Legend of Zelda: Divine Vessel

- X: The Emerald of Farore - Part II -

The entire tree shook as Link, Nova, and Midna searched the large room for their enemy.  After examining the walls, they looked upwards, directly under a large torch serving as a sort of chandelier.  The tip was pointed, and if it fell, it would cause great damage to anyone who happened to be in its falling path.

But that wasn't what drew the attention of the adventurers.  They could vaguely see the torch light reflect lightly off of something that didn't seem to be a part of the ceiling, and it was moving.  Both Link and Nova tensed as they watched the creature become completely visible.

The light of the torches illuminated grotesque dark scales on an all-too-familiar looking dragon.  Even though it looked similar, it definitely wasn't the same as Zafiro.  Its scales were a mute green color as brighter green goo seeped from its yellowed fangs and claws.  A long claw on each of its forearms looked particularly dangerous with its sharp edge.

Link and Nova were pushed backwards against a moss-covered wall as the dragon arched its scaled back before them.  Thick fluid dripped from its mouth, sizzling as it came in contact with the uneven ground.

"Who dares venture into the delicate Ancient Tree?!" The demonic voice echoed, slightly more raspy than the other dragon that they had met.

"He's like Zafiro..." Link whispered, stating the obvious.

"Do not ignore me, foolish cowards!"  He roared as saliva fell from his gnarled lips, searing the stone floor and walls.

"It's saliva is poisonous like the giant spider, so watch out for that.  It also looks like some of the claws are coated in that stuff too, so watch out for that." Midna whispered harshly from the blonde boy's shadow.

"Fools! You have defied my presence.  Do you not know who I am?!"  The dragon growled.

"Do we have to talk to him?" Nova whispered sarcastically to her companions, strongly gripping the hilt of her Divine Blade.  Link shrugged, stifling a laugh at her irritation.

"No, we don't." He began, addressing the possessed dragon.  "Do you mind telling us?" He portrayed a lazy attitude, attacking the beast with sarcasm.

The dragon drew his neck back like a large snake, snarling at the two fighters in front of him. "Despite your disrespect, I am Verdura, Guardian Dragon of the Forest, and of this sacred tree!" His voice bellowed as much as its raspy tone allowed.

With this declaration, Nova pulled her sword from its sheath and twirled it nonchalantly, letting the silver blade dance under the dim torch light.  She appeared as though she thought nothing of the approaching battle, but it was still eating away at her thoughts.

"Alright, possessed Verdura..." The brunette began as Verdura swayed on his dagger-like claws.  From the corner of her gold eyes, she could see Link nervously grin, also unsheathing his blade.  "Bring it on!" She exclaimed, immediately launching herself at the scaled beast.

He was fast, much faster than Zafiro.  By the time she reached the foul-smelling body, Verdura swung a jagged, long claw towards her.  She barely jumped away in time to avoid getting scratched by a poisonous dagger.  However, Link had reached the other side of the dragon during the seconds that he had focused on Nova.  It wasn't until he lifted his scaled arm that she noticed a green shining light protruding through a crack in his scales.

"Link!" Nova yelled, catching the attention of his blue eyes.  "Under his stomach!" She mentioned as she dodged another attack.  He comprehended immediately and they shared an understanding of their tactic, which was the same as their previous battle with a possessed dragon.