Chapter 21
Despite the brief respite in the desert, Links next port of call is the Spirit temple.
Link kills the twins in a perilous moving dungeon with rising platforms and sand waterfalls. She makes it quick. No point dragging the battle on longer than it needs to.
Koume dies from a bolt to the head.
Kotake, the heart.
It’s Kotake who fades away last, dragging herself through sand with a blood trail behind her and teeth bared. A last-ditch attempt to reach the lifeless Koume sprawled in the corner. The witch is determined to die by her sister.
With crossbow poised and aimed at Koume’s head, Link instead lowers her weapon.
‘Wait,’ Link tells the witch. Kotake ignores her, of course, so instead Link turns and moves toward the dead witch.
When Kotake finally notices she wails. The voice is desperate and childish. ‘Leave her alone!’
Link does not respond, instead reaching down for Koume. There’s no time to be delicate. Link folds the witch over one shoulder and takes her over to the dying sister.
Its hard work, feet sinking in sand and breath coming out in gasps. Link arranges it so Koume is lying just near her sister – close enough for Kotake to drag herself over. She’s not foolish enough to be within striking range. Even near death the witch is dangerous.
Kotake sneers at the woman, as though Link is displaying weakness by showing her kindness. When she reaches her sister Kotake promptly ignores her and wraps one arm around Koume’s chest. Kotake opens her mouth and sings to her sister in a language Link doesn’t understand. Her voice is soft and full of fondness.
‘It’s the last time,’ Link assures her.
A head whips up in surprise, albeit through glassy orbs. Behind it is… relief.
Link leaves her there.
***
‘That was kind.’ An ancient voice echoes from the temple and across the desert.
She's far away now, but Link halts Epona as the voice travels through the desert wind to her ears. Her back is to the temple and she refuses to turn around. It tempting - Link's hand twitches for her belt knife in age old instinct, but she doesn't. Link isn’t ready to face him yet.
‘Last time,’ she warns in a mutter. ‘You do not drag the twins back from the dead ever again.’