Audrik deflected a Bulblin's sword, stepping to the side as it stumbled passed him. The Prince then pulled his arm back, and with all the force he could manage, drove his blade through the monster's chest, watching as it fell to the ground.
"Couldn't you have waited for me?" Oren asked as he caught up with the Prince.
"Yes, I suppose I could have, but you seemed quite absorbed in your duel with that Labrynnian soldier, so I took the liberty of going ahead and felling another opponent while you were busy." Audrik said with a smirk.
Oren's face betrayed his frustration, but it wasn't long before he regained his composure, his usual look of complete neutrality taking over. "My job is to protect you, it's hard to do when you run off like that."
Audrik suddenly lunged at Oren, his sword traveling straight towards the Sheikah man, Oren raised his blade to block, only to have the Prince divert the blade's course, the sword narrowly missing his head, lightly grazing his shoulder.
"Isn't it you who should be protecting I?" the Prince quipped, finding amusement in Oren's stunned expression.
Oren turned to find a Bulblin lying behind him, blood seeping from a deep wound between it's eyes, a wound inflicted by the Prince. "If you didn't distract me so, I would've caught him before he even came close." Oren stated before breaking into a run, the Prince following.
"Sure, sure." Audrik responded, looking forward in time to see a Moblin blocking their path, the Prince ran forward into striking range of the large creature, it brought it's club down, narrowly missing Audrik as he leapt backwards. As the creature raised it's weapon Oren darted in, slashing his great sword across the creature's knee, the Moblin roared in pain as it returned to it's feet, smashing it's club down on the spot where Oren formerly stood. Audrik sprinted towards the Moblin, leaping atop it's club as the monster brought it up, the Prince kicked off the club, falling behind the Moblin. Audrik wrapped an arm around it's neck, and with a quick motion, slit it's throat with his rapier. To the Prince's surprise, the Moblin reached back to grab him, but as it did so, Oren ran forward, driving his blade through the creature's stomach. Audrik let go as the beast fell, Oren pulling his blade from it. "I suppose we'll call it even." Audrik said, Oren looking at him warily.
Scanning the environment around them, Oren realized something, something strange, "Prince, since we've arrived, I've yet to see a single Kokiri, this is their domain, is it not?" the Sheikah questioned.
Audrik looked around, aside from Knights and soldiers of various species and nationality doing battle with Labrynnian soldiers, Garo, Moblins, and Bulblins, there seemed to be no one else, the humble homes of the Kokiri stood, looking as if they were occupied up until quite recently. "Maybe...the lost woods?" the Prince suggested, mostly thinking aloud to himself as he became more and more puzzled. He was broken from his thought's by two arrows flying passed he and Oren, the Prince and his Guardian turning just in time to see two Labrynnian soldiers fall.
"Prince...Mr...Sheikah." the man said, bowing as he ran forth.
"You saved our lives, no need to address us with such formalities." Audrik said, bowing his head at the man.
"I knew they were coming, I would've dispatched them had he not-" Oren began before the Prince cut him off with a glare.
"I recognize you, you're the archer from the Great Hall who was at the Hero's side for the later half of the night." Audrik stated as the three found shelter behind an abandoned Kokiri home.
"My name's Kallil, I've been Link's friend since we were children, we came to Castle Town together." Kallil explained.
"I remember you...you're the one who noticed me." Oren said, his eyes locking with Kallil's.
Kallil shifted uncomfortably under the Sheikah's gaze until the Prince nudged him with an elbow, the Sheikah turning to give him an unamused look.
"Mr. Oren is not used to being spotted, Sheikah are creatures of stealth...excuse him for his behavior." Audrik said, earning another almost offended glance from Oren. "Tell me, soldier, what is it we can do for you?" Audrik continued, noting Kallil's alarmed expression.
"Link and my former teacher...Master Elgon, they went into the Great Deku Tree's meadow, but as they entered a barrier blocked my path so I could not follow, whatever's in there doesn't want them to leave, I fear they're in danger." Kallil explained as the Prince and Sheikah looked on.
"Most concerning indeed, come Oren!" the Prince called as he darted from their hiding place.
A harpoon thrown by a Zora narrowly missed them as it embedded itself in the chest of a Moblin, the Zora soldier apologizing as he ran by to retrieve it, Kallil raised his bow, loosing several arrows, two finding their marks, felling a bulblin and a Labrynnian soldier, but the third only met the ground as the Garo warrior it was meant for flipped out of it's path, only to be met by Sir Ginthorne's man-sized sword. A trio of Labrynnian soldier's converged on Oren, the Prince and Kallil, with Oren taking point.
"Go! Help the Hero! I'll take care of them!" the Sheikah shouted, Audrik for once obeying his command.
Oren leapt forward, his blade knocking away a diagonally downwards strike to the left, before being forced to spin out the way of another attack. Oren faded back as the soldier on the right stabbed at him, and with one quick movement, swept his sword diagonally upwards to the left, his blade traveling through the soldier's neck, as he fell the other two increased the speed of their attacks, Oren holding his blade horizontally before him, the Soldier's blades bouncing off of his. Oren threw himself to the right, avoiding a horizontal rightwards slash from the Soldier nearest him, Oren righted himself and performed a spin attack, the force of his assault knocking his opponent's right arm far off to the side before his Great Sword cleaved through the Soldier's stomach, the man falling to the ground immediately. The last soldier held his sword in front of him, point skyward, pacing from side to side, stepping forward hesitantly as Oren stood firm in place, the Soldier charged forward, with Oren doing the same, both ran passed each other, spinning as they met, trading a single blow. Oren locked eyes with the man, breaking contact as the Labrynnian fell to the ground motionless, the Sheikah man looked down, acknowledging the small cut on his arm his most recent opponent had left.
Oren leapt onto the nearest roof top, sheathing his Great Sword, taking out a bow in it's place, looking across the Village, he could see Sir Mathias and Sir Trystane best a Garo, Sir Ginthorne trading blows with a Moblin, and a group of Zora making to surround a small group of Bulblins, but to his dismay he had lost sight of the Prince, Oren nocked an arrow, letting loose his frustrations on the first Bulblin to walk into his line of sight.
oOo
"Will he be okay?" Kallil called after the Prince, Audrik being quite a few paces ahead of him.
"Oren could best them all with his bare hands if he so desired!" Audrik called back, continuing to weave between Kokiri houses, avoiding the battle outside.
It wasn't long before the two emerged in front of the passage to the Great Deku Tree's meadow, Audrik and Kallil sprinted through the line of Goron's in front of it, having formed to keep whatever was on the other side from receiving reinforcements.
Audrik ran up to the barrier, and raising his sword skywards, brought it down with all the force he had onto the wall, resulting in only a loud clang, the wall remaining undamaged.
A smaller, obviously younger Goron approached, looking back hesitantly as his brothers held the line against the invaders. "Brother! We've tried smashing it already, this one won't break!" the young Goron explained.
"Magic." the Prince responded, laying his hand on the slab.
"What about Link and Elgon?" Kallil asked, beginning to sound panicked.
"We'll find a way." Audrik responded, looking eyes with Kallil.
The attention of all on the battlefield was taken suddenly when the ground began to shake, a loud crack filling the air as from beyond the large wall that protected the Great Deku Tree's meadow two parallel beams of energy, one red, the other a shining gold shot into the sky.
oOo
Elgon struggled to keep his footing as he edged closer to Link and Erris, the two had yet to move, merely keeping eye contact as their conflicting auras did battle for them. Elgon dropped to his knees, digging his fingers into the ground as Erris outstretched his arm, releasing a crimson bolt of lightning empowered by his Anteforce of Fear, Link drew his sword, the blade glowing a vibrant gold, easily sweeping away the bolt of energy, choosing this moment to begin the battle, Elgon watching from a distance.
Link flew forward, the Power of the Goddesses contained inside his Triforce of Courage allowing him to move at inhuman speeds, Erris met him halfway, red and golden blades clashing, their auras releasing a bright flash, coupled with a release of force so powerful it cracked the ground around them. Link pushed his sword against Erris's, their conflicting auras pulsating. Link leapt back, with Erris charging forward after him, releasing a vertically downwards strike, Link fading out of the way. Link let loose a stab, with Erris knocking it aside, followed by a horizontal slash to the left, Link countering the movement with his blade, pushing Erris back a pace.
"Erris, end this, you're powerful, but the power of the Goddesses is far greater." Link stated, the golden energies swirling around him and within him.
Erris's red aura surged, the pale blue and red energies fighting for dominance around him. "I have come too far for this, Hero! This power! It will be salvation for my land, my people, and it will be victory for me!" Erris yelled, racing forward.
Link shot forward, sweeping his sword back as his path crossed with that of Erris, the Prince swirled to the side, bringing up his blade and bringing it horizontally down towards Link, Link swept his sword upwards, the two blades releasing a loud clang as they clashed, the energies being released by the Anteforce and the Triforce resuming their airborne battle, independent of their hosts.
"Erris, that demon inside you, it's controlling you!" Link yelled as he faded back.
"It's empowering me!" Erris responded as he rushed forward, his blade meeting Link's once again. "You might have the power of the Goddesses, but I have the power of Demise, bolstered by the Demon he created the power from, I can use the Anteforce of Fear to it's full potential, with Mahlik's power adding to it, strengthening my body to be able to use it's power!" Erris yelled, pushing his sword against Link's with increasing force.
As much as Link loathed to admit it, this was true, using the Triforce to this extent was something he only did when he had to, for it drained him quickly. Link could feel his body beginning to falter, every muscle seemingly shutting down, Erris's strength and stamina was constantly restored by Mahlik's presence.
Erris dove at Link, swiping his sword leftwards, Link barely making it out of the way as he struck, Link pushed back, slashing horizontally rightwards at Erris, the latter leaping backwards. Link then brought his sword up to guard as Erris flew forward, his sword clashing with Link's, a loud crack like lightning echoing out from their auras as their swords and energies clashed, both desperately trying to defeat the other.
Link could hardly believe the power Erris was showing, it rivaled Ganon's in ferocity, but the one thing that stuck out to him most was how fast his power grew, with the Prince seemingly growing stronger by the minute. As Erris pushed his crimson blade against Link's with more force Link felt something, something small, but significant at the same time. As they struggled he glanced down at his blade, one of the small marks from his battle with the other world's Gaondorf had grown into a large crack halfway across the sword, as Link registered this, Erris withdrew, his blue and red auras exploding out around him like fire as he flew forward, crimson blade at the ready, Link called for more power from his Triforce to defend himself, but found to his dismay his body could no longer take the strain. Link collapsed to one knee, driving the White Sword into the ground to steady himself, his golden aura flickered, then faded away, leaving him defenseless, save for the silver Knight armor he had donned before leaving the Castle. Erris flew at him, a manic small on his face, eyes glowing pale blue with Mahlik's essence, bright red aura flaring around him, Link staggered to his feet, holding his sword up, praying to the Goddesses that would be enough to repel Erris.
Erris dashed forward at amazing speed, and once finally upon the Hero, raised his sword, bringing it down to meet Link's. Link flinched as his sword was about to meet Erris's, but found no impact came as a brilliant light met his eyes instead. The Prince's blade bounced off a barrier of light, sending Erris skidding back on his heels.
"Link, are you alright?" Elgon asked, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"I..I can't move." Link said, gripping his sword tight, unable to raise himself off his knee. "I've never used the Power of the Goddesses for so long, by body couldn't take it." he continued, mostly speaking to himself.
Link looked up as Elgon turned towards the light barrier he had created, a slow deep laugh ringing out from the other side. The two looked on as Erris, his black hair covering his face swayed back and forth, a laugh that wasn't his filling the air.
"You think this to be a joke?!" Elgon called out, his anger breaking through his normally collected demeanor.
Erris's laugh cut off suddenly, his swaying stopping as he became still. "Everything's a joke really, you humans, Zora, Gorons and such, dividing this land into five...thinking you rule it and that it belongs to you, you rely so much on your magical abilities, yet even the strongest sorcerers pale in comparison to the weakest of demons, the Goddesses' power might allow you to fight evenly, but even that will fail you, as it has today." Erris said, speaking in a voice that sounded monstrous, inhuman and unnatural.
"What's your point?" Elgon asked aggressively, Link looking on, a dark feeling growing inside of him.
"My point? MY POINT?!" Erris roared, "My point is that the folly of the Goddesses was picking you humans as the inheritors of this world, the guardians of it's resources and it's people, when you've done almost as good of a job of destroying it as we would have!" Erris yelled, beginning to laugh uncontrollably.
"...Elgon...it's not...it's not Erris anymore." Link stated, looking up at the older man.
Elgon looked through the light barrier as Erris began to stop laughing, shock washing over him as his black hair moved away from his face, revealing Erris's skin to have turned a dark gray, a tough leathery texture to it, his cheekbones had seemingly moved higher, his mouth filled with razor sharp teeth, his nose transformed into a shape not unlike a bat's, his eyes glowing pale blue, as his hair parted away from his forehead it revealed two shining black horns protruding forth.
"The boy couldn't hold me back forever, especially with how much of my own power he was using, he practically invited me to take hold...all the hate...all the fear in this land, no matter how far removed from it I am...it empowers me...for I am Mahlik, Demon Lord of Fear and Terror!" Mahlik roared as he flew forward, breaking through Elgon's light barrier with relative ease.
Elgon positioned himself between Mahlik and Link, and with a downward slash of his sword, he released a blast of light energy, the projectile striking Mahlik point blank in the chest. The Demon Lord stumbled back, releasing a groan.
"It has been long since I've felt a sting like that, Light Sage...but it will take far greater power than what you possess to harm me." Mahlik said as he charged forward, knocking Elgon aside as he rushed to Wizzro.
Elgon fell next to Link, the latter still recovering from use of the Triforce. "Link, I can't stop him, but you can, take my energy." Elgon said, taking hold of Link's shoulder.
Link brushed Elgon's hand away, "No...that could kill you." he said, locking eyes with his former instructor. "You're the Light Sage, you cannot be lost."
"You're the Hero, losing you is not an option...I order you to hold out your arm, Guardsman!" Elgon called.
Link smiled internally, thinking of his days under Elgon's command in the Lanayru Province Guard, serving with Kallil, Oreck, and a number of other good men, good men who didn't deserve the fate that would befall them if Mahlik was left to roam free. Link thought of Zelda, his mother, Nika, Audrik, Impa, and all those he had met so far, knowing he was what stood between them and destruction, Link hesitantly held out his hand, grasping Elgon's wrist as the older man did the same, Link first felt a tingling sensation, which quickly grew into a burning feeling that flowed throughout his body as Elgon channeled the entirety of his light energy into Link. Link rose to his feet, feeling completely rejuvenated, retaining his grip on Elgon's wrist, he hoisted the older man onto his feet and guided him to the Great Deku tree, laying him behind one of the larger roots. "You'll be safe here." he said as Elgon nodded.
"Kill that bastard." Elgon said, releasing a small smile at Link before Link turned, heading off towards the Mahlik-possessed Erris.
Mahlik laid his hand against the blue transparent magical cone around the Dark Wizard, shattering it, it's pieces fading into the air around them, before he could take another step the Dark Wizard cried out.
"Master! The Sealing circle, the Light Sage imprisoned me in here, don't allow him to capture you!"
Mahlik smiled, "Such simple magic cannot contain me." The Demon Lord stepped across the edge of the trap, the illumination from the sigil fading away as the seal was broken.
"Thank you for saving me Master, your power knows no bounds! Now, shall we destroy the Hero and the Light Sage?!" The Wizard asked, a gleeful tone to his voice.
"Yes...we shall." Mahlik said, a smile forming on his face. Suddenly the demon Lord jerked his head back, digging his fingers into his chest, ripping a small opening into the flesh. The Dark Wizard began to feel weak, looking down, he noticed purple energy being drained from him...his essence.
"Master! What is the meaning of this?!" Wizzro cried out as Mahlik absorbed him.
"I have been imprisoned in the human's body for too long, my powers are weak, especially here, in the Forest Deity's domain...I must consume you, add your power to my own!" Mahlik explained as Wizzro was absorbed into the opening in Mahlik's chest. The Dark Wizard cried out one last time before his form diminished completely into purple energy which flowed into Mahlik's chest. The Demon Lord turned, his eyes flashing a dark purple for an instant.
"So that's how you treat your men, eh? I can see why you demons don't have much of a following." Mahlik heard from behind him.
"We need no following, the destruction and corruption of the Goddesses' creations are what we desire." Mahlik explained, turning to face the reenergized Hero of Legend. "You seem confident, I suppose if it wasn't for that golden trinket's powers you would be cowering in fear, but alas that is not the reality I face, until I tear it from your flesh, that is." Mahlik continued as a smile spread across his face.
"I needn't fear you, merely due to the fact I've faced your kind before, having defeated them in every instance." Link replied, taking up his sword and shield.
"You waste your time defending something that can never last." Mahlik said, gesturing towards the Hylian Shield, "The Royal Family, this land, it's inhabitants, they will all fall, as will the lands and peoples beyond this one, it will be my brothers and I that destroy it all...starting now...with you!" Mahlik roared as he charged.
Link deflected his blade as it slashed at him, the Hero performed a jump attack, bringing his sword down on Mahlik's. Mahlik performed a spin attack, with Link fading back, diving in with a stab, only to have Mahlik teleport behind him.
"The Goddesses' champion you're called, I have to admit, my expectations betrayed me...I remain unimpressed!" Mahlik shouted as he slashed horizontally to the left, with Link deflecting the blow with his shield.
Seeing the opening he called on his Triforce, feeling it's power well up inside of him, Link released three slashes, the first two finding their mark, cutting Mahlik across the chest twice, but the third was caught by Mahlik telekinetically.
Mahlik slid back as he held his hand over his chest, "It would seem you've caused this body to bleed." Mahlik said, looking down at his chest, black blood dripping from the wounds. "My transformation of the Prince's body has even corrupted his blood, how amusing." Mahlik said with a laugh, the Demon Lord then flicked his wrist, sending Link flying, eventually landing on his back quite a distance from where he last stood.
"Taking over Erris's body will be your only victory!" Link yelled as he stood, sword and shield held at the ready.
Mahlik waved his hand, the blood streaming out of his wounds gathering over it. The fluid began to congeal in the air above his hand as the wound on his chest healed instantly. The ball of blood separated in two, subsequently forming into jagged knife like projectiles, Mahlik raised them into the air and shot them at Link, the Hero jumping to the side and rolling out of the way of one, only to get back to his feet, and realize Mahlik had paused the other, releasing it to continue it's course once Link stood up. Link raised his shield, but the black shard pierced through it, driving itself into his shoulder.
"Gah!" Link yelled as he fell to the ground, he looked over to the shard, it had pierced his armor, and Link noticed the blood vessels around it were beginning to turn a deep black. Grabbing the shard, Link yanked it out of his shoulder with one movement, the projectile turning to dust upon contact with the ground. "What is this?" Link asked aggressively, holding onto his numb shoulder as he got back to his feet.
"I have wasted too much time on you." Mahlik said as he turned and walked away. "My blood, it will slowly poison your bloodstream, render you immobile, and finally take your life." Mahlik said with a smile as he continued towards the path back to the Village. "Before I go, where have you hidden the Light Sage?"
Link fell over onto the ground, his whole body going numb, his veins showing through the skin as Mahlik's black blood continued through them, he dropped the white sword, but found himself unable to retrieve it, his body seemingly unmovable. Link wanted to fight, he had to rise, if Mahlik found Elgon he was most definitely going to be killed, Link knew he couldn't allow that, but found there was nothing he could do but watch. Link began thinking to himself of Elgon, thinking back to when he channeled his energy into him, he hadn't just channeled his life force, he had given Link his light energy too. Link called upon the Triforce, and managed to call forth Elgon's light energy, he felt the two energies fuse together, one empowering the other, calling upon their combined form the energy filled his body, burning away Mahlik's poison. Link found his feeling and strength returning. He stood up, releasing the Triforce empowered light energy he had used to rid himself of the poison. The energy burst forth in a brilliant flash, shining all throughout the Great Deku Tree's meadow.
Mahlik sensed the massive magical force behind him, turning to see it flow through the meadow like a tidal wave, it reached him, flashing once more before fading. Mahlik stumbled back a few paces, holding a hand over his face, his skin releasing smoke as he healed from the burn inflicted by the light energy. "How is this possible?!" Mahlik roared as Link came up on him, having taken up his sword and shield.
"Light always drives away the darkness." Link said. Calling upon Elgon's energy and the power of the Triforce, Link launched himself at Mahlik, the Demon Lord intercepted Link's sword, pushing back with his. Mahlik then unleashed four slashes, Link intercepting all with his shield, Link then leapt back, and holding his sword high, infusing the power of his Triforce of Courage and Elgon's light into it, the familiar gold aura rising around his body. Mahlik flew at Link, sharp teeth bared. Mahlik came within one stride, with Link releasing his spin attack, a brilliant flash of Triforce infused light energy filled the meadow as Erris's blade shattered in Mahlik's hands, the White Sword cleaving through Mahlik repeatedly, the last blow throwing the demon to the ground.
Link strode over to the fallen Demon Lord, watching as his black blood flowed from the wound Link had inflicted, smoke rising from it. Link raised his blade to finish the Demon, but was thrown back as a hand composed of shadow shot out of Mahlik's self-imposed chest wound, throwing Link back, the Hero rolling back onto his feet after hitting the ground.
"Enough!" Mahlik roared, the outline of the Anteforce appeared on Mahlik's chest, surrounding the chest wound, out of which a bright red glow began to emanate. "I...I will not be felled by a human!" he roared as the red aura expanded around him, Mahlik began to grow larger, his horns elongating as Erris's black armor grew with him, spikes and serrated edges growng along it as it's surface began to resemble scales, rather than the smooth black metal it was. The cape on the armor's back split in two, transforming into a pair of enormous red reptilian wings. Mahlik looked down, now the size of a three story building, he towered over the meadow.
Link charged him once again calling upon the Triforce, but was easily swept aside by one of Mahlik's newly grown wings as the now massive Demon Lord turned toward the Great Deku Tree. Link dug the White Sword into the ground, using it to pull himself to his feet, he watched as Mahlik approached the Great Deku Tree, taking a hold of the sword embedded in the Forest Deity.
"So the boy tried to steal your life energies using my sword, how clever." Mahlik said as he pulled the sword free. The already enormous blade doubled in size in Mahlik's grasp, as the Demon Lord took to the air, Link stabbing his sword further into the ground in order to keep from getting blown away by the powerful gusts. Mahlik dropped down near the path out to the village, "I almost forgot...the Goddesses' chosen hero still lives, I must remedy this." Mahlik said, his foot steps shaking the ground as he strode towards Link.
Link called on all of the energy he had, the Triforce glowing brightly, his light energy once more merging with that of the Triforce. The gold aura swept over him, his eyes illuminating with the energy. Link swung his sword towards Mahlik, a beam of light shot from it, hitting the Demon Lord in the chest. An enormous magical construct of the Triforce appeared around Mahlik, binding him in place.
"What is this?!" the infuriated Demon Lord of fear roared as he was bound, unable to move, the magical construct holding him.
"The end of you!" Link shouted as his aura surged around him. Link shot off the ground, flying towards Mahlik at a speed almost too fast to see. Link began his assault, slashing so fast it would seem he was swinging his blade in every direction at once, Mahlik writhing with pain as Link's blade carved into his flesh.
Suddenly Mahlik roared, his red aura being released in an enormous flash that shattered the Triforce construct. Now free, he swung his enormous sword at Link. Although stunned, Link brought up his sword to defend himself, all the while still levitating in midair. Mahlik's sword shattered the White Sword, continuing through, the tip of Mahlik's sword cleaved Link's chest. The Hero fell to the ground fast, hitting hard, coming to halt quickly, being devoid of motion.
Mahlik telekinetically tossed Link a couple paces from where he lay, satisfied when the Hero neither made a sound or moved.
"I will return for you later." Mahlik said, gesturing towards the almost lifeless Great Deku Tree. Mahlik raised his arm, then thrust it forward, the rock wall in front of him that separated the Kokiri village from the meadow shattering like glass.
oOo
Audrik whipped his shield off of his back to cover himself, while Kallil leapt to the side to avoid a large fragment of falling rock.
"What the hell is this?!" the Prince shouted, his voice barely being heard above the deep rumble of falling stone.
Oren dashed around falling rocks as allies and enemies alike were killed and injured by the debris raining down all around him. He ran through a crowd of Gorons, finding the Prince and Kallil being sheltered by the large rock beings.
"Brother, over here!" he heard as he ran to the Prince, seeing as larger chunks of rock continued to fall close to him, he ran to Goron who called him, being none other than Chief Darbrakus. The towering Goron leaned over the Sheikah man, his rock hide protecting him from the debris. When all was quiet Oren made his way to the Prince and Kallil, guiding them out of the massive dust cloud when he felt it, something evil and very powerful.
"Run!" he yelled, the Prince looking to him momentarily, being spurred on by a glare from his guardian. Kallil followed close behind as the Gorons rolled passed them, the moment they breached the dust cloud they were greeted by complete silence, all participants captivated by something. The Garo warriors began hum excitedly, bowing, while the Bulblins and Moblins turned and ran, the Labrynnian soldiers standing frozen like the Zora, Goron, and Human forces.
"By the four Giants..." Mayor Met said as his guards closed in around him.
Oren, Kallil, and the Prince turned to see a large silhouette in the middle of the dust cloud, unmoving, but terrifying nonetheless. To their left King Laorik and Mikau raised their hands, the Zora soldiers from both Termina and Hyrule raising their weapons in preparation.
Before any of the forces could ready themselves, the massive figure shot out of the dust cloud, flying through the allied force, sending all present flying off to the side. A mass panic broke out as forces of all species and nationalities ran.
"Your fear! It feeds me!" Mahlik roared as he swept his sword along the ground, sweeping aside soldiers, cutting through them like parchment as the remaining Garo descended upon the soldiers who held their ground. Mahlik raised his hands skyward, lightning striking the ground, and some unlucky soldiers. With a wave of his sword fallen soldiers from either side of the battle stood up, although devoid of life, the corpses moved quickly, beginning to attack indiscriminately. The remaining Labrynnian Soldiers joined the attack, seemingly realizing this being was Erris in one form or another.
Oren cut down an undead Zora as it charged them, with Kallil nocking arrow after arrow, each finding their mark in an undead soldier's head.
"Watch out!" the Prince exclaimed as a Garo leapt over head. He, Kallil, and Oren took up a fighting stance as a circle of fire appeared around them. The Garo rushed forward, with Audrik bringing up his shield in response. The being darted around it, ducking under Oren's Great Sword, it swung a blade at the Prince, inflicting a cut upon his upper arm. As Audrik stepped back holding his arm, the Garo charged him, but was knocked over as Kallil charged headlong into it's side, as it made contact with the ground, Oren cut it in two with his Great Sword. The circle of fire died, with the trio running in the opposite direction as the Garo muttered it's last phrase.
The three were suddenly thrown to the ground as an enormous quake shot through it, recovering, they looked up to see the massive creature had landed not far from them. It swept it's massive sword across the assembled force at it's feet, Audrik and Kallil were splattered with gore as the monster's blade tore the unfortunate individuals in front of them to pieces.
Audrik and Kallil felt themselves being pulled away as Oren ran in the opposite direction, pulling them with him. The three were thrown to the ground once again as the creature's massive sword was driven into the earth directly in front of them, As they righted themselves they looked out across the chaos, the Garo and undead soldiers attacked the allied forces, as Oren, Audrik, and Kallil looked on, realizing not too long after getting to their feet that the towering monster stood directly above them. Oren held his Great Sword in front of himself, shoving Kallil and Audrik behind him.
"You...you do not fear me." Mahlik said as he examined Oren.
"We Sheikah have no fear." Oren replied, raising his blade.
"Ah, the Sheikah, the Goddesses first humans, your heritage does not repel fear, I know this because I am fear." the monster said with a laugh.
"Wait...the Demon Lord of fear...he was bound inside Erris...is that Erris?!" Audrik questioned, his panic evident.
"The inhabitant of this body was Prince Erris, but he failed to restrain me, and now it's mine." Mahlik answered with a booming laugh, having overheard the Prince's question. "I shall show you all fear!" Mahlik roared as he extended his wings, red bolts of lightning struck the assembled force, reducing Gorons to rubble and burning human and Zora to ash. "You will all fall, as your Hero has!" Mahlik roared as the allied forces around him fell. Mahlik's assault was interrupted as everything went black, shadows extending around him.
Oren extended his hands as he attempted to complete the Shadow Immersion process, which was already difficult enough from a distance. "Give the order!" the Sheikah man shouted at the Prince through gritted teeth.
"Attack the creature!" the Prince shouted across the Village. All the soldiers who weren't fighting the Garo or the undead began firing arrows, flaming or otherwise at the Demon Lord, with all projectiles making contact.
Oren tensed as he continued the process, impairing he Demon's senses.
"Enough!" Mahlik roared as he spread his arms, a shockwave spreading out across the battlefield, throwing aside ally and enemy alike.
Audrik recovered and ran to Oren's side with Kallil, the Sheikah lying motionless on the ground.
"Is he...dead?" Kallil asked hesitantly.
"No, no, he can't be!" Audrik shouted.
Behind them, the small number of remaining soldiers readied themselves as the remaining Garo, undead, and Labrynnian soldiers assembled in front of Mahlik.
oOo
"Link, Link! Can you hear me?" Elgon said as shook the Hero's motionless body from side to side.
Seemingly forgotten by Mahlik, Elgon used the opportunity to recuperate, saving his energy to aid Link, but now that he was at the Hero's side, he wasn't too sure whether or not Link was beyond being saved.
Link felt trapped, his body was dying, but the Triforce kept him alive, he knew he had to fight, but Mahlik had broken his sword and his body, his only hope was Zelda, if only she were here, if only he could reach her. Link thought to himself, wishing he could hold her one last time before his life in this era slipped through his fingers, deep inside him, this hope awoke something, the Triforce reacted to this new energy, glowing brightly, calling out.
Elgon stepped back as Link's Triforce mark bursted into a bright gold glow, both the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom coming to life.
oOo
Impa cast her gaze downwards, she worried for Oren when he went off to battle, she wished she could join him, but her duty was with the Princess. Before Prince Erris's attack on the Castle, she would leave to fight, being sure the Princess was safe within Castle walls, with the other Sheikah and Guards...and Lemuria of course, but ever since the Prince displayed an ability to breach their home's defenses, she wanted to be there herself to protect her. It caused her great pain that she couldn't be there for the Princess when Erris had almost fatally injured her, but what's done was done.
"...Link..." Zelda said quietly, remaining motionless.
Impa rushed to her side, taking hold of her hand, "Princess! Princess! Are you awake?! Are you alright?!" the Sheikah woman asked frantically. Before Impa could call the healers Zelda's Triforce erupted in a gold light the likes of which momentarily blinded Impa and filled the room as Zelda raised her arm, her body tensing.
oOo
Elgon jumped back as Link shot upright, both the Triforce of Wisdom and the Triforce of Courage illuminated brightly on his hand.
"Link! Are you alright?!" Elgon called as the Hero ran towards the large opening in the wall, giving no response.
oOo
Link ran through the break in the stone wall that surrounded the Great Deku Tree's meadow, power filling him as two of the three pieces of the Triforce bestowed their might unto him. Emerging into Kokiri Village, Link found most of it in ruins, his rage growing with the sight of his former incarnation's home reduced to such a state.
"Mahlik!" Link shouted, his voice unwavering.
The enormous Demon Lord turned his attention from the force that assaulted him to the Hero as he walked towards him, his injuries seemingly having healed completely. "You were dead Hero! I killed you!" Mahlik roared. He began to feel weaker, his strength being sapped as the fear of the remaining soldiers disappeared, being replaced by faith, faith in the Hero of Legend.
"Hope will always prevail over fear, this I know!" Link shouted as Mahlik roared, charging towards the Hero, crimson lightning crackling across his body as he raised his sword.
"Link extended his left arm, spreading his legs, bending his knees and pulling his right arm back, he closed his eyes as Zelda's spirit appeared behind him, holding herself close to him she extended her arms along his, merging her power with Link's. A Massive bow constructed of light energy appeared in Link's left hand, an arrow materializing in his right. Zelda moved her arms upwards, guiding Link as he aimed the light arrow.
"Let go, my love" Zelda whispered as she held herself close to Link. Link and Zelda simultaneously released to arrow, the bow fading from existence. Mahlik flew towards them, the ground shaking beneath them, ignoring the light arrow flying towards him.
The light arrow met it's mark, striking Mahlik in the stomach wound left by Link's spin attack, the cut not having healed completely due to light energy that was infused into the attack. First Mahlik stopped, coming to a halt a pace from Link, he gasped loudly, then jerked backwards roaring as the light arrow entered his body, it's energy flowing through him, destroying him from the inside out, black blood poured from his mouth as beams of light shot out of him. Slowly Mahlik's whole body began to glow, exploding into ash in one extremely bright flash of light.
Link fell to his knees, Zelda's spirit whispering to him, "Come back to me." The Hero smiled as he fell on his back, exhausted, the Triforce of Wisdom fading from his hand as Zelda returned to her body.
oOo
A group of Zora soldiers moved in, harpoons drawn as the Human and Goron soldiers joined them.
"Seize him!" King Laorik ordered as his soldiers closed in on a severely weakened Prince Erris.
The Prince stood, aiming his arms at the approaching soldiers, electricity crackling along his limbs.
The Zora soldiers stepped back, still holding their weapons at the ready while their allies joined them.
Audrik, Oren, Mikau, and Chief Darmani joined King Laorik as they watched Erris stumble from side to side, his electricity flickering out of existence as he fell to his hands and knees, vomiting blood.
"Th...th...this...this cannot happen...I control Mahlik, he does not control me!" Erris stammered out between breaths, staggering to his feet, his destroyed armor falling off piece by piece, revealing tattered chainmail underneath. Erris violently jerked forward, coughing forth a purple smoke, it formed into a cloud, swirling as it exited the Prince's body.
The gathered soldiers drew closer as a ring suddenly made it's way underneath the strange vapor, the purple smoke entering a stone located atop the ring. The allied force moved slower, coming to a halt as the ring released a puff of smoke, leaving a strange poe like being in the middle.
"Identify yourself!" King Laorik yelled as the panicked looking being looked from side to side.
"Help me, Wizzro." Erris pleaded as he fell to one knee, extending his hand towards the Dark Wizard.
"You absorbed me!" Wizzro accused as he locked eyes with his critically injured ally.
"I don't know what Mr. Link did, but that flash of light that eliminated the monster also seems to have killed the rest of the enemy force." Mayor Met stated as he joined the other leaders. "...What in the five lands is going on here?" he asked curiously as he laid eyes on the Prince and the Dark Wizard.
"Too much." Audrik said as he stepped forward. "Prince Erris, choose your punishment, execution or imprisonment, I'll make sure neither is pleasant."
Seemingly having come to an understanding, the Dark Wizard placed himself between Erris and Audrik, "My purpose is to protect the Prince, I won't let you near!" it screamed as Audrik stepped back.
"Someone kill this thing!" King Laorik ordered as his soldiers moved in on the being.
"The execution or imprisonment will have to come later." Erris said from behind Wizzro, "I'm needed elsewhere." an orange circle appeared underneath him as Erris finished his sentence.
"No!" Audrik screamed as King Laorik and his forces ran forward, harpoons ready, but as they reached Erris's position it was too late, the Prince and the Dark Wizard were gone.
"Damn!" shouted King Laorik as he stabbed his harpoon into the ground.
"How the hell did he do that?!" Mikau asked, his extreme level of confusion obvious.
"Hey!" Audrik heard in the distance, everyone present turned to see Kallil and Elgon helping Link to the allied force's location.
King Laorik was first to make his way over, "Hero, we owe you our lives, thank you!" he said as he extended his hand.
Link kept his gaze on the ground, "Where is Erris?" he asked, faint anger in his voice.
"He...was teleported away." Mikau answered hesitantly.
"I thought so." Link replied, to the surprise of all those present. "Do you know what this means?" Link continued, raising his head to look at the group before him.
"What are you saying?" Mayor Met asked as he walked to King Laorik's side.
A severe expression took over Link's face as he looked over the assembled leaders.
"It means Erris is working with someone, likely just as powerful if not more so than he. Link explained.
The leaders of the multiple peoples and nations in front of him all opened their eyes wide, the realization hitting them all at once.
oOo
And that concludes chapter 20, we're finally out of the 10's!
Looks like Erris's overconfidence got the best of him eh? Didn't turn out too well for anyone, I'd say.
Gerudospirit: Thank you! I'm glad I can help you create that imagery in your head, I try to make every interaction realistic! I know it was hard to believe, I barely believed it myself when I wrote it, Cia being Erris's mother plays into the story, hopefully soon! Thanks for reviewing!
drazol: Thank you very much, my friend! Your continued readership is awesome! Thanks for reviewing!
Lady Kiridia: You suspected the ring, you say? High fives for you too! :D
AND yes you are getting this right, Cia is Erris's mother, looks like she can fall for a man other than Link...at least in the universe I put together. Sorry for surprising you...if that's a bad thing...but I can be sure Erris would have had quite a different childhood had Cia remained a part of his life, my thoughts are; she either would have thought alongside his father in battle, helped Volga defend him during the final battle, or taken him away to keep him safe. You are right when she said that she cares about him, I'm thinking she didn't leave him because she wanted to, rather because she had to, so she left her most trusted companion with him to keep him safe, to keep him company, and to remind him of her once she's gone. Thanks for reviewing!
Shout out to Neos the Final Builder, DakotaBlacky, luthien828, Shadelz5665, windriderproductions, and cookiebee for favoriting and following, thank you!
Thank you all for reading, I know I'm taking longer to get these chapters out recently, it's difficult with my new job's work schedule and all, but I'll try to be consistent!
Also, I'd just like to say please, if you spot an error, don't be afraid to inform me!
Thank you for reading, and until next time,
Best of luck!
-Prometheus17