Kagome

We stopped long enough to say goodbye to Malon and promise her that we would keep an eye out for her father, before leaving the ranch for good. Giving me no time to prepare, Link took off full speed across the field, freaking me out. I grabbed his thighs while squeezing my own against Epona's side for dear life.

Link's arm tightened around my waist, reminding me of his promise to not let me fall. I didn't believe it, and it only spurred me to grip my legs even tighter. Within minutes my unused inner thigh muscles were burning, yet I dared not let go of the horse for fear of falling off the beast.

Epona leaped over a small fence. My life flashed before my eyes and I screamed in terror.

No. I don't think I'll ever get used to this.

Kagome

After almost having a heart attack, Link steered clear of any fences as we continued our speedy travel. My poor lungs and heart thanked him. Even with the never-ending dread of falling, I felt extremely tired. The urge to fight my yawns was becoming harder and harder as we traveled longer and farther.

"Kagome?"

I snapped my head upwards with a start. "Huh?" I glanced at him over my shoulder.

"You alright?"

"Oh, yeah."

He didn't seem convinced. "You looked like you're about to fall over."

Releasing a heavy sigh I said, "Just tired."

"We're almost there." He said, "Then we can bathe and rest for the night."

Unable to fight it anymore, I released a long and loud yawn so powerful I had to lean further into Link's chest as my head tilted back to flash my open mouth to the sky. "Sounds wonderful." The scent of mint-chocolate soothed me as my eyes started to drift closed.

Kagome

A gentle shaking followed by Link calling my name woke me from my dreamless slumber. I didn't even remember falling asleep. Yet we were in a different place, proof that I must have. Stone surrounded us, and in front of us was a huge hollowed-out tree.

"I'm sorry your nap wasn't very long. I'll try to get things done as fast as possible so you can go back to sleep." Link shifted behind me, as a small warning, before dismounting off the horse.

"You have a place I can—" I interrupted myself with a large yawn. "—rest?"

He chuckled. "Yes." He offered me his hand, and I gladly took it so he could help me down. "I grew up here."

I was surprised. "Really?"

"Yes, but I haven't been back for a long time." Instead of securing Epona to one of the trees, he casually tossed the reins over the saddle horn, letting her roam free.

"You sure that's a good idea?" I asked. "She's not going to run off?"

He patted the horse on the neck in affection. The large creature gave a soft sound, pleased, and shook its head, fanning its mane. "No. Once she likes you, she doesn't leave you."

"If only humans could be that simple."

"Does that mean you're going to run away from me the first chance you get?" He treated me with a small smile as he continued to pet the filly.

"Maybe," I joked.

His smile grew. "After all that effort you put into begging to come with me?"

Embarrassed, I stuttered. "I-I didn't beg!"

He repositioned his sword and shield. "Oh?" As a final check, he tightened his gloves and tapped the tips of his boots onto the ground. "Then what would you call it?" After he was done checking over his gear he walked ahead with a sly grin.

He walked into the large tree trunk, and I quickly followed after him. I answered, "Negotiating." After a few steps into the ten-foot-tall tree tunnel, darkness consumed me. Unable to see anything I froze on the spot as my heart began to race.

Link's deep and boisterous laughter echoed everywhere. It was the first time I heard him laugh like that, and I would have been happy to hear it any other moment but now. "Negotiating?"

"Yeah…" My voice hitched as a sharp pain stabbed my chest.

I pressed my palm onto my thrashing heart, trying to ease the ache even though I knew it was pointless. This pain wasn't physical. Erasing everything from my mind, I focused on simply breathing. Yet each movement of my body or any intake of air made the pain all the worse. Still, I used what little power I had to take long and deep breaths, no matter how much it hurt.

I needed to get out of here. Should I go back? Darkness was everywhere, and I didn't know where I was. I couldn't trust myself that I didn't turn around while I was panicking. Do I move forward? Where?

Using my free hand I waved it around, trying to feel for the sides of the tunnel.

"Kagome?" I screamed. Pain gripped my heart and I groaned in discomfort. Damn, it hurts. "Are you okay?" A light touch on my arm and I jumped away with another cry.

"Link." My voice was strained and my breathing became heavy.

His warmth chased away the chill around me as he stood by my side. "Is it the curse?" A comforting touch on my back soothed me.

I shook my head and sighed in irritation. "I don't like dark places," I confessed. "It will pass eventually."

"Would you like me to hold your hand and guide you to the exit?"

I glanced around the darkness. Link was there, but I couldn't see him. I couldn't see anything. It was too dark. I didn't like it. "Maybe?"

His chuckle surrounded me, chasing away some of my fear. "You can pull away any time, alright?" With his palm still pressed against my lower back, his other hand covered mine, which was still over my chest. I leaned into his side as we both slowly walked through the darkness.

All I saw was shadows. Shadows within shadows.

His exposed thumb brushed over my knuckles. After a few steps, the pain was already becoming more manageable. I sighed in relief and leaned further into his warmth.

I asked, "You can see in this?"

"And I noticed that you can't."

The grip on my chest tightened as I huffed. "Humans don't have the best eyesight compared to others." I then added, "Or hearing, strength, speed— we are all around the weaker species, really."

His warmth grew as he leaned closer. "You're not weak, Kagome." His soft voice was against my ear, and I shivered at the feeling of his hot breath going down my neck.

"How would you know that?" I asked. "You've only ever seen me passed out and sick. You didn't even see me fight."

"I don't need to see you fight to know that you're a strong person." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "And I'm the one with the better eyesight, so I think I know what I'm talking about."

I gave a soft laugh, which hurt like hell, but I didn't care. "Thank you."

He whispered back, his lips brushing against my hair and muffling some of his voice. "Any time."

A few steps later a ray of light could be seen at the end, making me sigh in relief. Once we left the tunnel, we were standing on an old wooden bridge, which was stretched across an empty pit within a forest.

Another identical tunnel greeted us on the other side and I winced, my chest pain becoming worse at the sight of it.

Link asked, "Do you want to walk this one alone—"

"Don't." I latched onto his arm with my other hand, hugging it for dear life against my chest. His warmth was a balm to the ache, and I simply wanted to soak it all in. "Don't leave me."

"Calm down." He rubbed soothing circles on my back and allowed me to curl into him. "I'm not going to leave you. Take all the time you need."

It hurt. Deep breath. It hurt so much. In and out.

When my mind and heart settled enough, I loosed my hold on him and stepped back.

His concerned question reached me. "You okay?" I nodded. "Hold on to me, and I'll walk you through." I took a very deep and long breath, before I finally nodded and we began moving forward again.

This time, we didn't talk. The darkness was unsettling as we easily walked onward, but the stillness was making things hard for me. The tightness constricting around my chest started to burn again, and my breathing became ragged.

Just as I was about to start some small talk to ease the tension, green flooded my vision as we walked into an overgrown forest. The call of bugs and animals rang from near and far. Large trees of different sizes and stages of life were scattered around the open area. Many bushes and colorful blue flowers were spread around the worn dirt path between each tree.

The thing I noticed the most was the small stump-like houses dotted around. If you count the tree houses and small wooden bridges, it looks like the forest clubhouse of every child's dream.

While I gazed at the sight in appreciation, Link had a different reaction. "Impossible. It shouldn't be like this." The warmth from Link's hand vanished as he released his grip and took a few cautious steps forward.

"Is something wrong?" I took a second look but only saw the same beautiful scenery.

"Monsters are everywhere—" Concern leaked in his voice. "—and I don't see anyone."

"Monsters?" Even as I looked a third time and still did not see anything, I trusted Link's judgment and pulled out my bow. The darkness was behind me, and now with the threat of danger, the pain in my chest was easily ignored.

A strange sound caught my attention. I turned just as Link raised his shield, and something hard hit the metal with a loud 'thunk'. The round object bounced and hit a red bush. That was when I noticed the bush had eyes.

The 'bush' squeaked in pain as the attack hit, and he popped out of the hole he was buried in. The monster squirmed and hopped across the ground in pain, scattering red leaves.

I pulled my bowstring back and called upon my powers. The pink arrow appeared, but then flickered for an instant, making me pause. Putting more power into it, the arrow came to life and brightened into a more solid form again. I let loose the arrow and it zoomed forward.

Before Link reached the crying monster, my arrow flew over his shoulder and hit the creature in the face. The bush dissolved into ash, leaving Link standing there with his sword and shield now useless.

Link turned towards me with a questioning look, yet I just smiled and shrugged. "See? I'm quite handy to keep around."

He returned the smile— His eyes widened as he shouted, "Behind you!"

I turned, only to be greeted by a mouth with a set of arm-length fangs covered in drool. I barely had a moment to suck in a gasp, before the mouth lunged forward. A blur meets the attack. Link stood between me and the monster, blocking the attack with his sword.

The edge of the blade was wedged between the fangs of the creature, cutting into its tender lips. With a small shout of strength, the arms in his muscles flexed and the blade sliced through the beast like it was butter, cutting the creature in half. Green blood and drool splattered outward, covering me and Link in goo.

I made a face as I tried and failed to flick off the mess from my arms. "Gross." I looked at the creature. It was a bright blue flower. Obviously the meat-eating type of plant.

"You alright?" Link asked.

"Fine," I said. "And thank you."

He nodded in reply as he too, tried to brush off the plant gunk from his body and clothes. Knowing what to look for, I turned away from the elf and combed the area again, spotting many red bushes and blue flowers. Link was right, this area was covered in monsters.

Not waiting for Link, I raised my bow and let the arrows fly. My bow was creating a symphony of sound as I grabbed, pulled, and let loose. The string would make the most beautiful song upon releasing my arrow, followed by the painful cry of a monster dying. Again and again, my smooth concerto was all thinks to countless hours of fighting and dedication.

Every hidden creature met its fate, and within a few minutes, the entire area was empty of all monsters. The flowers turned to ash where they slept, and the bushes died within their holes.

I did another sweep of the area before I turned to Link and asked, "Is that all of them?" Was there another monster type I didn't know about, and couldn't see?

Link pulled his stunned eyes away from me, and double-checked my work. "Yes." He tucked his sword and shield into place on his back. "I think so." He smiled. "You really are good with a bow."

I preened at the compliment, and my heart fluttered. Thankfully, it wasn't from pain this time. "Thanks."

Kagome

"You're kidding, right?" I sent Link my best 'are-you-crazy' look. "This isn't a bath." I motioned to the waist-high pool of water at the bottom of a small waterfall. "It's a puddle. A cold puddle." The water split into streams that branched off around the area and obviously acted as some sort of irrigation system for the kid-like people who lived here. I wasn't going to bathe in the water these people drank.

I was surprised at first when Link guided me to one of the small tree houses, and inside was a tiny shop with two kids who wore the same type of outfit as Link. The kids were grateful we had gotten rid of the monsters, and happily gave me a set of adult clothes for me to change into after my bath.

But then Link showed me the 'bath' he was talking about— one that he and all the children used. A waterfall that fed into a very tiny pool of water. While I could see why it was used for the children, I was an adult. It was too small, too cold, and it was smack in the center of the area. The entire town could see me naked!

"It's not that cold." He argued.

I crouched and dipped the tips of my fingers into the water. "You know, you're right?" Sarcasm dripped from every word. Ice instantly snaked up my arm and I pulled my hand away with a hiss. "It's not cold— it's freezing!" Where is this water's source? A frozen lake?

Link gave me another odd look before he joined me at the edge of the pool and dipped his exposed fingers into the water. When the chill of the water hit his skin, he mimicked my hiss and pulled his fingers out of the water, giving them a flick.

"I'm sorry Kagome." He had a more understanding expression as he looked towards me. "It's all we have." He said, "If it makes you feel any better, I'll be taking one too."

I grumbled, "Just because we are both going to suffer, doesn't make it okay." Yet I knew he wouldn't make me bathe in ice water unless it was the only option. "But it's alright." I finally agreed. "I'll take a quick dip."

"While you do that, I'm going to talk to everyone who is gathered over there." He pointed to a stump-house that was placed on top of a hill. It was the only one that had smoke coming out of the chimney. "Once I'm done, I'll meet you at my old house—" he waved his hand behind us, and towards the biggest tree in the area. "Just climb the ladder and wait for me there." He stood, and I followed suit. "Don't take too long, you could get sick in this cold water."

"I'm already dying. Adding a runny nose to that isn't a big deal."

He frowned, stepping closer to me. "Don't say that."

She shrugged. "Just trying to lighten the mood with some dark humor."

"You're not going to die." He reached out and gently held my face between both of his hands. Like always, his warmth chased away the chill lingering on my skin, making me sigh contently. He tilted my head so I was looking directly into his eyes. "We'll remove your curse." He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. "I promise."

Link had a way to make you truly believe in him. Maybe it was the way he carried himself. His strength, courage, and optimism. It made you want to trust and ask him for help, because he could, and he would.

Even I was beginning to have hope. Starting to think that we might be able to fix this curse.

Kagome

The bath was as bad as I imagined. Once Link was inside the house, I peeled off clothes— what barely passed for clothing, anyway, and dumped the fabric on the ground. I waded into the water, hating every step I took as the icy liquid crawled up my legs and splashed on my skin.

The water ended at mid-thigh, which meant I couldn't simply dunk myself into the water and adjust. Instead, I had to walk over to the waterfall and use it as the worst shower imaginable.

It reminded me of the monks in those training montages. Only colder and naked.

I scrubbed as much as I could, as fast as I could. When the water was becoming bearable, I realized I had showered long enough to get used to the cold, and that was too long. This temperature was not something your body should adjust to unless you wanted to get hypothermia.

With no towel, the new green fabric clung to my body. It was exactly like Link's outfit, boots and all, except mine didn't come with an undershirt or gloves, and instead had a nice pair of brown short-shorts tucked underneath the long green tunic, which I was thankful for. I didn't want to flash Link my underwear with every breeze or climb of a ladder.

Old filthy clothes in hand, I went to the house Link mentioned. After climbing the ladder I was winded and tired, but I easily ignored it.

Link's old home was cute, and obviously made for a child. It was a round room, made by hollowing out the inside of the tree itself. Two people could stand on either side with their arms stretched out and be able to touch the tips of their fingers together.

One bed. One table. One sink. A fire pit was placed in the center. That was it. It was cute and rather cozy.

I was freezing, but I didn't want to start a fire. Everything around me was flammable. Except for the sink and mirror, everything was made out of wood. Even the single chair was a simple tree stump. But then my teeth started to chatter, and I had no choice but to make a fire unless I wanted to get sick.

Thanks to my past experiences, starting a fire was quick and easy. I was about to feed the small flame my ratty clothing when I stopped mid-toss. I looked at the dirty cloth, then to my newly acquired sword resting on my hip.

I thought about it for a moment, and removed my bow from my back, placing it against the wall. After that, I sat on the floor of the room, as close to the fire as I could. I unhooked the belt from around my waist and placed the sword on my lap. Then, I got to work and ripped my old shirt into one long strip of cloth.

Wrapping the tattered and dirty cloth around the hilt wasn't too daunting, and by the time I was finished, the fire had become a roaring flame that danced in the center of the small room, which easily ate any leftover scraps of clothing I didn't use. Placing my newly-wrapped sword beside my bow against the wall, there was nothing left to do but wait for Link.

Tucking my legs to my chest, I held out my hands to the dancing flames and allowed the heat of the fire to kiss my skin and break the chill that consumed me.

A few minutes passed, and the coldness wasn't going away. The only reason I knew I was warming up was the fact that my teeth stopped chattering and my body stopped shivering uncontrollably. Yet the frosted chill still lingered and was soaking into my bones.

I was cold.

Cold and tired.

Cold, tired, and hungry.

I wrapped my arms around my legs, curling into myself as much as I could, and rested my head on my knees. Groaning, I allowed my eyes to drift closed as I waited by the fire.

Kagome

My stomach was aching, and my throat was itching with unrelenting thirst. I was cold and tired. So very tired. And hungry. So so hungry.

The pit in my stomach was all-consuming, clawing at my insides and eating everything. The pain was ripping through my belly, ribs, and even my back.

So hungry.

It was devouring me.

I needed to eat something, or I would waste away.

Creaking of wood.

My eyes snapped open in alert. Someone was nearby.

I allowed myself to look around while my curtain of hair covered my face from view. A large silhouette blocked the doorway. The person came closer, and my dry mouth began to water.

"Kagome?" Link call broke through the fog in my mind.

My voice was strained. "Link?" I cleared my throat, yet I still did not move from my spot.

"You okay?" He was closer. If I reached out, I could grab him.

"Cold," I replied. "Hungry."

A loud thump vibrated the entire room as he put something heavy onto the tiny wooden table beside me. "Good thing I brought something to eat."

At the mention of food, I finally raised my head. "What is it?" Releasing a groan I slowly uncurled myself and stood.

An iron cauldron sat on the table. Steam was wafting from the food within. The smell was delicious. "Hot Stew. Should solve both your problems." He placed a stack of two wooden bowls and spoons beside the pot. "You eat while I take my turn by the pond."

I mumbled, "Sounds like a plan." My entire focus was on the pot as I took one of the bowels and scooped out a helping of the thick stew using the attached ladle.

"Don't forget your medicine. One drink." I must have made a face, because Link began to chuckle. "I know, but you need to take it." I heard the tell—tell tap of him sitting the bottle somewhere on the table.

I barely registered Link's exit as I sat beside the fire with my hands wrapped around the wooden bowl, trying to soak up the warmth from the fresh meal.

The stew was thick with a creamy color. Chunks of vegetables and mushrooms were scattered throughout. It seemed extremely rustic, yet hardy. Inviting. Delicious.

I made sure to snag a mushroom as I scooped a spoonful of the wonderful stew. They were my favorite. I hovered the spoon in front of my lips as I blew on the hot stew a few times, so I wouldn't burn my tongue. I hummed in delight before the food even reached my lips as I took the first bite.

It was bland.

It didn't taste nearly as good as it smelt. Practically tasteless. As I chewed, I couldn't tell the difference between the veggie chunks or mushroom slices. Everything was stale and watered down. The more I chewed, the less I could taste. I quickly swallowed the stew and sighed in disappointment.

I took another bite, then another, hoping that it would get better. Yet it only seemed to get worse the more I ate. The stew was turning colder with each spoonful and was tasting more and more like pure water as it entered my mouth. Ice water with chunks of unknown mush mixed within.

I wanted to stop eating, but I knew I couldn't. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast, and by the sounds of it, we were lucky to even get this. Who knows when the next time we will have a meal? I had to at least finish this bowl.

Forcing down the last few bites, I simply scooped and swallowed, unable to withstand the cold stew even touching my tongue at this point. With my meal done yet my hunger not satisfied, I leaned back and sat the bowl on the table behind me without even bothering to get up.

The cold stew settled in my stomach like rocks. The gnawing in my gut never went away, and now it was accompanied by a rolling wave of nausea thanks to the lovely meal. I released a small groan in pain as I hugged my legs again and shivered, still sitting by the roaring flames.

Link

I first rinsed and scrubbed my clothes before taking a quick dip in the pond. It was freezing, and I didn't know why. Something must have happened to the Zora's. I tried not to think about it as I washed my body and got out as quickly as I could.

Dressing from the waist down, I decided the tunic and undershirt were too wet to put on and would be best to air dry longer. With my chest exposed I climbed the ladder and entered my old childhood home.

Kagome was in the fetal position again, sitting by the fire. Her curtain of hair was splayed around her head and legs, blocking the view of her face.

"Kagome?" I called to her. She didn't reply so I tried again, stepping closer to her. "Kagome?" This time she released a mumbled groan. "Are you okay?"

There was a long pause before my sensitive ears picked up a hushed whisper. "…tired…"

I laid out my tunic and undershirt onto the floor by the fire to dry. "Go ahead and sleep on the bed. I'll wake you when it's time to leave." Within a few steps, I was at the other side of the room. I pulled the curtain to the side, revealing a nook carved into the wooden wall. On the shelves were a few measly possessions I owned: Cups, utensils, odds, and ends I thought looked cool as a child, and a few blankets.

I picked out the threadbare fabric, knowing that the thin sheet was better than nothing, and walked back to Kagome just as she crumbled onto the bed. Even though Kagome was smaller than me, with the bed being more kid-sized she had to curl her legs to fit into the bed. She didn't utter a word of complaint as she hugged the pillow to herself and closed her eyes.

After allowing the blanket to fall from my hand and unrolling itself, I flicked my wrist to fan the fabric a few times, to rid it of any dust. As I laid the blanket over her exhausted body, tucking her in, I asked, "Did you take your medicine?" Her nose scrunched up in a rather cute way. "You know you have to take it." She didn't move, so I snatched the bottle from the table and returned to her side. "You'll get sick if you don't." I held the bottle out, directly in front of her face. "Kagome." Yet she didn't react. "Kagome?" I tapped the cold glass against her cheek, yet she still didn't move. Was she already asleep? "Hey." Crouching, I stared at her face, noticing the paleness of her skin and the dark circles beneath her eyes. "I know you're tired, but you have to take your medicine." Concerned, I cupped her cheek and brushed the pad of my thumb underneath her eye. My tone became sharp and deep as I commanded, "Kagome."

Her hand came up, resting over mine, and her eyes fluttered open. A deep exhaustion had settled into her once bright green eyes. "You're warm…" She leaned into my palm, sighing contently.

A sad smile curved the corners of my lips. "Your medicine?" I held up the bottle. "Remember?" She barely nodded, and I grasped her hand, helping her to sit up. I pulled the cork, opening it for her. "Just one drink, then you can lay back down." She took the bottle and pressed it to her lips. With a quick tilt of her head, she took the bitter medicine in a single gulp.

She pulled the glass away from her face with a disgusted moan. "Ugh!" She shuttered as if it was the most vile thing she ever tasted— and it quite possibly could be— before handing the bottle back to me and collapsing into her original spot on the bed.

"Good girl." I tugged the blanket up to her chin, then brushed the strands of her dark hair away from her face. "Get some sleep."

I stood, put the cork in the bottle, and placed it on the table. Humming to myself I picked up the leftover wooden bowl and spoon, reaching for the still-warm stew. Seeing how much food was left I paused.

If it wasn't for the fact that I could obviously see Kagome's dirty bowl on the table, I would have thought she never touched it. There was plenty of stew for the two of us to have seconds or even thirds, yet she barely touched her food.

From how much she ate at Anju's, I thought she was a big eater. Glancing at her over my shoulder, a frown appeared on my face as I looked at her sleeping. She must be feeling worse than I thought.

Worry bubbled in my chest, but there was nothing I could do for her right now. I mumbled as I poured myself a bowl of stew, "We have to hurry to the great fairy, and get her cured as soon as possible…"

I plopped down by the fire and took a large bite of the stew. It was just how I remembered it. Thick and creamy with a hit of earthy flavor, thanks to the mushrooms. Every bite soothe my aching muscles and warmed my chilled body.

"Delicious."

After devouring the first bowl, I went back for seconds.

Shadowfoxmoon: After years and years and rewrites after rewrites I finally passed the point I could never get over and Kagome/Link finally made it to Kakariko Village! This is the furthest I've ever written without abandoning the story again! The Kakariko Village Curse is finally broken!