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Chapter Six & Half--

The Power of Battle 1/2-

Last Time...

As the children stood off to the side Link backed up a few steps to get a good running distance. I've done this plenty of times before just as a shortcut, I'd hate to mess up now. Tatl would never let me hear the end of it. With a sudden burst of speed he began running to the edge. Just before he reached the end of the platform, the wiry lad tucked into a roll and coming out of it used the momentum to leap off the edge, sailing through the air, to land safely on the other end in a similiar crouch. Hearing the gang cheering behind him Link turned around to wave them off with a smile and continued on out the south exit.

And Now...

Heading out the south exit of the town Link sped straight for his destination. He ran past the wooden pillars, the green Chuch, through the hollow log, past the tree with the skullkid's drawing of him and Tatl and Tael. Further into the woods he ran, past the dead tree with the bad bats roosting in it and entered the Southern Swamp.

His fairy friend had been silent so far ever since leaving the town, but never being able to stand it for long broke the quiet. "Hey Link, why don't you just use the song of soaring to warp near the temple?" Tatl asked the active boy. I hope he got his sillyness out of his system for now, it would be dangerous to act strange during a trial.

Stopping a moment to lean against a stone just off the side of the troden path Link answered calmly, "Because Tatl, I was always in a hurry before and do used my warps near all the time, and so again that now there is no threat looming just ahead I can take the scenic route with no worries." Besides, I can't get all lazy now. If that last trial was any clue then these challenges are going to be unlike anything I've faced before... I need to keep fit.

Continuing on now Link started up again this time at a casual walk. Having ran through this exact same area dozens upon dozens of times before he knew that just ahead to the left was a Minni babba, a small blue and green snapping plant at about nose height. Pulling out his gilded sword he ran up to it and sliced it in half with a powerful downward slash.

"Enjoying ourselves are we?", came Tatl's voice from on top his cap with annoyed undertones. I spoke to soon, he's definitely still acting wacky. There was no reason to kill that Mini Baba, he is fully stocked and not hurt in any way.

Resheathing his sword Link defended himself, "Hey I got to practice my swordsmanship every chance I get."

Not really willing to push it just yet she just rolled her eyes saying, "Whatever."

Deeming the argument won in his favor Link proceeded on towards the old hut on the second floor of planks, the Tourist Information building where the father to that freaky Tingle works, the big grungy guy with the build of a goron wearing aviator goggles and cap. Below the building rests the raft from the 'Old Koume's Boat Cruise'.

Not feeling like swimming through the water or taking the boat cruise he donned his Zora mask and one quick and semi-painful transformation later he was again in Zora form. The reason for going Zora became apparent as Link ran through the water as it now only reached knee height. Thanks to the height boost from the Zora mask he ran through the waterfall and past the dead log and through the tunnel. The reason he did not use the Goron mask was although he was sure to move around faster that way he was not sure if another Big Octork would be in the way, and as a Zora launching his arm blades makes short work of them.

On emerging out of the tunnel Zora-Link went to the right and onto a lilypad next to some vines which he climbed up. Walking through the door at the top he stepped into Woodfall.

Tatl couldn't resist riling him up some more. "Had you just warped here we would have been there by now. Really Link, your such an oddy", she said teasingly.

For all of her efforts though not a single response was given. Link just wasn't in the mood to bicker, he was starting to get into his more serious mindset. Tatl perhaps sensing that decided to stick to her advisor role for now and ease off on the provoking.

Mikau-Link quickly made his way to the GF of Power's fountain. Running down to the far edge of the water, turning Deku and launching from flower to flower to reach the small alcove wherein the GF resides with the fountain with a pink glow.

Removing his Deku mask Link approached the fountain. Once he stepped within touching distance of the water the GF of Power emerged telling Link in a soft voice, "Welcome he who seeks the Queen of Fairies, if you are ready you may begin the Trail of Power."

Feeling confident in himself Link told her, "I am ready and accept the Trail of Power."

"Then go young hero and prove yourself worthy" Similar to the GF of magic's fountain, the three statues again emitted rays of light summoning a shimmering black mirror. "I shall meet you inside to explain the trial, young one", she said as she vanished into the mirror.

"Well nothing to it but to enter." Link said into the now empty area.

Tatl feeling helpless in not knowing anything about this task kept quiet, ready to help at the first chance that presented itself.

Getting his sword and shield at the ready since it is a Power trial Link walked into the mirror to be ready for anything.

Link found himself in a long passageway with no visible end in sight. The walls were of a limish green color and gave off a glow all on it's own, it was not too dark to see well. Unlike most long passageways he had encountered before this one was fairly wide, several feet across at least. As soon as he fully stepped through the mirror it faded away revealing only a solid wall in its place.

Appearing in front of them the GF of Power said, "Here you will be tested on your power, in the form of your prowess in battle.

This shouldn't be too hard, I got very powerful equipment thought Link to himself.

The GF seemed almost to read his mind as she continued, "As this is a true test of your power you must rely upon only your skills and most base weapons. Your Kokiri sword has been magically reverted to its original state for the duration of the Trial and you may only use your hero's shield, nothing else."

Uh oh, this isn't sounding so easy anymore thought Link to himself, she is still here too, theres probably even more. True to word as he looked at his sword it was once again the simple Kokiri sword and his mirror shield was nowhere to be found. His bow and arrows and hookshot and bombs, they were all unavailable.

Tatl not picking up on the subtle clue that there was more said to Link, "You can still do it Link, you'll just have to fight more carefully", thinking of how often he would take damage from not fighting totally seriously yet still emerging victorious because of all his various gadgets.

The GF of Power started to slowly fade away leaving them alone. Just before she completed vanished she told them, "You are allowed to take the test as many times as you need. The last rule is, just like in the magic trial should you take any damage you will forfeit, good luck."

Shocked, Link could do no more than shout out loud in a disbelieving voice, "WHAT?" By Din's fire is this fairy insane? He could understand a test of magic requiring not being hurt, but to undertake a battle test, that if the last trial was any indication, would be extremely intense, and emerge victorious without being hurt... well it was more of a shock then poor Link was ready for.

Tatl was similarly shocked, but she also having not truly known all that Link was capable of and been through thought that maybe this time Link would not succeed. "Are you sure about this Link?" she asked in worry.

That was enough to snap Link out of his stupor and he turned to regard Tatl who was no hovering to the side. "Tatl why are you sounding so unsure all of a sudden?" Link had every confidence he could succeed, but even he was sure it would take a few tries. What Tatl didn't understand and Link wasn't fully aware of was during most of his adventuring in Termina he had been incredibly lax in his fights. Unlike his crusade against Gannon, in Termina he could always rewind time whenever things started to go horribly wrong. That slack had invariably led to him taking most things half seriously, except for that final battle with Majora where there was no room for relaxing. It was apparently time to fight to the fullest of his skill.

Still unaware of the whirling thoughts in her friends head Tatl said somewhat nervously, "Well Link... not to say your not the best fighter I've ever seen... but well, you still are always being hit... no offense." I hope he doesn't take that the wrong way, but well... he couldn't possibly do this can he?

Slightly insulted that even after everything Tatl would doubt his ability to win Link was about to respond in kind and start an argument when he stopped to think about her words. True, I haven't been terribly efficient. Feeling that they could continue to go in circles like this for a long time still or just go, the stoic hero ended the run around. "Don't worry Tatl, I can do this. With your help I'll be sure to make it."

A little ashamed for doubting her companion's drive, Tatl got into a ready position to assist silently vowing to do everything she could help.

As if the corridor itself sensed the challengers intent to proceed a golden plaque with pink rims shimmered into being shortly ahead. Walking closer to it Link read it as more flowing Hylian 'Welcome he who seeks the Queen of Fairy's. Those not proficient in the ways of power and battle shall never advance. Only a skilled warrior will pass the test of Power. Proceed now, should you seek power's blessing'.

"That must be part of the ancient way set forth", Tatl said as an aside.

Nodding in agreement the ready young warrior held his sword in a firm grip and with shield held out in front proceeded to walk foward. As soon as he walked past the plaque a howl resounded throughout the corridor and a wolfos appeared in front of him.

Hovering around Link's head Tatl was keeping watch of the area in front of him in order to warn him of anything else.

As the wolfos lunged at Link with a fierce right swipe of its paws Link raised his shield and deflected it. Once more the wolfos attacked and this time Link leapt back out of the range of its claws and after it missed swiping twice spun fully around exposing its vulnerable rear flank. As Link was about to jump fowards and vanquish it with a quick downward thrust he heard a snarl behind him followed by a slash to the back.

As soon as he felt the hit to his back Link was returned to the GF of Power's fountain, hunched foward from the force of the hit. Looking up he saw the GF's amused expression gazing at him with a smugness.

"What happened?" asked Tatl who was one moment watching Link about to take down a wolfos only to return to the start so suddenly.

Link had a fairly good idea, and was proved right when the GF said, "A true warrior does not discount those behind him."

"Another wolfos was behind me the entire time Tatl, I didn't realize it untill to late." Link admitted with a little self recrimination. I'm not even in the trial two minutes and already I messed up. I got to pay more attention."

Ready once more Link reentered the trial and once more encountered the wolfos, this time however instead of letting the one behind him sneak up on him he dashed to the side to keep them both in his sights. As one came fowards at him slashing in a frenzy he leapt to the side dodging, and before the other had a chance to attack he leapt back again to where he started, leaping fowards slicing through the now exposed flank. As the wolfos died Link rolled foward to avoid the second one as it lunged once more. Quickly getting up he took out that one as well in a similar fashion.

Continuing onward Link kept his senses as open as he could ready for the next threat. Suddenly another howl was heard and a wolfos appeared directly in front of him. Quickly raising his shield Link repelled the attack just in time. Once again receeding distance just enough for the wolfos to spin around he tried to do a jump attack again, only to discover he was somehow being prevented from jumping. This distracted him enough that he was unable to block the next follow up.

Falling backward into the waters of the fountain Link was beginning to get aggrivated, and the GF's expression being even more amused if possible was not helping.

"What was that all about, how come I couldn't jump?" Link demanded of the GF.

Not seeming effected in anyway by the young hero before her the GF said, "A true warrior will not let down his guard in the face of the unforseen."

I was right, this is turning out unlike anything I've seen. So suddenly I felt as if I was wearing the lead boots only when trying to jump. Maybe if I stick to quick single attacks I can defend and attack rightly... it'll take longer and more effort but safer in the long run Having a set strategy in mind Link again entered the mirror.

With a singly focused mind this time Link came at the first two wolfos at a run. As the first one appeared in front he ran around it to the other side, bringing both of them into view. Teasing it foward he caused it to spin around and he stabbed it. Repeating the action a second time he killed it just as the further away one got in range. Reacting in much the same matter he quickly dispatched it as well.

Somewhat impressed with Link's efficiency Tatl said, "Wow Link, that was great."

I have stoped here for a reason. I want some feedback on how I am handling the fighting.
Is it confusing at all?
Is there things I should have left out or overdid?
Please give me some constructive criticism here.

Replies to Reviews

Snowsilver- I love that you have been reviewing my story since its start thanks so much. Your right too about Link NOT being shorter then the bombers, I'll not change it though since its such a small detail but Links a good head taller then the bombers.

Anime-game-freak- Thanks for reviewing.