~ Disclaimer ~ I don't own Zelda nor any of the characters involved.
That plus this is going to be my shortest opening ever! ^_^
The dedications for this chapter go out to the Primagen, Shadow Knight, Angle1, CrysSton16, Jelie36, farmerboy, and Dragonkiller.
The reason for this short opening: I can't wait to type the chapter!! ^_^ It's a long one, ladies and gents!
~~~~~~~
~ Pleasures and Pains ~
Tarawen lounged on a thick root arched over the stream. She was in her humanoid form so her fur wouldn't make her too warm. Letting one arm fall toward the water, she looked at her reflection and yawned. The day was clear, bright, and beautiful. So much did it contrast against the previous night that she had to wonder if it had all been a dream. She didn't even bear any scars from the near disaster but she recalled vividly the horrid sound of the boy yelling into her ears. She would always remember that . . .
Trying to forget the moment, she looked over to the small clearing near the stream. Kohachan rested in the grass. He laid on his stomach, letting the warmth of the sun seep into his sore shoulders. He never liked using the ground attack when he wasn't warmed up.
Tarawen smiled as she thought about Kohachan's rescuing her but did that mean she was in his debt? She shrugged it off and cocked her ears to a new distraction. Three kits were sneaking over toward Kohachan. All three were as human children, one with black hair falling to his waist, one with yellow hair tied at the nape of her neck, and the final with bright orange hair also falling free around him as all three crawled on hands and knees.
Tarawen lifted her head, noticing the two boys and one girl were each old enough to walk. This meant they were up to mischief. She grinned as she noticed Kohachan was completely asleep and helpless. She saw them reach to his belt, which was exposed as he used his cloak as a pillow.
They drew forth a small bag and the red-haired boy took it and sniffed it curiously. Instantly, he sighed and fell over, asleep. The other two chuckled slightly at their friend and set the bag aside carefully. The blonde girl picked out another package. Careful not to smell the contents, both opened it to find large brown nuts in it. She gave it to the boy to figure out and looked at Kohachan's other side.
A strange but very shiny pendant lay in the grass just near his face. It hung onto him only by a chain around his neck. She looked at the pendant and saw a red bird flying upward to the three golden triangles all set in blue gemstone. In the center of the birds back was the Eye of Truth in blue. Smiling, she began undoing the clasp that held it on the chain as her partner tried chewing on the hard nut behind her.
Tarawen was doing all she could to not fall and keep quiet as the boy grew angry at the nut and rubbed his sore jaw. Angrily he stood up just as the young girl took the pendant from the chain. He threw the nut down and it flashed upon impact. He fell backward from it, yelping in surprise, the white light stunning him into paralysis.
Kohachan's eyes flashed open and he rolled onto his back to look straight at the girl, blinking the sleep from his eyes. She grinned sheepishly and turned to her fox form. Taking the pendant into her jaw, she leaped past her two friends while Kohachan got to his feet to chase the small fox.
Then Tarawen did laugh, seeing Kohachan chasing the tiny fox around. At least they could play, if only momentarily. She looked to the bright sunlight in absolute bliss. When would the wretched war be over? Then she could enjoy days like this all the time. She also hoped the prisoners were kept well. After that attack, she couldn't help but doubt that possibility.
Sighing, she decided there was nothing to be done about that yet and she'd just have to hope. The clear day was far too welcoming to worry about the prisoners. They would be rescued soon enough!
~~~~~
Crystal looked to the doorway as the window proved dawn was well risen. She knew their time of peace was ended. Two guards emerged from a trap door in the ground. Link stared at them, his eyes slightly aglow in the darkness of the corner he leaned against but he let them lead him away, one picked up Link's sword on the way down.
Both guards held him by either arm as they motioned him through the cell door and down a set of stairs to an underground room. Behind him, he realized Crystal was also being taken away from the cell. He resisted for a moment but received a sharp shove at the back of his head and a sharp command probably telling him to keep moving.
He growled in his throat but obeyed. At least Crystal was being brave. Se even resisted quite fiercely. He knew then that she was in control, not Navi. Of course, it was too early for Navi to even be awake. Still, Link noticed quite a few of Navi's traits rubbing off onto Crystal. He hoped chattering was not one of them.
The stairs opened into a large underground chamber. In the center of the chamber was a wide but shallow pit. Sand covered the floor of it but he couldn't tell how deep the sand was. The surface was still, suggesting there was no sinking sand but no doubt it would slow him down in fighting.
When he reached the edge of the arena, the fighters also unsheathed his sword and tossed him and the blade into the sand. All along the rim, fighters appeared, each bearing his own favorite weapon. Link picked up his sword, never minding the odd language as one of the leaders addressed him.
Calmly, he ignored the voice of authority and blew the sand from each crevice of the hilt. Wiping the blade clean, he held it up for a moment before turning to the fighters. Regarding each of them, he met their eyes and determined exactly how confident each of the twenty was. The odds were stacked well against him as each fighter was obviously skilled.
Finally, the leader called three words, names probably, and set one hand to Link. Two of the fighters leaped well into the pit to surround Link as best they could. Link looked from one to the other as they circled him. One more word was barked from the leader. The opponents enclosed on him.
One fighter revealed his long knives strapped to his forearms. Link dodged these easily and used his blade in both hands, using more strength in the left, to parry the blows and throw the fighter off balance. He then turned to face the other fighter. He kicked the fighter in the stomach, even if he didn't have his boots, his kick was powerful enough to render the fighter to the ground.
The flames inside Link began to flare, reacting to the fighting. Link controlled them even as he used his blade to strike the first fighter unconscious with the flat of it. Why was he still holding back?
The third fighter with the blades came at him, going for deathblows. Link easily dodged these again and avoided one jab. He turned his back to the opponent quickly and claimed the extended arm. Using his shoulder for leverage, he tossed the fighter across the pit and into the stone wall. He did not stir.
A few more sharp words were barked and another fighter leaped into the pit leaving sixteen still on the wall. This fighter had his own favorite weapon, the whip. Black leather, braided for mobility and sun dried for a cruelly rough surface. Link then did tip into the flame, pulling it out of himself and extending it into the sword. Only a little, just enough to where and magic properties would have to be used. The spin attack in particular.
He breathed deeply as the fighter cracked the whip smartly against the wall. The long, black whip circled about the wielder showing the fighter had full command of its movements. The leader snapped the same short word and the fighter went onto the attack. The whip sent sand into the air as it sang toward Link. Link held up his right arm, shielding himself futilely from the sand as the whip snaked around Link's neck, constricting it. He nearly panicked at that alone but then the wave of sand sprayed over and around him, sticking to his face even as he couldn't draw breath.
He closed his eyes, watering to clear the sand from them. The whip was pulled on, pulling him forward and very well slicing into his throat. Struggling to keep his balance, the sand seared his wounded side as well. He looked at the fighter, opening one eye just a little. Grinning at a thought, He stabbed the sword deep into the ground where it stood beside him then used both hands and pulled back on the whip.
The struggle was no struggle at all. The whip soon was in Link's possession. He unwound his throat, thanking each Goddess individually for the next deep, coughing breath. He then pulled his blade from the ground and dashing through the sand. Ignoring the pain screaming through his side, he pulled his blade into a quick upward vertical slash that cut through the fighter's face chin to forehead. Link breathed hard. He felt he couldn't draw air as the sand and walls danced and leaned in all around him.
He could barely hear the sound as the next fighter was called into the arena. This one bearing a broadsword just like Links' except that this one gleamed black. Link felt a hand to his throat, wondering why breath was still so hard to get. He couldn't find an answer before the fighter was attacking him.
Growling in pain and irritation, Link used his sword once again and flicked as much sand upward as he could aiming at the fighter. The attacker halted with a snarl of rage and wiped at his eyes. Blinded, the fighter still struck at Link. Pain mixed with Link's confusion and strain. It exploded at his temple and passed as a wave through his whole skull where the broadsword had struck him.
Link felt himself falling sideways but even more, he felt the control over his magic slip away. In response to his will to fight and survive, it flared into an inferno once again. Link climbed easily to his feet, the magic bearing him greater strength than he had started with. His sword began to gleam with the magic pulsed into it. The light pulsed with the beating of Link's heart and the throb of pain in his head. Link cleared his thoughts. Focusing on only one thing, the desire to rid himself of the pain and that which caused it.
Hesitantly at first, the fighter began to circle Link even as the boys' eye's leered, glowing white and his hair paled. It took a moment but soon was realized that the light of the magic was radiating throughout the boy's entire body. Low mutters broke out among the fighters still waiting to finish the job. Link looked straight at the fighter and raised his sword in a challenging way. The fighter leaned away for a moment, reluctant to begin the fight but then leaped into the air, ready to drive his sword through Link's skull.
With a sudden smirk, Link lifted his eyes to the airborne fighter and aimed his own broadsword upward. With a shout, Link released only a small portion of energy from himself. It was enough, though, to spear through the fighter. Link moved aside as the body limply fell into the earth with a sickening snapping of bones. Link looked once again at the remaining fighters, asking silently if they truly wanted to die that day.
~~~~~
"How very interesting" Zolaris said aloud, though no one was around to listen to him. He finished polishing his sword in expectation of the night to follow but felt a small source of power in the distance. He amended himself, it might have seemed small but it could have been great at the origin. Distance made the magic power harder to read. He smirked. If that was the power of the fighters, the night to follow would prove to be most entertaining.
The sounds of laughter nearby drew his attention away from the power in the distance. He shrugged it off entirely and went to see what the commotion was about.
After a short walk, we emerged from the bushes but froze at the sight that greeted him. Kohachan running and leaping trying to catch a tiny, agile, young fox. He contained himself as best he could, trying to remain serious while Tarawen was laughing her head off. Tears streamed freely down the princess' cheeks as she clung to the wood with one hand and held her stomach with the other.
He easily leapt up before her and asked what was going on. She waved him off and gasped for breath. A few chuckled broke her sentences as she explained what was going on. Zolaris grinned, his own reckless mischief coming into effect. He looked back at Kohachan who finally dove in the earth and grabbed the Kitsune up off the ground.
Grinning wider, he leapt from the perch and calmly walked to the Kitsune and Sheikah. Plucking the pendant from the fox's jaw, he examined it a moment then grinned at Kohachan. "You wouldn't." Kohachan said in horror.
Zolaris couldn't stop grinning. "Wouldn't I? If you want it, come and get it." He was grinning wildly as Kohachan set the Kitsune aside and got up, brushing himself off. He stared at Zolaris in a staring contest before giving a quick leap at the boy. Zolaris easily dodged and the chase was on once again.
Tarawen followed once again wondering if weapons were going to get involved but not a sword was drawn. All too quickly, Kohachan had Zolaris in a headlock but Zolaris soon broke the lock to trip Kohachan. Kohachan fell towards the ground yet grabbed onto a vine just above the water.
Zolaris' rare but pleasant laugh rang out from the jungle. Kohachan swallowed hard and looked to where the laughter had come from. Zolaris knelt near one tree that the taught vine was directly connected to. He balanced a dagger in one hand idly as he watched Kohachan sweat.
Kohachan tried to talk to Zolaris, trying to convince the young man to reconsider his next actions but Zolaris ignores the words. He stood up, still holding the dagger and balancing it on his fingertip. The blade dropped and Zolaris gave a fake surprised look as it fell, blade-first, into the vine, cutting it.
Kohachan screamed out a loud, long curse as he fell into the icy water. Tarawen was glad the younger ones, each laughing until they too hurt, could not understand the curse which was in Sheikah. It was rapidly repeated as Kohachan came up, splashing and coughing from the waters, shaking the chill water from himself, he quickly swam to the shore and wrung out his shirt as best he could.
Zolaris wisely stayed perched but he was also rendered weak after a long laugh at his friend. Kohachan stared fiery daggers back up at Zolaris but soon got an idea of his own. He began to climb up the loose end of the vine as it dipped down from the branch it was wrapped around. Upon reaching the top, he calmly walked to the unsuspecting Zolaris and easily shoved him down into the water as well.
The same scream coming from a shriller voice fell into the river and a whole new roar of laughter filled the air, this time joined by Kohachan. He slid down the vine, knowing Zolaris wouldn't have the nerve to strike back when the score was even.
He met the very irritated Zolaris on the bank and quickly claimed back his pendent before helping him out of the water. Both were laughing by then, "What goes around comes around." Kohachan pointed out. Zolaris shrugged and ran a hand over his soaked silver hair, making sure it was still slicked back before unbuckling his belt and freeing his shirt.
Tarawen bloomed into a full blush as the well-muscled warrior peeled off his shirt and grinned at her. She felt her heart stop under the dark blue eyes accompanied by the sly grin ad the fact the boy was shirtless. Kohachan restrained his own laugh and did the same. The thought of the sun warming his skin instead of staying in a cold, wet shirt was most appealing.
He freed up his own belt and peeled of his shirt in two fluent movements. Setting the belt with all the items aside he then threw the soaked shirt aside with a wet smack on a river stone. The laughter of the children was ceased but Tarawen felt her throat close up at the sight of the TWO shirtless Sheikah.
Stumbling and stuttering in absolute thoughtlessness, Tarawen passed both the boys to gather the three kids and escort them back. Kohachan shrugged to Zolaris and both of them set out their garments to dry, chuckling and remarking the look on Tarawen's face.
Zolaris quit laughing. The feeling in the back of his neck returned after the antics. The power was growing again, only a little but it was on the attack once again. He was only glad it was staying in one area. Kohachan grew serious as well and looked toward Zolaris' point of interest though he could neither feel nor see anything of importance. Yet Zolaris would not let it go. Whatever it was, it was not something to be taken lightly.
~~~~~
Link almost felt the power of fighters descending into the pit. Wielding the glowing blade, he faced them, his eyes glowing white. Three fighters came at him from each side. Link planted one foot in the loose dirt and spun, pulling the blade with him. The light of the blade flickered and turned red with the spin attack. Instantly the fighters were stopped in their tracks. Their cloaks burned as all three were pushed away by the power of the sword.
As Link stopped his spin, he shook the feeling of dizziness away and turned to find yet more opponents daring to challenge him. He performed the vertical slash, cutting one down and followed through by slicing another with the horizontal slash. How many more to go? The exits were guarded by two each while the pit then held at least a dozen waiting to attack him. All together or in teams, Link neither knew nor cared.
Crystal's screamed of torment reached his ears. He gritted his teeth as yet another swell of rage intensified his power. The sword began to glow with green tinting among the silver. Link's hair slightly changed, growing more silver than blonde as he charged at his next opponents.
One fighter kicked Link's blade aside only to meet Link's fist in the jaw. Blood pooled in the fighters' mouth as the man spat out a tooth and glared heatedly at Link.
A sharp sting in Link's back brought the boys' attention around. The pain only served to create more strength. A sticky liquid fell down Link's back from his shoulder but he attacked back. Startling the fighter, Link grabbed the blood-bathed sword and turning it upon its owner. The fallen fighter kicked Link's legs out from under him and leaped to his own feet, drawing forth his fighting staff.
Link rolled away as the end of the staff stabbed into the ground where Link's chest had been. Link pulled up his sword, slicing the staff in two as he jumped back to his feet and yelled as he went on the offensive once again. The fighter threw Link off his game by leaping back before pushing against the earth and charging straight at him.
The fighter rammed a fist into Link's stomach but rather than flinching or doubling over, Link drew the sword and plunged it deep into the fighters back. The fighter fell with a sharp shriek of pain. A shriek to drown out Crystal's own cries of pain.
From across the pit, a chain was thrown at Link. It coiled around Link's throat and pulled the Hylian to the ground as two other fighters pounced on him. Link defended himself as best he could as he kept his free hand to his throat trying to pull away the chain. One of the fighters hissing voices drifted to his ears.
"This is . . ." The voice, low and venomous, was too close. It was hovering over Link.
Link felt one blow to his chest stagger against his heart. The breath knocked out of him, he sprawled only momentarily, long enough for one of the fighters to kick the sword away.
The source of the voice leaned toward Link's face and hissed, "The end!"
Link opened his eyes once again, staring into the yellow eyes of the fighter. Reaching up one hand, he showed the chain was freed away. The fighter tried to pull away but was seized by Link's hand. Link squeezed the fighter's throat until it was crushed. The other fighter had backed away, thinking it was the end.
He was in a fighting position once again as Link climbed a bit more slowly to his own feet. His eyes still blazed with malice as he looked around. Five fallen fighters were about the sands while another six were up and waiting to attack. He knew he wasn't going to make it out but he wanted to make as big a dent in their army as he could.
He drew a deep breath and focused on his already raging flame of power. He didn't know if his body could take the taxing but he had to try!
The flame responded almost sympathetically. It grew greatly as Link charged past the guards, forcing his way past them and into the corridor. Running down the hall, he was chased but never caught. The power within him was reaching its peak.
He finally was above ground. There was still a horde of fighters all around on the surface, preparing for an attack, no doubt, but all were too stunned to react right away. Link made his final move. Calling upon every once of energy he had, he released it through his sword. Holding it there, he summoned up his own life energy to increase the power. Right before he lost all concentration, he released the power in a wave. His greatest attack granted to him by Gramps.
Screams of surprise, pain, fear, and anger swarmed around him. He felt numb as all the power left him. The ground was destroyed under his feet. He fell to the ground but never felt the impact. He was falling much further than that, into unconsciousness. Even as the darkness loomed over and around him, one final, powerful voice loomed out to him, "You can never give up. Not while I am here."
~~~~~
Zolaris eyes shot open as he was forcefully pulled from his pleasant dream. He looked to Kohachan on the other side of the clearing in the sun. They both had been napping as they dried but the explosion of power could not be dismissed. Not to Zolaris who was acutely attuned to magic and power lingering in others.
He grabbed up his dry shirt and threw the other shirt to Kohachan followed by the belt. Kohachan was awake with protest but on meeting Zolaris eyes, he shut up and quickly dressed. Something was amiss.
Both boys began racing back to the village, needing to find and alert Toloran of the occurrence. Kohachan demanded an explanation as both took to the trees, leaping from one to the next.
Zolaris explained hurriedly, "I felt a power growing in the distance just before our little bout but it was near to nothing to be concerned about at the moment. It came back. It came back and nearly well shocked me. It was a huge explosion of energy but it stayed in one place. That, I don't understand. You think Toloran will have an answer?" They parted to take different routes. Ducking a tree and quickly running up the rough trunk of the next, they both came to the tribe.
Kohachan met up with Zolaris on the walkway on the jungle floor and said, "I don't know. He's been studying the map, after all. Well, it's a good time for this issue to arise, at least. We need to scope out the map as well." Zolaris nodded unsure of the "good time" as they both came unto the room where Toloran pointed out a certain area to Tarawen and her father.
The leader nodded as Tarawen noticed the twosome's return. A blush flew onto her cheeks once again and she couldn't bear to look at them. Ignoring her, Zolaris crossed to Toloran and in their own language explained the happenings.
Toloran's eyes narrowed at the news and he stabbed the knife he used to point out the location into the map. "Then it's settled, we attack tonight before anything else can happen against us. Tarawen, plan's slightly changed, you are staying here."
Tarawen lost her blush and demanded why. Her father caught her arm but Toloran held her with a sharp glare. She shrank under the eyes once again and sat on the ground. Toloran nodded, satisfied, and motioned the others closer. They observed the map as Tarawen quietly left. Shifting to her fox form she determined that she was NOT going to be left out.
Sneaking all the way to the Sheikah's quarters, she looked about for a way to go with them. "How" was another problem she would face all in due time. She knew they wouldn't bother with the cloaks. If nothing else, they'd work together and defeat any threats on the way. The point of the mission was to find the leader of the fighters, kill him, and rescue the captives. Hopefully, it would be enough to hold the fighters under control under the Kitsune once again.
Finally, she sat on one of the cushions. Curling her tail around her paws in thought, she racked her brain for an answer. But none came. Instead, her thoughts wandered to the battle that would go on without her. She could see all three of the Sheikah fighting and no doubt each would get hurt. Perhaps mortally wounded?
She shook her head furiously, knowing none would be so stupid as to go in unprepared. She sighed and laid down. If she was to find a way to go with them, it was clear she'd need her strength. Strength enough to at least stand under their reprimand.
Sleep eased her from her worries but in the back of her mind, the image of Kohachan's blood came to mind. Nightmare tainted her sleep until she shivered in the sunlight. If only she could help him. If only . . .
~~~~~~~
^_^ I have nothing to say. Except that I liked that one. A struggle near the end but still quite vibrant.
Hope you liked! This is my coming back chapter so a lot went into it. Be nice! Lol
Till next time!
That plus this is going to be my shortest opening ever! ^_^
The dedications for this chapter go out to the Primagen, Shadow Knight, Angle1, CrysSton16, Jelie36, farmerboy, and Dragonkiller.
The reason for this short opening: I can't wait to type the chapter!! ^_^ It's a long one, ladies and gents!
~~~~~~~
~ Pleasures and Pains ~
Tarawen lounged on a thick root arched over the stream. She was in her humanoid form so her fur wouldn't make her too warm. Letting one arm fall toward the water, she looked at her reflection and yawned. The day was clear, bright, and beautiful. So much did it contrast against the previous night that she had to wonder if it had all been a dream. She didn't even bear any scars from the near disaster but she recalled vividly the horrid sound of the boy yelling into her ears. She would always remember that . . .
Trying to forget the moment, she looked over to the small clearing near the stream. Kohachan rested in the grass. He laid on his stomach, letting the warmth of the sun seep into his sore shoulders. He never liked using the ground attack when he wasn't warmed up.
Tarawen smiled as she thought about Kohachan's rescuing her but did that mean she was in his debt? She shrugged it off and cocked her ears to a new distraction. Three kits were sneaking over toward Kohachan. All three were as human children, one with black hair falling to his waist, one with yellow hair tied at the nape of her neck, and the final with bright orange hair also falling free around him as all three crawled on hands and knees.
Tarawen lifted her head, noticing the two boys and one girl were each old enough to walk. This meant they were up to mischief. She grinned as she noticed Kohachan was completely asleep and helpless. She saw them reach to his belt, which was exposed as he used his cloak as a pillow.
They drew forth a small bag and the red-haired boy took it and sniffed it curiously. Instantly, he sighed and fell over, asleep. The other two chuckled slightly at their friend and set the bag aside carefully. The blonde girl picked out another package. Careful not to smell the contents, both opened it to find large brown nuts in it. She gave it to the boy to figure out and looked at Kohachan's other side.
A strange but very shiny pendant lay in the grass just near his face. It hung onto him only by a chain around his neck. She looked at the pendant and saw a red bird flying upward to the three golden triangles all set in blue gemstone. In the center of the birds back was the Eye of Truth in blue. Smiling, she began undoing the clasp that held it on the chain as her partner tried chewing on the hard nut behind her.
Tarawen was doing all she could to not fall and keep quiet as the boy grew angry at the nut and rubbed his sore jaw. Angrily he stood up just as the young girl took the pendant from the chain. He threw the nut down and it flashed upon impact. He fell backward from it, yelping in surprise, the white light stunning him into paralysis.
Kohachan's eyes flashed open and he rolled onto his back to look straight at the girl, blinking the sleep from his eyes. She grinned sheepishly and turned to her fox form. Taking the pendant into her jaw, she leaped past her two friends while Kohachan got to his feet to chase the small fox.
Then Tarawen did laugh, seeing Kohachan chasing the tiny fox around. At least they could play, if only momentarily. She looked to the bright sunlight in absolute bliss. When would the wretched war be over? Then she could enjoy days like this all the time. She also hoped the prisoners were kept well. After that attack, she couldn't help but doubt that possibility.
Sighing, she decided there was nothing to be done about that yet and she'd just have to hope. The clear day was far too welcoming to worry about the prisoners. They would be rescued soon enough!
~~~~~
Crystal looked to the doorway as the window proved dawn was well risen. She knew their time of peace was ended. Two guards emerged from a trap door in the ground. Link stared at them, his eyes slightly aglow in the darkness of the corner he leaned against but he let them lead him away, one picked up Link's sword on the way down.
Both guards held him by either arm as they motioned him through the cell door and down a set of stairs to an underground room. Behind him, he realized Crystal was also being taken away from the cell. He resisted for a moment but received a sharp shove at the back of his head and a sharp command probably telling him to keep moving.
He growled in his throat but obeyed. At least Crystal was being brave. Se even resisted quite fiercely. He knew then that she was in control, not Navi. Of course, it was too early for Navi to even be awake. Still, Link noticed quite a few of Navi's traits rubbing off onto Crystal. He hoped chattering was not one of them.
The stairs opened into a large underground chamber. In the center of the chamber was a wide but shallow pit. Sand covered the floor of it but he couldn't tell how deep the sand was. The surface was still, suggesting there was no sinking sand but no doubt it would slow him down in fighting.
When he reached the edge of the arena, the fighters also unsheathed his sword and tossed him and the blade into the sand. All along the rim, fighters appeared, each bearing his own favorite weapon. Link picked up his sword, never minding the odd language as one of the leaders addressed him.
Calmly, he ignored the voice of authority and blew the sand from each crevice of the hilt. Wiping the blade clean, he held it up for a moment before turning to the fighters. Regarding each of them, he met their eyes and determined exactly how confident each of the twenty was. The odds were stacked well against him as each fighter was obviously skilled.
Finally, the leader called three words, names probably, and set one hand to Link. Two of the fighters leaped well into the pit to surround Link as best they could. Link looked from one to the other as they circled him. One more word was barked from the leader. The opponents enclosed on him.
One fighter revealed his long knives strapped to his forearms. Link dodged these easily and used his blade in both hands, using more strength in the left, to parry the blows and throw the fighter off balance. He then turned to face the other fighter. He kicked the fighter in the stomach, even if he didn't have his boots, his kick was powerful enough to render the fighter to the ground.
The flames inside Link began to flare, reacting to the fighting. Link controlled them even as he used his blade to strike the first fighter unconscious with the flat of it. Why was he still holding back?
The third fighter with the blades came at him, going for deathblows. Link easily dodged these again and avoided one jab. He turned his back to the opponent quickly and claimed the extended arm. Using his shoulder for leverage, he tossed the fighter across the pit and into the stone wall. He did not stir.
A few more sharp words were barked and another fighter leaped into the pit leaving sixteen still on the wall. This fighter had his own favorite weapon, the whip. Black leather, braided for mobility and sun dried for a cruelly rough surface. Link then did tip into the flame, pulling it out of himself and extending it into the sword. Only a little, just enough to where and magic properties would have to be used. The spin attack in particular.
He breathed deeply as the fighter cracked the whip smartly against the wall. The long, black whip circled about the wielder showing the fighter had full command of its movements. The leader snapped the same short word and the fighter went onto the attack. The whip sent sand into the air as it sang toward Link. Link held up his right arm, shielding himself futilely from the sand as the whip snaked around Link's neck, constricting it. He nearly panicked at that alone but then the wave of sand sprayed over and around him, sticking to his face even as he couldn't draw breath.
He closed his eyes, watering to clear the sand from them. The whip was pulled on, pulling him forward and very well slicing into his throat. Struggling to keep his balance, the sand seared his wounded side as well. He looked at the fighter, opening one eye just a little. Grinning at a thought, He stabbed the sword deep into the ground where it stood beside him then used both hands and pulled back on the whip.
The struggle was no struggle at all. The whip soon was in Link's possession. He unwound his throat, thanking each Goddess individually for the next deep, coughing breath. He then pulled his blade from the ground and dashing through the sand. Ignoring the pain screaming through his side, he pulled his blade into a quick upward vertical slash that cut through the fighter's face chin to forehead. Link breathed hard. He felt he couldn't draw air as the sand and walls danced and leaned in all around him.
He could barely hear the sound as the next fighter was called into the arena. This one bearing a broadsword just like Links' except that this one gleamed black. Link felt a hand to his throat, wondering why breath was still so hard to get. He couldn't find an answer before the fighter was attacking him.
Growling in pain and irritation, Link used his sword once again and flicked as much sand upward as he could aiming at the fighter. The attacker halted with a snarl of rage and wiped at his eyes. Blinded, the fighter still struck at Link. Pain mixed with Link's confusion and strain. It exploded at his temple and passed as a wave through his whole skull where the broadsword had struck him.
Link felt himself falling sideways but even more, he felt the control over his magic slip away. In response to his will to fight and survive, it flared into an inferno once again. Link climbed easily to his feet, the magic bearing him greater strength than he had started with. His sword began to gleam with the magic pulsed into it. The light pulsed with the beating of Link's heart and the throb of pain in his head. Link cleared his thoughts. Focusing on only one thing, the desire to rid himself of the pain and that which caused it.
Hesitantly at first, the fighter began to circle Link even as the boys' eye's leered, glowing white and his hair paled. It took a moment but soon was realized that the light of the magic was radiating throughout the boy's entire body. Low mutters broke out among the fighters still waiting to finish the job. Link looked straight at the fighter and raised his sword in a challenging way. The fighter leaned away for a moment, reluctant to begin the fight but then leaped into the air, ready to drive his sword through Link's skull.
With a sudden smirk, Link lifted his eyes to the airborne fighter and aimed his own broadsword upward. With a shout, Link released only a small portion of energy from himself. It was enough, though, to spear through the fighter. Link moved aside as the body limply fell into the earth with a sickening snapping of bones. Link looked once again at the remaining fighters, asking silently if they truly wanted to die that day.
~~~~~
"How very interesting" Zolaris said aloud, though no one was around to listen to him. He finished polishing his sword in expectation of the night to follow but felt a small source of power in the distance. He amended himself, it might have seemed small but it could have been great at the origin. Distance made the magic power harder to read. He smirked. If that was the power of the fighters, the night to follow would prove to be most entertaining.
The sounds of laughter nearby drew his attention away from the power in the distance. He shrugged it off entirely and went to see what the commotion was about.
After a short walk, we emerged from the bushes but froze at the sight that greeted him. Kohachan running and leaping trying to catch a tiny, agile, young fox. He contained himself as best he could, trying to remain serious while Tarawen was laughing her head off. Tears streamed freely down the princess' cheeks as she clung to the wood with one hand and held her stomach with the other.
He easily leapt up before her and asked what was going on. She waved him off and gasped for breath. A few chuckled broke her sentences as she explained what was going on. Zolaris grinned, his own reckless mischief coming into effect. He looked back at Kohachan who finally dove in the earth and grabbed the Kitsune up off the ground.
Grinning wider, he leapt from the perch and calmly walked to the Kitsune and Sheikah. Plucking the pendant from the fox's jaw, he examined it a moment then grinned at Kohachan. "You wouldn't." Kohachan said in horror.
Zolaris couldn't stop grinning. "Wouldn't I? If you want it, come and get it." He was grinning wildly as Kohachan set the Kitsune aside and got up, brushing himself off. He stared at Zolaris in a staring contest before giving a quick leap at the boy. Zolaris easily dodged and the chase was on once again.
Tarawen followed once again wondering if weapons were going to get involved but not a sword was drawn. All too quickly, Kohachan had Zolaris in a headlock but Zolaris soon broke the lock to trip Kohachan. Kohachan fell towards the ground yet grabbed onto a vine just above the water.
Zolaris' rare but pleasant laugh rang out from the jungle. Kohachan swallowed hard and looked to where the laughter had come from. Zolaris knelt near one tree that the taught vine was directly connected to. He balanced a dagger in one hand idly as he watched Kohachan sweat.
Kohachan tried to talk to Zolaris, trying to convince the young man to reconsider his next actions but Zolaris ignores the words. He stood up, still holding the dagger and balancing it on his fingertip. The blade dropped and Zolaris gave a fake surprised look as it fell, blade-first, into the vine, cutting it.
Kohachan screamed out a loud, long curse as he fell into the icy water. Tarawen was glad the younger ones, each laughing until they too hurt, could not understand the curse which was in Sheikah. It was rapidly repeated as Kohachan came up, splashing and coughing from the waters, shaking the chill water from himself, he quickly swam to the shore and wrung out his shirt as best he could.
Zolaris wisely stayed perched but he was also rendered weak after a long laugh at his friend. Kohachan stared fiery daggers back up at Zolaris but soon got an idea of his own. He began to climb up the loose end of the vine as it dipped down from the branch it was wrapped around. Upon reaching the top, he calmly walked to the unsuspecting Zolaris and easily shoved him down into the water as well.
The same scream coming from a shriller voice fell into the river and a whole new roar of laughter filled the air, this time joined by Kohachan. He slid down the vine, knowing Zolaris wouldn't have the nerve to strike back when the score was even.
He met the very irritated Zolaris on the bank and quickly claimed back his pendent before helping him out of the water. Both were laughing by then, "What goes around comes around." Kohachan pointed out. Zolaris shrugged and ran a hand over his soaked silver hair, making sure it was still slicked back before unbuckling his belt and freeing his shirt.
Tarawen bloomed into a full blush as the well-muscled warrior peeled off his shirt and grinned at her. She felt her heart stop under the dark blue eyes accompanied by the sly grin ad the fact the boy was shirtless. Kohachan restrained his own laugh and did the same. The thought of the sun warming his skin instead of staying in a cold, wet shirt was most appealing.
He freed up his own belt and peeled of his shirt in two fluent movements. Setting the belt with all the items aside he then threw the soaked shirt aside with a wet smack on a river stone. The laughter of the children was ceased but Tarawen felt her throat close up at the sight of the TWO shirtless Sheikah.
Stumbling and stuttering in absolute thoughtlessness, Tarawen passed both the boys to gather the three kids and escort them back. Kohachan shrugged to Zolaris and both of them set out their garments to dry, chuckling and remarking the look on Tarawen's face.
Zolaris quit laughing. The feeling in the back of his neck returned after the antics. The power was growing again, only a little but it was on the attack once again. He was only glad it was staying in one area. Kohachan grew serious as well and looked toward Zolaris' point of interest though he could neither feel nor see anything of importance. Yet Zolaris would not let it go. Whatever it was, it was not something to be taken lightly.
~~~~~
Link almost felt the power of fighters descending into the pit. Wielding the glowing blade, he faced them, his eyes glowing white. Three fighters came at him from each side. Link planted one foot in the loose dirt and spun, pulling the blade with him. The light of the blade flickered and turned red with the spin attack. Instantly the fighters were stopped in their tracks. Their cloaks burned as all three were pushed away by the power of the sword.
As Link stopped his spin, he shook the feeling of dizziness away and turned to find yet more opponents daring to challenge him. He performed the vertical slash, cutting one down and followed through by slicing another with the horizontal slash. How many more to go? The exits were guarded by two each while the pit then held at least a dozen waiting to attack him. All together or in teams, Link neither knew nor cared.
Crystal's screamed of torment reached his ears. He gritted his teeth as yet another swell of rage intensified his power. The sword began to glow with green tinting among the silver. Link's hair slightly changed, growing more silver than blonde as he charged at his next opponents.
One fighter kicked Link's blade aside only to meet Link's fist in the jaw. Blood pooled in the fighters' mouth as the man spat out a tooth and glared heatedly at Link.
A sharp sting in Link's back brought the boys' attention around. The pain only served to create more strength. A sticky liquid fell down Link's back from his shoulder but he attacked back. Startling the fighter, Link grabbed the blood-bathed sword and turning it upon its owner. The fallen fighter kicked Link's legs out from under him and leaped to his own feet, drawing forth his fighting staff.
Link rolled away as the end of the staff stabbed into the ground where Link's chest had been. Link pulled up his sword, slicing the staff in two as he jumped back to his feet and yelled as he went on the offensive once again. The fighter threw Link off his game by leaping back before pushing against the earth and charging straight at him.
The fighter rammed a fist into Link's stomach but rather than flinching or doubling over, Link drew the sword and plunged it deep into the fighters back. The fighter fell with a sharp shriek of pain. A shriek to drown out Crystal's own cries of pain.
From across the pit, a chain was thrown at Link. It coiled around Link's throat and pulled the Hylian to the ground as two other fighters pounced on him. Link defended himself as best he could as he kept his free hand to his throat trying to pull away the chain. One of the fighters hissing voices drifted to his ears.
"This is . . ." The voice, low and venomous, was too close. It was hovering over Link.
Link felt one blow to his chest stagger against his heart. The breath knocked out of him, he sprawled only momentarily, long enough for one of the fighters to kick the sword away.
The source of the voice leaned toward Link's face and hissed, "The end!"
Link opened his eyes once again, staring into the yellow eyes of the fighter. Reaching up one hand, he showed the chain was freed away. The fighter tried to pull away but was seized by Link's hand. Link squeezed the fighter's throat until it was crushed. The other fighter had backed away, thinking it was the end.
He was in a fighting position once again as Link climbed a bit more slowly to his own feet. His eyes still blazed with malice as he looked around. Five fallen fighters were about the sands while another six were up and waiting to attack. He knew he wasn't going to make it out but he wanted to make as big a dent in their army as he could.
He drew a deep breath and focused on his already raging flame of power. He didn't know if his body could take the taxing but he had to try!
The flame responded almost sympathetically. It grew greatly as Link charged past the guards, forcing his way past them and into the corridor. Running down the hall, he was chased but never caught. The power within him was reaching its peak.
He finally was above ground. There was still a horde of fighters all around on the surface, preparing for an attack, no doubt, but all were too stunned to react right away. Link made his final move. Calling upon every once of energy he had, he released it through his sword. Holding it there, he summoned up his own life energy to increase the power. Right before he lost all concentration, he released the power in a wave. His greatest attack granted to him by Gramps.
Screams of surprise, pain, fear, and anger swarmed around him. He felt numb as all the power left him. The ground was destroyed under his feet. He fell to the ground but never felt the impact. He was falling much further than that, into unconsciousness. Even as the darkness loomed over and around him, one final, powerful voice loomed out to him, "You can never give up. Not while I am here."
~~~~~
Zolaris eyes shot open as he was forcefully pulled from his pleasant dream. He looked to Kohachan on the other side of the clearing in the sun. They both had been napping as they dried but the explosion of power could not be dismissed. Not to Zolaris who was acutely attuned to magic and power lingering in others.
He grabbed up his dry shirt and threw the other shirt to Kohachan followed by the belt. Kohachan was awake with protest but on meeting Zolaris eyes, he shut up and quickly dressed. Something was amiss.
Both boys began racing back to the village, needing to find and alert Toloran of the occurrence. Kohachan demanded an explanation as both took to the trees, leaping from one to the next.
Zolaris explained hurriedly, "I felt a power growing in the distance just before our little bout but it was near to nothing to be concerned about at the moment. It came back. It came back and nearly well shocked me. It was a huge explosion of energy but it stayed in one place. That, I don't understand. You think Toloran will have an answer?" They parted to take different routes. Ducking a tree and quickly running up the rough trunk of the next, they both came to the tribe.
Kohachan met up with Zolaris on the walkway on the jungle floor and said, "I don't know. He's been studying the map, after all. Well, it's a good time for this issue to arise, at least. We need to scope out the map as well." Zolaris nodded unsure of the "good time" as they both came unto the room where Toloran pointed out a certain area to Tarawen and her father.
The leader nodded as Tarawen noticed the twosome's return. A blush flew onto her cheeks once again and she couldn't bear to look at them. Ignoring her, Zolaris crossed to Toloran and in their own language explained the happenings.
Toloran's eyes narrowed at the news and he stabbed the knife he used to point out the location into the map. "Then it's settled, we attack tonight before anything else can happen against us. Tarawen, plan's slightly changed, you are staying here."
Tarawen lost her blush and demanded why. Her father caught her arm but Toloran held her with a sharp glare. She shrank under the eyes once again and sat on the ground. Toloran nodded, satisfied, and motioned the others closer. They observed the map as Tarawen quietly left. Shifting to her fox form she determined that she was NOT going to be left out.
Sneaking all the way to the Sheikah's quarters, she looked about for a way to go with them. "How" was another problem she would face all in due time. She knew they wouldn't bother with the cloaks. If nothing else, they'd work together and defeat any threats on the way. The point of the mission was to find the leader of the fighters, kill him, and rescue the captives. Hopefully, it would be enough to hold the fighters under control under the Kitsune once again.
Finally, she sat on one of the cushions. Curling her tail around her paws in thought, she racked her brain for an answer. But none came. Instead, her thoughts wandered to the battle that would go on without her. She could see all three of the Sheikah fighting and no doubt each would get hurt. Perhaps mortally wounded?
She shook her head furiously, knowing none would be so stupid as to go in unprepared. She sighed and laid down. If she was to find a way to go with them, it was clear she'd need her strength. Strength enough to at least stand under their reprimand.
Sleep eased her from her worries but in the back of her mind, the image of Kohachan's blood came to mind. Nightmare tainted her sleep until she shivered in the sunlight. If only she could help him. If only . . .
~~~~~~~
^_^ I have nothing to say. Except that I liked that one. A struggle near the end but still quite vibrant.
Hope you liked! This is my coming back chapter so a lot went into it. Be nice! Lol
Till next time!