Hey guys! I live! Sorry for the long wait, but I've had quite an interesting month(?). (Has it really been that long? O_O) First of all, I BROKE MY FINGER! I had ALMOST completed finished this chapter when I broke it (on the day after my birthday) and started wearing my brace, and then there were exams, and I had to have a scribe, and it was TERRIBLE! X(
OK, thanks for reading in advance, and I just want to say that I've decided to condense a lot of the rest of the plot into a few more chapters and an epilogue because I've become really busy lately, plus I've been trying to work on my own original project so this has dropped a lot on my priority list. It may be only half the length I intended it to be, BUT I'M FINISHING THIS! PROMISE!
We stayed at the Kokiri Forest for quite some time, giving me plenty of time to recuperate and get to know everyone I would be working with. Things had gotten plain foggy in the time we had left the Fortress to now. I just wanted to sleep forever, never waking up, never having to face my duty as the Hero of Time. I felt like things were dragging – like things should be happening, but they weren't.
Ever since my encounter with Volvagia, I hadn't had to fight any other creature, and I felt myself oddly drawn to the Megaton Hammer, but it just didn't feel right. I couldn't bring myself to pick it up, yet I wanted to – It was quite weird.
By the time we had to leave for the LLR, the Kokiri were quite attached to us – especially Darron. Somehow, the Kokiri were fascinated by him – his large build, his huge appetite for rocks, and his rumbly voice – I supposed that they had never seen a Goron before so naturally, they'd be drawn to him out of curiosity. Kokiri clung to his large frame, sad to see him go.
I adjusted the pack I had on my back with all of my rations. Everyone else wore one as well with all of their rations – We didn't really have to worry about Darron, though. As long as there were rocks around, he would be perfectly fine. We bid the Kokiri a fond farewell, beginning our trek away from the forest and to the LLR.
We were a small band, walking in pairs or trios like always, socializing as we went but remaining alert. With Rota fluttering around me, I walked with the Sheikah of our band, Sheik, Zilla, Kron, and Impa. We talked about a variety of topics, carefully avoiding anything to do with Ganondorf or Ren. Even the memory of them stabbed me with venom, and I couldn't wait until the day that I would be rid of the pain they caused me forever.
I noticed that Marine and Aqua walked with Darron, and Cove was strangely isolated from the group, walking farther behind us. It was quite odd, and lately, I had noticed that he had become more distant in general, no longer exchanging pleasantries with anyone in our group. Odd. I decided to try to communicate with him – He hadn't spoken to me in a while.
"What are you doing, Link?" Rota questioned, buzzing in my ears.
I responded, rolling my eyes at my fairy's apparent concern. "Gee, Rota. Calm down."
"I'm supposed to keep you out of trouble! That's what the Princess told me to do, remember?" Rota was peeved. Why was she screaming in my ear?
Either way, I ignored her, falling back to where Cove was. "Hey," I greeted as Rota flew around my head, her wings beating angrily.
Cove looked up at me. "Hi, Link." I waited for him to continue, but he didn't.
I cleared my throat awkwardly, feeling that it was my responsibility to carry the conversation. We talked, but it felt forced, and I felt as though I was invading his privacy for some reason. Finally, I decided that it would be best if I just left.
Sighing to myself, I swung my hammer every which way; it somehow felt as though it longed for contact with some form of life. Was this supposed to be normal? The heavy moving of air from the hammer didn't give me the same feeling of satisfaction as something else might have. I could hear Sheik mumble to himself, and I could barely catch snatches of what he was saying to piece it together. It was the prophesy.
Words from the prophesy echoed in my head, and I tried to shove them out. "Betrayal." "Chaos." "Heartbreak." "Pain." "Fear." "Destiny's game." My head spun, and all I could do was swing my hammer around as though my mind wasn't yelling things at me. Almost tripping over a log, I maintained my balance, continuing to walk. Rota flew around my head aimlessly, and I could feel it in my bones: things would be ending soon. I knew it was true.
I couldn't defeat Ganondorf with merely a hammer, though. I needed something more… substantial? I would have to ask Sheik about another weapon. Suddenly feeling woozy, I sunk to my knees, the hammer dropping to the floor. Others crowded around me, trying to ask what was wrong. To be honest, I didn't even know myself.
All I knew was I felt tired. I wanted to sleep and never wake up. My eyes found their way upward to meet a large red bird, its wings spread wide and majestic. It was beautiful. I felt something creep its way into my left hand – the hilt of a sword. It was firm and present in my hand, but I couldn't quite grasp whether or not it was real. What was reality to me at this point?
Something finally pulled me out of my daze – a blow to the head from the very generous Darron. "Seriously, Darron?" It was only then that I realized that that was definitely not Darron. In fact, I wasn't even sure what it was. It looked like a walking skeleton. I soon found out that that was exactly what it was.
Eyes widening, I found that the weapon in my hand was no longer my hammer – it really was a sword. I swung it in a high arc; it made a whizzing sound as it sliced through the air. I was testing out the weapon, figuring it out when I first felt the searing pain in my right arm. I didn't need to look down to know what it was – blood.
My breakfast threatened to make a reappearance so I pushed it down, turning to face the skeleton. My heart dropped as I watched the beast, trying to figure out what to do. It let its shield down, raising a huge bone in the air.
I freaked out, sidestepping the attack, not wanting to receive another wound like the one on my arm. I knew that I had to stop the blood flow, but I couldn't do anything while the stupid thing was left alive – but I supposed it was dead already or something like that. The skeleton hissed and lifted the bone to attack again. I quickly blocked it from actually inflicting damage on me, but the blow still threw me off balance.
Its eyes began glowing a weird green color, and I was petrified but attempted to hold my ground as the creature inflicted blow after blow on me. It was at an advantage because it had a shield; I had merely a sword, although it didn't seem like it was a normal sword. Everything felt hazy, and my vision was fogged.
People, fading in and out of my life. Memories, haunting me mercilessly. All the images flooding my mind hurt me, to be honest. Everything was so overwhelming and confusing, all during the heat of battle. I wasn't sure what was real or not real. All I knew was that I was waiting for my turn to strike, one little slip up. That was all I needed.
I was getting tired, but I could tell that the skeleton was slowing down. I had to find a way to attack during that small period of time, but I had to be careful – I would be unguarded during that period of time because I wouldn't be able to use my sword to block an attack. The skeleton raised its bone for the fiftieth time, and I snagged the opportunity while I could. I lashed out with my sword, striking the beast down.
The creature attempted to get up, but I kicked it down again, my sturdy leather boot meeting where its neck would have been had it been an actual Hylian. I then slashed it one last time for good measure, stepping away cautiously – right into the embrace of another waiting skeleton. Where was Rota? Sheik? Everyone else? Had they been real, or had I imagined them?
Had I imagined Zelda?
I moved with my sword; it met the skeleton's neck, and I didn't dare look at the skeleton's glowing green eyes. I shuddered but continued walking, remaining on my guard. Skull Kids' laughter echoed throughout my head, and I screamed. It was all I could do at this point. I stumbled about that labyrinth of darkness, fighting skeletons and trying not to think about the bleeding gash in my arm.
Shivering because of the cold, I forced my body to move completely on autopilot. Block an attack here, kick there, repeat. I fought relentlessly, and a word popped into my head unbidden: Stalfos. These skeleton creatures were Stalfos. I tested the word out and said it with as much venom I could muster in my weary state, "Stalfos."
Finally, I was so tired and fatigued that I couldn't go on any more. I was supposed to be the Hero, right? Well, I wasn't doing too great of a job right then, was I? I collapsed on the ground helplessly, succumbing to the darkness and the blood that was beginning to cover me.
I awoke to the feeling of pain. Blood covered me, and my sword was by my side. I tried to move but found that I couldn't. This wasn't supposed to be happening – This was my life; I couldn't die now! I had come too far now to fail. I had felt that I was close to the end – I didn't mean it literally!
Something nudged me, and I looked up into the multi-colored eyes of a large crimson bird. He seemed to be trying to communicate something to me, and I could hear his words echo in my mind. Maybe I was just hallucinating, but I knew what telepathy felt and sounded like. "Your mate was taken by a Gerudo?" I questioned.
The bird seemed to nod, and I instantly knew who it was. Ganondorf. "Well, c'mon, boy. Maybe we can both find the loves of our lives." I tried to sit up but found that I couldn't.
Crimson pushed me up to a sitting position against the wall of wherever we were, and I scooted my sword along with me. A Stalfos almost walked in to the little alcove Crimson and I were in but somehow went the other way. "Do you mind if I take a rest?" I questioned.
That was when Crimson went berserk. He used his beak to poke and prod me, and I winced in pain. "My arm?" I questioned, not wanting to look down at it. I did anyways and almost gagged when I saw the bloodstained flesh – it was torn and bleeding, much worse than when I had initially been wounded. "You're right; I can't fall asleep now; I could die from blood loss." I created a tourniquet out of a cotton shirt I had been wearing previously; I knew that I was risking my right arm, but what choice did I have? I could die, or I could lose an arm.
The pain was almost unbearable, and I wanted to sleep just to be able to escape from it. I had to stay awake, though. I had to. Ever since I had left home, I had been in a state of confusion and a whirlwind of emotions. Now, I might finally have the chance to rest. I would have to wait for help to come.
I wasn't sure how long we stayed, but I presumed it to be not too long; I couldn't take off my tourniquet because the blood wouldn't stop flowing, but at least I was alive; our health was sustained only by game brought in by Crimson periodically throughout the day. I was depending on him for food and protection, weak and pale from lack of sunshine. My Desert tan had faded away during my travels, and I was sorrowful – That had been one of my only reminders of home. I missed it.
"So, Crimson," I began, hissing in pain as my right arm was jarred, "when are we leaving this mess of a cave?" I inhaled deeply, tired. My arm was stained red as was the shirt that made up the tourniquet, and I was sick – mentally, physically, and emotionally. I wanted to see the sun again. I was done with the cave – I couldn't stay there anymore.
Sighing to himself, Crimson helped me stand and climb onto his back. He seemed to point to the left, and I understood. We were leaving.
He carried me on his back as we flew in those cramped quarters. Once we reached the exit, I could finally breathe. I relaxed, shifting on his back and holding my sword confidently in my left hand. The pain in my right arm didn't dissipate, and I knew that I would be losing it soon enough. We flew over areas of land that I could sort of recognize in the hazy mist that was my mind: volcano – that had to be Death Mountain; huge bodies of water – I wasn't sure what they were specifically; an expanse of sand – the Desert.
Surprisingly enough, we landed near a building, comfy and comfortable. There were people waiting to greet us, all wearing similar expressions of shock, disbelief, and joy – horror when they saw my tourniquet. I tried to recall names but found that I couldn't. What was wrong with me?
"Link!" a female Zora exclaimed. She rushed to me but was held back by another female Zora that looked exactly like her.
"Link?" another voice repeated, this time more like a question – a male Sheikah with a cowl wrapped around his face. "Don't you remember us?" He must have noticed my hesitation. "I'm Sheik, Zelda's brother – your friend."
Zelda? She was real? My mind whirred, trying to decipher whether or not this whole situation was real or merely a figment of my imagination. A huge sign above the building or home read "Lon Lon Ranch." The LLR.
I felt myself begin to sway on Crimson's back, and someone immediately took me in their brawny arms. I was carried away, but I wanted to remain with Crimson. He was the only thing I knew for sure was real. Tossing and turning, all I could feel was pain once again. This pain was real – I knew that for sure.
Waking up, I tried to move my right arm – I couldn't. I felt myself go into a panic, trying to rip myself from the bed I was restrained to. My eyes felt wild and rolling, and my vision was for once clear. I wasn't sure what was going on until I felt a pain shoot through my left arm. Then I drifted off into unconsciousness once more. I never wanted to wake up.
"Zelda's going to be devastated," someone lamented.
"That's an understatement."
"They're both going to be shattered." I recognized that voice – Before I was taken away, there had been a man named Sheik. This was him – unless that wasn't real.
A young sounding female sighed to herself. "I'm so sorry, little brother."
My eyes flew open. "Nabooru?" I could hear my voice and hated how weak and defeated it sounded.
Eyes darting to me, my older sister began sobbing, stuffing her fist into her mouth. "Link?" she whispered softly, as though she were afraid that I wasn't real.
I had no fear, though. I knew that she was real. She was Nabs. And she was here. With me. "Nabs," I tried to sit up but once again found myself confined.
She raced to help me quickly, removing the restraints. Pulling me into her embrace, she began weeping into my shoulder. I tried to bring my arms around to hug her in return but found that I couldn't. My left arm could, but what had been my right arm couldn't. Tears flowed freely from both me and my sister as we clung to each other desperately.
Everyone around the room was weeping, even the stoic Sheik. He was crying – for me. For the loss of my right arm, my right hand. I felt my eyes close and drifted to sleep in the arms of my sister.
The days passed, and I didn't get better. I was in denial. My arm was something I used every day – Now that I lost that, I was as good as dead. I spent my days sobbing and sleeping, eating as minimally as possible.
One day, though, was different. The woman, who owned the LLR, Malon, had a son. He was young, around five or so. He would visit me throughout the day just because and was the only reason I would smile. But one day, he didn't come alone. He brought two other people very dear to me: Aziz and Nabila. My heart broke as they saw me as I was, broken and heartbroken. I was supposed to be the Hero? This broken mess?
Nabila didn't wait for anything; she immediately launched herself into my arms. I held her close, rocking her back and forth with my limited capabilities. Malon's son backed out of the room to his mother while Aziz stood by my bedside, his eyes heartbroken and weary. Everyone understood. My sword lay on the floor next to my bed, ready for my use. What was the use, though?
"Link," Aziz began; his voice was tired and weak. "You need to get out of that bed."
I raised my brow; was he serious? I was injured, unless he didn't realize. "I can't, Aziz."
Burying her head in the crook of my neck, Nabila spoke, "Zelda's been captured, Link. She's being held captive at the Castle, and Sheik wants to get her out. He doesn't want her to be alone with their dad and brother, susceptible to Ganondorf and Ren."
My blue eyes immediately snapped to attention at the sound of Zelda's name. "What?!"
"Link, Sheik won't go attempt a rescue without you," Aziz clarified. He shifted his weight, his arms folded. Nabs stepped in, joining him and wrapping her arms around him.
I briefly forgot the immense pain I felt, losing myself to the bliss of the moment. Family. But, no – this wasn't my family – not my complete family. There were others: Zelda, Sheik, and the Wanderers. All of us. But then I remembered. "But I can't go; I'm completely helpless," I motioned to what had been my right arm.
"Did anyone ever explain what had happened to you?" Nabs questioned, exchanging glances with Aziz.
I shook my head. Things were too hazy at that point, and I could barely remember anything from the time I had spent in the labyrinth, fighting Stalfos.
Aziz sucked in a shaky breath, "You had a gash in your right arm, and the tourniquet you made saved your life but took away your arm; there was too much nerve damage so it had to be amputated. We're so sorry, Link."
This was agony; I was a huge bundle of raging emotions, unable to get a complete grip on reality. "I gotta go. Zelda," was all I could sputter. Swinging my legs over the bed, I tried to stand, but my legs gave out. Nabila trailing behind us with my sword, I stumbled groggily with the help of Nabs and Aziz toward the door.
I suddenly felt better but was afraid of all my relapses so far; hopefully things would be better this time.
Everyone was waiting for me, even though they knew that I wasn't ready. I didn't know that I wasn't ready; I was blinded by my feelings; I supposed that that was what people meant when they said "blind courage". Thankfully, I had recovered most of my health during my bed rest for who knew how long. It seemed that I was having more and more of those lately. I was a sorry excuse for a Hero that was for sure.
"Let's go, guys," I motioned.
No one moved.
I took my sword from Nabila. "What're you guys waiting for? Let's go already!" Everyone else seemed uncertain until my Triforce glowed. I immediately felt more invigorated, and I gestured at the door. "Let's go, everyone." My voice was commanding and firm, and everyone followed behind me.
I probably wasn't strong enough to go on or even stable enough, but the way I saw it was that Ganondorf or Ren or even her family could be hurting Zelda. I wasn't about to let that happen. Also, my Triforce had seemed to have done something to refresh me because I didn't feel as emotionally or physically exhausted as before. I was ready.
Crimson was waiting for me, and I did my best to smile. We were both going to rescue our loves from that villain – even if it killed us, or just me, from the process.
After I finish this story and Hey, I really want to start a Hunger Games/Zelda crossover; there are only FIVE of them, and prowessMaster44 and I both think that we should change that eventually. xD
This was a very emotional chapter for me, and I kind of wanted it to make it feel as though Link isn't sure what is happening and what's reality – I also know that he's emotionally unstable, and it may seem unrealistic, but I felt that it was time to end his separation from Zelda - for my sanity's sake. :) For the loss of his arm, I was inspired in part by the temporary loss of my own arm and the loss of Peeta's leg in the Hunger Games… (I KNOW! I'M OBSESSED!)
Paulson, I know this chapter is super confusing; it's kinda supposed to be. Link isn't completely sure what happened, and neither is everyone else. The only proof that it was reality is Link's arm - or is it really reality?
It's been awhile so I can barely remember what I was going to write – But thanks for reading, faving, following, and reviewing. You guys mean a ton to me, and I'm so grateful for all of your support. ;) LOVE! 3 *smiles* :D
~Elsie {Zelda}
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