The sun struggled to shine its warmth on the land of Hyrule the following day. Except for the blistering hot desert, Hyrule experienced a cool day with a few drops of rain passing by. Dora mounted her horse in the shade of one isolated passing cloud and looked at her warriors mounted on their steeds. She was proud of them, and proud to be their Queen. She had not breathed a word of the events of her meeting with Ganondorf, outside of what their mission required.
Her night was plagued by memories though. The feel of his warrior skin, his intoxicating smell, and his exquisite taste were all she could imagine that night, still alone. There was also fear. What if the King caught wind of their attack? Would they be prepared? What of this hero? If he was chosen by the Goddesses, did they stand a chance against that type of might? If the Goddesses created the Triforce, could they control who used it and for what purpose? She was no fool to ignore the fact that sometimes Ganondorf was blinded by his greed, and wondered if he already knew the answer to such questions. She also worried if her speech to the Gerudo, before they departed for Hyrule Castle, would be as inspiring as Ganondorf's. Dora was lucky to steal a few hours of sleep, but it would have to be enough.
Just as Dora was growing impatient a black wall leading the twilight approached them, and she kept their focus with a few words. "Our king will be joining us momentarily. Soon, you will be surrounded by the Twilight Realm and our King will lead us to Hyrule. I look forward to the coming battle and know the infiltration of the castle will be swift. We are all skilled warriors. Defeat is not acceptable. I would like you all to know that I have been honored to be your leader in Ganondorf's absence. I look forward to continuing my leadership as your Queen."
Dora ignored the surprised gasps and a few outraged shouts from the Gerudo. The wall consumed them and the group became one with the Twilight Realm. They looked around, curious and confused. She was startled to find Ganondorf suddenly standing beside her, looking with glaring eyes at the Gerudo. He could tell by their whispers that there was panic. "He hasn't aged a day." "I thought he would never return." "What is going on? What magic is this?""Queen?!" For some, Ganondorf's reappearance meant facing the repercussions of their poor judgment.
"Tatiana!" Ganondorf yelled. The nuisance ex-commander with dark green eyes hesitantly stepped forward to the front of the ranks. The tension amongst them and in their gazes weighed as heavily as the world on her shoulders. She could not meet eyes with her king. "If you will not look death in the face then you are no warrior of mine." At his words, she raised her eyes to him, but the last thing she saw was a flash of dark magic. Using his sorcerer's power he obliterated her with a blast of incredible magic, leaving no trace of her behind. "Are there any others who would challenge the leadership of my Queen?" No one else was brave enough to step forward and challenge him. The fear in their eyes renewed his confidence. They just hoped they were not the next to die. He was no fool though: their numbers were already thin, but he did not need insubordination to hinder this conquest. "You will learn from this punishment. This is a time of war. Any further acts of treason will be dealt with swiftly." He allowed silence for his message to sink in.
Dora was slack-jawed with surprise. He never defended her so outright before. The change was strange, but now she knew that she deserved respect and could defend it, and she was responsible to defend him the same way. She handed the reins of a young, strong black Gerudo stallion to her king.
Ganondorf took the reins and mounted his horse smoothly as if he had been doing it every day for years. A few cheers erupted from the group to express their excitement at his return or the upcoming battle. He rallied his legion. "We attack Hyrule and kill only those who stand against my reign. We take what is rightfully ours and that which we deserve. The princess is mine. Trap her in the throne room, call out this hero, and I will take the Triforce from their dead hands!" The Gerudo cheered, renewed and refreshed by their leader's enthusiasm.
The trek to Hyrule Castle was filled with the sound of their marching footsteps and stories of their coming victory. The Gerudo relearned their place and feared stepping beyond it. All was right again, and most of them were happy about it. Any who were not kept to themselves.
Clouds above began to crack and roll with lightning and thunder as they approached the castle. The dreary day was turning to violent afternoon storms. Ganondorf barely took his eyes from Dora, watching the way her muscular body shifted with the horse's movements. He could not help but to notice Dora glance in his direction, but not at his face. One of the many times she chanced a look, noticed him staring and looked ahead again, he asked, "Are you still a master of deception?"
Dora blushed immediately, though it may not have been noticeable under her dark skin. Her face burned as if her cheeks were on fire. He referred to all the times she played the lost, hurt, outcast Gerudo woman begging for food and a place to sleep. Mostly men approached her, empty-headed, foul men, since Gerudo were well known for their desires of the flesh. While they were busy believing they fooled her, she deceived them, stole their money and their food, without even removing any of her clothing. Whether it was with a blade or poison, she always made her kill and took off with her stolen winnings. "It has been a few years, but I am always ready for a challenge."
"This hero comes from the forest in the south. You will recognize him by his green clothing. I need you to deceive him to believe you are on his side, and then kill him."
Dora grinned deviously. "A wicked plan, my lord. I would expect nothing less."
Ganondorf smiled sinisterly.
The Gerudo were shocked to find hordes of dark minions arranged in battle formations waiting for them on Hyrule's fields. Even more so, they were shocked to see their leader approach the man in robes with a metal head and converse with him. Dora scanned the new warriors. Those in front stood no taller than her waist. As she looked toward the back of the rows there were beasts that towered over her, over Ganondorf, and over houses.
Ganondorf was quick to address her concerns, but never missed a chance to teach her something new. "You lack experience in making battle plans. Can you tell me the purpose of these minions?" he asked, approaching her again after having given Zant his orders. There was an uncertainty in her expression that made her question their goal.
Dora was more than willing to guess, although she did fear the consequences of being wrong. "These beasts would act as a distraction and wear down the hero. While the lesser guards are busy dealing with them, we will infiltrate the castle and deal with the elite guards."
Ganondorf nodded. "Precisely, my queen. You are more intelligent than I gave you credit for," he stated. Dora smiled at his hidden compliment.
Zant raised his hand to the sky, and the rambunctious dog and pig faced minions grew silent. He lowered his arm so his hand pointed toward Hyrule castle, and he was lost within the screaming horde as they rushed by him like a river of black. The Gerudo watched on as Hyrule Market was over run. They were astonished at how quickly the guards fell and the villagers surrendered.
"Lead your people, Ganondora, clear my path to victory!" Ganondorf roared.
Dora raised her sword to the sky and the Gerudo rushed with her to the narrow path of cobblestone between the stone buildings. The minions still struggled, but mostly they passed by or jumped over dead bodies of allies and enemies. She never openly led an attack on anyone, anywhere. Usually they would infiltrate, using the shadows and stealth to take down their prey. To rush in and obliterate their enemies head on was exhilarating. They broke through the iron gates to Hyrule Castle. She was amazed to see the amount of soldiers that stood there, waiting to give their lives for a worthless king. In her mind, she mocked them before striking them down.
It rained. The ground was littered with bodies of Gerudo, dark minions, soldiers, and knights of the Hyrulean royal guard. The grass was soaked with their blood. The refreshing rain would cleanse the world and renew the land of Hyrule. In the morning, the events from the previous night would practically be erased. While Dora mourned the sacrifices of her people she looked forward to the final battle.
"Come, before the hero gains the advantage," Ganondorf ordered, moving past her after dismounting from his horse. Dora followed obediently beside him, giving one last look at the bodies scattered on the ground. The remaining Gerudo, around thirty of them, were close behind.
Ganondorf led them straight through the hallways and down the path between the gardens. The anticipation was not the same as the last time he walked the halls of Hyrule castle. He had no intention of faking any stories or deceitful plots. This time he would take the throne, and the Triforce, by any means necessary. As the throne room came into view down the dark, narrow hallway, he filled with rage and anxiously clenched his hands as he imagined his revenge.
The person sitting in the throne was not the one he expected.
"Princess Zelda," Ganondorf greeted suspiciously. He glanced at Dora, but her eyes were forward on the princess, and her tension was rising. He was not the only one with a debt to repay.
Dora never imagined the rage that would fill her when faced with the head of the family that ordered her lover's execution. The moment she laid eyes on Zelda's pretty, blonde head she nearly lost control of the animal within to slay her.
"Ganondorf," she said, her eyes full of confidence. Her stance was superior and unrelenting. This was not the same scared girl from all those years ago.
"Daphnes does not even have the graciousness to welcome me in person?" he asked, although guessing at the truth.
"I lead this kingdom now and you are not welcome here," Zelda said in a threatening voice. "You would do well to leave."
Ganondorf laughed cruelly at her. "Little girl, do you forget that I hold the Triforce of Power?" Before allowing her a moment to answer he glowed with a dark and evil light. Zelda placed a hand on her head.
"That magic, that power," she said, slowly buckling at the waist. Suddenly, she emanated a golden light and her superior posture returned. "You are too blinded by your greed to truly understand the gift of the goddesses. I will finish you!"
A heavy wave of darkness was flung from Ganondorf's hand that he swung at her. Zelda was unprepared, and took the brunt of the blow to protect the remaining knights who stood behind her. She stumbled, and found the arm of the throne to use as support. "No one can save you now, princess," Ganondorf said triumphantly.
"You're wrong," she said, straightening slowly as the pain wore off. "Link will come."
Dora turned her head to look behind her, anticipating the hero's appearance. She awaited the opportunity to transition sides for her new role. She turned back to Zelda and found that chance.
Ganondorf prepared another magical attack, his hands out and prepared to drain Zelda of all of her energy by zapping her with his dark powers again. Suddenly, Dora was in front of him, and he could not stop. In fact, if he had, no one would have believed she was a traitor. A collective gasp erupted from behind him. "Impossible," he whispered.
Zelda held out her hands to prepare for Ganondorf's attack, but this Gerudo moved in front of him and absorbed the entire attack. Her body convulsed, but before she could collapse, Zelda put her arms under her and pulled her back to the throne. She was surprised to discover the woman that just risked her life to protect her was the same who risked her life for Ganondorf. "Who are you?"
Dora did not intend to take so much damage from Ganondorf. Who knew that darkness hurt darkness? It coursed through her veins and burned like fire. The pain caused her to collapse, and she was surprised to find a helping hand when she fell. Dora found herself resting in the throne with Zelda looking at her. "I am sorry for my deception, princess. I realized too late that I chose the wrong side all those years ago. I have been waiting to correct that mistake."
Although suspicious, Zelda could not dispute the fact that her life was just saved. "Thank you."
"Enough!" Ganondorf yelled. "I will not be made a fool any longer!" He attacked again, but Zelda was quicker this time. She used her magic to cause him pain, and divert his attack to one of the other less willing Gerudo.
Enraged, Ganondorf rushed at Zelda, who brandished a beautiful, slim rapier, and they danced a dangerous battle of light and dark. Dora could already tell that Zelda could not win due to Ganondorf's incredible strength. All she could do was occupy him until the hero arrived. The knights rushed forward, outnumbering the Gerudo, and taking them on so they could not interfere with the battle.
Dora regained her strength and slowly stood from the throne. She drew her weapon, ready to join the fray, until a man in green, with a silly hat, caught her attention. He rushed toward the throne room, wielding none other than the Master Sword, and began to battle with the Gerudo. Around fifty dark minions chased him, adding to the confusion. She rushed forward to fight these minions and protect the hero. With Zelda convinced that she was turncoat, all she needed to do was win the hero's trust in battle and she could strike.
The minions viciously swung at Link, but the Gerudo attacked and overwhelmed him. She leapt into action and fought back the demon minions that were nothing more than a nuisance. She and Link locked eyes before she stepped to put her back to his. In that moment, she sealed their bond, and Link trusted her with his life. She saw no more than a hint of doubt, but considering she worked with him, instead of against him, he was willing to try a temporary partnership.
The minions were easily dispatched and Link worked his way through the Gerudo to save Zelda. Dora was pleased to see them fight valiantly, but frightened at the skill this hero possessed. More than anything, she imagined, the Master Sword did the work for him. She kept her back to him, perfectly keeping up with him to fend off the remaining twenty-seven Gerudo. They attacked her viciously under the pretense she was truly a traitor, and she did her best to defend and refrain from fatally wounding them. At no point did she imagine she would need to slay her kin to continue her charade.
"Hero, look out!" Dora shouted. His blue eyes went wide and he lunged forward, a giant mace barely missing his head. At the same time, she leapt over him and tackled the Gerudo to the ground. "You get to Ganondorf, I will take care of them!" Link acknowledged her sacrifice with a nod, and rushed to Zelda's aid. He swung his sword, knocking away an orb of dark energy just before it could make contact with Zelda. The orb was redirected at the wall by Ganondorf and exploded on impact. He ran forward to take Link head on, and avoided being crushed by the debris.
Link knocked back his opponent by swinging the Master Sword. The blade met with a barrier of magic that wavered at the power to repel evil. Ganondorf unsheathed a long weapon from his back. The hilt was as white as pure magic, but upon grasping it shifted through all shades of grey before turning black. It emanated a purple aura as wild as flames. He met blades with Link, and this time the hero gave ground.
As Dora blocked, dodged, and defended against the barrage of Gerudo, she kept one eye on the battle of good and evil. It was her duty to intervene if Ganondorf began to fall. However, she also waited for another opening to prove her false loyalty to Link and Zelda. It was that loyalty though that fueled the extra strength behind the attacks of her companions. If not for her excellent skill and training, she would have fallen to their rage. She did her best to avoid wounding them, but several were knocked unconscious by a powerful kick to the head. She was proud of their tenacity. As one backed down from exhaustion another appeared in her place. Finally, a worthy opponent stepped up to her, which Dora retreated from. She directed her steps toward the battle in the back of the room.
It was a bright shining ray of light magic that threw the Gerudo attacking Dora across the room. She collided with the others that stood weary from battle. At the same time, Dora was knocked off balance and out of stance as Link stumbled into her, suffering the agonizing burn from a bolt of dark magic he was unable to reflect with the Master Sword. The more it looked like he would lose, the more determined he became.
"Ah, the hero and the traitor," Ganondorf mocked, breathing heavily. The calm in the battle gave Dora the chance to analyze the extent of the damage Link caused Ganondorf. He suffered multiple wounds that were more painful than they appeared. Based on amount of wounds inflicted alone, they were evenly matched.
"You and I together Link, that is the only way to vanquish him for good," Dora rallied. "Are you ready, Zelda?" She nodded curtly.
