Chapter X: Showdown

Chapter X: Showdown

'Hold Wizard you can come no further!' commanded Tellah, his voice filled with rage. He prevented his eyes from betraying his fear as he stood at the threshold of the sanctuary, like a sentinel.
'Indeed, but they can.' stated Agahnim. Agahnim was a tall man, if he was a man at all. He was robed in a rich fold of emerald trimmed with scarlet. His face was covered save his eyes that shone like blazing coals. His voice was deep, and scratchy like broken glass upon gravel. 'Soldiers, sieze her.'
'Take not one step towards here! Zelda summon Link.'
'I have.'
'Seriously old man, do you think that I am threatened by your obsolete incarnations? You think of me as some foolish youth. I posess power beyond your finite dreams. Soldiers.'
Tellah stepped out of the sacntuary. Zelda gasped when he did. 'Tellah DON'T'!!!!!!' She pleaed.
'I have no choice Princess.' Immeadately, he drew out his ace in the hole. 'Hear my voice O powers that be! I summon the skies to rain fire upon thee! METEO!!!'
And Agahnim gulped.
The sky opened like a savage wound as A hail of fire desended upon Agahnim and his soldiers. Dozens of flames crashed upon the earth, each screaming like a banshee; drowning out the cries of the victims. The sky rumbled, and the ground trembled, forming an vile caucophony. Smoke and dust spiraled about tummultously. Tellah stood like a general commanding his troops. Zelda covered her eyes and hid her ears as the clamour of a war furied before them. The ground reeked of blood and fire. When the fires fell,the air singed and the ground was left smoldering like a denotation site. Tellah collapsed upon the mud spent gasping for air.
As the storm began to subside, a laughter made itself evident. It deflated what little hope Tellah had left. The ground around was pocked littered with fragments of amrour Among which stood Agahnim and a soldier, who was clutching desperatly to his master's cloak.
'Most impressive old man. I knew you had it in you.' He stood there unscathed, but blackened from the smoke and debris.
'NO!' Tellah's heart dropped to the floor.
'So was that your mightest blow? Well no good deed goes unpunished.' Agahmin raised his palm. Energy collected about it, and was sent crashing into his chest with the force of a missile. He felt his ribs break as the blast hit Tellah, sending him flying into the sanctuary. The sage skidded across the ground, wrenching his hip out of socket, and rupturing his elbows and knees, and cracking his lower back.
'You disappoint me old man. I thought that Hyrule's foremost magic-weilder had more fight in him. Pity I suppose.'
Zelda knealt beside him, eyes wet and hands trembling. 'Oh Tellah!' she lamented.
'Forgive me Princess. I failed.'
'You did what you could. Thank you'
Agahnim stood at the sanctuary's threshold 'Ah yes. Dear Princess, come now.'
'You monster!'
'Monster am I?'
She lashed out with her mental powers and Agahnim reacted as though he was slapped.
'Well done Zelda, I actually felt that. Reagurdless Still it will not save you. Come now.'
Link Hurry
She lashed out again, with all the rage and grief he had brought upon her. It was far past time for her to take on her own battle. Agahnim grunted, absorbing a blow, Zelda followed up with another strike. He flinched, but did not relent. Zelda's eyes glared with rage and contempt, her fists balled tightly. She took in a deep breath, summoning all of her powers. Her legs began to quiver and her head felt like icy needles were stabbing her. The salty sting of sweat and tears saturated her gaze, as she rared her fists back and cried,
'YOU BASTARD!'
Zelda thought of her father. She remembered his loving embrace and tender words. She remembered his comforting voice and firm yet soothing hand. Zelda could not bare to think of the hideous fate that Agahnim brought upon him. It pained her to think of the abuse and torment he endured before his life was extinquished.
She pushed herself harder than she ever had, her muscles became tense and weary, unaccustomed to the strain. Zelda summoned more of her powers as she thought of Link, a man out of her dreams. She thought of his hand that warmly enfolded her own as they trekked though the cold dungeon. She remembered the reassurance in his tone that put her fears to flight. She recalled the strength she found in his embrace as they danced. She recalled cradling his battered frame in his arms, touching wounds that were cut in her defense. Zelda thought of all that he had sacrificed and endured for her sake. She remembered holding his bruised, battered frame in her arms, and feeling his heart match palpataions with her own. She also remembered the fire in his kiss, and comfort in his touch.
Zelda fired a mental blast that struck like a wild bolt. Agahnim took it like an uppercut to the jaw, head rocking back. Zelda unleashed a storm of telepathic attacks, her assult drove Agahnim back. She fought like a desperate fighter in the final round. Zelda pressed her attack, screaming like a valkryie.
'YOU GOD FORSAKEN BASTARD!!!!!'
He regained his posture, as magic began to pool about his fists and he trudged foreward, weathering her storm. Agahnim stood erect cocked back his fists, and fired his magicks like a missile.
'Those first two blows I overlooked. You're lucky the Master wants you intact, otherwise I'd shatter your maidenhood and tear you limb from limb!'
Seeing the burst of energy surge at her, Zelda erected a mental shield, closed her eyes and began to pray. Their opposing energies pressed upon each other like converging weather fronts. Agahnim let free a throaty grunt, and channeled the full extent of his magicks raging onto Zelda. The pressure was immense, like an avalanche was baring upon her, still Zelda stood strong, though her arms grew heavy and her legs grew weak, and her head pounded. Agahnim bellowed a savage war cry, as the arcane forces flowed into him. With a forecful thrust, it poured on all the energy it had in a sudden, massive burst. Her eyes went wide as a torrent of arcane energy plowed through her defense, and threw her against the altar.
'Bring her to me.'
Zelda felt like she had been sent through a ringer as her head felt compressed by jagged rocks, her arms felt like they were lined with nails. Her chest throbbed as she drew in long legato breaths, and her spine felt like it was tied in a knot. Zelda's skin was ablaze with a sharp fire that covered every inch, her eyes burned with the salty sting of bitter tears, and searing tang of persperation.
She heard the rapid footfalls of the soldier running to her. He took Zelda's sore wrist in his cold metal-clad grip, and nearly yanked her shoulder out of socket as he jerked her up. Her body was spent, mind exhausted, and her hope was drained. The remaining gaurd slung her, and brought her out to his master, thowing her like refuse at his feet.
'You have eluded me long enough.' He knealt down took his gloved hand and grasped her jaw. She turned away cringing. 'Your land is mine now.'
Zelda sent a bullet of spit upon him. In response, he struck her. She glared at him.
'Burn in hell!'
'Such spirit. You will serve us well.'

Link ran as frantic as madman. Zelda's scream was as loud and horriffing as a train wreck. 'Zelda!' Cried Link. Link's feet became weightless He had to find her. Chill beads of sweat poked out upon his brow as he ran like a stag.
When he came to the sanctuary he grounds, he gasped. The cratered ground, littered with the remains of soldiers, nearly made Link vomit. He charged into the sanctuary and saw a broken Tellah lying in the asile.
'Tellah!' Link ran over and took the gentleman into his arms.
'Link, y,you came, just a, second too late. I tried to to st-stop them, Link I did. I coul, I, I, could not, Forgive me Link, Forgive me Father! p-please Link s-save Zelda.'
Link pulled in his tears. 'I will, Rest well, You did your best. It's my fight now.' Link felt Tellah's body grow cold. He bowed his head and placed his hand over the loyal sage's eyes.
'Zelda', called Link. 'Zelda can you hear me?! ZELDA!!!' He took a serise of deep breathes in. 'Just yesterday, you said when I needed you, All I had to do was tell you. Zelda! Zelda answer me!' still no answer came. 'I'm coming.'
Link arose and drew out the Master Sword, as he went out side to gather his thoughts.

'Sahasrahla.' called Link. 'I know you can hear me, and I know you know what just happened.'
A hazy voice like a radio transmission in a storm entered Link's thoughts 'Yes Link I know.'
'What do I do now?'
'Agahnim has Zelda at the palace. When the moon has reached it's full light, He will send Zelda into the Dark World, thus breaking the seal, allowing the Dark Lord Mandrag to enter the land thus overwhelming Hyrule.'
'So how the hell do I figure into this? I know I'm supposed to kill Agahnim, but there has to be more to it than that!'
'There is. Zelda is the key. Once she is sfe, the seal will mend itself and By defeating Agahnim an rescuing Zelda you can prevent the catacylsm.'
'Alright hell, I was going to kill him anyways but now the stakes are higher!'

It was about a couple hours untill dusk when Link climbed up into a walnut tree to get a monkey's eye view of the castle.
'Zelda. Zelda can you hear me? I don't know where in the castle to find you?'
He heard nothing, which was pretty much what he expected.
Well, thought Link I found her in the dungeon earlier, so I don't think she'll be back there. What did she tell me?' It hit Link like a fastballThe Tower.
He sat in the limbs surveying the palace. He spied the highest, grandest tower and decided that would be his destination. Now he wondered about how to assault his target. Link thought about coming in the way he and Zelda left the dungeon, but then realized that the tunnel had collapsed. He looked about seeking a point to penetrate
He remained up in the tree untill the sun began it's withdrawl into the night's cloak. Link slipped into the moat by a corner of the wall swimming slowly, like a stalking serpent. Remaining tightly against the bank, he immersed himself in the shadows keeping his head just eye level above the water.
Link swam around untill he found a drain. He then pulled in a lungful of air and dove. Link emereged in a pool, just beside the wall, in the castle's courtyard. Link looked around and to his surprise, there were no gaurds. This made his heart's tempo increase as he pulled himself out of the water and crept along side the wall.
Somehow, in spite of everything, he couldn't help but to notice the night. The night was clear, and deep. THe sort of night which a poet would use to find inspiration and it was not unlike the night that he and Zelda shared atop the sanctuary roof. The stars shone like becaons, each one seemingly spurring him on. The moon shone like a silver dollar fresh from the mint as the air was chilly, but felt exhilerating as it spiraled in his lungs. The stars glowed like dying embers in a field of grey ash. The wolf, and nightingale sang a mellow, blue, lilting duet to him. He was reminded of all he ready lost: his uncle, his home, his freedom, his well-being, even Tellah. Link could not afford to lose Zelda.
He surveyed the palace as he crept about, looking for an entrance into the highest tower. He found an open door, and darted in. He clung to the walls, stealing around like a fox in a chicken coup. The chambers were still and quiet as a tomb yet he kept his shield raised and his ears tuned for the steel clod footfalls of any sentries. Link noticed that Zelda's breath was absent, it was a sensation that he missed.
Beads of sweat formed upon his frame and he kept his fists clenched tight and ready. Link kept his steps quick and light taking short shallow staccotto breaths. The corridor he followed brough him to a stair well. After ascending it, he found a door which lead to the grandest tower in the citadel. Link reached out to open it, but when his hand came upon it, he recieved a shock that rumbled his frame, and loosened his bones. An arcane force sealed the door.

He drew out the Master Sword. It was as light as a sheet of paper, but struck with the force of a freight train when Link slammed it against the door. It fell to the ground with a heavy thud. When he entered two gaurds were waiting for him.
He said nothing, but glared at them with steely eyes of ice. Like a rabid animal, Link threw himself at them with reckless abandon but planned his strokes like a surgeon. The first attack sailed into a chest then he pivioted as swift as an impala, and launched the broad of the sword into the other's temple. The first one staggered back and launched a counter attack, swinging his sword in a downward arc. The shock upon Link's shield nearly knocked his arm off. Recovering immeadetly he swiftly thrust his sword into his assialent's arm nearly severing it. Link turned the blade to remove it, then slashed the gaurd's lower abdomen, and finished with by slamming his blade into the man's temple.

Another door stood in front of Link. He burst through and continued. At the end of the room was another stairwell, atop which, two more soldiers awaited him. Link shook his head in disgust, but remained silent. One charged at him furiously, his heavy steps causing the stones to quiver. Link side stepped, and send the flat of the Master Sword into the back of his head.
The sword's was as strong as an earthquake and the blade radiated like the dawn and hummed with a resonance that was almost etheral. He felt like a lightningbolt was in his grasp.
He circled his opponent warilly, although the outcome was never in question. Link lunged foreward, the sword seemingly directed him, as it found it's target. Link stopped just breifly enough to regain his breath and continued.
When Link reached The top of the next staircase, Two arrows were sent his way. Link raised his shield and ducked then took a few steps down. He'd peer out, only to see another arrow flying towards him. After each arrow, he'd hear two sets of footstpes grow louder as they came towards him. He drew out his bow, and nocked an arrow, then sprang up and fired one. After it hit, he leapt out of the staircase, sword drawn and unleashed a mighty stroke into the other gaurd.

The next story was empty, yet Link kept his gaurd up. He stood in the center and surveyed it before he proceded. In the back corner, emerged a large armoured soldier it was the size of a wrestler and wielded an axe as long as a python. It swung wildly and moved like a sloth. Link ducked it's first stroke, and leapt over the second. He rolled towards it, and launched three sword strokes, after which, he backed off. It recovered and delivered a smashing fist into Link's back, dropping him to all fours. It punted him sending him against the wall. Link snapped back to his feet then fired an arrow. After it struck, he sped in and delivered a couple more sword strokes. It swung it's axe to which Link parried then struck back. He feigned high, and struck low. He raised his sword again, It lifted the shaft of his axe to gaurd as Link kept hammering away. Before too long the axe broke and Link focused the energy of the sword into one blow. It fell to the ground like a house of cards hit by a gust of wind.
The climbed the stairs and found a door before him. When he entered in his eyes grew as wide as lakes.

'So good you could make it young Hero.' said Agahnim in a low raspy voice. Link shifted his weight so as to spring foreward.
'Ah ah ah. Not one more step.'
Link found moving imposible; as though he was welded onto the ground, his muscles became frozen tensed and primed. Agahnim even halted the sweat from flooding out of Link's pores. He did see Zelda laying before him unconscience on a stone altar.
'I think you should be here to witness the final moments of Princess Zelda.'
Link could say nothing but only glared at his oppressor. Victory lay just inches from his grasp but he could not move. Rage welled up within him like a volcano causing his heart to nearly exploded.
'The so called Legendary Hero is powerless against us. Although I will give you credit. You did steal Zelda out from under me. You did claim the Sword. No matter though.'
His hands became immersed in orbs of magical energy that glowed ominously like a warning light. Aganhim spoke in an archaic tounge, one that Link could not disern. The energy branched out and enveloped Zelda like some beast snaring her in its vicious tentrils. Agahnim's incantation continued, crecendoing and rising in tempo. She arose off of the altar and levitated briefly. All of the light vanished from the room and she was gone. The one thing Link could feel was a dagger tear his heart asunder. Agahnim's laughter roared like gunfire.
'As if you really had a chance though.' and he was gone like a phantom dispersed by light.
Link fell foreward. 'Zelda!!!!' his anguished cry could be heard beyond the boundaries of Hyrule. 'Face me sorceror! Show yourself you unholy bastard!'
But there was only a chilled draft in the room. He pulled in his tears, and let his rage swallow him. How could he fail? He slumped over and tried to collect himself. Link was so close. What could he do for Soon Hyrule would be overwhelmed? But then he remembered his first objective.
He noticed a curtain before him moved as though it was being pushed by a subtle breeze. He went over and slashed it down, revealing an open door. Link entered it and there stood Agahnim waiting. 'You really wish to perish don't you lad? Very well then, I shall arranage it. I shall depose of you as easily as Master shall overrun this paltry kingdom.'
Link drew his sword, and said nothing, save one thought, 'I have nothing left to lose.'

'You get the honor of being the first sacrifice to the divine Gannondorf.'
Link charged in like stallion. Agahnim stepped aside like a matador, and delivered knife edge strike to back of Link's neck, sending him crashing against the wall face first. Link stood up and spat out some blood.
'Prima sanguie' stated Agahnim although Link did not know what that meant. He clutched the hilt of his sword and the straps of his shield. Link let free a savage stroke, but his sword passed through his foe as if he were a wraith. Agahnim fired a force bolt of magic energy from his fist, sending Link crashing into the wall acroos the room. Link took to his feet again, and began to circle his foe.
Agahnim raised his fists as magic energy pooled up about them. He fired streams of energy at Link, cutting through the air with a crackling sound as they soared towards him. Link dove away as they cut into the stone floor like a torch. He got up and rushed at the wizard, swinging furiously, yet friutlessly. Agahnim delivered another force bolt directly into Link's chest and He felt his ribs fracture even worse.
He regained his wherewithall just as Agahnim was firing another volley.

He stood up, his eyes narroweed his heart raced and his sweat poked through upon his body. He felt his feet become lighter with each step and Link brandished the sword in defiance. Agahnim disappeared like a mist dispersed by the wind. Link kept his gaurd up though, moving about the room cautiously and fluidly.
Agahnim reappeared behind him and fired a blast of enery, point blank. Link hit the wall face first, and stood up and faced his oppressor. Just as he turned about, Link saw another bolt of magic screaming towards him. Link struck the bolt with the sword, sending it rocketing back towards it's sender. Agahnim staggered back wincing and disappeared again.
Link saw a pattern establishing itself. He remained in motion, keeping his steps quick and light like a prizefighter. When Agahmin reappeared, he again fired his energy at Link. Again, he returned it, causing Agahnim to shudder in pain and began to dematerialize. Link tried to conceal the smile that had formed inwardly, but it cracked open upon the surface, just as his adversary again vanished.

He continued. The next level brought more of the same and he tore into them without much thought. He kept his steps swift, and his sword strokes potent. Foe after foe, fell before the Link and the Master Sword which he weilded.
One pressed at Link like an angry bull. LInk stood and met his adversary head on. Sparks leapt as their weapons collided. His oppressor landed a boot into Link's mid section, it then followed up by striking him with the blunt end of his partisan. He fell over but had enough wherewithall to move just as the sharpened end came crashing down. It struck the stones with a sharp tone, Link regaining his footing, he stepped back to size up his opponent.
'C'mon boy. Show me what you're made of' challenged his adversary.
Link remained taciturn when his adversary let free a savage bellow, and came rushing at him. Link stepped back and to his right just as the gaurd flashed his partisan. He swung low, knocking his legs out from under him. Before he hit the ground, Link delivered the descive blow. The jolt of the Master Sword digging into armor cuased Link to grunt. The blood splashed upon his boots and shins. He continued

Not having sufficent time to dodge, Link raised the Master Sword. He felt a jolt rattle his body, but he noticed that Agahnim's magic had collected upon his blade. Link took in a fleeting breath, and slung the energy back at his adversary. Agahnim groaned, and staggered back. Inwardly, Link cracked a smile that broke through upon the surface.
He stood up, his eyes narroweed his heart raced and his sweat poked through upon his body. He felt his feet become lighter with each step and Link brandished the sword in defiance. Agahnim disappeared like a mist dispersed by the wind. Link kept his gaurd up though, moving about the room cautiously and fluidly.
Agahnim reappeared behind him and fired a blast of enery, point blank. Link hit the wall face first, and stood up and faced his oppressor. Just as he turned about, Link saw another bolt of magic screaming towards him. Link struck the bolt with the sword, sending it rocketing back towards it's sender. Agahnim staggered back wincing and disappeared again

Link now instead stood in the center of the room, defiant, daunting, fearless, nonetheless he remained taciturn. He felt Agahnim's presence eminent behind him. Link wheeled about just as he again cast his energy at him. He captured the magic upon the blade of the Master Sword and rushed in at his aggressor. Link briefly noticed Agahnim's eyes grow wide with terror, as he thrust his sword into the wizard's frame. Link lifted him off of the ground, and charged into the wall. He withdrew his blade, and unleashed a frenzied torrent of strikes.
Somehow Agahnim had enough in him to launch another bolt of magic. Link crashed onto the stone floor, but took back to his feet instantly. Agahnim was again gone, as he expected. Link could taste victory upon his tounge. Agahnim reappeared before him and fired another shot at Link.
He flet a warm jet of blood slpash upon his arms, and both felt the shock of steel driving into flesh and both knew the bout had ended. A clang resonated as the Master Sword hit the ground. Two sets of heavy panting filled the room. Link recovered his sword, and went over to regaurd his adversary. Through sore sweat stung eyes he saw Agahnim haunched over on on all fours, weezing and groaning.
'Well met Hero. It seems I have underestimated you....How, however, my defeat will not mend the seal, on the con,conterary, we shall still be victorious, and I shall watch as my master drinks your blood and violates your beloved princess. Ha, ha ha, with, with my, my final breath, I shall send you to join Zelda in the world of darkness,....'
As soon as the lifeless form fell prostate upon the floor, all the light was drained from the room. Link screamed as he felt his body was wrenched violently from reality. It felt as though a vise were clasping upon his chest, and each of his limbs were being strained in different directions by arcane forces that tore his body asunder.

End Chapter