Okay, so I just saw the end of Wolf's Rain, and I just...don't...get it...what was the point to this show again? That there is no paradise? Well, anywho, we're dwindling down to the end of this story, so, buckle your seatbelts and hang on to your underwear, cuz here we go! Mysticism galore, I still don't have the rights to the Legend of Zelda...Nintendo has betrayed me. Oo, if you're looking for a really great Zelda site, I highly suggest , , or .com? I can't remember...) if you haven't heard of it already. Oo, and very random side-note, has any Dragonball Z fan out there ever heard of a super saiya-jin 2 Gohan action figure (from the cell games)? Yes, I know this is random and has nothing to do with Zelda, but I was just curious...yes, I'm a nerd. Maybe I'll try this year's anime expo in Anaheim...Syd will go with me, I'm sure...
Oh, and did I neglect to tell you guys how AWESOME YOU ALL ARE?!?!??!
-LOZ-
Ch. 36: Awakened Spirit
-LOZ-
"HAAA!"
Airaen yelled aloud, releasing her power as she barreled into Ganon with all the strength she could muster. She tried to push him back, but he could only smile as he easily raised his right hand, using his powers to send her flying into the air, blood spewing from her mouth.
Airaen hit the ground hard and lay still, her own blood coming down on her like soft rain.
"That truly was pathetic," Ganon said as he crossed his arms and frowned. "I think you're losing it."
Gripping the ground, Airaen pushed herself to her knees, moaning in the effort.
With a sigh, Ganon summoned his power again and focused it on her. The invisible wave of energy hit her like a roaring wind, throwing her onto her back in a pool of blood. She moaned and coughed blood, her eyes closed in pain.
"Go ahead. Get up again. You only make it more interesting for me," Ganon continued with a shrug. "Come on, girl-child."
Slowly, painfully, Airaen staggered to her feet, swaying in the effort. She clutched at her shoulder, breath short and labored as she stole a furtive glance over to her mother.
Come on, Zelda...open the Door...do it...
Ganon took a step forward, then glanced up at the dark clouds that were forming above them. "My, my, I believe it's going to rain!" he chuckled. "I do love the rain. It makes softer ground for digging graves, don't you think so, girl-child? Makes it easier for burying that old man of yours, eh?"
"Shut up."
Though it was spoken softly, Airaen's tone was dangerous, deadly.
Zelda heard it and shivered.
Roh sighed heavily, favoring his bleeding neck slightly. This was not his Airaen...not the Airaen who had laughed in bright sunshine. Tears came to his eyes, but he shook them away, deciding to stand on his feet, tired though he was.
"What was that?" Ganon answered.
"Bastard!"
Airaen ran forward, ducking his blow and barreling her fist to his gut. With a cry, she opened her hand and sent a spell through his stomach, the gold beam bursting out of his back and continuing on into the sky. Though gasping for air, Airaen smiled at the hole in Ganon's stomach, blood pouring out from the gash.
"Was that supposed to be funny?"
Shocked into silence, Airaen looked up into Ganon's vengeful eyes, an eyebrow raised.
"B-but...y-you..." Airaen stammered, stepping back. "T-there's...no way!"
Ganon sighed. "Such brilliant power wasted on so dense a mind," he chuckled. "My dear girl-child, when will you ever learn?"
Sighing again, he placed his right hand over the wound. The Triforce mark on his hand glowed a sudden gold; the bleeding stopped, and, much to Airaen's horror, the wound closed, healed completely.
"N-no...h-how did you...there's just...just no way!" she stammered, her eyes wide.
"I'm immortal, you nit-wit, thanks to the Triforce," Ganon hissed. "Do I need to beat this into you?"
He smiled and disappeared suddenly.
Startled, Airaen crouched into a fighting position, focusing her awareness outward.
"Focus on the sounds around you, Fidaya."
She closed her eyes.
He's moving too fast for me to sense him...maybe...
"THERE!" she yelled, firing a spell to the right. As he dodged, she ducked low and swung her leg parallel with the ground, striking the back of his knee. Snarling, he grabbed her leg in a lightning-fast motion and threw her sideways.
"Sloppy, girl-child," Ganon said with a sigh as he watched her struggle to get up again. "Very sloppy. You've gone soft in your exhaustion." He slowly began to walk forward, his arms crossed, a frown on his face.
"I...don't...care," Airaen gasped as she stood, swaying on her feet. She lunged forward, her right fist in front of her for a quick punch to his gut.
Sighing heavily, he grasped her fist tightly.
"Yes, very sloppy," Ganon said, his tone dripping with disappointment. "You were quite the challenge an hour ago...now, I'm not so sure." He squeezed her hand tightly, enjoying the pained look on her face as she struggled to pull away. Ganon smiled. "You've lost, girl-child. Admit defeat. I can hear your bones starting to crack."
Airaen sank to the ground on one knee, gritting her teeth in agony as he started to twist her wrist.
"I asked you for the Triforce before," he continued as if oblivious to her agonized moans. "You refused. I asked you politely again, and you retaliated. I threatened your lover, and you hesitated. I gave you so many chances to make this easy on yourself. You refused."
He had by now twisted her hand till it faced palm upwards to the sky. Airaen was gasping for air, sweat trickling down her face.
"You disobeyed me, girl-child, even after all I've ever done for you. Without me, you're nothing...you wouldn't have even been born if not for me. You're as insolent as your parents, a real thorn in my side. But now, it's time for fun."
He let go of her arm suddenly, relishing in how she brought her arm in close to her chest, clutching it. As the rain came down, he smiled.
"Yes," he mused. "Let's have some fun."
Laughing, he kicked her, relishing how she flipped back, blood in the air. Licking his lips, he went into the assault.
-LOZ-
"What the fuck are you waiting for, you moron?!"
Zelda started, drawn sharply and cruelly back to reality.
"Nabooru?" she whispered, looking around.
"Who else would it be, ya moron? Hello? What the fuck are you waiting for? Hurry up and help us open the Door, you idiot!"
"That's no way to talk to her Eminence, Nabooru!"
"Oh, shut it, Rock-Eater! Is it my fault she's just standing there, doing nothing?! That poor kid's getting her total ass kicked, and she's just standing there like a desert statue..."
You're right, Zelda answered in her mind, focusing on the Sages. I'm sorry...I'm supposed to be your leader, or whatever it is I'm supposed to do, and I'm failing rather miserably, aren't I?
"I'll say you are, your royal nit-witted Highness!"
Thanks, Ruto...I always love your input, Zelda answered with a smile. So, what do we do first?
"Channel our energies to a specific spot, my Lady," Rauru said as he stepped forward, pushing Ruto rather ungraciously behind him.
But which spot will we choose? I'm guessing Airaen never said where?
"No, Highness," Rauru answered glumly.
That's nice.
Zelda sighed.
"Cynicism is not a becoming trait for you, Zelda," Impa said.
Zelda sighed. No, it's Airaen's...but what do we do? Just pick a spot and go for it, then? But we need to keep Ganon busy...if he finds out...
"Um, in case no one has noticed, Ganon's already preoccupied in beating the shit out of that kid," Nabooru growled. "So I suggest we move our asses on the double, if you don't mind, yer Highness, or whatever. The sooner we get this over with the better."
Alright then...but we still have on major problem...we need the element of surprise, for all our sakes. But we're talking about a massive energy surge here, causing a rift. Ganon would be an idiot if he doesn't sense us from the start.
"You guys need a decoy?"
Most of the Sages jumped, but Zelda nearly toppled forward in surprise.
Airaen?! How...how in all of Hyrule are you even listening in on this?
Zelda glanced quickly in the young woman's direction, biting her lip as she saw Airaen on her knees watching Ganon approach slowly. She was covered in blood.
Dear Goddess...
"Listen, there's not much time, I know," Airaen said simply, each word a pained labor. "I'll keep him occupied as long as I can...you guys open the Door...I'll handle the rest..."
Zelda felt the connection fade out as quickly as it had come.
"What...do you mean by that?" she whispered, staring at Airaen as she got to her feet.
"Zelda?"
The poor woman jumped clear out of her skin this time.
"Shit, Link! You scared me!" Zelda cried, wiping her brow.
"Sorry...? But, you just...you just ran off like that! I thought...he was going to kill you," he replied, his voice suddenly dull, emotion-less. "I just...oh, I don't know anymore..."
"Airaen's got a plan," Zelda said quickly, shrugging off his comments. "We're going to try and figure it out...see if it works or not."
"Plan?"
-LOZ-
Damn it all...he just...won't stay down, will he?
Airaen wiped rain water from her eyes, breathing hard.
If I could only catch him off guard once...just once! But, I've tried just about everything...I'm running out of ideas, damn it!
Ganon was walking towards her with a twisted smile on his face, his eyes glistening with lustful hate.
Airaen crouched into a fighting position, trying to still her breathing. I've got to be calm for this...I must be calm!
He stopped ten feet from her, his smile broadening. "Are you ready, girl-child?" he chuckled.
Airaen gritted her teeth.
"I do love having fun!" Ganon grinned, then disappeared once more, lost to her senses.
Airaen's heart beat rapidly in her chest. Fool! Don't be afraid, she hissed in her mind. Seek him out, stupid!
But she couldn't. Her fatigue and aching, sore body refused her the courtesy.
Fine...I'll just have to analyze the whole thing, then...damn, it's been a while, but...oh, who cares anymore?
She relaxed as she stood, arms limp at her sides.
"Feel out Time-flow," she whispered. "Everything opens up...like a door without a lock..."
Airaen suddenly, quietly, felt herself slip away, lost in a sudden flow of data, of time, of potential self. She narrowed her eyes, trying to process any shift in temperature, moisture, atmosphere...
The constant fighting around her made it a little difficult at first, but she managed to discern a sudden distortion in the atmosphere, subtle even to her. She smiled.
Leaving a trail...but I've got you...
The distortion grew in intensity, barreling towards her at the right. Her smile fading, she dropped to her knees, summoning strength, and flipped backwards high into the air, the wind rushing at her, rain falling against her face. Then she was on the ground again and ducked as Ganon tried to slice at her with his fist, a blow capable of decapitation.
She spun around on her toes and struck him at the back.
But he was too well-balanced, too calm and confident as he used the velocity of her arm to his own advantage as he fell over, spun, and kicked her at the side. She flew back and hit the ground hard, but was up again, using her awareness to gage herself.
Damn him, she thought as she attacked him – ducking, blocking, answering.
A sudden spasm from exhaustion in her knee caused her to lose balance. As she toppled forward, Ganon rotated his back till he was facing her, threw up his hand, and used his energy to fling her back.
She yelled in surprise as she was tossed high in the air, the wind clutching at her ragged clothes, her stomach pointed to the sky.
Opening one eye, she saw him appear above her, his arms raised as she came near him.
Then he brought his fists down into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her as she fell, flipping over and over.
Two hundred feet or more, her awareness told her calmly. She felt sick and decided to close her eyes. I don't have any energy left...how funny!
Roh screamed as he saw her fall, suddenly running forward. But he knew he could never catch her. Not at the rate she's falling! Fuck it all!
"Airaen!" he screamed.
His yell came to her so suddenly that she snapped her eyes open.
Time-flow!
The solution seemed so easy to her now!
She glanced at the ground rushing towards her like a gaping mouth. Gritting her teeth, she surrendered herself to Time once more...raw-Time, set-Time, prescient-Time. It was a fanatical feeling: chained and free. Energy like wildfire spread through her, but she knew it wasn't her own. It's just Time's enthusiasm towards another victim...
She felt herself slow down, watching how the blood she had spat out from Ganon's impact that now fell with her seemed to almost stop in midair.
It's working...!
Suddenly, she stopped, a mere two inches from the ground, a feeling of weightlessness like she had never felt taking hold of her.
"Wow," she breathed, cocking her head towards the ground. "That...wasn't so bad, actually..."
Too bad I can never use it again...
Softly, slowly, she gently lowered herself to the ground on her back, then sat up, brushing her rather tousled hair from her face. Airaen looked up at Ganon's shocked face as he landed near her.
"Nope," she said with a shrug. "It wasn't that bad at all, actually..."
Enraged, Ganon tore towards her, stopping momentarily to kick her on her side. She tumbled away, crying out as she hit the ground again and again.
A maddened smile formed on Ganon's face, like a child realizing the wonderful destructive power of a certain toy.
"Toys, girl-child," he mused, walking slowly towards her. "Pathetic toys...but freaks understand freaks, don't we? Don't we, my precious Sunset?"
Gritting her teeth, Airaen staggered to her feet, only to suffer another volley of offensive attacks from him. Cackling madly, he grabbed the back of her head and pushed her face down in the wet mud.
"Is it nice, Queen of the Dirt?" he chortled. "Does the little princess like it?" He stood and turned her over onto her back with his foot. Studying her pained face for a moment, he grinned, then kicked her at the side again, enjoying her scream, relishing how she hit the ground again. "My, my...what amazing power the princess of Hyrule has! What an honor this is, my Lady!"
Pain rippling through her, she staggered to her feet. Airaen's breathing was hard, labored. Her ribs felt as if they would break with each gasping breath she took. She rubbed her eyes, trying to focus as Ganon loomed ahead of her.
He grinned.
"Where is that amazing power of yours? The one I sensed from you when you were looking for Sidar, huh? You showed me much more power when you fought me! You were just a child then...surely there's a lot more than that?" he cackled, loving the game.
Airaen didn't answer as she tried to still her breathing. Her heart beat so rapidly in her chest she wondered if it would burst at any given moment.
"Not going to answer me, huh? That power must be there...but I must see it to believe it!" he roared as he barreled towards her.
She barely had the strength to block his blows, barely crying out as some found its way to her. One such attack from his fist sent her flying along the ground, skidding to a harsh halt.
"Come on!" Ganon laughed. "I'm getting very bored with you! Show at least a little effort!?"
Airaen couldn't find the strength to get up off her back. She winced at the intense pain running through her body, a bit of blood trickling out of her mouth. Airaen coughed. Her heart was pounding so loud she felt certain Ganon could hear it.
A shadow loomed over her. Ganon sneered.
Get up, stupid, Airaen screamed in her mind, or you fail! Get up, coward! Stupid shit-head! Get the fuck up!
"I thought you had an amazing power," Ganon mused, watching her struggle to even move, her breathing labored, gasping. "We're kindred spirits...both shunned at an early age by those who simply didn't understand our powers....ha, we're both freaks! Abominations! I love it! Why won't you show me your incredible power? Why are you hiding it so, girl-child?"
Airaen closed her eyes, heart hammering.
"Still nothing from you? Nothing at all?"
Ganon balled his fist and raised it high above his head.
"Too bad it ends here, then, girl-child," Ganon said quietly. "I enjoyed the game for a while, but I guess all good things come to an end." He grinned. "Such a beauty wasted on that boy...pity for you to die!"
Something snapped in her mind, a sudden, harsh realization, a last-minute analysis.
Her daughter!
She remembered her unborn child in her, protected by Airaen's own unconscious power.
If I die...she dies!
"No!" Airaen yelled aloud, opening her eyes.
Ganon swung his fist down, bent on one final, fatal blow. He grinned.
Fueled by an unseen emotion, Airaen rocked forward and caught Ganon's fist expertly, inches from her face. Hand shaking, her body trembling with an unknowing rage, she gritted her teeth and pushed forward to her knees first, gripping Ganon's fist.
"Wha...what the hell...do you think you're doing?" Ganon hissed, his eyes wide in shock as he tried to free his hand. "Let go!"
But Airaen held fast to his fist as she got to her feet, her eyes gleaming with hate as she stood.
"Let go, girl-child!"
Narrowing her eyes, Airaen squeezed his hand, her mind filled with a relentless hatred that quickly fueled the rest of her body. There was something in this moment, something that tugged at her, forcing her down a road she wanted desperately to go down. She wanted to crush his hand, wanting to hear the snap of broken bones, his screams...everything....she wanted to hear him beg for mercy...
Slowly, slowly, she started to twist his hand, wanting the bones to crack. She gripped his hand tighter, tighter, a sudden burst of incredible aura surrounding her, sparks flowing around her, pulling at her hair, playing across her body.
Ganon gazed at her in awe and bitter agony as he tried to pull his hand away. He snarled, biting back a cry.
"Let...go...!" he screamed, trying to pull away. "I said...agh...let go! Let go! GIRL-CHILD! LET GO!"
With his own burst of power, he pulled away, jumping back and massaging his hand.
Airaen watched him for a moment, her aura swirling around her. Suddenly, she burst forward at an amazing speed, yelling as she barreled her fist to his gut, sinking it deeper and deeper until he vomited blood. Blood started to run from the cut she was forming in his stomach. She wanted nothing more than to see her hand burst through his stomach and out the other side.
In an agony he thought he would never experience from the young woman, he summoned his own power and tried to kick at her.
But she blocked it with her arm expertly, her eyes cold, harsh.
Suddenly she placed her hand in front of him. A smile crept across her face, relishing Ganon's look of sudden shock and fear.
"Let's see how you like it," she whispered with a smile, then summoned an energy ball. "See how you like it, Prince of Fear..."
Ganon's jaw dropped.
"You...you wouldn't...!" Ganon stammered.
Airaen smiled, then thrust the energy forward, creating a huge beam that barreled into him and sent him flying back at a horrendous speed that ended with him crashing into the ground in a large explosion.
Slowly, she let her hand fall to the side, her eyes narrowed as she tried to calm that blood-lusting feeling inside of her. It felt as if a voice in the back of her head was begging her for more blood, more gore. She suddenly felt fearful of it, a hesitation in herself, a doubt...and a feeling of self-reproach.
Ganon stood up from the wreckage, a deranged smile on his face.
Damn him!
The rain had finally stopped. Balling her fist, she walked forward, aura swirling about her.
He's such a fucking lunatic! All he cares about is spilling blood! I hate him!
She felt her anger well inside of her, personified by the intensity of the strange aura around her.
"Ganondorf," she hissed, gritting her teeth.
He smiled in anticipation as he bent into a fighting stance. "Come on, little one!" he cackled. "Let's put on a good fight, eh?"
"Shut...UP!" she screamed, running forward, ducking his blow and kicking him at the neck. Down on her feet once more, she summoned a spell in her hands, then thrust them forward with a cry. Ganon leapt to the side and tore after her, his fists high above his head.
She blocked him, then suddenly burst into an endless volley of kicks and punches, wanting to see him in agony.
"I HATE YOU!" she screamed as she pushed him back. "You fucked everything up for me! You...I hate you! I hate you!"
She barreled her fists into his gut, one after the other, again and again and again....
"You...know...NOTHING...of Abominations! NOTHING! FREAK?! I'll show you freak!!" she screamed as she continued to hit him.
He has to die! I'm going to kill him!
She barely noticed the tears falling down her face as she hit him again and again.
Ganon fell back, coughing blood, staggering.
Airaen made to fire another spell at him, her aura still swirling about her, when he rocked forward and ran his arm against her neck, dragging her back with a sudden deranged laugh, throwing her down. With a smile, he pointed his hand to the right, summoning his black sword to him. Laughing, he swung his sword down on her.
With a cry, Airaen rolled over, then ducked again as he swung at her.
My sword! Where is it?! I can't summon it if I don't know where the fuck it is!
She looked around, then dodged him again.
"Where is it?!" she yelled aloud in hatred.
Ganon swung his sword at her, running it parallel to the ground. In one of the moves her father had told her about when she was small, she summoned her power around her like a cloak and jumped onto the blade, balancing expertly. Ganon got the shock of his life as she ran towards him along the blade, smashing her fist to his face, then jumping over him, nearly slipping in the mud. He swore in his agony and sank to one knee.
Airaen spun around just in time to dodge a back-slash from Ganon's sword.
I can't attack him without my own sword! Damn him!
"Airaen!"
Startled, Airaen turned towards the source of the voice. Her eyes widened as she saw Roh running towards her, her sword in his hands.
"Here! Take it!" Roh yelled, tossing it to her with all his might.
She smiled as she caught it, a sense of calm washing over her.
Thank you, love...
"Roh!" Airaen yelled with a smile. "Go back and help my parents!" The young man nodded and ran off to do as she had asked. Airaen's smile widened.
Sensing movement, she turned and parried Ganon's attack, willing her power into the blade. The green sword glowed a brilliant gold as she pushed against Ganon's black sword, grunting in the effort.
Now would be an awesome time to open the Door, damn it all!
-LOZ-
"Aren't you guys ready yet?!" Link yelled, glancing at Zelda's concentrated pose. He looked up as Roh came up next to him, panting a little.
"You guys all right?" Roh asked.
"Yeah, fine...we're trying to open the Door to the Sacred Realm," Link explained.
"Oh," Roh answered, raising an eyebrow.
Link turned back to Zelda. "Well?"
After a moment, Zelda shook her head, opening her eyes to glance at him. "We still need to find a rift in space-time."
Hefting his sword, Link growled, "Then we'll make one!"
"How?" she whispered, disbelief plain in her voice.
"Like this, dammit!" he yelled, drawing his blade up high over his head. It glowed a blue color, then gold, as if he would perform his famous Spin Attack. With a cry, he brought the glowing blade down in one powerful swing. As if he had struck against metal, a gold line, sparkling with energy, formed in the air as the blade cut. Roh jumped to the right, his eyes wide. Breathing heavily, Link pulled the blade back, driving the tip into the ground so he could lean on it. "There...there's your...stupid rift...man, that...takes a bit...outta you..."
He started to wipe sweat from his forehead when Zelda suddenly lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him rather passionately on the lips.
"Link...Link! I can't...believe it! Brilliance! Pure brilliance!" she cried, pulling away from him so she could hug him. "How did you think of that?"
"Um..." he answered, blushing. "I kind of...guessed...actually, I was really mad, so I just...swung...um..."
"Oh, who cares?" she giggled happily. "I love you! Now we can open the Door! I can't believe it! Brilliance!"
Did you hear that? Link did it!
"Well, quit standin' there, Zel!" Nabooru hissed. "Let's get to it!"
Okay, okay...focus your energy on the rift...
-LOZ-
Airaen swung again, her aura meeting with Ganon's. She gritted her teeth and swung down on his blade with all her might, but Ganon merely parried, then sent a spell at her, sending her back along the ground. Nearly losing her sword, she rolled to the right, narrowly missing Ganon's blade, then jumped back in a fighting stance.
Suddenly, Airaen stopped, feeling a massive amount of energy forming to her right. Turning, she saw Zelda with her arms up, summoning a mass amount of energy from the other Sages. Link was sitting on the ground, a triumphant grin on his face.
"What in Din's name?" Ganon swore. "What the hell is your mother doing?"
Airaen grinned, reveling as she felt the Door to the Sacred Realm begin to open. It was an odd feeling, not truly of power...but more of a presence, like Time's flow, but not as terrible and overwhelming. Her grin widened.
"Waste of energy," Ganon mused as he fired a spell at Zelda. With a cry, Airaen tore after the fast-moving spell, releasing her power to catch up to it, to pass it...
Airaen stopped a few feet from Zelda and turned to face the energy. Gritting her teeth, she pulled her hands behind her, bending her knees. A blue ball of light formed in her hands.
The spell tore at them, gaining momentum and power as it went...thirty feet away...fifteen...five feet...
Airaen brought her hands forward, screaming, "NAYRU'S LOVE!"
Blue light like a shield shot forth, growing upwards and to the side, forming a powerful wall fifteen feet in each direction.
I have to protect them!
The spell collided with Airaen's shield, striking against it. Airaen was forced back a few inches, but she immediately gained her composure and took a step forward, gritting her teeth in the effort. Roh, yelling, came forward and summoned his own version of Nayru's Love, his eyes set. Airaen glanced at him, a blush on her cheeks, then turned back to her task.
But the spell did not dissipate, instead holding its own against the combined shield, trying to drill through the blue, transparent wall of energy.
Zelda nearly hesitated in her summoning. "Airaen!" she yelled.
"Idiot! Concentrate!" Airaen screamed, not turning to face her. "Open...the...damn Door...ya hear me?!"
The spell was breaking through, slowly, gradually, as Airaen and Roh's shield began to wear down, forcing them back.
I won't...give up!!
She took a step forward, but was only pushed back. Roh tried to help keep standing, but only fell to one knee. He gritted his teeth and stood again.
"I won't give up!" Airaen screamed. She tensed the muscles in her hands. The spell pushed her back.
Come on...
"Sai..." Airaen began, softly at first. "San...."
She could feel the energy growing in her palms. I won't give up...I won't hold back, Master!
"Sé..."
Roh looked over at her, hearing the words coming from her. He raised an eyebrow, understanding reaching into his brown eyes.
There was a bright light forming in her hands. Airaen grinned, then looked up as the spell broke through the shield, sounding like glass shattering. It barreled towards them. Link yelled out. Roh was flown back.
Summoning all the power Airaen ever had in her, Airaen screamed, "AHN!"
The beam of light that shot from her hand was so intense that Airaen was thrown back a bit, her spell colliding with Ganon's and consuming it, continuing on towards Ganon. Yelling, Ganon leapt to the side, but was immediately locked in the sheer power of the spell's explosion. His scream was overwhelmed by it.
Airaen sank to her knees, gasping for air, exhaustion so intense she felt she would pass out. Her palms burned, but she ignored it, her eyes closed for a moment. Coughing, she spat blood, then wiped her mouth with her sleeve.
"That..." she breathed, "was...not...fun....too bad...he'll be...back...dammit..."
She felt arms around her, forcing her to open her eyes and turn her head.
Roh had wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close.
"You want to warn me a bit before you do something crazy like that?" he whispered in her ear. She didn't answer, ashamed of her blush.
Link placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder and smiled. "You've gotten really strong...I'm proud of you..."
She shrugged. "Where's...Ith and Fash...?"
"Right here!" a cheery voice yelled. She turned to see a rather bloodied Fash walk over to her, shouldering his bloodied sword, Ith, equally covered in blood, following in his wake. "We decided to have some fun with Ganon's idiots..."
Ith twirled the staff that, Airaen saw with a pang, had once belonged to Ahrima. Seeing her eyes, Ith said, "I used it in his honor...it's a good staff...pity you wanted to be usin' your blade instead of th' staff..."
"Come on," she said presently, standing and swaying a little. Roh stood with her and grasped her hand. "Ready, Zelda?"
Zelda nodded, a smile on her face.
"Right," Airaen said with a quick smile. "Summon the Sages, then...oh, should we...step back?"
"Yeah," Zelda replied as she raised her arms. "You might want to..."
As all five stepped well back and away from the rift and Zelda, she was suddenly engulfed in a bright, piercing light. Airaen felt the sudden change in Time-flow, the feeling so intense she would have fallen forward if Roh hadn't caught her in time.
"You okay?" Roh whispered in her ear. Airaen didn't answer as she sensed more than saw the six others descend to this timeline, surrounding Zelda.
"Six sages!" Zelda yelled, seeing them around her. "Now!"
The rift seemed to explode. All present shielded their eyes. Airaen looked away, noting how the war around them was either ending rather abruptly, or simply that all eyes were riveted to the opening Door. As the light faded, Airaen looked back, gazing at the gigantic opening to the golden, Sacred Realm.
That's where...the goddesses are...
She felt a sudden desire to enter it, but she held back and grasped Roh's hand instead.
"That was a rush!" Nabooru yelled, punching the air for emphasis. "Woohoo! It's good to be home! We are the Saaaages, and we're just aaaawesome! We kicked some ass, man! Oh, yes, we diiiiiid!"
"Nabooru," Darunia grunted, cracking his knuckles, "shut up." Saria, atop Darunia's shoulder once more, giggled and winked at a rather shocked Link. Ruto, rolling her eyes, smacked the desert bandit at the back of her head. Rauru sighed.
"Look!" Airaen heard a guard yell. "It's the Sages! Lady Zelda must've summoned them! We're saved!"
There was a loud cheer.
Zelda sat down on the ground to try and catch her breath. Someone knelt in front of her, and when she looked up, she saw the stern, yet warm face of Impa, the ghost of a grin on her face.
"Hi, little one," Impa whispered, shaking her head at Zelda's tears.
As the Sages turned towards Link, Airaen let go of Roh's hand, who was a little overwhelmed by this turn of events. Narrowing her eyes, Airaen walked forward quietly, resisting the odd temptation of the Door as she walked past it.
"Well done, my Lady!" Airaen heard Gate say as he flew in from the battlefield. "The war's at a standstill, but I think we..."
Gate's voice began to fade away as Airaen walked further on. She saw Ganon stagger to his feet, his eyes wide with shock and anger. As he turned towards her, Airaen released her power again, ignoring her enormous fatigue at the moment as her golden aura swirled around her.
"Airaen!" she heard Roh call, his voice faint. She ignored him and continued on.
Suddenly, Gate flew next to her. "What in Nayru's name are you doing, child?!" he hissed.
"Go on back to them, Gate," Airaen answered. "You belong with them." She summoned her blade to her hand once more. It felt right in her hand.
"But, Airaen, you can't just-"
"Do as I say," Airaen said again, her voice calm. With a heavy sigh, Gate did as she commanded.
Ganon looked at her walking towards him with his head cocked slightly to the side. "What are you planning to do, girl-child?" he asked, amusement clear in his tone.
Airaen felt all eyes on her. She stopped suddenly, then turned, her eyes meeting with her mother's concerned, exhausted stare.
Zelda felt shocked into silence as she watched her daughter. I've seen this...I saw this in a dream...in Ganon's cell! I remember, Zelda thought. Now I understand...Airaen...you truly are...afraid of yourself...
Airaen smiled, sensing her mother's thoughts, then turned back to
Ganon again.
Ganon snorted with laughter. "What is this, huh, girl-child? Your last ditch effort to kill me? What for? How does one kill a god?!"
Laughing, he hefted his mighty sword and ran forward, swinging it up above is head.
Remember the hand, Airaen thought to herself, eyeing Ganon's right hand. I'll have to thank Saria for that...
She closed her eyes, surrendering herself fully to Time's flow...feeling it shift towards her, surrounding her like a great sea surging her forward, back, forward, back. Airaen smiled again as she remembered one of her favorite lessons.
"Master, why am I being blindfolded again?"
"Fidaya, if I've told you once, I've told you ten fold..."
"I know, but what's the point of fighting if you can't even see your opponent?"
"Sometimes the eyes are the greatest handicap."
"Master?"
"Sight is a tricky thing. Notice how adept the blind man is, Fidaya...how he uses other sense in place of his eyes. Sometimes, Fidaya, the eyes blind you. Use and trust your other senses, hearing, smell, even when you fight. You can cancel out an opponent's speed just by hearing them!"
Airaen's smile faded as she concentrated on Ganon's pounding feet, the stench of him...everything seemed to set itself into place in Time-flow. There was no more surging from Time. Airaen knew it all centered down to a finite moment in Time.
She heard Ganon leap into the air, yelling a battle cry, the air singing as he swung his blade down. Airaen sidestepped at the last moment, keeping her eyes closed. Air sang. Airaen parried Ganon's sword blow with her blade, then jumped back, landing expertly.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" she heard him scream.
Her face hard-set, she ran towards him, eyes still closed as she angled her blade in front of her. Ganon fired a spell, but she dodged it.
Suddenly she opened her eyes.
Ganon watched her run towards him, her purple eyes flashing, aura erupting from her, her green blade shining with raw power, her blonde hair flying. He trembled.
Baring his teeth, he gripped his blade and swung it high, crashing it down as she came upon him. But she drove past him, swinging her blade, catching his attack off guard as Airaen's green blade, the Master Sword reforged, met with his right wrist. Blood flew in the air as his hand was torn from his arm. Ganon screamed in agony, falling to the ground, clutching the stump where his hand had been.
Airaen skidded to a halt, her aura quickly dying, and turned to watch Ganon's hand erupt in bright flames as the black sword clattered to the ground. Gasping for air in her sudden onslaught of exhaustion, she sank to the ground on her knees and watched as the ball of flame that had once been Ganon's right hand suddenly formed into three golden triangles that clattered to the ground.
The Triforce!
As she gazed at it, the way it shone brightly, she felt caught in a sudden struggle, barely aware as she staggered to her feet and walked towards it, kneeling down in front of the gleaming, precious thing. She let her sword fall to the ground.
This is it? This is the thing so many have sought for? This is what has caused so much pain...?
She reached out and touched it, then instantly drew back at the intense heat. Licking her lips, she reached out again and carefully grasped it, drawing it close to her.
This is truly it? This...truly is...the Triforce...
She smiled suddenly.
I could...take it...after all the shit I went through...I could...
She saw herself taking it, using its power to change the world as she saw fit, to lead a life she would be happy in...
But Airaen remembered her daughter.
If I took it, she would inherit all that power, too...and I can't let that happen!
She stood and turned towards the Door to the Sacred Realm. "I think it's time for this stupid thing to go back where it belongs!" Wincing in the effort, she moved towards the Door, step by pained step.
Something roared behind her. Turning, she saw Ganon in a brief instant before he barreled into her. As she fell to the ground, she lost her hold on the Triforce. It skidded along the ground towards the Door, then stopped.
Snarling, Ganon tore off after it, a deranged smile on his face as he fired spell after spell to keep Roh, Link, Zelda, and the others away from his precious, most prized possession. He had to have it! It was his, after all! He reached for it, his fingers barely grazing the brilliance, its smooth texture feeling so wonderful to his touch...
With a cry, Airaen leaped on top of Ganon, pushing him down to the ground and kicking the Triforce away. "I won't let you have it!" she cried as she pinned him down.
Enraged, he pushed her off with a mad strength, but she retaliated by grabbing him around the neck and pushing him back. He clutched with his left hand at her fingers, the bloody stump of his other hand utterly useless. Snarling, he drove his right elbow into her gut. Spitting blood, she released him and sank to her knees, clutching at her stomach. Ganon took off, reaching for the Triforce....his fingers just inches from it...
Gate came crashing into the side of his head, sending Ganon crashing to the ground. "Airaen! Do it now!" Gate yelled.
Gritting her teeth, she scrambled forward and tried to reach for it when Ganon grabbed her by the ankle, punching Gate away.
"Let go!" she screamed, twisting around in an effort to free herself. "Let me go!"
Airaen looked back towards the Door. I have to do it! I'm right here!
With a kick to his face, she grabbed the Triforce, crying out as it burned her hand again, then gripped it tighter.
Seeing it in her hands sent a blind fury through Ganon. He pushed forward, grabbing at her wrist and rolling on top of her, scratching at her arms to get at it. "Give it to me! Give it! GIVE IT TO ME! GIVE ME THE TRIFORCE!"
"NO! NO!" she screamed as she squirmed to get away from him.
Snarling, he pressed against her and bit her exposed shoulder, breaking the skin. She screamed and kicked as blood trickled down from the fresh wound. Biting her lip, she drove her knee upwards into his gut, then, with a last effort, kicked him off of her. Rolling over, she scrambled forward, staggered to her feet and took off at a mad dash.
Clutching it in her right hand, she jumped forward and tossed the Triforce with all her might, then crashed to the ground. Lifting her head, she watched the glimmering jewel sail through the air and into the Sacred Realm through the Door.
"Zelda!" she screamed. "Close the Door! Close it!"
Zelda stood quickly and focused her power along with the other Sages, willing the Door to close, silencing the rift.
Slowly, but surely, the Door shrank and disappeared at last.
Moaning, Airaen pushed herself to her feet, clutching at her shoulder. For a while, she stared at the place where the Door had once stood. Then, she glanced at her right hand, turning it over and back. Her palms were burned, but not as badly as she had thought. And the constant burn she had felt for so long was finally gone.
"It's gone..." she whispered, a smile on her face.
Gate flew next to her. "You actually...did it..."
"Gate...Gate, look! It's gone!" she cried, turning to him. "My scar's still there, but it's gone!" She coughed, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm actually...normal..." She laughed. "This is all so fucking ridiculous now that it comes to it!!"
He sighed. "Princesses do not swear like that!"
Frowning, she straightened, her eyes narrowing. "Don't call me that! I'm nowhere near that kind of thing!"
The sudden outburst caused her to fall to her knees. She bit her lip.
Airaen staggered to her feet and turned to thank the Sages, when she was met with a large fist slamming into her gut, forcing her backwards and onto the ground.
"Airaen!" Gate cried, flying to her before he, too, was smacked away.
Ganon grabbed the girl by the neck and pulled her up to his face. Gasping for air, she clutched at his wrist in vain. "You," he hissed, his eyes blazing with rage. "You took it from me! That was my one desire! I could've ruled this place! FUCK YOU, GIRL-CHILD!" He flung her to the ground and began to beat her, his mouth foaming with rage. "YOU IDIOT GIRL! THAT WAS MINE! AND YOU TOOK IT FROM ME! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU, DAMN YOU, DAMN YOU!"
He kicked her, then grabbed her by the hair and dragged her along the ground.
"Let her go!" Link screamed before he ran off to Ganon, leaping on his back and beating him with his fists. "LET HER GO!"
Ganon released her, then grabbed Link by the arm and flung him sideways along the ground. "Stupid Hero!" he roared, then turned to a mouthful of fist.
Blood spewing from his mouth, he staggered back.
"That was for my father!" Airaen yelled, then punched him again. "For my mother! This one's for Roh! And this one's for Ahrima!"
She jumped into the air, bringing her hands together before she crashed them down on top of his head. He yelled out in agony as he sank to his knees. Airaen fell to the ground, then pushed off and barreled into his stomach. Yelling, she pushed him back, then kicked him along the side of the head before she collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath.
But Ganon wasn't through yet. Baring his teeth, he thrust his hand forward and sent her flying backwards with his energy, relishing when she hit the ground hard and skidded to a painful halt. Breathing hard and wiping blood from his mouth, he staggered over to his sword and picked it up. Laughing, he twirled it in his hand. "I've still got room for my revenge! Your death will be nice and slow, girl-child! I swear it!"
He walked towards her slowly, relishing the moment.
Roh, panicking, sprinted to the fallen green sword, clutched Airaen's sword and ran towards him, the sword raised. "I won't let you hurt her!" he yelled as he swung down.
Ganon dodged and grabbed the young man's wrist, twisting it until Roh dropped the sword. Wincing in pain, Roh fell to his knees. "Stupid boy," Ganon hissed before he drop-kicked him back a few feet, then resumed towards Airaen.
Moaning in agony, Roh crawled forward, the world spinning as he grasped the green sword. Staggering as he stood, he tossed the sword over to her, yelling, "Airaen! The sword!"
Then he collapsed, gasping for breath as Ith ran over to him and pushed him up. "Don't you be interferin' next time, young master!" Ith whispered as he supported Roh.
Airaen reached for the sword as Ganon was swinging down with his and parried, grunting in the effort as she pushed herself up to her feet. Her blade shook in her hand as she strained to keep his blade away from her. Seeing his chance, Ganon kicked her along the side hard, sending her flying. His energy, renewed with the promise of bloodshed and sweet revenge, flowed through his body.
But Airaen was pushing herself up, wincing.
"Stupid girl," he muttered as he walked quickly towards her, then swung. She dodged, but not quick enough to avoid the blade slicing across her arm. Crying out, she clutched at it. Laughing, Ganon used his power again to send her sailing into the air. Jumping up to meet her, he sent her crashing to the ground. Grinning as he landed, he said, "Now, isn't this fun? I'm going to make you beg for your pathetic life!"
Airaen closed her eyes tight in agony, her breath stirring the dirt.
This is it...it's over...even with the Triforce gone...I still failed. That wasn't my task. It's over. I failed.
-LOZ-
Zelda staggered to her feet and slowly walked over to Link, who sat rubbing his bruised, battered side. He glanced up at her. "I couldn't...help," he whispered, tears coursing down his cheeks. "I can't even protect my own child....but she has to get up!"
She knelt down next to him.
-LOZ-
"Positive mind leads to positive outcome, Fidaya."
Airaen opened her eyes and stared out towards the sunset. The sky was of a pinkish hue mingled with blue and purple; the clouds overhead and out were kissed with the sun's brilliance as it set.
"Perfect," Airaen whispered. "A perfect...sunset..."
"You can't...hold back anymore."
Clutching at the ground, Airaen pulled herself up, swaying as she gripped her sword.
Cocking his head to one side, Ganon came upon her and swung his sword. She parried, but the force of it pushed her back. Ganon drove his knee home to her gut, then pushed her back to the ground. Moaning, she rolled over, then pushed up again and swung her sword, gritting her teeth.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ganon hissed as he easily dodged her blow, then kicked her again. "You've got nothing left!"
She jumped to her feet and attacked wildly, her breaths sharp and labored. He dodged with ease and kicked her with such a force that she flew back, bouncing a little before she stopped face down in the dirt.
Zelda screamed.
"Pathetic. You're so slow!" Ganon yelled after her. Then he cried out in surprise as he watched her trying to get up once again. There was blood soaking her clothes. Her ragged, dirty hair, caught in the wind, swirled about her face. She was on the verge of Death, he knew, but her eyes gleamed. "You cannot continue! Why do you persist?"
Airaen managed to get to her knees, her limbs shaking in the effort, her breath short and labored. With a trembling hand, she reached for the glittering, green sword in front of her, the reflected light dancing in her eyes.
Not a word passed from her lips as she, trembling, stood.
"Incredible," Ganon breathed, a grin pulling at his lips. "Beautiful...simply beautiful..."
Airaen gripped her sword with two hands, her eyes fixed on her last opponent. Teeth bared, she crouched low and brought the sword parallel and level with the ground.
"Goddess..." Zelda breathed, tears pouring down her face. "Airaen, stop! Please, it's over! You'll kill yourself!"
One foot in front of the other, Airaen thought as she tightened her grip. I am the wind that breathes upon the grass...swifter than the water that flows in the river...
"To die on the battlefield, Fidaya, is the greatest honor. To die with determination and a warrior's spirit, that is the way of a fighter, of a warrior of Foichagi. It is the way to honor."
"I am the last...of my own...kind..." Airaen whispered, spitting blood onto the grass.
Link, his heart beating in his chest, shook with fear. She'll die...I can't let that happen! Before he knew it, he was running towards her. "Airaen! STOP!"
"Farewell...my Fidaya...my Airaen...I'm proud...of you..."
Airaen brought her sword behind her, still parallel. She stilled her laborious breath and stared into Ganon's face.
I am ready.
"AHRIMA!!!!!!!!!!"
She took off even as her last bit of hidden power seemed to erupt from her body, swirling around her like wildfire. Her eyes pierced into Ganon's soul.
He hesitated as he remembered the dream of the fierce-eyed girl-child, blonde, drenched in blood and wounds, a green sword held in both hands. She had screamed that very name, enveloped in a wild power.
Ganon took a step back and, for the first time, felt the unwavering unknown.
Even as she leapt into the sky, the sword brought high above her head, he felt again the burning agony from the stump of what was his right hand. He remembered the one, in all her serene rage, who had taken that hand from him.
His sword in his left, he answered her attack with a parry and made to swing horizontally.
In a wild fury, she bent low to the ground, avoiding the sword, then twirled around to his back and swung her sword. He jumped away, but still felt the biting agony from the sword's tip scraping along his back.
Crying out in pain, he whirled around and swung vertically, his sword crashing to the ground and cutting along her left arm with the sword's side. Ignoring the blood that flowed down her arm, she pushed forward and rammed her left shoulder to his rib cage, shattering three of them and forcing him back.
Zelda was crying silently as she watched them. "Somebody...please..."
Link stared dumbfounded at them, feeling utterly useless.
Roh was watching intently, supported by Ith. He glanced up at Ith and was surprised to find the man's face calm and serene.
"Nothing is more dangerous and more beautiful," Ith said, his eyes never leaving the battle, "than a warrior's awakened spirit."
Ganon roared a battle cry as he drove his blade forward, grinning as it cut along her side. Blood erupted from the wound, but she pressed forward with renowned fury.
"Ahrima!"
She swung at an angle. Sword met with sword, pushing the fighters back. Airaen hop-skipped back and crouched low, her teeth bared.
Like the great beasts back home, Ith thought. She has the same gaze.
"Serekto!" Airaen cried and pushed forward, leaving droplets of blood behind. She jumped and flipped over him, landing on her feet to whirl around again and kick him in the gut. He groaned, dropping his sword, and sank to the ground, trying to breathe again.
"Finish him!" Roh cried. "Come on, end it!"
Airaen stood before the man as he gasped for air. Crouching down, she picked up Ganon's sword and handed it to him. Startled, he looked up, blood trickling from his mouth to the ground.
"Get up...and fight with your honor," she replied to his astonished face.
Taking the sword, he pushed himself up, then swung horizontally, slashing the tip along her abdomen.
Zelda screamed; Link balled his fist and made to run forward.
"Stay...where you are!" Airaen cried, stepping back, holding her stomach without turning to her father.
"Ganon has no honor," Fash hissed, gritting his teeth.
But Ganon was laughing as he stood and kicked her in the abdomen. Blood dripped from the wound and from her mouth as she fell back, crying in pain. She fell to the ground, the sword slipping from her grasp as she opened her mouth. Rolling to her back, she moaned in agony, gripping the ground.
Ganon limped forward until he loomed over her, his sword raised, a wild smile upon his face. "Die."
The sword whistled through the air as it moved to its target.
With a last ounce of strength, Airaen rolled over as the sword grazed her left shoulder. Grabbing her sword in a swift motion, she pushed off the ground, spinning in the air, then landed gracefully on her feet. Surprised, Ganon leaned back, his eyes wide.
Without a word, she gripped his left shoulder tightly, her eyes gleaming. Then she drove her sword, glittering in the light of the setting sun, through his chest. It ripped through his heart and came out the other side. Blood poured out, splattering onto her face and chest. Ganon opened his mouth to cry out, but no words came...only silence. He closed it as he trembled.
"Ha..." he gurgled, a shaky smile at his lips. "Here...it........ends......girl...child............!"
Eyes rolling back, he fell backwards, the sword slipping from his chest, and was dead even as he hit the ground.
Airaen took a few steps back, still gripping her sword, her eyes wide. "It's...it's finished..." she whispered. "I won...see...Master?"
The sword slipped from her hand as she sank to her knees, tears falling down her face. "Do you...see it?" she cried with an effort.
Roh pushed off from Ith and limped forward. After a seeming eternity to him, he managed to get to her side. Crying silently, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Her blood soaked into his tunic as he held her tightly.
"Look...look..." she whispered. "It's over..."
He nodded. "Yeah...you did it."
She giggled, then coughed, blood trickling from her mouth. "Yeah...I guess I...did, didn't I, beloved? Ha....I've....won........"
She suddenly coughed blood, slumping forward. Roh caught her.
"Sneaky...bastard..." she murmured, staring ahead. She winced, feeling the wound on her abdomen. Airaen was covered in blood.
"Oh...oh, goddess...stay with me, you hear me?!" Roh said frantically, holding her tightly. "Come on, you stay right here!"
She was breathing quickly, blinking furiously. He held her close, whispering for her not leave him over and over in her ear.
"Ha...temple of my...spirit...my...one...love..." she whispered, pulling away from him to stare into his eyes. "I'm...sorry...."
She fell back to the ground, her eyes staring at nothing. Roh caught her again, his eyes wide as he pulled her sagging body up towards him, trying to brush away her blonde hair from her face.
But her eyes were unseeing, a slight smile on her face as they closed. A tear, a farewell gift, trickled down her face to the ground, mingling with the pool of blood below her.
Roh stared at her...at the love he had once held laughingly in his arms. She was silent, forever silent...lifeless...
Tears streamed down his face unchecked as sobs shook him. He pulled her close, crying into her hair. "Wake up!" he screamed. "Damn you! You...you can't leave! Airaen, please! PLEASE!"
And Roh wept, crying out in an agony of the heart.
-LOZ-
To...be continued? It's a cliffhanger! This thing is 28 pages long!!!! TWENTY-EIGHT, PEOPLE! Maaaan...next chapter is gonna be VERY long, too...and then there's the epilogue...that'll take a while...sooo, there's two more chappies after this! Yaaaay!