Sorry 'bout the delay.. AOL Error erased the original copy.. So I had to rewrite it over.. And it erased that! ..And then again.. I liked the first three better. Well. Dis is it! Excuse the length. Just didn't wanna drag it out into another chapter.
- - -
...We're finally here...
Our pace relaxed as we took our time entering through the temple.. It was magnificent.. The place was dimly lit, the floor an atramentous shade of ebon.. And a multitude of twinkling lights, much like stars decorated the darkness.. On either side of the platform before the altar of the spiritual stones were dual circles.. One, representing our moon.. The other, the foreign sun.. Each ellipsoid halfway converging on the platform..
Diffused scintillates of gold, and saffon, a twilight of light cast down from the ceiling of the temple upon a solitary cloaked figure.. That was when I first noticed him.. Embroidered in gold threads, a cloak which drapped over his entire form, and visage.. With the exception of that smug little smirk of his, and hands which held the three books of the goddesses.. We would have to choose the patron goddess of our ceremony..
"..But in a short window of time lies a miracle."
I blinked, shocked as he spoke as Sheik and I took the stand upon the platform before the altar.. It was then the man tossed off his hood.. The guard.
I heard him mumur in some ancient form of Hylian tounge, long forgotten with the exception of ceremonies and long forgotten scriptures.. One hand to support the trio of books, the other, two fingers extended waving about them as he continued.
"...Who shall be our patron, Link?"
I reached one hand up, sliding my finger down that pallid visage of hers, hooking into the Sheikah veil which obscured her nose and mouth.. Peeling away the folds which disguised her face.
"...We'll know when the time comes to choose.. Zelda.."
...I was probably more nervous than she...
...I just hope she didn't see my knees tremble...
...Hero of Time I maybe.. But a boy when it comes to love...
We were silent for a moment.. And the only sound which resonated through the walls of the temple was the incoherent muttering of prayers by the guard, who now presided over our ceremony.. It seemed as if he were absorbed in a trance like state.. Gradually, his voice raising as he chanted, hastening the pace, till it seemed he was racing to finish reciting in the ancient dialect.. His tongue clicking against the roof of his mouth in foreign sounds.. That's when he looked up to me, I could almost see the panic in his eyes.. I wasn't sure if it were really panic, for sorrow filled those vacuous pools as well.
...Why is he sorrowful on such a joyous event?...
...He stared as if right through us...
...He stared as if right past us...
"..Please. Choose the book of your patron."
He presented them.. Cased in leather, hued in ocean, forest, and molten red shades.. One for each of the goddesses.. Each with a piece of the triforce in gold imprinted upon the case.
"Din..!"
...Who's voice was that?...
...No...
...Not now...
I turned about to see none other than that desert feind standing at the doorway, maliciously chuckling.. None other than the dark one himself, former heir to the Gerudo throne.. I glanced quickly upon the platform on which we stood.. The sun and the moon had almost entirely joined.. We only had a short window left.
"Unnatural... Unnatural.." I heard the former guard mutter.. It seemed only his duty to preside over the ceremonies.. And not discriminate against the evil which now "graced" us with his presence in the temple.
I stepped before Zelda, extending my arm before her to keep her back.. I didn't have a weapon on me.. And I had to come up with something fast if I were to stand a chance against him.. I saw the sterling scintillate of his sword, flash brilliantly as he slipped it from it's sheath.. The best bet I had was the use of magic.. But my power was greatly diminished.. I'd have to come up with an impromptu plan later on.
I crouched down, quickly slamming my palm into the ground.. A transparent cyan shield rose up about myself.. It was pathetic, convulsing with spurts of what little power it had, fading in other regions.. Then it dissapated into nothing.. No barrier spells could be in effect tonight... How foolish of me.. It was a waste of magic power.. However, I had no time to worry about my mistake.
That's when he charged.. As did I.. His broadsword at his side, and my palm focusing any magic I had left.. That's when we collided.. He smacked me with the flat of his sword.. But as I was flung aside.. I sent forth a blast of flames.. The most I could muster and concentrate of Din's fire spell.. And the last of any magic that I could muster for the night.
"Die, bastard!"
I was able to stay on my feet.. The blow back only causing me to slide a few yards back.. Atleast I hadn't taken much damage from his blow, but that would no longer be the case.. I focused intently upon him, squinting to keep close watch in the dimly lit temple.
..The silence was cut by that macabre laughter of his.
"That was pathetic, hero of time." ..More laughter ensued. Only angering me.. "I'll damn you to the same hellish existance you exiled me to! ...And enjoy every moment of it.." He vaunted a haughty grin, digits manipulating the hilt of his sword so that it effortlessly spun about.. Then he gripped it fast and charged again..
..I'm faster than him. I was able to use that fact to my advantage..
"Careful Link!"
I heard Zelda cry.. I was charging him head on.. Injured.. Weaponless.. As an idiot.. All the while his minions crawling through the windows, crevaces.. Flooding the area with their disgusting presence.. An infestation within the walls of the temple.
Everything was a distraction.. It was almost too late before I saw him raise his sword, a magnificent weapon of polished metal.. It was then that I slid, underneath his legs and behind him. I nearly chuckled at his oafishly slow reaction.. Just like the old times.. When he assumed the form of Ganon, that piggish monstrosity. I guess it was another attempt to lighten the solemn mood of his return, no matter how brief it was meant to be..
I know it was cheap.. I turned about, so that my back was on the ground.. I was facing from underneath him, his back still turned to me.. Tucking both knees into my chest for a moment, I shot both feet in a painful kick to the Gerudo's.. Sensitive region.. It worked.. He double folded, crouching to the ground.. Dropping his sword in the process..
...They're going...
The invasion of creatures were starting to fade.. Even Ganondorf didn't seem at his peak... That meant the window was almost gone.. Oh Goddesses, I had to hurry.
"Your time's running out." Ganondorf seemed triumphant as he pulled himself back onto his feet.. Forcing his way to stand despite the throbbing pain which I had inflicted upon his loins.. If this weren't such a dangerous situation, I'd laugh of how he shielded his loins with one hand.
"So is yours!" I scrambled to move away.. But he grabbed me by the back of my shirt.. Tugging me against my will.. And my resistance was almost futile since his size was gargantuan compared to my own.. He coiled his arm about me, pinning me against the armor of his chestplate.. Repulsingly bitter breath, heated my neck as he hissed..
His voice was fleeting.. But it stung me deeply.. An erie gloom seemed to cast itself upon us all once he spoke.. As if he were predicting future anguish.
"...I know you all too well, Hylian boy.. I can't just kill you.. I have to make you suffer.."
He tightened his grip, crushing me against his armor.. My wounds stung.. And those which Zelda had tried to heal reopened against the pressure. I could feel it.. All about my body.. Scars, cuts, scabs.. Healed over skin of multiple types, bursting.. Translucent puss oozing out, mingling with crimson moisture.. Making a sickening tainted mixture of dilluted rouge and yellow as it trickled down my skin and clothing.
His arm uncoiled, as he lifted me above his head.. I hung there.. Limply suspended.. And in my blurr of vision, I saw that caramelized visage contort into a gruesome grin. I felt myself swing a little bit, as he pulled his arm back.. And then flung me across the temple.. I hit the ground with a thud.. With such an impact that I nearly bounced.. I could hear crackles as it happened.. It didn't stop there.. I kept sliding, until I slammed into the wall..
"Ugh..."
I squinted my eyes.. My left eye observed him with a tainted red view.. I heard Zelda cry, and abandon the platform, rushing to my aid.
"...Zelda.. Don--.. " She couldn't hear me.. It was only a moment afterwards I realized my mouth was shut, that I was thinking that.. My jaw ached too badly to speak.. And in vain, as I tried to call to her, I tasted the blood which swelled in my mouth.
Ganondorf extended his arm, and coiled it about her waist from behind.. Seizing her midway in her run for me.. I started to struggle to my feet.. My joints were aching with fatigue, my vision blurred.. And my head, pounding, throbbing with pain.. All about me, the air stung my open flesh, tingled the leaking liquid of life.. He pinned her against himself as he did to me.. Inhaling the floral scent of her tresses.. Looking straight at me..
My heart stopped.
...Dear Goddesses, no!...
"Zelda..! Zelda...!" There was a slight gurgle in my voice, as I screamed for her blood trickled down from my mouth.. Profusely spilling out, a sick caliginous crimson color..
I raced.. Almost tripping every so often as I saw the sterling shine of a blade pierce through her side.. Her feminine squeal cutting through the temple, resonating against the vacuous architecture of the wall.. Her scream, echoing.. Echoing.. Repeating my mistake over and over.. I saw the blade slip out of her figure as he tossed her aside, back onto the platform.. She doubled over, crouched.. Trembling as her hands vainly tried to conceal the wound.. To stop the steady flow of blood as it leaked from her abdomen.. Slipping through her digits as she tried to hold in the fleeting life.
I paid too much mind to her condition, for Ganondorf smacked me back.. I didn't even notice until I felt the cold hard touch of metallic gauntlets slam me back against the ground by his sword.. On my back as I looked up to the Gerudo.
"...You will never get the Triforce without our pieces." My voice was raspy as I spoke.. I coughed, nearly choking on my own blood.
I saw him, twirling the leather hilt of his short sword between his digits so carefree.. Occulars narrowed, focused on my own.. Trying to intimidate me.. And I never looked away. ".. I've been damned to a hellish void forever, with the exception of one night.. Every century.. What would I have use for in the Triforce now? I want nothing more than to be rid of you both!"
Silence ensued.. And our raspy breathing.. Hastened and dry.. Was the only thing that seemed to break the silence.. Then he cried aloud in a fury.. "Die, bastard of time! May I damn the both of you to the void which you had banished me!" He lifted the blade far above his head, and came down upon me as he would slam the dagger against me.. But quickly, I grabbed his fallen sword beside me with both hands.. Holding it perpendicular to my form as I lay down.. His own oafishly slow reactions killed him.. The sword burrowed itself into his chest as he tried to come down upon me.. Past his armor and into his heart.. I could almost hear the beating muscle burst as his breath ceased with a gasp..Quickly slipping out of the comprimising position before his corpse would slam into the ground, escaping the chance of being pinned beneath his weight.. As he lay impaled on his own weapon.
..Everything felt slow and solemn..
His blood sickeningly oozed from his wound, slowly creeping thick like deku sap.. I ignored it, and that odor of flesh and odd nickle that accompanied it.. Sluggishly I crawled towards the platform.. Where Zelda now lay, peacefully sprawled out on the marble.. Tresses dissheveled, Sheikah garb, stained with blood.. The ellipsoids.. The stars.. Those lights which once lit the floor of the temple.. Gone.. Everything was enveloped in darkness.
"It's over..? It's over..?" I bit down on my lower lip.. To keep the swelling tears from escaping my eyes.. "All this.. And we're not even in time.."
I pushed myself to my knees.. Reaching down to slip my arms about Zelda's delicate physique.. How frail and limp she was in my grasp.. I kept one arm about her waist.. The other underneath her shoulders and my palm beneath the nape of her neck.
"Zelda.. I... I don't want to live without you."
She felt so cold.. Her skin.. As if graced by ice.. And numbed by the sensation of death.. It was then I heard her voice.. Frail.. Weak.. Fleeting.. And it hurt me even more to hear her speak, knowing I'd be the last person to hear her words.
"..What happened to your courage, Link?"
"..My courage..?"
"..The courage which saved countless lives.. Can it not save your own?"
"..But.. Zelda.."
"Courage.." I heard the guard mutter, continuing his ancient enchantment.. Incoherently blessing us in a long forgotten dialect of the ages.. That's when I realized.. When the sun and the moon converge.. They eclipse.. That's why the place was so dark.. Why the lights had vanished.. We had just made it.. But what was the use of it now..?
As he spoke, with every ancient word rolling off his tounge, it seemed as if the foreign creatures.. Ganondorf's minions.. And even the former Gerudo king himself became illuminated in an ivory glow.. Even Zelda.. My Zelda.. Specks of light beginning to flee from their forms as they were enveloped in this glow..
"What's happening..?" I didn't understand.. It looked magnificent.. Like a mircale.. But in the bottom of my heart, I knew that it wasn't.. That I couldn't save Zelda this time.
"..I.. I don't know.." With her last ounces of strength.. She was trembling.. Afraid of what was to come..
She was getting lighter.. Fading away in my arms..
"Please.. Let me come with you.."
"No.. Link.. Hyrule needs you. That'd be selfish of us." She lifted up one frail hand to my face, caressing my lips as she wiped away the blood.
"I don't want to be a hero..! Can't we ever do something for ourselves?" I took her hand in my palm, moving it from my face to look at how small her hand was in my own.. I could see right through her hand, into mine..
"Link.. Don't make this harder than it is.. Please, Link.." I looked into her eyes.. She was on the brink of tears, and I didn't want to make her cry.. Just before the end..
I heard the guard conclude the ceremony.. Finally, speaking in our own language.. "..Sealed with a confession of love."
I gripped her lithe bodice, holding her close to mine as she spoke.
"I love you, Link."
I shut my eyes as one single tear rolled down the side of my face. "I love you too, Zelda.. Forever.. Always.. And some day, we'll be together.. I can't be a hero forever, but you'll always be my princess."
"..You'll always be my hero, no matter what."
I closed my eyes.. Feeling a calm as I lowered my visage to hers.. Tightening my grip for just a moment as I advanced into a kiss.. And right then, I imagined the soft caress of her tiers against my own lips.. But.. Nothing..
I felt my arms bind about my own body.. Opening my eyes.. She was gone.. Nothing but a fleeting spark of light was left of her, and it was racing upwards.. In vain I tried to capture it, but it always slipped through my fingers.. Dodged my grasp..
"Zelda..! No! Don't go..! Please..!" My voice started to crack, that glow that I was chasing as it tried to escape upwards starting to become fuzzy and dilluted as my vision blurred.. Impared by swelling tears, stinging my eyes.. "... Z..Zelda... Please.."
I scrambled to try and race towards the enterance of the temple.. Determined to follow it as it disappeared through the ceiling.. But my joints were weak.. I was dizzy from a lack of blood.. That's when I tripped.. Slamming face first into the ground.. I clenched my fists.. As I broke out into tears.. Crying like a little boy.
I didn't bother to get up.. I felt my body, limp against the cold marble floor.. Tears rushing down my face, pooling on the floor.. My body convulsing as I coughed and sniffled.. Mumbling about Zelda..
I swear.. I heard a shatter as I fell.. But it wasn't the impact of my fall.. It was my heart.. Broken into a multitude of pieces.. All of which belonged to Zelda.. A void that I could never fill.. Not with the evergreen scent of the fields.. The water of Lake Hylia.. That's when the guard passed me.. I wouldn't have known, but he slipped a bottle to me.. Tucked under my arm as I lay on the floor.. A captured ray of light..
He spoke as he left.. "I always imagined.. That when the sun burns out, it would take the moon with it.. But your still here m'boy.. Your still here."
That night, I cried until the sun came up.
- - -
...We're finally here...
Our pace relaxed as we took our time entering through the temple.. It was magnificent.. The place was dimly lit, the floor an atramentous shade of ebon.. And a multitude of twinkling lights, much like stars decorated the darkness.. On either side of the platform before the altar of the spiritual stones were dual circles.. One, representing our moon.. The other, the foreign sun.. Each ellipsoid halfway converging on the platform..
Diffused scintillates of gold, and saffon, a twilight of light cast down from the ceiling of the temple upon a solitary cloaked figure.. That was when I first noticed him.. Embroidered in gold threads, a cloak which drapped over his entire form, and visage.. With the exception of that smug little smirk of his, and hands which held the three books of the goddesses.. We would have to choose the patron goddess of our ceremony..
"..But in a short window of time lies a miracle."
I blinked, shocked as he spoke as Sheik and I took the stand upon the platform before the altar.. It was then the man tossed off his hood.. The guard.
I heard him mumur in some ancient form of Hylian tounge, long forgotten with the exception of ceremonies and long forgotten scriptures.. One hand to support the trio of books, the other, two fingers extended waving about them as he continued.
"...Who shall be our patron, Link?"
I reached one hand up, sliding my finger down that pallid visage of hers, hooking into the Sheikah veil which obscured her nose and mouth.. Peeling away the folds which disguised her face.
"...We'll know when the time comes to choose.. Zelda.."
...I was probably more nervous than she...
...I just hope she didn't see my knees tremble...
...Hero of Time I maybe.. But a boy when it comes to love...
We were silent for a moment.. And the only sound which resonated through the walls of the temple was the incoherent muttering of prayers by the guard, who now presided over our ceremony.. It seemed as if he were absorbed in a trance like state.. Gradually, his voice raising as he chanted, hastening the pace, till it seemed he was racing to finish reciting in the ancient dialect.. His tongue clicking against the roof of his mouth in foreign sounds.. That's when he looked up to me, I could almost see the panic in his eyes.. I wasn't sure if it were really panic, for sorrow filled those vacuous pools as well.
...Why is he sorrowful on such a joyous event?...
...He stared as if right through us...
...He stared as if right past us...
"..Please. Choose the book of your patron."
He presented them.. Cased in leather, hued in ocean, forest, and molten red shades.. One for each of the goddesses.. Each with a piece of the triforce in gold imprinted upon the case.
"Din..!"
...Who's voice was that?...
...No...
...Not now...
I turned about to see none other than that desert feind standing at the doorway, maliciously chuckling.. None other than the dark one himself, former heir to the Gerudo throne.. I glanced quickly upon the platform on which we stood.. The sun and the moon had almost entirely joined.. We only had a short window left.
"Unnatural... Unnatural.." I heard the former guard mutter.. It seemed only his duty to preside over the ceremonies.. And not discriminate against the evil which now "graced" us with his presence in the temple.
I stepped before Zelda, extending my arm before her to keep her back.. I didn't have a weapon on me.. And I had to come up with something fast if I were to stand a chance against him.. I saw the sterling scintillate of his sword, flash brilliantly as he slipped it from it's sheath.. The best bet I had was the use of magic.. But my power was greatly diminished.. I'd have to come up with an impromptu plan later on.
I crouched down, quickly slamming my palm into the ground.. A transparent cyan shield rose up about myself.. It was pathetic, convulsing with spurts of what little power it had, fading in other regions.. Then it dissapated into nothing.. No barrier spells could be in effect tonight... How foolish of me.. It was a waste of magic power.. However, I had no time to worry about my mistake.
That's when he charged.. As did I.. His broadsword at his side, and my palm focusing any magic I had left.. That's when we collided.. He smacked me with the flat of his sword.. But as I was flung aside.. I sent forth a blast of flames.. The most I could muster and concentrate of Din's fire spell.. And the last of any magic that I could muster for the night.
"Die, bastard!"
I was able to stay on my feet.. The blow back only causing me to slide a few yards back.. Atleast I hadn't taken much damage from his blow, but that would no longer be the case.. I focused intently upon him, squinting to keep close watch in the dimly lit temple.
..The silence was cut by that macabre laughter of his.
"That was pathetic, hero of time." ..More laughter ensued. Only angering me.. "I'll damn you to the same hellish existance you exiled me to! ...And enjoy every moment of it.." He vaunted a haughty grin, digits manipulating the hilt of his sword so that it effortlessly spun about.. Then he gripped it fast and charged again..
..I'm faster than him. I was able to use that fact to my advantage..
"Careful Link!"
I heard Zelda cry.. I was charging him head on.. Injured.. Weaponless.. As an idiot.. All the while his minions crawling through the windows, crevaces.. Flooding the area with their disgusting presence.. An infestation within the walls of the temple.
Everything was a distraction.. It was almost too late before I saw him raise his sword, a magnificent weapon of polished metal.. It was then that I slid, underneath his legs and behind him. I nearly chuckled at his oafishly slow reaction.. Just like the old times.. When he assumed the form of Ganon, that piggish monstrosity. I guess it was another attempt to lighten the solemn mood of his return, no matter how brief it was meant to be..
I know it was cheap.. I turned about, so that my back was on the ground.. I was facing from underneath him, his back still turned to me.. Tucking both knees into my chest for a moment, I shot both feet in a painful kick to the Gerudo's.. Sensitive region.. It worked.. He double folded, crouching to the ground.. Dropping his sword in the process..
...They're going...
The invasion of creatures were starting to fade.. Even Ganondorf didn't seem at his peak... That meant the window was almost gone.. Oh Goddesses, I had to hurry.
"Your time's running out." Ganondorf seemed triumphant as he pulled himself back onto his feet.. Forcing his way to stand despite the throbbing pain which I had inflicted upon his loins.. If this weren't such a dangerous situation, I'd laugh of how he shielded his loins with one hand.
"So is yours!" I scrambled to move away.. But he grabbed me by the back of my shirt.. Tugging me against my will.. And my resistance was almost futile since his size was gargantuan compared to my own.. He coiled his arm about me, pinning me against the armor of his chestplate.. Repulsingly bitter breath, heated my neck as he hissed..
His voice was fleeting.. But it stung me deeply.. An erie gloom seemed to cast itself upon us all once he spoke.. As if he were predicting future anguish.
"...I know you all too well, Hylian boy.. I can't just kill you.. I have to make you suffer.."
He tightened his grip, crushing me against his armor.. My wounds stung.. And those which Zelda had tried to heal reopened against the pressure. I could feel it.. All about my body.. Scars, cuts, scabs.. Healed over skin of multiple types, bursting.. Translucent puss oozing out, mingling with crimson moisture.. Making a sickening tainted mixture of dilluted rouge and yellow as it trickled down my skin and clothing.
His arm uncoiled, as he lifted me above his head.. I hung there.. Limply suspended.. And in my blurr of vision, I saw that caramelized visage contort into a gruesome grin. I felt myself swing a little bit, as he pulled his arm back.. And then flung me across the temple.. I hit the ground with a thud.. With such an impact that I nearly bounced.. I could hear crackles as it happened.. It didn't stop there.. I kept sliding, until I slammed into the wall..
"Ugh..."
I squinted my eyes.. My left eye observed him with a tainted red view.. I heard Zelda cry, and abandon the platform, rushing to my aid.
"...Zelda.. Don--.. " She couldn't hear me.. It was only a moment afterwards I realized my mouth was shut, that I was thinking that.. My jaw ached too badly to speak.. And in vain, as I tried to call to her, I tasted the blood which swelled in my mouth.
Ganondorf extended his arm, and coiled it about her waist from behind.. Seizing her midway in her run for me.. I started to struggle to my feet.. My joints were aching with fatigue, my vision blurred.. And my head, pounding, throbbing with pain.. All about me, the air stung my open flesh, tingled the leaking liquid of life.. He pinned her against himself as he did to me.. Inhaling the floral scent of her tresses.. Looking straight at me..
My heart stopped.
...Dear Goddesses, no!...
"Zelda..! Zelda...!" There was a slight gurgle in my voice, as I screamed for her blood trickled down from my mouth.. Profusely spilling out, a sick caliginous crimson color..
I raced.. Almost tripping every so often as I saw the sterling shine of a blade pierce through her side.. Her feminine squeal cutting through the temple, resonating against the vacuous architecture of the wall.. Her scream, echoing.. Echoing.. Repeating my mistake over and over.. I saw the blade slip out of her figure as he tossed her aside, back onto the platform.. She doubled over, crouched.. Trembling as her hands vainly tried to conceal the wound.. To stop the steady flow of blood as it leaked from her abdomen.. Slipping through her digits as she tried to hold in the fleeting life.
I paid too much mind to her condition, for Ganondorf smacked me back.. I didn't even notice until I felt the cold hard touch of metallic gauntlets slam me back against the ground by his sword.. On my back as I looked up to the Gerudo.
"...You will never get the Triforce without our pieces." My voice was raspy as I spoke.. I coughed, nearly choking on my own blood.
I saw him, twirling the leather hilt of his short sword between his digits so carefree.. Occulars narrowed, focused on my own.. Trying to intimidate me.. And I never looked away. ".. I've been damned to a hellish void forever, with the exception of one night.. Every century.. What would I have use for in the Triforce now? I want nothing more than to be rid of you both!"
Silence ensued.. And our raspy breathing.. Hastened and dry.. Was the only thing that seemed to break the silence.. Then he cried aloud in a fury.. "Die, bastard of time! May I damn the both of you to the void which you had banished me!" He lifted the blade far above his head, and came down upon me as he would slam the dagger against me.. But quickly, I grabbed his fallen sword beside me with both hands.. Holding it perpendicular to my form as I lay down.. His own oafishly slow reactions killed him.. The sword burrowed itself into his chest as he tried to come down upon me.. Past his armor and into his heart.. I could almost hear the beating muscle burst as his breath ceased with a gasp..Quickly slipping out of the comprimising position before his corpse would slam into the ground, escaping the chance of being pinned beneath his weight.. As he lay impaled on his own weapon.
..Everything felt slow and solemn..
His blood sickeningly oozed from his wound, slowly creeping thick like deku sap.. I ignored it, and that odor of flesh and odd nickle that accompanied it.. Sluggishly I crawled towards the platform.. Where Zelda now lay, peacefully sprawled out on the marble.. Tresses dissheveled, Sheikah garb, stained with blood.. The ellipsoids.. The stars.. Those lights which once lit the floor of the temple.. Gone.. Everything was enveloped in darkness.
"It's over..? It's over..?" I bit down on my lower lip.. To keep the swelling tears from escaping my eyes.. "All this.. And we're not even in time.."
I pushed myself to my knees.. Reaching down to slip my arms about Zelda's delicate physique.. How frail and limp she was in my grasp.. I kept one arm about her waist.. The other underneath her shoulders and my palm beneath the nape of her neck.
"Zelda.. I... I don't want to live without you."
She felt so cold.. Her skin.. As if graced by ice.. And numbed by the sensation of death.. It was then I heard her voice.. Frail.. Weak.. Fleeting.. And it hurt me even more to hear her speak, knowing I'd be the last person to hear her words.
"..What happened to your courage, Link?"
"..My courage..?"
"..The courage which saved countless lives.. Can it not save your own?"
"..But.. Zelda.."
"Courage.." I heard the guard mutter, continuing his ancient enchantment.. Incoherently blessing us in a long forgotten dialect of the ages.. That's when I realized.. When the sun and the moon converge.. They eclipse.. That's why the place was so dark.. Why the lights had vanished.. We had just made it.. But what was the use of it now..?
As he spoke, with every ancient word rolling off his tounge, it seemed as if the foreign creatures.. Ganondorf's minions.. And even the former Gerudo king himself became illuminated in an ivory glow.. Even Zelda.. My Zelda.. Specks of light beginning to flee from their forms as they were enveloped in this glow..
"What's happening..?" I didn't understand.. It looked magnificent.. Like a mircale.. But in the bottom of my heart, I knew that it wasn't.. That I couldn't save Zelda this time.
"..I.. I don't know.." With her last ounces of strength.. She was trembling.. Afraid of what was to come..
She was getting lighter.. Fading away in my arms..
"Please.. Let me come with you.."
"No.. Link.. Hyrule needs you. That'd be selfish of us." She lifted up one frail hand to my face, caressing my lips as she wiped away the blood.
"I don't want to be a hero..! Can't we ever do something for ourselves?" I took her hand in my palm, moving it from my face to look at how small her hand was in my own.. I could see right through her hand, into mine..
"Link.. Don't make this harder than it is.. Please, Link.." I looked into her eyes.. She was on the brink of tears, and I didn't want to make her cry.. Just before the end..
I heard the guard conclude the ceremony.. Finally, speaking in our own language.. "..Sealed with a confession of love."
I gripped her lithe bodice, holding her close to mine as she spoke.
"I love you, Link."
I shut my eyes as one single tear rolled down the side of my face. "I love you too, Zelda.. Forever.. Always.. And some day, we'll be together.. I can't be a hero forever, but you'll always be my princess."
"..You'll always be my hero, no matter what."
I closed my eyes.. Feeling a calm as I lowered my visage to hers.. Tightening my grip for just a moment as I advanced into a kiss.. And right then, I imagined the soft caress of her tiers against my own lips.. But.. Nothing..
I felt my arms bind about my own body.. Opening my eyes.. She was gone.. Nothing but a fleeting spark of light was left of her, and it was racing upwards.. In vain I tried to capture it, but it always slipped through my fingers.. Dodged my grasp..
"Zelda..! No! Don't go..! Please..!" My voice started to crack, that glow that I was chasing as it tried to escape upwards starting to become fuzzy and dilluted as my vision blurred.. Impared by swelling tears, stinging my eyes.. "... Z..Zelda... Please.."
I scrambled to try and race towards the enterance of the temple.. Determined to follow it as it disappeared through the ceiling.. But my joints were weak.. I was dizzy from a lack of blood.. That's when I tripped.. Slamming face first into the ground.. I clenched my fists.. As I broke out into tears.. Crying like a little boy.
I didn't bother to get up.. I felt my body, limp against the cold marble floor.. Tears rushing down my face, pooling on the floor.. My body convulsing as I coughed and sniffled.. Mumbling about Zelda..
I swear.. I heard a shatter as I fell.. But it wasn't the impact of my fall.. It was my heart.. Broken into a multitude of pieces.. All of which belonged to Zelda.. A void that I could never fill.. Not with the evergreen scent of the fields.. The water of Lake Hylia.. That's when the guard passed me.. I wouldn't have known, but he slipped a bottle to me.. Tucked under my arm as I lay on the floor.. A captured ray of light..
He spoke as he left.. "I always imagined.. That when the sun burns out, it would take the moon with it.. But your still here m'boy.. Your still here."
That night, I cried until the sun came up.