After stepping out of the void, and onto the slopes of Death Mountain, Alpha would find himself on the edge of a cliff. The cliff overlooked a dip in the mountain's surface. While stairs were cut into the mountain's surface, it wasn't always wise to take them. After a couple of moments, the boy can be seen ascending the stairs.

His face had a couple of bandages, and more could be seen here and there on his body. It would appear that he'd already run into trouble on the mountain. Bandits, monsters, falling boulders, steep drops... Any of these things can kill people on Death Mountain. The boy carried two swords at his side, and it looked as if a bow hung around his neck. A quiver full with arrows rested on his back, and many knives lined the sash that was tied around his midsection. It looked as if he took more after his mother in the looks department- but his Sheikan eyes were inherited from the samurai, as was the determination that burned within them.

He got to the top of the steps, and surveyed his surroundings. It was a big empty space that stretched about 400 yards forward. In the distance he could see more steps leading up the mountain. He visibly heaved a heavy sigh, and then pushed forward. About halfway across the massive opening, the mountain shook slightly as if hit by a slight tremor. Katsuro stopped, and turned his head towards a cave on his left. It was about 200 yards away, but it was quite a big cave. It was obvious that he hadn't noticed it before now. He stared at the cave, and slowly began walking towards the next set of steps.

However, it wasn't long before the earth shook yet again. Katsuro again stopped to stare at the cave. From where Alpha was perched, he'd be able to see movement in the cave. However little could be done to warn Katsuro, for the beast immediately made itself known. A large Minotaur hefting a hammer appeared from the cave, and stared directly at the boy. It looked to be about seven feet tall, and it was burlier than anything the boy had ever seen.

Katsuro froze.

The Minotaur remained unmoving.

The boy slowly took a step towards his destination- that was a mistake. The beast suddenly shot from its position, directly towards its new found prey.

Death Mountain Minotaur
Stats: STR - 10; DEF - 10; AGI - 5; INT - 3; SPI - 10; SPL - 0; HP - 50
Weapons
Worn Hammer - An old hammer that has slaughtered countless doomed travelers.
4 dmg - 15% chance to disarm opponent if dodged

Abilities
-none-

Katsuro Shadowclaw
Stats: STR - 4; DEF - 1; AGI - 9; INT - 3; SPI - 4; SPL - 20; HP - 35
Weapons
Worn Sword x2 - Katsuro's most familiar weapons.
4 dmg each.

Fairy Bow - A special enchanted bow passed down from Dogura.
10 dmg + Strength + Training(2dmg)= 16 dmg

Abilities
Train Bow L4
Dual Wield L1

Katsuro quickly realized the futility in running, and retrieved the bow from his back. Quickly firing an arrow at the monster, he nailed it directly in the chest.
(Agi(9) + Roll(12)= 21) VS (Agi(5) + Def(5)= 15) - HIT

The monster bared its teeth in pain, and ripped the arrow out of its shoulder with a mighty roar. Katsuro could already smell the stench of the creature, and quickly drew his sword. A bow would be of no use to him now- the arrow hadn't even slowed it down, and he didn't have time to aim and fire another. He raised his sword to the Minotaur, but it swung its hammer to fast to dodge, and knocked the boy through the air.
(Agi(5) + Roll(15)=20) VS (Agi(9) + Def(1)= 10) - HIT

Katsuro yelped in pain as he hit the ground, and slid a couple of feet before getting back to his feet. Luckily for him, he'd managed to hit the monster's dominant arm, causing the beast to swing with less strength than it probably would. He thanked his lucky stars that his arrow had been true to his target, and prepared for another go with his enemy.

Death Mountain Minotaur
HP- 34/50 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Katsuro Shadowclaw
HP - 21/35 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL - 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WIL - 9/9 IIIIIIIII

OOC: So here's how this works: You choose to either let them fight another round, or intervene. If you let help him out, and he survives, the mission is complete. But if you allow Katsuro to win on his own, you'll complete the mission with a bonus. If he dies, you fail the mission, needless to say. So jump in and help him out, or gamble on him winning on his own.

Choose wisely.

Alpha emerged into the deathly atmosphere, already feeling it wear on his soul from the second he walked onto that cursed soil. 'I never really wanted to come around here again . . .' the Sheikah thought as he repressed the flood of dark memories that threatened to return in force. This was hardly the time to get caught up in such recollections; he had to find Katsuro.

The boy appeared soon thereafter, as did the danger Magis had warned he would be facing. A Minotaur -- truly a fierce beast to take on, and Katsuro hardly seemed equipped to handle it himself. Even as the first round of battle ended, Alpha could already see that Katsuro would be defeated. Unless he was exceptionally lucky. Which could certainly be possible, but the Sheikah mage wasn't about to take that chance.

Magic swirled about him at once, and he brought his staff to bear in front of him. With a roar he leapt from his cliff and called the elements to his hand, forming them into a sphere of swirling lights. He had not yet even landed before he fired it at the beast. [[Elemental Burst L3 - Light]]

Dammit, dammit, dammit... I can't die here on this God-forsaken mountain. But this thing is huge! What do I do... Katsuro backed up, sword in hand. This is just too out of my league... I didn't even know this kind of thing existed. What would dad say?... He thought hard on it.

It's big yes... But it is also stupid. Don't play his game- play your own. If you test your might against it, it will surely win. So challenge it to a battle of wits! Use your superior strategy and tactics to outdo it in battle. Stay calm, and play your strengths. In this case, your bow.

Yeah... That's what dad would say.

The boy drew his bow off of his back, and quickly began putting distance between him and his opponent. Still... Will this be enough? It looked like he didn't even feel the first arrow. Suddenly, he felt a strong magical presence not far. Katsuro knew better than to turn his back on the monster, but he suddenly sensed more than a magical presence. He felt a spell, and a powerful one; it was being cast in his direction. He noticed the Minotaur stop, and look past him.

Shit! I can't handle two enemies! A necromancer? A Wizzrobe?

Doing all that he could, Katsuro dove to the right in hopes that the spell would miss him. The Minotaur however wasn't so lucky.

(Spi(10) + Roll(1)= 11) Hit

The beast caught the attack with its chest, and a large explosion sent it hurdling backwards towards the cave from which it crept. It hit the ground hard, and bounced, continuing further backward. It came to a stop, dust and debris hanging in the air around it.

Katsuro turned around and caught sight of Alpha as he landed. He stared at the man in wonder, his eyes wide with fear. He turned to see the Minotaur lying motionless on the ground. The boy heaved a sigh of relief, and turned towards his new ally. "Thank you! I thought for sure you were another enemy..." He held his bow tightly in hand, still unsure of the stranger. "What are you doing all the way up here, mister? I-", before he could finish his sentence, he heard a heavy thud from across the clearing. Katsuro's attention shot towards the Minotaur, who was climbing to its feet. The thud that had been heard the creature pushing its fist into the ground to lift itself upward. It held its hammer tightly in hand, still prepared for war.

Katsuro turned to face the monster. "I thought for sure you'd killed it." The creature let out a savage battle cry, and with a couple of heavy steps, was again sprinting towards the two. Katsuro took a step forward, and loaded his bow with two arrows. "I've had about all I can take of this one." He stated as he turned his bow sideways. "Say goodnight."

(Agi(9) + Roll(11)= 20) VS (Agi(5) + Def(10)= 15) HIT

The two arrows flew side by side towards the charging foe, and exactly on target, the arrows shot through each of the creatures' eyes. The monster immediately fell to the ground, and skidded to a stop.

Death Mountain Minotaur
HP- 0/50 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Katsuro Shadowclaw
HP - 21/35 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL - 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WIL - 9/9 IIIIIIIII

The boy exhaled deeply, and returned the bow to his back. He turned around and smiled at Alpha. "I'll remember to try that first next time." He joked. "Its brain is destroyed- I don't think he'll be getting back up." He motioned for Alpha to follow as he ventured out to retrieve his arrows. When he got to the Minotaur carcass, he realized that both of his arrows had snapped when the beast fell forward on them. He shook his head, and then turned back to Alpha. "Thanks sir. If you hadn't shown up, I might not have made it through that... You look familiar... Do I know you from somewhere?" He extended his hand towards the man. "I'm Katsuro Shadowclaw. Pleasure to meet'cha."

Alpha landed in a kneeling position, satisfied at the sight of his Burst hitting the beast dead on and hurling it backwards. "My apologies at not announcing myself first," he quickly replied to Katsuro, "but surprise is quite the asset against monsters like that." Then the Minotaur had returned, ready to finish the job -- but after a blast like that its strength should be nearly gone . . . as evidenced by the fact that the boy was soon after able to nail direct hits in both eyes. Superb shots; as much evidence for the beast's weakness as they were for Katsuro's skills.

The mage followed as Katsuro went to retrieve his arrows, and offered his thanks. "You look familiar..." the boy suddenly added. "Do I know you from somewhere?" He extended his hand. "I'm Katsuro Shadowclaw. Pleasure to meet'cha."

In that moment, Alpha decided to feign ignorance, at least for the time being. He knew quite a bit about the boy at this point, thanks to the Peaktop fights and the talk with Magis. But there was little reason to present that to the boy. And also . . . such things would only bring up further questions, all of which could only lead back to Dogura's servitude towards Ganon. The samurai's wife had been denied such knowledge; Alpha wasn't about to tell his son, either.

"Shadowclaw?" he replied, putting on a mask of surprise as he took the boy's hand. It wasn't that hard; he only had to remember back to a short while ago, when he'd actually learned for the first time of Dogura's family. "A relation of Dogura Shadowclaw, perhaps? He and I go quite a ways back; we've fought alongside one another many times."

"Shadowclaw? A relation of Dogura Shadowclaw, perhaps? He and I go quite a ways back; we've fought alongside one another many times."

A look of surprise overtook Katsuro's face as he gripped and shook Alpha's hand.

"Whoa! You know my dad?" He asked with surprise.
"Yeah, Dogura is my biological father. So you're like one of his old war buddies huh? He's told me stories about his adventures in Hyrule. But the thing is, my dad looks like he's only what, twenty-six, twenty-seven years old? How is it that he's accomplished so much in such a short lifespan? I mean, he would have had to have hooked up with my mom when he was really young."

Katsuro looked down and shook his head. "He hasn't mentioned his age... I can't shake the feeling that he's hiding a lot from me." He looked up at Alpha with naive eyes. "Is there anything you could tell me about him? Anything at all? He's a really introverted guy... He doesn't share too much with me about his past... Just old stories."

The boy turned and started walking towards the stairs- his previous destination. "If you'd accompany me to my destination, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me more about my dad."

He began his ascent up the next set of stairs.

Alpha nodded at the boy's offer. "I couldn't forgive myself if I abandoned Dogura's son," he said as he walked after the boy. "Especially not on this cursed mount. Danger covers this peak like snow, and only a fool should try braving it alone."

They reached the stairs about then, and began walking the ascent anew. Alpha took that moment to pause and purse his lips. "If you're wanting to know about your father's life, there likely isn't much I can tell you other than more 'old stories'. Dogura and I parted ways several months ago. Every now and then I'll sense his aura in the wind, but we haven't seen one another in some time.

"And honestly . . . the life we lead often lends itself to terrible, traumatic events. Whatever Dogura hasn't said, it's likely left unspoken for a reason." He turned his head back and stared Katsuro in the eye. "Everyone has secrets they want to keep hidden, especially those whose lives are a constant battle." His eyes returned to the summit ahead of them. "I should hardly be able to call myself his friend if I doled out information he wished to keep buried."

"With that said . . ." he forced himself to hesitate, "I'm a bit confused. He looks to be in his twenties? That certainly wasn't the case when last I saw him." It took a moment, but he was able to recall an image of how Dogura had appeared when they'd last fought together . . . and decided to leave out the details of the fake arm and leg. "He used to be old, or at least aging. His strength was beginning to fail him; his speed starting to wane. I remember he found it very difficult; for a man whose life has been devoted to battle, losing your edge is never easy. Most die because they refuse to accept it, and push themselves to limits that they can no longer reach."

He shook his head. "For Dogura to have retaken his youth . . . I would imagine magic is involved. Very powerful magic, at that." He slowed to a stop, and made sure his features appeared darkened with concern. "And I have to wonder . . . was it meant as a gift . . . or a curse . . . ?"

The boy listened well to what Alpha had to say as they continued up the steps. He nodded in agreement about everyone having secrets. He understood and respected Dogura's privacy, but one thing caught him clearly off guard.

Alpha wrote:"I'm a bit confused. He looks to be in his twenties? That certainly wasn't the case when last I saw him. He used to be old, or at least aging. His strength was beginning to fail him; his speed starting to wane. I remember he found it very difficult; for a man whose life has been devoted to battle, losing your edge is never easy. Most die because they refuse to accept it, and push themselves to limits that they can no longer reach."

"What?!" Katsuro suddenly stopped his ascent. "Old or aging? Dogura? That's not possible, he looks so young!" Suddenly he flashed back to one of his first scuffles with the samurai- before he knew of their relation.

"When you become an adult, you realize that the answer doesn't always lie in killing someone." Dogura finally stated.

"And you know what?" Suro interjected. "That's another thing that annoys me! Stop acting like you're older than you are! You've got to be like 23, tops! You're not some everliving guru flowing with knowledge!"

Dogura gritted his teeth in anger, stifling the demon rising up within him. "You know nothing about me or the life I've lived, you've not seen what I've seen, nor have you been where I've been, and I'll be damned if I'm talked down to by a child!"

Maybe... Maybe it's true... Then that would all make sense, everything would make more sense... He thought silently as he slowly continued walking. "It would explain how he's accomplished so much in what seemed like so little time... It would rule out the notion that my mother fell in love with a child..."

Alpha wrote:"For Dogura to have retaken his youth . . . I would imagine magic is involved. Very powerful magic, at that. And I have to wonder . . . was it meant as a gift . . . or a curse . . . ?"

The boy thought on that carefully. "A very powerful magic, huh? I don't think my dad knows complex magic like that. I've seen him use battle-magic before, but never anything manipulative." The two came to the top of the stairs where a new sight befell their eyes.

Behind a rusted gate, sat a deserted village. One half of the gate was barely holding up, the other laying on the ground. The sign above the town was written in Infernal, the language of the residents of Death Mountain. The village consisted of a couple of structures including a general store, a bank, and what looked like a tavern. The rest were homes, built up all around the town, and a single cobblestone road lead through the center. The town was eerily silent, save for the buzzards overhead. The wind that blew caused a creaky windmill not far from the general store to squeak with every turn. Katsuro stared at the village for a couple of moments before cautiously stepping forward.

"What do you think, sir? It looks like its been abandoned for years! Do you think there's anyone left in town? I could use some water," the boy said as he revealed an empty bottle.

"A very powerful magic, huh? I don't think my dad knows complex magic like that. I've seen him use battle-magic before, but never anything manipulative."

Alpha smiled. "I should think not. His strength was always with a sword; in all the time I knew him, he had only just started practicing with magic when last we met." The grin faded. "No, this magic is far beyond anything he would be capable of. We're talking about might on par with gods . . . and demons," he added, injecting concern into that last little bit.

The town they came upon was obviously old and abandoned, as Katsuro was quick to state. "Death Mountain is not home to many beings," he replied to the boy's query, "and those it does house are not likely to be very friendly. Frankly, I should hope that no one lives here -- both for their sake, and ours." The mage glanced about and stretched out his mental senses, looking for auras. It would be far better if they moved straight through the village, not bothering to stop for anything. But this was Katsuro's journey; Alpha was only along for the ride. If the boy wanted to stay and search for a drink, then so be it.

Alpha wrote:"I should think not. His strength was always with a sword; in all the time I knew him, he had only just started practicing with magic when last we met. No, this magic is far beyond anything he would be capable of. We're talking about might on par with gods . . . and demons."

He stared ahead blankly into the village as he listened. "It has been a long time since you've seen him then hasn't it?" He asked as he started towards the village. He stared straight ahead as he talked, "My dad is far stronger than anyone I've ever seen. I have the feeling that he's never actually shown me his full power." Katsuro recalled watching the fight with Tensei. "Dogura and I met at the New Peaktop Arena. We became friends, somewhat, and he inevitably went on to be a finalist against a geomancer named Tensei. This guy was tough, but Dogura fought him not only by sword, but with powerful magic. And still..." He paused.

He stopped in the center of the town, and said, "I always feel like there's more power bubbling just beneath his surface... It always feels like he's holding back, no matter how strong the opponent." He balled his fists and looked up at the sky. "It's as if he's completely untouchable. I feel that unless the Goddesses themselves opt to strike him down, he'll never fall." The boy suddenly found a smile on his face. "My dad truly is amazing, sir... If the last time you saw him, he was old, weak, and barely grasping magic..." He turned suddenly and smiled at the mage.

"Then you've yet to see him now."

"He's strong, noble, caring, and kind. He's a brilliant man, and a walking philosophy. I aspire to be like him someday." He said that last bit as he turned and began heading for the tavern. "I won't die here on Death Mountain. I won't die because I'm the son of my father." With that, he pushed the doors to the tavern open, and peered into the building. Light shined in from a couple of holes in the roof, providing enough light to see around. It looked like a classic western saloon, complete with wooden floors, round tables, stools, and a bar. An old piano sat not far from the stage, where there were obviously performers when this place was in its hay-day. Katsuro immediately spotted the spigot in the back of the building.

He entered the building, and headed straight for the back. He hopped over the counter, and placed his bottle under the nozzle, and turned the crank. As the boy had half expected, nothing came out. Above his dismay already, he tried each and every one, each with the same result as the last. He turned around and hopped the counter again. He shook his head at Alpha as he returned to the entrance. "No luck. Maybe we should try the-"
BMP.

The boy stopped in mid-sentence, snapping his head in the direction of the stage. A noise had just erupted from backstage, sending a chill down Katsuro's spine. He looked wide-eyed at Alpha, and then back to the stage. There was no way Alpha could not have heard that. "Hey..." He whispered. "What in the heck was that?" The boy slowly drew his bow off of his back, and armed it with an arrow. He didn't pull back or aim, but simply kept it ready just in case. He slowly advanced towards the stage, anticipation running through his bones. As he drew closer, he could hear a bit more noise from behind the door that lead backstage. Then, something absolutely chilling happened.

The door creaked open a crack.

Katsuro quickly aimed his bow at the doorway. He looked at Alpha wide-eyed, and then back to the door. He wasn't budging from his position.

The Sheikah mage bit his lip at Katsuro's reply, recalling the battle against Tensei rather well. Oh yes, there was definitely more in there that the samurai was keeping at bay -- he had seen it at work earlier that day. The sight of wings sprouting from Dogura's back, and Shadowclaw's attempt at seizing complete control, had not been welcome sights. He was drawing power from not one demon but two now, and it couldn't be long before that kind of magic did what it did best: consume its user.

"Perhaps it has been longer than I thought," he finally replied. "But your description of him sounds exactly like the man I once knew. Good to hear he hasn't changed."

'Not so good to know that it's all a ruse, a performance he seems to have mastered.' He glanced at his feet. 'I imagine he has even himself convinced . . .'

While Katsuro explored the building, Alpha remained at the entrance, keeping an eye out for anyone -- or rather, anything -- that might try to sneak up on them. One could never be too cautious on Death Mountain; even if one of the faucets had worked, Alpha would likely have suggested against drinking it. Too much chance of it being poisonous.

"Hey... What in the heck was that?"

The mage turned his attention inside at that, eyes falling on the stage as Katsuro approached it. He too advanced, albeit a bit more slowly, taking the time to gather up magic in case some beast leapt out at them from nowhere. At last he stopped a few feet behind the boy, just in time to watch a door in the back creak open ever so slightly. Katsuro's look of surprise was well warranted, although it really only did one thing for Alpha: confirm that the boy had no business on the Demons' Mount. "Steady, boy," he muttered.

He lifted one hand and, with a simple flick of his wrist, cast a wind spell that would blow the door open all the way . . . unless something was holding it shut rather tightly.

The wind pulled the the door open, revealing the spectacle inside. There was darkness, but enough light to see someone hunched over. The man stood slowly upright, and turned around to reveal that it was a re-dead. A half-eaten Bokoblin carcass lay in front of him- probably raiding the place for loot. Katsuro jumped and let out a yelp at the sight of the creature. He'd never encountered one before now, and he immediately understood that he never wanted to encounter one again. The creature's body looked burnt, and it in no way resembled a man anymore. Its face was flattened, with sinister black holes for eyes, and a gaping maw that yearned for fresh meat. The monstrosity jerked forward slowly, making steady progress towards the two of them.

Katsuro aimed his bow, but was suddenly startled by a horrible screech that came from deep within the zombie's stomach. He felt himself unable to move- frozen in his position. No matter how much he commanded his finger to release the arrow, he couldn't move a muscle. He felt himself shaking at the legs as he watched it draw nearer. "I- I can't..." He managed to say through clenched teeth. Suddenly, he snapped out of it, and shot an arrow straight through the creature's chest. It stumbled backwards from the force, and finally fell over. Katsuro wasted no time.

"RUN!!" He screamed as he took off for the exit. He stumbled out of the building and into the daylight. He stopped, observing his surroundings. Motionless.

[music=Nightmare]

Re-dead. Everywhere. There had to be about seven of them in plain sight. The boy's face twisted up in horror as they turned to stare at him. "Th- They're all over the place!" They screeched and immediately started walking towards Katsuro and Alpha. He turned around to see the previous Re-dead getting back up, not content with dying to a single arrow. "Wh-what do we do?! There's too many!" Another appeared from a nearby alleyway, and yet another stumbled into view from around the side of the tavern. Jerking fleshy nightmares, all set on a crash-course for the duo.

Re-dead x10
STR - 4; DEF - 8; AGI - 1; INT - 1; SPI - 1; SPL - 1; HP - 20

Re-Dead #1- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #2- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #3- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #4- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #5- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #6- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #7- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #8- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #9- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Re-Dead #10- HP: 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Katsuro Shadowclaw
STR - 4; DEF - 1; AGI - 9; INT - 3; SPI - 4; SPL - 20; HP - 35
HP - 21/35 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL - 20/20 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WIL - 9/9 IIIIIIIII

Alpha
STR - 1; DEF - 12; AGI - 7; INT - 5; SPI - 6; SPL - 48; HP - 56
HP - 56/56 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
SPL - 42/48 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
WIL - 9/9 IIIIIIIII

'Redead? Interesting. Wonder why I didn't sens--' The Sheikah mage's wonderings were cut off by Katsuro's yelp of shock, followed immediately by that horrifying scream that froze men to their very souls. Spirit magic was contained in that wail, innate to the beasts and the sole reason they inspired such fear in the hearts of men.

'Well, their looks didn't help much either . . .'

Katsuro's arrow took the beast right in the chest, knocking it to the ground. Alpha almost congratulated the boy for his swift reaction . . . before seeing the boy's face. He was terrified, and his cry to 'run' only furthered the image of fear he was painting. The boy darted straight past the elder Sheikah and rushed to the door, leaving Alpha to sigh, shake his head, and slowly walk after him. No rush; after all, as Katsuro would probably be finding out right about now . . .

"Th- They're all over the place! Wh-what do we do?! There's too many!"

"Redead always travel in groups," Alpha stated. "It's really the only way to make up for their slow speed. As for what we do--" He abruptly spun towards Katsuro, grabbed the boy by his collar, and hefted him off the ground. "First, we calm down! You're the son of your father, you said? Dogura has faced beasts a thousand times more dangerous than this without flinching!

"Second," he said, reverting to a much calmer tone, "we do what you always do against beasts like this, which is a two step process. Step number one: remember what they are." He glanced around. "Redead. Slow walking speed, slow turning speed. Their only strengths are numbers and of course their scream. But they only use that when they can see you. Get behind them and you've nothing to worry about." A tooth-filled grin covered the mage's face. "But that's entirely unnecessary, thanks to step number two:

"You remember who you are."

The earth beneath them began to rumble as the magic he'd been gathering for several minutes was called forth all at once. Alpha's hand shot up into the air, shining with a light that pulsated with the power of his spell.

"ELEMENTAL EXPLOSION!"

[[EE L1]]

Alpha wrote:"Redead always travel in groups. It's really the only way to make up for their slow speed. As for what we do--"

Katsuro flinched as the Sheikah picked him up off of the ground. He did it easily too, with only one hand. Katsuro finally felt the power of the man, something that he hadn't quite absorbed before.

Alpha wrote:"First, we calm down! You're the son of your father, you said? Dogura has faced beasts a thousand times more dangerous than this without flinching!

The young man recalled Dogura's fight with Tensei once more. The skill and cunning he'd displayed during that battle was remarkable. He managed to stay calm the entire time, and in the end took the victory from a seemingly stronger opponent.

Alpha wrote:"Second, we do what you always do against beasts like this, which is a two step process. Step number one: remember what they are. Redead. Slow walking speed, slow turning speed. Their only strengths are numbers and of course their scream. But they only use that when they can see you. Get behind them and you've nothing to worry about. But that's entirely unnecessary, thanks to step number two:

"You remember who you are."

Katsuro dropped to the ground as the man conjured up unbelievable amounts of magic. He could feel the air swelling with power around the man, and watched as a momentous light appeared over the man's head. Katsuro fell to the ground from the trembling of the earth, and did his best to scramble back to his feet. Suddenly, the ball of light over Alpha's head dispersed into what looked like several swords made of light magic. Each and every one of them shot from their position, nailing each Re-dead directly between the eyes, killing all of them instantly- even the one from before that had been sneaking up behind him.

They fell to the ground, motionless. Katsuro stared up at the mage in wonder. "What... What in the world?" He muttered as he got to his feet. He surveyed the town, and found no more corpses walking about. He turned back to Alpha with an astonished smile. "You did it! You actually killed them all, every last one, I can't believe it! That was amazing!" He cried out happily. He suddenly turned somber for no apparent reason, and dropped his arms at his side. He looked up towards the top of the mountain, and then back to Alpha.

He looked towards the ground, seemingly ashamed of something. Finally he spoke, "Dad told me he didn't think I was ready to take this test... He told me to wait, because he believed that I wasn't yet strong enough..." His eyes closed. "I was stubborn. I didn't listen, I thought I was plenty strong. But he was right... He was right all along." He looked at Alpha with sorrow in his eyes. "If it weren't for you showing up, I'd have been a Minotaur's plaything, or a Re-dead's lunch... What I'm trying to say is thank-you. I wouldn't be alive right now if I hadn't met you. I appreciate all of your help."

The boy started walking down the road. "But I'm almost there... No point in stopping here. I've come too far to quit. Screw fresh water, we're getting out of this town. I'd greatly appreciate your continued company." With that, he continued towards the side of the mountain, where stairs led further of the mountain. "Thanks again, sir."

* * *

After a good amount of climbing, they reached the top of the stairs. In front of them was a silver gate. It was clean, free of nicks, and in relatively great condition. Behind the gates was a mystical fog, impossible to see through. Katsuro stepped forward, and pushed them open. They made no noise as they glided backwards, and disappeared into a smoky mist. The boy stared in wonder before pressing forward into the mist. Their footsteps echoed loudly as they walked. Not a sound could be heard other their own movement and breathing.

"Sir Sheikah... Something is odd here..." He stated the obvious. "I mean... I would normally feel really uneasy in a setting like this... especially with what I've seen on the mountain." He stopped walking, and inhaled deeply. "I feel calm though... relaxed... as if nothing could go wrong." Alpha was sure to be feeling a similar sensation about now. Absolute serenity.

CLANK.

The sound echoed throughout the mist, Katsuro not flinching at all. Complete relaxation unlike any he'd ever felt.

CLANK.

The boy turned his head in the direction of the noise, and began to blindly follow it. He had no doubt- whatever it was, he had to find it. It was suddenly the most important thing in the world to him.

CLANK.

He suddenly started into a jog, disappearing from Alpha's sight entirely. The boy's footsteps could be heard echoing off in the distance as he trotted deeper into the mist.

CLANK.

The footsteps stopped. All Alpha could hear now was the sound of his own heart-beat. And then...

A young boy's scream.

Alpha smiled outwardly, while inwardly sighing in relief -- it would have been horrible, after that little pep-talk, to have his Explosion take the form of Shadow and end up not killing any of the Redead. But in the end that hardly matter, as fate had chosen the exact opposite element to empower his attack with. Swords of light . . . he couldn't have asked for a better weapon against those beasts.

He continued to smile as Katsuro thanked him, inadvertently answering one of the mage's primary questions for the boy: what the Dark World he was doing up here in the first place. Some sort of test, one which the samurai had felt his son unprepared for . . . and now, thanks to some of the trials he had seen, it appeared Katsuro was starting to agree.

. . . though he still refused to back down. Alpha could only laugh at that as he followed the boy back to the stairs. "Yes indeed, you are Dogura's son," he muttered.

* * *

Fog. Apparently that was the next challenge for them to face.

Despite the advantages Sheikah held in such situations -- their extra-visual senses were strong compared to most races -- Alpha was hesitant to enter. He could already sense it: the faint magical aura imbued within the cloud. Whatever was waiting for them within, it was going to be unlike anything they had faced thus far. He held up his hand, looking to warn Katsuro . . . and found the boy already charging ahead. Definitely Dogura's son.

He discarded his hesitation and hurried after the boy, relaxing as he came across him almost at once. Katsuro hadn't fled so far in that he was lost in the haze . . . good.

"Sir Sheikah... Something is odd here... I mean... I would normally feel really uneasy in a setting like this... especially with what I've seen on the mountain. I feel calm though... relaxed... as if nothing could go wrong."

Alpha's head jerked up at those words, having almost not realized that the same was happening to him. The fog . . . the start of its effects had coincided with him finding Katsuro again . . . that relaxed feeling was coming not from finding the boy but from the mystical fog. 'Clever of it to shield itself like that . . .' he mused in his mind, only to realize he was getting distracted again. Absolute serenity was washing over him, and it was so foreign to him that it was making it hard to think.

CLANK.

He didn't notice the noise at first, so caught up was he in his thoughts. When he did notice, it was only because Katsuro was charging off, disappearing once more. Try as he might, the Sheikah couldn't get worked up about it. And he couldn't even get worried about not being able to get worked up. Some small part of his mind, though, recognized how bad this was and was holding on to his normal distrust of such serene conditions. He was alone on a mountaintop known for danger and death, trying to protect a boy that had just blindly wandered off into a fog that he couldn't see through. Logic dictated he feel concerned about this.

And then came the scream.

That small sliver of logic bade him take out his staff, and he listened to it. "Katsuro?" he called out, trying to fight against the fog's effects and inject some worry into the tone; he couldn't tell if he succeeded. He looked around, trying to tell where the scream had come from. When he thought he had it figured out, he moved towards it as hesitantly as his logical side could make him, staff still at the ready.

As the mage walked forwards into the mist, his footsteps sounded off into the distance. He walked and walked, until suddenly, a clearing in the mist provided enough view to see what was happening.

Katsuro stood before two massive ghostly beings, each easily three stories high. Only their upper torsos could be seen from the mist, but each of them distinguished. One of them was visibly the spirit of a Goron. The spirit had noticeably large biceps, and many scars upon his face. He bore the ancient Goron symbol on his arm, and he had his hammer high in the air, a massive wispy hammer in his hand. The other figure was a human man, almost as tall as the Goron. He stared down at Katsuro, with what appeared to be a smile on his face. His face looked stone-hard, even for a ghost, and his long ghostly hair hung down at the sides. He had a wispy beard and mustache that hung past his chin. The rest of his hair was held back by a bandanna. He was also rippling with muscle, and he wore an apron that extended down into the fog below.

Katsuro stood staring up at the both of them, although not shaken.

As Alpha neared the boy, he would suddenly understand the clanking noise. The Goron ghost brought the hammer down on a weapon he was forging on an anvil below him.

CLANK.

Suddenly, the human spirit spoke.

"Welcome, Katsuro... You have journeyed far, across deserts, forests, caves, and oceans... Why now, do you find yourself atop such a perilous mountain?"

The boy stared upward, still relaxed. He knows my name already... He suddenly remembered he was asked a question. "I'm here for two reasons. My father told me this was my test- to reach the top of Death Mountain, and to speak to the two legendary blacksmiths. My second reason is to claim a weapon for my ascent to the top." He finished, hoping he hadn't misspoken any crucial information.

The bearded being smiled genuinely.

"Indeed. Do you think it's fair that you receive a legendary weapon for your triumph of this deadly mountain when you've received help getting here?"

The Goron stopped hammering away at the weapon, and looked past Katsuro. The human spirit pointed towards Alpha, who stood not far behind the boy. Katsuro turned around and saw Alpha. He turned back to the two smithies that stared down at him. Katsuro couldn't take their staring. They watched him as if he were unworthy... Beneath them in every way. And how could he argue? He felt his insides sink, and felt as if he would drop to the ground from sheer fatigue, when suddenly: booming laughter.

The man laughed and laughed, his voice echoing like their footsteps. Even the Goron, who continued pounding away at the weapon on his anvil chuckled a bit. Finally, the giant spirit folded his arms.

"While the few men and women that have ventured here have been alone, none have been as young as you. We've watched your progress since you step foot at the base. Your battles up until the Minotaur were stunning. It may ease you to know that we find you more than worthy of your own weapon."

Katsuro's eyes lit up as the Goron finally sat up straight, and wiped his brow with his large Goronic hand.

"Therrrre. It is finished..."
"Go ahead, Katsuro. Venture forth and claim your weapon."

The fog suddenly cleared a path towards the weapon. A single blade rest upon the anvil. The boy slowly walked towards the weapon, looking upon it with great wonder. He stood over it, admiring its craftsmanship. It seemed to glow within the fog, radiating power that the boy had never felt from a single weapon.

"It's called The Phantom Blade."

Katsuro picked it up, and smiled widely at its beauty. Immediately after grasping its hilt, the fog that surrounded him cleared away at the twenty foot radius.

"Much like anything we forge here, it will never dull with battle nor with time. This sword can cut through the intangible enemies that scoff at blade-work. It is the bane of all things spiritual. This sword will also lighten dark places, allowing you to see clearly wherever it is you may find yourself. Take good care of it, Katsuro. I can see your destiny now... It is bright like that sword..."

Suddenly, the spirits dissipated, along with the fog that surrounded them. Katsuro was unmoving. "My destiny... is bright?" He pondered out loud. He turned around to Alpha, and held up the sword. "This is amazing, do you see this?!" He ran up to the man happily. He resisted the urge to hug Alpha, and instead smiled widely. "Dad is gonna be so amazed at this! He'll probably take it from me so he can study it." He laughed and swung the sword a couple of times before sheathing it. "Now let's get off this mountain."