'Am I ready?'
The question had been nagging at Link's mind ever since he had entered the castle. Even as he bested each and every trial sent his way, the doubt had lingered in the back of his mind - clawing at his confidence, leaving shreds of it to waste away into nothingness. The promise he had made to Telma seemed like a mistake now. After all, who was he to best such a ruthless man, one who had been in Hyrule so much longer than himself, and who had seen too many battles for one to count?
'It's too late to go back now, anyway', the boy told himself as he set foot inside the throne room.
"Welcome to my humble abode, Link."
The boy head had snapped up at the deep, masculine voice, the only sound to be heard in the otherwise silent room. The man it belonged to was hovering far overhead, bowing mockingly before the young man.
"You have come a long way just to meet your end," said the man as he came floating closer to the floor. "But still, you have found me. I am Ganondorf."
As the Dark King finally reached the ground, the torches around the room flared to life, bathing the room in a dim and sinister glow. An ominous smirk settled onto Ganondorf's lips as Link took a half-step back at the sight of him, and a dark chuckle escaped his throat as the boy seemed to regain his senses and stepped close again, tightening his grip on his shield and sword.
"Where is Zelda?" The boy growled, his voice steady and firm as his crystal blue eyes darkened in rage.
"Do not worry, boy, your precious princess is here, with us," the Gerudo answered. "After all, she would not want to miss the show."
His gaze had flickered upward while he was talking and, as Link looked up at the ceiling as well, the sight of the seemingly unconscious princess floating in midair made him snarl in rage.
"What have you done to her?" He spat, his blue eyes settling back onto Ganondorf as he took a step forward.
"Nothing – yet, that is," the Dark King answered, still smiling darkly. "Her life hangs in the balance, but you can save her, for a smile price. All I ask for is your life."
No sooner had the words left his lips the boy had leaped forward, his sword coming down into a murderous arc toward his head. It was a rage-induced strike, quick and blunt, and Ganondorf easily sidestepped the assault without even reaching for his own blade.
"And to think so many believed you to be the Hero of legends," Ganondorf snorted, avoiding another slice from the boy's blade. "Saddening, really, to see that so many have been wrong. You are too selfish and blunt to even come close to that Hero. Unfortunately for you, only he could have a chance of defeating me."
As Link's sword came down again to strike at him, the Dark Lord whirled, the blade breezing his side, and struck the boy to the jaw, sending him to the ground in a single hit. Link landed roughly on his back, the air knocked out of him as he connected with the marble floor of the throne room. As he struggled to regain his breath, he heard the sound of a blade leaving its sheath. Soon Ganondorf was looming over him, a heavy boot landing heavily upon his chest, winding him once more. The blurred face of the Gerudo came over his, his lips twisted into a sneer.
"You disappoint me, boy," he snarled. "I would have hoped for more of a challenge."
Lifting his sword above his head, Ganondorf stayed motionless for a moment, relishing in his well-earned victory. He would finally kill the Hero and Hyrule would be his - forever. The picture of a small red-haired girl – his daughter - flashed through his mind and, for a second, his grip faltered, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. This was his revenge for the centuries of humiliation he had endured. This was his final insult to the Goddesses who had mocked him so for so long. As his sword started its descent toward the boy's neck, a flash to his left drew his gaze. His eyes widened and he started to move, but it was too late.
The boy's sword cut through his armor like it was not there, and the blade bit at his bicep like a hungry beast, tearing through muscles and bones with ease. With a snarl of agony the Dark King stepped away, escaping further attacks as Link rolled away from him, clambering back to his feet as quickly as he could. Ganondorf could feel warm blood running down his arm, and he smirked, although his golden gaze had darkened with unfathomable rage.
"Well-played, boy, he hissed, stepping further away from Link. But let's see what you can do against her."
Link's brows furrowed in confusion at the Dark King's words, and as a black fog surrounded his nemesis he stepped back, raising his shield. Surely the Gerudo was preparing a spell to shoot his way. The fog thickened, taking the form of a raven as it shot upward toward the princess. As it surrounded her and hid her from sight Link finally understood the Dark King's words. He couldn't –
"Now come, Link," the Dark King's voice bellowed from above, the fog slowly clearing to reveal the princess' still unmoving form. "Show us what you can really do."
Pain. There was only pain as Ganondorf forced his way into her mind, into her body. She felt violated as she was pushed to the dark recesses of her mind while the Dark King took to the remaining space. She could no longer control her actions or words and, when she spoke, Ganondorf's voice came out of her mouth as she felt her lips stretching into one of his wicked smiles.
"Now come, Link. Show us what you can really do."
Her eyelids fluttered open, and as she swooped downward toward the Hero's small form, thoughts of her daughter crossed her mind. Words immediately rang out inside her head, and she knew it was Ganondorf speaking to her.
'You know the rules, Zelda. If you want to see her again, obey me. Now, stop resisting. I need your magic.'
With a last sigh the princess dropped her mental defenses, feeling Ganondorf invade the last sanctuaries of her mind. He had everything now. Her memories, her thoughts, her powers… she felt her will merge with his as his sword flew to her hand, heavy and impractical, but inexplicably easy to handle. He saw what she saw, and she did as she commanded. He didn't stand a chance.
Her feet touched the ground, and she turned toward the Hero. When she spoke, it was a strange alloy of her voice and his.
"If you are against fighting girls, I am certainly not against fighting you."
At these words, her hand rose, a sphere of pure blazing energy forming at her fingertips. With a cry she sent it hurling toward him but, with a swing of his sword, it was sent back blazing toward her. Lifting the heavy sword effortlessly she swiped at the ball sending it back at him and laughing darkly when he failed to do the same.
"You won't get me this time," she snarled, stepping forward toward him.
With a wave of her hand, the flames from the torches came rushing toward him, setting his clothing ablaze and distracting him from the princess. As soon as his eyes left her she rushed forward, sword held high as she swung at him with all her might. To her surprised he dropped, rolled behind her and swiped at her open back, making her howl in pain. She felt Ganondorf's grip on her mind shudder and fail as he left abruptly, the power from the Master Sword purging his evil presence from her body. Her vision blurred as she dropped to the ground, but she refused to faint as Ganondorf once more became material next to her.
"It seems there's more to you than meets the eye," the Dark Lord said, a slight pant to his breath as he rose, his sword once more clutched into his hand as his wounded arm hung uselessly at his side.
Without warning he rushed toward the boy, gripping his sword with a single hand as he swung viciously at Link's legs. Surprised, the boy could not step away in time, and the blade cut deep into his thigh. Crying out in pain, Link limped away, shield rising once more. The princess watched the two men as they fought, both their movements hindered by their wounds. She slowly stood, her legs shaking as she stepped forward. She could tip the scales. If she timed her attack just right, she could distract the Hero long enough to allow Ganondorf the fatal blow. Hiding herself behind a nearby pillar so Link would not see her spell coming, she watched the fight, waiting for the perfect moment. Both men were weakening, although Ganondorf seemed to have the advantage for now. Link was receiving many more blows than he was giving, but when one of his attacks landed, a new gash appeared on the Dark Lord's body. Finally, she saw Link stumble. If she could send even the smallest fire orb his way, he would topple over and Ganondorf could strike him down. However, as she reached forward, her magic refused to obey her. The princess' eyes flickered from the duel to her unresponsive fingers for a moment, but when she looked back into the fight, it was too late.
Link had regained his balance, and, with a sweep of his leg, had made Ganondorf fall to the ground. He leaped into the air, sword held high above his head. His intention was clear and the outcome, inevitable: Death.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the princess found herself rooted in place. She wanted to intervene but she knew she could not reach them in time nor use her magic. She squeezed her eyes shut and waited for what she always knew, deep down, would happen.
A blood-curdling scream echoed inside the throne room as Link's sword pierced Ganondorf's chest. The boy stayed motionless for a long moment after the cry had died down into the Dark Lord's throat, eyes wide as if disbelieving what he was seeing.
"What have you done?"
Her voice had been nothing but a whisper as she slowly stepped forward, the Hero's eyes rising to meet hers. A tired smile stretched his lips as he rose from his kneeling position, limping toward her.
"What have you done?" She repeated, louder this time, her gaze not leaving Ganondorf writhing form on the ground.
She heard Link's steps falter, and she almost could hear the furrow of his brows in his voice when he spoke:
"I have freed you and your people, princess. I – "
"You fool…" she murmured, kneeling next to the Dark Lord's now still body.
He was still breathing, albeit with great difficulty as blood poured from his wound, drenching her dress in crimson as she placed her hands on his chest. Squeezing her eyes shut, she once more tried to use her magic, but to no avail. Ganondorf coughed, blood oozing from the corners of his mouth as he met her gaze. She could see a last flash of triumph flickering in the wild gold of his gaze, the pride of at least taking her in death with him. Forcing her hands away from the Dark Lord's chest, she squeezed her eyes shut as she spoke her last words:
"Please, watch over her…"
She didn't see the puzzled look on the Hero's face, for the last spark of life had now left Ganondorf's body, and a dark veil had fallen over her eyes. She felt her skin rip open at her chest and blood poured out of her, the Hero running to her side at the sight. She saw his lips moving as he held her to his chest, undoubtedly rummaging around in his pack for a potion, but she knew it was too late. She tried to speak a last time, but blood had flooded her mouth and she choked on her own blood as the last of her life drained out of her.
Zelda died in silence and, somewhere in the castle, a nameless child began to cry, calling for a mother who would never answer.
You have reached the end of the story 'Venom'.
After over a year of hard work, it is finally done. Needless to say, I am pretty proud of myself. =)
Please leave a review, be it positive or negative.
EDIT : epilogue coming.