Of Shadows And Mirrors (Epona, open)

[Epona]

My attention turned toward the voice calling to me. As I saw the figure, I heard a crash then a thud. I turned toward Dark Link who was laying there on the ground unconscience. Darn! I missed it! Then I looked back at the figure in the distance. It was Ilia! Darn! Apparently it was bath time. I lower my head and walked slowly toward Ilia showing great disappointment. I was just begining to have fun with the scarey lonely guy.

[Dark Link]

I lay there until night falls, drifting away into strange dreams that are not all my own. Some how, I can't seem to bring myself to hate the horse...

[Epona]

Night conquered the sky and I was in the mood for a run through Hyrule Field once more.

I galloped in a lighting speed feeling only a gentle breeze flowing through my mane. Up ahead laid the young man I meet earlier today. I thought for sure he'd left a few hours ago.

I trotted to his feet and laid at his side and fell asleep.

[Dark Link]

I continue to lay in silence with my face to the ground. I do not sleep, for dreams are no longer pleasant. I do not move, for I wish to rest. So I lay there, only vaguely aware of my surroundings.

The cool night air rushes over me. I can feel the darkness giving me strength once again. I feel something warm beside me suddenly, but I sense no threat to kill so I ignore it for now.

[Link]

It wasn't like Epona to wonder off like that. She knew that I'd come visit her after sunset everyday at Lon Lon Ranch. But when I got there this time, she wasn't there. She always loved to run around Hyrule Field, so I headed in that direction which brought me to where I am.

I wondered on foot letting my feet carry me in any direction. Then, from a distance, I sensed a great deal of power. As I drew closer to the source, I caught in my sight a large figure resembling Epona sleeping with a black dressed figure holding the great power I sensed earlier. My slow strides grew quicker within each step. I knew who Epona was with, and I didn't not like the sight one bit.

[Dark Link]

A soul. I sensed it the moment it saw me. Not just any soul. With a wicked sneer I stood up, ignoring the horse that slept beside of me and drawing my sword.

I may not have gained much power since we last fought, but it just wouldn't be right to ignore him this close to me.

[Link]

As the figure drew out his sword and took his shield into hand, and did the same. I stopped in my tracks, only a few yards from the dark figure, whom I finally recognize was Dark. I whistled summoning my steed. Epona rose from her slumber and galloped to my side. I only wanted her out of the way so she won't get involved any more.

"You are a complete danger to those around us; especially my loved ones," I yelled as our eyes finally met. My hatred for this dark-hearted monster grew rapidly within my words."Maybe I should kill you once and for all. . ."

[Dark Link]

"As if you could. You're in the dark now, Link. This is my time. You can't kill me like this. Not that you ever could."

Dark was grinning from ear to ear. It was not a pleasant grin. Not only did he feel the strength returning to him in full force, but he had seen a glimpse of something he had waited for a long time to see: a flicker of fear in Link's eyes.

The moment Epona had gotten away, there was nothing but courage and determination on Links face. Still, that one moment had been enough to get Dark drunk with evil insanity. He wanted to see Link really afraid, not just a moment of worry.

"A pity your horse is so obedient. I had been looking for someone fun to play with. Then again, Hyrule is a big place. Should I go play with the Zora royal family, or maybe one of the Gorons...or perhaps that beautiful young princess you are so fond of."

The last part was said in a deathly whisper.

[Link]

Those words. . .

He truely has no soul. . .

I let my anger control my actions and my feet took off running with great force. I felt my sword raise behind my shoulder and my shield cover me.

When Dark was finally in my reach, I made an attempt to slash his chest in half, but he was too quick. Before my sword could pierce his shoulder, he leapped to the side and made a counter attack. I was force to the ground with a great blow and blood sprinkled in the air. My forearm was cut, but I was able to spring back up in my fighting stance ready to dodge another move.

[Dark Link]

I grin like a madman as my sword grazes Link's arm, drawing a bit of blood with it. Eager to press my advantage, I charge forward and slash wildly at Link, but he springs back to his feet and dodges my swing to the side.

I swing again, and this time my sword rings out as it clashes with his shield. I block a blow from his sword with my own shield, and we stand there for a moment, weapons locked against each other.

"What's the matter Link? Loosing your touch? Or is your mind a bit preoccupied with something?"

[Link]

I only smerked to show no fear.

I leaped back to unlock our block and jumped in for another blow, but again he dodged it. This time, he went appove me and shot back down with his word aiming for me below him. I rolled off to the side and waited for his landing. Dark tried get back on his feet, but his sword was locked into the ground. Seeing him strugle, I forced my sword across my shoulder.

But I couldn't believe what I saw. Only a scratch on his left cheek. He must have gotten his sword out and tried to roll out of the way when I striked.

[Dark Link]

"That's more like it. This won't be any fun if you don't fight seriously."

I lick the blood from my cheek and charge forward once again. This time, I spin around with one of my strongest sword attacks, keeping my shield down in hopes that Link will try to get under it. Instead, he dances back, avoiding the move till it's finished. Then he attacks again. I parry with my sword, which flashes blood red as if with a bloodlust to match my own.

[Link]

I made my move when in the east rose a bright light. It's was morning and power raced through me. I mimiced Dark's move and my sword flashed sun light. The glowing sword lashed Dark's torso. It seemed now that the darkness of night vanished in the glow of sun light, he's slowing down.

[Dark Link]

(Man, that was a really short night. It was just getting dark when we started.) With a cry of rage at the rising sun and the blow Link had landed, Dark jumped back and disappeared suddenly into a blood red portal.

[Link]

Maybe next time. . .

Feeling relief, I put my sword and shield away, mount my horse, and took off toward Lon Lon Ranch.