CHAPTER 9
Link stood over the Bobokin's corpse, breathing heavily as he looked down at the carnage he had wrought. The battle was won, but the price of victory was unbearable.
As he turned around his eyes were inextricably drawn to where Epona lay. From where he stood he could not see the spear that pierced her lungs or the blood that stained her face and body. It was almost as though she were sleeping; how he wished it were true. He trudged forward, pain beginning to rise as he broke into a laboured run, his eyes filling with tears once more.
His breath was ragged and hoarse as he stumbled toward Epona's lifeless form; his body battered and bruised from the brutal fight that had just taken place; it took all of his energy to just remain standing. His ribs were broken, his shoulder deeply woundrd and maimed. His arms and torso screamed with the pain of every impact he'd taken with his shield. But even as the excruciating pain ripped through his body, Link refused to give in.
Tears spilled down his face as he collapsed to his knees. Overcome with grief he leaned over Epona's back and threw his arms across her shoulders, unable to speak or stem the tears from his inconsolable loss. Her once vibrant and courageous spirit had been replaced by a cold stillness. It left a gaping chasm in his heart and his soul.
The rain gradually began to ease as he lay there with her, and as the clouds began to part the moon arched gracefully across the sky, bathing the two of them in a soft, blue glow. Link could not bare to leave her. His heart ached with the memories of all the adventures he and Epona had shared together. Riding through forests, galloping through fields, battling fierce monsters, and even taking Calamity Ganon and saving the Kingdom from destruction. She was more to him than just a mere companion, a ride or means of transportation. Epona was his best and most loyal friend. He had failed her.
'I'm sorry,' he whispered softly, unable to cry further tears. But at least laying with her, she now looked peaceful, free from suffering or pain. That was his one and only comfort as his body gradually succumbed to sheer exhaustion, and he fell into a deep and dreamless slumber.