AN: ALAS! IT IS FINISHED! Well, this chapter, that is. I'm so very sorry this took so long, but a variety of things slowed my progress down, including writer's block and a power outage. But it's finally here, and I really hope it lives up to everyone's expectations. I am nervous about it (as usual), but I'm also more than ready to move on to the next chapter, so here you go!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)
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Fortitude
Chapter XLVIII
"NOOO!"
My anguished scream tore through the chamber, echoed by Ashton's cries of pain.
"LINK!" I struggled wildly against Nassir, forgetting his previous threats as my terror consumed me.
Then the dark portal orb suddenly pulsed with light, and three more figures appeared in the room—Impa, Darunia, and Nabooru.
"Help him!" I cried. Impa had already vanished, but Nabooru and Darunia rushed to Link's side. Before Nassir could interfere, I whipped the knife from my wrist and stabbed him in the side. I knew it wouldn't kill him, and how it harmed Link hardly mattered anymore.
He gave a startled cry and loosened his grip on my neck, allowing me to break away and rush toward Link. Nabooru and Darunia had tentatively taken his arms, supporting him. They looked up as I ran toward them, clearly unsure how to help him.
"Zel—da—" Link struggled to speak between short, shallow gasps as I dropped down beside him.
"Shh," I soothed, "don't talk." Gently I eased him back into my arms, taking care to avoid the Master Sword embedded in his chest.
"Sister…" Darunia began, his eyes moving between us and Nassir.
"Distract him," I told them, my voice quivering uncontrollably. "The others will be here soon."
"But, Zelda…" Nabooru started. Behind her I saw Nassir pull the knife from his side and cast it away with a growl.
"Please," I whispered, meeting her amber gaze. A rare fear darkened those vibrant eyes, reflecting my own terror. "Protect us. I will help him."
The two of them nodded and sprang to their feet—just as Impa reappeared with Saria and Ruto. At her command the younger two joined their fellow Sages in fighting Nassir, but she ran straight to Link and me.
"Dear gods," she breathed as she sank to her knees beside me. "Link…"
He stifled his cries, clenching his teeth while his marked, trembling hand hovered near the Sword's hilt. The Echo's black tendrils spread up along his pained face, claiming more of him with every second.
"We have to pull it out," Impa said gravely.
I forced my attention to the Sword, struggling to ignore the growing bloodstain around the blade. Its blue glow flickered as the Sword warred between recognizing its Wielder and destroying the evil within him.
I pressed my lips together and nodded, letting her reach for the hilt—but Link caught her wrist in his bloodied hand.
"Don't," he gasped, knowing the Sword would harm us as it had Ashton.
"Link, it's killing you," Impa said firmly. "We have to try."
He failed to respond, crying out as his pain grew more intense. I stroked his damp hair back from his forehead, murmuring useless words of comfort while his life slipped away. Again Impa reached for the sword, but Link tightened his grasp on her wrist.
"Impa," he rasped. "It's no use…"
He broke off as another attack seized him, and I met Impa's troubled gaze, wordlessly begging her for some other solution.
We have the Ocarina, I reminded myself. If we could teleport him to a fountain…
These thoughts quieted, however, when Link's eyes opened and gazed up into mine. In them I saw the depth of his anguish, and I knew we would never reach a fountain in time. Death had already begun to claim him, and he had begun to accept it.
"Link," I wept, stroking the hollowed curve of his cheek. In that moment, the danger of my visions and the fate of our people faded to the recesses of my mind. He was dying, and before everything fell to pieces I wanted him to know I would always love him, no matter what happened…
But words failed me when he reached for my cheek, anxiousness lining his face as he struggled to voice his own last words… Words I never heard.
His lips had barely parted before his cold, trembling fingers fell away, leaving streaks of blood on my face. His head fell back against my arm, his eyes closed as though in sleep.
He was gone.
"No…"
Horror pierced my pounding heart, tearing it open with merciless, agonizing force.
"No, Link, please… Please…"
I clutched his limp body close, pressing my forehead to his as I succumbed to breathless, anguished sobs. Despair clawed at the edges of my mind, opening old wounds that had barely healed since the day we lost our bond.
"Zelda…" Impa placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it away, refusing to be parted from him.
Then suddenly I sensed an inexplicable change. The pressure caused by Ganondorf struggling against the Sages' barrier had abruptly ceased. My sobs faltered as a part of me puzzled at this, but the rest of me found no will to care—especially when another change seized my attention.
I felt Link stir in my arms.
Shock halted my every thought, my every tear, and slowly I lifted my head, watching as he struggled to draw breath.
"Link?" I whispered, too astounded to bother with reason.
Slowly his eyes opened, and hope fluttered within me as the pain left his face. The feeling soon faltered, however, when he gave me a slow and unfamiliar smile. A cold smile. Then a strange sound drew my gaze to the Master Sword, and what I saw brought a fresh wave of horror.
A wide crack split the previously flawless blade, vanishing from sight beyond Link's wound.
"Get away from him," Impa said, grabbing my arm. "He isn't Link anymore,"
I let her pry me away from him, dizzied by the sudden, impossible changes. Link struggled to his feet, flinching as he observed the Master Sword still embedded in his chest. Grasping the hilt, he then clenched his teeth and wrenched the Sword free with a pained grunt. A red glow surrounded the gaping wound, which, to my amazement, quickly healed itself into seemingly undamaged flesh. The glow continued up his shoulder, healing the wound Ashton had inflicted earlier.
By that point the dark tendrils had covered Link's entire face, but he seemed unfazed by the Echo.
"Ah," he sighed as the red glow faded, "that's better."
Then he tossed the splintered Sword aside, hissing as his severely burned hand healed itself with more red light. The Sword hit the stone floor and shattered upon impact, creating a small cloud of dust. I stared at the pieces in shock, barely registering Impa's words as she drew me into her protective arms.
"You fool," she snapped at Link. "He will never let you harm us with his own hands."
The imposter merely smiled.
"Wrong," he replied in Link's cold voice. "These hands nearly choked the life out of your little queen mere days ago."
Impa stiffened, startled by this information. I had told no one of Link's actions in the forest that night.
"The Hero no longer controls this body," the imposter added. "He is mine now—he and his power."
He lifted Link's arm then, showing us the Triforce emblem which glowed on his left hand. Power and Courage both shone through his glove, each equally bright and complete.
I found myself unable to react. Watching my visions unfold into such sudden devastation had left me numb. Link's voice had confirmed my deepest fears, yet I struggled to believe Ganondorf had spoken them.
"Master!"
Nassir rushed to Link's side and collapsed at his feet, his face nearly pressed to the floor. "Master, to kneel in your presence again brings me immeasurable joy—"
"Rise, Nassir," Ganondorf spoke with a hint of Link's rare impatience. "You have done well, my apprentice. But our work is not yet finished. This body is weak and useless as anything but an Echo. It does not suit me."
"Yes, Master," Nassir murmured as he climbed to his feet. "The Hylian filth could never suit you."
He then stepped behind Link, eyeing the Sages with contempt. They had gathered behind Impa and me, unsure of what to do.
Ganondorf studied us with Link's cold, marred face. "It would seem an introduction is hardly necessary," he said. "You know who I am. And you realize you cannot harm me without hurting the Hero. So unless you mean to kill him, you will surrender to me and dispel the barrier."
Silence followed; none of us dared to move or speak. Ganondorf waited a moment, moving Link's blue eyes from one Sage to the next before his gaze settled upon me. Slowly he came forward, and my heart lurched when he reached for my chin, tipping my face up to his. Impa's arm tensed around me, ready to defend me.
"I have no desire to harm you," he spoke in Link's gentle voice. "I quite enjoy your company, defiant as you are. You… amuse me…"
I stiffened as he trailed his fingers along my neck and down between my breasts.
"But this," he murmured, "is another matter…"
My breath caught when his hand came to rest on my belly, and I forced myself to meet his familiar gaze.
"I suspected you would choose him," he said with a dark, knowing smile. "Keeping the vow I made before you sealed me away will be much easier now that you share this unborn child. I will spare your life, but every trace of Hero must die with him."
"Please," I whispered, knowing he could destroy Shayne with a mere thought. "Please spare him… I'll do anything you ask; just let my child live…"
My hands hovered near his, ready to push them away, but I feared the consequences of any sudden moves. Inwardly I struggled to find a way out, but only one possibility came to mind—Link's quick and certain death. Inflicting a final blow, one that could not be healed, would force Ganondorf back into his own body still trapped in the Evil Realm.
The thought left me sick with horror. I could never find the strength to destroy Link in such a gruesome way, but I knew the Sages could. He would want this to end in whatever way necessary, and they would find the strength to fulfill his wish—for him and for all of Hyrule.
But I refused to give up on him. A part of me waited for Link to come back, to fight Ganondorf and reclaim his body. I ached for the bond, simply to reach him, to sense whether the Echo had truly defeated him. I could only imagine the smothering darkness he endured, trapped within his own body. I had suffered but a taste of the curse's evil when I last tried to save him…
"Foolish girl," Ganondorf replied, still using Link's softer voice. He brought his hand to my cheek, caressing me with Link's warm hand. "You have no leverage, no power in this. I have you, quite literally, in the palm of my hand…"
His fingers had barely traced my trembling lips when he suddenly jerked his hand away, as though pricked by some invisible thorn.
"No," he growled, clutching his head as he staggered backward. "Damn… you…"
My eyes widened as hope rose within me. Link!
But despite my faith in him, I realized he fought a losing battle. He needed help before Ganondorf buried him again.
But what can I do? I can't even reach him unless I—
My eyes widened. Unless I use telepathy.
Reason invaded my thoughts, reminding me that I'd already tried it back at Lon Lon Ranch—that I had failed—but fiercely I pushed it away. Link had precious little time before death finally claimed him, and my chances of success were slim to none… but I wouldn't give him up without a fight.
I have to try again.
Drawing a quick, determined breath, I lunged forward and grabbed Link's face, ignoring Impa's cry as I closed my eyes and entered his mind…
I plunged into a cold, dark abyss, summoning my barriers as I sped toward Link's core. Shayne remained at the edge of my consciousness, unaffected by the merging of my mind with Link's.
The darkness closed in around me, pressing against my defenses, but I barely acknowledged it. Aggressively I sought Link's dwindling presence, praying I would reach him in time…
WHAM.
The evil slammed against my barriers—threatening to shatter my concentration—but my fear turned to relief when I sensed Link's spirit. Buried deep beneath the Echo's darkness, he still lived…
I quickened my pace, anxious to make contact. I didn't know what would happen when I reached him, or whether it would make any difference, but it was my only hope.
Hold on, Link… I'm coming…
But as I drew nearer, the surrounding blackness suddenly changed to blinding whiteness…
It lasted only a moment before I found myself standing on a bleak, surreal plain, cloaked in heavy fog. My presence had assumed a visible, bodily form, though naturally Shayne had not accompanied me. Another figure stood in the distance, his dark, bulky form breaking the blurred horizon. My blood ran cold the moment I recognized him.
Ganondorf.
He appeared precisely as I remembered him. Flaming red hair, dark Gerudo skin, black plate mail… all of it remained unchanged. Those cruel yellow eyes pierced through the fading mist, rousing a deep and long buried fear. Fifteen years had passed since we sealed him in the Evil Realm, but there he stood, a haunting image preserved within my darkest memories.
"Such persistence," he murmured, his deep, sinister tone sending a chill down my spine. "I admire your spirit, but your interference ends here."
I swallowed, recovering my voice and forcing some strength into it.
"Again you resort to thievery of the worst kind," I said coldly, "and again it will be your undoing. Once I free Link, your evil scheme will die with your pawn."
The Gerudo king shot me a wicked smile. "Hopeful as ever, I see. Foolish girl. Only death will free your precious Hero."
I held his mocking gaze, refusing to shrink before him. "I will save him—from you and the Echo."
Ganondorf's dark laughter filled my ears. "Oh, you can try, little queen."
Then, with a cry of rage, he rose into the air and hurled a rippling wave of magic toward me. Hastily I fortified my mental shields, feeling the energy bounce off before it faded into nothingness. Again and again he flung his magic at me, and each time my barrier managed to withstand his blows.
But for how long? Eventually my strength—or Link's—would give out, and Ganondorf would easily seize his victory. How could I hope to fight him? I could not manipulate my power to attack…
As if responding to my unspoken cry for help, I felt a familiar warmth pulse and draw nearer.
Zelda…
Link's whisper caressed my ears, so faint I feared I'd imagined it. Then, to my amazement, a green light appeared before me, hovering near my face as it began to take shape into…
A sword.
Made of pure, glowing energy, its form resembled that of the Master Sword. It crackled and pulsed with magic, and immediately I knew its source.
The Triforce of Courage.
Ganondorf had not yet seized control of it. Somehow Link had lent me his concentrated power, equipping me with the weapon I needed to cast Ganondorf out of his body.
I reached for the sword, wrapping my fingers around its blazing hilt. It hummed beneath my grip but otherwise felt as solid as a real sword. Determination surged within me, and I assumed a more confident, offensive stance.
The Gerudo king laughed, clearly unfazed by my new weapon.
"So he lent you his power, did he? A futile effort. You will need more than that to defeat me!"
He fired a darker, more powerful blast of energy, but I summoned all my strength and sliced it in half with an angry cry. The pieces slammed into my barrier, scraping along its translucent surface before imploding behind me.
Ganondorf's grin faded as anger darkened his features. He flung his magic with newfound fury, forcing me to dodge the blasts. Nimbly I wove past them, leaping and somersaulting as I advanced. Then, with a loud cry, I broke into a run and charged with vicious speed. A rare show of panic claimed Ganondorf's face as I readied my sword.
"Damn you!" he roared, summoning a barrier of his own.
I dropped my shields, channeling my power into the sword as I leapt into the air. Raising the magical blade high above my head, I brought it down hard against Ganondorf's barrier. The magic shattered beneath me, and, twisting my body, I slashed with enough force to sever him in two.
Light exploded the moment my sword collided with him, and his guttural scream filled my ears.
"NOO!"
The sound rang in every direction as he vanished with the light. I landed in a crouch and paused, allowing myself a few deep breaths.
Zelda…
My head snapped up as I jumped to my feet. "Link?" Anxiously I searched the bleak horizon, turning every which way—
And there he was.
He stood barely ten steps away, watching me with a sad, tender expression. The Echo's markings were gone, but his pale, ill appearance remained unchanged. I knew he represented Link's spirit, not yet claimed by the Echo but dwindling within his weakened body. The curse's evil hovered above us like an impending storm, ready to ensnare him at the first opportunity.
"Link!"
I flung myself toward him, desperate to be closer, to feel the bond we once shared…
But I never reached him.
Instead I slammed into a crystalline wall that suddenly appeared between us. The impact threw me to the ground, knocking the magical sword from my hand.
Zelda! Link's concerned voice echoed around me.
Slowly I sat up, struggling to maintain my concentration as I recovered from the shock. Link stood with his hands pressed against the barrier, anxiously watching me through its blue-tinted wall. I struggled to my feet and pressed my own hands against the wall, lining my fingers with his.
Go, Zelda, he pleaded. Quickly, before he possesses me again. I don't know how much longer I can fight all this…
I came here to save you, I responded ardently. I will not leave you to die.
He held my gaze with such sorrow I felt despair creep back into my thoughts.
Darling, it's too late for me, he said softly. You have to let me go…
No! I smacked the wall in frustration. Link, don't do this; don't you give up!
Zelda, you must end this… Please, before he makes a monster of me—
No! My fierce refusal tore through the emptiness, drowning out his pleas. No, I won't lose you! Not now... Not to him!
Tears blurred my vision, and through them I saw the energy sword still lying on the ground. Immediately I reached for it, grasping it in both hands.
Zelda…
No! I swung with an angry cry, slamming the magical blade against the barrier. I won't give you up, not like this… My choked, trembling words tumbled out between each desperate swing. I can save you—I will save you!
To my amazement, a small crack splintered the barrier, fueling my wild determination. With one final, impassioned cry, I swung with all my might, shattering the crystalline wall. The pieces flew apart as everything blurred to white…
My eyes snapped open, and I found myself lying next to Link on a cold stone floor. A green, translucent dome of energy surrounded us, shielding us from the battle still waging between Nassir and the Sages. Saria stood in the dome with us, her hands raised as she held the barrier in place.
All of this registered in the back of my mind, however, for a powerful presence had flooded my senses, one I knew all too well…
Link.
His warmth flowed into me with ease, as though nothing had ever separated us. The familiarity of him overwhelmed me, bringing such joy that for a moment I forgot everything but him. His own wonder and relief swept through the bond, but so did his distress. The Echo still fought for dominance, and Link's pain seeped through the mental block he had formed for my protection.
Fear dampened my hope, but I thrust my doubt aside. My mind had cleared, and I knew what I had to do. Shattering the barrier deep within Link's subconscious had broken whatever spell Nassir had used to stifle our bond. This enabled us to share more than telepathic communication—we could also share our power.
Link… Gently I drew him up off the floor, cradling him in my arms and brushing his hair out of his eyes. Link, can you hear me?
His eyes opened to little more than slivers of blue, and I could sense him struggling to stay conscious. Tenderly I stroked his cheek, tracing the dark tendrils which still covered his face.
Link, I said again, anxiousness lacing my gentle words, we have the power to cleanse away the Echo. I can channel my magic into you and combine it with yours. All you have to do is allow it. But there can be nothing between us, not even your protection…
He gazed up at me, and beyond his exhaustion I sensed his fear, his unwillingness to risk me and our son.
Shayne… he whispered, barely audible even through the bond.
Shayne will not be harmed, I assured him. He will sense my distress if I fail to stay focused, but only I will share in your pain, and only in my mind. My body will not be harmed. Please, Link, I am more than willing to bear that pain for you…
Knowing his life faded with each passing moment, I lay him back down against the floor.
Please, Link, I begged him. Let it go… Let me help you…
His eyes glistened before he closed them, letting tears trail down his face. But his spirit did not waver, and my worries vanished as I felt his block weaken. Slowly, cautiously, he opened himself to me and relinquished all control.
I had no time for relief. His emotions poured into me, and vaguely I felt tears stream down my own face. Terror, despair, and countless more feelings raged within him, but in the midst of such darkness I sensed a glimmer of hope.
Then his pain struck with such overwhelming force that the room swayed and darkness spotted my vision. I gave a hushed cry but forced myself to adjust. If Link could remain conscious in his weakened state, I could certainly endure the pain without it crippling me. The Triforce emblem tingled on my hand, and I sensed its power helping me—just as the Triforce of Courage aided him.
Stay calm, I commanded myself, Keep a clear head…
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling more tears streak my face as I summoned the Triforce of Wisdom. Suppressing my fear proved challenging. Despite Link's extraordinary resilience, I knew the agony of a cleansing could kill him.
Still, there was no turning back.
Channeling my magic through our bond proved effortless. The energy flowed like water, and with little more than a thought. I suddenly understood how Ganondorf had lent the Triforce of Power to Nassir—and to Link. The bond between an Echo and his master crudely resembled the bond I shared with Link. But while Ganondorf had been unwilling to share all of his power, I gave Link the entire Triforce of Wisdom.
He drew short, uneven breaths, panicking as the energy settled within him. His hands clenched into fists, and he struggled to accept the power he had always feared.
It's all right, I soothed him. It obeys your will; it cannot control you. Don't fight it, Link…
His breathing quieted as he attempted to calm himself, knowing his life depended on it.
Summon your own power, I instructed him softly. I will merge it with mine.
He did as I asked, keeping his fear under tight control as he awakened the Triforce of Courage. I felt it surge within him, merging with the Triforce of Wisdom as though drawn by some mysterious force. Link and I both gasped as our pieces joined together; their combined power was incredibly strong.
You're doing so well, I praised him softly, sweeping his hair back away from his forehead. Now I must command the power to destroy the evil inside you, and you must give the same command. Our powers must work as one.
Link drew another deep, calming breath, and I felt his acknowledgment through the bond.
…The pain will be terrible, I whispered, but you cannot allow anything, not even your fear, to interfere with the magic…This is our only chance…
Knowing he would violently struggle when the cleansing began, I carefully moved to straddle him, weighing him down with my body and pinning his arms with my legs. Ordinarily such precautions would never work, since Link was much stronger than me. But he had lost so much strength I figured I could overpower him.
Tenderly I gazed down at him, stroking his pale, marred cheek.
Are you ready? I asked.
He opened his eyes, and while I saw fear in his anxious, weary gaze, I heard none of it in his soft reply.
I'm ready.
I bent down to kiss to his forehead, closing my eyes as I sent a brief prayer to the Goddess of Courage.
Please, Blessed Farore, lend him the strength to survive this…
I sat back and tilted my face up toward the ceiling, pressing my hands down against his shoulders. Then I emptied my mind of all but one clear command:
Destroy the evil within him.
Link concentrated on the same command, bracing himself with a rush of determination…
Our combined power burned through him with merciless force, ripping the evil from his innermost being. Excruciating pain blazed through our bond, and I struggled to ignore Link's screams as he thrashed beneath me. The agony soon overwhelmed me, and I felt myself collapse beside him, unable to hold him down. Still I fiercely accepted the pain, reminding myself it would break the Echo's chains.
Take it all away… I willed the Triforce. Free him…
A heaviness began to form in my mind, weakening the bond, but I clenched my teeth and fought to stay conscious. I imagined the black tendrils slowly retreating back down toward Link's scar, growing thinner until they vanished entirely—just as they had when the Sages cleansed him.
Let them never return…
The image blurred away as our torment suddenly intensified. I squeezed my eyes shut, screaming with Link as the Echo fought its final, most aggressive battle against our assault…
And then it stopped.
The darkness, the pain—all of it vanished in an instant. I felt no trace of the evil that had inhabited Link for so long… Only the warmth of his own spirit remained, though I sensed he had lost consciousness. Quickly I sat up and leaned over him, tearing open his tunic to better expose his scar…
Tears ran down my face as my trembling fingers traced the raised mark which still crossed his heart. It was no longer a mark of evil, however, for its original black color had gone. A natural white scar remained, the only evidence that a curse had ever been cast—and overcome.
The Khaverte d' Refero had been purged… Link was free.
Laughter welled up within me, escaping in a brief, ragged sob as I trailed my fingers along his unresponsive face. Closing my eyes, I sought the Triforce of Wisdom's power, gently summoning it to help Link regain consciousness.
I sensed his awareness sharpen as he stirred. Slowly his eyes opened, widening slightly as he registered the change in him. His gaze found mine, inquisitive and glistening with tears. I felt his disbelief through bond, his inability to trust that his suffering had finally come to an end.
"Yes, Link," I whispered, smiling down at him. "It's gone… It will never hurt you again."
He blinked, sending tears down his stunned face, and gently I brushed them away.
How do you feel? I asked him. Can you sit up? I had not forgotten the battle still waging beyond Saria's barrier, and I knew Link would have to fight again.
He tried to lift himself up off the floor, and I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, helping him into a sitting position. There he paused to absorb the visual evidence, studying his unmarked hands and chest. A powerful surge of emotion rose within him, breaking his composure as he gave a choked sob.
I drew him into my arms, holding him close as he pressed his face into my shoulder. Desperately he clung to me, shaking with sobs he could not suppress.
Zelda… Zelda…
I pressed a kiss to his hair, fighting my own tears as his joy and relief poured into me. We could have stayed like that forever, but eventually I felt his attention stray to the Sages' ongoing struggle.
Nassir… His joy faded to solemn determination as his eyes settled on the necromancer. Gently he pulled away, and a ripple of concern drifted through the bond as looked for the Master Sword. I felt his horror when he found it lying in pieces nearby.
Don't worry, I soothed him with a smile. The Master Sword is bound to you. As long as you live, it can be remade.
He gave me a look of astonishment, and I cupped his cheek before climbing to my feet. I peered out through Saria's barrier, wondering if Impa still possessed the Ocarina of Time. Sensing my thoughts, Link slowly moved toward Saria, who stood with her back to us and her hands raised, too focused on her barrier to notice anything else. I spied the Ocarina peeking out of her pocket, and carefully Link retrieved it, not wanting to startle her. Saria didn't even flinch.
Play the 'Song of Time,' I told him as we knelt on opposite sides of the Master Sword's remains. He brought the instrument to his lips, closing his eyes as the Song's solemn, ancient notes echoed about the chamber. The melody's power concentrated on the Master Sword, bathing every jagged fragment in a soft blue light.
Link lowered the Ocarina, and we watched in awe as the pieces steadily merged themselves back together. A bright flash of light soon followed, forcing Link and me to shield our eyes. Once the light faded, we looked to find the Sword completely restored, its flawless blade gleaming in the surrounding torchlight.
Slowly, reverently Link reached for his weapon, closing his fingers around the polished blue hilt and lifting it so our reflections appeared on either side of the blade. A bright and familiar blue glow surrounded the Sword as it responded to its Wielder.
Go, I urged, giving him a proud smile. I'm right here if you need me.
He lowered the Sword and reached for my cheek, pressing a brief, fervent kiss to my lips. I know, he whispered, sending me a fierce wave of love and gratitude.
Then gently he pulled away and rose to his feet, his eyes finding Nassir beyond Saria's barrier. I watched him pause at the young Sage's side and stroke the back of her head, causing her to look up in shock. The barrier fell away when she threw her arms around him, clinging to him a moment before she let him go join the fight. Then she turned to give me a tearful smile, one I returned before she closed her eyes and resummoned her barrier.
Nassir's cry of rage thundered above the noise as Link came forward, though I assumed he already knew the Khaverte d' Refero had been broken.
"Spare your strength," Link called to the Sages. "Focus your energy on the barrier. I will handle this one myself."
The Sages complied, stepping back as Link advanced.
"You think this is over?" Nassir laughed. "As long as you hold that Sword in your hand, the Sages' barrier is weak. I'll destroy them one by one until my master breaks free!"
"It is you who will die tonight," Link said flatly. "Death will be your freedom—and our peace."
"Fool!" Nassir raised his fist, where the Triforce of Power shone brightly—though still incomplete. "You may have defeated my master once, but together we are invincible!"
Then he lifted his arms toward the ceiling, flexing his fingers into claws.
"Now, Master!" he cried. "Use me as you will! Make me the vessel of your power!"
Then he fell to his knees, his palms smacking the stone floor as he bowed his head. The Sages flung magic at him, but Nassir's barrier kept him well protected.
Then, just a few heartbeats later, he slowly rose to his feet. He stood strangely composed, lifting his head and cracking his neck before he regarded us with a confident smile. I had seen the smile just minutes ago… Ganondorf's smile.
Link raised the Master Sword in a defensive stance, having reached the same conclusion.
"You imbecile," Ganondorf growled in Nassir's sinister voice, forming an orb of destructive energy in his hand. "I may have failed to end the line of Heroes, but I can still destroy you!"
He flung the blast at Link, who easily deflected it with the Master Sword. The magic rebounded back toward Ganondorf, who knocked it back again—adding strength to it as he did.
I watched Link deflect it, eerily reminded of his last battle against Ganondorf all those years ago. Back then Link had defeated him, but surely Ganondorf had improved his strategy?
As if to answer my question, the Gerudo king summoned a barrier as Link sent another blast back at him, absorbing the magic without lifting a finger. Link took advantage of his delay and charged, knowing the Master Sword would cut through his defenses—
But the barrier expanded before he could attack, collided with him at lightning speed and catching him off guard. The blow knocked Link off his feet, and he flew through the air before landing hard on his back. Fearfully I cried out, though Link had formed another mental block to spare me any more of his pain. I knew the blow wasn't enough to kill him, but it stunned him a moment.
Nassir's laughter filled the chamber as Link forced himself to his feet, wincing as the lingering sparks of magic jolted through him.
"You see now, Hero?" Ganondorf called to Link. "Your old tactics won't work on me. You're welcome to carry on like this… as long as your strength doesn't fail you!"
Link? I called out to him. He sensed my concern and soothed it away.
It's all right, he assured me. I'll figure this out.
But I felt his own worry seep through the bond. The Triforce of Courage and Wisdom lay at his command, but it made little difference if he lacked the knowledge to use them properly.
You need a barrier of your own, I told him. The power of both our Triforce pieces should be enough to overcome his. Spare only what energy you need to fight.
Link hesitated, willing to try my suggestion but unsure how. His shame washed over me, and I responded with tenderness.
It's all right, I soothed. All you have to do is let go of your fears, just as you did when we fought the Echo.
But you commanded the power, he reminded me. I only allowed it…
This time the magic must be expelled, and I can't do that. You can, Link.
Zelda, I don't know how…
I will guide you, I assured him. But you need to believe in yourself, as I have always believed in you…
He drew a deep, calming breath, letting the sincerity of my words sink in. I sensed his desire to succeed, a strong emotion hindered by his lingering self-doubt.
All right, he told me. I will try.
I felt him summon his power, but Ganondorf's ongoing attacks forced him to divide his attention.
"Impa, Darunia, everyone!" I cried, drawing the Sages' attention. "Protect him!"
Every Sage but Saria responded, shifting to the forefront while Link fell back. He had already created a barrier using his own power, but he struggled to unlock the full potential of both Triforce pieces. I sensed his cluttered thoughts blocking the magic's path.
Clear your mind, I reminded him. This will be much easier once you are calm and focused.
I felt his acknowledgment before he sank to his knees, leaning on the Master Sword as he sought a tranquil, meditative state of mind. I aided him as best I could, soothing away his troubles with gentle waves of support.
Slowly, not tentatively but with careful reverence, Link summoned the full power of the Triforce of Courage. It's previously dormant magic pulsed and willingly responded, flowing like a stream freed from winter's long slumber. Link embraced it's warm, vibrant energy, surprised by how easily he could command it. He channeled as much as he could into the barrier, and I watched it emit a pale green glow before fading from sight.
Using his own power had been the easy step. Channeling the Triforce of Wisdom required a different kind of focus, one which used logic and fairness. Unlike Courage, it could not be influenced by emotion.
Command it with your mind, not your heart, I instructed Link. It will judge your sincerity for itself.
Link remained silent, taking a moment to suppress his emotions. Years of training in meditation had taught him how to achieve this calm state of mind, but the objectivity he managed to maintain impressed me nonetheless.
Finally the Triforce's warm acceptance rippled through the bond. Link's barrier glimmered with Wisdom's blue light, and I released a breath I'd unwittingly held.
You've done it, Link! I praised, sending my pride through the bond.
I felt his smile, as he was too focused—and too tired—to form a response. He simply wanted the fight to end, a wish I shared wholeheartedly.
Slowly he rose to his feet, advancing toward Ganondorf once more. Again the Sages fell back, ready to interfere if he needed them. My eyes moved to Nassir, and with a wave of dread I realized what Link had to do.
Link—
I know, he said gently, his voice solemn. Don't worry.
I watched him raise the Master Sword and charge, releasing a battle cry as he broke into a run…
Again Ganondorf fortified his barrier, casting it out toward Link with an extended hand…
A blinding light flashed as the two barriers collided, forcing me to shield my eyes. My heart jumped to my throat the moment I recovered, for I saw Link leap toward Nassir, twisting his body with deadly speed as he brought the glowing Sword to the Echo's neck—
"NOOO—!"
A terrible slice cut off Nassir's cry of defeat, and I watched his body crumple to the floor with a resounding thud. His head rolled a short distance away, leaving a trail of blood before it lay still. A profound silence filled the chamber as we all stood motionless, absorbing the scene before us.
The necromancer, the source of our nightmares for all those months… was dead.
Link turned away in disgust, the bloodstained Master Sword grasped heavily at his side. He drew no satisfaction from his victory—Link never enjoyed taking the life of another person, not even Nassir. The necromancer had tortured him in more ways than one, but even Link knew he was merely a pawn—a victim, even. Ganondorf had been the true source of such evil.
Link…
Tears blurred my vision as I ran to embrace him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. Link held me close with his free hand, resting his head against mine as I softly wept into his shoulder.
It was over.
