XLIX: The Price of Ressurection

During the Calamity

Zelda's POV:

I was in denial. Could it really be... that I was by myself? Was he truly gone?

I felt so alone in the world without him. It felt like a part of me was missing when he was gone. I knew my way around Hyrule but it felt wrong to be traveling without him. 

I swallowed hard as I walked away from Hyrule field, headed towards Hyrule Forest. I couldn't stomach the events that just happened. My face was dry from stinging tears and I felt weak. My whole body was flushed. I felt so broken and alone but I had a duty to fulfill. I had a promise to Link. The hope that Link could be saved was the only thing pushing me forward.

I carried the sword in my right hand and walked somberly towards the forest. My hands shook slightly. There was an empty void inside my body, right in the middle of my stomach. It felt like I wasn't even there. It took me a little bit to realize I was actually scared by myself. I relied on Link so much that I forgot how to fend for myself. I was scared of ending up alone, but there I was.

After half an hour of walking, I reached the entrance of the forest. It was very dark and my stomach churned as I approached it. A murder of crows cawed and flew away at my arrival, scaring me slightly. It seemed like something- or, multiple things, I guess, were hiding in there. 

I gripped the sword tighter and took careful steps into the forest. It was hard to see in there so I focused on each step, listening closely for any noises around me. It seemed like I walked forever without finding anything. I thought I would have it figured all out, but my mind was somewhere else.

Suddenly, a horrifying squeal came from in front of me. I looked up quickly and saw some unidentifiable monster running towards me. I gasped and tried to hold Link's sword right as it glowed bright blue. However, before the monster reached me, it collapsed on the ground. There was a glowing slash in its torso.

I didn't do that... I thought. What... what was that?

Interrupting my thought, more monsters came running towards me. My eyes grew wide and I attempted to raise the sword again, but there was no need. Before any of them reached me, they were dead on the ground with slash marks on their bodies. There was only one person I knew who could take down monsters with precision like that. I smiled slightly. Maybe he was there with me. 

I gripped the sword and ran forward. I didn't know where I was going but at least it was somewhere. It felt like I was running in circles but eventually the darkness in the forest subsided and it became slightly more light. I continued straight and the grass below me glowed slightly. I must have been going the right way.

I saw little creatures in front of me begin to hide in the trees. I had reached the Korok Forest.

"Ahh," a deep voice echoed around me. "You have arrived, princess."

I looked up and met the eyes of the Great Deku Tree.

"Hello Great Deku Tree," I said as I bowed my head. "I have come because I need to ask a favor of you."

The tree grinned. "I believe I know why you are here, princess. You need to entrust us koroks with the Master Sword?"

I nodded. "Yes, until Link returns. It should not be for long."

The Great Deku Tree frowned slightly. 

"Princess Zelda, how long do you anticipate until Link will return?"

"Oh," I responded, "mere months maybe. Surely it will not take much longer to heal him. He will return to us soon."

I heard the tree sigh. The wise sound of his voice covered me with warmth. 

"Is... something wrong?" I asked.

"Princess," the tree began somberly, "Link will take much longer in the Shrine of Ressurection than you will expect. It will be 100 years before he will return to us."

I giggled. "Oh, Great Deku Tree! I did not know you were such a jester!" My eyes beamed.

The Great Deku Tree said nothing.

My smile faded slowly. I thought about what he said.

"You are not... serious, are you Great Deku Tree? Surely it won't take 100 years?"

"I'm afraid it will, princess. Link's wounds were fatal. Ressurection from the dead is no easy feat."

I felt my whole body go pale. Shivers went down my spine and I stopped breathing. What? 100 years?

"So," I gasped, my voice breaking and tears welling in my eyes. "I'm not going to see him again..." My voice cracked and I began crying. My breathing was spastic and I couldn't stop. I reached both hands up and covered my mouth. I crashed onto the ground, sitting and sobbing into my hands while my body shook with each violent hiccup. "I'm never going to see him again?!"

"Do not fear princess," the Deku Tree said calmly. "I believe that while you are accessing your sealing powers, the light will keep you alive for 100 years. It will be like... a lapse in time. You will look the same, feel the same..."

I sniffed and wiped my eyes, stopping my tears. I stood up slowly. "So," I asked shakily, "there's a chance I will see him again?"

"I'm almost certain," the tree said. "However, sealing Ganon for 100 years will come with a price. It is a great sacrifice to make for your kingdom. Princess, you will bring honor to all of us. However, by doing so, it will take a toll on your body."

"But," I said quietly, "I will see Link again?"

"Yes," the tree responded. 

That was all I cared about. He made the ultimate sacrifice... and I needed to make mine. I just needed to see him once more before I did... As long as I could be with him one more time. 

"I will have my koroks craft a sacred seal for the sword. Only the hero will be able to remove it when he comes."

"Thank you," I responded. "I will entrust this sword to you."

I placed the sword down and turned. I faced the exit of the forest and took a deep breath. I began heading towards Hyrule castle.

Hi! Sorry it took me soooo long to update, I have been really busy with school. This chapter isn't the greatest but I needed to put out something. Anyways, I just got into my dream college which is super exciting!! Also, how would you all feel about a sequel to this story? I think I've decided on the ending and if I go 100% with it there will have to be a sequel involved.