Trials Of Royalty - Act X I I I

[Ryuu Atrineas]

For once, Gravitor seems a little unsure. Ryo bends down, not facing away from his foe, and picks up his sword. Upon touching it, the sword begins to glow bright white as well. Its form begins to change, growing longer and the side decor a different shape. The light dies away and the watching crowd witnesses the sword has changed from a Broadsword to a Claymore! The long blade is silver and reflective with symbols that glow like fire etched into the blade. The hilt is completely golden, the attachment to the blade looking like the Triforce, and the side decor like the wings of the Hyrulean Eagle. The body and feet are etched into the hilt. Its long handle is textured for a wonderful grip and the end holds a single ruby in a swirled form like the Kokiri Emerald's golden base. A long red cloth is tied at the back of the hilt, the symbols of the thre Goddesses displayed upon it.

What's more, Ryo's holding that two-handed sword with only one hand!

"I told you that I would not stand and let you destroy Hyrule," Ryo repeats. "I will fight you for its freedom from your grasp."

He points his blade at the demon, looking very angry.

"And I will make sure you never return."

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda leaned her head back as the sword changed form, she then swallowed hard while imagining just how heavy it was, what's more Ryo was wielding it in just one hand.

She picked herself up from her lying position so that she was sitting on her knees.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

(you'll probably want to listen to "1" from Twilgiht Princess as you read this)

Gravitor holds his hand forward and black particles come from seemingly nowhere and converge to his hand.

"You seem to forget who it is you are dealing with," he says simply. "I am the ArchDemon and Overlord of Shade. The Hero of Time failed to destroy me. You were unable to keep me from appearing once again. Why is it I should fear you, Fire Deity or not? You cannot keep me away forever. Even if I lose this day, I will come back to haunt your decendants."

The dark matter forms into a horrific and twisted blade, that seems to have organic material on it - even with an eye!

"Why should you fear me?" Ryo asks, not phased. "Because as mortal or angel, I judged your body. Now, as one of the holy beings of the highest heavens, I judge your soul."

Gravitor wastes no time in swinging his blade out at Ryo, who stops the heavy blow with his own sword!

"Wow!" Saria gasps.

"What strength!" Darunia smiles, praisingly. "This should go well-Goro!"

Gravitor swings his blade again and Ryo blocks again, but this time he thrusts his wings forward to send wind to set Gravitor off balance. He then grabs the sword with his other hand and pushes out with the hilt, knocking Gravitor back. Ryo jumps backwards to get some distance. He takes a deep breath as Gravitor rushes towards him. Then suddenly Ryo blows out fire - but this fire is so intense, so hot, so powerful, it's a clear flame! They can't see it, only the warped, distorted air rush past the demonic being, at first setting him ablaze. When the fire passes completely, the fire on the beast-like fiend dies off. black dust falls from him... ashes. But this doesn't stop him. That would've been too easy.

Gravitor swings his blade around in a spinning motion and Ryo blocks once again. Gravitor then punches Ryo in the face, brings his sword up and bashes it into his head! Ryo stumbles back, but he doesn't fall over. He then rushes at the holy man and kicks him in the stomach. In responce, Ryo spits a fireball as he stumbles backwards again. Now Ryo makes that aggressive movement, punching Gravitor in the stomach to make him bend over a little, then he grabs the sharp hair and spins around, yanking on Gravitor's head. He slams him into the floor, jumps and spins forward in the air with his blade out and slams it onto the demon's back, forcing him to yell.

When the ArchDemon gets up, he yells out in rage and slashes with his claws but only swipes air. Ryo seings his sword forward, the blade suddenly blazing in fire, and Gravitor blocks with his horrific sword. The demon thrusts Ryo back, then dashes forth, head-butting the holy one. But Gravitor's the one who gets more pain. There's a burn where the symbol touched his head. Ryo dashes to the fiend, but is met with a beam of dark energy Gravitor fires out of his hand! He's thrown back, but his wings keep him from going down. Ryo sneers, then takes to the skies! Furious about Ryo's ability, Gravitor roars like a lion as he closes his eyes to concentrate his power on himself. Then, wings tear through Gravitor's back; wings with holes in the sails, bat-like and boney. However, these wings cause enough lift to get him up.

"So now we take our fight to the skies..." Gravitor grins. "Let's see how much turbulance you can take, boy..."

"Do it," Ryo dares, looking both confident and ready for more.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda couldn't help but watch admirably. She was just unable to take her eyes off the holy being, her heated face lifted to the skies as the two did, a smile upon her face, yet it seemed to lessen as she caught a glimpse of the ArchDemons tainted and torn dark wings.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Ryo and Gravitor rush at each other in the air, their weapons shining in the twilight of the day. They bash their blades together in a high-impact collision. They thrust thirs weapons forward, pushing off each other, then rush back to collide again and again. Then Gravitor throws his blade like a saw and it slashes into Ryo's body, hitting several times! Ryo grunts at his pain, but he refuses to let Gravitor hear him scream again. It seems Zelda's bravery has been something Ryo really took to heart, as he's doing it himself. The blade returns to it master, who flies up to the holy one and kicks him in the chest, throwing him backwards. Ryo breathes deeply a few times, then his eyes flash white. They can all tell that he's very angry now. Ryo clenches his fists and suddenly they burst into flames! The fire reaches up all the way to his elbows. He flies like a missile back to the enemy and punches him in the face, leaving a mark due to the branding heat.

Gravitor claws Ryo's chest, forcing him back, but Ryo returns with not a brawling punch, but a quick swipe of his sword, slashing the demon's arm. With the burning heat making him distracted, Ryo kicks this time, forcing Gravitor not backwards, but down. He dives after him, but Gravitor spins around and swipes his blade. It marks Ryo's arm with not a clean cut, but a messy rip; the edges of his sword tear as they cut. Not liking that, Ryo swings his leg around and nails Gravitor's back with the spiked ankle of his boot. Roaring in pain, his tail wraps around Ryo and throws him to the ground, making a crater and throwing dust into the air. But before the dust can even settle, Ryo darts back into the air like a bullet.

"That's... one heck of a bodyguard you have..." Eye breathes, recalling her comment last time those two fought.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda gave a slow, agreeing nod. Several, in fact.

"...I... think I'm falling in love all over again." she began to smile with her eyes closed, raising her arms to cuddle herself.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Gravitor swings his sword, clashing against Ryo's again. This time, Ryo pulls back and swings his sword - but not at Gravitor. This time, he makes a horrific gash in the organic material of the demon's blade! The sword screams in agony. With an open wound exposed to such holiness of a deity, the sword's insides begin to melt down. The weapon Gravitor had to use against Ryo dies within seconds.

"My... my sword...!" Gravitor gasps. He then roars loudly, rushing at Ryo and clawing at him like a mad man. His strikes scar Ryo's body. With him temporarily disabled, Gravitor flies up then stomps on Ryo's body, sending him earthbound. The fire-haired one crashes again into the platform. He crawls out fairly quickly and begins to lift into the air again.

Ryo, beginning to grow tired, begins to feel energy flow into his wings. Energy that creates a flaming aura around them. His hands and forearms blaze brighter as he begins to spin in the air like a top, his wings outward. Feathers come flying off of them, but this doesn't endanger him any. He continues to spin and Gravitor looks a little unsure about what's going to happen. Then, Ryo stops spinning and thrusts his hands forward. The feathers rush at Gravitor, shining with light and flames. Gravitor flies backwards and up, turning and spiralling however he can to avoid the feathers. Alas for him, the feathers follow his trail, and even pass him to swirl around. Others cut through his wings and others cut his body, leaving burns from fire and light. They finally encircle the demon, closing in rapidly and detonating on contact. The villain screeches in pain and plummits to the platform below.

With a significant crash that kicks up dust, Gravitor crawls out of the crater he has made. Ryo drops from the sky and lands on the platform himself. He holds his blade out then up. Zelda's Triforce begins to shine brightly. The Sages gain their symbols, glowing on their foreheads. Eye's sheikah mark over her eye starts to light and Rebé's forehead bares the Gerudo symbol. Beams of light pour out from these symbols and enter into the blade, which starts to glow very brightly itself. Flames envelop the sword completely.

"What... What is this...?" Gravitor asks, sounding in horror.

"This is your punishment, Gravitor; your judgement. Your soul will be destroyed into nothing, your efforts for evil in vain and light's bridge to pass into the realms you so dearly wished to destroy," Ryo answers. "My Mothers always... always... keep their promises. My faith is unhindered."

He swings his blade back then swipes diagonally, slashing Gravitor's chest once. Then Ryo swings again, creating an X on his chest. Then, with a loud battle cry, he stabs in the center of the X. Gravitor's eyes widen significantly, as he gasps, "No...! No...!! It... It can't be...!!"

Ryo keeps his blade where it is, only moving it inside more, the blade piercing out the back while he himself bares his teeth. Gravitor's body begins to shimmer and light courses through, destroying him from the inside, out.

"N-N-N-NOOOOoooooo....!!" the foe's voice echoes as it fades. Light begins to flood the air, beginning to blind everyone. "NOO-OO-OO-oo-oo-oo....!!!"

- ! ! ! ! ! KA-THOOOOOMM ! ! ! ! ! -

As the light begins to fade, everyone can finally see there is nothing left of Gravitor. Finally, his body is gone and his spirit vanquished. Not only he, but Brutus too. Ryo at first is still in the position he was. Then his shoulders lower, as does his head. He's done the duty he started months ago. No longer will that monster ever threaten Hyrule again. Ryo lifts his head again, his mouth forming his usual friendly Ryo-like smile and sees everyone looking at him at first in awe. Then all of a sudden, Ruto, Saria, Nabooru, Rebé, Eye, Iris, and even Darunia begin to cheer loudly for victory.

GRAVITOR DEFEATED!

[Princess Zelda]

As Gravitor met his demise, Zelda at first blinked. Still taken by her amazement. It was long after this her legs strength had returned to them. She literally sprung to her feet. Clapping and cheering loudly. Even Impa couldn't help but join in with the rallying.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Ryo smiles as he hears everyone cheer. He smiles widely. Then, his collar jewel light up as he brings his hand up, no longer on fire. He motions for them to come to him, and the floating platforms all converge to the center platform. He throws his sword at Impa's ankle chains. The sword starts spinning and it slices the chains and curves its path to strike out the other ankle chains of the Sages. Then he catches it to throw it the other way in order to break the wrist chains. When Ryo catches his sword again, he stabs it into the floor and the shackles burst apart, freeing them completely.

With the platforms all together, Zelda can now move to her love once again.

[Princess Zelda]

As the use of her limbs returned to her, the first thing Impa did was rub at her wrists,

"Thank the heavens... those shackles were getting tiresome."

Like a timid kitten, Zelda didn't move to begin with, her ears were a little low, as was her gaze. Her arms remained clung to her as she was unsure if she should bound for Ryo immediately or not, he is the Fire Deity after all.

Casting those thoughts aside, Zelda recalled the words she spoke only moments ago. She lifted her head up again to look upon Ryo once more, she couldn't help but be filled with such joy that could have made her heart burst. Only walking to him at first, she was quick to lift her skirts to enable herself to run for him,

"Love~!" she began to cheer as she ran, "oh love! You were simply wonderful!"

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Horray!" Saria jumps.

"Finally!" Ruto sighs.

"Wah ha ha ha ha! Super!" Darunia laughs.

"Whew!" Nabooru stretches. Rebé suddenly hugs Nabooru, as if seeing an old friend again.

Ryo looks at Zelda as she runs to him. Though maybe some would make her bow before them if they were a deity. But Ryo lays down his sword and welcomes her with open arms. When she came into his reach, Ryoholds his srtong arms around her, both in loving and protective ways.

"My love," he purrs softly. He may have had some physical changes, but his voice is still the one she knows so well.

His grasp around her lets her touch his body, which has very much increased heat that one would think would be unbearable. But somehow, Zelda's not burned. In fact, she's not even sweating. This warmth, though most would think extreme, seems comforting. She's hugging the boldily form of the real Son of the Goddesses. As they embrace, his wings cover her, making it seem like - to them - that they're the only ones here. Only they matter at this point, while the others rejoice and hug each other in glorious victory.

When Zelda opens her eyes, she can see her love's body healing on its own.

"You make me complete, my love," he says. "With your light and love, you heal me."

[Princess Zelda]

Being in Ryo's embrace once again caused tears of delight to simply spill from her eyes, she clung to him with all that she had,

"It was... terrifying to see Gravitor return like that" she said between her breaths, "but he's really gone. You've purged his evil essence from these lands love. I couldn't believe my eyes."

She closed her eyes a moment as she nuzzled against Ryo's chest, the feeling she loved so dearly,

"..I... I really don't think there are any words that can express how I feel right now.."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Ryo begin to pet Zelda softly and lovingly. As she's snuggled against him, she can hear Ryo's clear and soothing heartbeat. Ryo looks into Zelda's eyes with his his own. They glisten lovingly, light on them sparkling like stars in the night sky color of his eyes. He may be the Fire Deity, but he's still Ryo; the man Zelda loves.

Words were not said these next few moments. Ryo olds his large arms around her a little tighter to secure her. His hand on her head and his arms around her body, he begins to close his eyes, bending down his neck to touch, no, press his lips onto hers in a sweet and loving embrace of deep love.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda gave a muffled little squeal, slightly taken by surprise by the extra pressure on her delicate lips. Her eyes were quick to join Ryo's in closing, which caused just a little more moisture to exit her eyes. She rose her right arm up so her hand clung to his shoulder as she returned the kiss with some force herself. Her left arm remained hugging his side.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Ryo remains in this position, not wanting it to end. Right now, nothing else mattered. He had his love again and Hyrule and Termina are safe. Eventually, he pulls back but slowly, as if he didn't want to. He whispers to her, "I love you, dearest, sweetest Zelda."

His wings pull back to reveal them holding each other. Ryo kisses Zelda's face, taking her tears away. He looks at her in the eyes a while, saying no words, but their hearts knew what each other was thinking.

"So passionate those two..." Eye says softly. "Iris... those two you see there... have saved my life on more than one occassion. Zelda, the princess of Hyrule, and Ryukenden, the son of the Goddesses."

"Royalty and deity..." Iris states. "And I did not even bow to them...!"

"I don't think you'll have to worry about that," his sister smiles. "I don't think they mind."

"Aww, aren't they sweet?" Saria asks.

"Too bad he's taken..." Ruto frowns.

"Wah ha ha ha ha! Don't look so down-Goro!" Darunia laughs. "We're victorious! We won!"

"But...!" Ruto begins, but gets interupted by Darunia patting her once on the back, nearly throwing her to the floor.

"It's nice to see so many united spirits, eh?" Nabooru asks.

"Yeah," Rebé answers. "I wonder if Iris is seeing someone...?"

Nabooru can't help but laugh.

Ryo looks at the others, still holding Zelda in his arms. He says to them, "Friends, our deeds in this place have been done. Gravitor and Brutus are finally no more. We can now return home."

"But how?" Saria asks.

"I shall bring a portal, given to use by my Mothers," he answers, and the whole floor begins to glow. "You will all return to your homes... Except you, Rebé."

"Eh?" Rebé tilts her head.

"You're coming with Zelda and me," he smiles.

"You...! You mean it...?" she asks. "I don't have to be watched by Arvil anymore?"

"Watched?" Nabooru asks. "What do you mean watched?"

"She has been sought as a tool by the one in charge of the fortress. Her ways are devious and she has been waiting for Rebé's abilities to manifest," Ryo answers.

"What? But... Arvil... How can she...? Oooooh, she's is so going to have it!" the Sage growls. "Don't worry, Rebé... I'll solve this. But until then, I do think you should be with Ryo and Zelda. They've certainly proven themselves."

"Thank you, Nabooru!" Rebé cheers, hugging her.

"Is everyone ready?" Ryo asks.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda smiled as everyone conversed, she lay her head gently against Ryo's chest as she watched them all, but her gaze soon fell on Impa, who was looking over the edge of the platforms.

"Impa...?" she beckoned softly,

Her attendant turned around, but not with her usual solemn expression, but with a smile,

"The land of Termina is vast, isn't it?" she asked, "while it is unfortunate to have seen it under such conditions, it brings comfort to me to know that this land, as well as Hyrule are at peace."

She couldn't help but smirk at these words,

"It is somewhat unusual for a King of land to risk his life for another one."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"This was the very land that Ryo and Zelda had defended those months ago," Eye says, still holding onto her brother. "It makes me smile that you have gotten to see some of it yourself... but sadly, under wrong circumstances."

Ryo suddenly catches something in Impa's words... something that makes him smiles further.

"I am not yet married to Zelda and you view me even now as King?" he asks. "I'm quite flattered, Impa."

"Let's get home now," Ruto says. "I'm sure Father's worried sick over me."

"Mm," Ryo nods. "Shall we, m'love?"

The floor begins to light up from underneath them. Their bodies begin to glow, then all becomes bright to them.

(Continued at the Castle)