Holidays and life. Stressful all the time!
Enjoy.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Part 2
The audience watched as Link pushed through the towering stone doors of the Temple of Hylia, wondering if the young hero would finally be able to catch his breath and be by Zelda's side, although the deities had a feeling that things were much more complicated than they seemed.
"Maybe we'll finally get some solid answers," Loki murmured. "There are a few things we would like to know, and I get the feeling some of it will be answered."
Lili rested her head on Bell's arm. "Something tells Lili that the hero won't be able to catch his breath..."
"The hero hasn't finished his quest, so... it's unlikely he'll have time to relax," said Bell.
"Hey, get off of him!" Hestia snapped at Lili.
"Yeah. Lots of powerful monsters to fight, divine trials, puzzles, a temple that can mess with time... oh, and she's the mortal reincarnation of a Goddess." Tione listed out. "And that's just scratching the surface of what he went through."
"Let's hear it from the lovely gal about the reincarnation part. I'm kinda curious if that's actually the case." Loki rubbed her chin.
It wasn't just her who was interested. All the deities present were curious about the supposed fact that the Goddess Hylia would reincarnate into a mortal. Such an action was unprecedented and practically impossible to their knowledge.
"Can ya tell if she's lying or not? Don't know how divinity works in this context, barely know any, speaking for all of us." Said Gareth.
The deities could still detect if a lie had been told, even though the viewing was happening in an entirely different realm and time. That said, the principle of being able to detect a mortal's truth remained, but it couldn't be said for another deity, as gods could have difficulty telling if another god was lying. However, given Zelda's unique status as a mortal incarnate of a Goddess, the intricacies of their ability to detect lies became a matter of divine uncertainty. Her soul was divine, yet housed within a mortal body. The deities pondered over which principle would apply, if any at all, in this complex intersection of mortal and divine existence.
"To my knowledge, no deity has ever done something that resulted in them getting reincarnated as a mortal. I didn't even know that was possible... if all those things we've heard so far are even true at all." Loki crossed her arms and reclined in her seat. "It's best to hear it from the girl herself; only then will we know."
The stone doors opened to a chamber where Zelda stood alone, golden light shining down on her from above. The girl turned and smiled at Link, a somewhat gentle but sad expression on her face.
"So, you've finally come all the way here, Link..." Zelda spoke gently. "Did Impa tell you already? This is a faraway era... The past era when the land's wounds from the battle between the Goddess and the so-called Bringer of Demise, the Lord of the Demon Tribe, had not yet healed. All the fairy tales about that war we heard growing up in Skyloft... Incredible as it may seem, they appear to be all too real. Shall I explain everything...?"
"About damn time." Bete huffed.
"Be quiet," Tiona shushed him.
She closed her eyes briefly, then glanced up at the ceiling with a tired smile.
"The Triforce... That's the Absolute Power created by the Ancient Gods, the essence of all things and the twisted thing that can grant the desire of the one who acquires it. The Bringer of Demise, who desired the world, sought to capture the Triforce, so it controlled monsters and staged battles. Fearing the worst-case scenario, the Goddess cut off the land and had the Triforce, along with the humans, flee to the skies... That's our home, Skyloft... At the end of the struggle... The Goddess Hylia managed to seal the Bringer of Demise. But when faced with his tremendous power, it became clear that the seal would not hold long against his fearsome might."
"Too powerful to kill, but enough to seal away." Welf softly mused. "I always wondered why some stories have powerful monsters sealed instead of killed, but after seeing some of the things the guy fought... Well, I hate to see this Bringer of Demise."
"If the Bringer of Demise were to break the seal and achieve his resurrection... The Goddess, bearing heavy wounds from the battle, had no other methods to stop him. Like that, the Bringer of Demise would definitely resurrect... And for those living in the land, it meant the world's end. To completely destroy him, the Goddess Hylia prepared two plans..."
"I think we already know what one of them was." Hephaestus murmured to herself, hinting at Hylia's reason for reincarnating herself into a mortal.
Link's mouth was slightly agape as Zelda walked down a small flight of stairs and stood at the same level as the hero, continuing to tell this untold story.
"One was to create the spirit Fi, which resides in the blade you carry, to guide her Chosen One. And the other one… That was for Hylia herself to abandon her Godly body and for her soul to be reincarnated into a human. Correct... To annihilate the Bringer of Demise, Hylia decided to use the Ancient Gods' legacy... The Absolute Power, the Triforce, created by the Gods and, as such, it couldn't be used by the Gods' Tribe."
"Sounds like an oversight." Lili said.
"Not... exactly." Hestia said, prompting a few confused looks. "I'll tell you guys later."
"To lean on that miracle, the Goddess chose the way of abandoning her Godly Power and her Immortal Body... You must've realized it by now, Link? You're the Chosen One. And the human into which the Goddess Hylia reincarnated is... me... Zelda."
'So, that's her reason for giving up her divinity... Much more dignified and noble compared to most deities we know,' Riveria thought and internally sighed.
'She's... almost like me,' Syr's eyes widened, then a sad smile spread across her face. 'Only her purpose and desires are to protect the world she was entrusted with.'
Zelda approached Link with a slightly guilty expression while her faithful servant, Impa, watched them from afar, also looking a bit guilty for her role in sundering Zelda's identity between divine and mortal... as well as the hurdle the Goddess' incarnate will soon face.
"On that Bird-Riding Ritual Day... I was hit by Ghirahim's tornado and I descended towards the surface. On the verge of falling into the Demon Tribe's hands, I was saved by the Sealed Land's old woman. I, having lost Hylia's memories, got told by her about my true identity... And about what had to be done. I traveled across the various regions' Temples to offer my prayers to the Goddess Statues. Having obtained the memories from the Goddess Statues, I was guided by the Goddess' servant, Impa. And we reached this past... All was to halt the Bringer of Demise from resurrecting... Link... The sealed Bringer of Demise lost his humanoid form and got transformed into a beastly form. However, even in that condition... Were he to roam free, he could easily lay ruin to the world."
"That's what that giant thing is?! Their leader?!" Lefiya exclaimed.
"Even in that degraded form, it's almost unstoppable were it not for that divine sword of his," Ryuu commented.
"I shudder to imagine what its true form would be like," Mikoto whispered, a shiver running down her spine.
Zelda paused and turned to the side, looking uncertain and afraid. "We must stop the Bringer of Demise from exiting the seal, no matter what it takes to do so. I will, from now, and from this land... From this age... Attempt to stabilize the sealing. As long as I'm here... I can barely keep him suppressed until the era we come from."
"Is she... going to seal herself as well?" Haruhime said with a slight frown.
"It would seem so... and for a long time," Mikoto said, her expression mirroring the solemnity of the situation.
Link blinked and drew a sharp breath, realizing that Zelda would effectively magically seal herself in the temple to prevent the Bringer of Demise from breaking free from its prison. She would remain in this temple for many centuries to come.
"The seal that the Goddess Hylia... that my past erected... I'll be trying to stabilize it for a bit longer... That's the mission I must do as Zelda, who has retrieved her memories..." She said with a painful and troubled expression. She then turned to him with a hopeful smile. "Link. Here's one reason which the Goddess entrusted Fi... and the ultimate sword... to you. And that's to repel the gigantic monster which you've battled in our era... To repel the Bringer of Demise... You've managed to repel him twice thanks to that sword... Thank you, Link. And... You, who have undergone a long trip, have obtained several things...
The Wisdom to overcome many enigmas.
The Power to train your sword and which grows together with it.
The Courage to surpass the Goddess' Trial.
Now you host enough strength to obtain the Gods' Legacy... To obtain the Triforce."
She raised her hand, outstretched for him to take. Link stared at her hand and gently placed his hand atop hers, then knelt and placed his other hand over his heart.
"Like a knight and his princess," Tiona said.
"Is she bestowing her divine blessing?" Naaza asked herself.
"It's something else... the Triforce," Miach answered.
"Hero who has overcome many predicaments and reached this land." Zelda began, her voice echoing with faint divinity. "I recognize that Wisdom, Power, and Courage. Now I shall bestow the Goddess' Blade unto thee. To thee and thy linked blade, I grant the grand Demon-Repelling Power!
A golden symbol appeared on the back of Link's hand, the crest of the Triforce.
"Is that it?" Bell blinked. He was expecting something a little bit more dramatic or flashy.
"You said the same thing when you've leveled up," Hestia teased him.
"The mark you see upon the back of your hand is proof that you are the hero of legend and that within you dwells sacred power. It is the mark of the Triforce." She said proudly to her chosen hero. "Stand now, Link. Draw your sword."
Link did as he was told and drew his sword from its sheath. No longer was it the Goddess Sword; it had transformed into the Master Sword, the divine weapon granted to him, its luster more brilliant than ever in its True Master Sword form, bestowed by the Goddess' blessing.
Hephaestus and Welf's eyes both shined upon seeing the Master Sword transformed into the True Master Sword. As blacksmiths themselves, they had never seen such a masterpiece with a unique integration of a powerful Sword Spirit to guide its evolution and improvement. Not even Hephaestus, who had created and seen countless divine masterworks, had ever thought of making something like the Master Sword.
"Looks like I have a heavenly goal to strive for..." Hephaestus said in awe. "To make a weapon that can rival the sword before my eyes... well, minus the Sword Spirit part. A dynamic automated guidance system can be put into a creation, although it'll be lacking in some respect; there's no necessity in making something like that."
"To reach for the sky but never be able to truly touch it... I suppose an unreachable goal is better than no goal at all," Welf said with a sigh and a grin. One day, he hopes he can make a masterpiece that would put even his famous ancestor to shame.
"... Link. I must apologize to you," Zelda said as she turned her back towards him. "What's shown up on your instep is the crest of the Absolute Power, the Triforce... If you can obtain the real one, then the Triforce's power will allow us to completely annihilate the Bringer of Demise. But, the only one who can handle that power... It needs to be the holder of a strong soul. And only a very few amongst the masses have it... Nobody knows why the Ancient Gods created the Triforce. But this is what I think."
"But that power is supposedly only for mortals, not gods... why?" Riveria voiced the question that lingered in just about everyone's mind.
Zelda walked away, standing near the temple steps.
"Despite it being created by the Gods, it's a power that the Gods' Tribe can't use... Couldn't that be a hope granted to those who aren't Gods? Which brings us back to you. That's why Hylia chose a human with a strong soul, for the sake of the world's hope and to destroy the Bringer of Demise... And that's you. But, in order to control the Absolute Power... Your soul needed to overcome several trials, and you needed to awaken as a Hero. So that's why the Goddess Hylia... Why I... I believed that you, to save Zelda, would entrust your flesh to the trial... I... used you."
She went silent and began ascending the stairs while Link watched in silence, uncertain of what to say or do.
"It looks like you were right," Naaza said to Miach, who very early on had voiced his thoughts about why the Triforce was created and its limitations.
Miach nodded, though still curious. "Maybe so... Still, there's another aspect I and others here believe; there's also the conflict or overlap in the domain of a deity's divinity."
"Link. I'm sorry to have dragged you into this fate. But this is a battle in which the world's fate is at stake... That's why I'd like for you to lend me strength... Those were rather selfish comments, even for me... But I'll accept that punishment." She stood before the golden light that shined from above. "So as to stabilize the seal, I'll go to sleep here... An eternal sleep that will take several thousands of years..." She turned to face him, teardrops sparkling in the golden light. "Link. I'm really sorry. I'm sorry. But until I recovered the memories, I didn't know at all... That we were burdening such a fate... Before all this, I was happy just spending my days hanging around with you in Skyloft. I wanted that feeling to last forever."
Link let out a short gasp, realizing that Zelda was about to seal herself away and rushed towards her, but a pillar of golden light engulfed her body, crystallizing her in divine amber. All Link could do was pound on the divine amber, unable to reach or comfort her.
But the sealing process has yet to be completed, allowing the two a brief moment of time to talk before Zelda slumbers for countless years.
"What's happening?" Bell asked, sporting a sad look.
"A stasis field of sorts," Hestia remarked with a look of sympathy.
"Basically, she'll be untouched by time as long as she remains inside that crystal, allowing her to sustain her enemy's seal for a long time... if the seal can actually be maintained indefinitely, which I doubt," said Hephaestus, face slightly crestfallen.
"Link. While I certainly am the reborn Goddess... I still am Father's daughter and Link's childhood friend, I'm still your Zelda... When the Bringer of Demise is finally gone, there will be no more need for the seal that binds him, and then I'll be able to wake up. Hey, Link. Usually, I'm the one who goes to wake you up because you oversleep, but... Next time, you, Link, will be the one to come wake me up?"
"I promise." Link said firmly.
Zelda smiled and said no more. The sealing process finalized, and a golden blinding light froze the Goddess' incarnation while forcing Link to shield his eyes. When the light faded, Link could only lower his head and grit his teeth. He looked back at the crystal that housed Zelda, the girl peacefully resting inside with her eyes closed.
"A girl with a divine soul but with the body of a mortal," Syr said softly, eyes watering a bit. Truly, she sees a bit of herself in Zelda. "Torn between her divine duties and her earthly attachments and desires..."
"A Goddess tasked with protecting her world and its children," Ryuu nodded in agreement.
"Unlike most gods back home," Mia snorted and crossed her arms while silently admiring Zelda's dutiful personality.
There was no point in mourning or lamenting.
Link was entrusted with a task that decided the fate of Hyrule... and also the fate of Zelda.
Bete clicked his tongue loudly, disliking the somber atmosphere in the room. "Why are you guys acting like someone died?" he snapped at them. "She's still alive, just doing her goddamn job." The werewolf turned to Loki. "Oi, what's this about other gods not being able to use that Triforce thing? Sounds pretty stupid if you ask me."
"Well, shorty over there did offer to explain it earlier," Loki said, leaning her head back and sticking her tongue out at Hestia.
Hestia returned the favor and shrugged. "All deities have a specific domain their divinity is centered around. We are who we are, and we cannot change that even if we try borrowing another god's power," the Goddess of the Hearth explained. "Sure, there's some overlap, like me and Hephaestus on some things like fire, but there's no way I can create things like her, even if she tries to lend me some of her divinity."
"In short, it's like how water and oil cannot be mixed?" Mia suggested.
"Yes."
"I see... that does make sense." Ouka cupped his chin and thoughtfully glanced up into the ceiling.
Takemikazuchi allowed himself a small smile. "If there's one thing I would like to have as part of my divinity, it's Miach's healing domain. It pairs well with being a God of War."
"T-that would be nice..." Chigusa murmured.
"You honor me, Take," Miach said humbly.
"That would explain a lot." Gareth hummed.
"Okay, all that godly stuff aside... did you guys not miss how the hero just got the absolute power triangle thingy?" Tiona pointed at the screen, excited. "He's practically a god, right? Should be a blast taking out the small fries!"
"But... he's still not strong enough," Ais said, recalling how the monsters and demons that roam Hyrule are unnaturally tough even against the divine blade of the Master Sword.
"I would say he's plenty strong in body, mind, and soul," Finn begged to differ. "He was qualified to receive this much-sought power, and without any trouble, it seemed. It's just that his enemies are..."
"They're on an entirely different level," Riveria said bluntly.
There was no way around it. Powerful monsters, especially high-ranking demons, that can tank multiple hits from divine weapons and are said to have fought against the Goddess and her servants would be considered world-ending threats in their world.
"Yeah. The power level scaling is shot," Loki said with a grunt.
"Alright, that's enough! I can barely hear what they're saying," Mia barked at them as the world displayed on the screen continued Link's heroic adventures.
/-/
The past few scenes of Link's heroic adventure were a roller-coaster of emotions. Just as things seemed to be over and Link and Zelda could finally get their happy ending, the Demon Tribe managed to turn the tides and kidnapped Zelda, resulting in her divine soul getting devoured by their leader, kickstarting a terrifying climax of this legend.
The Imprisoned, having consumed Hylia's divine soul, underwent a transformative process as the seal truly shattered, liberating the Imprisoned from its imprisonment.
"H-her soul got eaten?!" Haruhime yelped.
The Gods and Goddesses who were present looked a bit pale, although not entirely taken aback. After all, the Dungeon itself can also absorb a deity should one be killed within its domain. This was no different, but for beings who are considered immortal and eternal, getting devoured and absorbed by their practically antithetical foes wasn't a welcoming sight.
"The seal is breaking..." Bell gulped. Despite the unease, he knew that the hero would prevail and looked forward to the final showdown between the hero and the villain.
All the while, Ghirahim cackled with triumph, having achieved his goal of freeing his master.
"Don't you see? It's all over! You and your kind have lost!" Ghirahim exclaimed, extending his hand to savor the overwhelming surge of the demonic aura that now saturated the land. "This world and everything in it now belong to darkness! They belong to my master!"
Following the outpour of this sinister aura, the world seemed to hold its breath as a towering figure emerged from the shadows. A darkly colored demon, with flaming hair and glowing eyes, stood tall. Lightly colored scars marked his forehead where Hylia had stabbed and sealed him away.
The sinister aura that flooded out was far from the real thing and harmless, but it was powerful enough to snuff out the divine aura of all deities in the room, with only Hestia's aura barely considered a dying ember in the face of the Demon Tribe's true leader.
"Our divinity... it's overpowered even though..." Hestia grimaced, her voice trailing off.
All mortals could feel the chill and dread coursing through their bodies. It felt like an endless sea of darkness and violently shifting wind that threatened to rend their soul and body apart should they have been in its direct presence. A terrifying aura that made even the most powerful and mentally fortified adventurer in the room go still and silent.
"Hmmm..." The Demon observed, flexing his hand with a smile, satisfied by his return, while Ghirahim bowed in his presence.
"Welcome back to us, Master," the demonic Sword Spirit greeted him.
"So... that's their leader..." Takemikazuchi said, his hands tightly clasped together, eyebrows furrowing.
Without a word of gratitude, the Demon released a devastating blast, stunning Ghirahim and causing the demonic Sword Spirit to crumple. A faint, glowing orange aura enveloped Ghirahim, rising into the air. All Ghirahim could do was laugh painfully as his very essence, the demonic sword, was torn from his humanoid form and into the Demon's grasp. The demonic Sword Spirit went limp and shattered into bright orange particles, which were reabsorbed into the demon sword now wielded by the resurrected leader of the Demon Tribe.
"Acted like a sword, treated like a sword. Without a thank," Hephaestus commented, pitying the demonic sword spirit. The Goddess' comment made Ais flinch a bit, having been referred to as a sword or doll rather than a person at times.
The Demon took a moment to admire his reacquired sword before stepping toward Link. The young hero, clad in green attire and fully prepared, defiantly raised his Master Sword and had his Hylian Shield at the ready, his expression unwavering and resolute.
"... So! You are the Goddess' knight, then...?" The Demon regarded Link with an amused expression, briefly glancing skyward at the unconscious form of Hylia's mortal incarnation, Zelda, her very soul captured by the Demon. "And... how pitiful. Even if she claims it was for the sake of eluding me, she went to the extreme of becoming a mere human..." He commented on Hylia's vulnerable and fragile form. "Even that the brave and so-prideful Goddess Hylia went to such ends…"
With a low growl, he slashed his sword through the air, unleashing a powerful shockwave that sent Zelda's form spiraling into the sky and then plummeting downward.
Bell blinked and instinctively recomposed himself upon seeing someone in need of help. "Oh no!"
Link gasped and sprinted to catch the unconscious Zelda before she could hit the ground. Fortunately, he wasn't alone, as a cry rang out along with the sound of swift, powerful footsteps approaching the falling Zelda.
"Don't worry, Link! Groose has got this!" The once-bullying Groose shouted as he leaped, successfully catching Zelda and breaking her fall, creating a billow of dust as he landed. "Link, I... I caught her!" He panted and winced in pain. "She's okay!"
Link let out a sigh of relief and then turned to face his adversary, who seemed mildly intrigued by this turn of events.
"Safe!" Syr cheered, clutching Ryuu's arm for comfort. "That was close, wasn't it?"
"Y-yes..." Ryuu nodded, regaining her composure, as did everyone else.
"Damn close." Mia grunted, looking irritated with herself.
"Hum. So, both you and that human want to help the Goddess, you mean to say? Laughable... The mortals I know are ones with a weak presence who would only weep and scream." The Demon's grin widened with amusement "Even if your intention is to face me in battle, you remain nothing but a human protected by the Goddess, attempting to confront me... Just another descendant of cowards..."
Link remained resolute, his eyes locked on the towering Demon as he raised his sword and shield, determined to face this ancient and formidable foe who had managed to harm a powerful goddess like Hylia and had now devoured Zelda's divine soul. In response, the Demon's laughter echoed through the desolation.
"He's built differently, huh?" Loki murmured, remarking on Link's bravery. "No matter when or where, you children always find a way to amaze us..."
"Really interesting. A human intends to challenge me to a battle..." The Demon met Link's unwavering gaze and found nothing but sheer courage. "Very well. Accompany me to a place in which distractions cannot enter. That is, if you have the courage."
The chieftain of the Demon Tribe, the Demon King, the origin of all demons, the Bringer of Demise, deemed it fitting to grant the Goddess's knight a duel.
Sensing the sincerity in the words of the Bringer of Demise, Link lowered his stance and nodded with determination, signaling his acceptance of the duel. The young hero strode forward, each step resolute and unwavering. From the nearby cliffs, Groose let out a hearty cheer of encouragement.
"Link, it's all up to you!" the red-haired young man shouted. "Oh, and listen up! Grannie had some info for you! The old girl says it'll take time for that grease wad to absorb Zelda's soul completely!" Groose revealed, offering Link a glimmer of hope to rescue Zelda. "If you can defeat him before her soul is completely consumed by that... thing, you might still have a chance!" He glanced worriedly at Zelda's motionless form. "I... I believe in you! You've got what it takes! You're all that Zelda has now! You have to make this happen!"
"Wait, you mean that monster isn't at full power?!" Lefiya exclaimed in shock.
"It's... not fully recovered its strength?" Ais numbly asked.
"A silver lining. If he can defeat the Demon in time before it can fully recover, he can rescue her soul and put an end to all of this," Takemikazuchi said seriously.
The Bringer of Demise raised his massive, malevolent sword high into the sky, ripping open a rift to another dimension where their climactic duel would unfold.
"If you fear for your life, do not follow me. You can spend what little time your world has left cowering and crying, as befits your kind. However, if you will oppose the world of the Demon Tribe as you say... Come and follow me. I've waited eons to return. I can spare a few more moments to let you decide."
With those foreboding words, the Bringer of Demise vanished into the abyss, leaving behind an eerie, swirling dark purple portal on the ground. It beckoned Link to follow, signaling the commencement of their inevitable duel.
"It's up to you now, Link..." Groose's voice was barely a whisper as he watched Link step towards the portal.
"This is it, huh?" Gareth exclaimed, gripping his knees with anticipation. "All or nothing, with this world of theirs being put on the line."
"It'll certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime event," said Riveria with a nod.
"The hero's final hurdle," Finn added, placing one hand over his face. "And a rather daunting one, fighting against something like that."
Before Link could step through the dark portal, Fi materialized in front of him, her form radiating a soft blue light.
"Master Link, I have important information for you," the Sword Spirit of the Master Sword spoke solemnly. "Once you enter this portal, my analysis indicates a 0% chance that you will be able to return unless you are able to vanquish your foe. Are you ready to proceed?"
"I'm ready!" Link replied with unwavering courage.
Fi nodded, her visage showing a hint of warmth. "Understood, Master Link. Know that even in the place that lies beyond this portal, I will be with you... And Master... good luck."
"Because only one of them will leave that room," Mia murmured, her voice laden with the gravity of the impending confrontation.
The Sword Spirit gracefully melded back into the blade, and Link resolutely stepped into the swirling darkness of the portal.
On the other side of the portal, Link found himself in a realm entirely different from what he had anticipated. It was a place of unexpected serenity. The ground beneath him was a seemingly endless expanse of reflective water, extending infinitely in all directions. Above, a serene light blue sky adorned with soft white clouds stretched into the horizon.
"This is where they'll be fighting?" Bell looked surprised. It was unexpected that their duel would take place in such a divine-looking realm. It didn't seem like the kind of location an evil demon leader would choose for a showdown.
Tiona shared his surprise. "Huh, I was expecting their dueling ground to be something a little bit more... evilish?"
And there, standing with his back to Link, the Bringer of Demise gazed into the distance under the gentle glow of a floating sun. Undeterred, Link took resolute steps forward. As he moved, his footsteps sent ripples across the glassy surface of the watery floor, announcing his approach. The Bringer of Demise turned to face him, offering a low chuckle.
"Hum... You came. You seem to be prepared, human..." the Demon acknowledged with a trace of amusement. "Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings, for where we stand shall serve as your tomb for eternity." He began to walk slowly around Link, his eyes never leaving the young hero. "My flowing hatred towards the Gods' Tribe... The joy which comes with the release of my power... You will taste all of it in the bite of my blade." Stopping to scrutinize Link, he continued, "I wonder how much time you will last standing against me... Will you try to make it interesting?"
The deities bristled or showed signs of discomfort upon hearing the Bringer of Demise's hatred for the divines. Much like the Dungeon's hostility toward the deities, this world also had a counterpart of similar disposition. However, this one posed a much greater threat to everything, including the gods.
"I guess he's still salty about losing, getting sealed away, and being turned into a mindless beast," Loki said half-jokingly, a mirthless smile on her face.
With a swift gesture of the Demon's hand, the tranquil world surrounding them darkened abruptly.
"The world shall now submit to my ruling! Those foolish herds which oppose me... Their tribes, their members... All shall be wiped out from this Land!"
In response, Link poised himself, readying his weapons and assuming a battle stance.
Takemikazuchi tilted his head forward and narrowed his eyes, focusing on the upcoming fight. "One wields the Triforce, power that of gods. The other holds power just as strong as the gods. This is a fight beyond the scope of mortals, and dare I say it... divine."
"That bad, huh?" Ouka gulped, while Chigusa clutched the young man's arm, looking uneasy.
"And when I possess the universal power... When I possess the Triforce... The Demon Tribe will rule the world till the end of eternity!" the Bringer of Demise proclaimed, his resonating voice causing the very fabric of the world to tremble.
Thus began the fateful duel that would determine the destiny of Hyrule.
The Bringer of Demise advanced toward Link, his massive blade pointed menacingly at the young hero. Link reciprocated, stepping forward with his own sword at the ready and his trusty Hylian Shield raised protectively.
"The targeted entity is the Bringer of Demise," Fi's analytical voice echoed in Link's mind as the Sword Spirit assessed their formidable adversary. "A formidable presence, transcending the boundaries of time itself, and the very progenitor of the unrelenting demon hordes... Its appearance is known to vary according to the era and the eyes that behold it."
Several eyes widened at the revelation. The Bringer of Demise was, in essence, Hyrule's version of the Dungeon. There were striking similarities and parallels that could be drawn between Hyrule and their world, but the fact that the Bringer of Demise was the progenitor of monsters and demons just solidified that connection.
"He's essentially fighting the equivalent of the Dungeon itself..." remarked Bete, his tone conveying a mix of surprise and realization.
The two adversaries closed the distance between them, their movements deliberate and methodical as they sized each other up. Suddenly, Link sprang into action, unleashing a rapid succession of two slashes at the towering Demon. In a heartbeat, the Bringer of Demise deftly blocked both strikes, but this momentary distraction allowed Link to channel his strength into a powerful sword spin attack that broke through the Demon's defenses, propelling the behemoth backward.
"Nice! First hit!" Tiona cheered.
"Will it be enough?" Ais asked no one in particular, her entire focus absorbed by the fight. This duel represented the near absolute peak of swordsmanship, an opportunity to witness a level she might never encounter again.
Recovering swiftly, the Bringer of Demise raised his sword and countered Link's ensuing assault. With an imposing overhead swing, he descended upon the young hero, who reacted in the nick of time by raising his Hylian Shield to parry the massive blade. However, Link's attempt to launch a counterattack was thwarted by another colossal strike from the Bringer of Demise, forcing him to raise his shield once more. Their exchange of blows unfolded at an astonishing pace, each impact sending sparks scattering into the surroundings.
Despite the immense size, strength, and reach of the Bringer of Demise, he found himself on the defensive against Link, whose remarkable agility and swift strikes allowed him to slip past the Demon's formidable swordplay. Although the Master Sword was not as efficient at cutting through the Bringer of Demise as it was against his lesser kin, it still inflicted significant pain. The Demon faltered momentarily under the weight of one of Link's forceful and rapid spin strikes, causing him to drop to one knee with a deep growl.
"He broke his stance!" Ouka clenched his fist in excitement.
Seizing this brief vulnerability, Link capitalized on the moment by delivering a series of direct blows to the Demon's head, eliciting grunts of pain. The Bringer of Demise, however, swiftly rebounded, his massive blade raised to block the flurry of incoming strikes.
"What?! Just how tough is this guy?!" Welf exclaimed in complete shock. The Bringer of Demise had taken multiple direct strikes to the head and still managed to fight back seemingly unharmed.
"I-it's not enough!" Lefiya squeaked.
"His very existence is overbearing... even with multiple divine blessings meant to counter their kind, they can only deal modest damage." Hephaestus said, her hand clasped before her face. "The best he can do is weaken his opponent, then deal the finishing blow."
Link's relentless assault ultimately pushed the Bringer of Demise back, but the Demon countered with a sinister chuckle. With a menacing flourish, the Bringer of Demise unleashed a devastating storm of sword strikes with his gargantuan weapon. Yet, Link skillfully blocked and parried each of these blows, unwavering in the face of this fierce battle.
In a daring maneuver, Link exploited a gap in the Bringer of Demise's relentless onslaught, delivering a swift strike between the Demon's formidable attacks. With his Hylian Shield raised in a desperate bid to parry the following demonic blow, Link barely succeeded, effectively shattering the Demon's offensive momentum.
Takemikazuchi, able to keep a complete track of the entire fight, nodded with a grin. "He has the upper hand so far." His grin slipped. "But can he sustain himself long enough to win?"
Seizing the opportunity once again, the young hero charged forth, viciously slashing at the Bringer of Demise.
The Demon was driven to his knees as Link administered three rapid spin attacks that drained him of his strength and stamina. The combined impact propelled the Bringer of Demise through the air, his anguished roar resonating as he crashed forcefully into the ground.
A stillness settled over the world as Link recovered his breath, while the Bringer of Demise lay motionless.
But it was far from over.
"He... did he win?" Lili asked in a low voice despite knowing full well the duel hadn't concluded yet.
"No, it's just starting" Bell said in a calm voice. His red eyes were clear, and his expression was neutral.
With an explosive leap, the Demon soared back into action, unleashing the full extent of his malevolent might.
The realm became shrouded in ominous storm clouds, and brilliant azure lightning streaked through the skies, enhancing the Demon's form. Thunder and lightning rocked the domain, and the Bringer of Demise emitted a thunderous battle cry, his demonic sword crackling with electrifying energy.
"Aaaah! T-the room...!" Haruhime whimpered, holding onto Mikoto for support.
The entire room shook with the roaring thunder, causing everyone to grab their armrests or the person next to them.
"This lightning and thunder...! It's like Zeus'!" Hephaestus exclaimed with a wide eye as she held Welf close to her out of instinct.
"And a thunderous roar that puts Thor to complete shame!" Loki added, looking visibly unsettled.
Sensing the impending danger, Link retreated from the charging Bringer of Demise, fully aware of the futility of attempting to block the electrically charged sword with either his Master Sword or Hylian Shield. His opponent closed the distance with an alarming swiftness and unleashed a powerful swing. Responding with lightning speed, Link executed a graceful backflip, narrowly evading the colossal electrified blade. The Bringer of Demise continued to press his assault, launching a deadly lightning orb toward Link, who displayed remarkable agility by sidestepping the attack.
Amidst fiery sparks and electrical discharges, both combatants exerted unparalleled strength and speed. The Bringer of Demise and Link continued their relentless struggle. The Demon's overwhelming malevolence clashed with the unwavering resolve of the hero, who wielded divine armaments bestowed upon him by the gods as a testament to his worthiness.
It was at this very moment that any onlooker would have recognized that the battle had transcended even the divine, becoming a conflict between two embodiments of fundamental forces, each driven by their own desires.
Throughout the entire fight, nobody could utter a single word, their focus entirely dedicated to searing this otherworldly duel into their minds as the Bringer of Demise and Link, the Hero, fought with might and speed that extended almost out of reach for even the realm of the gods.
There were no words to describe that clash of titans.
It was like nothing anyone had ever seen or could ever imagine, even for the God of War, Takemikazuchi. Everyone felt like their hearts would stop beating. The divine champion, Link, and the almighty demon, the Bringer of Demise, were locked in a fierce duel that was beyond awe-inspiring.
Link swung his sword with unbelievable precision and speed, each strike sending sparks flying. The Master Sword met the demonic blade with a resounding clash, and it was as if the very world trembled in response.
The whole scene was so intense; everyone could almost feel the energy radiating from their blows.
The clash of their powers, the blinding light, and the earth-shattering force were beyond words. The hero and the demon, locked in a battle that transcended legends.
And then came that moment, the one that made everyone's heart skip a beat.
Finally, the climactic battle reached its conclusion as Link delivered a mighty blow, sending the Bringer of Demise crashing to the ground. In a soaring leap, the hero raised his Master Sword high, a Skyward Strike infused with crackling lightning, aimed to end the battle once and for all.
He plunged the sword into the Bringer of Demise's chest, ending the fight amidst the Demon's thunderous roar and arcs of blue lightning.
"He did it..." Bell said with a grin. While he didn't know how the story would pan out, deep down, he knew that the hero would triumph and be reunited with Zelda. Not all stories of heroes ended with a happy ending, but somehow, he knew this one would.
"He did iiiiiit!" Tiona cheered, punching the air with her fist. "Man! I thought my heart was going to stop!"
Link withdrew his blade and somersaulted backward, poised for any further challenges, while the Bringer of Demise struggled to rise, his breaths heavy and labored.
"Ah... but he's getting back up!" Naaza exclaimed.
"After all of that, he can still stand?!" Gareth pulled at his beard, looking shocked.
"Bah, a display of toughness ain't getting that thing anywhere." Mia scoffed and glanced at Miach. "He's on the last of his legs, ain't he?"
Miach nodded. "It might be a bit hard for everyone else to notice, but the density of the Demon's aura is eroding away very quickly. That was indeed a fatal blow."
While the Bringer of Demise's appearance seemed unaltered, his unsteady movements and the waning of his menacing aura were telltale signs that the Demon was nearing his end. The Master Sword had proven its effectiveness in its intended purpose.
"It's over." Ais breathed a sigh of relief.
"So it would seem." Riveria nodded.
In a last attempt to maintain his balance, the Demon drove his sword into the ground. However, the demonic blade vanished, signifying his imminent defeat. The Bringer of Demise gazed at his empty hand where his weapon had once been, then met Link's unyielding stare.
"Human! To have bested me... You are a formidable human!" He grudgingly admitted, laced with a hint of admiration. "Impressive. But remember, this is far from over." He cautioned, pointing a finger at Link. "My hatred, the curse of the Demon Tribe, shall persist, reincarnating throughout the ages. Never forget it! I shall reiterate it! Those bearing the blood of the Goddess and the soul of a hero... You shall forever be bound by this curse!"
The Bringer of Demise's ragged breaths turned into a chilling, maniacal laughter as his body began to disintegrate.
"Is he casting a curse?" Tione asked with a frown.
"No... not exactly a curse..." Loki spoke up with a scowl. "It's a declaration of an eternal war against the gods and those who follow them."
"This hatred and grudge... the incarnation of it will forever wander with you through in a bloody dark sea!"
With one final laugh, he dissolved entirely. The Bringer of Demise's fading laughter reverberated and vanished into the void, leaving behind only Link and a residual, malevolent mist hovering in place.
Even with the defeat of the Bringer of Demise, a powerful creature that could kill gods, everybody couldn't help but be unsettled by the Demon's last words and laughter.
"W-what's going to happen afterward?" Haruhime asked the Scribe from the Beyond.
"Life goes on, as does all its beauty and hideousness." The Scribe answered. "Much like how the monsters of your world will continue to reign terror even after containing the Dungeon, so too will Hyrule."
With the defeat of the Bringer of Demise, the Master Sword radiated with a brilliant light. Link comprehended his next course of action and raised the glowing sword high, capturing the remnants of the fallen Demon within its blade.
"At least... the biggest threat to the world is no more," Bell said in a hopeful and optimistic tone.
Hestia nodded. "That it is."
Then, the world was engulfed in blinding brilliance.
"I have confirmed the demon king's eradication," Fi reported. "His residual consciousness has been absorbed into the Master Sword and is now sealed away."
The hero's journey has now reached its long-awaited conclusion.
/-/
"Aww... Master Bell, you really have a kind and tender heart," Lili teased the boy as she hugged a teary-eyed Bell.
"Hah... that's both the positive and negative part of you I love," Hestia patted his head gently, all while trying to pry Lili off of him.
"S-sorry..." Bell stammered in embarrassment and tried to sink into the seat aisle to hide. Fi's parting words to Link had hit close to home for Bell, particularly with the recent passing of his grandfather. "Um... about what the spirit said to the hero about meeting each other again in his next life..."
"No matter the era, there will always be a Link to save the day," The Scribe from the Beyond answered the boy cryptically. "And by his side, will be the Master Sword, their fates forever linked as the Soul of the Hero will always prevail even when he fails."
"I... I see."
"That was one hell of a fight..." Gareth laughed and produced a mug of hard liquor, toasting to himself. "Oi, Bete! Join me! After sitting through that, need to unwind even if we just sat on our asses! Cheers to seeing a fight that would have destroyed an entire world!"
"Ya don't need to tell me, old man!" Bete growled but hopped over anyway.
"Oh, oh! Let me join!" Loki patted the two on the shoulder.
"Captain! Are you feeling alright?" Tione leaped over near Finn's seat.
"Ah, yes... I'm alright." Finn assured her. "Wait, what are you doing?"
"Oh, just fixing you something."
"T-that won't be necessary."
"It's finally over." Tiona said wistfully. "But... not really, huh? Soul of the Hero... always destined to reincarnate as a hero..."
"Sounds romantic." Syr said, placing both hands on her cheeks. "To be reincarnated alongside their descendants." She slipped behind Bell's seat and wrapped her arms around him. "Isn't that right, Bell?"
"S-S-Syr?!"
"Hey! You stupid maid! Get off of him!" Lili and Hestia snapped at the young lady.
"What makes you so sure about that?" Ryuu asked her friend, casually walking over to join the mess that Bell is unwillingly gathering.
"Cause, I just know it." Syr winked and fended off the other two females.
"Um... ah..." Haruhime moved closer to Bell, adding more to the growing mess.
Watching from another aisle, Ais stared flatly at Bell's group. "Is... Bell a delinquent?"
"Yes!" Lefiya said, slapping Bell with the label of a delinquent. "And a playboy! Rabbit in the heat! Don't get close to him, Ais!"
"Lefiya! You're being rude!" Riveria snapped at her student.
"Well, it looks like everyone needs some time to enjoy themselves and process everything. I'll give you all some space before I initiate the next viewing."