The Fractured Holder [Pokémon/LoZ Crossover]

13| The Price of Divinity

Low-hanging vines and reeds whipped at Link as he shoved through them. He didn't know where he was going, nor did he care. He could figure out their position when he was sure they couldn't be immediately caught.

Unfortunately, that plan quickly fell through. Zelda began to flag, falling farther behind by the moment. Before long she was struggling to even keep up a fast walk.

"I-I can't keep going! I... have to stop!" she gasped. She tripped, almost falling face-first into the water if Fira didn't catch her.

Courage, wait! Resa called. Link reluctantly skidded to a halt, doubling back with Luce. It wasn't like he wasn't at all tired. Even though he could still stand, he was nearly as breathless as Zelda. But it was hard to take in the hot, humid air. A droplet of sweat trickled into his eye, and he brusquely wiped it away. Zelda, meanwhile, had been sat down on a raised tree root. Fira held her up while he tried to fan her with his paw.

   She needs water, Fira said. Traveling in this heat has already caused enough dehydration, and this exhaustion isn't helping at all. Link hardly had a clue what Fira said, but he still handed over Zelda's bag, where Fira then retrieved the canteen. We all need to drink something and rest for a moment, Fira added.

Before we do that, are we in any immediate danger? Resa asked. After a quick scan, both Link and Luce shook their heads. While the area was rife with auras, none of them were consciously trying to approach them. Then we can spare a few minutes. In the meantime, we need to figure out where we are.

"We need to head north, right?" Link asked. He knew he should be resting, but he couldn't bring himself to relax. Following a confirmation from Resa, he turned to Zelda, who was gulping down the contents of her canteen without any thought as to how much was really in there. "Hand over the compass." Instead, Fira dug through Zelda's bag and gave him the tool. His eyes narrowed in disapproval as he did so, surely for Link's lack of manners. Link ignored him and took the compass. "This squiggle at the top means north, right?" Fira nodded curtly.

Link headed over to one of the taller trees in their vicinity. He took a moment to compose himself, cracking his stiff knuckles and regaining some of his breath, before jumping for the nearest branch. He snagged it and began to climb.

The tree's canopy extended over the others by the slightest, allowing Link a small vantage point. Almost directly above him was the sun, hotly beaming down to further dampen his tunic with sweat. He again dragged his sleeve across his forehead before bunching up his sleeves. The tepid breeze skimming across his now-exposed arms was heavenly.

"Okay, so where the hell are we?" Link muttered to himself, looking around. Somewhat behind him to his left was the massive tree of the Deku Palace, still perfectly visible. The trees stretched out in all directions, though they seemed to taper off farther from the palace. Where the group was now was in a particularly thick belt of greenery. But then Link caught sight of something remarkably un-flora-like.