Chapter 55: The Fight Begins! Link vs. Cyrus!

"Hawthorn...the Divine Opulence…" Cyrus slowly rambled on. "Ah, such beautiful dreams. Having that treasure, endless glory…I dream of going to the Second Earth. But I lack one of the Sacred Compasses."

"Cyrus." Link spoke up. Cyrus shook his head, losing his dream and focusing on the small youth in front of him. "Now that I know how to become the king, and that it's nearly impossible for anyone, I need the strongest crew that I can find." Link walked up some, standing in front of the Big Blin. "Therefore, I'm taking Gladius with me." Cyrus laughed wildly at his command.

"Why would I give up my strongest commander to an enemy?!" Cyrus stood up from his chair. "I'd die before I let such a strong underling leave me. I'll be making it to the Second Earth, not you."

"Well, I guess there is no other option." Link uttered. Gladius suddenly grew tense and took a step forward, trying to stop the next words that would escape Link's mouth. But it was too late. "I challenge you, Cyrus, to a duel for Gladius. Winner takes him, the other's crew and the Forsaken Fortress. Loser…" Link stopped for a minute. "Loser dies."

"No Link!" Gladius said, stepping in front of Link. "He's going to win!" Link pushed him backward.

"I will definitely win, Gladius. I won't leave here without you." Link responded. Gladius choked up slightly. Not because of Link's bravery, but because he still believed Cyrus was going to win.

"How cute. Sure, I'll battle with you Green Hat." Cyrus answered. "Let me demonstrate my powers." Immediately he was off. Like a lightning bolt he smashed into Gladius, delivering a powerful punch of momentum. Gladius flew out of the room, smashing through the wooden wall and out over the fortress. He still flew, even outside the walls of the fortress.

Link's jaw dropped as he helplessly watched his friend fly from the room. He turned around and, in anger, threw a furious punch at Cyrus. However, Cyrus quickly maneuvered himself and was now standing directly behind Link. "This is the power of the strongest man in the Great Sea. The Speed Gauntlet." Cyrus smiled evilly.

"You jerk!" Link turned around and jumped forward, trying to body tackle him, but instead missed and fell onto the floor. Cyrus once again appeared behind him and punched straight into his face. Link rolled across the room and into the wall, cracking it slightly. Link slowly rose and brushed off his clothes, and lightly felt his cheek and jaw bone.

"Ah, Green Hat…you are one of the few people to survive my punches." Cyrus slightly frowned. "But then again, I wasn't using my powers there." He laughed as Link slowly realized the horror of his enemy's power. It was about this time, however, that a storm had formed in the area. Storms weren't uncommon to the area, so no one thought about it.

"I'm…I'm still going to kill you, Cyrus!" Link cried, preparing his fists.

"I'd like to see you try, Green Hat Link."

So sorry for the weak chapter. That's just what was planned and due to lack of time and school work this was the best I could produce. Forgive me of my sins. Next week=better.