"You are always going on like this, and even if you pile on the lies,

You can never again return by this road,

What kind of dream were you drawing and fell into,

That time when you lost your footing on the other side of the border?"

Lyrics from Hack/Sign 'Edge' ~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*

The fight started before Link could even blink, Kamo charged in with quick movement trying to catch Link off guard, but the Master Sword seemed attuned to his moves and quickly flashed a warning to the boy.

Instinctively Link dodged to the side one second faster than Kamo, blade missing him by mere inches. The slash had been so clean and so powerful that the fog parted wherever the sword moved.

"Kamo!" Link said. "Kamo stop! I don't want to fight you!" But his words fell upon deaf ears as the demon swordsman turned slowly to face him. His white blank eyes narrowed in murderous intent before he readied his sword and rushed in, the Master Sword flashed wildly as Kamo began a series of strikes hard pressing the slight boy.

Each strike was vicious and hard, and Link's attention was divided to keeping a solid grip upon the sword and parrying Kamo's stabs and slashes. It was quite a feat and the demon must have been surprised as well for the sword never left his small hands. Link silently gave thanks to the power bracelets he had acquired in his journeys. With them on, he was more of an equal to Kamo.

Between blows, Kamo in his insanity or carelessness (link wasn't sure which) left himself open and when Link saw this chance he maneuvered the Master Sword trying to make a clean thrust at the demon. Instantly, as if reading Link's mind, Kamo threw himself back allowing the Master Sword to hit pure air. He landed in a crouching position with one hand gripping the double Helix sword behind him. In the red light that filled the room, he seemed like a dark demon from his worst nightmares. Finely toned muscles were tense with untold strength. Even his body form boasted of seasoned experience and unsurpassed skill.

Since his times training with his teacher Orca, Link has never fought an opponent with such competence and speed! But he didn't want to fight Kamo, and he didn't want to kill him either! Was this the reason that Kamo wanted to die?! Even if Gannondorf created him, surely there had to be some worth in living? There had to be another way to end this with out one of them having to die.

Kamo flew at Link swinging his sword down upon the boy. The Double Helix blade was instantly barred by the Master Sword's might. Under the pressure of Kamo, Link had to use his forearm as support for the Master Sword to lean against. Kamo was so close now, and Link could hear his ragged breathing and see the sharp fangs, it reminded him very much of a wild animal, a wild animal that was enjoying the kill of the hunt.

Was that all Kamo was now? A savage humanoid created to mock the world?

Mock the world? That was what the Stalfose had said. Even though it had been a curt explanation, it piqued Link's interest. How would creating Kamos be a mockery to the world? The reasons were lost to Link and it wasn't like his current situation permitted him to delve too deeply with the details. And yet, Link was sure that there was more to Kamo than meets the eye.

Link nimbly dodged another onslaught from Kamo, but he knew he wasn't going to be able to do that forever, as he could feel his legs ache and his lungs burning for air. Even his grip upon the Master Sword seems to tremble from weariness.

*Got to get out of here, maybe being out of the red light would return Kamo to normal. *

Link thought, but to turn his back to Kamo was extremely risky as the swordsman proved that speed was not an issue. But to stay here would mean certain defeat for Link.

The boy opted for the quick and hasty retreat and readied his sword, Kamo mindlessly took the bait and attacked. Link, having remembered a few techniques from Orca, instantly parried the blow, using his opponent's weight against him. The Master Sword tilted slightly and the force of the attack simply slid off to the side causing Kamo to fall past the boy.

Wishing that Orca could have seen that move executed perfectly, Link darted forward as quickly as he could. That was a tricky move but it only gave him a few seconds to make his escape.

As he ran Link thought he heard the ferocious snarl going in his direction. This only served as the motive to run even faster. Luckily, the stalfos guard had left the huge double door open with just enough space to let him through.

The Stalfoes guards were still stood posted outside and seemed rather surprised by Link's sudden appearance.

"Stalfoes! Get out of here! Kamo is coming!!!" Link shouted almost breathlessly as he sped by. He couldn't believe that he was giving orders to the guards.

The guards unlike their peers, moved immediately, and were soon following him close behind. Link was rather surprised with their speed as they matched strides and kept up. It was like those mallets didn't weigh a thing.

Link felt his heart stop as he heard the thunderous crash of wood being splintered by a powerful force. Kamo was out now and the boy could swear he heard the fast foot falls as the demon gained distance.

"Link.." A Stalfose said. "Up ahead issss the entrance.."

Sure enough, up ahead Link could see a glowing rectangle, they had made it!

"Follow my lead!!" The boy ordered the three as they left the darkness of the Temple to enter into the world of mist. He practically flew over the steps to tumble in the cold sand. The Stalfoses flanked him from each side and one behind. They were a short ways from the Temple when Link finally turned around satisfied with the open area. His side was beginning to hurt and he gasped for breath.

"Get ready this is gonna be a tough fight." Link said darkly.

Both stalfoes on either side of him drew their weapons.

"We ssshall fight along sssside you if you wisssh!" One said.

"We are yoursss to lead! We will gladly follow!" The other added.

"Anything to free Kamo." The last stalfoes said albeit sadly. Link didn't like the way he said it, but he knew there was probably no choice in the matter. If this is was all that Kamo would be used for, a puppet for Gannondorf, then who was he to deny the man freedom. Still, Link found himself questioning his resolve. Had he really done all that was in his power to save Kamo's life? Was there even a way?

Unfortunately he didn't have the time to think about it much as Kamo's form appeared at the entrance. Unlike before, he acted as if he was uncertain to leave the premises of the Temple, looking about him curiously and blinking profusely into the gray light of the day.

"Thisss isss the firssst time in ssscenturies that he'sss left the Temple'sss inner chamber." The stalfoes to Link's left said quietly.

"Do you think that being outside of the chamber has reverted him back?" Link asked hopefully. But as Kamo spotted the four, he gave a wild smile fangs and all.

"No, not in the leasssst bit." The stalfoes to the right replied rather glumly as Kamo started for them allowing his sword to drag in the sands behind him.

Link readied his sword, "Okay you guys, try to keep him distracted, he can't attack all four of us at once!"

"You'd be surprissssed," The stalfoes behind quipped. Link shot him a look and he added; "All we can do issss give you an opening, but that issss all we can do for you."

The boy nodded but there was an uncertain look on his face. "What about you guys? Is that really alright? I mean, won't you be killed?"

The stalfoes shrugged. "We are already dead." It said half-heartedly.

Link felt a hard shove from behind as the Stalfoes stepped forward. "Headsssss up!" He hissed eyes glowing brightly. Link looked back to the front and saw that the swordsman was walking their way. "Spread out!" Link said making a grand sweep with his arm. "And don't try to attack him, take the defensive! You'll last longer! Leave offensive to me!"

All three mock saluted stoutly. "Yesss ssssirrrr!" And with that, each took off in a different direction forming a rather wide circle around Kamo.

When the demon swordsman saw this he slowed to a stop looking at each of them in turn. A flicker of amusement passed his painted features and that was all Link saw before Kamo disappeared in a flash, kicking up a sand wave in his wake. For one second Link lost sight of Kamo and his eyes darted every which way until he heard a distinct clang. Homing in on the sound, Link looked to his left and found that one of the Stalfoes had intercepted Kamo Spiked mace crossed the Helix blade perfectly. Link was to say the least amazed by the quick response. He was so sure that the stalfoes where a slow lot and would be easy targets for Kamo. But this illusion was shattered as the bone monster threw Kamo back with his weapon. Seemingly pleased, Kamo jumped back at him eager to tear into his.umm, bones. But the Stalfoes simply took a side stance and wielded his weapon with no hesitation, parrying the attack once more.

Amazing! Link had never seen anything like that! He was quite glad that these particular stalfoes were on his side! He was almost too distracted with the fight displayed when he gave himself a mental slap.

*What are YOU doing?! You have a job to do! Stop standing there like some little kid!*

Link gripped the Master Sword for reassurance and quickly started to make his way around Kamo, cautious that the Swords man did not see him and that he did not stray too close. The other two Stalfoes waited patiently posted in their spots. Actually, it seemed that they watched the fight with great anticipation. Once in a while Link would catch a shoulder bone twitch here, or bony fingers snap quietly as they tightened their grips upon their weapons.

The boy concentrated upon finding an opening, but it was very difficult as the swordsman was fast and he struck with lightning quick precision.

Link shook his head clearing it. "No, I have to find an opening, even if it's the most vulnerable part of his body.Even if it means that I may kill him."

A loud bone-breaking crash was heard and as Link looked on, sand had kicked up in place where he saw the first stalfoes and Kamo fighting, and he had not the chance to think where Kamo was when he heard another metallic clang. Link's gaze shot to the right.

Kamo began his assault mercilessly causing the stalfoes to slowly back up with each block. Second chance, and still no opening!

"No, he can't be THAT good." Link murmured softly, and yet for Kamo it was highly possible. But Link didn't have too long to debate about this notion for unlike the last fight, this stalfoes fell too soon as Kamo used his speed to dart in a different directions confusing it. And a smooth slice from behind brought the stalfoes down. It's pieces rained down upon the sand. Once again the Kamo disappeared. The boy frantically looked about as he scolded himself mentally for letting it happens AGAIN.

"LINK!!!!" A hoarse voice shouted, and Link felt something hard throw him to the side. As he fell Link saw Sparks fly as weapons clashed. It took only a few seconds for the boy to realize what had happen.

Kamo had attacked him but the stalfoes pushed him out of the way. This noble move however came at a price, and right before Link hit the sands, he saw Kamo expertly maneuver his sword and cleanly cut the stalfos in half. The pieces fell right before the boy and as they did, everything seemed to slow.

*Link, counter NOW!! * The Voice of the stalfos echoed in his mind, and at that moment, the Master Sword flashed to life, and weather Link realized what it meant or not, his body KNEW and fell easily to the side in a roll. In that split second when he recovered, he found himself at Kamo's back, and instinctively, he launched himself up off of Kamo's back.

As he did so, he immediately caught Kamo's attention and the swordsman looked behind and around him before looking up. However, by that time it was too late as Link had reached his height, Master Sword poised, and began to descend fast. He knew everything was perfect, the timing, the speed, and knew exactly where the blade was to land.

But as he descended, his eyes locked onto Kamo's. In that brief exchange, something in Kamo's face changed in a blink of an eye. An image replaced Kamo's face.

An image of another face.

Strong Crystal blue eyes stared back at him sadly, face was full of color and life and was framed by golden blond hair. It was a kinder gentler face.

HIS face...

Link's eyes widened as he suddenly

He couldn't kill Kamo! The thought screamed through Link's head, shattering his concentration.

In that split second before impact, Link faltered and Kamo saw this. When this second ended, the tables had drastically turned upon Link and the boy suddenly found himself upon the ground pinned and weaponless. Kamo pinned the boy to the ground holding him by the neck, chocking him profusely. Right before impact, Kamo saw Link hesitate, and heaved his own sword upwards, dealing a quick concise disarming blow to Link. This sent the Master Sword spinning viciously high into the air. While stunned Kamo snatched the boy in mid air slamming him to the ground victorious causing sand to fly every which way. With only one hand Kamo pinned Link down his whole body was bent over him very much in the same manner as a wolf would to its prey.

Link's eyes began to water as Kamo threw his weight onto Link. The boy tore at his hands trying to get him to release his iron grip. But the demon swordsman pushed him deeper into the sands, his fanged smile growing savage and hungry.

"K, Kamo!!!" Link choked. "Kamo stop!!!!" But Link could not force the older youth off him by sheer strength alone.

The possessed swordsman did not heed his cry, seemingly enjoying his pain. Blackness began to creep on the outer edges of Link's vision and the boy knew he was running out of time!

Link kept one hand upon Kamo's still trying to pry it off as his other hand reached into his pockets. Searching desperately as the air left his lungs, Link fingered a shard of the golden triforce. His hand gripped it tightly as he with drew it and fiercely rammed it into Kamo's hand like a dagger.

Upon contact, Link felt a surge of energy leap from the triforce as if responding to Kamo's hand. The resulting energy caused the small piece of triforce to burn brightly. That was when Link felt the pressure lift from his throat and he coughed and gasped as air flooded back into his burning lungs. As soon as he caught his breath, he found himself still lying upon his back staring up. Kamo was still knelt over him, but he was staring at his own hand (the one that Link stabbed) in utter bewilderment. If he had caused Kamo any pain, he certainly wasn't showing it. When Kamo turned his hand to look at the front and back, Link noticed that there wasn't even a cut or single drop of blood.

Link began to sit upright rubbing his neck sorely. Kamo did not move or force him down again but did not seem to even notice that Link was even there. His blank white eyes had regained their color and Link saw the familiar blue eyes filled with puzzlement.

And right before Link's eyes, another transformation happened, the slivery white fringe of Kamo's hair seemed to wash away revealing golden blond hair. Pale colors and war paint faded from his face as his face was flushed with life once more.

Kamo drew in a shaky breath as something else came back to him. He raised a hand to his head as if something pained him greatly.

"Ka, Kamo?" The boy began, but the other's eyes had suddenly shot open, those blue eyes shone once more, brightly, strongly, as if a heavy veil were lifted from them.

*LINK! *

A distinctly female voice called and both looked up heavenwards. There, Link spotted the Master Sword that Kamo had knocked out of his grasp, (evidently it was powerful enough to send it into the stratosphere) falling sharp edge pointed down wards toward them and gaining speed. And Link knew who its target was.

Kamo sat there upon his knees looking at this falling blade unbelievingly. And much to Link's horror, Kamo raised his arms up as if ready to intercept the blade and the name escaped his lips.

"ZELDA!"

"What?! Zelda?!" Link said aloud. "No, how did he?! What is~!?" Questions spun through Link's mind and he shook his mind free of it all as he realized that Kamo was in danger. "Kamo! Snap out of it! You've got to move! That's not~!!!" But Link could not finish as he glanced up once more and saw that the Master Sword's form was enveloped in a soft white glow, but it did little to slow the speed of it's deadly decent. The misty cloud covered the Master Blade and as if formed, white soft feathers were left in it's wake. And soon Link could make out the form of a cloak, as the figure continued to fall, the form of the Master Sword disappeared and the figure became more clear, it was then that the high speed winds blew back the hooded cloak to reveal the head of a sleeping woman with beautiful shimmering golden hair topped with a majestic tiara upon her forehead.

It was the woman from his dreams!

So, her name was also Zelda.

At the last moment, Link knowing there was nothing he could do for Kamo, jumped out of the way as the two figures met. And from where he was, he could HEAR the sound of metal sliding cleanly into flesh, but when he looked, he saw that there were two people holding each other. Kamo's face was towards him and Link saw glistening tears fall from his eyes as he held Zelda with all his might.

"Link, I've waited so long for you." Zelda whispered. And Kamo, whose name was apparently Link as well nodded softly.

"Zelda, I knew you would come back for me, I knew you wouldn't forget." Link replied in a weary voice.

"Now, let us go on together, my dear Link."

And that was all the boy hero heard before a bright light enveloped the two to bathe the whole area in white warm light.