Wrath Mania

Wait no longer...


Chapter Ten: A Remote Conversation

On an outcropping of rock not far up Death Mountain, but far enough for those down in Kakariko to not notice him, The Assassin Scar watched the forest boy and his two urchins as they continued to talk well into nightfall. Behind Scar, his giant bird, a Helmaroc King, snorted impatiently. Scar ignored it. They would leave soon enough, once Scar got confirmation that the forest boy had experienced a change of heart.


Any other being, even most Zora, would have had to sneak closer to see or hear what they were doing far down there. But Scar’s eyes had been honed to hawk-like detection over countless years of stealth jobs. Even if he did have to get closer though, Scar knew he would not be seen. If there was anyone else in Hyrule that was ever as good as Scar when it came to tracking without being seen, then Scar assumed he had probably killed them at some point.


The threesome walked away from the inn and towards the building next door. It looked like it was a store, and judging from the aggravatingly excited voices Scar’s sensitive ears picked up, they were heading over there to get equipment.


So, Scar thought, pleased. The forest boy had decided to enter after all.


The forest boy had accused Scar of ambushing him in the forest either to simply badger him about the Versus Magna, or to raid another spirit spring. In actuality, both claims were correct. Scar had known that it would only take a little provocation to get Link to change his mind about the Versus Magna. Now that he was in, all was going according to plan.


Still, Scar exhaled impatiently. Tracking this pathetic boy was far below his abilities. Scar would never question his objectives, but nonetheless, he was eager to get this tedious job done so he could move on to something that would test his mettle, specifically the Versus Magna. Scar had not been lying to the forest boy when he told him that he was looking forward to that event. It had been far too long since he been able to experience full-fledged combat, the joy of mass killings, the pleasure of watching blood from a foe run freely.


The Assassin Scar, as many in the underworld knew him as, believed he had more experience killing than anyone else in Hyrule. Scar was the last of the Black Knights, a shadowy sect from long ago that had attempted to plunge Hyrule in a massive fire. The Knights of Hyrule had dispatched the Black Knights, ceasing their plot and wiping out every member.


All but one.


Scar had been sent to the beyond, where he knew no concept of time or how long he had been trapped in limbo. In Scar’s mind, it had been the afterlife, and since he was unable to fulfill his desire to hunt, it might as well have been prison.


Then the Schism of Twilight occurred. Seals all over Hyrule collapsed in the chaos that ensued, and Scar found himself reborn in Hyrule, albeit in a different age.


Since then he had renewed his purpose, with great success. The only person who had occasionally stood in his way was the forest boy. Even after his hilarious fall from grace he still somehow found time to impede Scar’s progress. The forest boy believed Scar was nothing but a marauder, willing to do any task if there were enough rupees on the table.


Well, he was right to an extent. Scar was indeed willing to do any task, and usually the grimmer it was, the more he ended up enjoying it. When one of Scar’s countless victims over the years asked right before meeting his demise what joy he got out of his profession, Scar had replied that red was the color of joy, and red was the color of bloodshed. Therefore, joy was bloodshed.


However, Scar wouldn’t do a task simply regarding the price of the rupees. Link was wrong; Scar wasn’t a marauder who answered to nobody. Quite the contrary…


The three had walked into the store, so Scar took the opportunity to take two items out of his ragged coat turned cape. One was a bottle full of spring water. As Link had guessed, Scar had stolen the water from the forest as well as the Lake Hylia spring. The special properties of the water were necessary to give life to the item Scar held in his mechanical hand, an object in the shape of a spoon with the center cut out. It was called a com-fork, an item that allowed Scar to talk to someone from a distance, as long as that person was powerful enough to hear him through the currents. It was an item that only the privileged were ever able to obtain. Scar’s master had given him one to communicate, since his master was in a location where he would not want to be seen with someone as nefarious as Scar.


Scar opened the bottle and dipped the hollow center of the com-fork into the spring water. He held it under for a few moments before lifting it and bringing it directly in front of his face.


Nothing happened for a bit. Then the com-fork began to glow with a lavender-hue. Suddenly, a distant voice spoke, causing the glowing hue surrounding the com-fork to vibrate with every syllable.


“What is it?”


“The boy is preparing to train,” Scar told his master, “He is going to enter the contest.”


“Excellent,” his master soothed, “You have done well, Scar. Leave the boy to do his training then. You may begin your own preparations for the contest.”


“With pleasure, master,” said Scar.


“Remember, no one can know of our connection. Make sure it stays that way.”


“Of course, master.”


“By the time they do,” his master said, “It will be too late.” And with that, the com-fork’s glow faded, and the conversation was over.


Scar stuffed the com-fork and the bottle back into his cloak. He felt a vague sense of pride. Scar was loyal to his master. He was a brilliant visionary that understood what a country like Hyrule really needed. It was an honor to serve him, especially when he was someone so much at the center of it all.


Soon, Scar knew. Soon, the Versus Magna would begin, and at the very end it would all come to fruition.


The mundane work done at last, The Assassin Scar stood up and mounted the Helmaroc King. Without noise, they took off, disappearing in the night sky.



******

Comments plz? I'd gladly appreciate guesses and predictions.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

MaLink

*points at Rome*

Nice way to tie in Arid Doom, btw.

---

Wrath Mania

Haha, yeah, although Scar's backstory here isn't quite the same as what was happened in Arid Doom. There was no group called Black Knights, and he wasn't sent to the beyond, at least by the time the story ended. I figured I could get away with classic mythical obscuring.

And as said before, he's such an absurdly evil character who was mainly just a background player in Arid Doom, it would have been a shame if I never used him again.

Well, I doubt I'll get another one up tonight (early morning). You'll get the next one or two tommorow.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

How did I get so far behind in the story? Where did you find the time to write so many chapters in such a short ammount of time? Where are my pants? All these questions and more will be answered by Bob under pain of death.

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Tom

Heheh. Heheheheh. Haha. HAHAHAHA!

Brilliantly done. That's all I'll say. My laughter is inspired by your brilliance. Sheer F'ing brilliance at plot manipulation.

---

symuun

Dude, Wrath, this is awesome. My eyes have gone funny now from all the catch-up using the Ikonboard skin, but it's been worth it. Right now the really burning question in my mind is what happened about the King of Hyrule. The contest side of the story isn't really grabbing me yet, I'll be honest, but it's a slow burner so I can accept that for the moment. Time your plot points right and you can keep people hooked with new details bit by bit. Just don't throw everything at us all at once or you could kill all the intrigue. No reason to assume that'll happen, though, so carry on the good work.

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Wrath Mania

Thank you very much symuun... what happened to the good ol King, indeed? At any rate, I'm very glad you brought that up about the Versus Magna. I think the issue is the chapter where there was exposition about the contest was mainly from Link's PoV, and obviously it really wasn't on his mind. As you said, it's only now starting to catch steam, so I think you will begin to be entranced by it

And you're absolutely correct about the plot points needing to be well-timed. I believe that will be the case as well.

New chapter tonight. Promise.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

Your promises mean nothing, Indiana Jones! Write it now!

Also you should come to Dave's BBQ tonight. The last one was so much fun. I remember you taught an eight-year-old boy to make fun of me. What good times as you and the child laughed and laughed at my expense!

Actually, y'know what, screw you.

Hurry up and write.

---

Wrath Mania

Chapter Eleven: Buying Smart at Malo Mart

“So…” The big-headed boy (as any of the other children would note, a description that was true both literally and figuratively) said in a restrained, business tone, “You need new toys? I’ve got plenty of toys.”


Despite being the youngest of the Ordon children in Kakariko, Malo displayed a natural instinct for business, and the store named after him had become a shocking local success. Behind the desk, from which Malo’s gargantuan head was barely visible, a countless assortment of items lined shelves and racks that ran deep behind him. Many of Malo’s friends pleaded for him to close the store down after what happened in Ordon, fearing that it left him too prominent. Malo refused to though, and so the Malo Mart continued to thrive (though Malo did close off his fledging Castle Town branch).


Link walked up to the desk while Talo and Colin, perhaps intimidated by Malo’s success, stayed by the door. “Let’s start with swords,” Link said.


Taking a step ladder at his side, Malo moved down his shelves, and quickly came back somehow managing to hold three long packages. “Let’s open this one first,” Malo said, pointing at the shortest one.


Link opened the box to find a sword with a crowned hilt from which two parallel blades ran, meeting at the very tip. “Razor Sword from the smithies of Snowpeak,” Malo explained as if he had memorized the description, “This has the unique feature of having separate blades for slashing and stabbing. Because each blade is so finely made for those tasks, it’s a very good weapon for overwhelming opponents. It’s a little short of course, and due to the design it has the risk of breaking under extreme stresses. But everyone who bought one swears by them. I sell them for four hundred rupees.”


“Too fancy,” Link said.


“Okay,” Malo said, handing Link the longest box of the three. Inside was a massive blade, the handle obviously reinforced to be able to support it, “Goron’s Sword right from the mountain above us. Strongest blade you will find in Hyrule. Can pierce and crack all kinds of personal armor. Not the most practical weapon, seeing you’ll need two hands to wield it, but who uses shields nowadays anyways? Five hundred rupees.”


“No thanks,” Link said, “which reminds me, I want to look at shields too.”


“Alright, fine,” Malo said, somewhat displeased, “Well… final one.” Link opened it and found a sword with a silver and golden polish and a simple handle. “Gilded Sword from the mines of Subrosia. Moderate length and power. Can’t really overwhelm like the Razor Sword, and don’t even think about the kind of awesomeness you’d get with the Goron’s Sword. This is probably the most durable of the three blades; it is near unbreakable and can withstand great temperature. So I guess if you want to die with your sword in good shape, go for this. A hundred-fifty rupees.”


“I’ll take it.”


Malo shook his head, “It’s the cheapest for a reason, but whatever. What do you want to look at next?”


“I could use something to pull me places,” Link said.


“Ah,” Malo said, his eyes lighting. He pulled an item out from under the desk, a handle wrapped with a loaded chain and a clawed tip. “Clawshot straight from the north,” he said proudly, “Spring-loaded, attaches to most objects. Absolutely necessary for any tournament undertaking.”


Link shook his head. He had used a clawshot before, and it was a nice gadget to be sure, but he was feeling a little more... simple. “You’ve got a grappling hook, something like that?”


Malo looked at him, dumbfounded. “…a hundred rupees.” He pulled out a roll of rope attached to the end of it a three pronged hook.


“It’s sold.”


“Fine… what next?”


“How about ordinances?”


“Now you’re talking my language. After we absorbed the bomb shop that used to be down the street, we got stocks of bombs, bombs that work underwater, bombchus, you name-,”


“Actually, I was thinking something that’s easier to throw, more accurate. Firecorn?”


“Whatever,” Malo said, looking insulted. He pulled a bag from behind the counter and opened it for Link to see. Inside were lime sized objects with little pins attached to the top of them. “You know they’re not nearly as powerful as a real bomb, and they’re a lot cheaper…”


“Even better. I’ll take a whole bag.”


Malo growled, annoyed. “Okay mister tight wallet, what next?”


“Some animal bait?”


“What are you doing, trying to win a tournament or go fishing?”


“Malo, just help him,” Colin said.


Malo shook his head and pulled up a second bag. “Works both on land and underwater. Any other dumbfounding purchase?”


“A full quiver of arrows and a Subrosian Shield,” Link gestured to the plain, shiny shield behind Malo. “Oh, and I could use an armored tunic and a helmet.”


“I got magic armor if you’re-,”


“No, just light armor, and,” he pointed to a silver helmet on a near shelf with a flared bottom and protection around the eyes, leaving only the lower face exposed, “That helmet looks good.”


Malo sighed. “We’ll, since you and I go back so long Link, I can give you… a five percent discount. How’s that sound?”


“Don’t be a jerk, Malo,” Talo said, "He can't afford all that."



“Alright fine... half off. I’m only doing it since judging from the quality of your purchasing abilities you probably won’t make it past the first round.”


“Well,” Link said, “I’m just buying smart at Malo Mart.”


“Say that again and I’ll ban you.”



And so the very next morning Link began to train with help from Talo and Colin. Beth and Luda would usually follow to watch, and occasionally even Renado would check up on things. Link became pleased with the Gilded Sword very quickly; it was natural to his hand and was something he could trust. Trying a little harder against Malo and Talo he easily overmatched them.


One the second day Link practiced lassoing a cucco with the grappling hook, and later he even used it to get to the top of one of the ridges overlooking town. It wasn’t quick, but having worked on the Ordon Ranch for most of his life Link felt at home using rope. He knew it would come in handy.


On the first half of the third day Talo set up targets on one ridge overlooking the town, and from the opposite bluff Link tried hitting all of them with his bow. It didn’t take very long for Link to connect with all of them.


Link spent the second half of the day running up the Death Mountain path with Talo and Colin, occasionally trading sword blows as they ran. They reached one of the first bluffs as the sun began to fall, and so they stopped there.


“Well,” Talo panted, “I’d say you’re pretty damn ready.”


“Yeah… you certainly… wore me out,” Colin agreed.


Link stared over the bluff into the sun-bathed Hyrule. He could see the spires of the castle on the horizon.


“Let’s get some sleep then. Tomorrow’s the day.”



The next morning Link woke up at dawn. He got changed in silence, putting on the armored tunic. Its plating was light, and Link noted it the mirror it looked like he was wearing a chain covering. He took his old belt straps and slung it over his shoulder, attaching his new sheathed sword and shield to his back. At the hip was a leather pouch made of dragon hide. He slid the firecorn and bait in there. He attached the grappling hook to the opposite side of the bag, next to his bow and quiver.


Link grabbed the helmet and studied it. It almost looked like the type of cap he liked to wear, safe for eye protection and the fact it was made of medal. Link hoped it and the tunic were durable, because he had knew the Versus Magna would probably go on for a while, and he wasn’t sure exactly what he would face, or how the tournament would proceed. The only thing Shad had been able to regurgitate was that it would be deadly. That wasn't the only concerning Link.

Tomorrow would be the first time in his new life that Link would return to Castle Town. Tomorrow he would return to where it all went down. Tomorrow he would see prominent figures that, if they recognized him, would have him beheaded on the spot. Tomorrow… he would see the face of Princess Zelda again. He took a deep breath.



There was a knock, and Renado came in.


“Are you ready?” he asked.


“Yes,” Link said.


“So,” Renado said, “Why do you believe you’re doing this?”


“To find out if Rome is really planning to open the portal, and if he is, to stop him.”


“Is that the only reason?”


“Of course,” Link said, “What other reason would there be?”


Renado looked slightly concerned. “Just make sure it’s justice you seek Link, and not revenge.”


“How would taking down Rome not be justice?” Link asked.


Renado shook his head, “The Schism of Twilight made many of us accustomed to putting everyone in either extreme, good or evil. Remember Link that most people fall in between. In the case with those that do, retaliation is not justice, but revenge's facade.”


With that, Renado walked away. Link considered his words for a bit, but didn’t understand the concern. As far as I’m concerned, Rome is on the extreme, Link thought. Ask the people of Ordon if bringing Rome down seemed like justice or revenge.




A few minutes later Link stood outside, readying Epona. Renado, Luda, Beth, Talo, Colin and Malo all came to watch him leave.


“Good luck, Link,” Luda said.


“Do what you do best,” Talo offered.


“We’ll come to see you,” Colin suggested.


“Take it easy pal,” said Malo.


“Take care, Link,” said Beth.


“Thanks guys,” said Link. As he began to mount Epona, his eyes drifted to the Wind Chester’s. For one wild moment, he thought he saw Ilia’s face through the glass, but under further scrutiny it was just the light’s reflection.


“Link,” Beth said in a low voice, so only he could hear, “She still cares, Link. She’s just… hurt, that’s all.”


“Yeah, well…” Link trailed off and got atop his horse. Renado walked next to him.


“I’ll bring them by in a few days to watch,” Renado said.


“That would be nice,” Link agreed, “Just stay out of the spotlight. The last thing we need is for you or any of them to get connected to me.”


“Think nothing of it. Remember what I said, my friend,” Renado said as they shook hands, “And may the Gods be with you.”


“I will,” Link promised, “and thank you.”


With that, Link donned his helmet, giving him the appearance of wearing an armored version of his normal attire. He gave a final wave, snapped Epona’s reigns and darted off. He heard their final cries goodbye.


“Kick some arse!”


“Don’t show off too much now!”


“None of that stuff has a warranty!”


Link pulled around the bend, and with that he left Kakariko Village and was en route to return to Hyrule Castle Town for the first time in three years.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

Wellllllll done.

I'd be more specific but I just told you.

---

Wrath Mania

And one more to make up for last night...

Chapter Twelve: Return to Castle Town

“The first creature is being transported to the arena, my grand vizier,” Captain Baldwin told Rome as he stood on the balcony of his quarters.


“Good,” Rome said, “How is the entry turnout so far?”


“Steady and rising.”


“And spectators?”


“Tickets sold out well in advance.”


“Splendid,” Rome said. The West Side Arena could hold well over twenty thousand people, which meant all of Castle Town was in attendance. “Go and make sure the preparations proceed smoothly.”


“Yes, sir,” the captain said, leaving.


Rome looked up to the sky. Let a victor be found fast, he thought.



The next few days were going to be remarkably busy.



Epona blazed across the eastern part of Hyrule Field. Death Mountain became fainter in the background, and growing over the horizon were the gates and walls of Hyrule Castle Town. To the north was the great Bridge of Eldin that led towards the great north, the snowy peaks of mountains were barely visible in the beyond. In the center of this part of the field were the foundations of ruins that washed away long ago. Link knew this part of Hyrule Field very well.


This is where you slew Ganondorf, he reminded himself with a chill. Of course, hadn’t been alone that fateful night. Princess Zelda had been there to assist him…


The Princess. Link wondered if she would recognize him. Even with his guise, he knew what kind of sensitivity Zelda had. She might see through it… and if she did, what would happen?


She would tell Rome, he concluded darkly. And then it would all be over…


Link shook his head. He would worry about such a thing if it came up. Until then, he would focus only on what he had control over. Increasing Epona’s speed, they moved west, crossing a stone bridge that hung over one Hyrule’s gaping chasms. They moved through a small tunnel, coming out before the drawbridge that led into East Castle Town. Hyrule Castle looked larger than ever, Link forgot how big it was. “Here goes nothing,” he muttered. He and Epona crossed the drawbridge that hung over Zora’s River and entered the city.



The streets were flooded with people. Link dismounted Epona and walked his horse over to a stable right near the entrance. Link handed the caretaker a few rupees and dropped Epona off. “I’ll be back to check on you,” he promised. He took very good care of Epona. Just like Ilia always nagged you to do…

Link forced this second unimportant thought out of his head and walked into the crowds. A few people glanced at him, probably realizing he was one of the entrants. He listened to the gossip around him, something that Castle Town was an endless cesspool for.


“…first time they’ve done it since before the Great War I hear! Can you believe that? They sure were more exciting back then…”


“…grand vizier has outdone himself this time. What a great idea, it’s great for business…”


“…I hear the real fun isn’t the entrants going at it, but the monsters they throw at them. Should be some great carnage, I can’t wait to take my boy…”


“…awful if you ask me. All this fighting just for rupees. What is this world coming…”


Link kept moving west until he entered the town square. If the residential district had been packed, then the marketplace was a zoo. Stands were set up selling binoculars and banners for absurd prices. Lines were endless, creating a swirl around the great fountain in the middle of the plaza. Link glanced at the gates to Hyrule Castle on the north end, anxious for a moment if anyone he knew was exiting. But the gates were closed, so Link continued to push on. He saw some other people in gear, some armor that looked ridiculous. It must have been other people getting ready to sign up. At least that meant he wouldn’t be alone. Slowly but surely, he made it to the street leading to the west side.


West Castle Town was best described as the entertainment district of the city. Novelty shops, games, betting places, and other forms of finding a good time could all be found here. Link turned down the main artery, seeing many of the stores were packed with people no doubt waiting for the contest to begin.


“Hey you!” Some scantily clad lady yelled from a side alley. “Why not take a rest before the games and become my knight in shining armor?”


Link ignored her and kept moving. Up ahead, he could see great yellow flags hanging in a circle. A large circular building stood in the corner of the district. Massive pillars ran along the walls, holding the open floors within. The dome of the building was open at the top. It was the West Side Arena, and Link could see a large crowd gathered at one of the front gates. He headed for it.



The West Side Arena was originally created a few decades before the Schism of Twilight, during the period in which Hyrule received a tremendous architectural boost (spawning other brilliant designs like the Bridges of Eldin and Lanayru). Originally serving as a place for sports and stage performances, it was never intended to imitate the full-fledged gladiatorial combat that the Portal Chamber of the desert boasted. Yet from what Link could tell it certainly had the intimidation factor an amphitheater needed for such an event. The pillars were blank white stone, completely uncompromising. It had to have been the highest structure in the city other than the castle. And this was only the intimidation only on the outside. Link couldn’t even fathom what would be prepared inside.


He joined the large swell of people, most of which had some sort of gear, so Link assumed it was the line for entrants to sign up. Still, he wanted to be sure. He tapped the shoulder of a large, spiked brace wearing Goron who had a wide sombrero atop his head. “Is this for sign up?” Link asked.


“No little man,” the Goron said gruffly, “We’re all here to act like buffoons. Of course it’s the sign up. Do not ask the great Dambora such a idiotic question.”


Link rolled his eyes behind his helmet. “Thank you.” He surveyed the crowd. He saw a diminutive figure near him with leaves covering his head. Then Link realized it was actually a Deku Scrub, a very sparse race in Hyrule that resided in the woods. The scrub was shifting his feet awkwardly as he stood amongst the less vertically challenged. To the left of the Deku Scrub was a scrawny looking man wearing the armor and helmet of a soldier with some of the ornaments cut away to give it a custom look. The man carried a boomerang at his belt. Next to him was an out of shape man in a green jumpsuit who was repeatedly mumbling, “Tingle will get lucky this time… Tingle will be champion!” Link realized it was the owner of one of the game stores up the street, one that Link had actually bested years ago.


Behind the oddball was an unusual sight: a tall man with a gray mustache in a dress suit. He stood perfectly with a cane and wore a tall top hat. His face was beat red, undoubtedly from the heat. To each his own, Link thought. Near this man were the two fiercest figures Link had noted in the group so far: A hulking iron-clad Darknut with a great sword slung over his shoulder, and a rotund green Moblin , a boar-like humanoid, carrying a battle axe and donning sharp headgear. Link realized he knew this Moblin too: It was Bulblin, a prominent figure in the mercenary race that had been in league with Ganon during the schism. Someone else who might recognize me, Link thought. All in all, there had to have been at least fifty people present. Not a bad amount. Link looked for Scar’s face, but didn’t see him in the immediate vicinity.


Hylia soldiers were ushering the group towards the entrances, were desks were set up to the sides of them. Judging from what the guards at the desks were writing, Link realized they were taking names. He frowned as he realized that using his real name would not be a good idea. As his area of the group narrowed and started to become a line, he tried to come up with a good moniker, something he tended to struggle with. Ahead of him, the Goron boomed “The Mighty Dambora” to the guard taking names and walked into the arena. Next was the Deku, who began complaining he couldn’t see the top of the desk. “Just tell me your name,” the guard said lazily. “Dexter,” the Deku said and moved on. Link was almost up now; the man in the custom soldier attire was at the small desk. “Name?” the guard asked.


“Fox,” the man said simply in a forced voice. That gave Link an idea, a very fitting one…


“Next,” the guard said, and Link walked in front of the desk. “Name?”


“Wolf.”


“Next?”


Link moved into the great hall. Straight ahead were openings to seating. He could see workers out on the wide arena floor continuing to set up. However, the guards ushered him down a flight of stairs to a lower level. At the bottom Link found himself in a wide room with a low ceiling. It was dark safe for light coming from long hallways pointing towards the center of the arena; Link realized they must have been the gates to release them outside. He wondered how long it would be until the games began, estimating that they probably had a few hours. Smaller passages on the outer walls undoubtedly led to latrines and other assistances. The room was fairly cramped, so Link tried to move towards one of the walls when he bumped into someone.


It was the fancy suited man. “How dare you stumble into Spades the Magnificent!” the mustached man bellowed.


“Forgive me,” Link said, “It’s dark.”


“That gives you no excuse to crash into an individual as lofty as Spades!” Spades continued with in a raised holler, “Unless you want a lesson in magic, I suggest you respect Spades, young man.” Spades flipped his hands, and cards spiraled out. He caught each in the opposite hand. “You don’t want to be at the receiving end of Spade’s act! Look out for him on the battlefield, young man!” Around them, several participants, including Bulblin and the Darknut, chuckled.


Link moved away, not feeling threatened by the man as much as he was perturbed by his third-person rambling. “A colorful batch, wouldn’t you say, forest boy?”


Link turned around. Scar was leaning against the inner wall, leering at him.


“So,” Scar continued in a low voice, “You showed up.” He eyed Link’s tunic and helmet. “Not bad protection, though it certainly didn’t prevent me from guessing who you were.”


Link said nothing. Above them he could hear an increasing amount of footsteps. Citizens were already arriving. Link moved away, trying to find a more ideal place to wait than next to his nemesis.



“Watch yourself,” Scar warned after him, “You want to at least make it to when the gates open. It’s going to be madness.”



*****

So yeah, comments on this chapter and the previous would be smashing. Eleven was the real "moving the curve/transition" chapter and thus was a bit of a pain. It led away from Act One into this second part of the story. Please tell me what worked and what didn't. Thanks.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

Madness?

THIS, IS, HYLIA!!! (boots scar down a bottomless well)

Very good chapter. Builds the suspense up for the action well.

Also I can somehow imagine for Bon Jovi's auditions Sombora came out and introduced himself as THE MIGHTY SOMBORA!!!

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MaLink

First, a question: Is that THE Dexter, the Deku Scrub? Because if it is, wooo!

Second, I saw some minor fluency issues but I tried to copypasta and realized that PC shortcuts don't work on MACs. So I'm lost and I'll point them out later. xD


Thirdly, I think on a whole, your transition worked perfectly. I'm not left thinking about the past "section" with any unresolved issues, because right now I'm wondering about the Versus Magna and if Link/Wolf will be recognized, especially with that name. xD

Also, did you base Spades off of anyone in particular? Because I'm thinking of an insane clownish guy that uses cards and super stuff for attacking from Hunter x Hunter, and then there's the Joker as well, and then there's also Gambit. So just wondering if Spades is new enough to sit next to these guys as a separate entity.


Finally,

MORE MORE.

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symuun

You're far too prolific, Wrath.

Anyway. Yeah, the transition felt very smooth; it does feel like time to move on to the next part. The pacing seems to be working very well.

You've got Malo down right, I know that. Funny stuff.

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Wrath Mania

1. Well, if you're talking about the Dexter I hatched for a story long ago that I never finished, technically, yes, at least in name.

2. Yeah, I'm sure there's a flew syntax castastro****s in there that I need to fix, so thanks for the heads up.

3. Of course, who knew Link had a Wolf form?.... Besides Zelda

4. Well, the only one of those three characters you mentioned that I'm familiar with is the Joker, and I don't think Spades will be too much like him. Spades' physical appearance and way of talking is actually based off my high school principal. Who was a freak. The character himself isn't going to actually have any real magical powers, just cheap parlor tricks.

And Symuun:

Glad you thought Malo worked, he was my medicine to get through that chapter.

ANOTHER CHAPTER OR TWO LATER? perhaps.

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Wrath Mania

Chapter Thirteen: Final Preparations

Princess Zelda was in her castle quarters tidying up as she prepared to head over to the West Side Arena. Rome had left a while ago to personally oversee the final preparations. Zelda was to meet him in the royal box.


Zelda walked out of her bathroom wearing a white and blue dress and a single plain headpiece adorning her hair. Rome had told her to dress extravagantly, but deep down Zelda couldn’t see how anyone could possibly dress up for such an event.


Zelda’s misgivings about the Versus Magna were only growing. Rome had assured her that he had instructed the Hylia Guard to ensure as few injuries as possible. Yet Zelda knew, given how much Rome wished to adhere to how the Versus Magna was held in the past, that such a claim was impossible. People were going to get hurt, and some would surely die. Did we spend the last four years overcoming the war with the Twilii just to enjoy ourselves fight one another? Zelda asked herself. And did I spend the last three years rebuilding things just to condone troglodytic acts such as this?


No. Zelda had been willing to let this go down because she trusted Rome. That answer would have to satisfy her for now. Or at least Zelda told herself it should. There was a knock at the door, and a soldier stood at the door. “Your carriage is ready, your majesty.”


“Thank you,” Zelda replied, “I’ll be down in a moment.” As the soldier left, Zelda wondered if, had that horrible night not have happened three years ago, she would have been more decisive in taking a stand against this Versus Magna. Yes, she loved Rome and saw his points well, but Zelda knew in the past she was inclined to be a stronger opposition to an idea like this. Indeed, Zelda felt even though she had gained so much strength that she lost in the dark hour that there was still something that she never gained back. She believed this was related to her inability to talk to the six sages as well. It was an intangible that died that night… Along with her father.


At that moment Zelda admitted what was truly frightening her about the Versus Magna. Today would almost certainly be the first day in three years that she would see the man who once saved the kingdom. She would look upon the fugitive who caused Zelda’s life to go so askew. And, like everything else, Zelda had no idea how to handle that. So it simply frightened her.


Would she know who he was right away? Would he be wearing a disguise? Or would he be blatantly in the open, just to make a point? Worse, what if Zelda was able to feel him, and vice versa, as they were able to before? What if Rome noticed? But I should tell Rome, I should want him to know if he is there!


Or did she?


And for some reason, again unknown to Zelda, she felt compelled not to tell Rome. Why, she had no idea. Rome was the most important person in her life right now. In many ways he was the only person Zelda had left. Why in Nayru’s name wouldn’t she tell him?


Zelda sighed. She didn’t know what she believed anymore. All she knew was that the carriage was waiting, and she would be taken to the arena. Zelda gave a final glance around her quarters and then left for the castle gates.



The hours passed. The ceiling of the antechamber began to vibrate with increasing amplitude. The whole town has to be here, Link thought. Dirt began to fall from the ceiling onto the entrants. Most of them were keeping to themselves. A few had engaged in conversation, most if it amounting to thinly veiled threats. Link had kept a good distance from everyone safe for the man in the soldier outfit, Fox, who had decided to stand near Link and every once in a while glanced his way. Link wondered if he was going to try something cheap, so he stayed alert.


It had been forever since they were let down here. The light shining from the halls began to glow red. It was sunset, so Link knew the battle would be soon.


But what exactly would this battle be like? Would they simply run around and fight randomly? Would there be specific one-on-one matches? Or would they work together to fight some creature? One of the people in town had mentioned monsters… Link frowned. He hoped someone would speak to them before it actually began.


Spades and Bulblin had begun to harass an older man who looked exceedingly nervous. Occasionally one of the few soldiers in the room would come around and ask them to knock it off, but other than that it was tolerated. Link felt as angry about this as he was worried. How could the supposedly peace-loving rulers of Hyrule admit this? How could the princess allow this? Rome again came to Link’s mind…


“Can I have your attention, please?”


Everyone turned their heads to a soldier standing on the stairway. He looked like the man in charge. “Thank you. My name is Captain Baldwin. We want to go over a few things before the gates open. First of all, this tournament keeps going until there’s only one guy left that’s in good enough shape to stand. You understand? There is no fixed number of rounds. It could be over tonight, it could be over next season. Keep that in mind.


“Second thing, each round is pretty open ended. You all participate in each round, and there are essentially two things to contend with. One, fighting each other: this is gladiatorial combat and you’re expected to fight one another. You’ll be set up in a circle before the round officially begins so no one has an unfair advantage. The Grand Vizier has asked that you refrain from attacking an opponent once he is incapacitated. Take that for what it’s worth…


“The other thing to contend with is the creatures thrown in the arena with you. There is going to be a major creature in every round. There might be minor ones too, but the major one is your main concern. Each round cannot end until the major creature is taken down. As you can see, in theory this means a round could end without any of you getting eliminated-,”


“Or the monster kills us all,” The green suited man finished anxiously.


“If any of you are seriously hurt out there, medical attention will be available following the round. Now then, the gates will open in a few moments. Follow my men outside and they will set you up in proper positions. Gentlemen, good luck.”


Link felt quite on edge as the captain walked up the stairs. He was going to have to worry about opponent and a ferocious beast.


The pounding above them was so loud now the walls began to shake. Link stood in front of the nearest gate and stared to the left of him. Fox was shifting in his gear nervously. Dambora the Goron was banging his head against the wall, and Link realized this was responsible for the shaking walls as much as the people above were. Dexter the Deku was pacing in circles. The old man Spades and Bulblin had been harassing began to whimper, and Bulblin took the opportunity to slam the man across the head with a fist, sending him to the floor. The Moblin made sure no guard was looking and then planted a foot on the man’s neck, pressing. Link determinately looked further down the group, not needing to witness this.


Near the gate to the left the Darknut was sharpening his gargantuan blade, and the man in the tight green suit was mumbling incoherently. Behind them Scar was staring straight down the gateway. He looked as close to being giddy as Link ever expected to see him.


Link turned back, facing straight ahead down the long passage, into the iron bars. He began to feel tense and knew he had to relax, as he had always been able to do before battles long ago, in his former life. Link closed his eyes and breathed deep. He tried to forget that he was a fugitive of Hyrule about to enter the most prominent event in the nation’s modern era. He began to throw out of his mind that he was moments away from stepping out onto sands where blood would be shed over and over. He managed to let go of the fact that he was about to find himself in the same chamber with the man who had destroyed him and the princess that had forsaken him…


A thunderous bell, like that of a temple, rang outside and echoed through the antechamber. Link could he a roar outside; it must have been applause. Soldiers pushed forward, stepping in front of the passages. The one in front of Link motioned for him to come, and as Link began to walk the iron bars at the end slowly but surely rose to the ceiling. Behind him Link could hear the clanging footsteps of Fox and the many behind him. The lead soldier had them pause at the edge of the passage for a moment, and then with another wave began to lead them outside.


Link took another deep breath, and then stepped out into the light.

---

"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

Very well done. I just have two problems:

1: Screw you for leaving us on such a suspense-filled cliff hangar. You'd better be writing the next part as I type this.

2: Referring to that one combatant as "soldier guy" is a little goofy. It wouldn't hurt to call him Fox.

Keep it up.

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Wrath Mania

1.Screw you for calling it a hangar.

2. I concur. Consider it altered.

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein

Tom

Screw you for hating on hangars. Where would you park your plane without them, can you answer that, wise guy?

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Wrath Mania

Fool. Because of your actions, no new chapter tonight!

That and because I want everyone else to feel the pain of a cliffhanger. Ahah. Haha. TIME TO ABANDON SHIP.

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"Long live impudence. It's my guardian angel in the world." --Einstein