Chapter 5: Dark Link

"Wait, this doesn't make any sense", Link said to himself. "Only a person pure of heart could grab the handle of the Master Sword. So how is there darkness within me?

"Fool", replied the shadow known as Dark Link. "There is no darkness in your heart. You are a unique individual; you don't keep your darkness in your heart. No, you keep it in your mind"

"Wait, what darkness? I have a good life, I love Zelda, I love my job, what darkness could there be?".

"Remember all those times at school you were picked on and you wanted to fight back but didn't? That's me. Remember when you were five and your father died, and you were so scared? Scared what to do, where to go, who would take care of you? That's me. I am all of your fears, your hatred repressed memories, every negative emotion you have ever felt".

"So then why did I feel a great pain in my chest?"

"That was the Spirit of the Master Sword's doing. Coming out of your head would cause you to die. The Spirit forced me out thru your chest so that you would live. But all the Spirit did was buy you time. I've been waiting since you were five be released, but you repressed me. Now, it's time for you to pay up, for locking me away for so long"

"There's got to be another way"

"Not after what you have done. The only way is for you to DIE."

And with those words Dark Link charged at Link with all his might and swung his sword at Link. Link brought his shield up at the last moment, causing sparks to fly as Dark Link's sword crashed against Link's shield. Dark Link bashed his shield against Link's sword arm, causing him to drop the Master Sword. Link was momentarily distracted by this, a moment that would allow Dark Link to slice across the left shoulder of Link. Link winced in pain as blood poured from the wound. Link knew he could not pick it up, at least not yet, or he would be slashed by the mighty sword of Dark Link.

"Well look at that, you've dropped your sword. Making my task all the easier", smirked Dark Link.

"Don't count on it", replied Link, through gritted teeth.

Link paced backwards, clutching his shoulder, as Dark Link walked towards him, making sure he was between Link and the Master Sword. Link found his back pressed against the wall of the blue chamber, with Dark Link only a few feet away. Link looked to either side of him, but found no escape. All he had left was his shield in his right arm. Dark Link now raised the sword and swung down. Sparks flew and a loud clang echoed throughout the chamber as Link blocked it with his shield, only to have to block it again when Dark Link swung the blade again.

"I can't keep this up forever", thought Link. "I need to do something. Something now, before I die".

Link blocked yet another swing by his dark counterpart. As soon as he blocked it, he grabbed Dark Link's sword arm with his blood soaked left arm, and struggled with Dark Link for control of the blade.

"Fool, what are you going to do with that blade? You can't fight with it. Unlike the Master Sword, only one of a dark heart can wield it".

"I don't plan on wielding it", said Link, shaking from the pain in his arm. He forced the blade from the hand of Dark Link. Link then kicked Dark Link in the gut, causing him to double over, giving him a momentary window to escape. Link ran towards the Master Sword and picked it up.

"That won't help you", said Dark Link, as he picked up his sword. "You will still fall to my blade".

"We'll see", replied Link.

The two circled, never taking their eyes off of the other. Dark Link made the first move, charging at Link. He swung his sword, only to have it blocked by the shield of Link. Link knew what was coming next. He took his sword, and moved to slash Dark Link across the torso. Dark Link was too quick for Link, blocking the blow. He swung at Link with all his might, breaking Link's shield. Link took a few steps backward, with Dark Link moving menacingly only a few feet away.

"It's only a matter of time", breathed Dark Link.

"That's what you think", replied Link, breathing heavily. Link knew he would need a miracle to survive. He had no means of defense, and had to find away to kill his dark self. Dark Link closed the gap. Link came to the realization that he could no longer run from his problems, he could no longer back away from things, and he would have to face his fears. And now was the time to start.

"You aren't going to back away?"

"No. I would have to face you like this soon anyway, better make it now"

"Your funeral"

Dark Link swung at the leg of Link. Link could not react in time, and Link's right thigh was cut. Link stumbled a little, trying to re-adjust his balance to his left leg. Blood began to pour from the wound and stain Link's pants as Dark Link raised his sword. He swung at Link's head, and Link ducked just in time, and bore the pain in his left arm and slashed the right leg of Dark Link. Dark Link winced in pain, but kept on fighting. He again tried to slice Link's head off. Link didn't duck this time, he knew Dark Link would be expecting it. He watched the blade with his eyes, and just as it was a few inches away, he leaned back as far as he could, pain filling his right leg, and watched the blade cut nothing but air. Link took this opportunity to cut Dark Link across the torso, causing him to grab it with his shield arm. Link then swung the Master Sword at the sword of Dark Link with all his might, causing a vibration to go thru Dark Link's arm and ultimately causing Dark Link to drop his sword and echo through the chamber.

"You wouldn't try, try and kill me, would you Link?"

"You tried to kill me. You wanted to kill me. Why should I do any different?"

"Because, you, you are the good one"

"True, but still, you need to be defeated. Someone of pure darkness can't be safe wandering around".

Link winced in pain swung his sword against Dark Link's shield with all his might, causing it to shatter. He then took the Master Sword, and stabbed Dark Link in the stomach. No blood came from Dark Link, he was nothing but a shadow. Link withdrew the sword, and began to limp away, holding his right thigh with his hand. Dark Link reached over and grabbed his sword.

"I'm not going that easily". He charged at Link, who was still limping away, back turned. Dark Link raised his sword. Link was planning on this. He turned around immediately and stabbed Dark Link in the chest. He drove the Master Sword until the handle was pressed against his chest.

"Now, it's over", said Link, glaring into the face of Dark Link. He withdrew his blade, and proceeded to walk away as Dark Link collapsed on the ground and disappeared.

"Link, you have overcome the darkness within you" said the Spirit of the Master Sword. "Now, you are truly ready to begin your quest".

Link was transported out of the blue chamber and into the Shrine of the Master Sword. He turned around, and was face to face with Zelda.