*An inspiring PM from FabeledLegend gave me more than enough reason to write the next chapter soon. I hope you enjoy. I do not own Legend of Zelda.*

Chapter 3

And so went on, pair after pair came and went. Some battles were short and others were long in comparison. Finally, Link was on stage with another young man with long, dark hair that was tied back, and attire similar to Mike's. The young man introduced himself as Don from Faron Province.

Mike was quick to notice the similarity in choice of attire, "He's a hunter. He is probably concealing a few knives."

Melody glanced at her friend, "You think so?"

He nodded, "Nothing was said against carrying extra weapons."

Jen didn't seem to be listening to either of them, "His hair is so long!"

Melody suppressed a laugh, "Only you would notice something like that."

"Well, it is. I mean, most men don't let their hair grow out. Mike's is the longest I had seen until now."

Shaking her head, Melody returned her attention to the stage where Link had already introduced himself.


The man managing the tournament shook his head, "Go home, kid. Don't make a fool of yourself."

Link stood a bit straighter, gathering his courage. He could leave, but he didn't want to look like a coward and he had come so far. He couldn't turn back now. "I have every right to be here."

The man shook his head, "Don't waste our time and spare yourself the embarrassment."

Princess Zelda stood, drawing the attention of everyone there, "That is enough, Victor. This young man has come all this way. He deserves a chance."

"With all due respect, he won't stand a chance, my lady."

Her gaze on Link, she asked, "How can you know if you have never seen him fight?"

Victor seemed about to say something else, but shook his head. Turning to Link, he said, "You may stay, but only because the Princess believes you deserve a chance." He stepped away, "You may begin."

Don smiled as he drew his sword, "This will be easy."

Link reached up to draw his sword, but as soon as his hand grabbed the hilt, Don charged at him. Having dealt with charging goats, Link was unfazed and finished drawing his sword in time to block Don's strike, their blades locking.

Don seemed a little surprised, "You're brave, I'll give you that." He unlocked their swords and prepared to swing, "Or maybe you're just stupid." He swung.

Link angled his sword to block, realized it was a feint and ducked beneath a swing that would have decapitated him.


Watching closely, Mike said, "That guy isn't holding back. If Link hadn't ducked, not only would have the match been over…He would have been dead."

Both Melody and Jen looked at him. Melody shook her head, "They're not supposed to cause anything fatal."

Jen turned her attention back to Link, adding, "They aren't supposed to even draw blood if it can be avoided."

Mike kept his eyes on Link's opponent, "This guy doesn't care. Link needs to watch his back."


Link dodged again, his eyes darting between Don's feet and sword. Don was quick, but Link was quicker, his own frame somewhat smaller. Don was stronger, each swing of his blade quick and precise, jarring his arm when their blades met. From the very beginning, Link had forgone the use of his shield, needing speed, but began to think his shield would have been put to good use. Seeing Don swing low, Link jumped back and maneuvered his shield from his back to his right arm. Up until then, he had used both hands to block and strike with his sword. Now, he carried his sword in his left hand, shield on his right arm.

Don paused a moment, "You are left-handed?" He scoffed, "That shield won't do you any good." Peering closer, he asked, "Is it made out of wood?"

Link had no intention to respond. He shifted his stance and rotated his wrist, giving the illusion of twirling his sword. Keeping his eyes on his opponent, there was nothing else. It was just him and Don. The noise of the crowd faded and disappeared. Everyone else disappeared. He was ready.

Don charged, jumping back slightly at the last moment before moving to Link's left, forcing him to block with his sword. Don's sword came from overhead so when Link's blade rose to block, his knees buckled and his arm shook under the strain. Don was far stronger and was persistent. Unable to do much else, Link stopped straining and lowered himself slightly at the same moment swinging his leg outward, tripping his opponent. Don recovered quickly, picking himself up before Link had risen fully.

Link returned to dodging Don's attacks, waiting. He needed an opening to disarm him. He didn't need to wait long. Don swung wide and instead of dodging like he had been doing, Link stepped closer, using his shield to shove Don back a few steps, his sword no longer moving in a smooth arc. Link used his own sword to lock the blades together at the hilt and twisted Don's sword from his grasp. He kicked the blade away, making sure it was behind him.

Don straightened, "I didn't expect that, but this is far from over." Seeming from nowhere, he pulled out two long knives.

Link immediately fell on the defensive as Don attacked him with speed that surpassed what he had with a sword. Link managed to block, deflect or dodge each attack, some only just. Clearly, the bout was not in his favor. Somehow, in the midst of the attacks, Don tripped him and Link ended up on his back. The match would have ended if Don hadn't attempted to stab him. Link moved his shield to defend himself, the downward strike jarring his arm more than he anticipated, the shield beginning to crush his arm. He saw the second knife move toward him at an angle. He had only seconds. He regained a firm hold on his sword and swung toward where he guessed Don's legs to be. To his relief, the flat of his blade hit Don's shin, causing him to stagger. Link picked himself up and tossed his shield aside, wincing as he did so. He was sure it bruised, but didn't think much more about it.

Link held his sword in both hands as he took in his situation. It certainly wasn't in his favor. Did he even stand a chance of emerging as the victor? He cast a glance to the crowd and quickly spotted his friends. They had done so much for him. He returned his attention to Don, "Let's finish this."

Don smiled, "Now, I never thought I'd hear that from you. Your death will be quick, I can assure you of that." He charged.

Death? Link's mind pondered that for a moment, but only a moment. He focused all his attention on Don and poured whatever strength he had left into those last few moments.


Melody watched in awe as the atmosphere on the stage changed. In the beginning, it had almost seemed like they were testing each other, then it quickly turned to practically a one-sided battle, Link unable to do much more than defend himself. It was not so now. Link had tossed away his shield and Don carried two knives. Link was at a disadvantage, but looking at the battle, one would not know it. He was holding his own quite well, Don retreated a few steps every now and again. Then, somehow, only goddess' know how, Don was disarmed with Link standing over him, his sword angled downward, practically pressed against Don's neck.

Melody exchanged a glance with Jen, both of them delighted by the change. Mike's gaze never left the stage.

Victor stepped forward, "This match is over. The winner of this match is: Link of Ordon!" Cheers met these words and the princess clapped for the young swordsman.


Hearing himself declared the winner, Link sheathed his sword. Don stood up, "Impressive, I must say. You've saved yourself from death this day."

Link paused, "What are you talking about?"

Don chuckled, "You will know soon enough. We will meet again."

Link shook his head and gathered his shield before leaving the stage.

*So shall end this chapter. I hope the battle wasn't too bad. I had an idea in my mind, but writing it out wasn't easy. Leave a comment/review if you enjoyed; it's always appreciated. Until next time.*