Link mounted the last step, taking in his surroundings. The unmistakeable sound of singing reached his ears and he glanced around in search of the singer. When he caught sight of the golden-haired girl he had been longing to see again, his heart fluttered. Behind her stood the tall, thin figure of Impa, and behind her loomed a massive structure, constantly turning round and round, illuminated in blue and violet.

The Gate of Time.

Between him and the Gate stretched a patterned stone bridge leading to an entrance long since caved in. Link moved toward the viaduct, his only thought being to reach Zelda and take her in his arms, tell her how much he'd missed her, how he'd worried for her safety.

It's her. It's really her, Fi, he told the sword spirit excitedly.

"Yes, Master."

Zelda had turned to face Link, her face lighting up in a beautiful smile. Link broke into a sprint.

Then all hell broke loose.

The blocked entrance erupted in a shower of falling stones. Link stumbled back, narrowly avoiding being crushed. The skies suddenly turned dark. Clouds of dust poured forth from the entrance. A chilling laugh filled the air.

I know that voice.

Then a figure emerged, soaring through the air and landing light on his feet, sword in hand. Link ground his teeth in anger.

Ghirahim.

The ebony blade slashed upward, a wall of shimmering diamonds springing up before Link.

"No!"

He shot an alarmed look at Zelda and Impa stood on the other end of the bridge. Ghirahim turned in their direction too, a self satisfied smirk on his pale lips. He shot forward, Impa racing to meet him. They collided in a blinding flash of blue light. Ghirahim pulled back, seemingly surprised. Impa stood immovable, her hands raised, the heels of her palms together. Ghirahim slashed at her again and another ripple of blue light appeared between them. Link stared in awe.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

It's a shield.

"Skyling."

Link turned at the sound of the voice, his eyes widening at the sight of the green and silver clad figure.

"You," he said.

"We have unfinished business," the girl said, summoning a sword out of thin air.

Link reached for the Goddess Sword wordlessly.

"Didn't you learn your lesson the first two times?" he demanded, casting a subtle glance at the slowly dissipating barrier between him and the bridge.

The mismatched eyes narrowed.

"I did."

She sprang at him, quick as lightning. Her sword caught on his, sparks flying. Link stumbled back a step, surprised at the sheer force of the blow.

I don't remember her being this strong.

"Master," Fi spoke up, "The spirit is producing a much larger aura then when last we fought her."

How?

"I do not know, Master. It would seem she has somehow sharpened her abilities."

But that's not possible for a sword spirit, is it?

"I believed not, but it would appear that I was wrong."

The girl hacked at him viciously, barely giving Link enough time for a counter attack. As his adversary drew back for another blow, he could see that her silver eye was glowing. The glow seemed to spread, pouring into her blade and feeding the power behind her strikes. She hit harder, faster than ever before, blinding him, forcing him further and further back. Ghirahim's barrier had already disappeared, but Link had no hope of running to Zelda's rescue. He was fighting a battle for his very life. Again and again, blows rained down on him till it seemed there were ten swords rather than one. Link lost his footing and went down. A boot caught the hilt of the Goddess Sword, sending it spinning out of his grip.

"Master!"

I'm sorry, Fi.

As his shield was wrenched aside, he closed his eyes, waiting for the final blow. He heard a scream.

I'm sorry, Zelda.

He waited.

And waited.

Confused, he opened his eyes, unsure as to whether or not he was already dead. The girl stood over him, the point of her sword at his throat. But she didn't go for the kill. She just stood there as if frozen.

She had that look in her eyes, the same look he'd seen at the end of their first fight.

Confusion. Pain.

And anger.

"Who are you?" Link whispered.

This time he got an answer, but it was one that only served to puzzle him further.

"I don't know."

Then suddenly she was gone, the only sign that she had ever been there a bright point of silver light. Link had no time to ponder her words. He snatched up the Goddess Sword and raced to join the fight.