Chapter Twenty Seven
Two Brothers

Rael was standing in a grand chamber. A wide hall, under a magnificent high ceiling supported by marble pillars and ornate beams of iron and steel. Light was filtering in through a myriad of stained glass windows above. At the far end the chamber behind him was a balcony looking out onto a vast city of tall white stone towers. The style of architecture was unfamiliar to him, but the signs and motifs that decorated the walls told him where he was. This was Kaira, and he was in the throne room of the capital city Morlakai.

Directly in front of him, set in stark contrast to the white masonry, were six steps and atop them, a black throne looming over the entire hall. Seated upon the throne was a man. He was dressed in a black tunic, with blood red robes embroidered with gold and silver thread, and wearing thick ruffles of lace blossoming from his collar and cuffs. The man was young, with a strong body and a head of thick dark hair, with eyes as black as coal. Upon his brow rested a golden crown, inlaid with spikes of polished onyx.

When the crowned man saw Rael materialise before him, as if summoned out of the air, he smiled. He stood, shrugged off his red robes and descended the steps of his throne until he was face to face with Rael. "Welcome to my home, little brother," he said politely.

"Ralis…" said Rael, feeling at a loss for words.

His brother threw wide his arms and grasped Rael in a strong embrace. "Rael," he said, joyously. Rael's armour clinked as his brother hugged him fondly. "I have missed you so. I feared I may never see your face again." Rael was still confused as to what had happened, concerned about the battle that still raged in a desert in a faraway land, but was utterly overcome by a sudden rush of powerful emotions. He returned the embrace strongly.

"Ralis," he said, half into his brother's tunic. He wanted to cry out about how much he had missed his brother, but did his best to control his emotions. "What happened here?"

Ralis gave him a final tight hug and stepped back. He smiled triumphantly and gestured to the crown upon his head. "I have won," he said. "I'm the King. Kaira is mine." He laid his hand upon Rael's shoulder and sighed. "Now we shall have peace."

They were the only two people in the great chamber, two brothers alone under the watchful gaze of Kairin rulers immortalised in glass and wall paintings. When they spoke their voices bounced off the walls, echoing their words in the heights of the hall. Rael wondered if there were any palace guards nearby, or if anyone was watching from the shadows. The stillness was unsettling.

"Ralis…" said Rael, "how is this possible?"

Ralis' brow lowered, "Do you not know?" He looked surprised, as though Rael were deprived of some universal knowledge.

"No," said Rael, "should I?"

"Little brother," he said, grinning now, "still you know nothing of who we are." Ralis laughed lightly, appearing gently amused. He brushed past, walking across the hall towards the balcony. Rael followed on behind. "I thought that by now, you might have gained some… perspective."

"I do know who you are," Rael said, calling after his brother, "at least, I thought I did." Rael came to stand level with Ralis upon the balcony. The sun was high in the sky, though it was obscured much by grey cloud. Morlakai was below them, a beautiful city of stone and steel stretching for many miles.

A cool wind was blowing through the arches, blowing the thick velvet curtains lightly. Ralis stood tall and proud, as arrogantly sure of himself as he ever had. "Don't you dream, little brother?" Ralis asked. "Don't you see through my eyes as you sleep?"

Rael looked to his brother, and the crown upon his head. "I used to see… I saw you on the seas…" Rael shook his head, "not any more though."

Ralis smiled. "I've saw you in my dreams too. That stopped over a month ago though. Tell me, whatever became of that Jolane girl?"

"Ralis what have you done?" Rael said, ignoring him and looking out towards the northern horizon. "Why are you here?"

Ralis folded his arms and nodded his head as he spoke. "As it transpires, Queen Zelda was correct. We aren't brothers by blood."

"We have known that for a long time," said Rael.

"Well," said Ralis confidently, "it is not only you that has a royal heritage."

"But how have you-"

"I have claimed what is mine," Ralis said, pressing over Rael's words, "the how does not matter." He laid a hand on Rael's shoulder. "Come, we have much to speak of." He turned and walked back into the centre of the hall. Rael listened to Ralis' footsteps echoing behind him.

"I know what you are, Ralis," Rael said, not looking back. He could not bring himself to look at Ralis' face as he said those words.

Ralis laughed from somewhere behind him. "What am I, Rael?" he asked.

"Don't try to forget what has happened Ralis," he said gravely, "I saw you beat a man to death with your bare fists and then attempt to murder my mother." Images of Ralis covered in blood hovered in his mind's eye. "The last time we met, in the Hylian prisons, you tried to kill me." Ralis' footsteps stopped, the clinking of his belt buckles falling quiet. "You are the Lord of Dusk," Rael said, "the prophesied destroyer of the world."

Rael felt Ralis' eyes searching him from behind. How close was he standing? When Ralis' spoke at last he was nearer than Rael had thought. "Do you believe it?" he said. Rael sighed, and turned to face his brother. There before him was the same man who had run on sandy beaches with him as a child, the man who taught him to throw and catch and swim. He still had the same face, the same smile, the same natural superiority. Rael did not answer, so Ralis continued speaking. "Lord of Dusk, Lord of Dawn. They are but words." Ralis laughed. "Tell me, what is twilight? What are dusk and dawn?"

Rael could have answered him simply, but supposed that Ralis intended to elaborate. He allowed Ralis to continue. "They are moments of heaven on earth, Rael, of pure beauty." He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Do you remember evenings in Taran Kaey? We would watch the sun set from the sand dunes, when the sky turned to pink and yellow and gold, and day by day the sun sank in the west glowing with a deep orange hue. You asked me why the sun disappeared when the stars shined, and I would tell you that I did not know."

Rael nodded, "But then you said that it would rise again in the east, more glorious than the day before, a shining new dawn piercing through the night sky."

Ralis sighed peacefully. "From dusk to dawn and dawn to dusk, twilight is a beautiful thing; a moment of heaven. How could one call such dusk anything but wonderful?"

Rael looked at Zelda's ring. It reflected the light of the sun shining through the arches. "I suppose then that you have accepted that I am Zelda's son, a prince of Hyrule."

"Of course," said Ralis, "it was foolishness that I ever sought to deny it. I am king of Kaira, and you will soon be the king of Hyrule. We shall rule these lands as brothers, Rael. Together we can make a new world of peace and trust. We will make a world as beautiful as dawn and dusk."

Rael was overwhelmed with surprise. Daran had told him that peace would be impossible. To hear Ralis speak so easily of a peace was nearly beyond believing. "Then you intend to end the war with Hyrule?" he asked, carefully.

"Of course!" said Ralis raising his arms triumphantly. "I have won, Rael. We have won." He spoke enthusiastically, with total honesty and conviction in his voice. "I have already given the command for the Kairin legions to halt their assault upon Hyrule." He paused, and a troubled frown crossed his face for a moment. "It may have been too late to stop the invasion of the Gerudo city."

"Indeed," said Rael. "As we speak, tens of thousands of soldiers are fighting on both sides in the desert, intent on each others' destruction!"

Ralis seemed to realise only now that Rael was wearing a full suit of armour. "Were you fighting, brother?"

"Yes, Ralis!" He said, darkly. "I was fighting with them in the desert, as I have done for almost a month. I have been fighting to survive for so long, trying to end this pointless fighting. So call off Kaira's armies now, and let's end this madness."

"I've done all I can for now," Ralis said, "what's done is done. The Kairin will withdraw as soon as my orders reach the ears of the generals."

Rael put his hands to his face, covering his mouth and part of his nose. "Oh but if you had been here but a few days sooner," he said quietly.

Ralis laughed. "They're only Gerudos, Rael," he said, "don't worry yourself. They're bandits and murderers."

"What?" said Rael, surprised at his brother's apparent lack of respect for life.

"Perhaps you have forgotten," said Ralis "but they tried to kill us in the Grey Forest."

Rael was now unpleasantly reminded now of that ambush, and his encounter only days ago with the bandit captain Kars. The image of Kars plummeting into the depths of the crumbling tower had recurred in his dreams. The man had been ready to kill him, and though his death was not Rael's fault, he remained guilty. "How can you say that?" he demanded of Ralis, angry at his own conscience. "Who are you to decide who should live or die?"

"Tell me the truth." Ralis said, "You detest them, don't you? Their aggressive culture and disregard for human life, it angers you."

"Don't try to teach me about Gerudo aggression," Rael said, "I know what they can do." He was quiet for a moment, wondering how Ralis could be so heartless. Then a sudden surge of emotion overwhelmed him and he shouted out. "Damnit, they murdered Tabett, but even I can see that that doesn't make them bad people! At least, not all of them…" He realised he was becoming aggressive, so he stopped speaking. He was trembling.

"Tabett is dead?" Ralis said quietly. A dagger of guilt pierced Rael's heart. He had told his brother of Tabett's death in an inappropriately harsh way. Ralis looked away and shut his eyes. Ralis had formed a strong friendship with Tabett during their travels together. They had spoken for hours of trade and sea culture and formed a close bond. To hear of his death was unexpected and from his reaction emotionally scarring. Again a pang of guilt stabbed at Rael. When Ralis spoke, his voice shook nervously. "The Gerudos did this?" Ralis asked, shaking. Rael nodded resignedly. "What of the others…?" Ralis inquired.

"The others…," said Rael softly. He wondered just how much of his journey Ralis knew about. "Elane was in Shaylin with me, and is safe there for now. Daran… is well."

Ralis laughed, looking at Rael with pitiful eyes. "I saw Daran in the sky Rael," he said, "I know he is the Illivartan." Rael blinked. The word 'Illivartan' on Ralis' lips sounded misplaced. "I am neither blind nor deaf brother. Indeed, this war is changing us all," he said, "for better or worse."

Rael walked towards Ralis until he was just outside the reach of his sword. "You mean his war has changed us," he said, "it is over now."

Ralis nodded, "Yes of course brother, that is what I meant." Ralis crossed the chamber towards his throne. When he came to it he turned and sat down. "Peace for all men and women."

Stillness fell. Rael could hear the sound of birdsong outside the window. Blue and red birds were resting upon the balcony rail outside. The sound of the wind rushing through the heights of the city reminded him of how high they were. The sound of wind was like the sound of his life, quickly moving and then drifting into quietness. Rael stood uneasily before the King of Kaira. He knew all was not well.

"Of course," said Ralis, eventually, "there are some details that must be set to rights."

Rael looked at his brother, whose steady eyes now confirmed what he had begun to suspect. All was not well. "What do you mean Ralis?" he asked.

"We have not won peace yet brother." Ralis drummed his fingers upon the arms of his black throne, either nervously or impatiently, or both. "If we are to rule these two nations together, if we are to extend our rule of safety and security and justice beyond our borders, our control must be absolute. Sacrifices must be made."

Rael stared long at his brother, not daring to ask, afraid to know what his brother was about to propose. He could feel himself shaking. A new age was beginning, a new kingdom, and he and Ralis were to be at its centre. They would be two brothers united, and as beautiful as twilight.

"We must end the Halisarin cycle," Ralis said, "bring an end to the turning of time."

Of all things Ralis could have said at that moment, Rael was unprepared for those words. The Halisarin cycle was the reason for that which they were, the gods' two chosen warriors of light and dark, the lords of dawn and dusk. The Halisarin cycle demanded that they should fight each other, to determine the fate of the world. When he almost died at Orre'Aemea and passed into the world of dreams, the Illivartan, Daran, told him that if he accepted his destiny as the Lord of Dawn he was choosing a road that would result in the salvation or destruction of the world. "I know," he said slowly, "that is what I want as well. To break the chain, shatter prophecies and proclaim a new world."

Ralis smiled. "How much, Rael?" he asked, sounding suddenly excited. Perhaps he did not expect Rael would have responded with agreement. "What are you prepared to do?" he asked intently.

Rael did not even need to think. "Anything," he said. He was being bluntly honest.

If he killed Ralis, then light would reign forever. If Ralis killed him, then darkness would reign forever. Whatever happened, one of them would have to destroy the other. If there was a way that he could achieve a lasting peace for the world, without having to fight Ralis, then he would do anything to make it so. Ralis had done terrible things, but Rael still loved him, and wanted to protect him from himself.

"Good," said Ralis. He nodded his head thoughtfully, never taking his eyes from Rael. "Rael," he said, with weight in his tone "it is prophesised that if the Halisarin cycle is completed, then either light or darkness will reign forever."

"That is what I have understand to be true," said Rael.

"But then how is named a cycle?" Ralis raised an eyebrow and folded his hands together. "It is my understanding that all of this has happened before. There are learned scholars in Kaira who study the ancients, through exploration of ruined cities, old texts and the like. I have had the good fortunate to meet such wise men and women who believe that we, the masters of light and darkness, are reborn in a chain of continuing and infinite worlds. I don't suppose you know anything of the sort?"

Rael nodded. "I have also been told that," he said, hesitating. Ralis said 'masters of light and darkness' with such ease. It frightened him.

"You were told by Daran?" asked Ralis.

Rael's fingers traced the hilt of his sword, unconsciously reassuring himself that it was still there. "Yes," he said, "by the Illivartan."

"What did he say?" pressed Ralis.

Rael looked at his brother, seated upon the Kairin throne. He desired now a throne for himself, equal in height and stature, so that they could sit eye to eye. Ralis had looked down on him since they were children, and now he was physically positioning himself in the place of authority. "He said that we have fought before, in other bodies in earlier worlds. We have fought a war of light and dark since time began."

Ralis nodded. "Do you see the contradiction?" he asked. "In one event you have been told that the Halisarin cycle can be completed, with either the ultimate victory of dawn or dusk. In the other event you are told that the world is remade repeatedly, and an endless battle rages in cycles forever." Ralis looked to be himself genuinely confused, though Rael suspected this was an act for show. "Which is true?"

"The Illivartan told me that the darkness has always been victorious," said Rael, "always. When this happens the gods always destroy the world and make it new again so that darkness doesn't consume their creation. That is why the world is reborn."

"But how ridiculous!" exclaimed Ralis. "It makes no sense. Why should such gods permit this contest of dawn and dusk if they so blatantly favour the light. Why should they pertain to us through the Illivartan that we may achieve a kingdom of light, or a kingdom of alleged darkness, if they destroy the world in the event of dark's victory?"

Rael did not know what to say. He had not entirely considered this before, and the implication suddenly frightened him. Why had he not realised this when he was in the dream world with the Illivartan? Against what he wanted to believe, he had a horrible feeling that Ralis had discovered a terrible truth.

"You have been lied to, Rael," said Ralis, "and now we must take matters into our own hands."

"Our own hands?" said Rael. His head was telling him that Ralis was wrong, but his heart was urging him to listen.

Ralis waited before answering. He was trying to decide how best to phrase a difficult idea. "Daran has lied to you," said Ralis, "to achieve his own desires."

"That's ridiculous!" exclaimed Rael. "What do you mean, 'his own desires'? What does Daran have to do with any of this?"

"Daran has everything to do with this, brother," said Ralis.

"He is only a guide from the gods," said Rael, "the Illivartan has no motives of his own."

"Which gods?" asked Ralis rhetorically, "The gods of Hyrule?" He laughed a false laugh, a contemptuous laugh. "Farore, Nayru, Din? Have you ever seen them, or heard their words, or felt their presence?"

"Well… no," admitted Rael.

"Of course you haven't," said Ralis. "Brother, the only divine power this world has ever encountered is the Illivartan himself, not one month ago! He claims to be sent by the gods but I will not believe it, and I tell you Rael it is a lie." Ralis placed his hands upon the arms of his throne and leaned forward. He spoke very slowly and deliberately, emphasising each syllable of his speech. "The Illivartan is all there is. He is the only god in our world. All else is deception and trickery."

Rael laughed out loud. Ralis was utterly serious, yet he could not help but be amused at the suggestion. "You think Daran is a god?" he asked. "He's a lot more than he once was, but he is no god!"

"Yes," said Ralis firmly, "he is. He is not who he appears to be, Rael, and he is more dangerous than you know."

"But Ralis…" started Rael, shaking his head despairingly.

"This world is his creation," said Ralis, ignoring Rael, "and the Halisarin cycle is just a method of control. He has told the truth to a degree, but I have exposed his lies." Ralis smiled at his own sense of discovery.

Rael shut his eyes and though hard. Could it be true? Months ago, he would not have believed what would happen to he and Ralis, and indeed Daran too. No-one could have foreseen what was to happen between them. He no longer took anything for granted. The Illivartan had never spoken sense to him, and now there was a viable reason why. Had Daran been playing him for a fool all along? He did not want to believe it.

"Daran must die," said Ralis.

"No!" exclaimed Rael.

"You said you would do anything Rael," accused Ralis. "Can't you see that this is the only way to end the Halisarin cycle, and free ourselves from its bind!"

"He's not a god, Ralis!" said Rael firmly, "And it would be folly if he were, for how should we destroy him then?" demanded Rael, "you're mad Ralis!"

"I am not mad," said Ralis. "He is not your friend, Rael, he is a liar and deceiver. And yes we can destroy him, for now he is of mortal flesh and we have power beyond comprehension."

"Damn you Ralis!" shouted Rael. "Why are you so blind!"

"I am not blind!" shouted Ralis with furore. "Open your eyes Rael and realise your own blindness! You have been fumbling in the dark, acting like a naïve child in a king's world!"

"And you know what is to be a king, do you, your majesty?" Rael shouted back.

"Blood and bones, child!" yelled Ralis, "Why don't you understand!?" He stood up and threw his arms wide. "The fate of the world rests upon our shoulders! We are perfection Rael, and together our power has no end, if only you would join with me. We must free this world from this damned cycle of destruction and end the suffering which consumes us all!"

Rael put his head in his hands and let out a sharp cry of anger. A tear rolled down his cheek, and when he spoke his voice trembled. The weight of the world was bearing down upon his shoulders. "I'm so afraid Ralis," he said, "and I don't know where to turn…"

Ralis breathed deeply. "I know Rael," he said quietly. He walked down the steps towards Rael, treading softly. "I'm afraid too. But we can't let our fear separate us from our sacred duty. We have a chance to make this world pure, to make it like it should be. All we need to do is remove those who oppose us."

"But… Daran is…" Through his anger and sorrow Rael's words were stammered.

Ralis turned away from him took a few steps. He walked with held his head high in the air with his hands folded behind his back, treading the king he was supposed to be. "Not only Daran," said Ralis.

Rael looked around, and met eyes with his brother. "No? How many more lives must we end before you have peace!?" He tried to sound threatening, but his voice was less than aggressive.

Ralis stopped and looked up. With his chin so high it was a wonder that his crown did not slip backwards to the floor. "Just two."

Time seemed to slow down as they exchanged a long, hard stare. Rael's hand moved to his sword and he clutched the hilt tightly. Ralis kept his hand at his side, but close to his own weapon. "No," said Rael, shaking his head, "now you have gone beyond too far."

"They are the reason Mara is dead!" Ralis shouted. "And Tabett! And Da! If they had ruled Hyrule with but an ounce of tact and wit they would have seen Tadian's armies coming and evacuated our towns."

"Why!?" shouted Rael, "why them? I see your game now Ralis! You want me to eliminate those who defend the light on my own, and then you will destroy me yourself."

Ralis looked genuinely hurt and shocked. "Never! Brother, I am trying to save our future. They are using you for their own ends. Kill Link and no man will dare stand against you. Kill Zelda and the crown of Hyrule is yours. Kill Daran and we will be free to rule this world in justice and truth."

"No!" cried Rael, drawing his sword out and pointing at his brother. "You really are dead aren't you, Ralis! Dead to yourself and everything you once loved. If Mara could see you now…"

"Don't point your blade at me, little brother," Ralis warned, "you cannot even begin to contemplate my power."

"Why Ralis?" said Rael, tears falling from his face again. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I love you Rael," Ralis said, "and I want you by my side!"

"You don't love me!" Rael replied, "You don't love anything! You're twisted by hate and madness!"

They were facing each other squarely now, only five paces apart. "You must join me, brother," said Ralis. "The world will be mine, Rael, whether with your help or not. I will bring order to the world and destroy all those who oppose me. Hyrule will fall. The only way you can save it is to join me. By your hand or by mine, Zelda and Link will die. I will kill them."

Rael shook his head, silently trying to comprehend everything Ralis was saying.

Ralis walked towards him, stopping with his chest pressing into the point of Rael's sword. He held out his hand. "My brother," he said, "join with me."

Rael looked at Ralis' hand, contemplating the gravity of his proposition. What if he was telling the truth? Why should he feel for Link or Zelda anyway? What had they done for him? They were using him.

"I want peace Ralis," he said, "but I will not join you in tyranny." Rael turned from Ralis and began to walk towards the balcony. Suddenly he realised the terrible position he was in. He did not know how he had come to be here, and he now had no way to get back to Hyrule.

"You fool…" said Ralis, "You fool! The world is mine Rael. I control the sea and sky!" Rael turned around. A brilliant blue-white light immediately burst from Ralis' hands and a bolt of lightning surging through the hall out through the windows. Rael threw himself down to the floor to avoid it, hitting himself hard on the tiles. As the lightning bolt raced into the sky, a boom of thunder sounded out of the heavens. The noise came like a wave of energy, followed by strong gales blowing through the arches into the hall.

"What are you doing!?" cried Rael, clambering up to his feet and drawing his sword out in his left hand.

"If you will not join me, then you must die." Ralis said. He drew his own blade out and pointed it towards Rael with his right arm. "I love you Rael, but I will destroy you if you force me to!"

"Then you truly are lost," cried Rael, lifting up his blade into a battle ready stance. "You are the Lord of Dusk!"

"So be it, brother! Let us end these idle words and finish this war!" Ralis threw his hands into the sky. Even as he moved, darkness descended upon the land from the skies. Black clouds materialised in the air, blanketing once blue skies in sheer darkness, smothering the light of the sun. "This is my world, ra'Ael, and your time is over." In the darkness Ralis' form loomed tall and menacing, illuminated by flashed of lightning

Rael's heart was beating impossibly fast, sweat was rolling down his forehead in many beads. His body shook, filled with a sudden rush of power as he diverted power in rivers from the core of his magic. He was not ready to fight Ralis, but now he had no choice. His brother was ready to kill him, there was no escape, and Rael could not feel the courage to fight back. "It is too soon!" he cried out, "Daran, it is too soon!"

Ralis laughed darkly, throwing his head back. His laughter rang in the high halls as peals of thunder rocked the foundations of the palace. "The end is now Light Born!" he screamed, maniacally. "It is over! Whilst you have wasted words with me, my victory has become absolute. Without you, the Kairin have crushed the Gerudos and now the Hylian army! The Marshal and the Queen have led the Hylian charge and ridden to their doom! Elane lies slaughtered in the sand and the Illivartan waits for the final strike to fall."

"No!" cried Rael, brimming with power and yet overflowing with sadness. They couldn't be dead! "They're not dead you liar! Oh Ralis, why… I thought I could save you… I thought we could make the world good…"

"You have lost that right," Ralis said, "Your friends are dead Light Born! My kingdom will stretch beyond twilight and consume the entire world forever! So surrender and bow before me or lay down and die!"

"No," said Rael, quietly, "I will not kneel to you." He embraced his magic and concentrated upon the skies, channelling his power towards quelling the storm, willing the lightning to lessen. A brilliant burst of light immediately parted the clouds, tearing the darkness asunder. The sun shone through the blackness in a beautiful ray of golden majesty, shining towards the palace and bathing the room in light. As it touched Rael, it split into hundreds of shining then dispersed to fill the throne room with sunlight, swirling and mixing with the shadow. "This time, ra'Alis," he said, "there will be no escape for you."

Ralis gripped his sword in both hands, and with an immense battle cry, rushed towards Rael. Ralis' heave blade of thick sharp steel bore down upon Rael. He raised his sword and met Ralis' blade with equal strength, and pushed back against him. The hilts of their blades locked and Rael clamped his hands around the metal, gripping Ralis' hands with it. Eye to eye they stared at each other, duelling patterns of shadows and sunlight reflected in their irises. A moment passed and then Ralis threw himself forwards, battering Rael's face with his forehead.

Ralis pushed forwards into him, knocking him back and almost stumbling to the ground. His blade clattered onto the floor, spinning out of his reach, and Rael struggled to regain his balance. Ralis brought his blade around for another strike. Rael stood up in time to see the attack coming, and on instinct reached out for his magic. As soon as he began diverting the power, Ralis dropped his sword mid-blow, and screamed out in agonising pain. The hilt was glowing red-hot, and his brother's hands were marked with thick fiery lines. Ralis screamed and waved his hands in the air frantically as though trying to cool the scolding pain.

Rael seized his advantage and dashed to grab his own sword. He scooped it up into his left hand, and turned on Ralis, standing apparently defenceless. As Rael lunged with his blade his brother made a subtle movement with his fingers. Rael was forced to suddenly halt as his metal blade twisted, its point bending back towards him and knotting itself in a crude loop. Ralis laughed as Rael dropped his now useless weapon. "It is pointless Rael," Ralis said, preparing to launch another wave of lightning in his direction.

Rael anticipated the attack, and was ready with an attack of his own. An aura of light engulfed Rael's arms and a ray of white light extended from his hands. It struck Ralis squarely in the chest. The impact swept Ralis off his feet and hurtling into the air towards the throne. Ralis cried out as the light cast him away.

He reacted almost instantly, a cloud of darkness instantly stopping the flow of light around him as he fell. Then, to Rael's surprise and terror, Ralis remained in the air. A strong wind was blowing into the room, whipping both of their clothes wildly. The king of Kaira laughed maliciously as Rael watched in awe. "Yes brother," he said, "there is no limit to what I can do." He was hovering ten feet in the air, a thick cloud of darkness surrounding his whole body. "Join me!" he declared.

"Never!" cried Rael.

"Then die!" shouted Ralis. He gestured sharply with his hands and currents of lighting burst his fingertips, gushing towards Rael like a white-blue river. As the lightning rushed towards him Rael threw his arms out in front of himself. Just before the lightning reached him it split apart, flowing around his body like a river around a rock. An intensely bright shield was protecting Rael from Ralis' lethal power.

Ralis was far too powerful for him. The pain searing through his body was excruciating. He has thought using magic tired him before, but this was beyond anything he had previously known. By rights he should be dead, but he felt more raw life inside him than ever before.

As he fought to defend himself, he understood the futility of his situation. Everyone else was dead. His father Resh, killed in Taran Kaey by the Kairin; Ralis' wife Mara, murdered by a madman in the streets of Hylia; his friend Tabett, slain by Gerudo warriors; and now Link… Zelda… Elane… dead in the desert sands. He had not seen them die… but he knew it in his heart. Was Daran still alive...? "Ralis! Stop!!"

Ralis was screaming with rage, furious at Rael's resistance. "Die!" he shrieked. Above them, the great colourful windows shattered. Rael looked up to see thousands of splinters of glass showering down upon them. He widened his shield to protect himself from the deadly rain.

He channelled all his power into maintaining his shield, hanging onto life when there was no hope. He knew that to die would be a relief for him. He could forget his pains and resign himself to eternal sleep, freed from duty and obligation. And yet, he still struggled to endure, to preserve himself. It was not only his life which would die with him, but the entire world. To give in would mean sacrificing the world to Ralis' madness.

"Ralis!" he shouted over the winds, "I will never give in to you!" With a last desperate effort he diverted as much magic as he could into his shield. It grew larger, and pushing across the room towards Ralis, then raced towards him. As the shield struck his brother the lightning was encased in Ralis' half of the room, and he stopped his attack. In the fleeting moment that Ralis dropped his guard Rael dispelled his shield and launched a fireball towards his brother.

At least, that is what he intended. When it happened, he cast more than a fireball. A mighty jet of fire ignited between his palms, blazing in a straight rod of flame towards Ralis. His brother immediately erected a shield the same as his own to protect himself. It put no strain on Ralis at all though. He defended himself with ease, whilst Rael exhausted his power trying to maintain this stream of fire. It was hopeless. "You are weak, ra'Ael!" he declared.

Ralis moved his arms in a circle and the fire turned away from him, streaming back through the air towards Rael. Rael threw up his shield again to protect himself. As he struggled against his own river of fire he knew in his heart that all was at a loss, but he would resist until the very end.

As the last of his own fire drained away, Ralis caught the last flickering embers of it in his own hands, studying them for a moment. Then he turned his attention to the roof of the throne room. "I am sorry, brother," he said, "that it has come to this." Two waist-thick torrents of molten lava erupted from the space between his fingertips, and wove in spiral up into the iron rafters. The fire met the beams and twisted around them in terrifyingly beautiful patterns like intricate lace. The roof seemed to groan, dust and rock began to fall, and then, Ralis' killer blow was delivered.

The gigantic iron bars, which arched across the entire roof like a skeletal ribcage, were wrenched from their positions. Ralis was pulling upon the jets of fire, moving them as though they were whips and ropes. With an almighty pull the bars came crashing down. Ralis swung the fiery whips which held them and hurled everything upon Rael. The iron closed in upon him like a huge black cage, rapidly shrinking inwards. The roof supports had been entirely ripped apart now, and large pieces of masonry crashed down into the ground below. Ralis floated in the air amid his clouds of darkness.

As the cage contracted Rael threw out his shield of magic in a final attempt to hold back the crushing darkness. "Raaaalis!!" he screamed as his brother disappeared from sight beyond the iron bars. Every fibre of Rael's body was burning like fire inside, his muscles and tendons stretched and torn. The brilliant white radiance of his shield was fading, flickering, dying. Rael screamed out his last breath, as light and shadow flared before his eyes. His shield folded in upon itself and the iron cage crunched inwards. This was the end.

……

Rael felt a hand upon his shoulder, and a warm presence engulfed him. The world turned to infinite white light and he was gone. The deafening noise was silenced, and in the stillness, a voice spoke. "He is not your brother any more."