll stay by Link for now. Ou rest." Zelda nodded and was asleep within minutes. Her dreams were filled with monsters and men, with many deaths and struggles. She saw eyes, large red eyes, staring at her through dark clouds of smoke and ash. She stood there watching as these eyes slowly began to expand into Malon's face. It was a smiling and snarling face, and Zelda knew she was going to die, but accepted it.

"You are a fool, Zelda… You will never win this war… This is my time, my day, my life to rule. Your family has ruled long enough, but not anymore." Zelda stood there, cold as death. She felt chills roll down her spine. She couldn't speak, she had lost her voice. She couldn't move, she was being clutched by a large clawed hand. She felt herself being picked up and slowly felt herself being shaken. It started slow, but increased in speed. Malon shook her over and over and over until she could hear a snap. Her back had broken, but she wasn't done yet. The crushing force was overbearing, and Zelda could no longer breathe.

With a start Zelda woke up, coughing and wheezing. Saria ran to her, looking at her face and frowning. "She is so powerful, she can reach you when you are most vulnerable. Even if it's from another country…" Saria looked back over at Link.

"How is he?" Zelda asked looking longingly at her friend.

"He's talking in his sleep of Malon, so I think he's coming around. He wasn't really speaking before." Saria tilted her head to the side. "Why are you so sad? You saved your friend." Zelda looked at Saria, her green eyes were reflecting the stars in the sky.

"It's nothing Saria." Zelda stood up and pushed her aside. Saria stumbled a little but regained her composure. She didn't feel angry towards Zelda, but she was confused.

"Why did you shove me?" Zelda was looked down at Link's gray face.

"Because, I was angry. You can see my weakness." Zelda turned to Saria. She looked so small in that great big meadow. "You can see how much I love him, and I could never have that… Malon has him, not me. Malon's a damned monster now, and he can't see past it." Zelda sighed and sat next to Link. "Saria, go get some sleep. I'll stay here with Link. You've done enough. Hopefully by the sun he'll be alright." Saria nodded and disappeared into the woods. Zelda looked on at the sky, it was so beautiful, dark and peaceful. She wanted to melt away in it forever.

She soon felt herself drifting off to sleep. Her dreams weren't ugly or mean anymore, they were pleasant and lucid. Her dreams were of happy things, very happy and joyous of victory over the Carenherts, victory over the darkness, victory over suppression. Zelda could feel a warmth covering her body, and knew that things would only get better.

The sun had finally rose over the meadow. She could feel the warm breeze of spring kissing her cheeks. She opened her eyes and looked over at Link. He was back to his normal color, the cut across his cheek was gone, and he was opening his eyes as well. He blinked a couple times, looking around like a new baby. He saw Zelda's face, bruised and scabbed, but he smiled and touched her cheek.

"You did it. I can't believe you did it Zelda." She smiled and grasped his hand in hers on her face.

"Are you able to move?" Zelda hoped he would, hoped he would smiled and lean forward, kissing her lightly and deepening it like she had always wanted. She knew it would never happen though, she knew it was farfetched. Link nodded and sat up a little. He could hear a ringing in his ears and everything became blurry quickly.

"I have a terrible headache and I can't see very well. I think I need another few minutes. The remedy you have given me is definitely working." Link dropped his head from the pain. The soft green grass was comforting, but nothing like his old bed. He longed for it now, longed for it and longed for Malon. His heart ached as he thought of her in the hands of that demon. Her evil entity was probably torturing the real her. He groaned and rolled to his side.

Saria quietly stepped up from behind. She was looking at Link with a very modest smile. He could barely see her, but could feel her presence immediately.

Old friend, how are you feeling? She asked as she approached him. He reached out and touched her foot. She took this as a sign to kneel beside him.

I cannot see nor shake this head ache. I'm in pain when I stand up. What should I do? Saria smiled a little wider at him.

You need to lay there and not get up silly. Link chuckled and grabbed her into a hug. She giggled and hugged him back. "I'm so happy that remedy worked. We were terrified you were a gonner." Link laughed and looked over to where Zelda was standing, but she was no longer there.

"Where did Zelda go?" Link asked trying to sit up again. Saria pressed on his chest to get him to lay back down.

"She needs some time." Link gave her a questionable look but sighed.

"It's about me not loving her isn't it?" Link asked. He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Yes, but give her time. I think she was expecting a different hello from you." Link nodded slowly and closed his eyes.

"I'm going to rest. Can you please go find her for me?" Saria nodded and got up to walk to the woods in the direction Zelda had gone.

Link had closed his eyes for just a moment before he was asleep. He had strange dreams, confusion with Malon and her evil counterpart. Link felt anxiety rush through his blood. He could feel his fingers tingling and aching as he touched Malon's face and attempted to kiss her, pleading her for apologies. Then the other Malon would show, her red flaming eyes, and her sharp kanine teeth. Link pushed her away and drew his sword. She only laughed as he slashed her throat. Blood rushed down her neck and her laugh faded into a gargle as she returned to being Malon again.

Link woke up with a start and sat straight up. He was breathing rapidly, his eyes were blood shot, and he felt like someone had sucked the air out of him. He stopped for am oment, realizing where he was, he began to weep. She will never forgive me. She will think I was taking advantage of her. She will think I don't respect her as a person or potentially my wife… I will kill all of the Carenherts for this. I will destroy every last one of these people. Link sat there for a moment. He had the guard's garbs on and some of their weapons, but nothing enough to take them all on. He would need a surplus of magic, new spells, and a giant bundle of weapons. He decided the best idea would be to get to Hyrule castle and raid the weapon's room; that's if the Carenherts having wiped it out first. Link stood up, weary but sturdy, looking at his surroundings. He was in the only meadow in the Lost Woods. He smiled; this was a childhood place of his.

Link could see the scurrying of animals all over the place, and could hear the rustling of leaves under foot. He ran behind a tree, waiting for the people who hid in the forest. It was Saria and Zelda. Link sighed and showed himself. Zelda smiled and ran to him. She was wearing the same clothes as he was. He smiled as she embraced him tightly.

"I was worried about you." Link whispered in her ear. Zelda turned to look up at him, his eyes were just as blue as they had always been.

"No, don't be. I'm being selfish Link. I was jealous and angry. I thought… I thought just maybe… Oh, it doesn't matter. There are more pressing issues." Link staring into her violet eyes, they were softened by love. He frowned and hugged her closer to him.

"I cannot… I cannot give you back what you love for me… I can, however, be here for you and keep you safe forever and ever…" Link felt a tearing in his soul, something that felt like he was being wrong.

"I just thought that you'd change your mind… I thought if I could save you…" He felt her tense up. "This is so childish." Link shook his head no.

"No, it's not. I'm so sorry I make you feel this way." Zelda looked up and smiled at him.

"I make myself feel this way." Link tilted her head up more, touching her chin lightly.

"No, I do…" Link bent down to kiss her cheek but she turned her head quickly. He brushed his lips against hers. He paused for a moment, feeling the tingling sensation in his chest. He knew it was wrong, he knew it was so wrong to feel anything for another besides Malon. He was so lonely, and so hurt, and she felt so wonderful against his lips for that brief second.

"Link…" Zelda pushed away from him. "We have to go now." Link stared at Zelda for a moment. Her features hardened again. He knew what she was feeling, knew she wanted him to kiss her, to hold her close and kiss her like she's never been kissed before. He let her go though, let her back away and look over at Saria.

"It's time…" Saria called out looking at the sky. There was a discoloration that had appeared in the blue. It was almost gray, and he could smell smoke. It was the forest, and it was on fire. Link armed himself with a short sword and ran against the area that was beginning to burn.

"The portal must have opened!" Zelda called out over the din of the falling woods. "They must think we will get smoked out. Link looked over at her, worried that something might happen to her. He didn't want Zelda to get kidnapped again, or killed. It was getting smokier as they ventured farther into the woods. Saria was going from tree to tree getting an aerial view. Link looked up at her, watching her small frame fly through the trees like a leaf in fall. He looked to his right, watching a blur of black, gray, and gold flash through the open woods. He then looked straight ahead at the wall of flames in front of him. He whistled for all of them to stop. The flames were very close now, almost like the wall of Twilight. He stood there, feeling the burn rake across his face. He backed away a tiny bit, feeling the heat follow him. He knew it was wrong, this whole thing was due to a spell, but he had never seen a fire spell to this magnitude. It must be Malon behind it all.

"We have to move, NOW!" Link yelled at the trees. He had lost sight of Zelda nad Saria due to the excessive smoke in the air. He turned around but could only see thick black smoke. He could feel it entering his lungs without even breathing it in. His heart began to slow its beat, not rapid and loud like it had been in his ears, but slow and random. He closed his eyes and began to run forward. He knew it was too late, but her could try to get through the woods. There wasn't much he could do but try. The magic of the smoke was beginning to become thick around his body, somewhat completely restricting his movements. Link could barely breathe at this point.

"Link?" He could feel a whisper on the crook of his neck. It was cold breath but warm sounds. "Link, are you alive?" He felt a jab in his side and he groaned. "Good, we are going to get out of here. You are stuck in a force field of some sort. I'll use a remedy, but it will only act instantly and close within a small second." It was Zelda. She sounded so close yet so far away. Link couldn't open his eyes yet, they were squeezed shut.

He could feel something tugging on his tunic and his pants. He felt a sudden suction and then he fell to the ground. "Oh my goddess that hurt so bad." Link held his head in his hands.

"This was a very dark fire binding spell. If you were in there for much longer you would have died. You need to be more careful." Zelda grabbed Link's hand and helped him up.

"Ok, so avoid turning around quickly?" Zelda gave him an awkward smile and shoved im slightly.

"No, avoid that." She pointed ahead of her in the regular haze of smoke at a darker patch. "They are traps, and they are very effective. If you are in one of those for a little over 10 or 15 minutes you'll die by suffocation. " Link nodded and grabbed his sword.

"Well, let's just get out of here. Where is Saria?" The moment he asked she climbed down from a tree.

"We need to move, now…" Her green hues were starting to look like a fall leaf. Link was beginning to get worried.

"You're sick…" He grasped her hand, it was freezing cold in the heat of the forest fire.

"We need to go NOW!" She screamed and shoved Link towards the greener area of the forest. As they ran towards the safer spots of the forest Link couldn't help but act concerned about his friend. She looked miserable, sick, and he began to think this war could kill her.

What is going on? Link summoned as they reached the greener parts of the Lost Woods.

The fire is going to destroy us forest children. The Lost Woods are on fire, the trees are dying, and thus if all fails, we will die too… We will become what we were long ago. Phantoms and spirits that roam the world. Link could feel his chest tighten up with distress.

I won't let that happen… He looked up at the trees and saw his friend. Her glowing green was turning darker and browner. Her eyes were amber colored, her hair was fading into a dark brown, and her skin was so dark it scared him.

Link, go save the world… We will meet again… I've been here for so long, and it's time to go. Link choked up. Zelda was yelling at him, beckoning him along.

I will come back for you Saria, my dearest friend. Saria nodded and that was all. Link turned and ran towards Zelda. They found a small pool and jumped in. The pool lead to the main pool in Zora's Domain.

"Where is Saria?" Zelda asked before they dived.

"She isn't going to come with us. Her spirit belongs to the woods, and there it shall remain…" Link recited the lesson he had once learned in school back in Kokiri.

"What do you mean?" Zelda gave him a shocked look.

"She's dying. The forest fires will eventually kill her and all of her kind. The trees are and forever will be the breath of life in all Kokiri children. Their faeries are what helps them along, but unfortunately when the faeries die, so will they. Her faerie died…" Link turned away from Zelda. She continued to stare up at the trees, searching for Saria.

"We have to go Zelda…" Link touched her shoulder lightly. "The fire will burn everything to the ground, and we don't have enough magic to stop it." Zelda gritted her teeth and turned to Link.

"You're right, there's nothing I can do…" Zelda dived first and Link followed right along with her. He agreed that there was nothing they could do, but it wasn't her fault. He shouldn't have been so gullible during the war. He should never had trusted the clan when they decided to end the war. He definitely should have killed every last one of them.

He thought back to the time on the battle field. Both sides took on hundreds to thousands of casualties; some in cruel deaths, some quick, and some from natural causes. Link was standing in the field, facing Dorian with their swords thrown to the side.

"Link, it seems that I have underestimated the fated hero of time." Link gritted his teeth. Mockery hit his nerves.

"Well, it's too bad that you won't be able to see more of my talent." Link said, burning a hole through Dorian's skull with his eyes.

"I guess this is it. Shake on it… The war has been won. After we part, I feel this shall be the last we ever see of one another." Link stood back slightly, and held out a hand.

"I will only shake if you are good to your word…" Dorian threw down his shield. He ripped a badge off of his uniform. It was the Carenhert seal.

"This is our agreement. If you have this, we are done." He put it in Link's hand. "Take it to Hyrule and keep it there. This war is over…" Link looked at him sternly.

"There shall be no fighting from this moment forward between our two kingdoms. I will return home to my land, and you to yours." Link whistled for Epona. He mounted her and looked down on Dorian. He pointed his sword at him and glared. "You will never cause anything like this again. If so, I will be there, I will be there and I will kill you…" Link turned and rode off. Dorian stood there smiling.

Link had always wondered what it was that made Dorian smile the way he did, but then Link realized what it was. It was the seal. The Carenhert seal was bewitched to allow portals to be open and closed consistently. It allowed a channel that could tamper with Hyrule's natural magical energy. Link then realized it was his fault… This was all his fault and there was nothing he could do to make up for how naiive he was. As they reached the domain he looked over at Zelda. He wanted to tell her, but he knew this was not the place.

"We have to get through the portal to our allies. We need to devise a plan to take back what it ours." Zelda was pacing in the great hall of the domain where the king would normally sit. "I have to move the magic reserve along with us. Al of Hyrule will then be defenseless, but we can do this. We can take it back." Zelda looked over at Link and stopped. He was staring at her, but without the life in his eyes.

"I need to tell you something, and you are not going to like it." Zelda bit her lip.

"What?"

"The seal, the Carehert Seal, it's how they did it. It's how they know everything… It was a trick. Instead of it being a promise of peace and trust, it was a promise to destroy our defenses…" Zelda dropped her jaw a little.

"Those bastards… I can't believe it. How did I not know it?!" She kicked the water pooled around her feet.

"I'm so sorry… This is all my doing Zelda. I'm so so sorry." Zelda glared over at Link, but softened her hardened look.

"It was not your fault Link, it is a tradition of war time to exchange a seal to the winning party… We must go now." With that they walked out to Jabu Jabu and opened a small portal into Termina Field.