That had been close that had been damn too close. Link held his hook shot
at the ready covering Kilik as he scrambled to a safer distance.
If he had arrived even a few seconds later, Soul Edge would have had a new soul to damn.
But on a lighter note the shot he just took was rather amazing, if Link did say so himself. The elf couldn't help but let the thought slip by. Originally, he when had realized that he would not reach Nightmare in time to save Kilik; he pulled out his hook shot and fired. It was a wild shot as it was dark but he had tried to aim for the huge malformed Claw to at least stop Nightmare long enough for Kilik to get out of harms way. In the end this was much better than he hoped, AND he did get Kilik back his weapon, though from where he stood, the young man seemed reluctant to pick it up but for what reasons, Link could only guess.
Fortunately for Kilik, Nightmare didn't seem the least bit interested in him anymore, unfortunately for Link; HE now had the evil knight's full attention. His crimson gaze was trained upon Link as if studying him. Nightmare turned so that he was fully facing the elf but he made no movement.
"You." He spoke in an evil tone that would have given Gannon a run for his rupees.
Link lowered his hook shot as he fell out of his battle stance. Off to the side he saw Kilik retrieve his weapon (finally), but he did not strike the distracted knight, keeping his guard up. This only told Link that Kilik remembered who Nightmare was. Either that or he was still feeling his last beating.
Link equally returned Nightmare's gaze, though he found it quite difficult to stare into his eyes. He gave a curt nod.
"Yes, it's me," Link said. "My name is Link, don't you remember me Siegfried?"
At this Nightmare lowered his head a bit but his eyes never left Links.
"Don't bother; your voice cannot reach him where he is." Nightmare growled lowly. "His soul once again is under my control."
"Then let him go Soul Edge!" Link expression growing angry. Nightmare took a step forward and Link quickly raised his hook shot. This defiant act did not seem to faze the knight and he took another step.
"You are different." He took another step closer.
"Stay back Soul Edge!" Link warned Nightmare. But Nightmare just continued as if he hadn't heard.
".Not of this world. I can feel your life force.It is very different."
As he loomed closer, the hook shot began to visibly shake. Link shook his head as if trying to shake off the fear, and once more the hook shot remained still. Determined not to be swayed by Nightmare's imposing form, Link stood his ground.
"Link!" Kilik shouted to him. "Link don't let him get too close to you!!!"
The dark knight stood before him now, the tip of the hook shot touched Nightmare's armor lightly centered to his chest plate.
Link could see clearly into the visor now, where the crimson eyes burned like living flames. It was hard to believe that these very eyes were Siegfried's! Nightmare was so close now and his breathing could be heard from with in the visor. Link wanted to back away, because Nightmare was too close, but he found himself unable to move, both his feet rooted into the ground in cold fear, and his eyes simply could not tear away from Nightmare's pulling him deeper into that fiery gaze.
"Your soul is young. Yes, unusually young, but it bares the traces of great power upon it." Nightmare said, his crimson gaze burrowing deeper into Link's crystal blues. His stare was terrifying, and Link was sure that he would see terrible unspeakable things reflected in Nightmare's eyes. But he saw nothing, for the crimson glow was so bright. Link wasn't sure what was happening now, for he felt as if his mind were becoming hazy, that whatever control he had mentally, was beginning to slip carelessly away. In the midst of if all he could still hear Nightmare's dark voice. It was deep and gentle as though he were talking to a small child.
"You have a burning desire to protect the world you come from I see." Nightmare's voice said. And it disturbed Link that he even brought up the subject.
"My world?" Link felt himself say.
"Yes," Nightmare answered. "I know of its plight, of the growing shadows that continue to consume its lands."
Something within Link began to stir as Nightmare spoke these words. The how and the whys were lost to Link as it seemed that Nightmare some how KNEW these things. A sick feeling began to rise from the pit of his stomach and his eyes began to sting. In his mind he began to worry about his world. Doubts and fears raced through and began to build the guilt in his heart.
What was happening while he was gone? Wasn't the goddesses suppose to of sealed it? Was Gannon really that strong? What was he doing in this world?!
"The fate of all that exist upon that world rests upon your shoulders young one. But how can you be expected to help them if you are here?" Yeah, what the hell was he doing here? His world was in trouble and here he was gallivanting with an even better number of heroes! Link couldn't believe how stupid he was! His people entrusted him with their lives! What was he doing?! He needed to get back and fast! Gannon had probably broken whatever seal the goddesses placed upon his world and was having a grand take-over and Link was stuck here! What was happening to his home? His friends?
The fear began to rise to a panic as the guilt became unbearable.
"Link, noble soul of Hyrule.Would you like to return to your world?" Nightmare's voice interrupted his train of thought, and Link wasn't sure if he had heard Nightmare right.
"Wha, what? Return home? Is it possible?"
"Yes, I can return you home, but more than that, I can give you power to defeat your greatest foe."
"Power to defeat my." Link repeated softly. "You can give me power?"
Even without seeing, (for the red of Nightmare's eyes were all that he could see) Link felt the knight nod.
"Yes, with the Soul Edge, you can vanquish the one who has caused you so much pain, and restore peace to your lands. That is your wish is it not?"
Yes it was, especially the part about vanquishing Gannondorf. With all the pain he'd caused, Link wanted to make sure Gannon paid for his crimes and if at all possible to feel the pain he'd caused to Hyrule's people. Link wanted him to pay for every thing he'd done.
Link wanted to see that day, and he would take great joy in it, savor every moment of Gannondorf's final moments of pain. And the Soul Edge would drink his cursed blood.
"That's right," Nightmare's voice said darkly as if reading Link's mind and Link could faintly detect something of a gleeful sensation behind his words. "You can enjoy that moment and many others like that. Gannon will not be the last to threaten your land, others will come, but they stand no chance against you. If you allow your flesh to unite with my soul we could live forever, and together we can walk the path of destruction."
Links head began to hurt and he felt as though he was going to retch. Something was wrong, but he couldn't think clearly. Power, Nightmare was giving him Soul Edge's power? Could it really grant him all those things? No matter how hard Link tried to think, something blocked it and caused an extreme pain to his head!
"Surrender your soul to me.." Nightmare's voice was louder now, echoing from inside his head. Link wanted to trust him, but couldn't remember why he shouldn't. He couldn't think, and it hurt to try. Slowly, Link felt him self slipping away, there was darkness all around him now, the only light he could see was the crimson fire of Nightmare's unmerciful gaze. It was so easy, all he had to do was accept Nightmare's offer, but something deep with in him resisted fiercely.
"HAAAAAAAH!!!!" Link suddenly heard Kilik's loud voice shattering the silence around the two.
Kilik came down upon Nightmare's back with the Kali Yuga. With a feral cry of pain the dark knight whirled around breaking eye contact with Link, and releasing the elf from the trance.
Link's eyes widened with sudden realization and he felt his breath get caught in his throat. His body began to tremble, as he realized that he was freezing. Why? When had it gotten so cold? Link didn't know.
"Link!!! Get out of the way!!!" Kilik shouted between Nightmare's attempts to slash at him. In the next instant, Link found himself getting roughly tackled from the side as Kilik pushed him out of the way as Nightmare made an attempt to seize Link.
"NO!!! Meddling fool!!! How dare you interfere!!!" Nightmare bellowed clearly furious.
Kilik recovered and stood in front of Link Kali Yuga drawn protecting him. "Link are you okay?" He asked, keeping his gaze ahead of him.
Link winced as he tried to shake off the head ache. His body was beginning to feel warm again and so he got to his feet still a bit shaky.
"Y, yeah, I'm fine." Link cringed as he felt one last flash of pain. "What did he do to me?"
Kilik actually gave slight shrug. "From what I could tell, he seemed to have you in a trance."
A trance? Link felt pretty embarrassed as he began to remember everything. Had he really thought those things?!
Nightmare must have some how read his thoughts, that would explain how he knew certain details of his world. Link couldn't believe that Nightmare had actually peered into his mind to find Everything, and twisted them to his advantage!
And Kilik must know now too.He was right there listening.
"Did, did I say anything stupid?" Link asked even though he knew this wasn't the place to start such a conversation.
"You tell me, I couldn't understand a word either of you were saying!" Link's eyes widen. "What? What do you mean you couldn't.?!"
Kilik let out an exasperated sigh. "I mean as in you both were talking that weird language! Look can we talk about this some OTHER time?" Kilik made sure he emphasized the word. "Can you move alright now?"
"Yeah, thanks for saving me." Link replied sheepishly.
"Just returning the favor now get out of the way, we'll take care of this." Kilik said to which Link raised a brow.
"We? Who's we?"
Kilik did not reply but nodded off to the side of them eyes never leaving Nightmare's form. But he didn't need to explain as Link heard a young woman's voice shout.
"Is your friend all right?!" Link followed the voice to find the person Kilik had indicated earlier. She was standing quite a bit away, and even with the moonlight that shone through the passing clouds, it was still hard to make out her features. Judging by her form and appearance she was neither Talim, nor Xianghua.
But there was something about her that Link recognized.
"Yeah, he's fine! But we still got Nightmare to deal with!" Kilik shouted back.
"Not a problem! I'll take care of him!" She replied confidently. To both Kilik and Link's horror the girl's light form darted behind Nightmare.
Link's body moved then, even before he realized what he was doing. Moving from behind Kilik, Link launched himself to dive right beneath Nightmare. In one smooth movement, Link transformed his dive into a roll to come up quickly with his shield drawn from his back (he'd almost forgotten it was there, but it was more of second nature to have it there.) efficiently blocking the intended back strike. The shield rang loud and clear as it barred the sword's decent. Link grunted as he had to use a little more force than he thought to deflect the female's attack. She was surprisingly strong for a female fighter!
"What in the world?!" Link heard the girl's voice cry out, she said something more but it was overridden as Kilik's voice shouted;
"LINK WATCH OUT!!!"
Link had only begun to turn when he felt a large bony claw close around his neck and upper body! He had forgotten about Nightmare!!!
As the ground fell away from beneath his feet, the pressure increased around his neck chocking him! The shield was dropped with a loud clang as both hands reached up trying to pry the claws from his neck.
"You won't get away this time." He heard Nightmare taunt.
Link tried to kick and squirm free but to no avail and when he saw movements from either side of Nightmare, he shouted (as best as he could);
"NO! D, Don't attack~!" Even with the present danger he was in, Link could not afford to have the two fighters attack Nightmare.
He choked even more as it was nearly impossible to pull any air into his burning lungs. As his vision began to blur (perhaps for the second time that night) his mind raced to find a way out of this. He needed something, a weapon that he could use, anything sharp!
One hand released its hold upon Nightmare's claw and reached down into one of his pockets. Desperate fumbling produced a thin sharp shard.
The shard!
Without a second thought he brought his hand back up and rammed it into Nightmare's claw. It didn't seem to penetrate the hard boned shell, but none the less, he instantly felt the pressure released and he landed ungraciously upon his ass. There was a deafening inhuman howl that rang in his ears painfully, as the shard took effect upon Nightmare. His cries echoed into the dark skies above, and he gripped his claw tightly as if it had suffered a mortal wound.
The spirit of Soul Edge was reacting to the Soul Caliber fragment!
"Link! Use this!" A male voice called somewhere from behind but Link didn't have time to search for who it was before he heard something heavy flung through the air to land with a dull clang beside him.
The moment he glanced down, he was nearly blinded as bright light beamed, wiping out his night vision.
"The Master Sword!" He said unbelievingly. But where~?
"LINK! MOVE!!!!" The same voice shouted, and in that instant Link saw the incoming claw from the corner of his eye. Grabbing the Master Sword Link threw his weight to one side allowing him to roll in safely out of harm's way. A loud earth crushing sound was heard and when he stood he found that he had rolled around to Nightmare's back and he quickly launched himself into the high into the air. Link pulled the Master Sword back over his head, and as he descended he brought the pommel down hard upon the back of Nightmare's exposed neck.
The whole movement happened in five seconds, and Nightmare collapsed to the ground two seconds after that.
Link's heart beated fast with in his chest as the adrenaline was still going strong and he gulped in several deep breaths of air. He wasn't sure if it the blow he dealt had been fatal as he only meant it to be strong enough to knock the monster out, but he tried not to think about it as he was still not done.
Wordlessly he circled the knight till he stood near his head. The long red hair (that he had thought was some sort of plume) was spread across the ground, almost making it seem like blood. But it was only like that for the first few minuets. Under the glow of the Master Sword, the long red strands of hair began to shorten, the shaded color draining from it, the armor began to move and change as if the very light hurt it. Like shadows the dark armor dissipated from where ever it had come from till only the prone form of Siegfried remained. The hellish malformed claw was untouched serving as a reminder to Siegfried's alter ego to all that was present.
"Oh my god!" The young girl cried out. Link had almost forgotten that she was there.
"Link! Is he okay?" Came Kilik's voice, it sounded like it was right beside him. Slowly, Link became aware of the punishment his body had sustained. Especially his head, it felt like there was a hammer pounding on his cranium. Remembering a certain skill from his travels, Link checked Siegfried for his vital signs, and when he was certain that the man was breathing fine, Link stood suddenly finding that he was surrounded by many a familiar face. They were all trying to talk to him at once, but he couldn't quite understand. Their voices swam in and around his head in a groggy haze.
Why was he so tired?
He tried his best to snap out of what ever state he was in, but it was just so difficult.
And he was so tired.
"Hey Link!" There was that voice again, the one that returned the Master Sword to him. Was that..?
"Yun Sung?" The elf asked uncertainly. The Korean gripped him by both shoulders tightly.
"Link, what the hell is wrong with you? Stop being weak and snap out of it!" This harsh demand was accompanied by a rough shake that only rattled Link's senses and greatly increased his headache. By the time he stopped, Link was seeing double vision but that began to fade away so that the two Yun Sungs became one. That was really all Link needed.
"Link? How do you feel now?" Yun Sung's voice asked.
With out a thought or second thought Link replied with every last consciousness left to him; "Here, let me show you." This was followed up by a vicious left hook to the face. As the startled Korean fell back, Link was left with no support and was suddenly forced to stand on his own, but it wasn't too long before he began to tip over, unable to support his own body. Just before Link blacked out he caught sight of Yun Sung rubbing his jaw and thought fleetingly that this was probably the height of his night. Of course this small exchange came with some insults, but Link was too disoriented to hear what they were.
Oh well, he was probably spouting the same name-calling or something just as unintelligent. It was a shame though that Link couldn't enjoy it more as he was so sure he'd forget about this moment whenever he would wake up next.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Oh, this chapter was a bit choppy and in my haste to get it in before the end of the day, I failed to give it the once over. Well, I made a few changes not too big, as there were a ton of grammical errors. Also, I'm really lame at explaining actions, so if Link's little rolling technique threw you off, think of Wind Waker's Link doing one of his counter attacks. That little guy has got some awesome moves! And if you couldn't guess the new girl is Cassandra.
~Hero Genkaku
If he had arrived even a few seconds later, Soul Edge would have had a new soul to damn.
But on a lighter note the shot he just took was rather amazing, if Link did say so himself. The elf couldn't help but let the thought slip by. Originally, he when had realized that he would not reach Nightmare in time to save Kilik; he pulled out his hook shot and fired. It was a wild shot as it was dark but he had tried to aim for the huge malformed Claw to at least stop Nightmare long enough for Kilik to get out of harms way. In the end this was much better than he hoped, AND he did get Kilik back his weapon, though from where he stood, the young man seemed reluctant to pick it up but for what reasons, Link could only guess.
Fortunately for Kilik, Nightmare didn't seem the least bit interested in him anymore, unfortunately for Link; HE now had the evil knight's full attention. His crimson gaze was trained upon Link as if studying him. Nightmare turned so that he was fully facing the elf but he made no movement.
"You." He spoke in an evil tone that would have given Gannon a run for his rupees.
Link lowered his hook shot as he fell out of his battle stance. Off to the side he saw Kilik retrieve his weapon (finally), but he did not strike the distracted knight, keeping his guard up. This only told Link that Kilik remembered who Nightmare was. Either that or he was still feeling his last beating.
Link equally returned Nightmare's gaze, though he found it quite difficult to stare into his eyes. He gave a curt nod.
"Yes, it's me," Link said. "My name is Link, don't you remember me Siegfried?"
At this Nightmare lowered his head a bit but his eyes never left Links.
"Don't bother; your voice cannot reach him where he is." Nightmare growled lowly. "His soul once again is under my control."
"Then let him go Soul Edge!" Link expression growing angry. Nightmare took a step forward and Link quickly raised his hook shot. This defiant act did not seem to faze the knight and he took another step.
"You are different." He took another step closer.
"Stay back Soul Edge!" Link warned Nightmare. But Nightmare just continued as if he hadn't heard.
".Not of this world. I can feel your life force.It is very different."
As he loomed closer, the hook shot began to visibly shake. Link shook his head as if trying to shake off the fear, and once more the hook shot remained still. Determined not to be swayed by Nightmare's imposing form, Link stood his ground.
"Link!" Kilik shouted to him. "Link don't let him get too close to you!!!"
The dark knight stood before him now, the tip of the hook shot touched Nightmare's armor lightly centered to his chest plate.
Link could see clearly into the visor now, where the crimson eyes burned like living flames. It was hard to believe that these very eyes were Siegfried's! Nightmare was so close now and his breathing could be heard from with in the visor. Link wanted to back away, because Nightmare was too close, but he found himself unable to move, both his feet rooted into the ground in cold fear, and his eyes simply could not tear away from Nightmare's pulling him deeper into that fiery gaze.
"Your soul is young. Yes, unusually young, but it bares the traces of great power upon it." Nightmare said, his crimson gaze burrowing deeper into Link's crystal blues. His stare was terrifying, and Link was sure that he would see terrible unspeakable things reflected in Nightmare's eyes. But he saw nothing, for the crimson glow was so bright. Link wasn't sure what was happening now, for he felt as if his mind were becoming hazy, that whatever control he had mentally, was beginning to slip carelessly away. In the midst of if all he could still hear Nightmare's dark voice. It was deep and gentle as though he were talking to a small child.
"You have a burning desire to protect the world you come from I see." Nightmare's voice said. And it disturbed Link that he even brought up the subject.
"My world?" Link felt himself say.
"Yes," Nightmare answered. "I know of its plight, of the growing shadows that continue to consume its lands."
Something within Link began to stir as Nightmare spoke these words. The how and the whys were lost to Link as it seemed that Nightmare some how KNEW these things. A sick feeling began to rise from the pit of his stomach and his eyes began to sting. In his mind he began to worry about his world. Doubts and fears raced through and began to build the guilt in his heart.
What was happening while he was gone? Wasn't the goddesses suppose to of sealed it? Was Gannon really that strong? What was he doing in this world?!
"The fate of all that exist upon that world rests upon your shoulders young one. But how can you be expected to help them if you are here?" Yeah, what the hell was he doing here? His world was in trouble and here he was gallivanting with an even better number of heroes! Link couldn't believe how stupid he was! His people entrusted him with their lives! What was he doing?! He needed to get back and fast! Gannon had probably broken whatever seal the goddesses placed upon his world and was having a grand take-over and Link was stuck here! What was happening to his home? His friends?
The fear began to rise to a panic as the guilt became unbearable.
"Link, noble soul of Hyrule.Would you like to return to your world?" Nightmare's voice interrupted his train of thought, and Link wasn't sure if he had heard Nightmare right.
"Wha, what? Return home? Is it possible?"
"Yes, I can return you home, but more than that, I can give you power to defeat your greatest foe."
"Power to defeat my." Link repeated softly. "You can give me power?"
Even without seeing, (for the red of Nightmare's eyes were all that he could see) Link felt the knight nod.
"Yes, with the Soul Edge, you can vanquish the one who has caused you so much pain, and restore peace to your lands. That is your wish is it not?"
Yes it was, especially the part about vanquishing Gannondorf. With all the pain he'd caused, Link wanted to make sure Gannon paid for his crimes and if at all possible to feel the pain he'd caused to Hyrule's people. Link wanted him to pay for every thing he'd done.
Link wanted to see that day, and he would take great joy in it, savor every moment of Gannondorf's final moments of pain. And the Soul Edge would drink his cursed blood.
"That's right," Nightmare's voice said darkly as if reading Link's mind and Link could faintly detect something of a gleeful sensation behind his words. "You can enjoy that moment and many others like that. Gannon will not be the last to threaten your land, others will come, but they stand no chance against you. If you allow your flesh to unite with my soul we could live forever, and together we can walk the path of destruction."
Links head began to hurt and he felt as though he was going to retch. Something was wrong, but he couldn't think clearly. Power, Nightmare was giving him Soul Edge's power? Could it really grant him all those things? No matter how hard Link tried to think, something blocked it and caused an extreme pain to his head!
"Surrender your soul to me.." Nightmare's voice was louder now, echoing from inside his head. Link wanted to trust him, but couldn't remember why he shouldn't. He couldn't think, and it hurt to try. Slowly, Link felt him self slipping away, there was darkness all around him now, the only light he could see was the crimson fire of Nightmare's unmerciful gaze. It was so easy, all he had to do was accept Nightmare's offer, but something deep with in him resisted fiercely.
"HAAAAAAAH!!!!" Link suddenly heard Kilik's loud voice shattering the silence around the two.
Kilik came down upon Nightmare's back with the Kali Yuga. With a feral cry of pain the dark knight whirled around breaking eye contact with Link, and releasing the elf from the trance.
Link's eyes widened with sudden realization and he felt his breath get caught in his throat. His body began to tremble, as he realized that he was freezing. Why? When had it gotten so cold? Link didn't know.
"Link!!! Get out of the way!!!" Kilik shouted between Nightmare's attempts to slash at him. In the next instant, Link found himself getting roughly tackled from the side as Kilik pushed him out of the way as Nightmare made an attempt to seize Link.
"NO!!! Meddling fool!!! How dare you interfere!!!" Nightmare bellowed clearly furious.
Kilik recovered and stood in front of Link Kali Yuga drawn protecting him. "Link are you okay?" He asked, keeping his gaze ahead of him.
Link winced as he tried to shake off the head ache. His body was beginning to feel warm again and so he got to his feet still a bit shaky.
"Y, yeah, I'm fine." Link cringed as he felt one last flash of pain. "What did he do to me?"
Kilik actually gave slight shrug. "From what I could tell, he seemed to have you in a trance."
A trance? Link felt pretty embarrassed as he began to remember everything. Had he really thought those things?!
Nightmare must have some how read his thoughts, that would explain how he knew certain details of his world. Link couldn't believe that Nightmare had actually peered into his mind to find Everything, and twisted them to his advantage!
And Kilik must know now too.He was right there listening.
"Did, did I say anything stupid?" Link asked even though he knew this wasn't the place to start such a conversation.
"You tell me, I couldn't understand a word either of you were saying!" Link's eyes widen. "What? What do you mean you couldn't.?!"
Kilik let out an exasperated sigh. "I mean as in you both were talking that weird language! Look can we talk about this some OTHER time?" Kilik made sure he emphasized the word. "Can you move alright now?"
"Yeah, thanks for saving me." Link replied sheepishly.
"Just returning the favor now get out of the way, we'll take care of this." Kilik said to which Link raised a brow.
"We? Who's we?"
Kilik did not reply but nodded off to the side of them eyes never leaving Nightmare's form. But he didn't need to explain as Link heard a young woman's voice shout.
"Is your friend all right?!" Link followed the voice to find the person Kilik had indicated earlier. She was standing quite a bit away, and even with the moonlight that shone through the passing clouds, it was still hard to make out her features. Judging by her form and appearance she was neither Talim, nor Xianghua.
But there was something about her that Link recognized.
"Yeah, he's fine! But we still got Nightmare to deal with!" Kilik shouted back.
"Not a problem! I'll take care of him!" She replied confidently. To both Kilik and Link's horror the girl's light form darted behind Nightmare.
Link's body moved then, even before he realized what he was doing. Moving from behind Kilik, Link launched himself to dive right beneath Nightmare. In one smooth movement, Link transformed his dive into a roll to come up quickly with his shield drawn from his back (he'd almost forgotten it was there, but it was more of second nature to have it there.) efficiently blocking the intended back strike. The shield rang loud and clear as it barred the sword's decent. Link grunted as he had to use a little more force than he thought to deflect the female's attack. She was surprisingly strong for a female fighter!
"What in the world?!" Link heard the girl's voice cry out, she said something more but it was overridden as Kilik's voice shouted;
"LINK WATCH OUT!!!"
Link had only begun to turn when he felt a large bony claw close around his neck and upper body! He had forgotten about Nightmare!!!
As the ground fell away from beneath his feet, the pressure increased around his neck chocking him! The shield was dropped with a loud clang as both hands reached up trying to pry the claws from his neck.
"You won't get away this time." He heard Nightmare taunt.
Link tried to kick and squirm free but to no avail and when he saw movements from either side of Nightmare, he shouted (as best as he could);
"NO! D, Don't attack~!" Even with the present danger he was in, Link could not afford to have the two fighters attack Nightmare.
He choked even more as it was nearly impossible to pull any air into his burning lungs. As his vision began to blur (perhaps for the second time that night) his mind raced to find a way out of this. He needed something, a weapon that he could use, anything sharp!
One hand released its hold upon Nightmare's claw and reached down into one of his pockets. Desperate fumbling produced a thin sharp shard.
The shard!
Without a second thought he brought his hand back up and rammed it into Nightmare's claw. It didn't seem to penetrate the hard boned shell, but none the less, he instantly felt the pressure released and he landed ungraciously upon his ass. There was a deafening inhuman howl that rang in his ears painfully, as the shard took effect upon Nightmare. His cries echoed into the dark skies above, and he gripped his claw tightly as if it had suffered a mortal wound.
The spirit of Soul Edge was reacting to the Soul Caliber fragment!
"Link! Use this!" A male voice called somewhere from behind but Link didn't have time to search for who it was before he heard something heavy flung through the air to land with a dull clang beside him.
The moment he glanced down, he was nearly blinded as bright light beamed, wiping out his night vision.
"The Master Sword!" He said unbelievingly. But where~?
"LINK! MOVE!!!!" The same voice shouted, and in that instant Link saw the incoming claw from the corner of his eye. Grabbing the Master Sword Link threw his weight to one side allowing him to roll in safely out of harm's way. A loud earth crushing sound was heard and when he stood he found that he had rolled around to Nightmare's back and he quickly launched himself into the high into the air. Link pulled the Master Sword back over his head, and as he descended he brought the pommel down hard upon the back of Nightmare's exposed neck.
The whole movement happened in five seconds, and Nightmare collapsed to the ground two seconds after that.
Link's heart beated fast with in his chest as the adrenaline was still going strong and he gulped in several deep breaths of air. He wasn't sure if it the blow he dealt had been fatal as he only meant it to be strong enough to knock the monster out, but he tried not to think about it as he was still not done.
Wordlessly he circled the knight till he stood near his head. The long red hair (that he had thought was some sort of plume) was spread across the ground, almost making it seem like blood. But it was only like that for the first few minuets. Under the glow of the Master Sword, the long red strands of hair began to shorten, the shaded color draining from it, the armor began to move and change as if the very light hurt it. Like shadows the dark armor dissipated from where ever it had come from till only the prone form of Siegfried remained. The hellish malformed claw was untouched serving as a reminder to Siegfried's alter ego to all that was present.
"Oh my god!" The young girl cried out. Link had almost forgotten that she was there.
"Link! Is he okay?" Came Kilik's voice, it sounded like it was right beside him. Slowly, Link became aware of the punishment his body had sustained. Especially his head, it felt like there was a hammer pounding on his cranium. Remembering a certain skill from his travels, Link checked Siegfried for his vital signs, and when he was certain that the man was breathing fine, Link stood suddenly finding that he was surrounded by many a familiar face. They were all trying to talk to him at once, but he couldn't quite understand. Their voices swam in and around his head in a groggy haze.
Why was he so tired?
He tried his best to snap out of what ever state he was in, but it was just so difficult.
And he was so tired.
"Hey Link!" There was that voice again, the one that returned the Master Sword to him. Was that..?
"Yun Sung?" The elf asked uncertainly. The Korean gripped him by both shoulders tightly.
"Link, what the hell is wrong with you? Stop being weak and snap out of it!" This harsh demand was accompanied by a rough shake that only rattled Link's senses and greatly increased his headache. By the time he stopped, Link was seeing double vision but that began to fade away so that the two Yun Sungs became one. That was really all Link needed.
"Link? How do you feel now?" Yun Sung's voice asked.
With out a thought or second thought Link replied with every last consciousness left to him; "Here, let me show you." This was followed up by a vicious left hook to the face. As the startled Korean fell back, Link was left with no support and was suddenly forced to stand on his own, but it wasn't too long before he began to tip over, unable to support his own body. Just before Link blacked out he caught sight of Yun Sung rubbing his jaw and thought fleetingly that this was probably the height of his night. Of course this small exchange came with some insults, but Link was too disoriented to hear what they were.
Oh well, he was probably spouting the same name-calling or something just as unintelligent. It was a shame though that Link couldn't enjoy it more as he was so sure he'd forget about this moment whenever he would wake up next.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Oh, this chapter was a bit choppy and in my haste to get it in before the end of the day, I failed to give it the once over. Well, I made a few changes not too big, as there were a ton of grammical errors. Also, I'm really lame at explaining actions, so if Link's little rolling technique threw you off, think of Wind Waker's Link doing one of his counter attacks. That little guy has got some awesome moves! And if you couldn't guess the new girl is Cassandra.
~Hero Genkaku