XV
The gates were well guarded when the trio arrived. But Roam was aware of numerous hidden passages, secrets even to Link, and they easily found themselves inside the walls. It was still quite dark, and they stayed near the shadows. Still, Ganon had numerous guards, and he surely must have guessed a rescue might occur. Moving silently, they inched closer to castle itself. Link seemed to instinctively know when no one was looking, and they arrived inside the castle without incident.

But here it was lighter. What's worse, there was only one way to the dungeon, and it would certainly be heavily guarded. How would they manage to pass all these rooms and hallways, including the throne room, without incident? And even then, how would they get past all of the guards in the dungeon and break Zelda out? They would need to act quickly, dispose of any guards and escape before a general alarm could be sounded. It seemed impossible. Yet no one was inside. The castle appeared empty as they cautiously made their way closer to the cells. But, as they passed a large antechamber, they saw the reason they were unobstructed. Ganon himself was waiting for them.

Aron's face filled with fear as he nervously stared at the beast in front of him. Roam merely became grim, disgusted at the outcome of their endeavor. As for Link, he tried to keep his face expressionless, to not let Ganon know of his worries. This would not be an easy fight. "Roam, leave with Aron. I will handle this myself." He drew the Master Sword from its sheath and held it in front of him, trusting in its power.

Roam started to protest, but then nodded. It was only logical. He and Aron would have no chance against the monster standing there, and would be a hindrance in this battle. And even if Link did lose, he may still delay Ganon long enough for Roam to find Zelda and escape. Wordlessly, he ran from the room, toward the dungeon. Yet he had no intention of escaping just yet. The silver arrows were also hidden inside the castle, and he would come back to help Link after rescuing Zelda and finding the arrows.

Meanwhile, Link stood expectedly, waiting for Ganon to make the first move. But Ganon remained motionless, holding an ugly staff in his hand. What is he doing? Link wondered. What sort of tricks should I expect? But Ganon only stared at him, grinning evilly the entire time. He had to be planning something, some trap. There was nothing Link could do but attack. And so he charged, Master Sword held high.

It was the opening Ganon was waiting for. He swung his arm around, far quicker then Link expected. Link flew backwards, filled with pain. Ganon did not even hit him, yet Link was thrown backwards against a wall. Ganon raised his staff and pointed it at the Hylian, and a pulse of black energy flew towards him. Link raised the Master Sword in time, deflecting the evil magic towards a far wall. But Ganon extended the next blast, and it enveloped Link where he fell, writhing in pain.

"Your sword is not enough to stop me, kid. It did not stop me before and it won't now. Especially now." He smiled again as Link stared at him in worry and confusion. "You were fused with the Triforce when I was revived. Your blood had its power within it, and that same blood now strengthens me. This time, the full power of the Triforce is at my disposal. And I will destroy you, and with both you and your queen gone, there would be no one to stop me."

This was far more serious than Link thought.

Ganon raised his staff again and swung it around. Link felt his body being thrown through the air yet again, crashing into the opposite wall. Ganon stood between him and the door. There would be no escape now. Link stood up, trying to steady himself despite the pain. Ganon, meanwhile, stared at him again, savoring his victory.

"Is this the best you can do? To think that your kind has defeated me time and again. It's almost embarrassing. But now, when I have real power, you are nothing." Again Ganon blasted Link with his magic. But new energy seemed to appear within Link, and he leapt out of the way in time. A gaping hole appeared in the wall behind Link, but he paid it no heed. He charged up to Ganon and swung, slicing into the monster. Ganon roared in pain and flung Link backwards.

"Ah, so you do still have some fight left in you. It appears I underestimated you yet again." Link stood up, ignoring the pain and the blood trickling down his side. "But your sword is not as painful as it once was, and not as deadly. The Triforce protects me now, and your old weapons are useless." Ganon blasted Link again, this time before he could react. Link cried out in pain, but still managed to stand up. "It doesn't seem to be protecting you as well, does it?" Another blast, but Link deflected the blow with the Master Sword, causing the energy to soar toward the ceiling. Ganon frowned, then raised his staff. The Master Sword flew from Link's hand, clattering to the ground behind Ganon. The pig-like beast raised his hand, ready to do away with Link once and for all. "Now what do you do, little hero?"

As if in response, Ganon arched backwards in pain. Roam had returned, with Zelda and Aron behind him, and he had embedded his sword deep into the beast's back. Ganon turned, batting Roam away. But as he did, Aron fired his bow, launching a silver arrow into Ganon's chest. Another one followed before he could recover. Link, grateful for the distraction, darted past Ganon and retrieved the Master Sword. But Ganon was not finished yet, and tossed multiple fireballs towards the party. As the others ducked for cover, Link swung the Sword, deflecting them. They crashed throughout the room, destroying a few key pillars. The ceiling collapsed inward on Ganon, burying him beneath a pile of rubble. Roam managed to pull Link to safety, and they all stared at the heap.