Disclaimer: I do not own Zelda, or any of the other characters in this story. But it would be nice.
Hey, kinda new to the site, and this is my first fanfic...ever. The story probably demonstrates that though. But please review it and tell me what you think about it at first glance, and what would be better. I appreciate constructive criticism.
Peace Eternal
Chapter One
Roaring as the cold blade gashed his side; Link doubled over in pain and fell to his knees. His face rushed at the floor, but he caught himself with his hands; breathing heavily, he glanced at the wound joining his collection of battle scars. Blood steadily oozed from the large gash just under the right side of his ribcage and collected in a pool on the cold stone floor. Looking at his reflection in the pool, his battle hardened features and war torn appearance made him look as if he had been fighting this war alone.
His face and skin was once enviable and soft, but from having seen so many battles and hardships, it was now rugged and scarred. He wore a white long sleeved shirt and matching pants under his tunic both of which were now torn and bloodstained. His tunic and hat, once a vibrant green, now appear faded, ripped, and stained as well. The dark brown leather gauntlets and boots protecting his arms and legs were beginning to crack at the creases from overuse and harsh conditions.
That will probably leave a mark, Link thought, still gazing blankly into the pool. Sweat dripped from the blonde locks that hung in his face and landed in the pool, causing the blood to ripple and snapping him out of his trance. Link turned his gaze back up at his opponent, the head of Gannondorf's security at the tower; he grimaced and narrowed his steel-blue eyes at the knight's menacing appearance. The knight was tall and stout, his black armor had intricate Gerudo tribal designs and hieroglyphics etched in gold on the breastplate, helmet, and shoulders. The armor glistened with a sinister luster and his wicked blade, serrated near the tip, seemed to foster its own evil aura. The knight crossed his broad arms and leaned back, tilting his head as if he was admiring his work.
Bruised and beaten, Link, kept his eyes on his opponent and used his sword like a crutch to bring himself to his feet. I have to end this, before it gets any worse, he thought, grunting as he struggled to stand up straight again. His body and muscles ached all over, already deprived of food and sleep, the fact that he was bleeding now just made matters worse. The knight's armor clanged together as he laughed sadistically before slowly shifting into his attack position, Link glared at his helmet as he assumed a defensive position.
In the blink of an eye, the knight was upon the Hero of Time, leading with wild and vicious slashes, thrusts, and jabs. However, Link was ready; he gracefully dodged several attacks and dropped to his knee. Cleverly angling his shield as he did so, causing the massive sword to graze off when it connected, and then he answered with several attacks of his own. Delivering a feint attack, Link charged headlong at the knight, his sword behind him ready to strike. The dumb brute easily fell for the bluff and braced himself puffing his chest out and planting his feet firmly. At the last second, Link dexterously jumped and (planting his feet on the knight's chest) back flipped off him, forcing the knight to lose his balance and stumble backwards, creating an opportunity to strike.
The Master Sword sang in a melodious metallic tone as Link brought it down hard from high in the air and solidly connected with the knight's helmet, cracking it. As he landed, Link quickly delivered several more attacks, but the rest of knight's armor was very sturdy and easily protected him. His hand struggled to contain the recoil of the Master Sword and he dropped to his knee again.
Using the opportunity, the knight charged and brought his sword down hard, but again Link was ready and waiting with his shield. The heavy sword bounced off the shield and vibrated vigorously, causing the knight to use both hands to steady his weapon. As the knight struggled, Link noticed a weak spot in the knight's defense. Two leather straps on his back hold the knight's breastplate on; with nothing covering them, his back is completely unprotected!
Link quickly mustered up some energy and rushed the knight head on again. Surprised that he would try the same attack again, the knight swung his sword horizontally hoping to cut the Hero of Time down. However, Link, displaying his amazing agility and reflexes, dropped down and slid under the slash and through the knight's legs. Once on the other side of the knight, he was back on his feet. Maintaining his momentum, he attacked in one fluid motion; spinning around to gain power, he slashed with enough force to cut the two leather straps in half and cut a gash in the knight's back. Then, gritting his teeth, he thrust the Master Sword into the gash with all his might. The knight sucked in and tried to speak, but his words were gurgled and inaudible as his body went limp and he fell to the ground in a heap.
Link gently kicked the knight to make sure he had been thorough. Then, bowing his head, he flicked the blood off his blade and reverently sheathed the Master Sword. He spotted a powerful blue potion on the knight's belt pouch and took it without hesitation. This will be useful later, Link thought, shoving it in his own belt pouch and heading for the door. As he left the room, he took a moment to gaze up the long dark staircase just outside the door; then slowly took the first of many tiresome steps. "That was too close, any more mistakes like that and I doubt I'll be as lucky as I was this time", Link said aloud, listening to his words echo eerily off the cold dark walls of the tower. As he trudged up the dark winding staircase, he could feel the adrenaline leaving his body. Fatigue, hunger, and blood-loss were beginning to take their toll as he felt the transcending urge to stop and rest, or better yet just die on the spot.
Nevertheless, the Hero of Time courageously pressed on, his mind set on reaching the tower's top floor where Gannondorf awaited. However, the occasional twinge of pain always seemed to sneak its way back into his thoughts, and the temptation to rest returned.