The Legend of Zelda: The Dream Walker
Chapter 21
"A mirror opposite"
By MEGAMANX411
Link sighed, and looked at Nestus.
"OK, here I go," he muttered.
Meia placed a hand on Link's shoulder.
"Remember, Bergus and Nestus are twins, and their minds are linked. You need to find the point in their dreams to switch from Nestus to Bergus, and then emerge from Bergus' mind," she pointed out in a matter-of-factly manner.
Link nodded. "
Gotcha. Here goes nothing!" he replied.
Link went into Nestus' mind, and appeared in his dream. Link appeared in a rather cold room, with many mirrors. There was an absence of light, so it was rather dark.
"Oh man...how am I supposed to find my way around here?" Link sighed, looking around the room.
Link slowly proceeded on forward, but was stopped by a mirror. Or more accurately, he didn't see the mirror, so he slammed his face into it and fell backwards.
"Ow!" he shouted, rubbing his face.
"I guess that way isn't an option," Link muttered, getting to his feet.
So, he checked out the other areas of the room instead, this time being extra cautious and walking a bit slower with his arms extended. Link took special notice to not bump into any of the mirrors. However, when he looked closely at one, he saw a reflection of something. It was a switch. However, there was no switch in the room!
Link gave a Link around the room, and there wasn't a switch, despite a reflection appearing in the mirror.
"Maybe..." he muttered, thinking aloud.
Link went over to where the switch would be in the room he was in, and stepped on someting. He couldn't see what it was, however.
"There's something here..." he whispered.
Link looked at the mirror, and saw that he was stepping on the switch that appeared in the mirror!
"Ah, I get it, the switch in this room is invisible!" Link shouted.
The switch was activated, and thus opened a door for Link to go through.
"OK, now we're getting somewhere," Link muttered.
He proceeded on, and came to a bridge. Halfway through, Link was stopped by an unseen force, once again bumping into it, although not as violently as the first time.
Link placed his hands on the mirror in front of him.
"Another mirror..." he whispered.
Link took note of his reflection in the mirror, but paid little attention to it. After all, it was merely his own reflection, so it was no news worthy of taking notice. Or at least he assumed so. Link began pacing back and forth, trying to think how he could proceed here. He did think of shattering the glass with his sword, but it proved to be too strong for any of his weapons.
His sword clattered harmlessly off the glass, and the flail proved less effective. And he didn't want to risk using his magic on such a narrow bridge. Link then saw that his reflection in the mirror hadn't moved at all. It was still in the same spot that Link was originally standing in.
"What the..?" Link shouted, observing the mirror more closely.
He walked up closer to it, observing it very carefully, when he saw that the reflection of himself in the mirror began to move. But it didn't move in accordance to Link's actions, it moved on its own!
"What's going on?" Link shouted.
He saw his reflection step on four switches, in this order, far left, far right, inner left, inner right.
"What does this mean?" Link whispered, thinking to himself.
When he lowered his head in thought, Link happened to notice four switches.
"Ah! I see!" he exclaimed.
Link followed his reflections movements, and after activating the four switches, the glass shattered!
"OK, that takes care of that..." he muttered.
Link walked slowly across the bridge, then entered a chamber with two portals, or what he assumed to be so.
"This must be the room where Nestus' and Bergus' minds meet..." Link observed, slowly approaching one of the portals.
Before Link could enter, two winged creatures descended from above. They appeared like disfigured humans, with gray, hard skin, red eyes, long fangs, claws, and distorted wings that resembled that of a bat's. Link quickly shifted his gaze to see these incoming demons.
"Huh?" he muttered.
The first winged creature threw a spear at Link, but he managed to dodge it by simply sidestepping. However, Link didn't count on the other creature hitting him from behind with its spear! Link's agility proved to be a vital asset in preventing him from fatal harm, but he was still wounded from the attack.
"Augh!" he screamed, falling forwards from the result of the attack.
Link quickly regained composure, and tried to formulate a plan on how to defeat these enemies. He tried to slash at one of the creature's, but it managed to dodge it. Link noticed that instead of attacking indepently, the other creature simply followed the actions of the other exactly.
OK, everything in this dream has been like a mirror opposite. So that means...that's it! he thought.
Link readied his shield for another assault, preparing himself for the demon's next offensive. The creature's flew in to engage him, violently screaming as they charged. Link quickly sidestepped, and the two creature's intercepted each other!
Link then pulled out his sword, and swiped horizontally, slicing both creature's across the side. The slice from Link's sword made the demon's blood run freely from their wounds, and they each doubled back in pain. The two dream demons then tried to retialiate, but Link managed to pull up his shield and avoid the hit. Their claws clattered harmlessly off of Link's shield. Link then pulled out his bow, and got ready to fire.
"OK...take this!" he challenged, stringing his bow.
Link let loose an arrow which struck the first dream demon straight in the eye. It grabbed its eye, clearly in pain, moaning and wailing with apparently all its might. But what appeared odd to Link was that the other creature was also suffering from a similar injury, despite Link not even touching him.
"Of course," Link began, "they must be connnected."
Link took out his steel flail, and quickly prepared to strike. He swung the flail around with great power, and when the creature's drew close, Link let loose his weapon, and struck the first creature in the skull, shattering it's head, along with the other's. The two winged demons fell to the ground lifeless, and their blood spilled onto the floor as their corpses vanished into thin air. Link put his weapons back into his pack, and breathed a sigh of relief.
"I guess that takes care of that..." he muttered, shaking his head. "No time to dwell on that now, I have to get to Bergus," Link added, reminding himself of the task at hand.
Link went through the desired portal, and ended up in a room similar to that of the first one he saw in Nestus' dream.
"This must be Bergus' consciousnes...things seem the same, but are a bit different...well, time to go, I suppose," Link thought aloud.
Link left the dream world, and was inside Bergus' cell in the Murgg Forest. The boy was huddled up on the floor, clearly trying to stay warm. Link tapped him on the shoulder.
"Bergus," Link began. "Bergus! Wake up!" he shouted.
Bergus sat up straight, and rubbed his eyes.
"Wha..what?!" he shouted, looking around his cell.
His eyes widened when he saw Link.
"Link! You came to save me?" he asked.
Link smiled and patted him on the head.
"Of course! Let's go!" he replied. "Get on my back, it'll be faster, seeing as you are probably exhausted," Link offered.
Link gave Bergus a lift, and with the help of some bombs from his pack, the cell was destroyed and Link and Bergus were given free passage. The Murgg weren't as heavily guarding the surrounding area now that Zazan was gone, so stealthily sneaking out was much easier. Link managed to get back to Inoa without the slightest inclination of struggle from any Murgg, so he thought he was quite fortunate. But he was wrong. Very wrong.
When Link came back to Inoa, he saw a horrific sight. The village was in flames!
"No!" Link shouted, setting Bergus down. "Is everyone ok?!" he shouted, running into various houses to make sure the villagers were safe.
He first rushed into Gustav's house, only to find that a soul-shattering image of such horror that it disgusted Link to a degree no mortal could measure. Gustav's daughter Elene had been burnt alive. Her flesh roasted in the flames of oblivion.
"No..." Link muttered. "I just saved her..she just got her lives back..." he added, a tear streaming down his cheek.
Althouh this loss was terrible, he quickly decided to help the others. When he got back outside, he saw yet another terrible sight at Myra's and Bonaire's houses. Myra's and Bonaire's bodies liveless, just outside of their homes. The fumes of the fire had clearly gotten to them, and it looked as though they were not able to escape in time.
"No!" Link shouted. "Get up! You have to be alright, get up!!" he shouted, trying futiley to wake the deceased townsfolk. He rushed to see Sierra, Sybill's mother, only to find her also gone.
"Link!" Bergus shouted, crying.
"What is it?" Link asked.
He saw that Bergus' home was in no better shape, and what was worse, both Meade and Wendell hadn't managed to survive either.
"Who did this?!" Link shouted, clenching his fist.
"It was the Murgg!" Bergus shouted, pointing to a Murgg that ran by.
A look of pure anger washed over Link.
"The Murgg!?!" he shouted.
Link then heard the screech of some the foul creatures..they were..laughing.
"Damn them!!" he screamed.
Link rushed out, and quickly drew his sword. With incredible speed and power, Link struck the Murgg in the back, causing it to stumble forward and fall face first into the ground.
Link kept hacking away, until not even an identifiable scrap of the Murgg was left. It was reduced to a bloody heap on the floor. Link stood there, his blood-stained sword in hand, heaving breaths. He turned his head to see yet another one of the foul monsters.
"You damned Murgg!!" he screamed, dashing towards the next one.
When Link caught up with the creature, he dealt it a furious blow, severing its arm from its body. Beaumont placed a hand on Link's shoulder and wheeled him around.
"Link, settle down! Killing the Murgg won't bring anyone back," he explained.
Link sighed and stared at the ground, holding his sword loosely in his hand.
"You're right Beaumont...Septimus! Meia! Where are they? And the others?" Link asked.
"They're all inside my house..it's the only one left standing. Please, come with me there Link..we're going to hold a town meeting," he explained.
Link nodded, and followed Beaumont. When they arrived, they took a seat at a rather large table, and the remaining population of Inoa (which was rather small) was present. Beaumont quickly motioned for them to be silent before he started the discussion.
"So what is going on here?" Beaumont asked.
"Melzas is corrupting our dreams," Septimus replied darkly.
"But why? What could he gain?" Rumi asked, clearly confused.
"Melzas orginally didn't plan on killing anyone," Septimus began, talking in a matter-of-factly manner. "He wanted followers to make him stronger, so he decided to scare people into worhispping him. But when he discovered Link and Meia, who were capable of stopping his evil plans, he wanted to kill them by killing the dreamer," he explained.
Beaumont nodded.
"Of course, it all makes sense, but...why can't we dream normal dreams?" he asked.
"Because Melzas won't let us," Meia replied.
"Because the Gods have cursed us for destroying the idols. That is why!" Ronan shouted, bringing his own point of view to the discussion.
Septimus shook his head.
"I disagree. Everything we have done, everything Link has done...has had no help from the Gods. We as people can do things ourselves. We shouldn't place our faith in an ideal that won't help us! We should do what it is right ourselves!" he shouted.
Ronan glared at Septimus harshly.
"Blasphemy!" he replied. Ronan turned to Beaumont. "You can't agree, can you, Beaumont?"
Beaumont thought deeply for a moment, and took a deep breath.
"I agree with Septimus. We've managed to live our lives thanks to our efforts, and thanks to the heroism of Link and Meia as well," he replied.
Ronan clenched his fist and slammed it on the table.
"Damn you all!" he screamed.
"Ronan, the people of Inoa need to rise up against Melzas, not simply pretend he doesn't exist," Link lectured, giving Ronan a hard gaze.
Ronan returned his gaze with an equally serious stare.
"But then we can become his followers, and no one will suffer!" he offered.
Link shook his head.
"That's the same thing as running away. Melzas wants to rule the world, and he needs to corrupt people to do so. But we can rise up against him!" he protested.
Ronan sneered.
"You would defy a god? Foolish to the end, Link..." he muttered.
Beaumont looked at Ronan curiously.
"Ronan, your actions and speech have been odd. Do you want the people of this village to die?" he asked harshly.
Ronan remained calm.
"If it is the will of the Gods, then they should die," he said coldly.
Beaumont looked at Ronan in sheer disbelief.
"You're insane Ronan!" he shouted.
Ronan stood up, and looked over the crowd.
"Be careful what you speak, people of Inoa. I have the Gods on my side..." he threatened, walking away from the congregation.
Ronan left the meeting, leaving the people of Inoa frightened. Rumi still looked rather confused and scared.
"What should we do?" she asked.
Septimus sneered.
"I say we don't need Ronan. We need to defeat Melzas," he replied.
Beaumont shook his head.
"But he's a god!" he shouted.
Meia shook her head in response.
"But he can be destoyed! He must be destroyed! We shouldn't have to live in fear of Melzas' tyranny!" she added.
Link stood up, clearly adding to the excitement of the moment.
"Septimus and Meia are right! We shouldn't submit to Melzas!" he shouted.
Beaumont sighed.
"Well..perhaps we can decide what further actions to take later. But for now, I think it's more than fair to assume that the people of Inoa are tired, hungry, and miserable. We had best adjourn this meeting for now," he explained, standing up.
The people sitting at the table all exhumed an aura of pure exhaustion, so they couldn't really complain. Because many homes burnt down, they all pretty much slept there. Some homes remained standing, like Jess' and Septimus', but the majority of the village had been reduced to ash.
The next day, Link awoke with a strange feeling. He couldn't quite explain it. He got up fairly early, and was basking in the morning sunlight, training diligently with his sword. He then noticed Meia approaching.
"Link, I think Ronan is up to something," she warned.
Link nodded.
"I know. I feel as though there's something wrong too," he replied.
"So what are you going to do?" Meia asked.
"I'm going to see what Ronan's up to. I'm going to stop him," Link replied.
Meia nodded.
"I'll be right behind you, and I'll bring some others," she offered.
"Ok, just be careful. I'll go on ahead to make sure it's alright," Link replied.
"You be careful too Link..." Meia warned, placing a hand on Link's shoulder.
"Don't worry..I'll be fine," Link replied, staring back into her eyes.
With that he left, and went to the sanctuary. The door slowly opened to greet him.
"This doesn't bode well..." Link muttered, noticing the large creaking door. "But I need to confront Ronan," he added.
Link walked into the sanctuary, and the door closed behind him. Kisha, Meia, Beaumont and Septimus followed behind, but the door became locked after Link entered.
"It's locked!" Kisha shouted, frantically trying to force the door open.
A wave of despair came over Meia.
"Link is in trouble!" she cried.
Septimus nodded.
"We must help him!" he shouted, looking for a way in.
Meanwhile, in the sanctuary, Link proceeded to the altar, and saw Ronan, with malice in his eyes. Ronan simply smiled at Link.
"Good to see you Link. My master Melzas has bestowed upon me some new powers for me to destroy you with," he boasted.
Link returned Ronan's evil smile with a hardened gaze.
"Ronan, you musn't be in league with Melzas! He's evil! He will end up destroying you in the end!" he warned.
Ronan laughed.
"Evil, you say? He's a god. And he has granted me power. That is enough," he replied.
Link shook his head.
"But that's insane! Melzas wants to destroy everything in his path and rule the world!" Link protested.
Ronan smirked.
"And I shall assist him!" he shouted.
Ronan then transformed into a gigantic, hideous demon. At least 15 feet tall, with deformities everywhere, mutliple mouths with fangs, disfigured limbs with sharp claws, and a pair of eerie wings.
"Behold Melzas' gift!" Ronan challenged, his voice beoming more twisted and distorted to accompany his new hideous form.
Link placed a hand on his sword, and gave Ronan, or what once was Ronan, a determined stare.
"Ronan! I will put you out of your misery!" he vowed.