Sovelis tracked Zeze with his eyes, watching her moves and waiting for the opportune moment. So... She's calling my bluff? I should have know that it wouldn't have worked. he kept his mind open, hearing the girl's thoughts, hoping to know what she was going to do next. I'm not even able to use Sovel's power anymore... I timed out about half an hour ago... I shouldn't have waisted so much time.

As Zeze attached, with a tight grip, he pointed his sword down, and brought it to his side to block the bard's own blade. I can't hardly stand... only my will is keeping me going... and since I used Sovel, I cannot open any of the Limit Seals today... I doubt that I'll leave here in any better condition than I already am in. He felt the two weapons connect, and tilted his blade. It slid down the length of Zeze's sword and he started to push on it, locking them into a struggle for dominance. "I'm not a dead man yet Zeze. It'll take more than you to kill me!"

Sovelis pushed down with all of his remaining strength, trying to knock his foe down all the way. She's already on one knee... If I can make her slip or something, then it will be over for her...

Gobi smiled slightly as the stalfoes warrior attacked him. The giant man seemed to barely notice that a scythe was being ripped through his flesh, his mind seemed to be on other matters.

Suddenly, he looked down, finally seeming to notice the scythe sticking out of his chest. "Ah, your still here?" Jormund asked, his fist coming down on the stalfos' skull, quite possibly crushing the undead. "Well, quite persistant, weren't you?" Gobi asked, before turning to leave, his scythe dissapearing. "It would seem that I will need to retreat. Even I can't possibly kill the entire Hylian army alone. Besides, it would seem that the one I want isn't here anyway. I will spare you, blood kin. Make good use of your lives." The giant said, warping into nothingness.

And he spoke the truth; already, hylian knights were dropping their swords and picking up hammers and wood. They took to the houses, the prime buildings, the wall; they were begining the reconstruction emiediately.

Everywhere, the last few enemy forces were scrambling to escape the city, the larger packs were rallying around lesser commanders and simply warping out as Gobi had done. A particularly swift moblin came by and grabbed what was left of Cormoros away from under Wraith, and quickly sped of to warp.

Also, people were forming search parties. Just minuets ago, a group of soldiers found the charred remains of General Taimat. They were now looking elsewhere, healing the wounded, looking for bodies.

A fair crowd was now appearing around Sovelis and Zeze. All of them were Hylian, but refrained from attacking Sovelis. Partially out of fear, partially out of respect for the duel.

Hylian Victory!!!

Zeze eyed the crowd briefly, then ignored them completely . Usually, she would do tricks for them, just for a clap or two - but this was a matter of life and death. She felt the force almost toppling her over. She gritted her teeth and muttered through her locked jaw,

"Heh, trying to trip a bard who does tricks for a living?"

The bard realized that if she suddenly withdrew from this struggle, Sovelis may fall on his feet from his own momentum. Zapheta licked her lips, feeling the blood coating them - whether it was hers of someone else's, she did not know. All she had in mind was to get Sovelis down on his feet, or even drop his sword. That would be the first step.. what she'd do after that, she really had no idea. She didn't even know if she would really kill the Tempest or not. Sure, he "stole" Arrika, but she was just afraid that she may regret it later on... and the pain that Arrika would feel... She let go suddenly, releasing herself from the force.

Flipping backwards, she rolled smoothly on the dusty ground, putting a distance between Sovelis and herself. She stood up quickly, her knees bent slightly.

----------

Sakiko watched, satisfied, as she saw the last of the moblins in her area squeal with fear and run. She wiped her bloody staff on her robe, smiling grimly. Suddenly, from the corner of her eyes, she saw a crowd gather... what..? She pushed through the people, and grunted, "Excuse you..." as she pushed over a soldier with his helmet askew. She held her nose, trying to avoid the bloody and sweaty flesh of the Hylians.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she saw that it was Zapheta and Sovelis. Goddesses.

Sovelis fell forward into the dust and onto his own blood covered sword. The blade cut into his chest and down his side, drawing blood and a roar form the crowd. "Urf.... can't... let you beat me... Not until I'm dead I won't give up..." he sounded weak, as if his strenght was fading from him as he spoke. Not good. I'm loosing power too fast now... I'm done for here... I have to get out of here!

He stumbled to his feet, gripping his sword tightly. " T-that was a dirty trick... you little... GAH!" he stood up too fast and opened his wound wider now. "Fine... I guess I'll retreat like the rest of the scum... But mark my words, Zaphatea. I will kill you if I see you at the next battle. That I swear." He turned around and held his hand out. "Now lets see if I have enough power to escape..."

The soldiers all heard this and knew that they couldn't let Sovelis leave. Several drew their swords and rushed at the defeated Tempest, "FOR HYRULE!!!" one shouted, and the others joined in as the closed in on the Dark General. But they acted too late. A doorway had opened up before Sovelis and he had stepped into it. "Seeya Zeze... I'll tell Arrika that you said hello...." and he was gone.... The last, true threat had left the battle... Rauru had been won.

The last true threat was gone . . . but it was not the only threat that needed taking care of.

'It's been far too long since I saw their blood.'

It was a place far away from where Sovelis and Zeze had been battling, in an area of the city so devastated by the casualties of war, so littered with bodies and rubble, that it would be some time before anyone would even consider trying to repair it - or even venture into it, for the most part. For this is the location where the Earthbound Hurricane had been forcibly stopped by that strange Kasei-esque being.

And in the middle of the silent region, a blade slices through the air, cutting through the breeze of death and the smell of blood, but failing to carry these properties along with it. For in a single fluid motion, Wraith merely moves his left leg in a semi-circular motion, stepping out of the way of the attack before bringing his dragonic claw up into the Hakiem's jaw. It pierces the flesh instantly, and the brain is not far behind.

Letting this victim fall helplessly to the ground, the assassin turns his crimson gaze back to sole survivor of the Hakiems who had appeared from somewhere, seeking him out and striking without warning. Had they waited a few more minutes perhaps they could have prevailed; Wraith grimaces as the effects of the adrenaline that has flowed through his veins throughout the fight begin to visibly wear off. He has used up much magic, and fought hard against several powerful foes - his energy, like Sovelis', is nearly depleted.

And yet still he has managed to fell seven Hakiems. One remains, and as Wraith begins breathing heavy he watches the last one rush forward, sword ready to stab straight through his chest. Without flinching the Sheikah reaches out with his left hand, in a split second grabbing the blade by its duller edges and thrusting it out of alignment, before his right arm once again stabs through its victims with the dark claw.

That's it . . . it's finished.

As the Hakiem collapses, so too does Wraith. Falling to one knee, he gazes down at the hand that has empowered him throughout this battle. He has no idea where this dragonic arm has come from . . . but as its essence fades away, its form dissipating like a black fog under the light of dawn, something has changed, and he knows it: he can call on its power again. He isn't quite sure how yet, but he will figure it out.

He will find some way to use it.

Many minutes pass before he has the strength to stand again, and when he does, Alpha can only gaze around in wonder at the destruction that was caused. And then he slowly turns away from it all, vanishing much like Sovelis had into a portal of darkness, the Void's passageway rising up to meet him as he disappears into the shadows he calls his home.

* * *

'We had a deal.'

"I am well aware of that."

'You will make good on your promise?'

"I shall."

On a rooftop not too far away, Idarz watches calmly as Alpha once again stands strong before disappearing. True, the time mage is concerned about that strange energy the Sheikah's right arm had been covered by . . . but now is not the time to think of such things. He has made a deal, and it is time to keep his end of the bargain.

"Very well," he says telepathically to Zaboorak. "The location of the Golden Kokiri is . . ."

* * *

Idarz vanishes from sight one minute later, his promise fulfilled.

* * *

". . . arn? Ya alright there, sir?"

Lying in a heap on the floor, not fully aware of his surroundings, Richarn Noval simply gazes up at the sky, where his final attack had ripped that dark general Cormoros apart. It's been quite some time since I've used that power of the Goldforce . . .' he thinks, noticing for the first time as he does so that his breathing has become quite heavy. He needs to practice with the physical aspects of his Goldforce Power more often, it seems . . .

Pain suddenly makes itself known on his left shoulder, snapping him out of his daze. "And why exactly . . . are you hitting me, Yukie?"

The Deku shrugs as he gives the man a nonchalant look. "Just tryin' ta git yer attention, Richarn." The plant being turns away. "Looks like he's good afta all," he calls out to Shada, who sits several feet away. It looks like the three of them have survived . . . but what of Koura?

* * *

Koura swears to herself as somehow, some way, that idiotic pervert seems to have done . . . something. The ground beneath them both is giving way - it has to be some kind of trick or something, something else that fate has decided to provide this fool with so that he can survive to the next day. 'WHY THE HECK CAN'T HE JUST DIE?!'

'Koura, leave now.' Her eyes widen. 'Just do it!'

No time to argue. 'Okay!' she replies, her Goldforce Power instantly cutting itself off as she leaps backwards, her hand already reaching to a pouch in her desert clothing. She smiles as she slings a trio of Deku Nuts to the ground, their explosion masking the direction of her flight.

Even before she had left, however, Burlo should have realized himself to be in no danger. Energy from a different source has flowed into his barrier, strengthening it as the sandstorm continues its assault, not allowing the shield to fail until the last bits of energy have disappeared from the air.

And had he looked behind him, the drunken cleric would have found a man kneeling over him, whispering quietly, "Can you stand? If so, we must get out of here at once." For Zaris knows that the dangers of Yassen's allies are still nearby, and while he has no qualms about fighting them should they appear, protecting the cleric is currently his first priority.

Lerick was shocked, to say the least. He had jumped up in the right spot to be sure--in fact, his aim was a bit too perfect. His flying form ended up careening into the flailing Yassen, who had released Koura in the shock of the explosion. However, the toughened assassin kept his momentum, bringing his katana high for the Gerudo. Yet, she never came. Instead, he ended up being blinded by a sudden flash, his leap peaking as he cursed aloud. When he returned to the ground, he dropped Yassen none too gently, only worsening the quivering assassin's condition, and began to blink furiously until his sight was restored. When he could see again, he saw Urn already at work--the guy had a clear head. Lerick looked up through the hole they had created--the Gerudo had escaped, and the sandstorm had ceased. "I'm hard pressed to find a silver lining in this maneuver." The healer nodded without lifting his head, his fingers darting over Yassen's form. "I suppose we saved him, but that's hardly a plus." He stared silently out the door, where Len's arm could be seen on the ground, limp.

Urn had removed the blade and had it beside him on the ground, quickly wrapping the wound and applying a poulstice. With the basic work done, he now reached into his pouch, pulling out another vial. This one contained a bright golden liquid, and as he pulled out the stopper and moved it towards his beaten comrade, Lerick shouted in frustration.

______________________________

Finally, it was over. Burlo had no idea how he had made it through the onslaught, but he was still there, his body completely intact. He let the barrier fade and fell to his knees, wheezing. He wasn't built for this. Suddenly, a voice came from behind him, and his hair would have stood on its very long end if he had had enough energy. He turned and his eyes fell on a man. He seemed to be a mage, and judging by the fact that Burlo was alive and the man was urging him to get out safely, he must be friendly. However, Burlo was weak..."I d'no 'f I'll make it..." The cleric drawled, exhausted.

_______________________________________

Junter was loping through the buildings still. He didn't see very many enemies anymore, and the Hylians seemed more at ease...the battle must be nearing completion. Yet, he still heard some major clashes here and there, as if there were certain warriors far more powerful than all the rest. Turning a corner, he came upon such a sight. A lone being was dealing death to a multitude of robed men around him. He single-handedly defeated them all, as the awestruck Goron stood and watched. "That man...Is strong." The mercenary growled as the mage then disappeared. Turning away, Junter looked for an escape. It was time for him to gain his reward.

Hiyagi made a whining noise as it was thrust aside effortlessly, but it realized Kairos meant no harm. In a few moments the dog seemed to disperse into the air, disappearing with a last howl.

Arrika blinked, amazed that she was being healed by a complete stranger. Around them the Dark army was already dispersing, many fleeing and saving themselves while being routed out by the Hylian army.
===============================
"Rhyss!" Kobas looked around; by the way the flow of fighting had change he could tell the Light had won this round.

"I know," the red-haired mage replied. A mournful howl reached their ears as Hiyagi seemed to step out of thin air next to him. "Where is she, Hiyagi?" Rhyss said, pressing his head to the wolf's forehead. His forehead creased in annoyance.

"What?" Kobas said sharply.

"She's nearly gone and killed herself.... not sure how.... what a little fool. I suppose you'll have to get her," Rhyss said, clearly having no intention of fetching the Sheikah thief.

Kobas swore and shot off across the town. In a matter of moments he found her lying on the ground. Her breathing was shallow, but her wounds were being healed- whether or not Kairos's spell would be as efficient as Rhyss's, he couldn't tell. He nodded to Kairos. "Thank you. I'll take care of her now." With a swirl of his long coat, and a green flash similar to Farore's Wind, he disappeared.
=====================
"Rhyyyyssss!" A highly annoying female voice sang out.

Rhyss sighed and pivoted on his heel, scythe drawn again. "Not now, please, Mirielle."

"Oh, I'm not going to fight you!" Mirielle said, walking over and pinching his cheek until he shoved her away. "Just wanted to make sure you knew you're on a losing team."

"And where were you the entire battle?" Rhyss replied, ignoring her comment.

"Oh, here, there, everywhere. But always with a great view, you know. I regret it did get a bit boring after a while...." The witch giggled.

"Get the hell away," Rhyss said, and snapped his fingers at Hiyagi. "Let's go."

A small whirlwind engulfed them both and they were whisked away.

Zeze stood silently, watching as Sovelis stepped through the portal with his last threat for now. She was unusually quiet of insults and yells of victory, which surprised Sakiko very much. The bard wordlessly sheathed her sword, and coughed dryly. Turning around, she saw the calm gray eyes staring at her placidly. Zapheta hesitently smiled, and shrugged, as if to say, that was unexpected. Sakiko smiled back, although it was very quick and gone in a second. The mage walked over to the bard, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"We won. You won."

Zapheta squeezed the hand on her shoulder tightly, her eyes moist with fierce tears. Those two words meant so much to her in so many different ways, that she could only think of one single word in reply,

"Yeah."

--------------------

Laido stood up weakly from his resting place, having been woken up by loud, exultant cries. He rubbed his head wearily, leaning against the wall. A soldier was running past, his arms raised and crying with joy.

"Sir-"

He didn't have to ask a thing. The soldier turned around and yelled,

"Hylian victory! Hylian victory! Come, young lad, celebrate!"

Laido beamed, his heart soaring.

Hylian Victory.

After Valentine had muttered his thanks to Nogare, he tried his best to fight off the other enemies and possibly grease any lieutenants on the battlefield. The foot soldiers such as Michael (once again my Michael), Bou, Simon, Silna, and the rest were assisting in keeping the moblins away from the medical tent. Bingo noticed that Thealter might be able to get fixed up, but they would need a better mage, probably one back at the castle. But she did her best to stop the bleeding and ease the pain.

Thaix was holding his own against Vilk for quiet some time. The two were locked in battle. Eventually, the two had their swords at each others' throats, and they considered the dual a draw. Vilk would've made a crafty move to kill Thaix and escape the blow, however the soldiers of the dark were beginning to retreat. Vilk two made his move with the retreating soldiers.

Meanwhile, Silna was in a deadlock battle of her own against Kate, who was surprisingly skilled. Kate had shown up a little bit after the moblins, and she specifically took Silna from her task at hand into this one on one dual. She was poised to kill Silna when Vilk showed up and told her it was time to leave. She looked back at Silna with an 'I'll get you next time' face, and left with Vilk.

The battle was over. Taimat had had died sometime in the battle. Even though the small group of PFH members didn't know who was now in charge, they too began to repair the town and some joined the search teams. The mages cured the sick, as Valentine tried to snipe an soldier of evil trying to escape on foot. Vilk and Kate were already long gone, probably heading back to the center of operations.

Bingo, who realized that Thealter was too unstable to warp, decided that even if the army moved on to fight elsewhere, she would stay behind with the desperately sick until a caravan arrived to carry them away.

OOC: Sorry about my inconvenient leave. I was busy trying to get caught back up with school. But I am back now. So fear not, and get ready for major plot development on my half, hopefully.