Hello! You may heave noticed that it took me a while to come up with this update. I am taking my time with the rest of this story because from this point onwards (well actually since Link and Reena confessed to each other) it has become necessary for me to tread delicately. Especially from next chapter to the end. Otherwise it might get to cheesy and over the top and my raitings will take one big nose dive. But hey guess what! This is my longest chapter! It is also one of the more important ones. Oh and hey! Remember back in chapter 17 when I you guys thought that Dark Link killed the king and queen and I said "NO! But that's a really good idea! I love Dark Link so much 3"? WELL, I finally found a way to work him into the story. Sorta. It's more based on Dark Link's design. This will be a super duper, epic, exciting chapter! We are at war.
Oh yeah, remember back in chapter 17 when I told you that Ganon/Ganondorf was never coming back? I lied. Technically speaking.
Chapter Twenty Four: The Final Battle
The taunting wind hissed between the opposing soldiers, seeping under their armor. Silence cursed the plains. Only the restlessness of the horses and the shifting of metal disturbed the air. The smell of death to come lingered in the air.
Just wait, Link told himself again. The veins in his body froze as he looked up on Sarid. The man who had started everything. He sat upon his black horse in his gleaming armor with a sneer. Confidence swirled around him, making Link uneasy. He was reminded too much of Ganondorf himself. Link prayed he wouldn't have to go against anything compared to Ganondorf. However a dread deep in his chest was saying he was going to have to.
Behind him stood soldiers from the domains in Hyrule and Termina. Gorons, Zoras, Deku Shrubs, and Hylians stood ready to follow him, Impa, Lera, and King Jerold into battle.
Link's hand itched for the sword on his back. The restraint to stay behind the King and Princess Lera was beginning to wear thin. The urge to neatly drive his sword through the monster's ribs was tempting. Just one simple slit and he could end everything.
"Stay out of Sarid's sight at all costs!" King Jerold had told him. "If Sarid discovers you're alive, he'll try his hardest to kill you."
Link found it near impossible to stay behind them though. That man had nearly killed Reena. The scars on her body poisoned his mind. He could still see Sarid beating upon her. How was it they expected him not to confront the bastard?
Desperate to keep control over himself, Link let his mind drift to his and Lera's sheer luck. How they had beaten Sarid to Hyrule was beyond him. Had Sarid predicted that Hyrule would call upon Termina's help? If so, had he hidden so that they could come in contact with Hyrule's awaiting army first? But… where was the logic behind that?
"What are you planning, Sarid?" Link whispered, stroking Epona as she tossed her head. "Please, don't let it be catastrophic."
"Having second thoughts, Link?"
Link met the gaze of Lera who was in front of him, fully clad in white armor. She really did look like a queen. She sat straight and tall, ready for the battle ahead.
"No, I'm worried what he's going to do," Link answered. "Really, I can end this quickly. Just one quick-"
"Link, no," Lera whispered back to him. "I'm going to have to answer to Reena when you get killed! Just wait!"
Link sighed, catching Impa's gaze. A half smile was on her face. Link was ready to demand just what she was smiling about. What was it with Sheikah? Could they be any more confusing?
As he surveyed Sarid's army, he began to wonder. Yes, Salderin was a large country and city, but their smaller cities wouldn't be able to give that big of an army. It would be nearly impossible! Even Hyrule wasn't able to have that many Hylians in their army! His eyes fell from soldier to soldier, taking in the surprising differences of height. And then the sickening reality hit him.
"There are children part of that army," Link breathed, grasping Epona's mane in anguish.
"What?" Lera demanded, looking back at him.
"Look!" Link said earnestly. "You can tell!"
"…By the goddesses," Lera gasped, the disgusting realization coming to her. "Children?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Link asked. "He's forced the people to fight in this war! These are innocent people! We can't fight! We'll be shedding innocent blood, Lera!"
"What are we going to do, Link?" Lera asked desperately.
"I… don't know," Link admitted. "What can we do?"
"Sarid, you cannot win," King Jerold called, overhearing the entire conversation. "Surrender now before you condemn the innocent people of Salderin!"
"Words are useless," Sarid snarled. "The only way I will leave is if you hand over the Triforce of Power."
"That would only be the beginning of our destruction," Jerold answered. "The Triforce shall never fall into your hands."
Sarid glared, drawing his sword. "You do not know what you are condemning yourself to! Soon you will know the power of the King of Salderin!"
"That title doesn't belong to you!"
All eyes fell on Lera. Link cheered for her in his mind. She would definitely serve as Queen with ease.
"That name belongs to Kasten, the true Prince of Salderin!" she hissed. "Not you!"
"Prince Kasten was killed for going against me," Sarid sneered.
"No, he escaped," Lera said, her hands gripping the reins tightly. "He was the one that delivered the Triforce of Power to us and away from you!"
"Yet he abandoned Salderin?" Sarid demanded. "Tell me, where is this noble hero? Does he still hide in the castle?"
Alright, you're going to have to forgive me, Link thought, breaking through Lera and King Jerold. Satisfaction filled his veins as Sarid stared in disbelief at him sitting upon Epona. The people of Salderin looked at each other, fear and hope etched in their faces.
"You," Sarid breathed.
"I'm not dead yet," Link called, holding back a smirk. "Kasten isn't here because he's been wounded. He was wounded protecting the princesses from your attack. The time he has stayed here in Hyrule has been spent plotting to overthrow you. He alone has saved hundreds of lives already!"
Sarid only stared at Link in utter disbelief. They held each other's gazes. More words were exchanged that could ever be said.
"You can't do this, Sarid," Link said, breaking the silence. "These are innocent people! You can't condemn them to this!"
"I can do whatever I want!" Sarid shouted. "I am King!"
"No, you're a murderer," Link answered. "Stop this before it gets too far!"
"You can't tell me what to do," Sarid hissed. "I knew I should have killed you sooner! You and Reena! Once I'm through with you, you won't be able to imagine what I'll do to her."
"You won't touch her," Link hissed, drawing his sword. "I'll make sure of that."
Link saw the arrow before Lera had screamed its approach. Metal rang as it collided with his shield, sending it harmlessly to the ground. He searched for the arrows owner and dread set in...
"Did you think I wouldn't put the Triforce of Power to good use?" Sarid demanded.
"Sarid… don't tell me…" Link moaned, indistinct to Sarid's ears. There was no need for him to be told anything. Guards hidden behind black armor shoved the other soldiers to the side, forming solid rows before Sarid. Red eyes peered from beneath their helmets. Minions. He had created an army of minions before the Triforce had been taken. I really hate you.
"Attack."
With that one simple word, a deep roar erupted from the minions. They dashed towards Link and Hyrule's army, beginning the war that would decide the fates of everyone.
*astrix astrix astrix*
Link flipped out of the way as a minion bore down on him. His shield rang as metal hit it. With one swift cut, the minion fell to the ground dead. Irritation welled up as three more surrounded him. With every step he took towards Sarid, minions jumped around him.
He had better be that afraid, Link thought, rolling to the side so that one of the minions stabbed another. He can't even imagine what I'm going to do. He knows he's dead when get near him.
Another soldier jumped in next to Link, helping him battle the small brigade. They worked together to take on the black clad soldiers.
"Look for the red eyes," Link instructed, pushing a soldier that was Hylian to the side harmlessly. "It's the minions we want to kill, not the others."
Link stole a glance at the soldier. He wasn't too amused by the orders. Link couldn't help but let a smirk come to his lips. Staying alive was hard enough for most. He had to remember many, if not any, hadn't been doing this since nine years old.
Out of the corner of his eye Link saw a Hyrule soldier being over taken. Link jumped to his aid… too late. He struck down the Salderin shoulder, looking into its red eyes as it fell. Link kneeled next to the Hylian, feeling for a pulse. Nothing.
The battle waged on and Link lost count of how many soldiers he saw struck down. He had lost count of how many pulses he had felt for. The most repulsive scenes were the shocked faces of young boys lying dead in the fields.
Link jumped from the side of another dead, innocent Salderin soldier. He buried his sword deep into his attacker's chest before getting to his feet. Desperately Link scanned the battle field. His breathe died as his eyes fell on Sarid and his opponent.
"Lera! Get out of there!" Link breathed, running towards the two. He broke through each wave that came to stop him, watching in agonizing horror as Lera took on Sarid. She was doing well. Very well in fact. Just when he thought she'd be able to hold off long enough so that he could reach her, she froze. Just froze. An evil grin spread across Sarid's face, glaring down on the princess.
"Lera!" Link cried out. What was she doing? He was going to kill her! Link froze in horror as Lera stumbled back as the sword came screaming towards her. He ran as fast as he could to reach her, but didn't make it.
The sword threw her to the ground. Link pulled the dagger from his boot, throwing it at Sarid. A scream answered his deadly accuracy. Link ran in front of Lera, relief washing over him at the sight of only an arm wound. However, blood pooled from it.
"Get out of here now," Link told her, glaring at Sarid who had pulled the dagger from his right shoulder.
"So, you still dare to go against me?" Sarid asked, throwing the dagger at him. Link let the dagger hit his shield with the flick of his wrist. "You just don't learn."
"I'm just one of those people," Link agreed, the two beginning to walk in a circle. "But at least I'm not a coward."
"I am no coward," Sarid hissed.
"Really? Then why did you send minions to surround me each time I got within thirty feet of you?" Link asked. "Or was it just a coincidence?"
Satisfaction welled up in Link as Sarid struggled for words. Instead he just glared. Suddenly a malicious smirk spread across his face, making Link's stomach plummet.
"Sarid, call it off," Link said, dreading what the monster had up his sleeve. "These are innocent people! You don't need to draw them into it."
"Tell me where she is and I'll call them off," Sarid answered, sneering.
"There's nothing in this world that could make me tell you," Link answered. "You know me better than that, Sarid."
"You're still trying to protect her?" Sarid asked. "It's useless. Once I am victorious over this battle I'll find her."
"You aren't going to win and you aren't going to find her," Link assured. "Even if I die doing so, I'll make sure of it."
"You're so willing to put your life on the line? And leave her again?" Sarid demanded with amusement.
"At least she'll be safe from you," Link answered, gripping the Master Sword tighter. He raised it, taking a step towards him.
Laughter grew from Sarid. He reached into his tunic, pulling a vial from his shirt. Link froze, not liking the tone of laughter. He looked at the black liquid with dread.
"I may not have the Triforce of Power anymore, but I was prepared for that," Sarid snarled. "Even before my foolish brother took it I was ready for this battle. I was ready for the battle against you."
"Sarid… don't drink that," Link breathed. Whatever it was, that potion wasn't good news.
A malevolent grin answered him and he opened the glass tube, letting the black substance slide down his throat.
"No," Link moaned, letting his sword drop. "Please…no. For the love of the goddesses no."
Link watched as Sarid was engulfed by purple. Screaming and laughter came from his throat as the transformation took place. Everyone stopped fighting and watched in horror. A flash blinded everyone and when Link's sight returned he groaned.
"The Triforce still has one more hope," Ganon sneered. "I will return."
Sarid no longer stood in front of him. Ganon had been resurrected. Sarid had become Ganon.
"Why?" Link moaned as Sarid's incarnation took a step towards him.
"If you ever want to see Kakariko Village again, you had better hurry," he snarled.
"Sarid, don't do this!" Link cried, stepping forward.
Too late. Sarid only laughed and disappeared with another flash. Link nearly dropped the Master Sword. He fumbled for his Ocarina, calling for Epona. If he didn't get there, Kakariko Village would be in ruins in minutes.
Link jumped on the mare the moment she arrived, looking around the battle field. All fighting had stopped. The minions seemed to have disappeared.
"Link, let me come with!" Lera cried, running up to him as she held her arm.
"No," Link said sternly, grabbing a fistful of Epona's mane. "Rally the army along with the Salderin soldiers. The minions seemed to have disappeared. Get the wounded into Hyrule's walls. Leave Sarid to me!"
"We're sending those well enough to battle," Jerold said, walking up next to Lera.
Link didn't have the time to argue. "Fine, but I'm leaving now. The army can not engage in battle with Sarid. He wants to fight me, no one else! I won't endanger anyone else."
With that, Link kicked Epona and they sped towards Kakariko Village. They cut through the armies and jumping over the fallen bodies towards the doomed town.
Time crawled as he and Epona cantered toward Kakariko Village. It seemed like an age had passed when he finally heard Epona's hooves clatter up the steps. He jumped off her and made her run to safety before entering the village. With cautious steps he approached the gate that led into the village. There in the center stood Sarid.
"You came."
"I don't learn," Link answered, drawing his sword. It was fruitless to talk now. He stepped towards the monster, making sure his shield and sword were secure in his hands. What happened next made Link's job much more antagonizing. He could handle swords. But this was a different story.
A chain whip was taken from its place on Sarid's belt. Link watched as it uncoiled and fell to the ground. He furrowed his brow in concentration, determined not to become disheartened. There had never been a time when eh couldn't defeat something. Had he not defeated Ganon once?
But last time you had Reena's help. Link tried to block this thought from his mind as the whip screamed towards him. He dove out of the way and ran towards the monster. Glad for his lightening fast reflexes, Link blocked another lash at him with his shield. However, the force of the whip sent him flying backwards. A dizzy spell over took him and he should his head, trying to clear his mind.
Before Link could take a breath the whip came again. Link rolled to the side, not helping the dizziness. He jumped to his feet, reaching for his dagger. Gone. He had already used it. Link sighed and ran towards Sarid, flipping to the side to miss the whip. However, it caught his leg and Link felt the tearing of flesh. He quickly regained himself and lashed out at Sarid, hitting the beast's leg. Satisfaction swelled as black oozed and Sarid roared, allowing a parry attack from Link.
Just when Link though he had a chance, Sarid lashed out with the whip. Link barely got his shield in front of it. It felt as though his arm was going to break as he blocked it. Again he was thrown backwards, even farther this time. Above him the sky wouldn't stay still. Link struggled to his feet, knowing that if he didn't, he was dead.
Suddenly a blue blur ran in front of him. Thin knives came from between his fingers and white was wrapped around his head.
"Sheik?" Link asked, still disoriented.
"It's been long indeed," he answered. "Need some help?"
"Yes I- Look out!" Link cried. He jumped to his feet, tackling the Sheikah to the ground. The whip grazed about their heads.
"Thanks," Sheik said breathlessly as they jumped to their feet. "We-"
The Sheikah froze and his eyes flickered to his feet. Link's eyes grew big as he looked at the chain wrapped around Sheik's feet. Fear dripped into Sheik's eyes before he was suddenly ripped backwards. Link watched in terror as he was slammed into a house. The brick gave away and the Sheikah broke through the house. A moment later, Link followed.
Brick rained down on him. Link knew he broke something. Dust filled his throat as he became engulfed.
"Great," he muttered when he finally came to. He struggled to remove the broken brick from on top of him. Blue suddenly flashed and the rock lifted itself. Link got to his feet to see Sheik standing on one leg, the other in a very odd position.
"Broken" he explained, sweat in his eyes.
"Stay here," Link instructed.
"No, I'm helping," Sheik said firmly.
"With a broken leg?" Link demanded.
Sheik only shook his head as golden light came to his hand. He touched his leg and it was suddenly back to normal. He looked at Link, his eyes smiling.
"Let's form a plan," Sheik said as the chain whip began to destroy the house. "You go low?"
"You go high," Link answered.
"Help! Someone help us!"
"Upstairs!" Link cried. "The stairway's gone!"
"You distract Sarid!" Sheik instructed, disappearing with a flash.
Link ran outside, nearly being obliterated by the whip. He dodged the whip, working his way closer to the monster. Sheik ran up next to him and grabbed the whip as it crashed to the ground again.
"What are you doing?" Link demanded.
"Going up," Sheik answered as he was jerked towards Sarid.
Link watched as the Sheikah let go of the whip in the air and landed on the beasts shoulders. His knives appeared in his fingers again. He slashed Sarid's face before being caught in Sarid's hand and thrown into another house.
Link went to run after him when Sarid turned on him. Link rolled to the side, watching as another trench was left by the whip. He dug his sword into the ground through one of the chain links and pulled his bow out. He took quick aim and fired. He didn't take the time to look where it had landed and freed his sword from the ground.
"Sheik!" Link called, running towards the house as Sarid roared in pain. "Sheik, are you alright?"
"Fine," he answered, stumbling out of the house.
"Here goes round two," Link said as they avoided being crushed by the whip.
The two worked in perfect harmony. As soon as Link slashed at Sarid's legs, Sheik was on his shoulders and attacking him with spells or his knives. Their incidents with going through houses didn't occur anymore with their system.
The battle waged on for what seemed like days at a time. Link and Sheik were beginning to tire. However, they weren't the only ones. Sarid's obsessive whipping was beginning to decrease. Black stained the ground and any of the houses near by.
Link wiped the blood trickling into his eyes away. Next to him Sheik was breathing hard.
"One more," Sheik gasped. "He won't last one more attack."
"Will we?" Link asked, glancing at him.
"Good question," Sheik answered. "Even I don't know the answer to that."
"Alright, let's go," Link said, gripping his sword.
Sheik nodded, letting Link run forward. Then he followed, jogging first and then breaking into a run. Link slashed at Sarid and backed away before he was trampled on. He watched Sheik use his powers to leap into the air. He landed on Sarid's shoulders and drove his knives deep into Sarid's skull.
A scream pierced the air. Sarid began to thrash and Sheik jumped just as the whip was being thrown over Sarid's shoulder. It nicked the Sheikah and he flew through the air, crashing through a roof. The dust settled and nothing emerged.
Come on, Sheik! Link pleaded in his mind. He avoided Sarid, keeping his eyes on the house. Nothing.
"Link, look out!"
It was too late. Link whipped around to see the red bolt screaming towards him. There was no escaping it. A scream died in his chest as it ripped through his body, bringing the Hero of Time to his knees. A black void erupted, stealing the sight of all that watched in horror.
"Link!"
Reena tried to run with the pain her leg. He was fine. He only was knocked out from Sarid's spell. That was all. The moment she reached him, he'd wake up and scream at her for coming. Then he'd remember there were bigger matters at stake the moment his eyes fell on Sarid.
A malicious chuckle rang through the air. Reena froze as the smoke cleared away from the body that lay crumpled on the ground. It wasn't Link. She didn't know who it was.
"What have you done with him?" Reena screamed, standing her ground in front of the towering monster. "Tell me, now!"
"Right here, Princess," Sarid hissed, raising his hand.
Reena witness with horror as the black clad demon rose to his feet. He faced her with white skin and silver hair. Glowing, blood red eyes tore through her.
"No," Reena breathed.
"Link, listen to me," Sarid commanded. "I am greatly displeased with the Princess. Kill her."
Slowly, Link picked the black Master Sword from the ground. Reena stumbled backwards as he stepped closer and closer. He was going to kill her.
"Link, fight it!" Reena cried.
"I… can't," answered a voice that wasn't his. It was that of a demon's, sending shivers down Reena's spine. This couldn't be real.
Anger began to boil in her veins. Sarid was controlling him. She had to fight him and somehow destroy Sarid. It was the only way to free Link.
"The only way to stop me is to kill him, Reena," Sarid sneered. "And you know that. There is no other possible way you can defeat me. Link's inability to fail is legendary."
"Stop lying, Sarid," Reena snapped.
Reena closed her eyes, calling for her swords. The familiar weight fell into her hands the moment she reopened them. She continued to retreat from Link, avoiding any confrontation.
Sarid only laughed. "Link, you will protect me at all costs."
"Link, you can fight this!" Reena said. She stopped in front of him. "Here I am. One hit, Link. Right at the heart."
Reena pushed aside the fear that dripped into her veins as he stepped closer and closer. He stopped in front of her… sheathing his sword.
"Link, kill her!" Sarid repeated.
As Reena looked into his red eyes, blood began to trickle from them. He was crying blood.
"Link! I command you!" Sarid shouted, taking a step towards the two.
"Kill…me…" Link ordered, the blood staining his tunic. "It's… the…only…way…"
"No, Link," Reena said, grasping his shoulders.
The next thing she knew, Reena was sliding across the ground with a new bruise on her jaw. She struggled to her feet as Link fought to step away from her. He screamed and fell to his knees in agony as Sarid glared down on him.
"Reena… I can't…stop…myself," he gasped. "It's… the…only way…"
Reena wanted to die. She didn't know what to do. Him defying Sarid's commands was causing him excruciating pain. However, going against her seemed to tear him apart inside. She knew she couldn't kill him, she didn't have the strength to.
"You…must!" he pleaded. Blood pooled on the ground now. "You…must… defeat him! He…tells…the truth!"
"I can't, Link!" Reena yelled. "I can't do it, Link! I won't kill you!"
Link only shook his head. He grasped the sword on his back, unsheathing it as he stood.
"Link, just fight it a little longer!" Reena begged.
"Finish her, Link," Sarid said with a wicked grin. "The agony will stop."
"No…No…NO!" Link screamed, digging the Master Sword into the ground. "Kill…me!"
"I can't… I won't!" Reena said, stepping towards him. She didn't care if he killed her.
"…Get…away…" he moaned.
Reena only shook her head. The moment she took a step towards him, Link groaned as he made himself crouch and take the dagger from his boot. He put both hands on it, holding the blade to his chest.
"No, Link, don't do it!" Reena gasped. "I'll free you, Link! Don't do this!"
"Link! Turn the dagger from you!" Sarid shrieked. "I'll kill her!"
"You… won't… be able…to…" Link said, a smile crossing his face.
"Link, Don't-"
The words choked in her mouth as the dagger followed its deadly course.
"NO!"
The next thing Reena knew, she was holding Link in her arms. A scream answered as she jerked the knife from his chest. Warm blood dripped down her chest as she felt his body shudder against hers as he slowly fell to the ground…
Wind began to whirl around the village, forming into a cyclone of white fire. Sarid backed away in horror as it bore down on him. A scream pierced the air, echoing over the entire land. The white fire whipped around Sarid, ripping him apart. Kakariko Village watched as the beast was destroyed. The roar of wind died down. Sarid was gone... The nightmare was finally over… at a terrible cost.
The Master Sword was dug into the ground, staring at the people that emerged from the houses. Behind it knelt the Princess, holding the crimson stained body of the Hero of Time.
"Link…wake up," Reena whispered, moving the hair away from his closed eyes. "You can't leave me here!"
Her shoulders shook violently from her sobs. Tears splashed onto his face, washing away his tears of blood.
"Reena! Link? No! Link!"
"He's not dead," Reena whispered, not turning to face Lera and Impa running towards her. "He's not dead! Wake up, Link! Stop this!"
She laid him back down, taking his shoulders and shaking him as her sobs grew louder.
"It wasn't supposed to be like this!" she cried. "You can't leave now! We've been through so much! Wake up!"
"Reena… it's too late," Impa whispered, laying her hand on her shoulder. She pulled Reena by the arm, away from the fallen Hero.
"Stop it!" Reena screamed, hitting the Sheikah away. "He's not dead! You can't do this to me, Link!"
She couldn't take it anymore. Reena buried her face into his frozen chest.
…Reena? Is that you? Stop crying, Reena. Please, stop. I warned you about this. I told you how it was with me. I never meant for this to happen. I… didn't think it would. I had to do it… otherwise I would have killed you…
"You always have to be the hero," she wept, taking his hand in hers. "You never leave anything for me. Not even yourself."
You can't hear me... Oh, Reena. Can't you feel me holding your hand? Your hand feels so warm and mine…cold.
"The last battle… the final task…" Reena whispered. "This was it, Link! Then nothing else! How could this be it? It wasn't supposed to end like this! You deserved so much more… so much more than this life has given you!"
It gave me you for a short time. That was all I needed, Reena. All I wish was for one last time to talk to you. See you. You're voice is becoming so quiet. It won't be long now. I'm sorry, Reena…
"He wasn't supposed to win!" Reena breathed, grasping his tunic. "You promised me you'd be safe! You promised! Why can't you just keep one promise? Why do you have to leave me here? I would have been able to stop him!"
I did promise, but there was no other way... I didn't think this would happen. All I kept thinking about was when I saw you again. Wherever you went. The letter. Did you read the letter? It… doesn't matter now I guess. It's now appropriate… Reena…I can barely hear you. Someone's calling me…
"Reena, he's gone!" Lera said, tears streaming down her face as she tried to pull her away.
"Leave me alone!" Reena shouted, pulling her hand away.
Lera froze when her eyes fell on her sister's hand. There was a ring. A ring on her left hand. Reena held Lera's gaze, her sobs resurfacing. Lera never knew. And now… he was gone.
"Link…I said yes," Reena whispered, closing her eyes.
You said yes. You…you said yes? No, this can't be happening. Wake up. Wake up now, Link. Wake up! WAKE UP NOW!
"He's breathing!"
Reena forced her self to stop crying, looking down on him. His chest struggled to rise. She took his head in her arms as she trembled. With shaking hands she freed him of his weapons that held him down.
"Link… don't stop fighting!" she whispered. "Impa! Impa, we need to get him to the castle, now!"
Reena looked over her shoulder as the Sheikah hurried to her side. Impa took Link's hand, her composed expression replaced with bewilderment. The moment she disappeared, Reena called upon her powers to transport herself.
When she arrived, Impa was laying an unconscious Link on his bed. Reena sat down beside him as Impa disappeared with a flash. She pulled his tunic off, the white shirt following. Reena forced herself to remain composed.
The wound he had given himself glared back at her. It seemed so small compared to his other injuries. Reena covered the bleeding wound with her hands, calling upon her deepest, strongest powers. The golden light seeped from her hands, collecting in his wound. Slowly his breathing began to steady.
"Good job, Link," Reena whispered, kissing his lips.
As she drew away, Lera and Impa appeared in the room. Reena stood, nearly falling from her leg. It had been injured from her fall through the roof, so she quickly bound it. She couldn't waste any of her magic on herself.
"Lera, there are people out there that need my help. That need our help," Reena said, rubbing her eyes dry.
"Reena… I never knew-"
"Not now," Reena interrupted, swallowing hard. "Come on."
Reena brushed past her sister and Impa. She didn't feel like explaining anything right now. If it was possible, she wanted to keep her mind off of Link. The events that had taken place in Kakariko Village... she didn't want to think of them…
The moment Reena and Lera stepped from the room, two servants ran by them. Reena and Lera looked at each other and chased after them.
"No," Lera breathed as the servants dropped into Kasten's room. Lera threw his door open, nearly crashing into the one of the four servants in the room. Queen Lenaya was there too, sitting next to Kasten. He lay on his bed, a deathly white.
"I'm sorry, milady," one of the woman said quietly. "There is nothing we can do for him. His wound has become infected."
"Show me," Reena instructed, pushing them aside and sitting down by Lenaya. She took the knife offered to her and cut away the soiled bandage. She closed her eyes at the sight of the yellow pus mixed with dark red. "When did this start?"
"Three days ago," Lenaya answered softly. "We've tried everything. We tried to get a hold of you, but were unable."
Reena nodded, examining the infection closely. Not only was it infected, it was fatal. "One of theses bandages was soiled. I can't heal this with potions."
"Reena, there must be something you can do!" Lera breathed, taking her sister's hand.
"Don't worry," Reena assured. "Lera, go to my room and get a green potion with gold swirls."
Lera nodded, disappearing in a flash. Reena stood, placing a clean bandage over the wound. She placed her hands over it, placing nearly her full weight on him. Kasten's eyes snapped open as she began to heal him. He tried desperately to push her away, but the servants jumped in, holding him down.
"Hang in there," Reena said quietly. "Just a little longer. Done."
Reena backed away as Kasten gasped for air. Sweat dripped down his face and his body shook.
"Ow," he coughed.
"Here," Lera said, running in. She met Kasten's eyes and ran to his side. She took his hand as Reena opened the vial.
"Kasten, hold your tongue on this," Reena said taking away the bandage. Bellow the gash still remained, but the infection was gone. "This will hurt."
"Anything like that?" he whispered.
Reena gave him a half smile. "No, not that bad."
"Then I'm good," he said, tightening his hold on Lera's hand.
Reena nodded, slowly dripping the liquid into the wound. The skin began to sear and Kasten stiffened. Reena quickly covered the wound again, flashing a small smile at Kasten.
"Not bad," Reena said. "You took that much better than Link ever… ever did."
Reena stood abruptly. She looked at Lera, holding her arm and holding Kasten's hand.
"Get your arm treated immediately," Reena instructed, pocketing the potion. "Kasten, you need to rest."
"You can't go by yourself," Lera protested.
"I'll go with her," Impa said, appearing in the doorway.
Reena nodded and they left the room. They hurried down the corridor and to the throne room. Beds with injured Hyrule and Salderin Soldiers littered the floor. Reena went to each one, healing those she could with her potion. Some however were beyond the potion and she used her powers.
Reena neared the next victim and let out a gasp. The man was slashed twice across the chest and his breath could barely be heard.
"Tarin!" Reena breathed, dropping down next to him.
"He fell… defending the King," Impa whispered, putting a hand on Reena's shoulder.
"Tell…Anita…" he gasped.
"I'm not telling her anything," Reena said firmly, taking his hand. "I'm going to save you, Tarin. You're not leaving your family behind."
"It's…too…late," he breathed.
"No, it's not," Reena said, calling her powers. His eyes closed as the wounds closed. His breathing steadied and Reena sat back. "Sleep well, Tarin."
Reena got to her feet. She and Impa continued to each fallen soldier. Once they finished in the castle, their task brought them to every inn and household that held an injured person. Reena went to each one. Most she was able to save, but some were just too far beyond her healing powers and died moments after she arrived. With each stop, she became weaker and weaker. Her leg was on fire and she could barely walk. It was getting to the point where she couldn't hide it from Impa.
"So, this is the famous Dierden?" Reena asked with a small smile. "Lera's told me plenty about you."
Dierden laughed came out as a cough. His mother and father stood next to his bedside, holding onto each other in hope.
"I won't stop at saying I was a jerk," Dierden whispered. "Tell her sorry. And that I'm glad she beat me every single time."
"Don't worry, you'll get the chance," Reena assured, touching his wound. "She'll like to hear it from you than me. She'll sympathize with you. All boys go through that stage. It's the question of whether they get out of it. Luckily there's the few of you that admit you were stupid."
Dierden smiled weakly. "Stupid is putting it nicely."
Reena returned the smile as his eyes closed. She looked up at Dierden's parents.
"He'll live," she assured. "Make sure he stays in bed for at least a week."
"Thank you," his mother whispered, grasping Reena's hand in thanks.
Reena stood, glad her burning leg didn't give out. She held onto held onto Impa for support. Impa gripped Reena's arm tightly, holding her up as they staggered from the house.
"I'm okay to walk," Reena assured, trying hard not to stagger in her step.
"It's been years since I've looked after you," Impa said, looking down on the young princess. "But at five years old you were the same. Stubborn, courageous, and a liar."
Reena couldn't help but smirk. She allowed herself to place an arm around Impa's neck to hold herself up.
"You may have used all your energy, but I have nearly all of mine," Impa said, holding onto Reena tightly. A flash went off and the next thing Reena knew, they were in Link's room. Reena looked up at Impa in surprise. She gave the twenty two year old a small smile. "I know your mind better than you know."
"You always did," Reena said quietly, remembering the time she had spent with the Sheikah when she was younger. She sat down next to Link, taking his tunic in her hands. She went to touch her leg when Impa's hand shot out, stopping her.
"Don't," Impa said. "You've already over done it. You could kill yourself if you do anymore."
Reena sighed, dropping her hand. The door opened and Lenaya entered.
"There's nothing more that can be done, Princess Reena," Impa said. "You need to sleep."
Reluctantly Reena allowed herself to be led to her own room. Lenaya and Impa waited as Reena changed into her night clothes behind her screen. She slid into her bed and Impa bowed, closing the door behind her.
Lenaya sat down on the bed beside Reena, smoothing the hair away from Reena's forehead. Reena didn't stop her. It seemed as though she was a child again. She remembered climbing in next to Lenaya when her nights became frightening.
"Lera told me what happened," Lenaya said quietly.
Reena didn't know what she was doing. The next moment her arms were around the Queen. Comfort took away the dread in her heart for a moment. Reena sighed, glad to know what it was like to have a mother again.
"Everything will be okay," Lenaya assured, gently rubbing her daughter's back. She took the green tunic next to Reena's bed and placed it next to the young woman.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Reena whispered into Lenaya's side. "What if he never wakes up? What if it was too late to save him?"
Lenaya soothed Reena's hair, tears in her eyes. "Link's too stubborn to let something like death interfere."
Reena closed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her. She hoped so. She prayed so. As sleep took her, the image of his demon face streaked with blood tears tormented her.
WHAT HAVE I DONE! I KILLED LINK! But you have to admit, it was a pretty intentse battle. Who woulda thunk that the final battle would be Reena vs Link? Yeah so, Link's not ACTUALLY dead yet-almost, but not yet. Now, I have two potential endings that I have prepared. I would like to hear from you on wether or not you think Link should die. Because right now he's in limbo.