The Hero's Many Faces - Chapter 2

The Hero's Many Faces

Chapter 2: Dark Forces

The Zelda games and all characters in them are owned by Nintendo. Shucks.

"Hey! Looking for me?" Link looked up at the dark figure. The evil king seemed amused by the nerve of the child - so what if he'd grow up a hero? As he was, he was no threat. He'd seen the sword shatter in the explosion at the temple - a focused blast of energy had seen it ruined. He had nothing to fear.

"Foolish boy. Why do you think you can defeat me? You haven't got a chance."

"I haven't, no..."

Almost casually, masking his fear - not only of his opponent but of himself - Link flipped the Fierce Deity's mask on. Dark forces pulsed through his body, transforming... Two minds into one...He roared, in the pain of body and soul. As suddenly as it began, the transformation ended A powerful warrior spirit looked at his nemesis through empty eyes.

"Now, perhaps?" He drew his sword. Losing control, Ganon the monster attacked, all pretences at humanity abandoned...

The battle began.

...Ha! Remember me?...

...This guy's pathetic! Weak... How could I have had such trouble fighting him before? Well, that was then, the bad old days. I was just as weak. But now...

Effortlessly, he leapt backwards over the swinging blades. No Light Arrows? No problem! It wasn't like he needed them now. His sword was the only weapon he needed. A blast of blue energy flared from the tip, smashing Ganon between the eyes. The minotaur-creature roared.

...No, I don't need to go back to how I was...

...Yes, I do...

He sprang sideways, and slashed at the unprotected tail. Ganon left himself so vulnerable! The fool... so big, so slow. Unworthy of the powers that the Triforce bestowed upon him.

...Am I?...

...What a stupid question!...

Ganon raged, and lunged forward. The blows were deflected easily. The fierce spirit burning, he leapt and sent another energy burst into the evil one's face. He vaulted round and brought the double blades of his sword down on the weak spot.

The monster-king was flagging fast. Two more blows brought him down. The conquering deity felt no pity as he thrust the sword into the demonic heart, and stopped its eternal beat - only satisfaction.

...This isn't how it should go...

...Says who?...

Ganon faded away - back to his prison? Who knew? A triangular shape blazed at the fading figure's heart for a moment, before vanishing.

...Okay. I have to go back!...

...Why? To be a foolish child? A little boy lost and confused? I don't think so...

...No, it's not right. I have to...

Inside, he struggled. Who was he, anyway? Was he just wearing a mask, or was this truly who he was, and who he was supposed to be? Was the face behind the mask really him?

Three words mocked him.

Hero of Time...

Link clasped both hands to his face. Fighting with himself, trying to free himself from the powers, he rolled on the ground. Concentrating all his will on reclaiming his body - his old self, he screamed. "Zelda... Princess... help me! The Ocarina!"

"What should I do?" she shouted back.

"Ah...no... play for me... the song of healing...three middle notes descending, repeated...ah, euh.. no... it's..." Faint traces of blue flickered in his eyes, but were flooded out.

He was losing.

At least I won that last battle...

The darkness was calling.

A/N - Thanks so much for all the reviews on Chapter 1 - keep them coming. You guys are great. Sorry it's only a short 'un this time, but what d'you think?