A/N: Thank you everyone for your continued support and readership. You guys are awesome.
Chapter 28: The Last Sacrifice
Stupid.
Yun-seong really was stupid thinking he was strong enough to face the legendary Azure Knight. The woman named Taki had warned him; the blonde one named Sophitia had warned him; Seung Mi-na had practically drilled it into his head: do not blindly jump into battle against Nightmare without a clear, focused mind.
When he saw Seung Mi-na nearly cleaved in half, the young man did the exact opposite of what he was told. He was too infuriated with the enraged demon brat but he also wanted to protect Seung Mi-na. His emotions got in the way, making him underestimate the dark knight's capabilities.
Now he was paying for it.
"Damn! It burns!" Yun-seong hissed through clenched teeth. He was leaning against a crumbled stone spire a fair distance away from the noisy, earth-shattering battle against a berserk demon bent on killing every one of them.
The deep gash on his shoulder was searing like fire, making it feel like he was burning alive. It was no ordinary wound – a cut with a normal sword did not burn. Then again no ordinary sword could glow with a red flame. Was that why it burned so much?
Not only that, the unnerving chill in the air was beginning to seep into his body, making him feel uncomfortably hot and cold at the same time.
Cassandra was the one that pulled him out of the battle and tended to his injury. She had worked in haste, shredding strips of cloth from her cloak to bandage the young man's bleeding arm. Her white gloves were stained with his blood but she paid no heed to that.
"It's the curse of Soul Edge," the Greek woman replied grimly. "Taki will have to purify it."
Yun-seong managed to raise an eyebrow at her through the pain. "W-What?"
She tightened the knot on the makeshift bandage that was already soaking through with blood. "Soul Edge's evil corrupts anything it touches. You have to be careful, Yun-seong." Her frown became worried. "Whatever thoughts run through your mind you have to stay strong and trust yourself."
The redhead winced when he sat straight up in panic. "Wait, you think I'll go crazy?" he demanded.
Cassandra shook her head. "Not to that extreme, I don't think… But Taki had mentioned how easily it was for wounded men to become influenced by Soul Edge's evil." Her face was downcast when she added: "Wounds from Soul Edge can run deeper than you think."
Yun-seong did not like the sound of that. "Fantastic…" he muttered with frustrated sarcasm. "What about the other guy?" he questioned, speaking of the staff-wielding man the Korean saw earlier. "He didn't look to be in good shape." Was it possible that the man would go insane?
The blonde girl only managed a shrug before the sound of someone landing roughly nearby startled them.
"Sophie!" Cassandra exclaimed, hurrying to her sister's side just a short sprint away.
"No! Stay back!" the elder woman cried, shoving the girl away. She gave her younger sibling a warning glare as she swiftly rose to her feet. Just then the demon knight appeared right before her within a blink of an eye, swinging his demonic, glowing blade upon her head.
Sophitia was a warrior that should never be underestimated. She brought her shield up in time to deflect the evil sword just enough that it slammed into the ground beside her.
Yun-seong braced against the tremor of the earth and the incoming flying debris. He felt the ground split from the newly formed crater and heard stone spires crumbling all around.
Cursing, the Korean scrambled to his feet, trying desperately to ignore the pain. Nightmare was too close and he had no idea where he lost his sword. Soul Edge was burning within the dust, at least making it easy to detect the ugly bastard every time the demon shattered the mountain side.
He cringed at the incredible damage a single swing of Soul Edge could do. He had experienced it firsthand when he had attempted to block against the demon's quick strike only to suddenly realize the amount of sheer power behind that cursed sword. White Storm was instantly torn right out of his numb hand, resulting in him getting injured.
It was surprising how Sophitia was capable of defending against such raw power and not lose her shield (and arm) in the process.
One of the women soundly yelled out their attack against the demon brat and succeeded in striking something that rang like metal. The blood red flame flickered briefly just as Nightmare let out a furious snarl.
The dust was cleared with one mighty sweep of the demon's blade along with the opposition unfortunately standing before him. Sophitia once again managed to shield the attack but was knocked aside where she flew and landed on her side on the slanted terrain. She rolled a few times down the slope before stopping against a toppled spire.
Cassandra bellowed a worried scream for her before lunging forward to confront the Azure Knight in order to divert his attention away from her fallen sister. Nightmare's red eyes flashed towards the younger girl with sword in tow.
Yun-seong flinched at the sight of the demon's crimson orbs. The brat was beyond reason… none of their words seemed to reach him; especially not in the state he was currently in. The redhead bared his teeth and clamped a hand over his wounded shoulder as he backed away from the ensuing battle.
He had to find White Storm. There was nothing he could do without it. Then again, was there anything he could do even with his weapon?
Nightmare – the stories Yun-seong had heard during his search told of the demon's fearsome power. The young man had thought nothing of it back then, thinking he was stronger than the infamous legend.
Now he was up against the Azure Knight and the thought of being stronger than the demon had long diminished. Nightmare was on a completely new level unlike the undead lizard monsters and the average rogue bandits.
Yun-seong's body was wracked with fear. The chill of evil emanating from the cursed monster and sword made him shiver and his movements sluggish. His heart was pounding and his mind was racing.
He feared for death and most of all, he feared of failure.
Soul Edge's awesome power… if he could obtain it, winning the war for his homeland would be simple.
But then…
He warily glanced over his shoulder, seeing Taki and Seung Mi-na joining Cassandra in the fight.
What if he could not control the evil sword? He would end up like the brat – transformed into an ugly being that hated the people who cared for him – people who were once his friends.
He would become a monster and Yun-seong did not want that. There were other ways to win a war and the fabled 'Sword of Salvation' was definitely not one of them.
Seung Mi-na had been right from the very beginning. And Hwang Seong-gyeong – Yun-seong finally understood why the older man failed to bring Soul Edge back. The sword was too dangerous to rely on. Such an evil thing would not save their homeland but destroy it.
He climbed up the slope to avoid the battle in hopes of retrieving his lost sword. A pained cry made him stop and turn around.
Yun-seong's heart leapt to his throat when he saw Seung Mi-na jump in front of a wounded Cassandra. With hazel eyes burning with determination, Mi-na braced against Nightmare's overhead strike. She fell to her knees with her arms shaking from the powerful blow. Nightmare was already in the midst of bringing his sword down on her. She would not be able to defend it!
"Damn it!" the redhead roared. However, there was nothing he could do to save her!
Suddenly there was a monstrous roar that shook the sky as a shadow fell upon the Azure Knight. Blue scales shimmered in the white glow of a descending holy sword. The light broke through the threads of darkness and struck the monstrous claw, piercing into the tough leather and bone. The reptile-monster named Lizard had knocked the dark knight over and pinned Nightmare's gruesome claw to the ground, forcing the demon to lose his hold on Soul Edge. The evil sword still carried some momentum and continued to fly straight for Seung Mi-na.
To Yun-seong's relief, Mi-na had enough strength to deflect the sword away where it clattered noisily against the broken ground before skidding to a stop just below him. The flames surrounding the evil sword diminished as did the black mist.
The sword made of blackened steel and brownish bone lay on the ground away from its wielder. It was there for the taking…
Yun-seong found himself moving towards the hideous blade. The ultimate weapon… with it he could be unstoppable. He could be a hero; a savior; a god.
He stopped and shook his head violently. Did he not say that he no longer needed the sword? That using it would lead to tragedy?
His eyes wandered back to the sword that remained only a few feet away. Its pulsing red flesh bore gaping wounds yet no blood was spilled. He froze when the large yellow eye met his gaze. He felt something creep into his mind, penetrating his thoughts. A cold unlike any other wracked through his body and made him shudder.
… desire…
A faint whisper tickled his ear. Where did it come from?
Unblinking, he held his breath. He was unable to avert his gaze from the yellow eye no matter how disturbed he was by its piercing stare. It somehow entranced him, making him ignore all the noises around him. The burning of his wound became more tolerable but the chill had deepened to the very core of his body.
He could only hear the whispers hissing in his ears:
… power could be yours…
Yun-seong sharply exhaled and clenched his fists, feeling grime and sweat in the palm of his hands.
"I could…" he softly murmured but soon bit his tongue. "No, get out of my head." The young man stumbled backwards yet his eyes remained on the evil sword. Exhaustion suddenly took over him. His breath was labored, his body felt weak.
It was the 'curse' of Soul Edge affecting him, was it not? It was truly frightening…
Through painful effort, Yun-seong pried his eyes away from the evil sword and shunned the temptations that ran through his thoughts. The whispers stopped – just in time to hear someone scream his name.
"Yun-seong! Run!"
His eyes widened at the approaching black figure of the Azure Knight. Blazing red orbs burned through the young man's very soul as the demon lunged in Yun-seong's direction.
"Do not touch what is mine, human pest!" Nightmare roared, his large three-fingered claw held ready for an attack.
Swearing in his mother tongue, Yun-seong only had time to bring his good arm up to defend himself. What felt like a giant iron hammer slammed into his side and knocked him off his feet. He flew fast and far before crashing into something hard with his back. Pain flared from his newly broken ribs while the fire in his shoulder returned with a vengeance. He writhed in agony, unable to contain the pained curses that escaped his lips.
He did not notice anyone approach until their hands were all over him. "Are you all right?" asked a girl that sounded very young.
"Obviously he's not, Talim," said another, a female whose voice Yun-seong did not recognize.
"It was more to draw a response, Xianghua, not an answer," was the young girl's reply.
He opened an eye, seeing two girls kneeling over him in which one he vaguely recalled was fighting Nightmare with the staff-wielder before his group's arrival. The smaller one was probably a companion of the other two.
The redhead grimaced as he sat up with their help. Heavily, he leaned his aching back against the cool rough surface of the rock-thing he flew into.
He was about to murmur his thanks when Seung Mi-na yelled over at them; "Xianghua! Little Miss! Take care of that idiot for me!"
"Idiot?" Yun-seong snapped at the other Korean, wanting to glare at her but she had turned around to charge into battle.
"You really are an idiot for gawking at Soul Edge like that," the girl named Xianghua outright accused him. Her brown eyes looked down at him in disdain. "You shouldn't be here, kid." Her right arm was injured; blood stained her torn sleeve.
"Do not be harsh," the young Talim told her friend, "He was resisting the evil. I saw it in his eyes." She was busy tending to his shoulder wound, ripping away the blood soaked rags to apply fresh ones made from her own light-coloured cloak. The girl was so young! Looking hardly fifteen years of age. How could she venture into such a twisted place? Her brown eyes met his questioning gaze. "You have a strong will to be able to overcome Soul Edge's influence."
"But can you keep resisting it?" Xianghua asked in a serious tone, raising her slim Chinese sword beneath his chin. The sharp edge pressed against his skin, making him hold his breath.
Talim was shocked at the other woman. "Xianghua! Put that down!"
The Chinese girl did not listen. "You did not come here to destroy Soul Edge, did you?" she demanded.
Yun-seong huffed angrily at her. "It wasn't my intention before I got here, all right?"
"So you have changed your mind?" Talim questioned, keeping a wary eye on her companion.
"A change of mind doesn't resolve anything." Xianghua snorted. "You will still fall under Soul Edge's influence if your heart continues to desire its power."
"I don't desire that ugly thing!" the young man snapped, giving the woman an angry frown. "After what I've seen and the goddamn pain I feel – I don't want that sort of power. Not anymore."
"He speaks the truth," Talim assured the other woman with a slight nod.
Xianghua withdrew her sword, making Yun-seong sigh in relief. She studied him for a moment longer and pursed her lips. "Stay true to your words, boy. I don't want to cut you down if you ever lay your hands on Soul Edge."
"All right, lady, all right!"
The woman smirked and rose to her feet. "Look after him, Tailm." With that she turned abruptly around, ignoring the younger girl's protest, and bounded up the mountain towards the sound of battle.
The young Talim sighed, her brow set into a worried frown. She was gentle with her hands as she wrapped new pieces of torn cloth over his bleeding shoulder. "It hurts, doesn't it?" she quietly asked, her brown eyes filled with grief.
"Not at all…" he lied, trying to put on a tough face. "Only the occasionally spasm of pain but I –"
"I meant," she interrupted, her face downcast. "About your friend. Having to fight against him."
"Who?" Yun-seong blinked at her a few times. It took a couple seconds before he realized what she was talking about. "Oh, him." He nearly spat out the word in disgust. He shook his head. "He's not my friend – just some damn brat I happen to know." Slowly, he raised his head, partially seeing the ongoing battle between Nightmare and the others.
Injured or not, everyone continued to fight with everything they had. They wanted to finally put an end to the evil that threatened the world. Most of all, they wanted to save him – to free him of his curse. And there was only one way to do that.
"Damn, stupid kid…" he muttered under his breath, his brow unknowingly furrowed with pity.
The girl did not say anything at first. She caught sight of something off to the side and her expression changed into that of remorse. "But he is important to the young hero."
Yun-seong followed her gaze. In the distance far away from the battle was a small figure climbing up the mountain. There was only one other brat Yun-seong knew and it was the pointy-eared Link. The kid that always laughed and smiled; had challenged Yun-seong to a sword fight and lost; had alone confronted a golem named Astaroth in order to save Sophitia and the others on a mountain. There was no doubt how much pain and suffering the boy had gone through to come so far.
In the boy's hands was a large blade that shined with holy light, lighting up the area around him. Link was the opposite of the Azure Knight – a wielder of light against the wielder of darkness.
Sophitia had told him and the others of Link's plan. The kid was willing to risk his life like a fool.
Was there really no other way?
Yun-seong took a deep breath and slowly let it all out. The pain from his injuries hurt like hell but he was not going to let it stop him. He was not a coward or a weakling. If everyone was fighting, he had to fight too.
He attempted to rise but only succeeded in getting on one knee. Both of his arms were weak, sore and hurting.
"Don't move! You broke a few bones, I'm certain of it." The girl was kind enough to not force him back down.
"Hey, you," he addressed her sharply, barely able to ignore the sharp prickling coming from his broken rib bones. "H-Help me up." The girl creased her brow with concern. There was no time for her to argue. "Come on. Or I'll force myself to."
She hesitated for a moment. "All right…" she finally conceded, shifting to the Korean's left side. "My name is Talim." She carefully draped his bruised and throbbing left arm over her small shoulders and lifted the young man fully onto his feet.
He hissed at the numerous jolts of pain from his injuries but kept his focus. "Yun-seong. Take me to him." He nodded towards Link.
"What do you plan to do, Yun-seong?" Talim began to shuffle the redhead in Link's direction.
Yun-seong managed a shrug as he leaned heavily against the shorter girl. "Help him somehow. Since I'm out of the part where we are supposed to weaken Soul Edge I'll help the kid instead. Not sure how, though. I'll think of something… By the way, if you see a sword lying around, it's probably mine."
Talim nodded, giving him a small smile. "I'll keep my eyes open."
Everything was red.
He saw through a veil of crimson as his blood burned with summoned power that drove him completely wild.
He could not hear their voices anymore – he had heard enough of their ridiculous nonsense. All of them – those despicable fools! They too carried the belief that he could be 'saved'! How could they be so blind?
He was angry beyond his limit. There was only one thought running through his mind and that was to kill. Everything that moved; everything that got in his way; he was supposed to kill.
Faces were blurred and unrecognizable making his targets all the same. He did not care who was who just as long as they were slain by his blade.
Soul Edge fed him with power in return for bloodshed.
The blade's hunger could not be denied. Soul Edge was impatient. Not one soul had been harvested since Nightmare's rebirth.
Out of control, Nightmare mindlessly lashed out at the moving shadows before him. He felt things shatter and fall under his might. He heard thunder and shrieks whenever his blade struck something solid and resistant. Most satisfying of all was when he cleaved through soft flesh, drawing the sweet aroma of blood into the air.
Blood streaked Soul Edge and was greedily absorbed within an instant.
The sword cried out for more blood and carnage.
Massacre them… Bring forth their souls!
Nightmare happily obliged and brought down his wicked blade upon one of the wounded pests, certain he would succeed in slaughtering it.
But then there was thunder echoing through his ears that was soon to follow with a flash of blinding light before his eyes. The light penetrated the crimson shadows and caused him pain.
The Azure Knight released his hold on Soul Edge and lost its granted power. He roared at the searing agony flaring from the light piercing into his right arm.
Something large and heavy tackled him over and forcefully pinned his claw to the ground. His senses were his own once more and no longer did he see red. Nightmare seethed at the creature holding him down. The blue-scaled hand holding a holy blade could be none other than that wretched Lizardman.
"Damn beast!" the demon snarled. He was angry enough to overcome the burning pain and thrash about beneath the overgrown lizard. One of his kicks connected with the reptile and forced the beast off of him. The scaly fiend stumbled back with a grunt, taking its wretched light with it.
The instant he was free from pain, Nightmare sprang to his feet and lashed out at the lizard with a direct kick to its left ankle. He felt and heard the satisfying crunch of breaking bone. The creature howled and fell to one knee.
Disabled, the wielder of light was hardly a threat.
Nightmare twisted around to reclaim his weapon only to face more opposition.
The annoying female ninja and horribly compassionate Athenian stood in his way, their expressions grim yet fearless.
"Cassandra! Head for Soul Edge!" the one named Sophitia yelled over her shoulder.
The younger Athenian was off to the side below Nightmare. "R-Right!" was her response as she limped towards the evil sword. Blood trailed down her right leg from an injury Nightmare could assume he was responsible for while under Soul Edge's spell.
They were aiming to destroy Soul Edge!
No – that was not their main intention. The Azure Knight saw it in their eyes. They planned to weaken the sword and not destroy it. There was only one reason for that.
He narrowed his eyes and fumed at their ignorance. They would believe that wretched little elf!
The brat had yet to show himself but he was near. After all, their foolish plan could not be completed without the elf.
Wasting no time, the dark knight had to prove their ambitions were futile.
"Out of my way!" he bellowed as he barreled straight at the blonde warrior.
The woman stood her ground and brought her shield up anticipating an attack. Attacking was only a ruse. Nightmare swerved to the side when he was in front of her, passing by the surprised warrior to lunge for the other blonde girl.
"Cassandra!" Sophitia screamed out a warning.
The limping girl turned around with gritted teeth. Her shocked green eyes met his crimson glare. She fell into a defensive stance the moment he was before her.
His powerful claw slammed into her shield with a loud clang, making her instantly lose her balance due to her wounded leg. She fell onto her back with a pained cry.
It was then he noticed the young man standing over Soul Edge, eyes transfixed on the pulsing blade.
Cursing, the Azure Knight sensed the approach of the ninja behind him. He dashed forward.
Soul Edge was taunting the young man, drawing the Korean fool to the side of evil. But the arrogant bastard was surprisingly resistant.
No matter. Soul Edge was Nightmare's!
"Yun-seong! Run!" one of the women cried out, snapping the redhead's attention away from the sword.
The boy's eyes widened in horror. It was too late for the idiot to flee.
"Do not touch what is mine, human pest!" the demon roared. Nightmare swiped his claws and swatted the insignificant worm away from Soul Edge. The dark knight grasped the hilt of his blade with his left hand, feeling its power flow through his body once more.
He swung his sword around in an attempt to intercept the ninja's slim blade but found instead her own cursed sword striking against Soul Edge. The evil energies clashed against one another and created a shockwave that knocked both wielders back.
Nightmare regained his footing and felt Soul Edge tremble from the impact. The sword was vibrating with anger at the ungrateful wench daring to use Soul Edge's power against itself. One of its shards was fused within her sword, making it difficult to retrieve. He will have to shatter her blade once she was killed.
The ninja was still reeling from the shockwave, leaving her vulnerable from Nightmare's next attack. The demon thrust his blade forward, intending to run the woman through.
But then someone leapt over the stunned ninja with a yell and swung a red metal staff down on Soul Edge, diverting the knight's blade downwards. Instead of plunging through vital organs, the evil blade slashed through leg muscle before hitting rock.
The woman in red buckled from the pain in her inner left calf but the infuriating monk caught her and pulled her away while another pest came into view.
It was the female Korean named Seung Mi-na. She met the dark knight's gaze; her brown eyes did not waver under the sheer hatred directed at her very being. "We won't give up, Siegfried!" she cried, her voice unyielding.
"Do not call me by that name!" Nightmare snarled, advancing towards her.
"We'll keep fighting and fighting until we put an end to your curse!" She parried his blow with a loud grunt, forcing Soul Edge into the ground. She quickly swung her weapon around to drive the point of the blade into the living flesh of Soul Edge. "We will bring you back, Siegfried! Believe in us!"
Nightmare felt the evil sword resonate with pain for a very brief moment before anger took over. The Azure Knight cherished the feeling for it fueled his own anger. "You speak utter nonsense!" he spat venomously, flinging his blade upwards to free it but also to slash at the troublesome vermin. The girl was flexible and able to flip away from the dangerous edge wanting to cut her pretty face. "There is no going back, don't you pathetic fools understand? That wretched little elf has fooled you all!"
Someone approached from behind him. "Link believes in saving you, Siegfried," argued Sophitia, her steps were confidant in stride. "We are fighting in his stead so he can show you the light!"
Another being came from his side. "The hero wishes to free you, demon-child," growled the lizard-beast, its words carrying a zealous undertone. "I will make certain that he will succeed!"
Four more of them appeared to surround him on all sides. The two wounded Destroyers, the ninja and younger Athenian – despite their injuries they continued to defy the Azure Knight. They stood tall and their hardened eyes glimmered with dreadful hope.
"We won't lose you, Siegfried!" Cassandra stepped forward, masking her pain beneath a valiant expression. "Do you not remember the reason why we're here?"
"We traveled far and we traveled as one." The red-clad ninja's dark eyes steeled against the demon's blazing glare. "Did you think that we would cast you aside and forget who you truly are?"
"Although our initial intentions have changed," started the Chinese girl, standing alongside the other Destroyer.
"We will fight alongside your companions and set you free," the man finished.
Nightmare twisted around, glowering at each and every one of them. He was breathing heavily within his helm, unable to restrain the rage boiling within his blood. Their words – it was all useless babble!
"Shut up!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. "Shut up! Shut up!" He slammed Soul Edge with all his might into the ground in frustration, easily shattering the rock to form another one of his craters.
Fools! Stupid, ignorant wretched humans!
He could call them any name; threaten their existence; promise to take their life – no matter what he said to them, they would ignore it. Their feelings would remain unchanged.
Did they not see? Did they not understand?
They were following a false hope! Set by that cursed little elf!
Where was he? Where was that wretched hero?
If Nightmare could kill him then their hope would shatter to pieces!
He pounded the ground again to stir up another cover of dust.
More power, Soul Edge! Grant me more power!
Do not disappoint me again, my child. His soul is near – the messenger will guide you. Take his power and destroy their light!
Heat enveloped his right arm as both Soul Edge and his claw were lit aflame with wicked fire. He saw nothing but red and felt only raw power coursing through his body.
Noises were muted save for one childish voice reaching his ears. "Master. He is here."
Blue eyes watched the seemingly eternal battle taking place far below. The heroes of the new world had surrounded the demonic being.
Link could hear their words and feel each of their emotions. His heart, once heavy with guilt, was now light with newfound hope. Lizard, Sophitia, Cassandra, Taki, Seung Mi-na and the two warriors from the east named Xianghua and Kilik were all fighting for the same belief Link carried.
They were all valiant warriors, capable of opposing the darkest evil without a hint of fear. They were hurt and bleeding but they still fought on.
The heroes of the new world were truly admirable.
Link could feel the immensity of Soul Edge's wicked power. Its power appeared endless at first but the more Link concentrated on it, the more he understood it.
He could feel its power change at times; how it shifted and grew during intense moments in battle; how it faltered and weakened when the blade sustained damage.
Even though the others had damaged the evil sword more than a few times, its power was still far greater than the Master Sword.
Silently, the boy could only pray for his companions to succeed in weakening Soul Edge enough to match the level of his holy blade.
The Master Sword was held by his side in his left hand, its tip resting on the ground. Its radiant warmth protected him from the chill of evil shrouding the area and its light granted him the strength to face the darkness without hesitation. On the back of his hand was the mark of the Triforce, its golden glow filling him with unwavering courage.
Link frowned when he felt and saw Soul Edge's power increase with scarlet fire within the cover of dark dust Nightmare had created.
Beside him was Yun-seong, the young man that Link had not seen since the incident at Iografou. The reunion between the boys was brief but nonetheless a happy one. Suffering with broken bones, Yun-seong stood with the help of Talim. They came in hope of helping Link – exactly how, Yun-seong claimed he had not yet figured that part out considering his condition and lack of weapon.
The redhead silently swore at the return of the fiery flames surrounding the demon's arm and sword. "He's gone berserk again!" he exclaimed with a furrowed brow. "They might get killed this time!"
Just then a loud cry of a crow coming from behind startled the three of them.
"What the hell?" The redhead and Talim peered over their shoulders while Link fully turned around.
"You!" the Hylian hissed at the sight of the black-feathered bird perched atop a lone spire. Its head was tilted to the side so one glowing ruby eye was looking straight at him. The boy narrowed his eyes at the cursed crow, not liking its sudden appearance.
The sounds of battle resumed below but Link did not stray his focus away from the messenger. The bird was up to something. Its stare was gleaming with malicious intent.
The ground shook and a monstrous, demonic roar shattered the sky, making Link wince at the sheer volume.
"He's…" Talim sharply gasped, drawing Link's attention towards the pair.
"He's coming! He knows we're here!" Yun-seong announced fervently before grounding out a curse.
Link's eyes widened with realization. The crow was leading Nightmare towards them.
Bounding up the mountain slope at an incredible speed was the berserk demon. The others had been left behind within a choking haze of dust. Eyes a vicious red and lost in an uncontrollable madness, Nightmare was charging straight at Link. Stone spires and rock clusters in the way were easily demolished with a single, careless swing of Soul Edge, hardly slowing the dark knight.
"Hey! Wait!"
Talim left Yun-seong and twirled her two weapons into her hands as she ran down in an attempt to stop the Azure Knight.
Horrified, Link wanted to aid the girl but was roughly grabbed by Yun-seong. "You'll get killed!" the redhead growled through clenched teeth. Hunched over, he was in pain but his grip was still strong. "You're not ready yet, are you?"
Biting his lower lip, the Hylian shook his head with a deep frown. "Soul Edge is still too powerful," was the hero's quick answer.
"Give it to me," Yun-seong suddenly demanded, gesturing with his left hand. His scowl remained on the struggling Talim so he did not see the younger boy's look of confusion.
"Give what –?"
"Your sword. I'll use it against Soul Edge – to weaken it enough for you."
"But –" You can't use the Master Sword! You're too injured to move! he wanted to say, however he never got the chance to. Talim was soundly knocked away when she chose to block Nightmare's sweeping blade that also cleaved through solid rock. With the girl out of the way, the demon's gaze fell upon the young hero.
"He's coming! Link! Hurry!"
Left with no choice, Link passed the metal hilt of his Master Sword into Yun-seong's waiting hand. The light of the sword flickered but remained glowing with righteous power. However, Yun-seong let out a startled yelp when the end of the sword fell towards the ground. "Why is this so heavy?"
Link did not have time to answer him. Not that it mattered; Yun-seong did not even wait for an answer. With strained effort, the redhead gripped the hilt with both hands and lifted the blade aloft before dashing forward into Nightmare's path.
Thinking fast, Link pulled out his bow. Yun-seong was going to die in the state he was in. Link had to help the redhead somehow.
He still had some magic use but he needed to make every shot count.
Yun-seong was barreling straight for the incoming demon. Gravity was carrying him downwards. There was no stopping his running descent.
An Ice Arrow was drawn and fired within an instant. The shimmering blue-tipped arrow flew over Yun-seong's head and struck the armoured chest of the demon with a flash. Nightmare flinched but continued to move forward as white-blue ice formed and encased his upper body. Once it spread to his arms and legs did the dark knight slow down. The ice was easily broken and the magic quickly dispelled, weakened by the red flames emitting from the cursed sword.
However, it bided enough time for Yun-seong to run and soundly clash the Master Sword against Soul Edge. Link saw white sparks danced between the swords for a split second before Yun-seong's downward momentum carried him into Nightmare.
The redhead ended up tackling the demon over with their blades dangerously pressing against each other between them. They both fell and tumbled down the slope in a clattering, rumbling heap, stopping short of the others that were quickly making their way up. Yun-seong was sprawled on his front with the Master Sword still in his hand while Nightmare rolled onto his feet a little further down. Clutched in his large claw, Soul Edge continued to burn with crimson flame. However, the fire was noticeably weaker than before.
First to reach the demon was Seung Mi-na and Sophitia.
Link had another Ice Arrow prepared and in the midst of stepping forward, he twirled around and fired the freezing projectile at the unsuspected crow. The bird moved to fly away, only managing to open its wings before the arrow struck its body. Frozen atop the rock spire, the crow was a harmless sculpture. A small triumphant smile adorned the boy's lips.
Talim was already on her way down when Link started to descend the slope. She was quick and light on her feet. It did not take long before she joined the two women fighting below.
Bearing with the pain coming from his torn, bloody feet, Link made his way towards the unmoving Yun-seong. The Hylian skidded to a stop and kneeled over the young man to shake him by the shoulders.
"Yun-seong! Yun-seong!"
"I'm alive… Stop that." The redhead groaned and coughed, spitting dirt out of his mouth. He managed to rise onto his elbows and with Link's help, the redhead got into a sitting position. Hunched over and leaning against the Master Sword for support, Yun-seong raised his head slightly to look at the light of the blade. Hearing the others fighting assured him that he was not in immediate danger.
"This sword's really something," Yun-seong murmured between deep breaths. "When I hold it, I don't feel the cold or any pain." He turned his weary brown eyes at Link and put on a smug grin. "If it wasn't so freaking heavy I'd probably kick that demon brat's ass with this."
Link's worried frown disappeared and a grin found its way onto his face.
"Link." Yun-seong's face became serious. "That's all I can do. It's up to everyone else… and you… to finish this." He shifted slightly, prompting the boy to take back the glowing weapon.
"Thank you, Yun-seong." The Hylian bowed his head and placed a hand on top of the hilt. "It was more than enough."
Yun-seong was repulsed. "I hardly did anything." He dropped his hand from the blade and heaved a sigh. "Don't fail, kid, or I'll regret risking my life for a brat like you."
Link smirked and gave him a confident look as he easily wielded the Master Sword with his left hand. "I'll make sure there won't be anything to regret, Yun-seong."
The redhead sneered before grimacing with pain. Yun-seong carefully moved towards a nearby pile of rocks to lean against.
With a final say of thanks (which the redhead waved away), Link cautiously made his way around the battleground.
Hidden from view, he stood above the battle, keeping his focus on Soul Edge's power. Malicious and unnerving, the evil sword was a relentless entity unwilling to yield.
However, as the battle drew on, Link could feel its power fall bit by bit as each brave warrior repeatedly struck it down. The fire enveloping the sword had diminished not too long ago much to Nightmare's furious outrage.
The mountain continued to tremble. The sound of clashing metal echoed through the air along with angry cries and pained screams.
It was difficult to resist the temptation to jump into the battle. His companions were bleeding and wounded. They were fighting while he stood safely away.
However, he knew that if he joined the fight, he would be killed instantly. Restricted to a child's body, he lacked the strength to defend against the greater Soul Edge. He could not exactly draw Nightmare's attention either.
He watched and waited. The black mist that radiated from Nightmare's form was dwindling. Soul Edge's gleaming luster had faded. The metal parts of the evil blade were scratched and the fleshy regions bore open wounds and torn flesh. The yellow eye was still vibrant with glowing hatred.
Nightmare was visibly slower, having endured so many attacks. However, the heroes of the new world were barely fairing any better. The man named Kilik was down for the count along with Cassandra. They were nursing their injuries off to the side close to Yun-seong. Taki and Lizard, who was covered in numerous wounds, were struggling to stay on their feet. Talim was standing protectively beside her friend Xianghua who was suffering from a heavy injury to her side.
Sophitia and Seung Mi-na, although exhausted, appeared to have only minor injuries. The two of them were currently engaged in an aggressive battle with the Azure Knight. They moved with respect to one another, never getting in each other's way and always backing up the other when needed.
Nightmare lashed out at them like a cornered animal. His swings were wild and desperate. Link could hear the demon's ragged breaths echoing within the helm.
Link was certain it was time to move. His companions had done enough. He could bring the evil sword's power further down to match the Master Sword.
With a final prayer to the gods, he ventured out of his hiding spot.
The Master Sword was held before him in both hands, its point facing skyward. His eyes lingered on the mark of sacred triangles on the unblemished blade. Its radiance flowed through him, granting him the power he needed to defy the great evil that twisted the land… and his dear friend.
He turned the blade sideways to see the fighters below. He drew a deep breath and at the top of his lungs he yelled, "Siegfried!"
The battle slowed to a stop as all heads turned towards the Hero of Time. Each warrior's expression ranged from concern to understanding.
Only a pair of glaring red eyes bore into him. "Wretched little elf! You now dare show your pathetic self?" Nightmare bellowed, fully turning his body in Link's direction all the while swinging Soul Edge around to force Seung Mi-na and Sophitia back.
"I was only waiting for the right moment," the boy answered, meeting the demon's glare with a hardened gaze.
Nightmare spat with great indignation. "It's futile!"
"Prove me wrong!" Link furrowed his brow in anger, his hands tightened around the hilt of his sacred sword.
The Azure Knight seemed to sneer beneath his helm. He turned sharply towards the other fighters around him. Seeing that they had backed away with no intention of attacking him, Nightmare bounded up the slope towards the Hylian.
Link turned around and ran up as well, wanting to lure Nightmare as far away from the others as possible.
The sound of heavy, armoured footsteps and a dragging sword was quickly closing in on him. "Why do you run, coward?" the demon roared.
The blond swordsman did not reply, too focused on watching his footing.
The hairs on the back of his neck bristled when he sensed Nightmare behind him. "Die!"
Link swerved to the side just as Soul Edge was plunged into the ground where the boy was a split second ago. Twirling in one smooth motion, Link ignored the dust and flying rocks and swung his Master Blade around to strike the side of Soul Edge that remained above ground.
His sword clanged against metal and slashed into flesh. White sparks flew during the brief contact between swords before Link drew back and sprang away from the recovering demon.
Nightmare broke into harsh, mocking laughter. "Did that not prove you wrong, wretch?" the demon jeered after the fleeing Hylian. "There is no hope for any of you!"
The Azure Knight was upon Link within an instant, easily catching up with a single leap. Link avoided the sharp edge crashing down on him and repeated the same hit-and-run action as before.
"Is running all you can do?" the dark knight demanded, sounding quite aggravated to have missed the young boy once again. "What you are doing is meaningless!"
Link tightly clenched his jaw when Nightmare landed in front of him with Soul Edge sweeping from the side. The boy ducked, feeling the wind of the blade passing over his head. It missed his hair but unfortunately not his trusty green hat which was knocked right off.
Inhaling sharply, the Hylian slashed upwards as he rose, clipping the blunt, bony edge of the evil sword and eliciting a tiny shower of sparks.
A few more hits were needed – Link was sure of it. Too tired to run, the boy stood his ground. He had to carefully avoid Nightmare's attacks and counter after each miss.
After two more successful maneuvers, Nightmare became highly annoyed and executed less overbearing swings or chose not to use his sword at all. The chance to damage Soul Edge was greatly reduced, much to Link's frustration.
Patience was the key. However, even that wore thin after the tenth strike against Soul Edge.
How much longer did it take? He was exhausted.
Link was beginning to worry; hope was starting to fade.
His mind was muddled with the thought of failure and his movements became desperate.
A monstrous brown claw swiped at Link's face but the boy hopped back only to leap forward to bring his sacred sword down on Nightmare, forcing the demon to defend with Soul Edge.
That was just what Link wanted. The Master Sword crashed into the evil blade. The usual dance of sparks surprisingly turned into a web of white electricity that erupted between the two swords.
The young hero nearly yelled in triumph at the new effect. The portal was opening!
But soon the light was broken when Nightmare quickly pulled Soul Edge away. Thrown off-guard, the Hylian stumbled forward and was too slow to fully evade as the Azure Knight thrust his wicked blade into him.
What felt like hot, fiery metal slashed into his lower right side as he tried to twist away. Link cried out at the searing sensation flowing through his body and fell onto his back, losing his hold on his weapon. He rolled onto his uninjured side and clutched his wound, feeling warm blood seeping through his fingers. He breathed heavily, hearing the rapid pounding of his heart in his ears.
Farore, Nayru and Din! It hurt! It was like fire burning into his blood and tissue. He writhed on the ground, only able to peer through one eye at the towering figure standing over him.
Nightmare was laughing – a maniacal, victorious laugh that echoed throughout the mountain. "How does it feel, little pest?" the demon knight asked in a low, malicious tone. "You were destined to fail!"
A solid kick to the stomach sent the wounded boy flying. Link was wracked with pain when he roughly landed and skidded to a stop. He coughed a couple times, barely able to regain his breath. A disturbing chill entered his body, making him shiver uncontrollably despite the fire in his wound.
Get up! he urged himself. He was still alive – he could still fulfill his promise!
Something soon lessened the agony he felt. Gentle warmth flowed from the back of his left hand and soothed the fire and chased away the cold.
The boy blinked through the blurriness, sensing another holy presence nearby.
Too immersed in the joy of a near victory, Nightmare was oblivious to the one coming up behind him.
A bloodied Lizard hooked one arm around the dark knight's neck and sunk his holy sword into the bicep of Nightmare's monstrous claw.
The Azure Knight howled in agony and dropped to his knees with Soul Edge clattering to the ground beside him, the hilt still grasped within the clawed fingers. The Lizardman leaned heavily against him, keeping the demon from rising.
Lizard snapped his jaws urgently at Link, rasping out a series of snarls and hisses.
"Lizard," the Hylian managed to breathe out when he managed to rise onto one elbow.
"Vile scum!" Nightmare roared, twisting his neck side-to-side in an attempt to loosen the reptile's hold. Lizard retaliated by burrowing his claws into the leathery flesh of Nightmare's right shoulder. With only one arm free, the demon slammed his left, armoured elbow into the lizard keeping him in place. Protected with a fairly long curved, bony spine, the demon stabbed into Lizard's side easily. The Lizardman snarled in pain yet the beast refused to let go. Again and again, Nightmare thrust his elbow behind him to repeatedly stab the already wounded reptile.
"No! Stop it! Lizard, let go!" Link cried out in fear of his friend. Lizard was going to die!
However, Nightmare did not stop and Lizard continued to hold onto the dark knight through the pain. The reptile turned one grimacing eye on Link and let out a few weak roars that were gurgled from the blood filling his mouth. He was trying to tell the hero something…
Now is your chance… Open the portal…
Link's eyes widened.
With one loud grunt, Nightmare put all his strength into his next thrust of his elbow, piercing his bony spine deep into the Lizardman's body one last time. The scaled beast buckled forward, blood dripping out of its open jaws. Lizard's arms fell limp and Nightmare was free.
When Lizard started to slip away from Nightmare, Link ignored his wound, climbed onto his feet and ran forward. Time slowed when the hero met his dying friend's clouded gaze. Tears stung the boy's blue eyes but the Hylian could not have been more grateful. He gave the gallant beast one final nod.
Thank you, Lizard… for everything.
Time resumed. The reptile's limp body hit the ground and rolled down the slope.
Link grasped the hilt of his fallen Master Sword lying before Nightmare's kneeled form. He yelled through pain and fury when he clashed the sacred blade against Soul Edge. With Lizard's sword still pierced into his arm, Nightmare could do nothing but snarl. Sparks turned into white electricity that coursed around both blades. A bright white light flashed from their swords followed by a familiar ringing that sounded through their ears.
"No…" Nightmare rasped, his crimson eyes wide with horror.
Link weakly smiled at the other as the white light surrounded them both.
A/N: I tried not to drown you guys in excessive fight scenes but considering what was happening in the story so far it was kind of difficult not to! I hope you all enjoyed it!
We're almost there! One more chapter and maybe an epilogue too.
I hope you guys hang around until the end!
Thanks for reading!
