Hey hey! Guess who's back with a new theme? That's right, me. And what better way to start the month is with a theme. :D
This is a theme that's quite cross-over-ish. References to the Legend of Zelda and Fire Emblem are mentioned. I just wanted a bigger area to work with instead of Smash Mansion.
Also, big thanks to everyone that reviewed! (By the way, I know people are reading this even if they don't review: Thank you! Even if you don't like it!) :D
(sorry for taking so long..!)
I made this the longest theme so far.. So, hopefully, it was worth the wait.
Enjoy. :)
I felt a dull throbbing in my head as I awoke from a very uncomfortable sleep. Chains bound my hands above my head as I leaned against a cold, stone wall. I tugged at them, trying to break them but to no avail. How did I get here? Better question is: Why don't I remember how I got here? Looking around, I noticed another figure next to me, who was also chained but seemed to be unconscious.
"Hey, wake up," I whispered. The figure didn't stir. Upon taking a closer look, I noticed that the figure was a girl. She had a white dress with the top half a royal purple. Two strands of brown hair fell over her face. The girl appeared to be wearing a crown. I gasped. "Zelda!" I pulled at my chains, creating as much noise as I could. How could we both have been captured? She stirred slightly but seemed to return to sleep. "Zelda! Wake up!" I called out louder. This time, she woke up for real.
"Ugh, my head," she mumbled.
"You're awake!"
"Sheik?"
I nodded, but I didn't think she saw it so I quickly said yes.
"Where are we and why have we been chained?" Zelda asked.
"I could ask the same to you. I don't remember anything that happened," I answered, trying to force myself to remember anything. My memory was still failing me.
"I remember. But, it's not complete. We were going to Altea and then.. there was fire everywhere. People screaming.." Zelda trailed off.
"We were attacked," I said, remembering what happened. We were going to Altea to meet with Prince Marth before he would become King. We needed all the allies we could get. Hyrule was under attack but this time, it wasn't Ganondorf. It was a great group of rogues from a distant land who called themselves the Tacell Clan. (A/N: Tay-Cell. I made it up..) They went from village to village and slaughtered innocent people, sparing no one. We must've been captured when they attacked out carriage. Who knows what they planned to do with us. I heard Zelda pull at her chains, sparks of magic escaping her palms. Her efforts were futile for the chains refused to break, even if she used magic.
"Damn it, they're too strong," Zelda muttered "Do you think Link heard about our capture?"
"Well, he did arrive at the Altean Palace a day earlier. Maybe word had reached there?" I suggested.
We both froze as we heard the cell door unlock as a Tacell guard casually strolled in, carrying two trays of food. He set one down in front of Zelda and on down in front of me. It was simple food: a piece of chicken, rice and corn.
"How are we expected to eat this if we're chained?" I asked.
The guard simply ignored me and left, the door slamming behind him. The sound a lock clicked outside and his footsteps faded away.
"I think they're trying to make us hungry. Showing us food will make us weak with hunger. Then we'd be too weak when they torture us to fight back," Zelda concluded.
This wasn't how I planned our trip to Altea to go. The last time I went, I met a man named Ike. He was the soon-to-be-king's best friend. Funny, strong, kind, and not to mention devilishly handsome, I fell head over heels from him. I had hoped to see him again, but we were captured before we even reached the border. How pathetic. I couldn't even protect the Queen from a gang of rogues. What would happen if Ganondorf would attack the castle again? I think I would be the first dead. "What do you think they want from us anyway?" I asked, shifting in my chains.
"Sheik, I'm the Queen. They clearly want me to surrender the throne," Zelda stated. I heard her sigh and mumbled something inaudible about wishing her parents were still alive.
"Hey, you're a good ruler and I'm sure your parents would be proud of you," I said, trying to comfort her. "You just need to work on not getting captured."
I heard Zelda chuckle lightly. "Is it really that bad?" she asked.
"Depending on which angle you look at it-"
"INTRUDERS AT THE NORTH GATE!" I heard a guard call. The sound of footsteps came running by our cell and both Zelda and I had the same thought. Link had come to rescue.
Keys rustled outside our door and a guard opened it, staring dumbfounded at us. He looked to his right. "Why did the commander order you to open the door? Wouldn't the prisoners esca-?"
He didn't get much time to finish his sentence. A giant sword was lunged forward and the guard was stabbed through the stomach. The sword was pulled out as the guard fell to his knees, coughing. "You-you traitors! You'll p-pay!" he pulled out his sword, ready to use his last breaths fighting.
"You'll get no sympathy from me."
The same giant sword was slammed down on the man's skull, cracking it into two until it reached his neck. Blood splattered against the wall and some reached inside the jail cell. The two halves of his head fell to the sides, exposing his brain as the body sagged forward. Both Ike and Link walked into the cell, dressed up in guards clothing. They had clearly set up a diversion.
"Zelda! Sheik! You're both okay!" Link greeted us. He ran over to Zelda and attempted to free her while Ike came to me but made no attempt to break the chains.
"Aren't you going to free me? That's usually what the "hero" does," I said, gesturing to my chains.
Ike paused, considering it. "It depends. Do you trust me?"
Before I could reply, Ike swung his sword straight for my head. I squeezed my eyes shut as a scream escaped my lips. The sound of the sword clashing against metal rang through my ears as my arms fell to my side. I opened my eyes as my face colored. Ike looked amused, a smirked plastered on his face. He held out his hand and I took it, standing up and dusting myself off. How embarrassing. By now, Zelda had also been freed and we were going to make our escape.
"I heard the scream from over here!"
Shit, I thought to myself, Of course they did. A storm of guards blocked the exit of the cell.
"Fuck," Ike muttered.
"The attack on the North Gate was a diversion!" one of them shouted.
"Sound the alarm! Prisoners are attempting to escape!" A guard ran off from the group and a moment later, a loud horn sounded. The group of guards all drew their weapons: a variety of swords, javelins, and one even had a ball and chain. I reached for my dagger only to find it not there. They must've taken all my weapons while I was out. Hand to hand combat will do. The guard closest to me had a long sword, the tip seemed to be rusted with blood. He approached me, spiting words in his own language.
Ike stood in front of me, his massive sword in ready position. "You really want to attack a girl, coward?" Ike snarled. The guard took a step back, his once bold eyes now filled with fear as he looked from me to Ike.
We all stood in silence as we waited for the first guard to strike. It was 4 against 10, but I knew more would join them. One stupid guard decided to attack Link. The guard was disarmed almost instantly and the Master Sword went through his heart, a cry escaping his lips as he fell. Soon, all the guards were attacking. Both Link and Ike were swallowed by the swarm of guards. I looked to Zelda and we both nodded. Vanishing, I appeared behind an unsuspecting guard. Sweeping my foot under him, I tripped him, caught his sword and stabbed him in the back. I vanished again, wrapping my arm around a guard's neck and slit his throat, blood spraying the guard next to him. Pathetic, I thought to myself, These guards were as stupid as Ganondorf's minions. I felt something sharp pierce my back and break through my stomach. Looking down, I wanted to vomit at the sight of a rusted sword covered in my blood. I couldn't make a sound and the world felt distant.
"SHEIK!"
The sword withdrew and I sank to my knees, clutching my open wound, my hands instantly soaked with blood. The guard kicked me down and my face met with the cold, stone ground. I saw Ike trying to reach me as he called out to me, his words echoing in the distance. Guards blocked his patch. It took about 5 of them to take him down and chain him to the wall. Ike struggled, trying to break the chains as he still called my name. My vision swam as I battled to stay conscious. I watched as Link was outnumbered and chained to the wall. Zelda kept fighting, her magic keeping swords at bay. But, her magic was getting weaker with every move. Sweat was beading down her face and I knew she would pass out if she continued. I felt a wave of fatigue as Zelda went down. The guards quickly chained her again. The guards who were left dragged the bodies of the dead away. The cell door opened and all the guards halted. They stood up straight and saluted the man who walked in. He had a hood on and wore a long black cape. The man's armor was a one shouldered plate, leaving the other side covered by the cape. He removed his hood, exposing his bald head, a mustache, and a beard. A long scar ran from the top of his head to his cheek. Their leader I assumed to myself.
"What have we here? A famed hero and a mercenary leader attempting to free a princess and her alter ego?" his voice boomed. The leader laughed. "And to think you were all taken down by my men who hardly had any professional training. A disappointment indeed." He walked over to me, inspecting me. "Tsk tsk. Did my men hurt you?" He picked me up by my neck and it felt harder to breathe. I knew he wasn't going to kill me. Yet. Without warning, he dug his hand deep into my wound. I let out a sharp cry, kicking slightly.
"Sheik!" Ike cried. A nearby guard clamped his mouth shut.
He gave me a menacing look as he removed his hand, which was covered in my blood. He brought it up to his lips. Oh Goddesses, no. my stomach churned as he licked his fingers clean. "Mm, I think my dog will find you exceptionally good."
I spit into his face.
"You wretched peasant!" His hand formed a fist and drove it right into my wound. I screamed, biting back tears as my vision blurred. My tears betrayed me and rolled down my face.
"Let go of her!" Ike screamed.
There was a pause and I felt the leader's grip loosen as I slipped to the floor. I curled into a ball, clutching my now throbbing wound. I saw the leader turn around and stride towards Ike. Looking up at Ike, I could see anger and defiance burning in his eyes. The leader looked back at me and then to Ike, a grin on his face. "How sweet. You have a crush." He caught Ike by the throat, slamming him hard into the wall. "You're going to watch her suffer," he growled.
A glint caught my attention and I noticed a sword laying nearby. I started to drag myself towards it, cringing with every move. The sword was just in reach when a foot stepped on my hand. I gasped, feeling the weight increase. "Now, now. Don't make this harder than it needs to be," the leader said, lifting his foot. He picked me up from the back of my shirt. I noticed the trail of blood I had left behind, causing my stomach to do summersaults. That's a lot of blood. He started walking around the cell, carrying me as I was his prize.
"You two were fools, attempting to rescue the queen and her other half in the Tacell Headquarters. This is the largest, most secured clan base-"
"If it's so secure, than how did we break in?" Link asked.
The leader chuckled. "I saw you coming, directed my troops to the South gates and swung them around so they came right behind you. Wasn't it obvious that the halls were empty?"
Link seemed to accept that answer.
"Now, if I may continue. You were both brave, but a brave fool will lose his life for his unwise actions," he continued.
The cell door opened a guard ran in, panting. "Lord Arkazo!"
"What now!?" Lord Arkazo yelled.
"There are Altean troops from the west and Hylian troops from the east," the guard breathed "What should we do?"
Lord Arkazo paused, dropping me to the floor. I grunted upon impact, curling up so the pain lessened. "Send them a welcoming gift," he said, facing the guard who quickly saluted and ran off. "Excuse me while I deal with these pests," he added curtly "I'll be back to deal with you four." With that, he turned and left, the cell door slamming behind him.
I heard someone sigh in relief. "Sheik, are you okay?" Ike asked.
"I think I lost too much blood," I said, straightening. I gasped in pain, returning to my original position where the pain was bearable.
"Sheik, you have to get a sword and free us. We have to escape," Ike urged. "Look, my sword is right there. It's strong enough to break these chains."
"But, I'm not strong enough to use it," I mumbled.
"Come on! You can do it!" Link insisted.
I looked up to see Ike's massive sword a mere few feet away from me. There was no way I could carry that sword, let alone swing it. Sighing, I grudgingly began to drag myself towards it.
"That's the spirit! You're doing great!"
I paused to take a quick breather before continuing. Gripping the large sword, I made an effort to stand, gritting my teeth in pain. Using the sword as a crutch, I hobbled over to Ike.
"There's no way I can swing this sword. I can hardly even stand," I explained. "Besides, even if I did, I wouldn't be as coordinat-"
"I trust you," Ike said. His blue eyes were determined and never wavered. Or showed fear that he could possibly lose his hands, arm, or head if I missed.
"I can't. What if I miss?"
"I trust you."
I looked down at his sword, gripping it tightly. And I trust you, too. Swallowing, I took a few steps back and pulled the sword up, its weight causing me to nearly lose my balance. Don't miss. Don't miss. Oh please, dear Goddesses, don't let me miss. With all the strength I had left, I swung, holding my breath.
The sound of metal rang through my ears. The chains broke and I had freed Ike.
"I knew you could do it," he murmured.
I gave him his sword and he went to free Link and Zelda. Once Link woke up Zelda, we set off to escape. Ike forcibly opened the cell door, holding it open for us. I slowly limped to the door, each step seemingly tore my wound open further. Once I finally reached the door, Ike picked me up bridal style.
"She's hurt? Why didn't you tell me? I can heal her!" Zelda exclaimed, running towards me.
"We don't have time. Wait until we escape this place." Ike said. He looked up and down the halls. "This way." Ike led the way with Link and Zelda close behind. We made twists and turns and I felt dizzy. I buried my face into Ike's chest, not wanting to watch the world spin. He came to abrupt halt and I heard Link draw his sword.
"There they are!" A guard shouted.
"Zelda, do you think you could take Sheik and teleport out of here?" Ike asked.
"No, I'm not leaving," I said.
"Ike, I can't teleport through walls. I need to see where I am going," Zelda explained.
He looked around. "Up there! There's a window. Do you think you have enough magic to teleport twice?"
Zelda nodded and I felt myself being passed from strong arms to smaller, more delicate arms.
"Ready when you are," Link said to Ike, who drew his sword.
Farore's wind was cast around Zelda and I as we teleported upwards. Zelda landed gracefully on the window sill. The sound of sword clattering and shouting sounded outside. I looked out the window to see the blood stain fields with Altean troops fighting against the Tacell Clan warriors. They seemed to be easily matched in number but not in skill. Zelda was searching for a safe spot to teleport to. She cast Farore's wind again and we landed in a tree.
"Well, this is not what I had planned," Zelda muttered, gracefully sliding down the tree. She leaned me against it and examined my wound. It was bruised all around it and torn further then I had remembered. Zelda carefully started to heal me.
The sun was beginning to set and the battle was over, the Tacell army retreating. I heard the approach of hooves and Zelda and I looked up. Marth was riding on a white horse towards us and was flanked with swordsmen on horses. He dismounted and bowed in greeting, to Zelda, who did the same.
"Queen Zelda, I am glad to see you are alive and well," Marth said.
"Thank you, Prince Marth. I apologize for having you leave your kingdom before your kingship begins," Zelda apologized.
Marth held up his hand. "It was no trouble at all." He turned to me. "Sheik, are you okay? Do you need medical attention?"
"I just healed her wound. She only needs to rest," Zelda explained.
Marth nodded. "Camp is nearby. We will take you there."
"Is Link and Ike there?" I asked.
Zelda turned to Marth but he looked confused. "I thought they escaped with you two?"
"Oh no. They didn't escape!" Zelda turned around in bewilderment, staring at the Tacell headquarters.
"Don't worry, Zelda. I have called for reinforcement. They should arrive by tomorrow. We'll do a full strength attack and destroy them," Marth reassured her.
"They'll be dead by morning," I muttered. I gripped the tree and stood up. "I'm going back."
"No, Sheik. You can't! You need to rest. Your wound could reopen," Zelda said, stepping in front of me.
"I'm the only one that can sneak in undetected," I said, pushing past her. I turned to Marth. "Do you have any spare daggers?"
He nodded. "Back at camp. You can select any weapon of your choice."
Marth mounted his horse and offered his hand to Zelda, who took it and sat behind him. A knight nearby held his hand out for me. I climbed onto his horse ungracefully. Wrapping my arms around his waist, we soon followed Marth as he led the way through the thick forest. It was a quiet ride and I felt calm, even though I was going to return to the enemy headquarters shortly.
We reached the camp and Marth and the knight I was with led us to a large tent. I slipped off the horse and followed Marth and Zelda inside. It was the weapon storage. Marth laid out a variety of weapons and I tested out which ones felt easy and comfortable to use. I settled on two daggers and equipped them in their proper places: one on my back, and the other hidden in my leg.
"Sheik, at least eat something," Zelda said, handing me a plate of food. Grudgingly, I ate some of it before leaving the tent.
Outside, Marth was on his horse and looking over the camp, the night breeze blowing his cape back. "Ready?" I nodded and he extended his hand. I took it and he helped me onto his horse.
"Be careful, Sheik!" I heard Zelda call out as we rode away.
"I'll be fine!" I called back. I hope I thought, burying my face into Marth's cape.
We rode back to the Tacell Headquarters. Marth slowed the horse into a slow trot as we began to get closer. The horse stopped when we reached the edge of the forest.
"This is as close as I can go. They'll spot my horse in the open field. There's an open window but be careful. Archers are mounted on the roof," Marth said.
I hopped off and spotted the window. "Thank you."
"Be safe, Sheik. If you are not back by dawn, we'll suspect the worse." He didn't need to finish the rest of his sentence.
I nodded and the horse trotted away. Silently, I crept towards the window, keeping as low to the ground as possible. There was a guard circling with a torch, but I lay flat as he walked by. The window was very close but I had to wait until he was far enough. Once the torch light disappeared, I gracefully leapt through the window. The landing was rough but luckily, I was in a closet. There were crates that seemed to carry guards clothing, and searching further, I found Link and Ike's clothing. They must've come in through here. I must be really close to them. I returned their clothing and peeked out the small hole in the door. There was a guard whistling as he casually strolling in the halls towards me. He was shirtless and seemed to be glistening with water. I stiffened as I realized he was coming here to get a change of clothes. I hid further enough behind the door so as to not get hit. The door opened, the guard whistling the same unfamiliar tune as he searched through the crates. Closing the door silently, I pulled my knife out, covering his mouth as the knife went to his throat.
"You scream, and I fill your lungs with blood," I growled into his ear. He nodded but I didn't move the knife. "Point to which way the prisoners are held." The guard did as he was told, pointing left before making his hand turn right, indicating that I had to turn. "Thank you," I mumbled. After a split second decision, I realized I couldn't let him live. He would notify the guards about my presence. With a quick flick of my wrist, his throat was slashed and blood soaked my hand. Instinctively, he reached up for his neck and I let his body fall. As a pool of blood formed around his head, I looked for an empty crate to hide his body. After stuffing it away, I wiped the floor with a few of the shirts from the crates and put them with the 'll find him eventually, hopefully after I escape with Link and Ike. Opening the door and quietly sliding out, I crept around the corner, peeking my head out slightly. There was a large door with torches mounted on either side. But, there were no guards standing by. There was also a considerably large lock. Damn it, how am I going to open it without a key? I approached the large door, cautiously looking over my shoulder from time to time. Pulling out my knife, I attempted to pick the lock. After a few unsuccessful tries, I was ready to try and vanish inside. Though I know it would never work, I decided to try anyway. Reappearing in the same location twice, I sighed. Guess I'll have to find the key. Returning to the main hall way, I hid in a shadowy corner. Eventually some guard will have to bring food to the cell and open it. After wasting a few minutes of just standing there, two guards came down the hall dragging a man behind them. Silently praying to the goddesses that they wouldn't see me, they passed by me and I got a closer look at who they had. It was Link. They opened the cell door and took him inside. I sprinted in after them, realizing this was my only chance. They had dragged Link to the wall and were about to chain him. A guard turned at the sound of my footstep but he was too slow to react. My knife had found its way into his heart and he cried out in pain, causing the other guard to notice. I kicked him off my blade.
"Brother!" the other guard called, dropping Link and reaching for his sword. But I was too close for him to draw his sword quick enough to block and my knife was in his stomach. When he didn't die instantly, I removed my knife and stabbed him again, this time in his ribcage. He fell and I quickly stepped over his body.
"Link!" I kneeled down next to him and looked at his wounds. There were multiple bruises and several cuts.
He looked up at me and smiled. "Hey, Sheik. How did you get here?" he asked.
"I came back to rescue you both. Where's Ike?" I asked, looking around. The cell was empty.
"I think they still have him," Link answered.
"What do you mean? Where did they take you both?"
Link paused, trying to remember. "I don't know how, but they took us to a dining hall and tortured us. It was like entertainment for the foot soldiers. They probably still have Ike," Link explained.
"Do you remember how to get there?"
"Kind-a," he murmured. I helped him up, letting him lean against me. He had a limp and there was a lot of blood on his left arm.
"Okay, tell me which way it is. I'll go get Ike and you run to the forest. Marth should be there with his horse," I commanded.
"No way am I leaving you alone to fight all of them!"
"Link, you need medical attention," I murmured as we both reached the door.
"But, they'll destroy you. And they still have the Master Sword!"
"Don't worry, I'll get it back for you." I took him back to the closet. Retrieving his clothes from the crates, I helped him dress. After he was dressed, I started tying together shirts to lower him to the ground as he told me how to reach the dining hall. Once it was long enough, I threw it outside and he began to climb down. Once he almost reached the ground, my grip failed and he landed on the ground, taking all the shirts with him.
"Sorry!" I whispered, when he grunted in pain.
"It's okay," he called out.
"Stay low to the ground and head that way," I pointed the way camp was. "Tell everyone I'm fine and that I still have to get Ike."
Link nodded and began snaking his way through the grass, literally.
Heading in the direction he told me, I cautiously made my way to the main hall and continuing to the left. I looked at the ground and noticed Link's blood trial. So much for asking for directions. I followed the trial, as it didn't take me to the way Link told me. It led me to giant wooden doors. This is probably where Link was talking about. Though I didn't want to just stroll right in, I couldn't find another way. I placed my ear against the door. The sound of plates clattering, laughter, and the crack of a whip could be heard. Oh no. as silently as I could, I gently pushed open the door. Inside, there were at least 300 men who were eating and drinking. Hopefully they would be too drunk to notice me. I pushed open the door a little further and I was able to look all the way around.
In the center sat Arkazo on a throne like chair. In front of him was Ike, who had his hands bound to either side of him. He was shirtless and I could see why. Each time Arkazo looked to a nearby guard, Ike received several lashes. I turned away as Ike was whipped 4 times, each crack making me flinch. Ike was sweating profusely and he was biting on his lower lip until it bled. He didn't want to give Arkazo the satisfaction of inflicting pain.
Arkazo stood, clearly not enjoying it as he previously was. "My brothers. Tonight, we celebrate the defeat of our enemies," Everyone stood up to cheer but he made a motion for them to settle down. "But, we still have yet to take Hyrule Castle and slay their queen before we expand and take over other kingdoms." He picked up his wine cup. "Tonight, we are one step closer. Here before me is the Altean Prince's best friend and the Hylian queen's alter ego's lover," The men laughed and jeered at Ike, making cooing noises and kissing faces. Arkazo seemed to enjoy the bullying and emotional torment.
I felt my rage bubbling and I wanted to burst in and slaughter them all. But I had to wait for the right time. If I ran in now, it would be suicide.
"At the stroke of midnight, I will take this man's head and throw it into the enemy camp!" Arkazo yelled, holding his cup high into the air. "Let them see it as a warning to never mess with the Tacell Clan!" The men roared and downed their drinks, singing praises to Arkazo.
"I won't let you do that," I whispered. Ike looked up and appeared to be staring straight at me. But, his eyes seemed distant and lost and his stare returned to the ground. Arkazo returned to his seat, watching his men enjoy the night.
How was I going to save Ike?
I sat and thought about my options. The only way that came into my mind was to go head first and cut down anyone in my way. I pulled out my dagger, whipping away the dried blood. Me and this small blade against 300 men? Very unlikely odds, Sheik. I stared into my reflection on the blade, my red eyes were piercing back at me. I have no choice. It was now or never. Goddesses, please protect me. I prayed. I stood up and readjusted my cowl. Knife in hand, I gripped the door, pulling it open. I braced myself for a swarm of guards to attack or for arrows to rain down on me. But, nothing happened. A few guards looked my way but they were too drunk to care. Surprisingly no one even drew their weapons. Not even Arkazo blinked an eye and he wasn't even drunk. I walked straight up to his throne.
"Sheik?" Ike said as hope filled his eyes.
"What a pretty name," Arkazo mused. He stood from his throne.
"I'm not here to play games. I'm here to take Ike," I growled.
"I have a proposal. If you can beat me in a duel, your lover is released. If you fail, you watch him die before you will soon join him."
"Don't do it, Sheik!" Ike yelled.
A nearby guard kicked him. "Shadda-up!" he slurred.
I swallowed returning my eyes to Arkazo. He had an evil grin and his eyes twinkled with some hidden emotion.
"Deal."
His grin widened. "Let's give the girl a real sword, shall we?"
A sword came flying at me from the left. I pulled my head back instinctively, just in time as the sword whizzed past my face and impaled a nearby guard in the back. It was fatal and his face fell into his plate. Hopefully, he was too drunk to feel it.
I went over to his body and removed the sword. "You'll have to do better than that," I called out. Some of the men snickered but I ignored them. Turning back to Arkazo, I readied my sword. He pulled out a sword that was bigger than Ike's. I felt my jaw drop and my eyes widened. I knew I was going to lose.
"Someone doesn't look as confident anymore," he laughed.
I turned towards Ike, looking into his hopeful blue eyes.
"Give them hell," he murmured and I knew exactly what he meant.
I nodded and faced Arkazo. Don't hold back. He was a rogue leader. He had no rules. I was going to make him pay for torturing Ike.
"Please, ladies first," he beckoned me.
Thinking tactfully, I feigned for his left arm, hoping he would block it. His sword met mine and I kicked his side. With his free hand, he caught my leg and threw me behind him. I landed on my back and the sword dropped from my hand. The men around me erupted with laughter. Feeling my face turn red, I picked up my sword and stood up. Arkazo had a playful grin on his face. He was going to put on a show for his men.
"Nice try, but very predictable," he mused. He swung his sword towards my midsection. I jumped flipping over the massive blade gracefully. The crowd of men ooh'ed as I landed. That's when I noticed an opening. He would swing the sword from the left and the swords momentum would cause his back to face me briefly. That sword may be big enough to cut me in two, but it's not fast enough to block a ninja. This will take patience.
Arkazo picked the sword up from the ground, ready to swing again. I readied myself to spring. He swung again and, this time, aimed higher. I ducked and rolled towards him. As soon as I stood up and slashed at his back, cutting armor and skin. He yelled and did a round house kick. I caught his foot, making him lose his balance before sweeping his other leg out. He landed on his back and I put the tip of the sword at his neck.
"Nice try, but very predictable," I mocked.
The men around me booed and a few drew their weapons.
"Finish him, Sheik!" I heard Ike yell over the crowd. I turned towards him. He yelled it again and added some other inaudible words, his face straining as he tried to be heard.
The sword was yanked from my hand and I was tripped. Idiot! I thought to myself. I looked up at Arkazo, who stood up with my sword in his hand.
"And there goes your chance." He swung downwards and I quickly rolled out of the way. The sword met with the stone ground, sending small sparks flying.
I stood up, facing him with my knife in hand. I blocked the next fury of attacks. Now that he had a lighter sword, he was fast and still powerful. With a few surprising moves, the knife flew out of my hand. Fuck. I faced Arkazo, who no longer had a playful look in his eyes. He swung horizontally, and I arched my back, the blade only cut open my shirt and not skin. The next blow was aimed at my head and I ducked. Grabbing the spare knife in my leg, I stabbed him in the thigh. He screamed but that didn't stop him. Deciding to leave the knife in his leg, I rolled away. He now limped and there was pure fury in his eyes. It slowed him down but his attacks were still as fast. I ran through the dining tables, throwing empty chairs down. That's when a glisten caught my eye. The Master Sword! It was leaning against a wall and I knew it was my only chance to win. I sprinted towards it, climbing on top of a table and jumping over a few Tacell warriors. Landing, I grabbed the hilt of my only salvation. I yelped in pain, dropping it to the floor. Of course. Only the one chosen by the Goddesses can wield it. Arkazo was closing in and it was either suffer some pain or die. Ignoring the scorching pain of the sword, I picked it up and stabbed Arkazo in the chest. He froze and the sword dropped from his hand. I pulled out the Master Sword and dropped it. Arkazo sank to his knees and fell his face. My hands were burnt and the bandages around my fingers were no longer there. The Tacell warriors were angered. I picked up the Master Sword by the blade and ran over to Ike. I cut the chains, whimpering in pain as the Master Sword continued to burn my hands. Helping Ike to his feet he found his sword behind Arkazo's throne. He stood ready to fight off the warriors. Even though he had been tortured, he still was ready to fight.
"Ike, there are too many of them! We have to leave!" I shouted over the crowd.
"You think they're going to open the door for us?" Ike said. He parried off a warrior and killed him in one swipe, his head coming off clean. "I doubt it."
"I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it will work," I suggested. Ike nodded. "Follow me!" I kicked a warrior out of my way and jumped onto the nearest table. Swiftly and nimbly, I hopped a few tables. I turned back to see Ike struggling to get on a table. Of course, how could I forget? He was still injured. Now, he was surrounded and losing. I went to make my way back to him when a warrior grabbed my foot and slammed me to the ground.
"Let go!" I kicked him off. Grabbing his sword, I stabbed him in the chest. Scrabbling to my feet, I placed the Master Sword in his sheath and slung it over my shoulder. "Ike!" I looked around and saw a crowd surrounding one area. I vanished and appeared right behind them. Ike was in the center getting kicked and spit on by the guards. Anger flared inside of me and I lunged at the nearest warrior, stabbing him in the side. He cried out in pain before falling. I removed my sword as the warriors turned towards me. One by one, killed them all. Thankfully alcohol had slowed them down, making it easier to defeat them. I was now surrounded by dead warriors. I stepped over bodies as I went to Ike, helping him stand. "Sorry," I murmured.
He simply nodded and picked up his sword, but he was now bruised everywhere and had to lean against me. If the Goddesses willed it, we could escape without any more injuries or bloodshed. But, those who weren't drunk had come to avenge their clan mates and leader. The look of revenge was in their eyes.
"And this is where we die," Ike muttered. Not while I'm still standing. I lay Ike on the ground and stood straight, opening my hands to the ceiling. "Sheik, I know we're going to die, but you don't have to make a dramatic prayer." I heard Ike say.
"Shh." I closed my eyes. Oh, dear goddess Din.
The warriors around me were ready to strike, dividing up who kills who.
Lend me your power to set evil alight.
A battle cry erupted and they charged.
To rid Hyrule of this evil plight!
The roar of flames burst around me. I opened my eyes to see the banquet hall engulfed in fire. Men were screaming and trying to put themselves out. I turned my gaze away from them and down at Ike, who was unaffected by the fire. I scooped him up and led him through the hell I've created. Stepping over burnt bodies and chairs, we escaped the dining hall safely. Outside wasn't much better. The flames were spreading quickly and there was only one hallway that wasn't swallowed by the fire. Taking my chances, I went into it. Ike demanded to be put down, saying that he could walk. I let him, and took his hand, leading him through the flames. There was smoke coming from behind us and an intense amount of heat. We had to hurry, or else the fire would swallow us too.
We reached the end of the hall and there was only a door. Then I realized we were at the beginning. I opened the door and entered the closet, Ike close behind me. He was breathing heavily and the heat was making it worse for him. But the window brought cold air and a means of escape.
"We'll have to jump," I stated, peering out the window.
"Jump!?" Ike said, wide-eyed.
"Do you want to become burnt meat?"
"No."
"Then we jump!" I wrapped my arms around Ike and helped him onto the window sill.
"Are you kidding me? I'll break my neck!" Ike cried, looking at how far the ground was. He squirmed in my arms but his face contorted in pain.
The roar of the flames was right behind us. I looked and saw that the door was charred around the edges. "Ike, this is the only way out!" I screamed over the ever so close fire. I felt myself sweating and I tore off my cowl, finding it easier to breathe without it. Ike swallowed and wiped the sweat off his face. The door burst alight, sending small pieces at us. Without thought, I jumped, taking Ike with me, who screamed all the way down.
We both rolled as we landed and I felt pain in my left arm. I got up and helped Ike to his feet. "Are you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, are you?"
"Just my arm hurts," I smiled at him.
We retreated to the edge of the forest where I leaned Ike against a tree. The building collapsed and great clouds of embers scattered.
"How did you do that?" he breathed.
"Do what?"
"Fire," he seemed at a loss for words.
"I-I don't know. I just asked the Goddess," I murmured, shrugging my shoulders.
"You just asked?" he asked in bewilderment.
"Yeah."
"That's it? No sacrifice or like secret power?"
"Nope."
"Just asked?"
"Just asked."
"You didn't bargain my life, did you?"
"Ike."
He sighed. "Sorry, it's just so hard to believe. I thought we were toast."
I sat down next to him. "So did I. But we got out, so it's okay now," I reassured him.
He looked at me and smiled. "You know, you're one dangerous girl. If the Goddesses granted you the power to do that, who knows what else they'll give you."
I laughed, unsure if it was a bad joke or the truth.
And I don't know how to end it, so I'm leaving it at that.
I like to end things on a positive note anyway, so I'm happy with it.
Anyway, reviews are appreciated! :D
Next theme(REQUESTED): Thoughts
Have a wonderful first day of December! :)
