Okay, first I want to start off by asking you guys if any of you tried adding me on yahoo? Like on the messenger thingy?... I got a random request from a stranger and it kind of freaked me out because I don't know how anybody would know my email… I literally haven't told anyone about it and I only use it for my fanfiction account. So… I don't know. If it was one of you guys, I'll feel ten times better. I don't mind if you guys want to shoot me an email to ask a question or something but… I'm tripping because I don't know how that person would have figured it out? Lol is it on my profile and I'm unaware? Anyway… sorry I'm flabbergasted.
MORE IMPORTANTLY! This chapter is a very special chapter. Why you ask? Because I've finally reached 100 reviews! Yay! So in honor of all you sweet review-uhs! This is for you. :D One-hundred review anniversary! Woot!
I don't own Legend of Zelda or any of its characters.
Chapter 28: The Test
Link wasn't the least bit surprised when he found out that the 'Sage of Spirit' happened to be Nabooru. He knew it was going to be somebody he had already met, probably someone he'd grown fond of, and no doubt it was one of his friends. For some reason the Goddesses had managed to curse him by giving each of his friends a role as a sage. He wouldn't have been shocked if they had decided to make Dark the sage, seeing as that's who'd he come to care about most; however, he had the haunting sensation in the back of his mind that they would take him away in another fashion. Sometimes he felt as though he was destined to be alone and that these past couple of weeks with Dark had been only a blessing.
He was still a bit thrown off by Dark's sudden attitude change and the sudden realization that this journey was quickly coming to an end, so he hadn't been paying much attention to what Nabooru was saying while in the Chamber of Sages.
"Kid, let me thank you." Nabooru stated while looking oh so elegant in her beautiful outfit and gaudy jewelry that was glistening brightly under the holy light emitted by the sacred realm, "Hehe, look at what the kid has become in the last 7 years—a competent swordsman! By the way… I really messed up… I was brainwashed by those old witches and used by Ganondorf to do his evil will… But isn't it funny? That a person like me could turn out to be the Sage of Spirit!"
Link couldn't help but laugh. It was odd that a Gerudo thief had been one of the chosen few.
"And now I'm going to fight them as one of the six sages! Hehe… I'm going to pay them back for what they did to me! Kid…" Link looked up from where he'd been day dreaming towards the floor to meet Nabooru's gaze, "No, Link… Hero of Time… Instead of keeping the promise I made way back then, I give you this medallion. Take it!"
Link accepted the last medallion gratefully and with honor. He was a bit confused about what 'promise' Nabooru was speaking of. Link had been the one to promise to return the gauntlets to her and she stated that she would do him a favor in return once she had them in her grasp, but never elaborated on what it would be. After tucking the priceless item away, he continued to listen intently to the woman's last words while the light around him began to shine blindingly bright as he was slowly transported back to the real world.
"If only I knew you would become such a handsome man… I should have kept the promise I made back then…"
Link could still feel himself blushing when he'd returned back to the desert. He looked around curiously for Dark while rubbing his cheeks in an attempt to rid the flushing sensation. He spotted a shadowy figure sitting amongst the stair set in front of the Spirit Temple with his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his arms. Dark could hear the impending crunching of footsteps against the desert sand and looked up to meet his red-faced partner with a smirk.
"What's with you?" He asked referring to Link's pink cheeks.
"N-nothing!" Link squealed while taking a seat next to his darker counterpart.
"Nabooru wanted Link to bear her children!" Navi cooed while sticking a tongue out at Dark. The shadowy man didn't reply but stood up to face Link with a grim expression.
"Let's go to Lake Hylia." Link shuddered at the way he was staring at him and how he'd willingly avoided a fight with Navi. His expression was blank and frigid, holding no emotion in his soulless ruby eyes. Link nodded hesitantly and pulled out his ocarina.
"D-Dark… why are we here…?" Link muttered slowly while taking a few steps away from the devious looking man, who'd yet to show him anything more than a sadistic smirk. Dark closed the gap between them, grabbing roughly at the back of Link's neck. He yanked him closer and gave him a lusty, yet almost violent, kiss. He pulled away quickly, took a few steps back and flung his black bangs away from his face.
"Draw your sword, hero." Dark stated coldly while pointing a finger in his direction. Link's jaw dropped and he shook his head fiercely.
"N-No! Never! Why?" He cried while trying to step forward and talk reasonably with Dark. Something terrible had changed about him during their time at the Spirit Temple, ever since he was injured in the room with the Iron Knuckle.
"Draw your weapon, Link." Dark repeated through gritted teeth. He was becoming agitated with Link's resistance. Link continued to stand there dumbfounded, suffering from emotional turmoil.
"What is the meaning of this, Dark?" Link pleaded while continuing to approach his significant other.
"I said draw your sword dammit!" Dark roared, his voice filled with the same demonic tone that had come over him when he battled Sheik in Kakariko Village. Link stumbled backwards suddenly fearing for his life. He noticed Dark's eyes glowing with the fires of hell and the tightened grip on his sword told him that he wasn't playing around. Link still refused to budge so Dark decided that he was going to have to make him.
He charged towards Link with his sword drawn to the side, wailing a horrific battle cry. Link's eyes widened with shock and he rolled out of the way of the oncoming attack yet still denied to lay a hand on the master sword. He turned around to see Dark in midair, thrashing down with his blade in a jump attack. Link used his shield to block the blow and then began to hide behind it like a scared child.
"Dark what are you doing?" Navi shrieked, "Link, I told you he was evil! Let's get out of here!"
Link didn't listen to her but kept searching Dark's eyes for a sense of humanity. Link knew Dark had a reason for his sudden change in character and a motive for wanting to battle him… but he couldn't figure out what it was.
"Dark… please…" Link begged with hot tears forming at their ducts. He clenched his fists in anguish and began swinging his arms, pleading for him to stop or explain. Dark suppressed his sympathies and gulped down his urges to take the frightened boy in his arms and apologize. He had to teach Link to be strong. He pointed the tip of his blade in Link's direction and finally responded.
"You have three seconds to draw your sword or mine will end up plunged in your heart. One…" Dark began to take a few steps closer and then broke into a sprint, "Two!"
Link just stared back in agony, every ounce of pain he held in his heart was showing through his limp body and the traumatized expression on his face.
"Three!"
Dark's sword was a mere foot from Link's chest when he finally drew his blade. The metal clanged together creating a deafening echo that spread across the vast lake. Link opened his eyes to see that he'd knocked Dark's sword from his grasp sending it sailing a few yards to the left.
"Are we through here?" Link cried out desperately, "Are you done torturing me?"
Dark closed his eyes and tried to muster all the strength he had to not give in just yet. The look on Link's face was killing him, breaking his heart by the second… but he had to proceed. He was testing Link's strength.
"No. You must defeat me."
Link saw a flash of black dart to the left as Dark retrieved his sword within seconds. He came back towards Link with the sword held high above his head.
"Please Dark! I don't want to do this!" Link shouted through a hoarse voice as he blocked the next blow.
"That's the point, hero." Dark replied as he swung his blade to the side only to have it blocked by Link's shield. He decided to pick up his pace, "You didn't want to kill those two wenches in the Spirit Temple but it needed to be done!"
"Stop!" Dark became a blur of grey as he darted with lightning speed towards the hero. Flashbacks of the water temple came rushing back to him as he tried to keep up. He remembered how fast and dangerous he was, and how it surely would have been his life lost if Dark hadn't sacrificed himself. Over the past couple of weeks, Dark had grown soft from hanging around Link, cursed by the emotion of love. Yet, now it seemed as though he hadn't an ounce of compassion in his body.
"How are you going to defeat Ganondorf as you are now? You can't even kill a couple of old witches!" Link dodged the next swing by a millimeter and he gasped in shock as he looked down at the fresh cut in his tunic and the thin line of blood creeping down his chest. He glanced up to Dark with horrified eyes trying to choke out words through his breaking voice.
"Why are you doing this to me?" Link screamed so loud Dark wouldn't be surprised if all of Hyrule had heard him.
"Quit defending yourself and get on the offense, Link! Attack me now!" Dark commanded while charging towards him once more. Link was hesitant in moving his sword, sluggishly swinging it from side to side.
"No!"
"Now!" Dark roared. He was becoming impatient. Dark knew that if he hadn't been there in the Spirit Temple, Link would have definitely slain those witches… or they would have killed him. The point was, he was relying too much on Dark, and he was starting to doubt that he should even accompany Link when he went to battle the Evil King.
He leapt into the air in another jump attack, coming down with his sword in a thrust rather than a slash and Link jumped to the side only to instantly block another oncoming side swipe attack. Dark was too quick and Link was too emotionally drained to beat him. And it didn't help the fact that he knew Dark was still taking it easy. Dark had decided to quit with his fancy tricks and focus more on upfront combat to see how fast Link could really swing that sword. Navi watched in anticipation on the sidelines as the two swordsmen dueled in battle. Dark was still the one with more dominance and aggression but Link subconsciously started swinging back in attacks of his own due to his natural instinct.
"That's it Link! Let out your anger on me! Let me have it!" Now Dark was the one blocking Link's blows and it was his sign to take it to the next level. Link continued to wail his weapon through a fit of tears and dribbling snot. He didn't know what kind of lesson Dark was trying to teach him and every second was pure torture as he swung a lethal weapon at the one he loved. Link swept his sword to the side, only for an acrobatic Dark to jump gracefully at the end of his blade, "Remember this trick, hero? You've got to be ready for anything!"
Dark sailed backwards in a flip and came back full force, swinging from left to right, up and down testing the hero's speed and agility. He was watching Link's eyes intently, making sure they were following his every move. Sure enough they were glancing wildly side to side trying to predict where his sword would go next. Dark tried to ignore the tears withheld in them and the pained look in his eyes. Dark jabbed his blade forward, and Link turned his body quickly to the side to avoid the stab. This pleased Dark and he smiled with approval. His reflexes were becoming quicker. However, Link was growing tired from the heavy weight of his sword and beads of sweat were dripping down his face forming a dark spot on the front of his green tunic.
"Fight through the pain, Link!" Dark ordered as he quickened his movements, "By the time you even fight Ganon, you'll already be weary from the many obstacles before. This is nothing!" Dark began to switch attacks, alternating between stabs, thrusts, and swings. Link was swiftly dodging the blows, but had yet to attack Dark with his full potential, "Quit using that shield! That measly thing will be as useful as a sheet of paper when you fight the Dark Lord!"
Link was growing tired of Dark's insults and commands. This is the last thing he wanted from the person he wanted so badly to confess his feelings to. He began to use his rage and frustration to his advantage, putting the strength of his emotions into his attacks. Link was grunting and panting, swinging his sword even harder towards his other half. Dark instantly noticed this newfound intensity and soon found he was the one using his shield more than his sword. Dark knew it was time to resort to his god-like speed and began dancing circles around Link while thrashing at him with his sword in a midst of dark blurs of movements. Link began spinning hurriedly around, holding his shield up to defend himself against the oncoming blade. He squinted his eyes trying to make out Dark's form among the flashes of black. Suddenly, he sensed a presence behind his back and instinctively jabbed his sword under his arm and past his left side to his attacker. Link cringed when he felt his blade come in contact with a surface and turned around to confirm his worst fears.
Dark stumbled backwards, wrecked with pain from the sword now lodged in his right shoulder. It penetrated through the upper right side of his chest and exited behind his shoulder blade, scraping against the bone and prohibiting movement. He'd been so focused on how to remove the weapon he'd yet to notice Link's desperate pleas and frantic shouting. He looked up to see a very distressed hero, bawling uncontrollably while shouting obscenities he couldn't quite make out through his hazy state. He gave Link a smirk which only seemed to make him more irritable.
"That's… what I'm talking about, hero." Dark stated roughly while wincing in pain.
"What the fuck, Dark?" Link screamed while dropping to his knees next to his wounded partner who's shoulder was spurting bursts of crimson liquid, staining the green grass below, "Why did you make me do this?"
Dark grasped onto the handle of the legendary blade and wrapped his fingers tightly around. He coughed up a thick substance of saliva and blood then took a deep breath before yanking the weapon from his body and throwing it hastily to the ground. He groaned in agony from the pain of drawing out the weapon then began digging around in his pockets for an item. He pulled out a bottle with a small pink fairy dwelling inside and broke it against a nearby rock, setting the tiny little life-saver free to work her magic on his wounds.
"You planned this whole thing, didn't you?" Link asked with shock, "I can't believe you!" Link was so angry he wanted to slap Dark across his pretty face, but he'd feel terrible after he'd just stabbed him with a sword.
"It was for your own good, Link." Dark replied sharply while giving him a determined stare with no hint of regret, "You need to do away with emotions in battle. I'd been preparing myself since the Spirit Temple to fight you. I put my feelings and our relationship aside so I could battle you with my full potential… the potential I used to have when I was confined to my room in the Water Temple."
"What was the point in all of this… why do you want to hurt me…" Link muttered sadly while avoiding Dark's piercing crimson eyes.
"I wasn't trying to hurt you! I was only trying to make you stronger. I've doubted your ability to defeat Ganondorf ever since I saw your sympathy for those wretched old hags." Dark replied bitterly, "What would have happened if I hadn't been there? You depend too much on me, Link. That's not how I wanted it to be."
"I thought you wanted to help me!" Link responded irritably, "I thought you enjoyed going with me to the temples… and fending off monsters. You like that sort of thing…"
"Yes I find it amusing… but when it comes down to it I'm not the one who's supposed to be saving the world. You are the Hero of Time. You are the one who's supposed to defeat Ganondorf. I don't want you to think you can slack off because you know I'll be there to bail you out when you get yourself in a bad situation."
"Why did you make me fight you…?" Link asked softly while grabbing at one of Dark's blood slicked hands and entwining his fingers around his, "Why couldn't you just tell me that...?"
"I needed to test your strength… to see if you're ready…"
"It… was a test? What a sick test!" Link scolded but then thought for a moment, "…How… did I do?" Link asked curiously with a slight laugh. Dark didn't seem to find it very funny.
"Well obviously you've gotten better since our dual in the Water Temple. You weren't able to even bring that sword within an inch of my body. However, I'm worried that I've only gotten weak…" Dark muttered while looking off into the distance, "You have the potential… and with that sword… the only sword that can slay the Evil King… I think you can do it."
"We can do it." Link replied with an innocent smile. Dark sighed sadly. He just wasn't getting it.
"Link… can I ask something of you…" Dark asked quietly while taking both of Link's hands into his own. Link nodded 'yes' and scooted a bit closer, "If I should fall dead in battle, you can NOT let me down. Do you understand me?"
"But i—
"Listen! Your insolence is starting to get on my nerves… You do not let me down. You fight Ganon and you kill him dead. Do you hear me?" Dark barked seriously. Link only nodded lightly, tears forming in his eyes, "Please don't cry Link… I'm only making sure you're prepared for the worst." Dark's words hadn't helped and the tiny drops of water started to make trails down Link's cheeks. Dark grunted in agitation, angry that he'd upset Link and attempted to wipe the tears away forgetting about his blood stained hands, "Dammit… now I got blood all over your face." Link looked mortified and began rubbing at his face furiously causing Dark to topple over in laughter.
"Dark…" Link stammered through a stuffy nose, "Next time you want to pull a stupid stunt like this could you give me a little warning? I thought you were trying to do away with me!" He crossed his arms and looked solemnly at his other half, "Dark I've wanted to tell you some—
"Wait Link… there's something I need to get off my chest." Dark interrupted putting a finger to Link's pale lips, "I wanted to tell you before you went back in time… and I just got so nervous… actually I meant to tell you a long time ago… but I thought it was too soon… it's just… I don't want you to think that I'm just saying this because tomorrow we could possibly die. I mean…. Not to be so negative but—
"Dark!" Link shouted, growing irritated with his babbling, "Spit it out!" Dark started to fidget and twitch uncomfortably on the ground. He finally sighed, sucking up his pride and began to spill his guts out.
"Link, I care about you in a way that I really can't explain. I have so many pent up emotions that I don't know what's true and what's not… and sometimes you make me want to explode because I can't express my feelings in a way I feel comfortable with." Dark stammered, "I'm not making any sense, am i?"
"Not really…" Link laughed while putting a hand to his mouth to try and suppress his giggles.
"I'm no good with words…" Dark was becoming frustrated and clenched his fists in agitation.
"Then… show me." Link mumbled through a fierce blush. Dark grinned wildly as he leaned in closer to the blonde. He brought a hand to his cheek and delicately pressed his lips against Links, "Do it… like you did before." Dark cocked his head to the side in confusion then recalled earlier when he violently forced a kiss from Link before they endured in their battle.
"You liked that?" He asked with a seductive grin. Link only nodded, his blush intensifying by ten shades. Dark then forced a vulnerable Link to the ground and placed his knees on either side of his torso. He snaked his hand behind his neck and crashed his lips roughly to Link's, forcing his curious tongue into his mouth to bring Link's own out of hiding. Although Link was nervous he didn't shy away and his cautiousness eventually subsided. Dark broke apart from him, and then gave Link a gentle kiss on the forehead before shifting his body downwards to nibble and suck on the curve of his neck forcing a small yelp from the hero. Dark grinned against his skin, salty from the previous sweaty combat. He trailed his fingers down his torso then slipped his hand under his tunic, grazing his calloused fingers across his chest and ticklish ribs. Link tried desperately to not pull away from the tingling sensation and found himself grabbing at the fabric of Dark's tunic and grinding his body against his. Dark stopped to look up at the boy who was just begging for pleasure. He crept his hand down towards the hemline of Link's pants and slipped his fingers under the band. He glanced back up at Link as if to ask for permission but before he could respond a very distressed fairy interrupted.
"Can you two do this on your own time?" Navi squealed, "I'm trying really hard to get used to this… but out in the open… and while I'm sitting right here?"
Dark growled in frustration and rolled off of Link to his side, "Damn you bug." He grabbed at the growing sensation in his trousers and fidgeted uncomfortably. Dark sat up and sighed to see a just as peeved Link, glaring hatefully towards the bratty fairy. Dark couldn't help but laugh and brought one of Link's hands to his lips, giving it a kiss.
"We'll have our time, sweetheart." Dark purred deviously with a seductive grin, flaring those sharp fangs of his.
Link only nodded with a weak smile, contemplating if he was ready for what was to come anyway and then lay back down on the soft green grass. Dark leaned back as well and began running his fingers through Link's blonde hair.
"You know… you have the prettiest hair. It's like… a sunflower."
A/N: Meh hehe I teased you. :P and awwwwww do you guys remember the last line! I should hope so! Anyways… probably only two more chapters and this story is toast. In your review you can leave me suggestions for a new story! Thanks for reading. I luff you all!
