Chapter 15: Spirit, Heart of Evil
*CLANG!*
The blade bounced off the hero's own, the blond acting with lightning-quick reflexes and raising his sword just in time. His attacker hissed and jumped backwards, glaring at him with eerily glowing eyes. The assailant's fiery red hair whipped through the air upon landing.
"Impressive..." was the spat out response. "But, don't think it ends here."
Staring back at his attacker from across the room, Link pointed the tip of the sacred blade at his foe.
"I wouldn't entertain such a thought..." he replied, eyes narrowing. "...and what of you, Nabooru?"
The Gerudo gave a low growl, drawing a second blade and hunching down in attack posture.
"How dare you!?" she snarled, swinging one of her scimitars angrily in front of her. "Speaking to me as though we are friends..."
Link actually snickered, making Nabooru narrow her eyes even more.
"But we are..." he all but taunted. "We are friends, Nabooru."
The thief gave another snarl, to which Link gave a noticably unpleasant smile. Navi shivered and turned away, missing the eerie red that momentarily flashed in the Hylian's eyes.
"C'mon, Nabooru..." he baited. "Embrace it. Delight in our friendship. The Gerudo puppet and the Hylian saviour. It's such a wonderful friendship."
Golden eyes narrowed to hateful slits, the Gerudo gripped the handles of her scimitars as tightly as she could.
"That's it!" she hissed. "You're dead now!"
The boy made no attempt to move as the thief launched into attack. She jumped towards him,swinging one of her blades.
"Pitiful..." Link muttered, parrying the attack with astonishing ease. "If you want to attack, at least give me a challenge."
The second scimitar was swung low, the Gerudo hoping to catch her foe off guard.
*CLANG!*
Once again, two blades met, Link pushing against it with strength that Navi hadn't seen him exert.
What's going on with him? He's not acting like himself.
The fairy blinked as the boy turned his head to face her. His taunting grin had faded by that time, but his eyes were off. They were no longer their usual sapphire colour, but instead, a dark red. Once again, Navi shivered.
Link... is he controlling you again?
No answer was given to her inner thoughts as the boy suddenly turned his attention back to his female assailant. With a low grunt, he pushed her back, making it appear seemingly effortless. The woman glared at him questioningly.
"Impossible..." she growled. "How can you have such strength? You're a mere child. I am a warrior huntress. I am far superior to you, so answer me... How can you possess such strength?"
Link's eyes glowed brighter for a split second and a slight smirk appeared on his lips.
"Poor little puppet..." the boy purred. "Needing the answers to be given to her. Very well, I suppose I can humour you..."
The Hylian took a step closer to her, his eyes glowing once more. As she watched warily, Link's smirk faded.
"It is quite simple. I no longer fight alone."
Nabooru was given no warning as the blond suddenly lunged at her with lightning agility. Sword raised high, he quickly brought it down towards her head.
*THUNK!*
Nabooru's eyes were wide as the blade of evil's bane met its target with precision accuracy. She staggered back a few steps, the Hylian silently returned the Master Sword into its scabbard, and examined his handiwork.
"Link..." the Gerudo choked out. "You..."
The blond nodded, staring blankly at the Gerudo's forehead, his eye colour returning to its original blue. Nabooru's jewel was cracked right down the middle. A moment later, it fell off her head and shattered onto the floor. Shaking away the dizziness she felt, Nabooru stared back at Link.
"Thank you..." she murmured in disbelief. "You actually managed to break the spell on me, but how did you... how were you aware of...?"
A slight smile came to the boy's face as he stepped forward.
"It's like I said..." he answered. "I no longer fight alone. I used this to trace the darkness that corrupted you. It manifested within your tribal jewel. I'm sorry... I had no choice but to destroy it."
Nabooru shook her head and grinned at Link.
"Think nothing of it, kid..." she assured. "I would much rather my heirloom destroyed than to serve that foul man."
The Hylian's smile faded instantly, and he lowered his gaze. The Gerudo blinked, staring at him in confusion.
"What?" she demanded. "What's on your mind?"
With a sigh, Link held out the Spirit Charm, glancing back up at the ruby-haired woman.
"The others are no more..." he admitted softly. "Their power is mine. I was forced to eliminate them... one after another... in order to break their curse. With their last breath, they bestowed upon me their power, which manifested in a charm of similar design."
The Gerudo remained silent, watching Link as he sighed and continued.
"In other words..." he mumbled. "I am required to gain the power of the sages through these charms. I... I need your strength, but..."
"But..." Nabooru interrupted. "If I do that, I must give up my life force."
It wasn't a question, and Link knew it. He understood that Nabooru knew what had to be done. But, he just couldn't bring himself to ask her.
Yeah, sure... that will work splendidly. "Oh, Nabooru. Would you mind kindly just dying and leaving me with your power? Thanks, that would be ever so kind..." I can't ask her to--
"Okay..." the woman answered, chuckling as she noticed Link drag himself out of his thoughts. "I'll do it. Whatever it takes to stop him once and for all."
Throat suddenly feeling dry, he gently ran his fingers over the charm, unable to move a step closer.
I know it's hard, kicsi farkas... but it must be done.
Jolting as he heard the voice of his darker half, the boy stared up at Nabooru, who gave the boy a warm smile and stepped towards him.
"Link..." she said softly, extending her hand towards him. "Accept this gift... and use it to bring an end to the evil."
Nabooru and the charm began to shimmer. Closing her eyes as she began to feel lighter, the Gerudo gave what sounded like a content sigh.
"Thank you, Link..." she murmured, smiling a bit wider. "You've helped me yet again and so, this time, I will aid you."
Link's eyes began to well with tears as his friend took his hand in hers, eyes opening to meet the boy's gaze.
"Don't cry..." she playfully scolded, her own eyes starting to tear up. "You are too handsome a man for that."
As the thief vanished, Link dropped to his knees, Navi hovering beside him sympathetically. The fairy gave a small smile as the boy wiped his eyes with a hand. The charm merged with him, and he stared up at the ceiling as if gazing at the sky.
"Thank you, Nabooru..." he whispered. "Thank you for everything."
Suddenly, he was surrounded by a familiar blue light, which escorted him from the temple. Outside, he glanced around, giving a tiny smile as he saw the sandstorms had ceased. Navi rested on his shoulder.
"The evil power has left the desert..." the fairy said. "Perhaps we should return to the Temple of Time and speak to Sheik?"
With a nod, Link brought out the Ocarina of Time. Placing it to his lips, he played the Time's Phrase, closing his eyes as the magical energy lifted him from the desert, sending him to the Temple of Time.
End of Chapter 15.