This was the fourth time Ganondorf knocked on the door of the old man's home. No answer. Nothing. Usually he doesn't have to knock on the door at all. He expects him. He foresees Ganon's journey up the canyon. He was at a loss, not quite knowing what to do.

He looked at Link with an expression that said, 'what now?'

Link shrugged. "Break in. Always works for me."

"Of course it does." He says with slight affection in his tone.

Before Link could process, Ganondorf was slamming himself into the wooden door. It rattles down and crashes down to the floor. Ringing silence follows.

It's empty. Nothing. No furniture. The masks on the walls are gone. It's like no one ever lived there in the first place. Link felt a pang of shock paired with subtle guilt. Something like this happening… He couldn't help but feel like it was somehow his fault. His whims caused them to lose is only chance. Their only chance. It weighed heavy on him as they stepped into the empty space. Ganon was unreadable but somehow he didn't look angry in the least bit.

"Are you angry with me?" Link asked him quietly. He couldn't help himself.

Ganon looked at him, expression solid. "No."

And that was hardly reassuring.

"You're mad." Link says, not looking at him. Why wouldn't he be mad? After all, Link knew it was his fault. His offer expires.

"Not terribly." He sighs. "Don't linger on it."

It seemed that Ganon was already going to plan B, whatever that was. They obviously had to figure something else out. What that was, he had no idea.

"Let's look around. He would not have left us in the dark."

They search the house briefly but to no avail. All is empty. In the last room, there sits the table where Link and the old man spoke properly. There lies a small piece of paper. Link is hesitant to turn it over, but Ganon urges him to look.

He turns the paper over in his hand to see neat script in dark ink.

Sail

"Sail." Link rasps.

"Sail." He repeats. He continues to stare at the paper. "I'm so sick of riddles."

He abruptly crumples it up out of frustration, mostly with himself. Ganon is pulling it out his hands.

"Wait, wait." He says. He uncrumples it to stare at the vague note. "It's not a riddle. It's instructions."

So it's quite literal then. Images flash through Links mind. He sees the Great Bay and Zoras Cape. He imagines himself on a boat, sailing out. Ganon is there. They're going home, somehow, someway. He doesn't know where those winds would take him. They might not take them home at all. But then again, anywhere is better than here where all sense of what Link holds to be true is twisted into an alternate existence.

Link gives Ganondorf a knowing glance. He might be smiling. He's not sure.

"We'll need a ship." Ganon smirks. The only thing Link can think to do is say yes. This could be the adventure he's been craving. Not knowing where he'll end up in the vast ocean.

"But we're not going anywhere without Luna." Ganon adds.

"Who?"

"My dog."


Link had almost forgotten about that dog. She was so protective over Ganon when he'd first stumbled into them. And now here she was, friendly as ever.

Ganon's words of comfort and reassurance that Link was not a threat had eased her so quickly, that Link found it shocking. She was splashing around on the shoreline of the great bay. Ganon called her back every time she ran towards the cape.

"She loves the water," Ganon tells him, "I just hope she's doesn't try to jump in every time I turn away."

Links thoughts wander as Ganon ties Luna to a palm tree. She seems not to mind so much. She most likely knows her master will always come back for her. Besides, Epona would keep her company. She sat in the sand next to her. They seemed to be quite fond of each other.

Link was still very lost on how exactly they were going to be obtaining a ship. Surely they weren't going to swim.

They were looking over the bay, and it was exactly how he remembered it. It might the only thing that was left exactly as he remembered it. It was quite nice. It was midday and he'd never seen the water bluer. The breeze was cool. He never thought he would be back here in all his life.

"What's your plan? Swim?"

Ganon flashed him a smug smile. "Well we need a ship. Who has ships?" He looked at Link waiting for him to give an answer.

He didn't really know what he was playing at. As far as link was concerned this was some sort of sick and twisted dimension where no one was meant to leave. He'd never met anyone here who had such tools of travel. Except maybe those pirate women that he encountered all those years ago. Come to think of it, they should be just beyond the reef walls.

Suddenly it struck him. Ganondorf planned to enter their fortress.

"No. Absolutely not."

"Why, already? You haven't even heard my plan yet?" He was still smiling and Link was nothing but cross.

"I'm not going in there to steal a ship. It's not that easy. Those women are vicious and I don't say that about just anyone."

"Who said anything about stealing?" He laughs, "We're going to ask."

It's so logical and reasonable but it's just making Link angry. He can't just… Walk in. You don't simply walk in to the Pirates Fortress. They're not like that. They most likely remember Link. And he doesn't think they'll appreciate him coming in and asking for a favor. Not to mention he doesn't want to ask them for anything. They were brutal and cruel women. The image of Mikau laying brutalized and dying in the bay sands is enough to make him nauseous. They killed him. And all of Mikau's efforts were to no avail, even with all of his love and determination to get back to Lulu safely with their babies.

"Ask?" Is all he can think to respond with. He wants to be combative about this. He realizes he's coming up with reasons why they can't go, and he's only confusing himself further. He wants to leave. He wants to leave Termina. But this doesn't feel worth it. "It's blocked off anyway."

He didn't know it if was really blocked off. But it seemed like the thing to say in the moment.

"It's not. It's open… Just some guards at their post in the cavern. I've entered many times."

There is no room for argument at this point and Link doesn't want to bring up the fact that he might be recognized, and possibly attacked by more than one person beyond the reef. And he doesn't want to bring up those stolen Zora children, Mikau's death, or Lulus broken heart.

"I hope you can swim." Ganon says as he trudges right into the ocean.

"Hah." Link tufts as he follows suit. "I hope you can swim."

The water is surprisingly not cold. It's perfect actually and it feels amazing. After so many years of diving and wandering through underwater temples, Link has managed to become an excellent swimmer. He can see better than most under the water as well. But he had to admit it did feel strange being under the water with his missing eye.

They reach the spot where Link remembers the blockades. He stops in the water and rises to the surface right before they enter the cavern.

Ganon follows him up. "What's wrong?"

"Listen, I caused them a great deal of trouble in the past… Rightfully so… But this might not go well." Link thought honesty was best in this situation. But still, throwing caution into the wind seemed to be futile with Ganondorf. Especially when he wasn't giving him the whole story.

"Weren't you a child?" Ganondorf snaps, impatient. "It's fine!" And he's back under before Link can protest.

Link never thought that he would ever be hiding behind someone. But here he was trying to subtly conceal himself behind Ganon as he spoke to the guards. He's terribly uncomfortable in his dripping wet clothes. Hopefully they don't take too long to dry.

"Lita!" He greets one of the guards, "I wish to speak to Aveil."

"She tires of you, Danul." Says the taller of the two guards. She looks completely unamused by him.

The other guard is eyeing Link curiously but his head remains downcast in order to conceal his identity.

"Who is this man?" The other guard points her spear towards Link. Not close enough for him to feel threatened.

"A friend. This is just a simple inquiry. Just a moment of her time is all I need." Danul's words roll off of his tongue with an expert tone. But they seemed immovable.

A sinister smile begins to decorate his lips. "You know… it would be a shame if the rest of the guard were to hear about Arell."

Link watches as she flusters red. He didn't know she could blush so deep given the dark shade of her skin.

"What is he talking about, Lita?" The other guard scolds.

"I don't know what you're talking about Danul, and I don't wish to play these silly games with you." She was lying. It was so incredibly obvious and Link could tell.

"I'm sure even a speculative thought would be grounds to a trial for defamation of conduct. Word does get around fast here…" Ganon trails off, acting so very nonchalant. Link is still confused but he's obviously getting so where given the look on Lita's face. He's impressed to say the least.

"I guess we'll be on our way." He turns mockingly and walks so very slowly down the caverns damp slope. Link follows just as slowly.

"Wait!" Lita yells after them, her strong and worried voice echoing off the dark rocky walls. "Reia will escort you to the fortress."

Reia is visibly irritated and scowls in their direction. "You have some explaining to do." She whispers harshly to Lita.

"Follow me, you swines."

They followed Reia down to the docks. Link couldn't help but ask.

"What was that all about? Who's Arell? Why was she so embarrassed?"

Ganondorf laughed softly, eyeing Reia to make sure that she was far enough in front not to hear them.

"Her lover."

Link blinked. "So?"

"It breaks their code of conduct to have relations with a man without an approved Union. She's breaking their laws."

Link is scandalized by the information. "How do you even know any of this?"

"I have my ways."

This is the first time Link thinks it, but he's strange. So strange.

Going through the fortress is awful. It's all scowling faces and narrowing glances. They all stare at Link and Ganon with utter disgust and it's so off putting that Link is tempted to just look at the ground. Ganondorf seems to be walking proud through the courtyard, so Link keeps his head up for the sake of consistency.

Link is getting nervous as they get closer to Aveil's chamber.

"This is an awful idea." He tells Ganon quietly at the heavy steel double doors.

"Patience." Is the only response he receives.

The doors open with a blaring creek. There is Aveil like no time has passed for her. Link always though she was some kind of witch. After all she was absolutely rotten in his opinion. She was at the sharpening block by the fireplace, tending to the sharpness of her curved blade. There were two other guards in the room; they were seemingly pointless.

"Danul." She greets flatly. "To what do I owe this… Encounter?"

"You're so cold, Aveil. Haven't you missed me?" He smirks.

"Not in the least bit. Tell me what you want quickly, so I can be rid of you." She holds up her sword to examine the precision of her work, watching as fire gleams off of its reflective surface.

It was clear Ganondorf seeks some kind of misguided approval from her. Link can't be too sure why. His bests guess is her likeness to his friends in Hyrule. She holds a resemblance to Nabooru. From Links understanding, they were very close. She had said so herself. But the only thing they had in common was appearance. Link hoped that Ganon didn't have a problem knowing the difference. It's emotional confusion, this place. For anyone that isn't from here.

"Passage. I wish to leave Termina." He states.

Her eyes dart to Link, and he can't help the alarm in his heart. She stares intensely, knowingly.

"And what do I have to do with that?" She asks him, eyes still trained on Links damp clothes and ridged composure.

"I need a vessel. A ship of sorts."

"And what do I get in return?" She inquires purposefully. Her tone implied she already had something in mind. And just like Link thought he would, Ganondorf takes the bait.

"What do you want?"

She's silent for a moment. So silent that it's eerie. The sound of her blade sliding against the stone is loud and reverberates throughout the chamber. It's so cacophonous that Links teeth hurt.

"The boys head."

Link holds his breath. Her lips curve into a smile. He doesn't look at Ganon. He can't.

"Did you think I would not recognize you, child?" She says cruelly. "Oh, well you've grow up now… Maybe this time you can fight with honor instead of trickery."

Link has reached his end in patience. He couldn't stay quiet a moment longer. "What would you know about honor!?" He spits. "You're nothing but a murderer."

"Oh, do go on." She laughs, clearly entertained.

"I haven't forgotten either!" He tells her angrily. He's stepping closer, but Ganondorf grabs his wrist to hold him back. "I haven't forgotten how you beat Mikau down to a corpse. Or how you stole his children away from their mother. I haven't forgotten for a moment." He's wild with rage and he wants nothing more than to strike her down.

"I see. You live so far in the past,that you would die for such a tired cause."

"Yes, it has passed many years ago." Link says, tone curving slightly. His expression is determined and calculating. "But I am not the one who will be facing death tonight."

"This is mad." Ganondorf says. His eyes are darting back and forth between them. He can let it go on. The prospect of Link getting hurt is sending him to a mental place that he doesn't wish to go to.

"The boy wants to fight!" She laughs. "So fight we shall." She looks at Ganondorf, "tell you what, Danul… If he defeats me in battle you may choose whichever vessel you like. But if I defeat him, he dies and you hang." Her smile is crooked and frightening.

Ganondorf is going to deny this offer, turn tail and then get them both out of here. Link knows it. So before he can protest, Link steps in front of him.

"I accept." Link says. He knows she's putting more on the line than just his own life. But he's so confident. He knows he can take her.

"Link, this is madness. I can't allow it!" He shakes Link by the grip of his arms. "Please, don't."

"Trust me." Link whispers to him. Ganon palms Links face, expression heavy with worry. Link covers Ganon's hand with his own, leaning into the comforting touch. He reassures him best he can.

But then his expression turns solid, and his grip tightens on Ganondorfs hand.

"She will fall." He swears.

"Don't be too confident, boy." She says before disappearing further into her chamber, "We fight to the death in this fortress."

He doesn't look at her, just keeps his gaze fixed on Ganon's worried eyes. They both already knew that.

"We fight at dusk."