The sun was now rising high into the morning sky casting its light out across the kingdom of Hyrule as if driving back the darkness that had reduced Hyrule to its very knees just hours ago. There was not a cloud in sight which allowed for the unobstructed view of the clear blue sky up above. The air was warm and comfortable, and unlike after most rain storms wasn't muggy. A slight breeze was blowing from the West which only added to the bliss that came with this new day. The birds were out and flying once again chirping as they flew overhead and the animals which had been in hiding came out of their holes to scamper across Hyrule Field once again. Hyrule was once again at peace.
This peace came with a hefty price however. Hyrule Field, which had once been a lush and verdant symbol of Hyrule's magnificence, wasn't even a shadow of its former self. The ground was muddy and dank from the rain. The once green grass was now stained red with blood. The bodies and body parts of several different races were strewn all over, several of which were being ravaged by scavenging animals. Broken arrows, spears, and pikes, splintered shields and shattered swords along with armor rusting in the numerous puddles littered the landscape as well.
Hyrule Market, which was once the bustling capital and symbol of power for Hyrule, was now nothing more than a couple broken timbers and ashes. The ground was scorched and was as black as coal from the soot. The charred remains of soldiers from both sides could be seen all around tangled with all the ash and few remaining timbers that hadn't completely burned away. The fountain in the middle of town lay broken, water no longer pouring out of its spout. The Temple of Time was nothing more than debris, the pedestal for the Master Sword being the only thing left. There was not one building left standing.
Hyrule Castle miraculously escaped unharmed, but the field in front of it was a different story. Just as with Hyrule Field, the ground was muddy, dank, and stained red with blood. The moat was no longer crystal clear and sparkling, but now a deep red of which wafted up the scent of death and decay. The hundreds of pieces of blue armor strewn about were the only welcoming sight in this giant necropolis for they represented the turning point in the war. Unfortunately, the majority of dead bodies littering the foreboding landscape were those of the Hyrulian Army.
Despite having fought the most terrible war in history all night with little rest, the few hundred surviving soldiers of the Hyrulian Army were still going without rest. They could have been resting had they wanted to, but not one of them felt right about resting while the dead bodies of their fellow comrades and friends were lying all over Hyrule rotting and decaying in the early morning sun while small animals scavenged their bodies. Even though it was technically an obligation, not one person felt that it truly was. They all felt that collecting the bodies of their fellow comrades for a proper burial was a show of respect and honor to all those who had fought and died for the safety, preservation, and future of Hyrule.
They weren't the only ones helping with the cleanup. With the coming of the rising sun and the sounds of war ceasing, the refugees hiding in Kakariko Village had come down to check out the damage and help if possible. Many of them upon laying eyes on the massacre and total disrespect for life before them grew sick, and several of them fainted. Those who could stomach the devastation and even some of those who wanted to help despite the queasiness in their stomachs just marched out onto Hyrule Field and began helping in whatever ways they could. Even small groups of Zoras and Gorons who hadn't participated in the fighting came out to help.
Even the Sages were helping out. They were using their powers to teleport the dead bodies of the Arcanites, Wizzrobes, Darknuts, and even the Lizalfos and Dinolfos into large piles that would later be unceremoniously burned. There was no one that felt any pity towards these invaders. They had invaded Hyrule for one purpose, and that was to raze Hyrule to the ground and build their own kingdom on top of the ashes. As far as everyone in Hyrule was concerned, the sooner the bodies of their enemies were disposed of the sooner things could get back to normal.
One tricky area that was proving difficult to claim the bodies from was the wall. The wall already had one collapsed portion, and the rest of it was hardly even standing. Big, deep cracks ran throughout the entire length of the wall, small pieces of the wall cracked off and fell every so often, and it was so smashed from all those boulder hits it took it didn't even look like a wall anymore. Everyone knew that the wall couldn't be saved, that it was just another casualty. The wall would have to be torn down and then rebuilt in all of its former glory.
To make sure that no more people died because of the wall, there were two Royal Guards standing watch over the only stairs left leading up to the top of the wall. In order to recover the dead bodies of so many brave Hylian warriors, only five people were allowed on top of the wall at a time. Once all the bodies had been removed, the wall would be closed off and the Royal Guards would make sure that no one went on the wall until the time it would be torn down and rebuilt.
Not all was a total loss however. Miraculously, and to the utter bewilderment of the survivors, there were actually small patches of Hyrule Field that were unharmed and completely untouched from the ravages of war. They were extremely welcome sights for the citizens of Hyrule for they represented what Hyrule Field had once been and what it would become again. They were signs that Hyrule would recover. Two such areas were the field in front of the stairs leading up to Kakariko Village and the bridge crossing Zora's River that connected the field to the rest of Hyrule Field. Sitting on the edge of that bridge and patiently awaiting the return of Link and Gerik was Princess Zelda.
Zelda had woken up less than an hour ago, and despite having had several hours of rest her body was still completely drained and totally exhausted. Her entire body was sore, and it pained her to move even a little bit. Zelda hadn't even recovered an ounce of her magic yet. Navi had filled Zelda in on everything that had happened after she passed out except for the whereabouts of Link and Gerik. For all anyone knew the fight between them and Ganon was still going on. Since Zelda was too weak to help out with the cleanup, she decided to sit and wait for Link and Gerik to return.
As Zelda sat there waiting, she looked around her at all the damage that had been caused. Fighting under the darkness of night had done much to hide all the death and damage that had occurred, but the light of day revealed all. Zelda was horrified at what she saw, and even more so by the fact that she had contributed her fair share. She could see all throughout Hyrule Field charred and blackened areas, some buried underneath countless warriors from both sides, and knew that they were the result of either one of hers or Navi's numerous attacks. Zelda doubted very much that Hyrule Field, or any of the areas destroyed during the war, would ever truly recover, but she had to keep the sense of hope alive.
Zelda was enjoying the cool breeze that wafted by every once and awhile, closing her eyes and letting the wind blow through her hair every time it happened. Whenever she closed her eyes the calming sounds of the river flowing by underneath her seemed to grow louder and everything else seemed to go silent. When her eyes were closed and the river was the only thing she could hear, Hyrule seemed to become the peaceful place it had always been and everything that had happened seemed nothing more than a bad dream. Once Zelda opened her eyes though, the reality of what happened came flooding back with a vengeance.
As the sun grew higher and higher into the sky, Zelda began to grow more and more worried about Link and Gerik. She had no idea when exactly the war had ended, but figured that it had to have been at least a couple hours ago. She very highly doubted that Link and Gerik were still fighting Ganon, but that was a better thought than of the two of them dead or dying. Looking down at her reflection in the cool, sparkling river down below helped to calm her somewhat. She was just glad that the river was continually flowing, otherwise it would've been just as bad as, or quite possibly much worse than, the castle moat.
Zelda now sat there swaying back and forth and humming a song as she stared into the river. Growing tired of looking into the river though, she turned her attention up toward the sky. A small flock of birds flew overhead, playing and chirping happily as they flew on by. It brought a small smile to Zelda's face, but the smile was soon replaced by disappointment when she saw that the sun had climbed even higher into the sky and no sign of Link or Gerik was to be found. Zelda had no idea how Navi wasn't growing increasingly worried about the guys' safety, especially considering her relationship with Gerik, but since Navi was actually doing something instead of just sitting there waiting Zelda was sure that had something to do with it.
Turning her attention to the stairs leading up to Kakariko Village, Zelda saw a figure making their way down the stairs. The figure was limping his way down the stairs very slowly, and he was carrying something on his back. There was no shirt on him, but rather torn and burned tatters of green cloth through which Zelda could see that his chest was cut, bruised, scarred, and burned. There was no hat or anything on his head, of which he kept lowered, but his blonde hair blowing in the breeze was a dead giveaway to Zelda who he was before he even stepped upon Hyrule Field. Unable to contain her excitement, Zelda jumped up and sprinted over to Link with arms held out wide open.
Upon setting foot on Hyrule Field, Link eased Gerik's body off of his sore back and laid it down upon the ground. When he looked up he saw Zelda running full speed toward him, and barely had any time to react before she leapt into his arms and embraced him in a hug. Link's sore body didn't take too kindly to the tight, yet warm and comforting embrace, but Link ignored it and hugged her back in return. Zelda rested her head against Link's chest, tears beginning to pour down her face. Link just rested his head upon hers as he held her.
"I'm so glad your okay," Zelda said with watery eyes and a big smile as she looked up into Link's face. "I was beginning to grow so I worried. I . . .I thought I. . ."
"Shhh, no more words," replied Link as he looked down into her eyes and placed a finger up to her lips. "It's all over now; no more worries."
"Wh. . .where's Gerik?" Zelda asked after a bit, looking around her as she asked. "How come he's not with you?"
Link didn't respond. He just stood there, his arms becoming loose and falling from around Zelda as she looked around. Zelda didn't notice this, nor did she look up at Link. She then noticed for the first time what Link had taken from his back and placed on the ground. Most of Gerik's body was hidden behind Link, but Zelda could see the back of his head and his broken arm sticking out. Her face instantly became solemn as she let go of Link and started stepping back from him with her gaze never leaving Gerik's body. Zelda's body began to shake when she saw that his body hadn't moved since she looked at it. Zelda placed both her hands over her mouth and then turned to look at Link.
As soon as her gaze fell upon Link, all he did was lower his head and turn away. He couldn't bear to look her in the eyes or tell her the words that he himself didn't want to accept, but just by turning his head away Zelda had her answer. Zelda screamed out and ran over to Gerik's body dropping to her knees right next to him. Tears were streaming down her face as she grabbed a hold of Gerik's cold and lifeless hand, but this time they were tears of sorrow rather than joy.
Link couldn't bear to see Zelda like this and walked over to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, and Zelda in turn stood up and grabbed hold of Link burying her face in his chest. Link embraced her and started rocking back and forth, but deep down he knew that there was nothing he could do. He knew that Gerik had been Zelda's oldest and most trusted friend, and now he was gone forever. As he stood there Link couldn't help but look down into Gerik's blood and dirt covered face, the expression on his face one of peace.
"It . . . it can't be," Zelda finally said through her tears. "Why . . . why did it have to be Gerik? He should've lived."
"You're right," Link said trying to hold back his own sorrow, "he should've lived. It's all thanks to him that Ganon was defeated, and had it not been for him I wouldn't be standing here. He saved us all."
"Oh god! How are we going to break this to Navi? She'll be heartbroken."
"I've been trying to come up with an answer to that the entire trip down here."
"Hey Link, it's about time you came back," came Navi's voice from behind them, causing them both to jump in surprise. "The war's been over for hours now. What's with the looks on both your faces? Where's Gerik? What happened? Tell me; where is Gerik?"
Navi's lips were quivering as she said this. Neither Link or Zelda responded, and neither of them tried hiding their expressions. Navi just kept turning her attention from one to the other waiting for one of them to respond. She then noticed the unmoving body lying behind them. The body's dark brown hair was encrusted with dried blood and dirt as were his clothes, which were now just as ratty as Link's. Covering her mouth with her left hand, Navi slowly made her way over to the body. Link and Zelda made no attempt to stop her; they just stepped out of the way and waited. When Navi reached the body she used her right hand to turn the body off of its side and onto its back revealing Gerik's dirty, bloody, and lifeless face.
"Noooooooo!" cried Navi as she closed her eyes tight and collapsed onto Gerik's body, tears flooding down her face.
Navi couldn't control herself, screaming out as she cried. Her wails were so loud that everyone in Hyrule Field could hear her. Navi's arms were folded over Gerik's chest, and she had her head buried into them as she cried. What was left of Gerik's shirt was already soaked in tears, and every once and awhile Navi would move one of her arms and pound either on Gerik's chest or the ground. Link and Zelda just stood there, Link's arm wrapped around Zelda's shoulder to prevent her from breaking down again. They didn't know what they could possibly do or say to her.
Unable to watch this anymore Link turned around, bringing Zelda with him as he did so. When their backs were fully to Navi and Gerik, Link took his arm from around Zelda and reached into his pocket. Out of it he pulled a letter and showed it to Zelda. Zelda couldn't help but gasp when she saw "Navi" written on the envelope. Turning from the letter to Link's face, she saw the uncertainty in him.
"This fell out of Gerik's pocket as I was carrying him down the mountain," Link said. "Obviously he intended for her to have it, but I'm not sure now is such a good time."
"Are you kidding?" replied Zelda. "We can't ever let Navi read that. Just look at how she's reacting now. If we give her that letter we could be pushing her over the edge."
"I understand, but this was apparently Gerik's final wish. He wanted her to have it, otherwise he would've never written it."
"We should at least read what he wrote then. I know it's a total disrespect for his privacy, but can we really give something to Navi that could be potentially harmful?"
"I'm afraid we can't. If he had intended for us to read it, then Gerik would've written our names on it also. So now that that's settled, can you go give this to her?"
"You're the one who found it; it's your responsibility."
Breathing out a sigh, Link gripped the letter tightly and made his way over to Navi. As he was doing this King Hyrule walked across the bridge and headed over to Zelda. Link had no idea how he was going to do this, but he knew it had to be done. Navi was still crying heavily over Gerik's body, and it pained Link to see her like this. When he was younger Navi was like his mentor, and to see her in such a week and feeble position was heart wrenching. When he was finally standing next to her, Link tapped her on the shoulder and waited until she turned her tear filled face up toward him.
"Um Navi," Link began, "I know this may not be the perfect time, but this fell out of Gerik's pocket when I was carrying him down the mountain. It has your name on it, and . . . well . . . here."
Link handed her the letter and Navi just continued to stare up at Link. Then, as if she were in some kind of daze, she turned her head toward the letter and reached out for it. Navi's tears began to lesson, but her body was now quivering uncontrollably. Once she took the letter Link turned around and headed over to King Hyrule and Zelda. Navi just stared at the envelope at her name written in big neatly written letters. She then slowly began to open the envelope and take the letter out. Wiping away the tears in her eyes so she could see clearly, Navi unfolded the letter and began to read.
Dear Navi,
If you are reading this, then well you already know the reason why. The first lesson Impa ever taught me was to always be prepared. She said that nothing in life was impossible, only improbable. Obviously the improbable has happened and I am no longer a part of this world. I couldn't leave without saying goodbye to you though. You were a very important part of my life, more than you probably realize. You were, and you can quote Zelda on this, my first love. Nobody had ever caught my eye like you did the very first time I laid eyes upon your beautiful face. You took my breath away. Our time together may have been short, but it was the most important part of my entire life. If someone were to ask me what my favorite moment of my life was, it would be the first time you and I kissed. I don't want you to be sad. Please, don't shed any tears over my passing. Be as strong as I know you are. I may be gone physically from this world, but I will never leave your side. I will always be at your side, watching over you and protecting you in any way possible. We will meet again in time, but until then just know that I love you with all my heart. Nothing will ever change that fact. You were the only one for me, and you always will be. Till we meet again then.
Lovingly yours,
Gerik
Having finished reading the letter, Navi just sat there staring at it. Her tears had stopped, but her body was still shaking and she was sniffling. She was trying to be strong just as Gerik had wanted, but she was finding it difficult being so close to Gerik's body. Gathering her strength she stood up shakily. Her knees were weak, and she was having trouble remaining balanced. When she was strong enough to start walking, she headed over to where Link, Zelda, and King Hyrule were all standing, the letter gripped tightly in her hands. The three of them had been talking, but as soon as Navi walked over they stopped and turned to face her.
"I . . . I need to be alone right now," Navi said, her face showing signs that she was about to break down into tears again. "I'll . . . I'll be in the castle."
"She's taking it hard," said Zelda as Navi wobbled her way toward the castle. "That letter seems to have calmed her down a bit at least."
"That does it!" Link said angrily. "Where is Lord Arcana's body? I know he's dead because Ganon killed him and stole his powers. Now where is he? I want to look in the face of the person responsible for all of this."
"That may be a little difficult," replied King Hyrule.
"What do you mean?"
"We don't know where Lord Arcana's body is," said Zelda. "Navi looked all around, but none of the bodies was that of Lord Arcana. His body is just gone."
"Well, when I killed Ganon his body turned to dust. Maybe that's what happened to Lord Arcana. Then again, I used the Master Sword to defeat Ganon. I don't know, and I really don't care at the moment. We won; that's all that matters. Speaking of Ganon though, what happens now to the Triforce?"
"I don't know. All I know about the Triforce is legends, and since a wish has never before been granted by the Triforce there is no legend as to what happens. I am at a complete loss. Only the Goddesses would know."
"Enough with all this," piped in King Hyrule. "Like Link said, we won. This is a time for celebration."
"Yeah, celebration," Link replied mockingly as he looked around Hyrule Field. "I can see plenty of parties taking place with all this as the background."
"Hey, don't confuse me for an uncaring old coot. I knew many of these people. They were my friends, my brethren, and most importantly, my people. My heart broke with the death of each and every one of them, but they died for a purpose. They died so that Hyrule would live on. Their deaths were not in vain. I've already made preparations to make sure that these brave men and women will be honored forever."
"What are you talking about dad?" asked Zelda.
"You know the field that's to the West of Hyrule Market across Zora's river? Well, since it's unused and in plain sight from almost anywhere in Hyrule Field, I plan on turning it into a special memorial graveyard for all those who fought and died to protect Hyrule. I plan on making it as elaborate as can be with a big plaque in front of it telling all who visit it why the graveyard is there and why these warriors are honored so. Of course, a bridge will have to be built there first, but I plan on having this graveyard finished before construction even begins on Hyrule Market. It's the least that we can do."
"Wait a minute. You said that this graveyard will be to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend Hyrule. Does this mean that you're finally accepting the Gerudo?"
"Yes my dear. I'm not too much of a king to admit when I was wrong. The Gerudo really came through for us. That is why I am finally going to accept the Gerudo as a part of Hyrule and open up trade and relations with them just like we have with the Gorons and Zoras. We have Gerik to thank for that. I still can't believe he's gone. He was like the son I never had. I will make it up to him though. I will have him buried among his Sheikah brethren and the royal family in Kakariko Graveyard."
"I'm sure that's something Gerik has always wanted," said Link, "to be honored by being buried in that graveyard, but shouldn't he be buried with all the others who died. This war was winnable only because of him. It was Gerik who warned me and you about the approaching army, got the Gerudo to come to our aid, and saved my life up on Death Mountain by sacrificing his. If not for him we would've lost. Gerik more than anyone deserves to be buried in that new graveyard of yours."
"Well unfortunately we can't ask him, and it would probably only upset Navi more to go up to her and remind her that Gerik is gone for good by asking her where to bury Gerik. We do have time though. Not much, but we do have time."
"Well, I'm going to go put Gerik's body with all the others. No matter what, he doesn't deserve to be lying out in the sun like that. I'll be right back."
Link turned around and started heading over to Gerik's body, but stopped short. He just stood there with his head down as if in deep thought. Link then turned around and walked back up to King Hyrule and Zelda. He headed straight for Zelda, and upon reaching her grabbed both of her hands in his. Zelda was a little startled by this, but she enjoyed it nonetheless.
"Zelda, with all that's happened," began Link as he stared into her eyes, "I just wanted to tell you that I . . . that I . . ."
"Yes Link," Zelda urged him on with a big smile on her face.
"I . . . I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're alright."
With that Link let go of Zelda's hands and quickly turned around and walked over to Gerik's body. Without a second look back, Link hoisted Gerik onto his back again and made his way to what used to be Hyrule Market. Zelda's smile disappeared instantly. Those hadn't been the words she was hoping to come out of Link's mouth. Her expression becoming glum, she turned to watch as Link carried Gerik across Hyrule Field. King Hyrule just shook his head and breathed out a sigh as he watched his daughter.
"Zelda dear," he said looking up again, "look around you. With everything that's happened, don't you think it's time you stop denying your heart."
"What are you talking about?" asked Zelda trying to sound innocent.
"You love him. Don't deny it. Everyone, except for him, can see it in your eyes. Everyone can also see, except for you, that he loves you right back. The two of you have been denying your true heart's desires for a long time, and until now I've put up with it. But seeing everything that has just happened has made me realize what a fool I've been to have ignored it for so long. I don't want you to end up like Gerik and Navi."
"But if he feels the same way I do, then why has he never said anything?"
"For the same reason you haven't; he's scared. Link is a natural born warrior, so fighting comes easy to him. Expressing his true feelings to the one he loves isn't. I was the exact same way with your mother. If you wait for him to make the first move, then you may be waiting your entire life. He came very close a few minutes ago, closer than I ever got, but the fear of how you would react got to him. Go to him."
Zelda smiled slightly and kissed her father on the cheek. She then took off to find Link with full resolve. She knew that her father was right. She had just fought in the biggest war in Hyrule's history, so it should be a simple matter to tell Link how she felt. She walked across the temporary bridge that had been set up in place of the destroyed drawbridge and walked into the ruins of Hyrule Market searching for Link. She didn't have to go far to find him. She found him standing in front of the broken fountain, but Gerik was nowhere in sight. Link had either already placed him with the others or passed him off to another person.
Link was just standing there examining the remains of the fountain. That fountain was one of his most memorable memories from his childhood. He remembered the first time he saw it as a kid. It was easily double his size, and so magnificent. He had never seen anything shoot water up into the air like that before and he was stunned by the fountain's 'magic.' Now it was nothing more than a pile of stones. As he stood there Zelda walked up and stood next to him.
"Do you really think things will ever be the same again?" Link asked when he noticed Zelda. "Do you think Hyrule can and will recover?"
Zelda didn't say a word. Link turned to ask her again only to be met with her lips. Link was stunned and confused at first, but then closed his eyes and returned her kiss. As he kissed her Link wrapped his arms around Zelda and embraced her. Zelda did the same, pulling Link as close to her as she could. When their kiss ended Link placed his forehead against Zelda's and stared into her eyes. He had a smile on his face, and as he stared at Zelda her face seemed to glow. Zelda was blushing slightly, but she had on the same big smile she had a little while ago.
"I think things are looking brighter already," was Zelda's reply.