A Link Without Zelda [COMPLETE]

17. Restoration

"Ellemy!" yells Link. He rushes to her and holds her in his arms. Then he places his fingers on her neck. "Her pulse is low."

Adel and Arth walk by his side. "She used the sap the Great Hyrulian Trees. It's lethal if it enters a human's blood stream and there's no remedy," says Adel, tears in her eyes.

The little girl now eminating a blue glow enters their conversation. "Ellemy was smart and courageous. Somehow she knew that I couldn't possess her body if is body was dead or dying."

"Why are you still here?" says Link, not looking away from Ellemy. "She is dead because of you."

Elule lowers her head, a faint and innocent smile across her face. "I'm still here because I have something to do. Seeing you hold Ellemy reminds me of the my own demise... and the hatred and resentment that I cultivated over the lifetimes. I tried my best to keep it at bay, but I am small and weak and hatred can be very powerful. I think you three understand that more than anyone."

"Are you... were you really the daughter of my and Gannondorf's past incarnations?" says Adel.

Elule nods. "I forgot how much you really loved me," she says smiling. "But I am going to make things right. But I do need your help. I am going to use the my spirit energy to revitalize Ellemy. She's not dead yet, so there is still a chance. Should she live, I will always be with her, so to speak. But fear not. Hyrule, Elrule and all it's inhabitants will be safe from here on out. You have my word that I have been purified by the princesses arrow. When I do, you need to remove your ends of the Force from the monument. Zelda, remove the triforce and Link, the inverted force. Then things will go back the way they were."

Link and Adel look at one another. "What about Link? This is his home."

Once the force pieces have been removed, Hyrule and Elrule will go back to how it was the moment before all this began. That is the safest thing to do."

"Will I ever get back to Hyrule?" says Link.

"The lands have been through a lot over the decades. It will take some time for restoration to happen. Only the energy of the lands can decide when that will be. I'm sorry I can't tell you something you would rather here," says Elule.

Link smiles as he looks down at Ellemy. "I'll be ok. I know now that there is more than one part of me, and that I can make a home anywhere I want."

Then he looks up at Adel who gazes at him softly as she gives a slight nod, only the two of them understanding the connection the two have.

Ellemy stirs. "I have met you... haven't I?"

Elule takes her hand. "In a life time, long, long ago, we have crossed paths. We have something in common, in that we both had tragic endings. I will make sure this time will be different for you." They hug and as they embrace, Elule slowly merges into Ellemy's body. As she does, Ellemy skins looks a little pinker, her eyes a little brighter, her breathing a little easier.

"Ellemy," says Link.

"I'm sorry, Link. I need to rest."

"You have done more than enough to help us. I will take care of you from here. You rest," he says. He gently places her down on the soft grass to say his farewells.

Arth puts out his fists. "Until we meet again."

Link bumps his fist. "Absolutely. I look forward to a duel. Hopefully I can kick your ass sooner rather than later."

Adel walks up to Link, then she throws her arms around his neck. "I'm so sorry Link. It looks like I have done awful things in my past. I wish I could make it right for you, and everyone."

He hesitates a moment, then he puts his arm around her waist. "It seems like our pasts are more complex than what the legends have made us out to be. We were broken, made mistakes, had hardships, loved... and are so unbelievably human. But one thing I know is that things are always in motion. I know we will meet again, even if it's in another life."

Adel closes her eyes and begins to sob into Link. When she is done, she stands back and admires even more so who Link has become. When they first met, he was a mysterious boy with many secrets. Stern and strong. Now he is a man who carries an array of emotions. He has story and character and Adel knows deep now he will be okay.

"Take good care of her," says Link or Arth.

"Likewise," he says, putting his arm around Adel.

Link takes out the inverted force, then Adel takes out the triforce. Link picks up Ellemy, her body heavy from deep rest. He watches Adel and Arth as their bodies fade, them watching Ellemy and Link do the same.