The Legend of Zelda- Ocarina of Time

Bolero of Fire

Picture Credits: https://www.deviantart.com/qlockwork/art/Fire-temple-176085663

Chapter 29

Bolero of Fire

The world exploded in a paroxysm of fire, consuming everything as pain became Link's only reality. One moment, there was an explosion like the mightiest of all thunderclaps, and in the next instant, there was unbearable pain and a ringing silence. Link crashed into solid earth, debris raining down around him. He rolled, though he couldn't say how, and shielded his face from the debris that rained down around him.

There was a moment of utter darkness as consciousness failed him.

It would have been kinder if fate had left him there, but it was not content to let him be.

Instead, Link opened his eyes, rolling onto his right side and then his back to behold a world choked by ash and dust. It covered him, but he barely noticed this, unable to process anything beyond the pain that now screamed through his entire body. Rolling onto his back was almost enough to send him back into oblivion.

Fainting would have been a welcome kindness.

Each breath was like inhaling thousands of tiny blades. His head throbbed, and his entire body was ablaze with pain. Attempting to move his left arm sent a spike of white-hot pain down his limb. But more than that, his head was spinning.

What happened? Navi...?

Trying to push himself up and failing miserably, Link lay on his back, vaguely aware of Navi as she darted above his head, the ash so thick he could barely see her.

She was unharmed, but his relief was short-lived as he realised she was talking to him, her face panic-stricken. He tried to lift his head enough to check his injuries, only to realise he was bleeding from dozens of cuts.

Elisia... he thought, but he was in no condition to move.

They had to find her.

Navi was still bobbing up and down frantically in front of him. She could have screamed, "Hey, listen!" and Link still would have been none the wiser.

Link mouthed the Great Fairy's name, and Navi understood. She stopped her frantic buzzing, paused for an instant, her expression pained, and then darted off, disappearing into the cloud of dust. Hopefully, the Great Fairy was home.

Link tried to sit up again, but another spasm of pain in his left arm stalled his efforts. He looked down to see blood running thick along its length. Sucking in a breath and dreading what he'd see, Link rolled up the sleeve of his tunic to inspect the injury. There was something white protruding from the wound. Upon closer examination, Link realised what it was.

Bone.

His recent proclamation to Malon that he could handle a few broken bones could not have been more wrong.

He was given no time to reflect on this, for in that moment, darkness claimed him.

~ 0 ~

A low hum vibrated through his mind, drawing him back from the depths of sleep. It faded, then returned, as Link noticed a faint crackling, the air dry and warm. The surface beneath his body was rough and uncomfortable, while his body felt stiffer than a rag left to dry in the sun. His body was drained of energy and moisture, and even the thought of opening his eyes seemed too much.

Forcing his eyes open, Link beheld a smooth stone ceiling lit by the flickering glow of firelight. He could only stare in confusion, his head protesting with a dull throb as he tried to think.