Edit: As I was going through the chapters, I realized I had forgotten a part of the story :X Sorry, but what follows is the Link VS Sai scene in its entirety. Enjoy!

A Note To New Readers:

Hey there! This story is currently undergoing some maintenance at the moment, and as such, what you have read up until this point may clash, be out of place or jump ahead/behind the chapters that follow. Please know that I am writing as fast as I can to rerelease these new chapters and believe me when I say that the story will be more concise and flow better, (not to mention be much more interesting from the get go). Please bear with me and enjoy nonetheless!

-Jack Knights

The two of them suited up and walked back out to the main room. Link tugged awkwardly at the clothes he wore, not liking how they fitted him. Sai wore the same as he, an elbow length shirt with long coattails wrapped around his torso and tucked into grey pants that flared at the end. Both were barefoot and wore no armour, save Sai who had a wrist guard on his right arm. Link stretched and took a casual stance across the room from Sai. The black-haired human was watching him intently, his hand on his sword at his side, tucked into his belt, but he did not draw it.

"You can come at me whenever you want," he said nonchalantly.

Link heard the blood rush in his ears as he clutched the thin the reed sword tighter in his hands. Although he knew that it was a friendly a match between two allies, he wouldn't be holding back. If he wanted to rise through the ranks and take a place amongst the soldiers that would give him a second chance at redeeming himself, he had to give his all. His expression one of determination, he dashed at Sai, closing the distance between them in a flash.

He brought his sword up to catch the human in his side, but he never landed the hit. Just as quickly as Link had been to attack, Sai had raised his sword casually, blocking the Hylian's attack. Surprised, Link jumped backwards as Sai pressed his attack, the reed sword whizzing through the air. Expecting an attack, Link raised his sword, strengthening his block with his free arm. Instead, Sai dodged around him and slashed his back, causing the Hylian to stumble to one knee.

Link turned to face him, surprise clearly etched on his face. "If that's all you've got, you might as well go back to Quarantine," Sai said coldly, his face an emotionless mask.

"You haven't seen anything yet," Link said through gritted teeth as he kicked out at Sai's legs. As he expected, the human jumped backwards out of the way and Link scrambled to his feet. Not wasting a second, he charged at Sai again.

"You've already tried this, remember?" he chided as Link slashed at him. "I'll block your attack every time," he emphasised by doing so. Link grinned at him before shifting his grip on the sword, sliding his blade up his opponents'. Just before Link's reed could connect with Sai's shoulder, the raven haired man shot his left hand out, his open palm slamming hard into Link's chest, sending him flying backwards.

Link managed to land in a crouch several feet away. He expected Sai to come after him, but the human stood where he was, unmoving. "You nearly got me there," he said blankly. "You're at least competent enough to be a foot soldier."

"I'm better than any foot soldier!" Link argued, eyes narrowing. Sai raised an eyebrow in challenge, infuriating the Hylian. Link charged at him again with sword raised, but instead of attacking him directly, he dove to the floor, Sai's reed barely missing his head as he skidded across the ground. Twisting around, Link slashed at the back of his knees, but Sai jumped forward and away from Link. Pushing off with his arms, Link propelled himself through the air, kicking out with his foot at the human's head. But like every time he had attacked Sai, the dark-haired man blocked effortlessly.

Link rolled to the side as Sai drove his reed sword downwards, following up by driving his open palm down onto Link's chest. Breathless, Link swiped angrily at Sai, who distanced himself from the Hylian. Goddesses dammit… he's good. He's able to cover all his weak spots, even while attacking. It's doesn't help any that I've grow sloppy either.

"Finished already?" Sai asked from the other side of the room.

"Not by a long shot!" Link shouted, shifting his grip on his sword. I may have to get dirty to win this one, he realized as his opponent charged at him.

Even with his training as a Hero and under the Hylian Royal Guard, Link could barely keep up with Sai. It was as if the human was on an entirely different level. He was quick, light-footed and strong despite appearances. As they continued to trade blows, with Link receiving twice more than he dealt, a crowd of onlookers began forming. The spectators were mostly humans, but there were a handful of Gorons and a few Sheikah amongst the crowd as well.

Link gritted his teeth as Sai slapped his wrist, almost causing him loose his grip on the wooden sword. He's too fast… he realized as the human proceeded to dodge his wild slashing. And I'm out of practice…

"What's wrong?" Sai chided coolly. "Have you forgotten how to strike a moving target?"

"Shut up!" Link snarled as he dove at the human, swinging wide. Sai raised his eyebrows at the ferocity of the attack, but merely sidestepped the slash.

"You're sloppy and your form is atrocious," Sai breathed in his ear before driving his elbow into Link's stomach. With the wind driven out of him, the Hylian was easily bowled over with a light shove.

"We're done here," Sai announced, tucking the wooden sword into his belt.

"H-hey, we're not finished yet!" Link stammered, getting to his feet. "Come back and fight me!"

"I said I would test you, and I have. I'll see you later, in my office," he said, never breaking his stride.

"Why, so you can put me back under house arrest?" Link seethed. The human stopped and looked over his shoulder, completely passive.

"Yes, you have nothing to offer us."

"What? I've come too far to just sit down and die!" Link shouted, his anger spiralling out of control. The crowd was utterly silent as he breathed heavily through his nose, his body going rigid.

"Link, calm yourself, I never said—" Sai began, walking towards him.

"Like hell!" he growled, the aura surrounding him going unnoticed. "I will fight, to my last breath if I have to! And you won't stop me!"

With a roar, he charged at Sai, a look of complete surprise on the human's features. He tackled the man head on, causing him to fly through the air and into the crowd. Screams went up and people scattered, running for cover as Link flew after him.

"Link, please, get a hold of yourself, you're—" Sai just barely managed to say before Link closed the space between them, driving his fist into his face. The raven haired man stumbled to the side a bit, but otherwise remained on his feet, his long hair covering his face.

"Had enough?" Link taunted, his voice set with a sneering edge. Sai lifted his head, his hair sparkling with magic, the only warning Link got before the man gripped him by the throat and slammed him to the ground. Despite the growing blackness creeping over his vision, Link snarled like a feral animal, flailing wildly.

"Have you had enough? Do you even realize what you're doing?" Sai shouted in his face. "You're putting yourself and everyone around in danger! Now calm yourself!"

At his command, the anger dwindled away, leaving him breathless and weak. He slumped against the sandy ground, the taste of blood burning the back of his throat. After a while longer, Sai finally released his grip on Link's neck, sitting down beside him, his head resting on his knees.

"W-What…" Link tried to speak, but his voice felt rusted, overused. Am I going insane? What overcame me like that?

"The disease," Sai breathed, "that's what happened."

They were soon completely disorientated, having lost their way in the thick smoke. Sid had long since lost his mount when a Moblin had charged his horse, slashing its front legs open and causing its riders to fly forward into an awaiting gang of monsters. Sid quickly leapt to his feet, sword drawn. He could only spare a glance over his shoulder to look for Jaz as he engaged the enemy, but it was impossible to see into the distance. Once the gang of monsters was dead, he went over to his mount and saw that she was already dead. He spared a moment to pray for her, hoping she had not suffered long before he moved on, ever wary of his foes hiding in the smoke.

"Jaz!" he dared to call out for her. When he heard no answer, he cursed his rash behaviour. Goddesses, if she gets hurt… he cut himself short, unwilling to let himself think so morbidly. No, she can handle herself. I must believe in my allies as they believe in me.

Though, at this point, I'm not sure if any of them think me capable of anything more than botching another mission, he added with a scowl. Varne's going to demote me for sure once this is over…

"Dammit Sid!" the aged Hylian swore, throwing his helmet to the sand.

"Sir, what should we do?" Alan shouted from behind. The Commander turned round to face his remaining troops, mind racing as he formulated a plan.

"We'll split into two teams; Alan, Leslat, Pertout, Feron and Borvo, you're with me. We're on search and rescue detail."

"Going to rescue that dingbat, are we?" Alan scoffed, shaking his head.

"If we find him and the girl, yes," Varne countered, eyes narrowed. "First and foremost, help get any stragglers out of there. And if you come across any monsters, take them out. But take no chances and don't separate from the patrol." He turned to the remainder of his battalion. "The rest of you, see what you can do to contain this mess. Treat the wounded and start dousing those flames."

"Yessir!" his subordinates called out, saluting him before setting about their tasks. Sid… If I find you alive, I'm going to strangle you, he thought acidly as he dismounted, the others following suit. "Move out!" he commanded, leading his men into the roiling flames.

"Sid!" Jaz shouted for the Hylian, her throat burned by the smoke. She coughed violently, feeling wetness splatter her palm. She knew without looking that it was blood. I won't be able to last much longer in this… I've got to get out, she realized, mind addled by the black air swirling around her. Luckily she hadn't encountered any Moblins other than those from the group that had thrown them from Sid's horse. She's wasted two daggers disposing of the Moblins that had attacked her and burned her hands when the metal had grown too hot to touch. When she'd turned around to go back to him, there was nothing but a pile of bodies and Sid had disappeared.

A sudden wailing caught her ear and she whirled at the sound, certain she'd heard a baby cry. She followed the noise, pausing outside a narrow alley were the houses were ablaze and the flames licked high into the sky. In there? She wondered and as if in response, the baby wailed again. Taking a moment to pluck up her courage, she dove into the first house on her left, covering his face with her arms as she crashed through the smouldering door. Her skin was instantly scorched and she felt her hair frizzle in the intense heat, but the sound of the baby pulled her inexorably forward despite the flames.

Going into the first room available, she listened for the baby's cries; when they came, she realized they were coming from upstairs. Dashing up the stairs, she kicked in the doors that had not already fallen away, searching frantically as the fire threatened to consume her. There, in the last room, was a cradle, sitting in the corner of the room. Luckily, it had not been draped with cloths and the wood was only now beginning to burn. Reaching inside, trying to avoid the flames, Jaz wrapped her hands around the tiny form of the infant and wrapped its bedclothes around its body, trying to protect the youngling from the flames. As she ran back for the door, there was an ominous creak and the ceiling fell in, crashing through the floor, preventing Jaz from escaping.

"Dammit!" she swore aloud, stomping her foot. She went to the window closest to her and smashed open through the glass with her elbow, feeling the shards cut through her arm. Breaking away as much of the pane, she stuck her head out and scanned the ground below. Goddesses dammit all! I'm up too high! I can't make that drop without hurting the kid! What'll I do?

I can help you… came an eerily familiar voice in her head. If you'll allow me, I can save both you and the child.

Oh right, and what will that cost me, an arm and a leg? You tricked me last time, took over and turned me into a monster!

You wished it, I made it so. It's not my fault you got lost in your bloodlust!

Liar, because of you, Link—

The Hero,the voice spat the word in disgust, is almost assuredly alive. He was taken by a group of Sheikah you failed to notice. Regardless of where he is now, unless they are under Ganondorf's command, he will be kept alive.

Wait, Hero? What do you—

Is this really the time to be asking such questions? You have no means of escape and the fire is drawing ever so closer, it purred, causing Jaz to shiver. Whether you want me or not, you need my power. Without it, you will surely die.

What happens afterwards? I refuse to relinquish my body or my will to you, not again.

Now is not the time to be discussing terms, my dear, it chuckled, as if amused. Take my offer and live, or refuse it and die. It's that simple.

Swear to me you not only save me from the jump, but get both I and the child out of the flames and back to the Knights. Alive, she added, not trusting the voice one bit. Promise me that, and I'll give you what you want.

It is done, the voice said gleefully and suddenly she felt another's aura spread over her limbs. Her vision sharpened, her smoke riddled mind cleared and she breathed easier. Energized by the power flowing through her, she leapt out the window without a second thought. She landed on her feet, immediately breaking out into a run as the house behind her collapsed. Jaz had no idea where she was going, but she was no longer in control. The voice guided her legs, steered her through the burning streets at a pace she should not have been able to keep, even if she had been in better condition. Despite her wariness towards the seductive voice, she couldn't help but be amazed.

See? This power, could be all yours, permanently, forever available at your fingertips, accessible whenever you need it. All you have to do is say yes, the voice read her mind. Allow us to merge, become a part of me, I of you, and we could do great things!

Just uphold your end of the bargain and get us out of here, she murmured, her mind collapsing in on itself. As she lost consciousness, somewhere in the back of her mind, Jaz realized that, despite knowing that the price for saving her and the infant was steep, despite knowing the voice wasn't entirely honest or an entity of goodness, despite all of this, she couldn't help but crave the brief tastes of its power she'd been given.

He'd actually had to go down to the third window when as luck would have it, the window two floors down ended up being locked. Now once again safely inside the castle—he used the term lightly—Dagg begun sneaking his way around corners, constantly wary of running into guards. There was a chance that the invisibility spell he'd cast wouldn't work and that he was completely exposed, but he wasn't about to find out.

Quickly, he made his down the largest of three staircases the castle had to offer, stealing his way down to the lower floors. Something nagged at him as he reached the main floor, the large and overly decorative wooden doors leading to the outside looming darkly. Something's wrong here… but what? He pushed away the feeling, hoping it was his paranoia and nothing more that was setting him on edge.

The tapestry Claire had described to him in her letter was at the back on the main hall, and when he reached it, Dagg cringed. It depicted a horrifying scene; a triumphant Ganondorf holding a shining blade above his head, the corpses of fallen soldiers below his feet. How macabre… he noted as he pushed it aside. Sure enough, a small door was exposed, its handle old and its hinges rusted with age. Carefully, he turned the handle and pushed the door open. It screeched in protest, the sound echoing through the great hall and he prayed to the Goddesses that no-one would come running as he slipped inside and shut the door behind him.

"Claire," he called out softly into the sudden darkness the room behind the tapestry was plunged into as he closed the door behind himself. "Claire, are you here?" he ventured again, but got no answer. Frowning, he stepped further into the room. It was surprisingly large, though the ceiling was quite low and Dagg had to stoop to avoid from knocking his head. The tiny door belayed the spacious stores behind it. Stacked around him were crates covered in ages of dust and cobwebs. They had been untouched since they'd been put away, it seemed.

"Claire, it's me Dagg," he whispered as he navigated the mazelike corridors the boxes created. His sense of uneasiness grew the further he went. Still he received no answer from the servant girl and he was beginning to worry. Is she even here? Did I risk Ganondorf's wrath for nothing? A thought occurred to him and he dropped his invisibility spell.

"Can you see me now?" he asked the darkness, hoping she would answer him now.

"Why, yes I can," a cold dark voice spoke into his ear. Before he knew what was happening, he was crushed to the floor, a knee on his back and a knife at his throat. "Let him up, but don't drop your guard. It seems our guest has learned some new tricks."

Ganondorf strode into view as Dagg was hauled to his feet by his hair, the knife biting into his skin, drawing blood. He seethed at the King, who sneered at him in the half gloom. "What have you done to her?" he demanded, struggling against his captor's iron grip. "I swear, if you've harmed her…"

"See, I told you he'd be here!" chuckled one of the witch twins as she drifted into view on her broomstick.

"We knew he'd risk his life for the girl!" snickered the other as she appeared on the King's other side.

"Yes, yes, well done, Kotake and Koume," Ganondorf waved them away. "You've done well, Twinrova sisters, and you will get your reward, after I'm done dealing with this petulant whelp."

He stepped forward, eyeing Dagg with a mixture of disappointment and anger. Grabbing him by the chin, he gazed directly into his eyes. "If you had only relinquished your will to me, none of this would have had to happen."

"I'd rather die than give in to you!" he shouted, spitting in his face.

"Take him to the dungeons and flog him for his regrettable behaviour," Ganondorf seethed. "You've forced my hand, boy, and now you will suffer the consequences."