Chapter 9: Zelda

Link stood with everyone else besides Zelda's bed. It was hard for him to believe she had made it this far from the castle with wounds as bad as Malon had described.

Zelda had her arm broken in two places and was now in a makeshift cast, her waist up to her chest was also carefully and tightly bandaged up from a large gash in her side, her face was severely bruised and had some minor cuts as was the rest of her body, and as the minutes ticked away, she stepped closer and closer to eternal rest with the goddesses.

Link couldn't take it. He couldn't stay and do nothing as Zelda slowly died. "There has to be something I can do. I can't just stay here and do nothing."

"I remember hearing the old witch back at Kakariko Village had a odd potion. People were saying it could heal anything but she wanted something that no one could give her. It would take you too long to get to the village and back Link." Malon said.

"I don't care. I can't live knowing that Zelda died and I didn't do anything to try and save her. If she dies while I'm gone, at least I know I tried. I'll be back," Link said, then ran outside. He mounted Epona and hurried out of the ranch.

It didn't take long for Link to make it to the village. He really didn't know how fast he got there since the sky was black from Manuko. He ran into the village not wanting to waist time. He could feel Zelda's life slipping away.

Link ran to the potion shop owned by the young lady and headed out the back way. He knew that this was the only way getting to the old witch. He then ran up the stairs, stumbling slightly, and entered the door.

"What is this? Who are you and what are you doing in my shop!" The old witch yelled.

"I am Link, elite guardian of the royal family-"

"What royal family? Lord Manuko killed them all."

"Princess Zelda. She still lives in Lon Lon Ranch. Yet as we speak her life is slipping away. I need the odd potion, the potion that is said to heal all wounds. Please. I'll pay what ever price you want. You'll have the thanks of the royal family and my family if you can do this deed." Link said, bowing to her in respect.

The old witch stood there, watching Link. She had never been treated this way before. The lights went dim and the torches behind her counter lit up. Chanting was heard in the back ground. Soon the lights returned and the old witch stood with her hand extended, holding the odd potion in her hand.

"You're a lucky one. I still had an odd mushroom in my position. And you were able to give me what no one else could. Respect. I have been treated poorly here because of my past and being a witch, but you came here with a great need and showed me respect and thanks for my deed. You must hurry though and give it too Zelda. To have lived through Manuko's attack means she must be in bad shape. Hurry up Link and go." She said and handed Link the potion.

Link took the potion and bowed respectively to her again. "Thank you," he said softly and rushed out. He jumped the fence and rolled to absorb the shock of the fall. He then ran back to the gate and down the stairs to Epona.

As Link galloped to the Lon Lon Ranch he could see a faint light in the distance rising. He figured it must have been the sun. He had to hurry if he was going to make it in time.

"Hurry Epona! We haven't much time!" Link said and kicked her sides again to get her to run faster. When he got back to the ranch he hurried upstairs. He was stopped by Malon at the door. A look of sorrow on her face.

"Malon! I got the potion! Please let me through so I can save Zelda," Link said, yet Malon did not move.

"I'm sorry Link. We tried to keep her with us while you got the potion, but nothing we could do would help. I'm sorry to say but she died Link. About five minutes ago," Malon said.

"I don't care, I'm giving her the potion. Her death's fresh and her soul should still be with her, we can still bring her back." Malon moved now, knowing there was no talking Link out of it. He ran to the bed side and carefully poured the potion into Zelda's mouth, cleaning the side when he spilled it.

Link knelt beside Zelda, tears were filling his eyes. Nothing was happening. Zelda's limp body stayed motionless under the sheets. Her eyes remained closed and not a single breath was taken. Link bowed his head in sorrow, tears dripping from his nose.

She was dead. He was to protect her and all of Hyrule but he had failed. If he had failed at protecting Zelda, he might fail at saving Hyrule. Everyone would die because of him, and it would be his fault.

He buried his head in the sheets, crying a bit more now. He couldn't take this any more. So many have died already all important in their own way. Even the most important people in Hyrule were dead.

Link felt a hand run through his head, hair going between figures. He thought it was Malon that was trying to confer him. When he looked up to see Malon he saw Zelda, her eyes barley open. She was leaning up a bit and had her arm outstretched to Link's head. A weak smile was on her face.

"Thank… you…" she said tiredly. Link became more aware of his surrounds and could hear Talon, Ingo, and Malon in the background celebrating. Zelda had been brought back from the dead. She was alive even though Manuko thought her to be dead.

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A week had passed since Link resurrected Zelda. She was fully healed now. The odd potion hadn't healed her completely on the spot, just speed up her healing. She could walk again and slowly was able to use her white magic as well.

Zelda told her terrifying tale of how Manuko had slaughtered the guards and destroyed the castle. Explaining to them how she had escaped without Manuko knowing. Manuko thought her to be dead and she wasn't, she saw this as an advantage to Link on his journey.

"Link, I'm coming with you," Zelda said.

"No." Link said plainly.

"As a member of the royal family I'm ordering you to take me with you!"

"I mean no disrespect Princess, but as much as the rest of Hyrule thinks, there's no Royal family and your have no power. The country's Manuko's now, not yours."

"Then take me as a friend."

"… Well what good can come of it? I'm suppose to protect you and these quests won't be easy. I'll have to protect you and me in the dungeons."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself!" Zelda then pulled out her sword. It was a long, thin sword, but not like a rapier. It had a gold hilt that shined in the little light in the room. Link could tell it was a well-balanced blade but seemed to be more for decoration then for actual war.

"Do you know how to use it? And will it last more then one hit?"

"I've been taking lessons since I was ten and yes, it'll last more then one hit. Are you done badgering me with these questions?" Link sighed heavily. It was obvious that he was thinking this over a lot. Looking at ever possible advantage and disadvantage to bringing Zelda along.

"Fine. You can come. We leave at dawn tomorrow," Link said and then left to find Malon. Zelda had a smile on her face and got some things ready to go.

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"So your leaving again?" Malon said softly, looking down. Link put his arms around her and held her close.

"I have too. If I don't it'll be putting you in danger. That's the last thing I want."

Mallon took Links hand and they started to walk back inside. "C'mon. You need some rest if your going to save Hyrule tomorrow." She smiled at Link and Link got the hint.