The Legend of Zelda: The Magician

18: Spirit Temple

Walking down the stairs that lead to Kakariko Village, I walk up to Epona and pet the velvety nose of my trusty steed. She huffs out air as she lazily and happily accepts the affection from me.

"Out of curiosity, what is your fascination with that animal?" Ghirahim questions, walking up behind me and watching the caring act between human and animal with curiosity. Yet keeping his distance despite all the riding he's done for this journey.

"She's trust-worthy and gentle. When you make a bond with an animal, you never have to voice your love or your trust. All you must do is prove it, and they'll gladly be loyal in return. I've never been betrayed by Epona, and I haven't really heard of anyone being betrayed by their animal companion, unless they don't prove that they care for them or end up hurting them on purpose," I explain while looking into Epona's ebony eyes.

Ghirahim hums, "Unfortunately, we cannot ride her to the Spirit Temple," He mentions, and I nod in understanding. After a few moments of silence, he whispers, "Do you trust her more than me?"

I look over at Ghirahim, taken aback by the quiet question. But I shake my head, "I trust you both equally, and I always will. I had a Loftwing in my previous life that I trusted as much as I trust Epona. But no matter what animal companion I'll have, I'll always need and want you."

Ghirahim nods, refusing to meet my eyes as his cheeks blaze from the comment.

"What? Weren't expecting me to prove I haven't been lying this entire time?" I teasingly inquire, smirking as Ghirahim struggles with his embarrassment.

"You wish, Skychild," Ghirahim huffs. "Now, it would be fortuitous for us to make haste to the next temple. The land of Hyrule awaits cleansing from their trusted hero."

I give one last pet to Epona's white and rusty nose before I walk up to Ghirahim, forcing him to meet my crimson gaze. Granted, he can only look at one eye, since my right eye is still covered by bandages.

"And his trusted partner," I murmur, smiling, and then I pull out the Ocarina of Time, readying it to play the Requiem of Spirit.

Ghirahim's face flushes further, but he quickly grabs hold of my arm as I play the tune. As I do, I can't help but desperately wish that the teleporting will work out well. My stomach is still twisting and contorting with dread and anxiety at something bad heading our way.

Once the song is finished, I feel the weightlessness of teleporting. But I can still feel Ghirahim's hand holding onto my arm tightly. I don't feel desperation or pain within his grip. Or I at least hope I don't. Either way, the teleportation is done soon afterward, placing Ghirahim and I on the pedestal nearby the Spirit Temple. My body feels unbearably heavy for a moment, and Ghirahim's hand on my arm feels iron.

Letting out a deep exhale to calm my nerves, I look over to Ghirahim; worried that he will be grimacing or stunned in place as a mental battle flourishes in his head. But Ghirahim's face is perfectly fine. His eyes look slightly tired, but there are no signs of issues or pain, or him fighting exhaustedly against a powerful entity. Did the teleporting really work out?

"Do not look so astounded, Link. Last night's rest refreshed my magical energy. I felt nothing within my mind," Ghirahim comments, a smirk playing on his snowy lips.

I blink, only realizing after the blink that my eyes had been wide with shock. Is it so surprising that Ghirahim's okay? I shake my head, realizing I've been so wrapped up in worrying over him that I'm worrying too much. I need to trust more in Ghirahim's ability and our plans, but this boiling feeling in my gut only wrenches stronger to the forefront of my mind, leaving me feeling weary and on edge. If it wasn't this teleporting, what could it be?