The Legend of Zelda: The Dream Walker
Chapter 23
"The hero of dreams"
By MEGAMANX411
Link sheathed his weapons, and gave Ronan a hard gaze. The demonic creature that dared to call itself a preacher was now dying.
"You are defeated Ronan," Link shouted.
Ronan chuckled despite the injuries inflicted upon him.
"You cannot kill Melzas. He is eternal!" he challenged.
Link narrowed his eyes.
"I will destroy his evil," he vowed.
Slowly, Ronan reverted back to a human, his so-called "gift" was disappearing, and he was left back in his human body, battered and broken. He raised his arms up in the hopes that his lord would save him.
"Melzas! Help me!" he cried, wheezing violently.
Ronan then collapsed, finally drawing his last breath. His service under the evil Melzas was now over. Link bowed his head, and slowly closed his eyes. Ronan was a servant of Melzas, but he once was a good man. And having to kill someone was something Link absolutely detested, something he would rather not have to live with. He would make Melzas pay.
"It's finally over..." Link muttered, shaking his head. "I better get back..."
Link opened the door to the sanctuary, and saw that Kisha, Beaumont, Meia, and Septimus were waiting just outside. Each had expressions of worry on their faces. Link forced a smile despite his feelings.
"Oh, hello. What are you guys doing here?" he asked.
"We thought you were in trouble!" Meia shouted. "We couldn't get in...so, we were worried..." she added, bowing her head so her face couldn't be seen by Link, or more accurately, her tears.
Septimus gave Link a rather serious gaze.
"So how did it go? Is Ronan...?" he asked, almost afraid to think of the former priest's demise.
Link sighed.
"Ronan is no more," he replied.
Beaumont's eyes went wide.
"You mean that he is..?" he asked.
Link took a deep breath.
"Here's how it went. I went inside, and spoke to Ronan. He transformed due to an enchantment from Melzas, and I defeated him. He reverted back to a human, and he called out to Melzas with his last breath..." he explained.
A look of shock came over the group.
"Ronan? A monster?" Kisha asked.
Septimus shook his head.
"I don't find that too hard to believe. Maybe what Melzas did was merely bring out Ronan's inner hatred of us," he explained, once again flaunting his intelligence.
Link nodded.
"That may have been the case," he replied.
Beaumont sighed.
"At any rate, maybe we should have the people gather in the sanctuary. Now that Ronan is gone, there is nothing to fear there, and it's safer than any house in the village," he offered.
Meia nodded in response to Beaumont's proposal.
"That's not a bad idea. I'll help get everyone," she replied.
Meia and the others helped gather all of the townsfolk around Inoa into the sanctuary, where they would have a meeting. Once all the people were gathered, Septimus stood up to get everyone's attention.
"We have called you all here to tell you that Melzas, a demonic god, is the one who is poisoning our dreams. But it doesn't have to be that way. We can fight him," he shouted, his voice becoming increasingly firm.
Beaumont looked unsure of Septimus' confidence.
"But how?" he asked.
"We can still use our dreams to help Link in the battle against Melzas. I researched on this thoroughly, and if Melzas could draw things from our dreams and make them real, then we should be able to as well. Melzas can only hold power over us because we have power. Without the ability to dream, he wouldn't be able to manipulate us, but you need to realize that our dreams are also the best weapon we have. We need to combine our dreams,"Septimus explained.
Rumi shook her head.
"But how do we do that?" she asked.
"I think it's merely a matter of concentrating together. Everyone, hold hands.Focus your thoughts on something to help Link,"Septimus commanded.
The entire group followed, but looked rather unsure of this plan. Gustav shook his head.
"But...what do we think of? I mean, what kind of "hero" should we dream of to help Link?" he asked.
Kisha smiled.
"The only hero I can think of IS Link," she muttered.
Meia lit up.
"That's it! Everyone, just think of Link," she shouted.
Beaumont nodded.
"OK, everyone, concentrate!" he added.
They all bowed their heads in silence, and closed their eyes. At first nothing happened. Link was standing in the middle of this circle of people, not sure of what he could do to help. But, he was caught off guard by an extremely odd sight. A bright light was emitted from the people of Inoa, and something was forming.
All of the sudden, out of thin air, a sword appeared by Link. It appeared in Link's hands, and he eyed the blade curiously. "
What is this?" Link asked, weighing the sword in his hands.
Septimus smiled.
"That is the product of our hopes and dreams, the Holy Sword. Use it to defeat Melzas," he replied.
Link nodded, and his gaze hardened.
"I will," he vowed.
Before he left, Link turned to Septimus once more.
"Wait. Septimus, tell me one thing. Why did Melzas kill Sybill and Jess?" he asked.
"It's actually fairly simple. Sybill had the ability to foresee the future in her dreams, thus able to give away Melzas' plans to help you in advance. He wanted to kill her to keep all of us wondering what he would do next," he explained.
Link gritted his teeth.
"And Jess?" he asked.
"Jess got inspiration to craft great weapons from the souls of recently departed friends. The souls of those Melzas destroyed could come back as weapons Jess could create for you to slay him with. Fearing that he would eventually create the sword we just made, Melzas killed Jess, using Giles and Ronan as pawns," Septimus explained.
Beaumont bowed his head.
"Giles...poor man. He never wanted to be inolved, he was just devout to his religion," he whispered.
Kisha looked equally distressed, but was unable to speak from her apparent sadness.
"Something that Melzas could easily take advantage of," Septimus replied, obviously referring to Giles being devout to religion. "Each time one of us prayed to the idols, it gave Melzas strength. We have all done it. That gave Melzas a pathway into our minds! We must destroy Melzas to prevent him from invading our dreams any longer," he added.
Beaumont raised an eyebrow in curiousity.
"But what about the king? What connection does he have?" he asked.
Septimus nodded.
"Ah yes, that. I was curious at first too. You see, Melzas came from a distant star," he began.
Beaumont's eyes widened.
"He...he is not from this world?" he asked.
Septimus nodded back.
"Exactly. The king captured Melzas, and threatened to kill him. However, Melzas used his abilities to give the king a dream. In the dream, it showed Melzas giving the king riches, and his people happiness. The king changed his mind, and made Melzas one of his advisors. The king even agreed to make statues of Melzas. However, after time, Melzas had gotten into the minds of all of the king's soldiers, and one night, the king had a vision. He saw a world drenched in blood! Fearing Melzas' evil schemes, he decreed that all idol worship was forbidden, and Melzas was sealed away. The castle sunk into the sea due to a curse by Melzas. However, Melzas managed to reach out and find new followers despite having his phsyical body sealed away in the castle. He scattered the seven crests in order to prevent the castle from raising, and from anyone from getting to him to interfere with his plans. Using his powerful mental abilities, he easily controlled the simple-minded Murgg to do his dirty work, and had gotten into the minds of devout religious folk--because they prayed to the idols!" he shouted.
Meia smiled.
"It all makes sense now..you're amazing Septimus," she replied.
Link nodded.
"You are, really, Septimus. You've been invaluable in stopping Melzas, and a very noble friend!" he added.
Septimus smiled.
"I'm just a scholar. What I've done can not compare to your deed's Link," he replied.
Cephas, the caretaker of the cemetary, entered the room. He was an old man who kept to himself, but the village knew of him.
"Link," he began. "Come here. I need to speak with you," he added.
Link nodded.
"OK," he replied.
Link went over to Cephas to speak in private.
"What is it?" Link asked.
Cephas looked rather serious.
"Nava wishes to see you. He has the seventh crest," he whispered.
Link's eyes went wide.
"Then that means!" he shouted.
Cephas nodded slowly.
"Right. You can raise the castle from the sea. But there is more I should tell you. Nava and I are of the same race. We are not humans, nor demons. We are guardians, designated to protect the people by order of the wizards," he explained.
Link raised an eyebrow.
"So Lars..?" he asked.
"Has been watching over you," Cephas added. "He is quite proud of you, Link. Quickly, go to Nava."
Link nodded to Cephas, and then began walking towards Nava's cabin. As he walked off, waved to the townsfolk of Inoa.
"I'm going to stop Melzas!" he promised. "And I will return!" he added.
Link made his way to Nava's cabin, and knocked on the door. There was no response.
"Odd..." Link whispered.
He slowly opened the door and peered inside, but apparently no one was there. He swung the door open, and stepped inside, taking a look around.
"Nava? Nava! Where are you?" Link called.
He saw a stairway near the back of Nava's cabin, and made his way over there. It descended into a cave, which Link entered. After making his way through several tunnels, Link finally made his way out, and saw another little house just by where the stairs ended. He made his way there.
Link stepped inside to find the old man sitting down, looking rather content.
"Nava!" he shouted.
Nava turned to Link.
"Hello Link. I suppose you're here for the crest, hm?" he asked.
Link nodded.
"Well, yes.." he replied.
However, the event was interrupted by a loud noise. The windows were shattered. All of the sudden, Zorgia busted into the room through the glass windows.
"Greetings Nava. And hello to you, Link. I see you are both well," Zorgia began, an evil smile appearing on his face.
Nava gave Zorgia a hard stare.
"Zorgia. Remove your foul presence from my sight!" he shouted.
Zorgia shook his head.
"Big words from an old, decrepit man. You wish to give Link the seventh crest, do you not?" he asked.
"And what if I do?" Nava inquired.
Zorgia smirked.
"Then I'd have to kill you," he replied.
Zoriga dove at Nava, and slashed at his chest. Nava's blood spilled out, and the old man collapsed onto the floor.
"No!!" Link shouted, kneeling down beside Nava.
Zorgia shook his head.
"Too bad, Link. I guess you weren't fast enough to save him," he teased.
Nava smiled at Link, and his breathing was becoming increasingly strained.
"Link....." he whispered.
Just after Nava uttered Link's name, he died.
The seventh and final crest rolled out from Nava's lifeless hands.
Zorgia made his way over to Nava's body.
"I'll take that," he muttered.
"No you won't!" Link challenged, snatching up the crest.
Zorgia hardened his gaze.
"I grow tired of these games. Give it to me," he commanded.
Link gritted his teeth in anger. "
Never!" he shouted.
Zorgia crossed his arms defiantly.
"Fine then. Perhaps some entertainment? I've reserved a special place for this," he replied.
Zorgia cast some kind of spell, which transported them both to a strange demonic dimension.
"I've been looking forward to killing you Link, since our first encounter at Nirude's palace," Zorgia challenged.
Link narrowed his eyes at the foul monster.
"And I've been looking forward to avenging Nirude. Believe me when I say that his and Nava's lives will be avenged," he replied.
Zorgia shook his head. "
You think you can defeat me? Arrogant and foolish, Link," he replied.
"We shall see!" Link challenged.
He quickly drew his bow, and fired at the winged demon. The arrow missed, and the effort to avoid it by Zorgia seemed minimal.
"Too slow," Zorgia replied, crossing his arms.
Zorgia then dove at Link, but Link managed to avoid the assault by quickly stepping back.
"Speak for yourself!" Link boasted, unsheathing his Master Sword.
Link quickly turned around, and prepared a slash from his Master Sword. Zorgia tried to escape, but his left wing was still clipped by the blade.
"Agh..damn you!" Zorgia shouted, clutching his wound.
Link pointed his sword at Zorgia.
"Now who's slow?" he challenged.
Zorgia gritted his teeth.
"What?!" he spat.
Zorgia rushed at Link with his claws in front of him. Link pulled up his shield to block the incoming attack, but Zorgia knocked it aside effortlessly.
"Take this!" Link shouted, trying to stab Zorgia with his Master Sword.
"Your little toys are worthless!" Zorgia replied, taking the sword from Link's hand.
Link tried to use his Holy Sword, but it too was cast aside by Zorgia's attacks.
Zorgia then picked Link up, and slashed him across the stomach with his claws. Luckily, Link backed up in time so the attack just scratched him, but it still drew blood. Zorgia then tossed Link aside like a rag. Link was clutching his wound and he was heaving breaths.
"Damn...need a plan...wait a minute!" he shouted, his eyes catching a glimpse of light reflecting off his shield.
Link gave a quick look to his shield. It was right behind Zorgia, and Zorgia was right in front of him, and his swords laid beside the shield. Link's eyes lit up.
"I got it!" he shouted.
Link quickly pulled out the Wind Scroll, and gave Zorgia a defiant smirk. After reading the enchanted parchment, a torrent of wind appeared behind Zorgia, who appeared a bit worried. But the magic didn't inflict any damage on the demon. Zorgia threw his head back in laughter.
"You missed? Hahaha! How could you miss?" he shouted.
Link smiled.
"I didn't miss!" he shouted.
Zorgia's laughter ended right there.
"Huh?" he muttered.
Zorgia looked behind him to see that the blasts of wind shot the shield on the ground forward, which sliced through Zorgia's stomach, rending him in two. Link then charged forward, and caught his two swords. He brought the two blades down, slicing Zorgia vertically.
The servant of Melzas was felled. The demon fell to the ground, lifeless, and was quite literally shredded into pieces. His demonic lifeblood oozed everywhere, and with his final breath, the spell was removed, and the battleground on which Link and Zorgia fought disappeared. Link was then returned back to Nava's house, where the old man laid dead.
Link bent down beside the old man, and took his hand in his own.
"Nava..." he whispered, bowing his head.
Link then beheld a flash of light come forth, and he saw Nava get up.
"Nava??" he asked.
Nava smiled at the young hero.
"Thank you Link. You have defeated Melzas' minions, and I'm sure you will defeat the evil demon himself," he replied.
Link was stunned.
"But...how can you..?" he asked.
"Apparently, Lars was pleased with my work, and made me a wizard. I must bid my thanks to you Link, and farewell. Use the seven crests to open the way to Melzas' palace," he replied.
Link nodded.
"I will," he vowed. "For everyone."
Link left Nava's house, and made his way to the altar by the sea. He placed the seven crests there, and the castle began to emerge with violent rumbling. The waters shifted from the emerging castle, and its sheer presence was unnerving. When the castle was finally above the sea, Link started to walk towards the entrance. But before Link could enter, Meia approached him.
"Link..." she began, outstretching a hand. Link turned to see Meia.
"Oh, hello Meia. What is it?" he asked.
Meia lowered her head.
"You're going to fight Melzas, aren't you?" she asked.
Link gave her a curious look.
"Of course. I have to," he replied.
"It's dangerous...I.." she whispered, sniffling.
Link placed a hand on her shoulder, and looked her in the eyes.
"You don't need to say anymore. I will return after I defeat Melzas," he vowed.
Meia just smiled.
"You better," she replied, forcing a smile and stopping her tears.
Link smirked.
"And you can come with my to Hyrule. And so can Septimus, and the other villagers of Inoa. I promise," he replied.
"I'll hold you to your promise," she teased.
Link and Meia then met in a brief but long awaited embrace.
"I'm off," Link whispered.
"I'll be waiting," Meia replied.
With that, Link walked off, and ran into the the castle. Meia stood there for awhile, but soon headed back to the village to wait for Link. Link reached the throne room quickly.
"Melzas!" he shouted.
Melzas now appeared before Link. He appeared like a tall, disfigured human. Perhaps around nine feet in height, with human features, save for a hideously disfigured face, evil, glowing eyes, and fangs.
"So, Releaser. We meet in person, at last," he began.
Link hardened his gaze.
"I can't let you get away with what you're doing," he vowed.
Melzas cocked his head in arrogance.
"You intend to stop me?" he mocked.
Link shook his head.
"No," he replied.
Melzas looked a bit confused.
"Then what do you intend?" he asked.
Link clenched his fist.
"To kill you," he replied harshly.
Melzas crossed his arms defiantly.
"Humans are...so arrogant," he mocked.
Link pointed a finger at Melzas, and narrowed his eyes.
"I hold the hopes and dreams of the people of Inoa! They will destroy you!" he challenged.
Melzas shook his head.
"Humans cannot kill a god. Surely you must know this," he replied.
Melzas then transported Link and himself to a demonic dimension like where Link fought Zorgia. Melzas raised his arms.
"Prepare yourself, mortal!" he challenged.