Connections comes to an end and as we walk out into the hall Shadow joins the back of the group. I look at Vio expectantly and he shakes his head in warning. We open the front doors of the dormitory to a sight like no other.
Headmaster Gaepora and all the instructors of the electives and classes have already set up our test. In the very front, a giant horde of ugly red Bokoblins awaits with toothy grins and wooden spiked clubs. From what little I can, I see twelve Darknuts behind them, two for every one of us, unless they decide to gang up on somebody.
A gong sounds somewhere and the Bokoblins rush at us with hideous screams, clubs raised high and poised to attack. Immediately the four Links draw their swords in answer and I summon my knives. Shadow comes up with a giant bomb and throws it into the group to start the battle.
Most of the Bokoblins are smart enough to run away, but the unlucky curious few stay behind to examine it before being blown to bits in seconds. The shrapnel speeds towards us and we turn our faces away. Most of the monsters survived and advance towards us. We recover quickly with sword slashes and knife blade.
I look around to see where the others are while holding off a group with my knives in right hand, throwing them every which way needed. The four Links are holding their own, and Shadow has disappeared. While most of my attention is turned away, one of the monsters manages to scratch me with its club. I turn around and kick it in the face, knocking it down and stabbing it with the dagger in my left hand.
After the wave of red beasts finally dissipates, we are greeted by the infamous tall, black-armored Darknuts. They divide evenly, two knights to one Link. Until four of them face me. I take precious seconds to whirl around and look for the boy in the black tunic. He is nowhere to be found. I guess I have to do this on my own. But where the heck is he?!
My bow and arrow or my knives obviously won't do against the thick plating covering the Darknuts. I summon my whip, doubtful that I can make a difference with it.
They approach in a sort of line. I decide to take the one on the far right. My plan: To focus on one while dodging the other three. I don't know if it'll work though; I've only trained fighting two at once.
I crack my whip, trying to intimidate them if I can. They don't seem to mind, and I lash it out at my target. The whip edge wraps around part of his helmet and I pull. Only a small section of his faceguard comes off, leaving a small triangle of exposed skin. It's all I have at the moment, so I back away and summon my bow. Taking great care not to get close to any of the other Darknuts, I notch an arrow and aim for the triangle, and then I release. The arrow bounces harmlessly off the armor.
I don't realize how far I've backed away until my back hits the side of Williams. I glance around for an escape, but they've almost cornered me. I try to summon a burst of dark magic, but for some reason, it doesn't come. "Windgust Magica! Raina!"I shout magic words for wind and rain, but nothing happens.
The knights come slowly but surely towards me. There is nowhere to hide; I'm pretty much screwed. They get closer and closer. I think I failed this test, I smile to myself, a little humor before death.
The boy with the black tunic appears in front of me with his dark Four Sword drawn. Shadow Link to the rescue. He executes an excellent back slash on the Darknut, taking off a whole shelf of armor. Surprised, the Darknut whirls around slashing his thick blade, but Shadow keeps parrying it and cuts through open spots in the chink of the armor. The other three Darknuts try to injure him, but he is quick on his feet and dodges their every attempt.
Vio, Green, Blue and Red come to help. Vio takes one, Green takes the second, and Blue and Red share the last one. Soon nothing endangers us.
Headmaster Gaepora approaches us. "Well done, students. You have all passed." We cheer. "Your instructors would like to have a word with each of you." He gestures behind him where Mrs. McClennan and the Swordfighting instructor wait.
Mrs. McClennan looks as happy as ever. "I'm so proud of you two! You've grown so well! Especially you, Shadow; that was excellent magic use and swordplay!" Then she turns towards me with a slightly frownier smile. "You did great too, dear. What I would suggest next time is actually using your magic."
"It wasn't working. I tried to summon my magic and some wind and rain, but nothing came."
"Oh, I see. I'll have to look into that." She walks back to the Magic Training Center. Headmaster Gaepora turns to us again. "Why don't you two freshen up? You've most definitely earned it. By the way, for your excellent passing of the test, why don't all of you students have Free Time the rest of the day? But be sure to make it to meals." Shadow and I take the cue and head back into Williams.
"Don't be hard on yourself," Shadow says. "I don't know what happened to your magic, but it definitely wasn't your fault."
"Thanks." I smile at him. "Hey, where were you?"
"I was using some dark invisibility powers and surprising our enemies. Don't worry, I got you guys covered."
"Well, good job."
"Thanks," he laughs. "Hey, meet you and Vio in the library later, 'kay?"
"See you." I hurry to be the first one in the shower.
