"Shoot the beasts! Stop them from getting the siege engines in place!" Hollered Okler as his archers took aim.

Link followed suit, but where his arrows struck, the animals either burst into flame or froze. Minutes dragged on as the beasts fell one by one, but not before pulling several of the catapults and ballistas into range. The bombardments began on the gate, each stone striking it loudly, pounding away on the wood as it pounded away on the men's fortitude.

Okler again began shouting orders as two columns of his men approached bearing heavy rocks to help bolster the gate. "Listen up! They're going to break down the door, but we have to give the townsfolk time to get out of here. They've just now being told we're under attack so we have to hold them as long as possible! Bring in more supports! If the gate falls triple form on columns at the gate and hold them off!"

Guards jumped to attention, the men on the walls already having been ordered to fire arrows until they ran out. "Link! I need you to join me behind the gate. Between the two of us we can stem their attack by a few minutes." More rocks struck the gates, causing the wood to splinter. A few of the archers were trying to pick off the operators of the siege engines but were having little success.

One particularly annoying man was taunting them by showing his ass, but a portion of the siege engine was blocking him from reprisal. Link nocked his bow and released. The arrow flew through the wood and entered the man's anus, stopping as it struck his brain. He toppled over dead.

Link jumped from atop the wall. Okler jumped down to join him. At the forefront of his mind was Malon's weeping face giving him courage for what he was about to do. He did not wish to die, but he brought her here. He stopped a pace from the other knight. "When the gate falls stand behind me."

He turned around and went to the straining gate where teams of men were leaning beams of wood against it. Link took a deep breath and steadied his heart.

The gate was ten feet in width, but there was rubble all around it, placed there to slow down the invaders when they got through. If he were going to defend it he would need length. He sheathed his sword and shield and pulled out his greatsword. There would be no defense against these raiders, only his attacks, and no matter the injuries he would not fall nor fail.

"Move!" He roared and the men scattered as they eyed his large weapon. Link took a few swings and cleared the supports away. Another volley of rocks smashed into the gate and it was about to cave inward without the supports. Another round of it would collapse. Link calmed himself and waited.

A moment later the gate smashed in and a roar could be heard from the outside, accompanied by the sounds of hundreds of armor clad men rushing forward. In a blink Link placed himself in the gap and stabbed his sword into the ground. He pulled out his bow and his bombs. With quick motions he lit seven and tossed them on the ground. It took him one second to stab one with an arrow, nock it, and release. Seven seconds later the front line of the army was torn asunder.

Seven seconds later the next row fell, but still they came, trying to press through the gate without dying. Above the guards were launching their own volleys.

Another volley of bomb arrows and they were almost upon him. His hands were a blur as he released arrow after arrow, each one causing a death. Soon he was out of arrows and his boomerang and bombs went flying, the occasional debris from the explosions this close flying over his head. Link launched deku nuts to blind them and his hookshot to kill, until they were only feet away. His hands sprang onto his sword and he unleashed himself upon them.

With massive swings he was a whirlwind of death and blood, where ever he struck they fell, bodies piling around him. A few managed to get through but were killed by Okler and his group's spears. The flood seemed endless as Link pushed himself to move faster and faster, straining against the sheer number of bodies pressing forward. Inch by inch the living got closer before they died, to point where Link could feel their breath on his nose.

Slowly he began to give ground, making them pay for every foot with their lives. More and more streamed against him and he slashed and cut and stabbed, receiving more than his own share of wounds in the process. Through gritted teeth he kept fighting through loss of blood and getting tired, never before had he moved this fast. Faster and faster until all they saw was the sun reflected off his weapons and the green of his arms.

It was not enough, because he began to slow and they began to pour in around him until he could hold the ground no longer and fell, a sword wound deep into his stomach. He cried in pain as hundreds of feet pounded over him, bruising and battering his body. He tripped as many as he could, but it was pointless. He whipped out his hookshot and fired, hoping it would connect with the wooden wall. It snagged and he pulled himself from the stream of bodies. He climbed onto the walkway on top of the wall. There he leaned over and panted, the wound not stopping. Since he was not near death the fae he had bottled were not ready to unleash their magic.

Okler and his guard were now holding the line, keeping them from the town's fleeing residents, Link could see them weakening as the seconds ticked by. He glanced behind Okler's forces and froze as two familiar blue eyes beheld him. Malon was standing behind a house, her mouth gaping in shock. Unshed tears in her eyes as she thought he had died to the horde of bodies. Link stood on shaky legs. It was then a loud roar could be heard from the houses.

The men on the walls cheered as a large group of Gorons came rolling through the houses. As they reached the crumbling guard-line, where Okler had already fallen dead, they brandished axes and large maces in defense. They plugged the holes and with their weight kept the men back. Link gave a final look to Malon's whose eyes widened in fear. She voiced a silent, "No." He ignored it and dropped back into the fight.

It seemed eternity slowly passed as the invaders kept dying without end, until almost impossibly they turned and retreated. Out of the five hundred only one hundred and fifty lived to fall back. The attack was over.

Link was seated against the wall, far removed from the bodies and Guards. A bandage was wrapped tightly around his stomach to stave off the bleeding. He was saving the fae for the Oni. He had chosen this quiet corner to tend to himself because he had grown weary of the stares the guards had been giving him. He understood it was not everyday people got to witness him hold off an army single-handedly, but that did not mean he had to enjoy their gaping mouths.

He was exhausted and lightheaded. As he let his head dip he began to doze.

He slept for second until shaking hands woke him. "Please don't die." Came a plea.

"I'm won't. Just tired." He mumbled, his eyes closing again.

"Don't go to sleep!" Was the frantic reply.

He smiled feebly. He was worse off than he thought. "Bottle in my back pouch. It's got a pair of fairies. Release one around me." Wobbly hands worked their way around to his back and fumbled with his pouch. He winced as she struck a wound.

"Sorry."

Minutes later the pink glow of the fairy was surrounding him, banishing his wounds and replenishing his lost blood. It was a shame they did not to heal his exhaustion. He smiled at Malon. "Thanks."

She sat there across from him speechless, unable to put into words how she felt about what she had seen. Until, "How?"

He shrugged. "I guess I'm just a hero." Honestly he did not know the why behind his abilities, just that he had them. He assumed it was one reason Farore had chosen him keep her piece of the Triforce.

She shook her head and wiped a few stray tears from her eyes. "Don't ever do that again. I…don't." Her eyes were intense, filled with a desperate emotion.

Link looked away, memories of a similar expression residing on Zelda's features. "I can't promise that. I have a duty to uphold." He hated saying it, because it had been those words uttered by Zelda that had contributed to him leaving in the first place. He had returned to cast that burden aside, but he could not so long as the Oni stalked the kingdom.

Malon's face grew desperate as forgotten feelings bubbled to the surface, as wistful daydreams involving him and her were remembered. She looked away, confusion addling her mind. As she had witnessed Link's unparalleled feat she was amazed, but more than that she had been terrified of losing him. A friend since childhood and she had remained close to through letters. And just after losing her home and family, his lose would be too much.

"Please." She tried again, this time begging him.

Her voice rended his heart, but he was duty bound to end this threat. He looked away from her deep blue eyes. "No."

Silence hung between them for a long moment before Link could no longer bare it. He stood up and walked passed her, ignoring the sob that escaped her lips. Maybe when this was all said and done he could give in to her wishes, but for now he still needed his sword and shield.

It was in that moment that a dark laughter invaded his mind, sending chills through his body. He frantically looked around but saw nothing. Then the laughter stopped and he could hear the Oni's words.

I have fought countless battles and waged hundreds of wars. There is nothing you can do to stop me, hero. Nothing save give me your body…unleash me upon the world once more. When I am finally weakened by war I will go away again to await another to don me. It has happened too many times to stop and you have already begun the process. Give in to me…

No! Link thought back vehemently. I'd rather die!

Fool! This very moment I walk out of the forest! Another has donned my cage, but it is you I want! It is your thirst for battle I need! Give in to me!

Link fell to his knees and gripped his head, pain wracking his body. He distantly heard Malon cry with shock, but he was too focused on the battle waging in his mind. Of a foreign entity trying to dominate him. He fought it off, realizing that some part of the Oni was still within him and had waited for this moment to attack. Had waited for him to return to the Kingdom. The Oni had sent those men and that army at him from its own memories in order to exhaust him. Yet, he was still too strong for it as he pushed the parasite away.

I'll not let you in! I'm am myself!

A dark chuckled was the response. You think you are tired now? Come out of your town and face me in combat fool. Show to me you are the stronger. If you do not I will make all you care about suffer.

Fear gripped Link like a vise, so strong was it he felt a need to flee. To run away and cast aside his weapons to save himself. Never before had he been struck with this emotion, not even when faced against Ganon. Yet with shaking hands and palid features he rose to his feet and shrugged off Malon's worried hands. Not even registering her presence he slowly worked his weak legs out the gate and into the field.

"Oh Nayru…Link, don't!" Came Malon's frantic call, somehow she had understood he was again going to do battle.

Fear stopped her at the gate as she watched horror-stricken. Link carefully made his way into the field, his body's every fiber and instinct screaming for him to run.

You are a strong one. Mocked the voice.

"Face me demon." He whispered, his sword and shield readied.

"With pleasure, Hero of Time." Before him was the Oni. He was Link's height and shared his features, save his tunic and armor were white and decorative. White hair replaced blonde, and the pupils were gone from his eyes. Red and blue tattoos covered his face and in his hands was clasped a massive blade of two entwining edges. He regarded Link and grinned. "If you lose, hero, you're mine."

Link looked into the malevolent eyes and gulped. Sweat roamed his body and he fought to slow his erratic breathing. "I said I would die first."

The Oni shook its head. "It doesn't work like that. This battle between us is in part happening in your mind, and thanks to my powers of bending thought into the world, when I kill you…I conquer your body."

Link's heart hammered in his chest, but a nagging thought struck him. Why was he afraid? There was no logical reason behind it. Yet, wasn't fear illogical…Link's courage soared as a revelation came to him. The Oni was in his mind and had somehow projected himself from it. He had always been in his mind, but weakened the farther from his mask he was. Now he was strong enough to exist in the world, but not strong enough to conquer Link. Yet, if he was in Link's mind could he also make Link feel something? Something that would hamper his ability to fight?

Armed with this knowledge his body calmed and he spoke. "I don't fear you. I've never been afraid of you."

The Oni's grin disappeared. "You're smart but still doomed."

Link stretched for a moment, feeling his body ready itself for combat. "And you're a fool for this. If I kill you you'll no longer be in my head and I'll be free of you."

"Until I emerge from the forest! Then you'll face me again and then I won't be so merciful!"

Link shrugged, his blood pumping and his limbs aching for combat. "I'll kill you then, too."

The silence stretched and Link felt old memories bubbling up. Of all the close calls he had received in the past and all the deaths he had both seen and brought. For a moment he thought the Oni was again playing with him, but he realized it was his own mind reminding him of what happened each time he fought. That maybe this was a road he should not be so eager to embrace for he had endured much pain from it. Malon's recent tragedy struck out in particular. Those that follow the Way of the Warrior must be prepared to endure pain.

Had he not come home to put aside his sword? Had he not returned yearning for a peaceful life? Yet, so long as evil existed how could he put down his sword, knowing he could have stopped it and saved yet another kingdom? But how could continue down this path if all it brought him was more painful memories and close brushes with death?

The Oni laughed. "Such an appropriate time to settle such quandaries."

Link scowled at him.

"Admit it, hero. You enjoy battle. You revel in it. Allow me to conquer and all those angsty fears will evaporate."

"No."

"Then let me help you settle the issue."

"How?"

"By winning." The Oni surged forward, its twined blade seeking Link's neck. Link rolled forward and slashed at the Oni's legs, the massive blade sailing over him. The Oni side-stepped with ease and jumped away, unleashing a halo of energy. Link surged to the side and avoided it. For a few moments the two of them circled, gauging the other's speed and strength. The Oni rushed forward and began a series of quick stabs, made awkward from a weapon more suited to slashing. Link parried most with ease, until one came so fast he would not dodge in time. He blocked with his shield, but the weapon slid through it like paper.

He reacted too slow and received a wound on his stomach. The Oni laughed and pressed the attack, utilizing the same speed. Link grit his teeth and launched an offensive, throwing his shield away in the process. With two hands behind his sword he easily overpowered the shocked Oni. He delivered a vicious kick to his abdomen and tried to decapitate him. The demon leaped away, but Link was on him still, his sword coming alive in his experienced hands. The Oni, recovering from the shock of Link's speed, met him with equal skill and precision.

Far removed from the battle, watching in awe along with several Gorons and guards, was Malon. Her mind was a mess of emotion and fear as she watched Link do battle with the strange reflection of himself. As she had witnessed the being attacking her home she had not realized how much he resembled Link. Even to her untrained eye they fought using similar methods, trying to overpower the other through speed or strength.

Link suddenly used a dizzying spin attack that unleashed bloody energy all around him. He followed it by creating a dome of fire that expanded outward. Both seemed to catch the Oni by surprise as the flames seared its tunic, while the spin attack cut a trail across his chest and arms. The demon fell to its knees in pain and Link was there slashing. But the demon at the last moment raised its weapon, allowing Link to impale himself upon it. The world stopped for everyone watching as they saw the massive blade sticking out of Link's back, his red blood spilling from it.

Shocked Link let his sword fall to the ground as the Oni slowly stood and pushed his sword all the way into Link's chest, stopping when the hilt struck him. It grinned maniacally, as Link found blood welling up in his mouth.

The Oni reached around and smashed the bottle in Link's belt and laughed as the fairy spun around Link, healing his wound. The hero writhed in agony as again the sword tore apart his lungs and body, from still being imbedded in his chest. "Having fun anymore, hero? I can watch you suffer all day long." The Oni twisted the sword sharply and Link cried out in agony. He howled even longer when the demon jerked the sword from his body, leaving a gaping hole. Link fell to the ground. "Is this one of those moments you dreaded so much?" The Oni laughed cruelly.

Link stared at the open sky as he felt the Oni's presence in his mind beginning to unravel. He felt tendrils of it slowly invading his psyche and as the seconds ticked by those tendrils disappeared, merging into him. Memories not his own consumed him while thoughts and actions alien began to bloom like flowers in spring. The world was not a place worth defending, but a battlefield yearning for combat. He was not an instrument of peace, but a vehicle of war.

Laughter broke his thoughts and he looked to see the Oni straggling Malon, her body jerking in the air. "You came to save him?" A sharp laugh. "You only came to see him die."

Malon. Resolve flooded him and he desperately sought a way to survive. The Oni was becoming him, yet there it stood with a body all its own. If it could take over his body, could he not take over its? He gathered his wits and pushed through their shared connection, trying to replicate what the Oni was doing to him. Its eyes bloomed in shock and it dropped Malon before grabbing its chest and screaming, falling to the ground in the process. Link pressed on, using the Oni's memories against it, letting them show him how to do it. The Oni fought back, but it was not his mind so he had not the strength of will. It had relied solely on technique to manipulate the Hero of Time, but now Link had that same technique.

Seconds ticked away as the two struggled, Link slowly winning. Then suddenly he lost all thought of himself and his world went black.

He was the Oni, a representation of combat and war. A man created to cleave through kingdoms with numerous hosts at its beck and call. Women held not joy or pleasure to him for he knew not lust. Only the screams of the dying satiated any need within him. Only the cries of the desperate slacked his need to fight. Only the blood staining his hands and sword could satisfy the immeasurably need he felt to fight. Always there in the back of his mind, forever driving him onward. Forever…

With a mental fight Link regained his sense of self and fought back the terror he had felt of losing himself to another. Renewed by that terror and longing to remain himself, he rallied his will power and did a final thrust into the Oni's mind, not melding but ousting the creature and sending it into the body it wanted.

From an outside observer they would see two men struggling and jerking on the ground until both ceased moving.

Time slowly passed before Malon crawled over to Link and wept, seeing the gaping wound in his chest and the breath no longer passing between his lips. Suddenly the Oni's body moved and she started in surprise. Frozen by fear, sadness, and shock she watch as the white-haired demon went rifled Link's body. It removed from the dead body a blue ocarina. It pressed the instrument to his lips and played a song filled with nostalgia and quiet sadness. As the instrument left his lips he reached out and gripped her hand.

She tried to get away but a green light enveloped them, carrying her away.

Hesitantly the Gorons and guards exited the town, their gaping mouths a testament to how they felt. With slow movements they reached the point where the amazing hero's body lay dead. Many mourned for his loss and the sacrifice he had made there would never be forgotten. With unsteady hands they dug him a grave, placing his sword as a gravestone. His tale would eventually reach the ears of Queen Zelda, along with his exploits against Trevin's Hammer and the town of raiders by Lake Hylia. Link, the Hero of Time and First Knight of Hyrule would be forever honored as an example of what one man could accomplish.