A/N: Okay, first off, Happy 4th! YAY AMERICA!!!
Skywise: YAY!!! FIREWORKS ARE PRETTY!!!
Yeah. . . Now, prepare yourself for the longest, suspense-ist, greatest chapter ever!!!!
Link: Okay. . . (pauses) Alright, I'm prepared. Now START THE CHAPTER!!!
Yes, sir! Chappie 9!! YAY!!
Soul-Touchers: Chapter 9: Battle of the Souls
Zelda sat quietly, patiently waiting for help to arrive. Still, she was getting worried. The more she stared at the empty shell of her husband, the more scared and worried she became. She took a cold, lifeless hand into her own and held it close to her face.
His body's grown as frail as a withered flower, she thought, clutching the rest of the body close. It won't be long before. . . No! He can't die! Oh, Florence, where are you. . .?
Suddenly, Twinrova came out of the shadows and smirked down at the princess.
"Go away, scavenger!" she shouted. "Leave me alone!"
"We're not here for you," Kotake sneered. "We're here for the body."
Zelda gasped in realization, and she clutched the limp body close. "NO!! You can't have him! I'd die first!"
The evil smile on Kotake's face grew. "I knew you'd say that. Well, if that'd be the case, it can certainly be arranged. . ."
"LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!" A new voice shouted. Everyone turned to the source to find Florence standing in the doorway with a determined look in her eyes, and with Kili hovering behind, equally determined. The torch Florence held bathed the room with its orange glow.
"Ooh, look, Kotake!" Koume snickered. "The foolish girl has arrived. . ."
"So she has. . ." Kotake was less amused, giving the girl a scowl in return.
"MOM!!" Florence cried when she saw the shining prison. Dropping the torch, she rushed over and pressed her hands on the barrier, close to tears as she looked at her trapped parents.
"Oh, Florence!" Zelda cried, "I was beginning to lose hope!"
But Florence did not hear this comment as she stared down fearfully at Link's body. "D-Dad. . . What happened to him!? What'd they do to him!?"
Koume covered her mouth to suppress her evil laughter while Kotake gave Florence an evil smile.
"Your father? Why, yes! The Hero of Time. . ." Kotake sneered, running a crooked finger through her hair slowly. "He hovers inside my mind like a trapped rat in a cage. He was so spiritually weak I simply snatched him from his own body. He's a stubborn little rat, thinking he'll be free anytime soon. . . I have him by his spirit-hand, but he will not keep much longer. . ."
Florence shivered as disturbing thoughts of her father in the spirit realm filled her mind. Recalling her nightmares, she remembered the clouds of evil; the very evil she now faced.
"YOU!!" she screamed, eyes full of fury. "HOW DARE YOU!!! LET MY DAD GO NOW!!!!!"
"Or what!?" Koume snapped harshly. "You'll kill us with that toy you call a sword!?"
As if to answer that question, Florence drew her sword threateningly. The torch's firelight enveloped the silver blade, making it shimmer and look almost gold.
Koume cackled. "Pathetic little fool! How can you kill us with that piece of rubbish!? Just face the truth! You cannot even touch us!"
This aggravated Florence to no end, and without warning she screamed and tackled the fire witch, holding Petal Blade against her shriveled throat. Surprised and suddenly afraid, Koume wrapped her claws around her neck and blasted Florence with a kind of pain only she could give. Florence felt the sudden agony of her body burning, as if she was surrounded by flames. The pain and fury burned in her eyes.
Yet her strength did not waver!
Second by second, Petal Blade got closer to Koume's neck. For a moment, Koume actually believed her death was nearer than the girl's! Then she realized- she was facing the very daughter of the Hero of Time! Florence had inherited her father's resistance to evil spells! She could not be defeated this way!
Kotake had these kind of thoughts as well. That scowl Florence wore was the same Link wore when she encountered him. Her fierce will to win was a trait from the hero that only put their enemies in greater peril!
"FLORENCE!!!" Zelda cried, watching the struggle in agony. Kili watched as well, scared, yet angered.
"Don't worry, Zelda, I'll save her!!" said Kili with a determined look, then darted into the struggle. She flew in front of Koume's face, doing everything possible to annoy the witch; everything from making faces to biting and pinching.
"Ack! Get off, you miserable little bug!" Koume cried, but Kili did not cease.
"ARGH!! YOU PEST!!!" Finally, she let go and tried to reach for the irritating fairy. However, she realized a moment too late that this was a fatal mistake. Florence, not one to waste opportunities, swiftly swung Petal Blade and slashed through her intended target. The claw-like hands holding Kili loosened their grip and fell limply to the floor.
All went silent. Florence sat on her knees, trying to recover from all the pain. She stared uneasily at her blood-coated sword, almost unable to believe that she had just killed. Kili stared at the body uneasily and settled onto Florence's shoulder, comfortingly caressing her thick lock of hair. Zelda stared at the whole scene in shock, not believing what she just saw. To say she was completely horrified would be an understatement.
Kotake overcame her initial shock and screamed, "FILTH!! YOU WILL PAY FOR KILLING HER!!!"
Florence snapped out of her shocked trance, and looked up at Kotake with a new kind of fury. But this time she thought carefully about her strategy before she rushed in blindly.
So, now it's just me and Kotake. I could kill her easily, but I have to free Dad first! If I go into her dark mind and find him, I can get him out! I might get hurt, but I have to try!
With that, she stood and let the sword slip from her fingers and fall to the floor with a clatter. She then looked at the frightened Kili and said, "Kili, stay over there with my mom. I don't want you to get hurt."
"B-but Florence. . ."
"Just go. . . Please."
Kili sulked and hovered near the globe next to Zelda. Both were silent.
Kotake stood her ground and smirked. "So, you think you can fight me without your puny sword, eh? HAH!!! You-!!"
But before she could continue, Florence abruptly tackled her without warning. She touched foreheads with the surprised witch and sent herself in. . .
-Dad! Dad, I'm here! Where are you. . .?-
The call echoed throughout the dark imprisonment and reached the ears of Link. Though it startled him, he quickly recognized the sweet voice and smiled.
-Florence! You came! I knew you would!-
-I see you, Dad! Stay still! I'm coming!-
Florence floated closer to her distraught father and reached for him. . .
Kotake held Florence's body up and stared at it, shocked. Wide, glossy, lifeless eyes stared back.
"FLORENCE!!" Zelda cried.
At the sound of her agony, Kotake smirked. She couldn't help but taunt the princess further. "Such a brave child. . . to seek her father through me! Were she older and better trained, her efforts would not be futile. . ."
Zelda buried her face in her hands. "Stop!" she sobbed.
"Now her spirit's lost in the void. . ."
"Stop, please!"
Kili stared at her partner's body in shock, then scowled viciously at Kotake. She had no idea what Kotake did to her, but the old windbag was going to pay!
Kili looked around the room frantically until she found a pile of arrows in one of the dark corners of the room. She didn't know why they were there, but didn't care enough to think about it and she grabbed an arrow and pointed it toward Kotake, ready to throw it with all her might.
"Turn, you puffed-up desert lizard!" she shouted in fury. "Turn around, she-spider! TURN!!!!!"
Finally, Kotake turned sharply. "What do you want, pest!?"
There was a soft thud, and Kotake fell back, dropping the limp body she held. The arrow had lodged itself into her shoulder. . .
. . . at the same time spirit-hands touched.
Florence held a firm grip on Link's spirit-hand. He looked up slowly and said, -. . . F-Florence?-
Florence smiled and pulled him into a hug. -Dad! Oh, Dad, I missed you!-
-You, too. . .- He tightly returned the hug. -It was getting lonely in here. . .-
Florence sniffed and hugged him tighter. She was so happy to be with her loving father. She didn't want this moment to end.
-I knew you'd come, sweetheart,- he whispered. -I knew nothing would stop you from saving us, no matter what those blasted witches said. My little heroine. . .-
Florence smiled up at her loving father.
-Now. . .- he continued. -How do we get out of here?-
Outside, Kotake gasped in pain as she pulled the arrow out of her flesh. . .
-Look, Dad!- exclaimed Florence, pointing. -A door! A door has opened for us! Do you see it?-
-I see it! I see it!!!- Elation spread across his face.
-Hurry! We can escape!- She pulled him along towards the opening. Link was more than willing to follow.
-We'll be free! Free. . .!-
"F-free. . ." Link groaned, slowly opening his eyes half-way.
"LINK!!" Zelda cried, embracing him tightly. "You're free! Florence did it! She did it!!"
Link looked at her and quickly hugged back. "Oh, goddesses," he groaned. "I-I've missed you, Zelda. . ."
Zelda answered with a dry sob.
"NO!!!" Kotake screamed as she saw Link awake.
Meanwhile, Kili hovered over Florence and watched in glee as she slowly awakened.
"Florence! You're okay!" she cried.
"D-Dad. . . Is he safe?" she groaned.
Kili looked at the scene ahead. "Looks like it. . . And Kotake doesn't look very happy about it!"
Florence reached over and grabbed her sword. "Kili, go break my parents' prison while I fight Kotake!"
"B-but, Florence! Only magic can break it, and I can't. . ."
"Just try, please!" she begged. Kili didn't have time to think, for Florence leaped on top of Kotake, taking her by surprise. Kotake shoved her off, drew her staff, and their heated fight began.
Kili floated in front of the orb-like shield, pressing her hands on it. "Don't worry, you two, I'll get you out. . . somehow. . ."
The two watched as Kili outstretched her arms and strained herself to open the orb, but. . .
-Link,- Zelda whispered in her bond-send. -She can't do it!-
-Yes, she can,- he responded. -She just needs help!-
"Florence!!" He called out to his daughter as she swung her sword and missed. "Kili needs help! Give her a Fairy-send!"
"But I don't- oof!- know how!" she cried as she blocked a blow of the staff with her shield.
"Just try!"
As she fought, Florence thought of all things fairy-like, including Kili herself. Then she let out a mental cry she hoped was a Fairy-send.
-Kili! I know you can do it! Use your untapped potential and free my parents!-
Kili gasped as she received this message loud and clear. She looked down at her fingers to see sparks of pink, purple, red, and blue radiating from the tips. Without a second thought, she followed her instinct and concentrated on the orb. The Hylians watched in amazement as a small hole grew on the barrier. . . and grew and grew. When it was big enough, the two leaped out of their prison. The hole quickly closed up, and Kili, exhausted, dropped out of the air and landed in Link's outstretched hands.
Zelda gasped. "The poor thing! That spell must've exhausted her!"
Link looked the tired fairy over, letting her lie down in the palm of his hand while she caught her breath. "She's not used to doing spells. She'll be fine, though, she just needs rest."
"Oooh. . ." Kili groaned.
"Shh," Link comforted her softly. "Rest easy. You're safe now."
Kili looked up in awe at the two beings she never dreamed she'd meet up close. But here she was, lying in Link's warm, comforting hands, and that gentle smile of his relaxed her. Zelda had a look of awe and puzzlement, obviously not used to seeing fairies. Their presence alone calmed her.
"Th-thank you. . ."
There was a sudden shriek, and attention was immediately pulled up to the fight. Florence, gasping for breath, stood over Kotake, who lied still on the floor. A small puddle of blood formed under her. After recovering from her shock, she looked up and cried, "MOM!! DAD!!!"
"FLORENCE!!!!" They both cried. Florence flew into their arms, and silent sobs of indescribable relief and love followed for several minutes. Kili, having recovered her strength, floated above and looked down at the reunited family with mixed emotions. There was a gentle silence, then Florence moaned and flopped back in her parents' arms.
"Is she okay?" Link asked worriedly.
"She's exhausted. . ." Zelda sighed. "She's been struggling so much for us. . ."
". . . and has seen things she shouldn't have experienced at such a young age," Link finished, looking over at the two bodies on the floor. "Like death."
Zelda shook her head solemnly, then looked down at her fallen daughter. "What if all this traumatizes her? Will she ever be the same again?"
Link smiled. "Zelda, three years ago, she was kidnapped, locked in a dark prison, and was almost burned alive. Is she any different now?"
Zelda looked up at him and shook her head.
"And as for her fatigue," He lifted her into his strong, capable arms. "She can be healed quickly, right, Kili?"
Kili smiled.
----------
Upon exiting the Spirit Temple, they hurried towards the oasis. Kili floated over the small pool of water while the Hylians stood back.
"I still don't understand how a body of water can. . ."
"Hush," Link shushed Zelda gently. "Just watch."
Kili held her hands out and sprinkled sparks of fairy magic onto the water's surface below. With every spark that rippled on the water, a glowing, pink fairy spirit replaced it and danced above the water. Zelda gasped at ht amazing sight, and Link simply smiled.
Kili brought a fairy spirit over, pointed at Florence, and said, "Heal."
The fairy spirit flew in circles around the limp girl until it disappeared. Florence then groaned and opened her eyes, much to her parents' joy.
"W-what happened. . .?" she moaned, looking up at Link, who warmly smiled back.
"You were healed by a fairy spirit from the oasis. Kili used her magic on it."
Florence looked at Kili, surprised. She then asked with a Fairy-send, -You did magic, Kili?-
-Yeah, I did. . .- she answered shyly.
"Kili was a late bloomer for her magic," Link explained as he set her down on her feet. "But all she needed was a Fairy-send to open her potential."
The two smiled back. To Zelda, this was much too confusing, but she decided not to ask as she stepped up and said softly, "Let's go home."
They all nodded. Kili settled on Florence's head, Florence took her parents' hands, and together, they left for home.
A/N: And that concludes this very long chapter. One more and I'm done! YAY!!
Skywise: (singing) Ding dong, the witch is dead!
Link: I'm free!! Free as a bird!!! :D
Uh-huh. . . Well, anyway, review people! WOOHOO!!!
Skywise: YAY!!! FIREWORKS ARE PRETTY!!!
Yeah. . . Now, prepare yourself for the longest, suspense-ist, greatest chapter ever!!!!
Link: Okay. . . (pauses) Alright, I'm prepared. Now START THE CHAPTER!!!
Yes, sir! Chappie 9!! YAY!!
Soul-Touchers: Chapter 9: Battle of the Souls
Zelda sat quietly, patiently waiting for help to arrive. Still, she was getting worried. The more she stared at the empty shell of her husband, the more scared and worried she became. She took a cold, lifeless hand into her own and held it close to her face.
His body's grown as frail as a withered flower, she thought, clutching the rest of the body close. It won't be long before. . . No! He can't die! Oh, Florence, where are you. . .?
Suddenly, Twinrova came out of the shadows and smirked down at the princess.
"Go away, scavenger!" she shouted. "Leave me alone!"
"We're not here for you," Kotake sneered. "We're here for the body."
Zelda gasped in realization, and she clutched the limp body close. "NO!! You can't have him! I'd die first!"
The evil smile on Kotake's face grew. "I knew you'd say that. Well, if that'd be the case, it can certainly be arranged. . ."
"LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!" A new voice shouted. Everyone turned to the source to find Florence standing in the doorway with a determined look in her eyes, and with Kili hovering behind, equally determined. The torch Florence held bathed the room with its orange glow.
"Ooh, look, Kotake!" Koume snickered. "The foolish girl has arrived. . ."
"So she has. . ." Kotake was less amused, giving the girl a scowl in return.
"MOM!!" Florence cried when she saw the shining prison. Dropping the torch, she rushed over and pressed her hands on the barrier, close to tears as she looked at her trapped parents.
"Oh, Florence!" Zelda cried, "I was beginning to lose hope!"
But Florence did not hear this comment as she stared down fearfully at Link's body. "D-Dad. . . What happened to him!? What'd they do to him!?"
Koume covered her mouth to suppress her evil laughter while Kotake gave Florence an evil smile.
"Your father? Why, yes! The Hero of Time. . ." Kotake sneered, running a crooked finger through her hair slowly. "He hovers inside my mind like a trapped rat in a cage. He was so spiritually weak I simply snatched him from his own body. He's a stubborn little rat, thinking he'll be free anytime soon. . . I have him by his spirit-hand, but he will not keep much longer. . ."
Florence shivered as disturbing thoughts of her father in the spirit realm filled her mind. Recalling her nightmares, she remembered the clouds of evil; the very evil she now faced.
"YOU!!" she screamed, eyes full of fury. "HOW DARE YOU!!! LET MY DAD GO NOW!!!!!"
"Or what!?" Koume snapped harshly. "You'll kill us with that toy you call a sword!?"
As if to answer that question, Florence drew her sword threateningly. The torch's firelight enveloped the silver blade, making it shimmer and look almost gold.
Koume cackled. "Pathetic little fool! How can you kill us with that piece of rubbish!? Just face the truth! You cannot even touch us!"
This aggravated Florence to no end, and without warning she screamed and tackled the fire witch, holding Petal Blade against her shriveled throat. Surprised and suddenly afraid, Koume wrapped her claws around her neck and blasted Florence with a kind of pain only she could give. Florence felt the sudden agony of her body burning, as if she was surrounded by flames. The pain and fury burned in her eyes.
Yet her strength did not waver!
Second by second, Petal Blade got closer to Koume's neck. For a moment, Koume actually believed her death was nearer than the girl's! Then she realized- she was facing the very daughter of the Hero of Time! Florence had inherited her father's resistance to evil spells! She could not be defeated this way!
Kotake had these kind of thoughts as well. That scowl Florence wore was the same Link wore when she encountered him. Her fierce will to win was a trait from the hero that only put their enemies in greater peril!
"FLORENCE!!!" Zelda cried, watching the struggle in agony. Kili watched as well, scared, yet angered.
"Don't worry, Zelda, I'll save her!!" said Kili with a determined look, then darted into the struggle. She flew in front of Koume's face, doing everything possible to annoy the witch; everything from making faces to biting and pinching.
"Ack! Get off, you miserable little bug!" Koume cried, but Kili did not cease.
"ARGH!! YOU PEST!!!" Finally, she let go and tried to reach for the irritating fairy. However, she realized a moment too late that this was a fatal mistake. Florence, not one to waste opportunities, swiftly swung Petal Blade and slashed through her intended target. The claw-like hands holding Kili loosened their grip and fell limply to the floor.
All went silent. Florence sat on her knees, trying to recover from all the pain. She stared uneasily at her blood-coated sword, almost unable to believe that she had just killed. Kili stared at the body uneasily and settled onto Florence's shoulder, comfortingly caressing her thick lock of hair. Zelda stared at the whole scene in shock, not believing what she just saw. To say she was completely horrified would be an understatement.
Kotake overcame her initial shock and screamed, "FILTH!! YOU WILL PAY FOR KILLING HER!!!"
Florence snapped out of her shocked trance, and looked up at Kotake with a new kind of fury. But this time she thought carefully about her strategy before she rushed in blindly.
So, now it's just me and Kotake. I could kill her easily, but I have to free Dad first! If I go into her dark mind and find him, I can get him out! I might get hurt, but I have to try!
With that, she stood and let the sword slip from her fingers and fall to the floor with a clatter. She then looked at the frightened Kili and said, "Kili, stay over there with my mom. I don't want you to get hurt."
"B-but Florence. . ."
"Just go. . . Please."
Kili sulked and hovered near the globe next to Zelda. Both were silent.
Kotake stood her ground and smirked. "So, you think you can fight me without your puny sword, eh? HAH!!! You-!!"
But before she could continue, Florence abruptly tackled her without warning. She touched foreheads with the surprised witch and sent herself in. . .
-Dad! Dad, I'm here! Where are you. . .?-
The call echoed throughout the dark imprisonment and reached the ears of Link. Though it startled him, he quickly recognized the sweet voice and smiled.
-Florence! You came! I knew you would!-
-I see you, Dad! Stay still! I'm coming!-
Florence floated closer to her distraught father and reached for him. . .
Kotake held Florence's body up and stared at it, shocked. Wide, glossy, lifeless eyes stared back.
"FLORENCE!!" Zelda cried.
At the sound of her agony, Kotake smirked. She couldn't help but taunt the princess further. "Such a brave child. . . to seek her father through me! Were she older and better trained, her efforts would not be futile. . ."
Zelda buried her face in her hands. "Stop!" she sobbed.
"Now her spirit's lost in the void. . ."
"Stop, please!"
Kili stared at her partner's body in shock, then scowled viciously at Kotake. She had no idea what Kotake did to her, but the old windbag was going to pay!
Kili looked around the room frantically until she found a pile of arrows in one of the dark corners of the room. She didn't know why they were there, but didn't care enough to think about it and she grabbed an arrow and pointed it toward Kotake, ready to throw it with all her might.
"Turn, you puffed-up desert lizard!" she shouted in fury. "Turn around, she-spider! TURN!!!!!"
Finally, Kotake turned sharply. "What do you want, pest!?"
There was a soft thud, and Kotake fell back, dropping the limp body she held. The arrow had lodged itself into her shoulder. . .
. . . at the same time spirit-hands touched.
Florence held a firm grip on Link's spirit-hand. He looked up slowly and said, -. . . F-Florence?-
Florence smiled and pulled him into a hug. -Dad! Oh, Dad, I missed you!-
-You, too. . .- He tightly returned the hug. -It was getting lonely in here. . .-
Florence sniffed and hugged him tighter. She was so happy to be with her loving father. She didn't want this moment to end.
-I knew you'd come, sweetheart,- he whispered. -I knew nothing would stop you from saving us, no matter what those blasted witches said. My little heroine. . .-
Florence smiled up at her loving father.
-Now. . .- he continued. -How do we get out of here?-
Outside, Kotake gasped in pain as she pulled the arrow out of her flesh. . .
-Look, Dad!- exclaimed Florence, pointing. -A door! A door has opened for us! Do you see it?-
-I see it! I see it!!!- Elation spread across his face.
-Hurry! We can escape!- She pulled him along towards the opening. Link was more than willing to follow.
-We'll be free! Free. . .!-
"F-free. . ." Link groaned, slowly opening his eyes half-way.
"LINK!!" Zelda cried, embracing him tightly. "You're free! Florence did it! She did it!!"
Link looked at her and quickly hugged back. "Oh, goddesses," he groaned. "I-I've missed you, Zelda. . ."
Zelda answered with a dry sob.
"NO!!!" Kotake screamed as she saw Link awake.
Meanwhile, Kili hovered over Florence and watched in glee as she slowly awakened.
"Florence! You're okay!" she cried.
"D-Dad. . . Is he safe?" she groaned.
Kili looked at the scene ahead. "Looks like it. . . And Kotake doesn't look very happy about it!"
Florence reached over and grabbed her sword. "Kili, go break my parents' prison while I fight Kotake!"
"B-but, Florence! Only magic can break it, and I can't. . ."
"Just try, please!" she begged. Kili didn't have time to think, for Florence leaped on top of Kotake, taking her by surprise. Kotake shoved her off, drew her staff, and their heated fight began.
Kili floated in front of the orb-like shield, pressing her hands on it. "Don't worry, you two, I'll get you out. . . somehow. . ."
The two watched as Kili outstretched her arms and strained herself to open the orb, but. . .
-Link,- Zelda whispered in her bond-send. -She can't do it!-
-Yes, she can,- he responded. -She just needs help!-
"Florence!!" He called out to his daughter as she swung her sword and missed. "Kili needs help! Give her a Fairy-send!"
"But I don't- oof!- know how!" she cried as she blocked a blow of the staff with her shield.
"Just try!"
As she fought, Florence thought of all things fairy-like, including Kili herself. Then she let out a mental cry she hoped was a Fairy-send.
-Kili! I know you can do it! Use your untapped potential and free my parents!-
Kili gasped as she received this message loud and clear. She looked down at her fingers to see sparks of pink, purple, red, and blue radiating from the tips. Without a second thought, she followed her instinct and concentrated on the orb. The Hylians watched in amazement as a small hole grew on the barrier. . . and grew and grew. When it was big enough, the two leaped out of their prison. The hole quickly closed up, and Kili, exhausted, dropped out of the air and landed in Link's outstretched hands.
Zelda gasped. "The poor thing! That spell must've exhausted her!"
Link looked the tired fairy over, letting her lie down in the palm of his hand while she caught her breath. "She's not used to doing spells. She'll be fine, though, she just needs rest."
"Oooh. . ." Kili groaned.
"Shh," Link comforted her softly. "Rest easy. You're safe now."
Kili looked up in awe at the two beings she never dreamed she'd meet up close. But here she was, lying in Link's warm, comforting hands, and that gentle smile of his relaxed her. Zelda had a look of awe and puzzlement, obviously not used to seeing fairies. Their presence alone calmed her.
"Th-thank you. . ."
There was a sudden shriek, and attention was immediately pulled up to the fight. Florence, gasping for breath, stood over Kotake, who lied still on the floor. A small puddle of blood formed under her. After recovering from her shock, she looked up and cried, "MOM!! DAD!!!"
"FLORENCE!!!!" They both cried. Florence flew into their arms, and silent sobs of indescribable relief and love followed for several minutes. Kili, having recovered her strength, floated above and looked down at the reunited family with mixed emotions. There was a gentle silence, then Florence moaned and flopped back in her parents' arms.
"Is she okay?" Link asked worriedly.
"She's exhausted. . ." Zelda sighed. "She's been struggling so much for us. . ."
". . . and has seen things she shouldn't have experienced at such a young age," Link finished, looking over at the two bodies on the floor. "Like death."
Zelda shook her head solemnly, then looked down at her fallen daughter. "What if all this traumatizes her? Will she ever be the same again?"
Link smiled. "Zelda, three years ago, she was kidnapped, locked in a dark prison, and was almost burned alive. Is she any different now?"
Zelda looked up at him and shook her head.
"And as for her fatigue," He lifted her into his strong, capable arms. "She can be healed quickly, right, Kili?"
Kili smiled.
----------
Upon exiting the Spirit Temple, they hurried towards the oasis. Kili floated over the small pool of water while the Hylians stood back.
"I still don't understand how a body of water can. . ."
"Hush," Link shushed Zelda gently. "Just watch."
Kili held her hands out and sprinkled sparks of fairy magic onto the water's surface below. With every spark that rippled on the water, a glowing, pink fairy spirit replaced it and danced above the water. Zelda gasped at ht amazing sight, and Link simply smiled.
Kili brought a fairy spirit over, pointed at Florence, and said, "Heal."
The fairy spirit flew in circles around the limp girl until it disappeared. Florence then groaned and opened her eyes, much to her parents' joy.
"W-what happened. . .?" she moaned, looking up at Link, who warmly smiled back.
"You were healed by a fairy spirit from the oasis. Kili used her magic on it."
Florence looked at Kili, surprised. She then asked with a Fairy-send, -You did magic, Kili?-
-Yeah, I did. . .- she answered shyly.
"Kili was a late bloomer for her magic," Link explained as he set her down on her feet. "But all she needed was a Fairy-send to open her potential."
The two smiled back. To Zelda, this was much too confusing, but she decided not to ask as she stepped up and said softly, "Let's go home."
They all nodded. Kili settled on Florence's head, Florence took her parents' hands, and together, they left for home.
A/N: And that concludes this very long chapter. One more and I'm done! YAY!!
Skywise: (singing) Ding dong, the witch is dead!
Link: I'm free!! Free as a bird!!! :D
Uh-huh. . . Well, anyway, review people! WOOHOO!!!