Chapter XX: Requiem

Chapter XX: Requiem

A sharp pain consumed his body. His arms became numb and He saw the blood from his wounds pooled with the rain water on the floor. Within his skull, an angry bull rampaged. He coughed with each breath, forcing up blood. He could tell the insides of his body were bleeding as well. He lay like a prizefighter who had been in the bout of his life. His frame screamed from every inch. Ganon's body simply was no more, like a dark phantom dispersed by a shaft of pure light.
Zelda recovered and came over to cradle his fractured body. She sat still for a moment, saying nothing, simply clinging to him. His blood flowed upon her hands and forearms, but Zelda did not mind. His body trembled and quivered, but began to relax in her embrace. He did not have even the strength to sheathe his own sword so Zelda did it for him.
'You did it Link. We are victorious!' She exulted amdist tears.
She tore off strips of her tattered dress to use them to bandage his wrists and Achiles' as wipe the blood from his face. The storm had since ended, and a mild breeze filled the room.
'Thank you.'
'You did as much as I did. You said we were going to do this together. And we did!'
'Yes, we did, didn't we.' her voice decrecendoed
Zelda looked into his bloodshot eyes. Beyond the pain, there was the luster of relief. Link gazed into hers and saw graditude shining throught the tears. As with the last time, neither one of them were of aware that they drew closer to each other, that is untill thier lips met.
For an instant, everything was as it should be. No rescues to make. No battles to fight. No storms to charge into. Link's weary heart nearly exploded.
'What was that for?' He inquired.
'You deserve it.'
'It's about time you paid me!'
He managed to crack a smile, which she returned.
Before them, a celestial, pure light unfolded, like an aurora at midnight. It vanquished the darkness in the room. Link and Zelda shielded thier eyes. After it conquored the chamber, it spread out of the pyramid. It blanket the ground, and filled the sky. When it subsided, a door stood before them.
They arose, clutching fast to one another. Zelda could tell that Link needed her help to stand, as well as walk. He clung to her like a frightend child. Zelda loved the way his strong arms enfolded her. There was no place she'd rather be, or would ever want to. His breathing was heavy, his pulse was erratic. Some times it would be racing, other times it would slow. She feared that this victory would cost him so Zelda sent up a prayer.
In the next room there was a long altar that was hewn of silver and shone like a beacon and flanked by two rich emerald curtains. Link and Zelda shared a gasp when they saw what stood above the altar.
Three equilateral triangles hovered above the altar. They rotated, and each were as bright as the sun. They glistened like coins fresh from the mint.
'Is that..?' Inquired Zelda.
The answer came when the triangles themselves spoke.
'Welcome Link. I am the Essence of the Triforce.'

The voice was high and pleasent and had the intonation and ease, that a mother's voice would have.
'The Triforce awaits a new owner. It will grant the wishes of the heart and mind, of he who touches it. Ganon's wish, was to rule all of Hyrule. His dark, chaotic heart twisted this once Sacred Realm into the Dark World.'
They gazed intently upon it, and leaned foreward, unable to fathom what stood before them.
'If a good person, touches it, it will grant benevolence. If an evil person touches, it will cause maleficence. The stronger the wish, the greater the expression of that wish.'
Thier grasps on each other loosened a bit, but they still remined close.
'Ganon was marshalling his powers here, so he could make his wish completely come true. He sent Agahnim to do his bidding, and elimitated any opposition in the Light World.'

She released him, and Link walked up to the altar. Link gazed at it for a miniute, like a 15 year old eyeing a classic mustang. His breaths were shallow, he could not even swallow.
I did not bring you this far to fail
The victory was his. This was it. All he had to do was touch it, and whatever he wanted would be.
Link shut his eyes and reached out. He closed his fingers, slick with his own blood, about it. It was warm like bread fresh from the oven. Link held it aloft, and an energy flowed into his body. He felt like he was in a hot spring as The energy effervesed about him and filled every cell of his battered frame.
A dozen thoughts ran thru his head. What would it be? Wealth? He had no need for money. Power? With great power came great responsibility. He had his fill of responsibility. Influence? The throne of Hyrule was his if he so chose. Fame? All he ever wanted was what he could do for himself. Ganon chose power, so that he could rule over all. Link saw what it got him.
So what shall it be?
Link knew all along. It only took him a while to realize that. A celestial light descended from above and washed over Link and Zelda.

'But now that you have defeated Ganon. This realm will no longer continue. Ganon was corrupt and He could not handle the Golden Power. You Link are different for You embody the Triforce itself. All of it's aspects are within you. Wisdom. Courage. Power.'
They looked at each other, and back at the Triforce.
'Now the Triforce is awaiting a new owner. It's divine power is in your hands. Touch it Link, touch it with a wish.'
The seperate elements of the Triforce floated together to form one.
'Go on Hero. You've earned this.' encouraged Zelda.

'We, we're home!' Zelda said at a whisper's softness. She took him into her grasp. 'We did it Link.'
Link could feel her tears wet his bare, scarred shoulder. He realized that her embrace no longer hurt his ribs. 'We did' Link began to tear up as well. He took in again the scent of her hair. This time they did know what they were doing when they moved to kiss one another. They were together. Complete. He felt a current flow into him, and back into her. Link could see no parting from Zelda.

In the days that followed, Hyrule began the long process of recovery and healing. The King, Link's Uncle, and Sage Tellah, were all given statley, prestigous funerals.
Zelda took the crown, although the throne next to her own sat unoccupied. Many hoped Link would take the throne as well. Even with out a king, Zelda would prove to be a just and discerning queen. Her hand was fair, and lent aid to those who were in need. She also dispenced justice, and was not afraid to punish those who did wrong. Some still wondered, that perhaps out of Ganon's ashes, perhaps a new threat would arise.
Link was named Master of the Kinghts of Hyrule. The title didn't really do anything for him. After he saw that the army had re-established itself, he found that he was not needed. The soldiers wanted to make him a general, but he declined.
'There are many in our ranks who are better suited than I.'
They agreed, and with that he left. Link was given an honorary seat in their counsul, should his heroics ever be in need of again.
Sahasrahla returned to Kakariko.
'Link, I knew you could.' smiled the old man.
'Thank you.'
'So what now?'
'I'm not sure. I suppose that there are other lands in need of a Hero. Or at least someone who is told that he is one.'
The two of them talked for ages. Sahasrahla spun tales of the Legends past as Link wove stories of the Legend at present.
After he took his leave, Link realized what he had to do. He treked back into the Lost Wood and This time he knew which path to take.

He came upon the altar and drew out the Master Sword.
'You have served me well. Or is it the other way around? I hope that Hyrule never has need of either of us again. Sleep well.'
He plunged the blade into the stone, stepped back and regaurded it. Link marveled at how it reflected the sunlight. He knew he did the right thing. Somehow Link realized that whoever it was that watched over him through out his journey was pleased.

Link saw to it that Hyrule would stand tall and proud. The kingdom entered into a period of prosperity. Zelda established an allaince between Hyrule and the neighboring lands. None would ever dare march on the kingdom that fell the mighty Ganon.
All the while Link stood behind her, but never beside her as she wanted.
She even kept her promise and built him a house at the edge of the wood. Link though seldom sleapt in it. He traveled about Hyrule, helping out whomever needed him.

When he had done all he could to help, Link decided to move on.

'Why why do you have to go?' Zelda asked. 'You've done more than your share, why not just settle down and live life normally?' She knew the answer, yet as she asked, Zelda silently prayed his response would be different.
'People out there need me. Or someone.'
'I need you!'
Link couldn't meet her gaze. 'Zelda...'
'I know that'd be awfully selfish of me to ask you to stay, when we both know what's out there.'
'Zelda, you've been a great queen, and you'll do even better.'
'Why do you have to be so kind, so generous, so handsome, so perfect?'
'I am nothing compared to you.'
'Yet I love you anyways.' she chided.
'I love you too'
He felt the heat of her breath caress his skin and it made his hairs stand upon end and dance.
She felt his pulse. As it always had, it fell into the same pattern as hers.
Just as they were the first time, Link and Zelda became two instruments, striking the perfect chord, forming a heavenly harmony. Their music swelled to a full crecendo, soaring into the clouds and running through their souls. They slowly returned to earth, savoring every count of their gentle sonata.
When the chord faded into the stars they stood still and hushed, her warm tears rolling onto his cheeks and chin.
'Sir Knight, never forget your home, and the little princess who loves you.' she quivered as she spoke.
'I will do as my Queen commands.'
She watched as he walked off beyond the horizon. 'Please, return him safely to me.'

Link traveled beyond the sea. He sailed away for distant lands far from Hyrule's precious grounds. He honed his wits and skills should Ganon ever return. He traveled further than the gull's flight and saw places wonderous and magnificent. He came to the very furthest corners of the Earth, lending his hand to all who were in need.
Link came to many strange and exotic realms. Wherever he was needed, he seemed to be there. Wether it was helping a farmer clear his field, or rallying against the fist of despotism, he was there.

On one part of his travels his boat was cought in a storm, as violent as the one that beset him on that first night. He found himself upon an island much like Hyrule. The people there were in need as well, and he came to their aid, battling against their darkest Nightmares. When he freed them from the Nightmares which threatened to overrun it, the island disappeared.

His tales are countless. Many people in realms unknown to Hyrule, speak of a Hero who arose from seemingly nowhere in times of peril. They speak of his courage, and wisdom and strength. They sing of his deeds of kindness and bravery. They tell tales of his deft and potent blade. And when he is no longer needed, he is gone.

I am not sure as to how much later, but A trail worn set of boots stepped onto the fields of the Hyrulian plain. He took in thier aroma, and remebered. He strode past what was once a dwelling and In it's stead was a monument.
It was a statue of a young man, carrying a sword and shield. The eyes of the statue shone with a pervasive calm. The figure appeared to be burdened, but it seemed to have born it well.
He walked through a village. It was a comfortable sort of village; serene and peaceful. He walked beyond the town, and came to a forest.
As he stepped through the fallen leaves he could hear The wolf and nightingale exchanged thier long lonely arias. Just at the edge of the wood, he came to a quaint house. Desiring dipper of water he approached and found The house was gaurded.
'Excuse me young lad, might I get a drink? I have journeyed far, and am in need of water' inquired the man.
'Certainly. Come this way.' The soldier lead the traveler to a well where He took in the water.
'Who dwells here?'
'The Queen does when she is not needed.'
'The Queen huh? Might I stop in to thank her for the drink?'
'I suppose.'
The young soldier knocked upon the door.
'Come in.' A woman's voice bade them. Hers was plesant like a gentle spring shower and regal.
They entered and The man walked before the queen, who sat in a chair reading. He was sure to keep his head down, so not to meet her gaze. He Then bowed at her feet.
'My lady, this man simply wishes to thank you for the use of your well.'
'Thank you. Your Majesty. Your kindness and grace are matched only by your beauty and wisdom.'
Her cheeks flushed scarlet. The voice was one she had not heard of in lifetime, yet she knew. Her eyes became wide.
'You!' She became short of breath. 'It's really you!'
'Yes. It is' He smiled, although he did not raise his head
'Get up Link! You know I hate it when you do that!'
The man arose and They shared a smile. She leapt into his arms, and pulled herself tightly to him.
'Who am I to refuse Zelda, Queen of Hyrule?'

The Begining