CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

Wynn desperately clutched the back of the horse he rode, praying that he wouldn't fall. He raced across Hyrule Field, the horse's hooves stirring up a cloud of dust behind him. His eyes narrowed as he noticed the entrance to the Gerudo's Valley coming up. Seron, here I come, he thought grimly.

The previous night, he had hiked across the field tirelessly, driven by his desire to catch up with Seron. It had been dawn when he had reached Lon Lon Ranch. As he had passed by the entrance, Malon, busy with her chores, had seen him and called to him. He had answered, and accepted her invitation to stay at the ranch for a few minutes and rest.

To no surprise, Kesler had been there, visiting and recuperating from Seron's windmill attack. Wynn and the soldier had talked about Seron and Wynn's quest to stop him, and Wynn had mentioned his destination, which led to Malon immediately offering to loan him a horse. Wynn had almost refused, knowing his luck with horses, but had finally agreed, realizing it to be the easiest way to pursue Seron.

He had left soon after they had given him a horse. After a few failed tries, he had mounted the horse, waved goodbye to Malon and Kesler, fallen back off, gotten back on, and rode away. Now, he was far from the ranch, racing towards his rival.

His eyes narrowed. Somehow, he knew Seron would be near the Desert Colossus, past the barren stretches of the Haunted Wastelands. It would be a difficult trip, but the wizard wouldn't beat Wynn again. Not while he still breathed.

Wynn rode off into the west, never stopping. It was between him and Seron, alone. Nobody to interrupt, nobody to save either of them. It ended now.

******

Much later, Wynn wiped the sand from his eyes. He fell to his knees as he emerged from the Haunted Wastelands, the desert winds gusting sand behind him. He groaned, forcing himself to get up and finish his journey.

Dragging his feet through the sand, he trudged forward. He had no idea where he was going, but blindly followed his instincts, walking along a nearby cliff wall. He was near the Desert Colossus, home to the Spirit Temple. He had just passed through the Haunted Wasteland, a stretch of lifeless desert that always seemed to be broiling in a sandstorm.

That morning, he had arrived in the Gerudo's Fortress, home to Shezarah's race, which was composed of warrior women. He had spotted a familiar face, and had trusted the horse he had been riding to the woman, making her promise to return the horse to the ranch in three days, if he didn't return by that time. She had agreed, and he had walked into the desert alone.

Now, he had arrived at his destination, his insight told him. But, where was Seron? Wynn wiped his eyes again, searching his surroundings for his dark rival. He smiled grimly. Caught you, he thought, then started forward.

Seron smirked, raising his glove to point at a weak spot on the cliff wall scarred by a jagged crack. He ignored the thump behind him as the tired, sand-battered Tekiton collapsed to the ground. Time to gain the biggest prize, and make Wynn pay.

He released his magic, laughing as it blasted through the wall, leaving an opening large enough to squeeze through. He started forward, paused, and then turned to the Tekiton. He hauled it to its feet, and pressed it through the opening first, using it to check for traps as it shrieked in alarm. Suddenly, it stopped, and collapsed. He frowned, then tapped it. It didn't move. His eyes narrowed in anger as he heard a soft snore erupt from it. An unseen trap hadn't killed it, it had fainted!

Sighing, he walked forward, stopping to pick up the monster and carry it into the fountain. He stopped, letting the cool air inside the cavern help him recover from his wearying trek across the desert. He put the Tekiton on the ground, then walked towards the fountain that was home to the Great Fairy.

"Stop, or die," a cold voice announced. Seron whirled, seeing his enemy's silhouette against the light coming from the outside.

"So, where are your little flunkies, hero?" Seron sneered as he used the word 'hero', spitting it out like an insult.

"They're safe, somewhere you can't hurt them," Wynn frowned, drawing his sword.

"Too bad. Guess I'll have to wait to finish you before I see them die."

"Oh, you'll see them again, Seron. At your funeral, not theirs."

"Greetings, Mortals. Welcome to the Fountain of the Great Fairy of Magic," came a familiar chilling voice, as the Great Fairy rose from the fountain near them. Both men grimaced at the interruption to their conflict, and faced the magical creature. "I have a test for you, if you choose to take it. A test of power, and endurance, and spirit. To the winner goes the Crown of Power, but only to one who earns it. Do you accept?"

Seron smirked arrogantly. "I'm up to it."

Wynn nodded, sheathing his sword.

"Very well. Your task is a race to the gates of Kakariko. May the best man win. Farewell…heroes."

Wynn frowned as a bright light surrounded both men and the monster. Heroes? Wynn could be called a hero, but Seron…more likely the Tekiton!

When the light cleared, the three were standing near the cliff wall leading to the peak of Death Mountain. Wynn looked to Seron. The other was smiling braggingly. "Guess she knows I'd win, with all the talk about best man."

"You're about to be the best man to eat my dust!" Wynn shouted, taking of down the path leading down the mountain.

"Hey!" Seron shouted indignantly, then dashed after Wynn. Wynn raced down the path, then up a small hill, sensing Seron closing behind him. He raced down the narrow paths leading back down the hill, then growled as he saw Seron fly overhead. Wynn concentrated, racing around a curve, but Seron had passed him, and as Wynn watched he soared off another cliff, floating down, almost to the entrance to Kakariko.

Seron laughed, sparing a glance behind him and not seeing Wynn. The dark wizard dashed into Kakariko, feeling his muscles begin to burn. He kept up the pace, going down stairs, past Kiara's house-

WHAM! Seron yelped as he was knocked to the ground, tackled from the side. He angrily whirled, and his face fell as his worst fear came true.

"Sertane! Where were you last night? You promised me you would come back! What's going on?" Kiara shouted from atop him, furious.

Seron couldn't answer, his eyes widening with shock as he desperately tried to find the words to explain. He couldn't grasp them, and he merely gasped for breath. He knew Wynn was going to catch up, but he suddenly didn't care. "Please, Kiara, I…"

Suddenly, the hero dashed by. Noticing Seron pinned to the ground, and not understanding but not caring, Wynn laughed. "See you later, Seron!"

"Seron? SERON?!?"

Seron's jaw dropped. This was not good.

"Who are you?" demanded an irate Kiara, shaking with anger.

Suddenly trying to at least lighten the mood a bit, Seron chuckled. "I'm not…Sertane."

Kiara stood up, her face red. "You LIED to me! I trusted you! I believed you! I…I HATE you!" she said, yanking the Pendant of Power from where Seron had placed it on her neck. Tears suddenly coming from her eyes, she threw the pendant at the wizard, then ran, not even seeing it slam into his face.

Seron stood, holding the magical item tenderly, his mind and heart torn. He could still beat Wynn, and complete his destiny. But, Kiara…

Seron turned, and ran after the weeping girl, leaving his chance for conquest behind him.

******

Wynn smiled as he placed the Crown of Power on his head. He had beat Seron this time! He looked around, expected the apprentice to dash up at any time, but there was no sign of him. He paused, drawing his sword. It could be a trap…

"Wynn…" choked a voice from behind him. The hero whirled, weapon at ready. His jaw dropped as he saw the source of the cry.

Near him were his friends. Each was injured. Tane clutched a bruised head and gut. Shezarah leaned of him, her eyes still foggy and unfocused. Fami and Nerah walked together, each as hurt as the other. Jier had dried blood on his face, from an injured nose. "He…beware…"

Wynn rushed to the battered group, grabbing Nerah and Tane by the elbows and leading them into the town, hurrying to get them help. He knew they were all hurt bad, and needed the Cucco Lady's attentions as soon as possible. As he led the group towards the home of the town's healer, only one thought ran through his head.

Seron. I don't know how, but he did this! He is responsible.

Seron will pay!

******

Seron stared out across the town of Kakariko, his shoulders slumping. It was over. He had failed to find Kiara after…He slammed his fist into the ground. She was nowhere to be found…it was all because of WYNN!

Letting out a roar of hatred and anger, he began slamming his fist into a solid wall of rock, ignoring the pain, his howl nearly waking the entire town. He ended his assault on the wall with an enormous blast of magic, cratering it. He turned away, ignoring the twinges of pain as shards of the rock bit into his back. He had a pain much greater in his heart.

Seron had always hated Wynn, it seemed. As far back as he could remember, he had been told Wynn was his mortal enemy. Why, the farthest he remembered…

Seron screamed as a bright light coursed through his mind. He desperately flailed, striking out at the air as images whirled through his mind. Images…of his past, even though he didn't know it.

A dark man, mustachioed and wearing only black, battling a man dressed in light-colored armor. The power that seemed to come from both men. The blast of magic that had ended the dark man, whose last words were, "Seron…avenge me!"

The man in light-colored armor, a few years older, teaching him how to use his inner powers. Another man, bearded, laughing with the other man. The bearded man along with the other, kneeling at the throne.

A man dressed in black, with hair a flaming red, attacking the castle. The bearded man, fighting valiantly. The same man, struck down by a blast of magic. The man, Icarnos, his master, standing before him, light streaming from his hands into Seron's mind.

A man, his own age, standing alone. He was clad in dark armor, and clutched a short sword. His brown eyes burned, and power came from him in waves. He was Seron's only equal, a true match.

Wynn.

Seron shook his head, freeing himself from the memories so long sealed away. That collection of images was the first thing he had ever been able to remember seeing. He recalled the fierce and pressured training that had followed, enabling Seron to unlock his darkest powers. Icarnos had been an unforgiving master, but he had given him his powers, or at least helped him unlock them.

But, Icarnos had been stolen away by Wynn.

Then, Deihawk. His partnership with the mercenary king had been his brightest hope for conquest. Seron was using Deihawk, and then, once he killed the man, he would control an army of marauders.

But, Deihawk had been stolen away by Wynn.

Ganon had revived him after Jier had killed him, sealing his own fate as well. Ganon had given him vast powers, control of an army…He had even promised to restore Seron's lost memories. He had promised Seron much.

But, Ganon had been stolen away by Wynn.

Kiara. The beautiful girl that suddenly meant a lot to him. She had shown him something he couldn't ever remember having: kindness…and love. She had kissed him…she had cared for him…

But, Kiara had been stolen away by Wynn.

Wynn, you have taken everything from me. My life means nothing. But, I will have my revenge.

Wynn will pay!

******

Atop Death Mountain, a dark figure gloated, laughing deeply as he stared down to Kakariko. He may have failed to finish either of the fools, but he had a feeling they would do his job for him. He didn't need to lift a finger; they would both self-destruct in their quests for vengeance.

Jevax smirked. He was close to completing his own destiny. Soon, he would find the item that would give him the power to clean the greatest jewel of its impurities. Soon, he would possess the greatest power of those that had nearly destroyed Hyrule. Soon, he would control the darkness itself.

He frowned as he felt two opposite powers flare up. With his powers, he could sense areas of great magic…He grimaced. On one end of town, a house seemed to glow white, filling with unbelievable light magic.

Across town, a wide area of darkness sucked in all light. Its intensity was equal to the other's. Jevax laughed, knowing the causes of both. Two men…so alike, and so different. As same as a mirror's reflection, but like the same reflection reversed. The fools didn't even realize it!

Jevax paused, hearing near-silent movement behind him. He whirled, facing the Zora behind him. "Our part in this little game is finished. We shall leave the two to wipe each other out. We have more important matters to attend to. Come, Bera," he barked.

The two walked away. The darkness of the night soon absorbed them, not leaving a speck of light in their passing. Hyrule had not seen the last of this dark duo.

******

Early the next morning, Wynn woke near his friends. He narrowed his eyes, looking around as each slept uneasily, still held asleep by the potions. He clenched his fists, standing and slipping his gear on. He had failed to stop Seron last time…but not now. He felt a fire burning inside himself, calling for vengeance. Now was the time to end this!

All alone and driven by a need to avenge the suffering Seron had bestowed upon his friends, Wynn stepped out into the twilight, the early brightness announcing his presence to the world. Now was the time to end the war between the rivals, and seal Seron's fate. Wynn set off for Hyrule Marketplace, knowing Seron's destination.

******

Seron's eyes flashed open as he emerged from a nightmare involving his former masters and love deriding him. He sat up, his eyes burning as he slipped his armor on. Wynn had crossed the line, and it was time to end the playing and seal his worst enemy's fate. Now was the last battle!

Seron walked forward into the town, followed by the Tekiton without his knowledge. As Seron walked on, the shadows of twilight cloaked his movements. He started towards Hyrule Marketplace, where he sensed Wynn would go. No more, he swore. No more.

******

As the sun rose high into the sky that day, two men converged on Hyrule Castle. Both knew this was the next destination of their hated foe, and walked on, determined and almost unthinking with rage. They were focused on goal: the destruction of the man that had so wronged him.

Wynn was the first to reach the entrance to the fifth Fairy Fountain. Settled deep in the hills that separated Hyrule Marketplace from Hyrule Castle, the fountain was marked by a small crack in the flat cliff wall. Wynn passed through the guards, who recognized him as a friend to the throne and let him pass. Wynn proudly strode up to the wall, the same mysterious inner sense directing him to this place as the last. Raising a hand, he channeled his powers forward into the wall. After the dust cleared, a small opening was revealed, and Wynn proceeded into the fountain, stooping to enter the low narrow hole of darkness.

Seron arrived some time later. Cloaked by the shadows that seemed to come from his own body, he darted past the soldiers patrolling the grounds, glaring darkly at the oblivious men before moving on, followed by the bumbling Tekiton, who walked at Seron's heels, barely covered by Seron's shield of shadows. The wizard either chose to ignore the monster, or was honestly ignorant of its presence, as he neither looked nor spoke to it.

The two men met inside the fountain. As their eyes met, the world seemed to stop. This was it. One last challenge, one last battle. Death to the loser, peace to the winner. This was their endgame.

"Wynn."

"Seron."

The voices were cold, unemotional, but the eyes spoke volumes. Unspoken declarations of unforgivable pain caused by the other screamed from the two pairs of brown eyes, nearly the same hue. They stood still, not moving.

The Tekiton was the lone witness to this conflict. As it stared at them, it grimaced, not understanding the fight. Both had so much to live for, and they were willing to throw it away for a petty rivalry? A mere…result of what had happened in the unchangeable past, yet could be made up for in the future? This was madness. And, there was no stopping it. Not now…not until the end. The two men were so alike…they shared the same land, the same pride, the same passions for life…to the Tekiton, even though all humans looked nearly identical to it, they even appeared similar…the same physical characteristics, the hair, the shape of the face, the eyes…

No words passed between the two. It was unnecessary. It was time.

But, before the fight could erupt, a chilling laugh interrupted, signaling the entrance of the Great Fairy. Both slowly turned to look at the mystical creature. First, one last test. Then…

"Greetings, mortal heroes. Welcome to the Fountain of the Great Fairy of Magic. This is one of the last tests of your strength of body, mind, and courage. This contest will force you to rethink what you know about how you handle your own darker side…but remember, things are not what they seem…"

"I'm ready."

The two men spoke the same words together, fists clenched. The Fairy paused, looking from one man's eyes to the other's, and back. "No, you aren't. If either of you survives, it shall be luck. And it is no fault of the other man's…it is your own." A frown crossed the creature's face, then was gone. "If only you weren't blinded by hate, you could see the truth."

Neither man stopped to consider the words, instead steeling themselves for the coming challenge. The Fairy gave the two one last look, then disappeared, along with the fountain. In its place were two doors, one dark, on the left, and one light to the right side. Wynn and Seron stepped forward, each into the doors they knew were meant for themselves. The Tekiton sighed, sitting down and waiting for its master to return from yet another test.

******

As Wynn stepped into the next room, he drew his sword, ready for the coming challenge. He was in a wide hall, a circular room with walls composed of large stone bricks. The room was dimly lit, with only two small torches providing illumination. He warily stepped forward, noticing a thick wooden door in front of him, identical to the one behind him. As he moved forward, the door slowly opened, with only darkness behind it. He watched as a dark form came forth, moving into the light. His first thought was that he was to face Seron, but that belief vanished as the man came into view.

The man was of medium height, stocky and muscular. He had brown hair, and fierce brown eyes. His rounded face was contorted with hatred, and his tensed hands clutched a short sword tightly. He wore black armor, which was scarred from battle. He walked forward without a word, coming to rest in a fighting stance near the shocked Wynn. The hero could barely believe what he was seeing. He was standing face to face…with himself.

The other man, Wynn from a year passed, waited, sword at ready. He didn't speak, he didn't move; merely wait for Wynn to attack. So, this is my test? A fight against a younger me? This will be too easy!

Wynn stepped forward, sword at ready. The false Wynn watched him, not moving. Wynn gritted his teeth, and swung his sword, striking fiercely. The other man blocked, then counterattacked, stabbing at Wynn, who fell back, deflecting the move. Stepping forward, Wynn continued the motion by bringing his sword around and up, it almost biting into the dark man's shoulder before being barely stopped by the shorter blade.

Wynn stepped back as a slash flew at his ribs. He grimaced, then changed strategies, taking advantage of his much longer reach. He attacked from a distance, forcing the younger man to defend, but insuring he couldn't attack. The shadowed Wynn blocked swipe after swipe, rage coming over his face. Desperate, he charged.

It was that move that proved to be his last. He dashed inside Wynn's range, sword aimed for the other man's stomach. Wynn threw himself to the side, turning as the man passed. He spun, his sword coming around. The Biggoron's blade cut deep into the small of the copy's back, stopping his dash, dropping him to his knees. The short sword, an exact replica of the one that had been Wynn's father's, clattered to the stone floor.

Wynn walked around, to face the man. The still-silent creature faced the man with the same face as his, the eyes cold and dark. Wynn snarled, and finished the dark thing. The creature collapsed into dust, and was gone.

As he did this, the door the shade had come from creaked open. Wynn looked into the darkness, then walked forward. He walked through a short hall, then entered a room identical to the one he had just left. He looked around cautiously, and then the door on the far side of the room opened slowly. Another man walked out, Wynn once again, the same as the last man Wynn had battled save for the Biggoron Sword he held.

The dark Wynn stepped into the center of the room, moving into a fighting stance. Wynn sighed, then charged, a battle cry at his throat. The two clashed into combat, fighting with swords clanging and twirling. It didn't take Wynn long to realize there would be no tricks like the last battle; this man was nearly his equal at swordplay. He defended and attacked, matching the replica of himself blow for blow.

As he fought, a realization came to his mind. This copy, like the last, had shown no sign of using magic. As a matter of fact…they came from a period before he had known of his magic! He smiled grimly, withdrawing from the other, stepping away. The other man fell back into his stance, not pressing the fight.

Wynn raised his hands, channeling his magic forth. As the twin orbs circled his arms, spiraling closer and closer, the shade eyed him, ready for an attack. As Wynn lowered his arms to point at the man, he dashed forward at the sign of the coming attack, running with sword back, ready for a deadly slash. He wasn't fast enough.

After the dust cleared, Wynn was once again alone in the room. He frowned as the far door opened, beckoning him into the dark pathway leading forward. He looked to where the other had fallen, then moved on.

When he entered the next room, he wasn't surprised to see it was the same as the room before it. The door on the opposite side of the room opened, and another Wynn walked out, once again coming to rest in the center, ready for battle. This one clutched a Biggoron sword, and was dressed in a lighter armor, the same as the one Wynn wore. An aura of magic surrounded him, and Wynn sighed. Here I go again…

Charging forward, he engaged the copy, and the battle raged on.

*** ***

Seron roared in pain as his dark twin drove a fist into his gut. This copy fought dirty, Seron realized as he swung at the other man's face. The two were locked in combat, exchanging magical blasts, then fists.

Seron, although he didn't know it, was in an identical series of rooms as Wynn. He was battling his second copy, which had held a dark talisman that Seron had created long ago, but had been destroyed by Wynn, severely damaging Seron's right hand in the process. Seron had luckily knocked the onyx pendant from the other's hand, and it had been crushed by their feet.

Seron knocked the fake's bare right hand away with his gloved hand, and spun, upper-cutting, the other man, smashing his fist into the other's chin. The copy dropped, eyes rolling back. Seron sneered as a blast of magic finished the fake, and he walked into the next room.

To his dismay, another duplicate walked in, standing ready, not saying a word, not attacking, just waiting. This one wore a dark glove on his right hand. Seron laughed, then lashed out, the cycle of fighting continuing.

******

Wynn dodged another blast of magic, panting for breath. This version of himself was nearly equal to him, almost identical to him in every way…even power. He couldn't crack its defense, and it couldn't crack his. There was only one difference between them: the shade didn't seem to know as many uses for its magic as Wynn, and couldn't control it as well.

Wynn had been wearing it down, but it was taking its toll on him. He had been forced to fight two other versions of himself, and this clone was fresh. He had been calling on his magic to refresh his strength, a power he had noticed the other wasn't capable of, but it was barely enough to keep him going.

The two separated, the clone waiting, Wynn resting. This was a wearying battle, and Wynn knew he wouldn't last much longer; even if he defeated this shadow, another would be waiting behind the next door. He needed a way to win, immediately. He searched his mind for any strategies that he could use.

The false Wynn watched impassively, ready to fight. It didn't take Wynn long to formulate a strategy, and act on it. Using his power to form a shield, he dashed at the other man, who recoiled, lashing out with a blast of magic. It angled of Wynn's shield, and the hero kept running, driving the shadow into the wall. The stunned man stumbled, and didn't have time to dodge as he bounced off the wall right into Wynn's blade.

Without watching his foe crumble into dust, Wynn moved on, going into the next room, leaving the other behind. The next room was identical to the others, save one difference; there was no other door. Instead, the shade of Wynn stood alone, ready in the center of the room. He was completely identical to the other, with even the magic coming from him equal to Wynn's. This was to be no easy battle. This was a fight that neither could win.

Sword at ready, Wynn lunged.

******

Seron gasped for breath as his opponent clutched a smoking hole in his armor. The shadowed figure stumbled about, unable to attack. Seron, too, was winded, but it was obvious who would rise first.

Seron's foe was a man of the same height as he, but totally different in appearance. The other wore a shimmering blue armor, and twin scarlet eyes peered narrowed through the black that formed his body. It was the General, a creature Seron had become after his death at Jier's hands and his following revival by Ganon. The explosion of the magic armor had been the cause of his switching bodies with his Tekiton.

That same armor now bore several deep scars, deep holes burnt completely through. Seron weakly raised a hand, pointing to one such opening where the heart would be. A blast of dark lightning sealed the fate of the dark warrior, and Seron had defeated himself again.

But now, another door beckoned him. Seron climbed exhausted to his feet, and limped into the next room, running a hand along the wall for support. He stumbled into the next room, and wasn't surprised to see the door at the opposite end opening. Seron growled in annoyance as he saw what he was to fight. The Tekiton stood before him, knife clutched in anger. It stood in a fighting stance, and eyed him. With a grumble of annoyance, Seron blasted the weak form from his short time as the monster into kingdom come, and moved on.

To no surprise, he was in another room like the one before, yet with only one door. Seron's final challenge stood before him, identical to him in every way, complete with the Pendant of Power around his neck. He stood ready, prepared for Seron's attack.

He didn't wait long. All too soon, Seron lunged, attacking desperately. The following battle was fast and furious, and ended all too fast. Seron fell to the ground, clutching his gut. The shade stopped his assault, looking to the other with the cold eyes, but a flash of compassion flashed through them, and his defense lowered for a mere moment. It was that moment that counted.

Using the last vestiges of his magic, Seron let loose with a wave of power that swept through the mirror image, destroying it instantly. Seron fell back, darkness pulling at his mind. A similar darkness fell over the room as the torches were extinguished. Seron moaned, sensing the Great Fairy near him.

"Mortal, you have completed the task you believed you were given. I congratulate you. However…you have failed."

With a groan of agony, Seron slumped into unconsciousness. He had lost after all…and that could only mean…Wynn could win again.

******

Wynn fell away from the creature that bore his face, panting for breath. Their battle had lasted for what seemed like hours, and neither could crack the other's defense. Wynn groaned in agony as he panted for breath. He couldn't win!

He froze. He was fighting himself…over and over, but it always led to another battle, with the same foe. He hadn't truly won once; merely won a battle and not the war. He almost smiled as he discovered the answer to the Fairy's riddle. He couldn't defeat himself; it was impossible. Instead, he had to make peace with his darker side, to accept it instead of destroying it. He knew he couldn't give up, but he didn't have to fight, either.

The shade watched him calmly, ready to fight, but not attacking. Wynn cautiously walked to face it, then fell into the same stance as it. The thing watched, confused almost, then, suddenly, lunged, attacking with an amazing fury. Wynn defended, never attacking, always holding his reflection away, but barely.

Finally, the other stepped back, looking to Wynn as if waiting for something, the sword by his side, touching the ground. Wynn looked into the shade's eyes, then dropped his sword. As it landed, Wynn's other side smiled, and nodded to the hero, before turning around and vanishing from view.

The ceiling above Wynn suddenly began to glow, turning almost white as a brilliant light shined down on the hero. When Wynn looked up into it, he felt as if he were floating. When the light was gone, he was back in the main chamber of the fountain.

Both men rematerialized in the fountain at the same time. Their bodies bore no signs of their conflict; it was if it had never really physically happened. They looked the same as when they had left, except for one difference: Wynn now bore the Crown of Wisdom on his head.

At that moment, Seron snapped. He couldn't believe that he had suffered all that for nothing, only to see Wynn gain the prize. Seron might have finally come to the conclusion that he truly couldn't defeat Wynn, or remembered the saying, "Those who fight and run away, live to fight another day". In either case, the result was the same.

With a choked cry, Seron dashed out of the fountain before the Great Fairy could speak, the Tekiton close behind. The two ran, not knowing to where, just running for their lives. Soon, they disappeared over a nearby hill.

Wynn clenched his fists, and a cold look settling over his face. He wouldn't let Seron get away.

"The hunt is on."