The Hero Returns To Hyrule
Chapter 10: The Shadow Temple, Part 2
A/N: Wow, my first update in nearly a month. Sorry about neglecting this fic. I never intended to take this long with it. Blame that on my computer. I promise to finish this fic very soon. I know that this fic has been decreasing in quality so I will make up for that in this chapter. Thanks for being patient during all of this.
(----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------)
The rooftop is forming to be the battlefield for one of the greatest rematches of all time. The two Links stand opposite, glaring at their own mirror image. One holds a sword imbedded with a shard of the Master Sword in a bony hand. The other has the Triforce of Courage burning deeply within his soul. The two Links glared menacingly at each other. You could cut the tension with a knife.
The good Link was feeling confident. He had defeated Dark Link quite easily many years ago and could do so again. "I will give you one chance to give up before I'm forced to kill you." Good Link declared.
Dark Link laughed at this remark. "That's funny. I have a nice short answer that you can understand. How bout no!" Dark Link charged at the hero.
This action catches Link of guard. He barely manages to bring his own sword up in time to deflect the attack. Dark Link attacked relentlessly. Every time Link parried a blow, Dark Link would come back with another stronger attack. The force of the onslaught caused Good Link to fall to his knees.
Dark Link sensed his moment. He struck out with a quick kick that knocked Good Link's sword out of his hands. Link quickly unhooked his shield and brought it up to defend the next attacks.
The shard of the Master Sword was giving Dark Link's blade the advantage. With one powerful thrust, the sword pierced through the shield. The blade continued its plunge, cutting deep into Link's right arm. Link cried out in pain, dropping his shield. The moment was looking dim for the Hero of Time.
Link was helpless. He was unarmed, defenseless, and overpowered. Dark Link placed his blade along Link's throat. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time." Dark Link gloated. A trickle of blood dripped along Link's neck and disappeared beneath his tunic.
"Go ahead and do it, I dare you. If you strike me down, I will come back, more powerful than ever. I will haunt you until I am able to equal the deed." Link muttered as the blade pressed even closer.
Dark Link was savoring his impending victory. He wanted to make Link suffer for a long time before he finished him. "How does it feel, Hero? Being moments away from death and being completely helpless about it."
"Go to hell." Link replied.
Dark Link chuckled. "Look around you. I'm already there."
The pressure was unbearable. With every breath, the blade dug a little deeper into his skin. "Why won't he finish me off?" Link asked himself. He was frightened. He knew that there was nothing that he could do to save himself. That's when he saw her.
Zelda had climbed onto the rooftop. She had seen the entire battle. When she noticed Link's pleading glance she knew that she had to help. Dark Link hadn't spotted her yet.
Zelda raised her hands into the air in a V. Link watched as a familiar black sphere formed in her hands. It was the same magic ball that had struck Navi down. That could mean only one thing. Zelda was the one who had killed Navi.
Dark Link had finally noticed Link's stare. He slowly turned his head towards Zelda. The second the two met eyes she released the sphere. The sword fell from Dark Link's bony hand and landed before Link.
Link collected the sword and turned to see the black sphere pass through Dark Link. The evil version of Link emitted a muffle cry of pain before having his life string cut. The body fell to the ground with a sickening thud. Zelda walked over to the body of Dark Link and gave it a prod to ensure that he was dead. She then turned to Link, only to see him prepared to attack with Dark Link's sword. "Aren't you going to thank me for helping you?"
"I don't think so bitch. You killed Navi. I can never forgive you for that." Every word from Link's mouth dripped with hatred for the friend that had betrayed him. He could pretty much figure out the entire story now. It had been Zelda from the start. The only reason she was helping him was to give him the perception that she was on his side. Then she would betray him.
"Awwwww... Looks like Link figured it out. Congratulations." She had an evil smile on her face. "Do you want to know something else of interest? I'm sure you do. Look behind you."
Link called Zelda's bluff. As soon as he turned his back, she unleashed another of her black spheres. The ball struck Link squarely in the back, sending him flying. He landed in a crumpled heap a few meters away.
Zelda laughed. "I can't believe you fell for that. Some 'Hero'! I've seen little kids who are smarter than that." She approached Link. He was still alive. Zelda was somewhat surprised that he wasn't dead. That spell had killed everyone else with one blow.
Link was in a horrible condition. There was a huge chunk of skin that was burnt from the spell. It hurt every time he took a breath. His arm was bleeding heavily as he pushed himself back to his feet. "You're going to have to try harder than that if you want to get rid of me." Link said as he charged the princess.
The hero took a mighty swing with the blade; but only passed through thin air where Zelda had once been standing. Link stopped and looked around. He couldn't see her anywhere. Suddenly, Link dived to the side. A black sphere passed harmlessly by. Link got up to his feet, staring angrily at Zelda. He pulled out his bow and fired a few arrows at her.
Zelda merely stood her ground. As the arrows neared she cast a deflective shield before her. The arrows struck the shield and rebounded straight back towards Link. The hero dodged most of the reflected arrows, but one caught him in the stomach. Link grasped the arrow, plucked it from his gut and tossed it aside.
"Why are you doing this, Zelda!" He called out to the blond haired maiden.
"You want to know why?!? I'll tell you why! I was sick and tired of helping you save Hyrule. Every time I help you, you end up with all the credit. Nobody ever appreciates the work I do for this land!" Zelda screeched.
"I appreciate what you do. I would have never been able to succeed on my adventures without your help." Link stated truthfully.
"You really think so?" Zelda asked, momentarily returning to the side of good.
"Of course I do." Link stated as he approached her. He could see the tears in her eyes as he held open his arms. Zelda rushed into Link's arms and wept uncontrollably into Link's chest. Link held her tightly.
He did not notice the dagger in her hand until it was too late. The sharp sting of the knife imbedding itself into his back caused him to gasp. Zelda pulled herself away from the hero, taking the knife with her, as he slipped to the ground.
Link looked up sadly at her as she pushed him onto his back. She stooped over and collected the sword with the shard of the Master Sword. The moon cast an eerie glow across Link's eyes as they locked with Zelda's. She stared silently back at him for a few seconds. Then she plunged the sword.
Link's eyes were no longer fixated upon Zelda. They had closed forever. Zelda silently released the handle of the blade and stepped away from Link. A single tear rolled along her cheek, falling onto the peaceful face of the dead hero. She turned away from the sight and headed back towards the stairs. "Now for that redheaded whore, Malon."
She stopped right before reaching the stairs. She had forgotten about the Triforce of Courage. She returned to the body and grabed the hero's hand. The mark of the Triforce was there, but none of the triangles were glowing. The Triforce of Courage had left Link.
(----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------)
A/N: Don't hate me too much. I will take the flames with dignity. In a few weeks I will continue with the adventure of Malon. Till then, Tint out.