"And when there is ancient evil there is usually an opposite. In the case of Wisdom and Courage, an ancient good always binds them together to overpower the force. It is written in history; etched in steel."
Hyrule Castle.
Media outlets from all over Hyrule were gathered in the main hall of the esteemed castle. The halls were packed with reporters and cameramen stationed to record and analyze the happenings going on today. It was several hours before the turn of the day when the election would occur for a full day. In the meantime, there was a questionnaire for both the hopeful officials.
"Well, allow me to answer that question with a question. Of course, there is much need for retribution within the major cities of Hyrule and we plan on delivering. My question to you is in a regime such as my own who focuses on correcting the mistakes of the past, how much more so will it change when a new wind sweeps over Hyrule? I plan to make many changes, small and large, all in the name of the power of the people. We will strive for a utopian society, where the people will live as by their own means."
The crowd murmured in a lull as photos were taken. The moderator marked his notes and turned to the presidor.
"Princess Zelda, how do you respond to the question: how drastic will the changes be in Hyrule?" The moderator inquired.
Radiant Princess Zelda broke her stare at her opponent and focused on the words from the neutral party. She couldn't beleive how well he was dodging the details of the questions. Zelda sighed and turned to the audience and drew closer to the microphone.
"As Princess, over the past few years I've witnessed changes that were not appealing to the public; some laws and guidelines were protested while other statutes were praised. I've followed the reviews of the people and in the extended drag the monarchy always had the better interest of our subjects. There was a tax several years ago which, in the long run, became the sprout for the city of Twinrough. There was a law that initiated education an option for those surpassing the limits of regular schooling and as a result we have become more advanced as a civilization. From the past, we hope to learn how to make changes for the future. The changes will not be drastic, because Hyrule is firm in its standings, but over time we will grow and we will learn and we will perform as a nation upholding the greatest of standards across this planet."
The crowds were more excited from Zelda's astute assessment on how they would approach the future and its changes. Her opponent kept looking forward, not even recognizing he was in competition. Princess Zelda couldn't help but look to her adversary and wonder just what was going on in that mind of his. The moderator wrote something down again and announced his final question.
"What is it about your opponents campaign that you would incorporate into your own? Princess Zelda how do you answer?"
She winced and started to struggle within her mind. She held her regal composure and leaned into the microphone.
"There are many aspects of my opponents campaign that are good ideas but the foundation for them is lacking. Choosing one failed idea after another to add to my complete assessment of Hyrule's needs. If I had to choose though, the idea of a complete society as in a utopia sounds like a good notion to add."
"Now to the incumbent, how do you answer to the question: what is it about your opponents campaign that you would incorporate into your own?"
The adversary leaned into the microphone and brazenly spoke out. "Nothing! Not one aspect of the old order will be instituted. What kind of ruler looks to take scraps from the decayed to build a new residence? I see the monarchy of the past as deceased and when my regime sets in we will start a new order and bring life to this land."
The crowd was in a stirring lull as Dragmire leaned back and glared forward. Zelda felt uneasy, as if she'd conceded her position an inch.
"The Hyrule Political Committee along with myself would like to thank the both of you in breaking your busy schedules and coming to inform us of the last minute positions just hours before the election."
Both of them nodded as the crowd stood up and applauded while they rose themselves. The crowd had packed into the lobby of the castle with Hylian guards all lining the wall for added security. The two officials exited up the stairs, heading to the second floor and out of the public eye. Zelda returned to Impa who smiled reverently bowed to her ruler.
"You've done well, my princess."
"Thank you Impa, but my fear is still present since the people control the ruling."
"Democracy is not a suitable means for ruling. Posing this people-imposed rule was a brilliant tactic to overthrow Hyrule lineage right in front of everyone's eye. Lustful man he is, Dragmire has acquired power to take this land - election or not."
"Impa I'm worried about Link, after I get done with what I am about to do, I want you to go and find him."
"Link is a warrior, you have no need to worry."
"That is precisely why I worry."
"Worry or not, you are the wisest person I know. Do not do anything stupid within his presence. You know the legends dear princess."
"That I do, but I must have concrete knowledge."
Princess Zelda ceased her conversation with Impa and turned to Dragmire just on the opposing end of the hall. She tucked away her pride and slowly approached. She wondered if her hypothesis is true, about the lust for power held within this man. She searched her emotions and decided to project them toward this man.
I saw through your answers, you fool no one. Zelda stated.
Dragmire's ears twitched and a smile grew across his face. He dismissed the advisors he was talking to and started to turn around.
The answers were for the ignorance of the people. Wise as you are, princess, I expected nothing less. Dragmire responded.
Zelda's suspicions were confirmed as Dragmire turned to face her.
"Princess Zelda..." Dragmire bowed reverently. "A good questionnaire this afternoon correct?"
"A fine one indeed. I enjoyed the parts where you answered each inquiry directly."
"Perhaps if you paid closer attention you would find those answers and more within the context. Maybe it's an attribute you could add to your campaign."
Zelda knew she had conceded way too much in that final question and Dragmire was exploiting it. Zelda took a stand and remained calm in the midst of things.
"I came over here not only to point out the deficiencies of your campaign but to come to a summit."
"I was thinking the same thing, when should we schedule it."
"Now."
"Surely you can't be..."
I know you are after the Triforce... Zelda accused.
Dragmire inhaled wearing a grim expression. "Lead the way."
Zelda turned for the nearest door and entered with Dragmire close behind. Finally sealed away from public and allied eye, the two heads of their coming rule finally break away and come to know each other's position. Dragmire closed the door and smirked as Zelda stood in the opposite side of the room.
"What makes you so brash to think you can seize the Triforce?"
"How about some refreshments? Tea? Brandy?"
Dragmire walked to the cabinet and pulled a glass and clear bottle full of spirits. He poured the alcohol and took a wiff. Zelda still awaited her question to be answered as Dragmire stretched out this situation. He eventually came to sit down in one of the ornate comfortable chairs. He gestured to have the princess sit down opposite of him. She reluctantly placed herself down and was prepared to hear this explanation.
"Before we can discuss the present we must venture back to the past. My past. The birth of my ambition. Ancestry applied, my time sprouted with the lineage of my greatest grandparents, technomancers of might and glory. A Great War occurred where the Triforce appeared and my people betrayed and slaughtered any and everyone to gain ground in what is known as the Sacred Realm. Violent and reckless as they were, their debauchery drew the attention of the Phantom Photons and eventually the Triad. Banished they were, sent to the netherworld of the world between worlds. My people, proud technomantic warriors, were reduced to imprisoned louts.
"In some odd and twisted factory of insult and degradation the Phantom Photons gave us a portal, only accessible from the other side, for a hope for our people. They deemed it blatant disrespect and devoted a lifetime of misery to their jailers. The time came centuries later when great king of dusk appeared and gave Hyrule a shock it hadn't ever seen. Zealous Zant never came to realize his potential and gave in to insanity and eventually to an Ancient Evil. This living burden possessed a power greater than any technomancy our tribe could muster. Yet still, Great King of Evil, Ganondorf fell amid the twilight and terrible peace had returned to this land."
Zelda shifted in her chair. "You're of the Dark Interlopers..."
Dragmire nodded. "My tribe eternally cast into darkness and not by that era's Princess Zelda, nor by that hero of twilight, but by one of my own. Twilight Princess Midna thrust us all into oblivion when we once could have held Hyrule all our own. What a selfish thing to do. The Mystic Mirror shattered, Hyrule at peace, time passing, the world started to flourish without realizing the grave mistake they had committed. True, Ganon was later cast into the Four Sword but there were two items unaccounted for which set this storm into full on fury. The Mystic Mirror, cast into shards and deemed hopeless to reform, took centuries to gather but my ancestors handed me the final piece when I was but a boy. True, I am of this world of Hyrule where injustice is tolerant but I always held to the ways of old, the ways of my people. The time had come for revenge, only a decade young I was, when the mirror granted my father and I access to the Dark Realm. Thrown into a world beyond limitation we were captured and brought before their king. The vizier threatened to throw us into enslavement had my sire acted convincingly.
"Father appealed to royalty the way any man with something to offer would. The Dark Realm was offered opportunity complete with power and security to get back what was once theirs. Their goals were in stride with our own. Interlopers never yearn for the twilit aura of this worlds shadow. However, although our objectives aligned, the issue of trust was one unmentioned. Their king, establishing trust, told us in order to gain we would have to lose. My father willingly stepped forward and gave himself over to Twili. Their king handed over his prince to watch over me to provide their insurance. My father instructed us to two important locations where we would find the long awaited answer I'd hoped for. The Twili captured my father and let the prince and I return to Hyrule where we would depart from these lands. To Holodrum and Labrynna we set sail and together we covertly conquered seasons and ages to piece together our truest goal.
"Hyrule, very cleverly in the wake of their disastrous reputation decided to go a new route and put defensive measures in place for the return of one man. Seeing through the misguidance my father saw the nature of where things were hidden and instructed me to those two locations. Hyrule had gotten very close to those two small countries in the past and in its gratitude offered to vault a very important archive. Naturally with my skill in combat and the prince's technomantic prowess, we ended up putting in the work and finding the piece. However it was encrypted with an older style message neither of us could read. In order to do that we needed to pluck the resources of the land. It became clear how to truly achieve what needed to be done.
"From this point I ruled, the prince practiced technomancy and together we gathered each cartographer and cryptologist in the two kingdoms and managed to pinpoint the exact location of our goal. Actually two goals... The first was the location of that strange, ancient, overbearing power concealed within the blade of elements.
"The Four Sword..." Zelda placed hands over her mouth.
Dragmire smirked. "The second item, the one that holds the hopes and dreams of the ambitious within the golden scepter. The Trident of Power."
Zelda literally gasped. "No!"
Dragmire simply nodded. "That is when things changed. The Trident of Power wasn't anywhere within Hyrule's bounds but a place all too familiar."
"It was home." Iman slithered past Zelda. She never heard him enter, much less a sound from his heavy clothing. Where had he crept out from? Zelda eyed the both of them, finally getting weary of where she was and who she was with.
"My father, King Midian, had known all along where the Trident of Power lay because he held it from us. Once we gathered the location and entered through the mirror, he had us detained and prodded us for the location of the Shrine of the Four Sword. From what I could discern, he wanted to free the Four Sword and release the great evil into the world. With the Trident in his hand he was going to give the Twili back over to Ganon and eventually the world would be his. Dragmire and I did not agree at all times but our efforts were for naught. My people then took a drastic move and paraded Dragmire's father in front of us and stabbed him through with the sacred weapon. My comrade's father slain by my own father. We were both sickened but Dragmire took it beyond himself. He erupted in an explosion of raw enigmatic power and repaid the guilty and the complacent with fury and precision.
"Once free, we mourned the loss of our progenitor who still urged us to go forward with our mission. Dragmire, harnessing a power I have yet to comprehend, took the scepter, his fathers blood staining the drakes and pressed on into Hyrule. It was at that moment we formed a grand scale tactic to gain the desires of what we both wanted. Two very different goals from two very different lives which still share symmetry. It is haunting how both of us think alike. Regardless, we seek a way for betrayal to be obsolete while power maintains its control. We both respect Power to an endless degree but we want to cultivate the rest of the qualities also. Ganon never respected Courage, slighted Wisdom, yet nurtured Power. I once hailed Ganon as an all powerful force but that changed when I crossed over to Hyrule. I saw how foolish this bearer of Power really was. The legend only shames him. When I first partnered with my friend Dragmire I hated him. I realized these things slowly but came to understand the kind of goal he truly wanted. It is one I had to ultimately see."
Dragmire added. "Soon all will see."
"The Triforce... How did you split it?!" Zelda seethed.
Dragmire finished the alcohol in his possession. "We didn't."
Iman dragged his long fingers through Princess Zelda's golden locks.
"I think the goddesses are finally teetering on the edge of morality. I beleive we are the measuring stick for the legends to come. Your inquiry is a fair one but not the wisest. The true question, fair Princess Zelda, is what kind of legend will you tell when this is over? All your other ancestors left behind ones of triumph, will you be the one to tell of tragedy?"
Princess Zelda scanned the floor mistrusting her own confidence.
"Do you know where your supposed hero is currently?"
Zelda started to shake. "What have you done?"
Iman turned to Dragmire and the two shared a look, one that signaled the other of each phase of their plan. Iman placed a softened hand on the shoulder of Princess Zelda.
"He is dead." Iman chuckled.
Zelda held her facial composure but inside she was a wreck. Iman and Dragmire felt the great sadness she imposed on them and grew weary from it. Iman and Dragmire both smiled while Zelda reached for the spirits and poured a tall cup. She swished the drink around and downed it all in a single gulp. She sniffled and met each of their gazes.
Impa! She distressed.
"He's in the Unholy Hearth in Kakariko." Iman twirled his hand. "I didn't go easy on him like I did the Gerudo leader. You may join him if you like."
Dragmire scoffed. "Go ahead. Ease his weariness. Forget about the rest of the world."
Zelda exhaled, creating a fury within her mind. "So this is your plan."
"The Legend of Zelda rests on her decision to save the hero, or save the people." Iman gracefully walked over to Dragmire. Zelda stared at both of them with nothing but palpable anger. They smiled and looked to each other as if accomplishing some small part of the plan. Iman rested his hands on the high-backed chair as Dragmire carefully observed the princess.
"I will not make your decisions." Zelda said tentatively.
"Then you will fall in line." Dragmire stated.
"What is your purpose here?" Zelda leaned forward, her personal fire giving courage to her statement.
Iman started to speak but Dragmire held up his hand.
"We will not gloat." Dragmire commanded, making sure Iman knew where they both stood. He turned for the royal figure and cleared his throat. "We wish to gain all three parts of the Triad and become a complete body with one purpose in mind. Having collected as much data as possible upon the legends we see it has always been and will always be a one-sided affair. Courage and Wisdom, as we have learned are forever bonded in a tie of great morality. Power never had a chance. But if we distance the courage and the wisdom from the essence of conscience then things could still go our way. As you can tell Princess Zelda, our sides of virtue has been completed whereas you are still lacking. We crafted this plan on a complete theory and goddesses have granted us this path. Now we wish to simply get things back into order."
Zelda peered into Dragmire's eyes. "What is order?"
"We wish to stop great evil."
Zelda was stunned. "Huh?"
"I think you've said too little." Iman whispered.
Zelda poured another glass of brandy and took a decent gulp. She slammed the glass down and shook her head. "You're saying everything I stand for, everything I beleive, everything that makes me who I am is wrong?"
Dragmire stood up as Iman waltzed for the door. Zelda sprang up and grabbed Dragmire's arm. He was solid and well-built. He paused as Iman shook his head in pity.
"You're not leaving until I get my answer!"
Dragmire stiffened as he turned a single eye toward her. Zelda froze, reeling visions of a future across her mind. She could see herself surrounded by fire with Dragmire holding duel swords to her neck. Zelda flashed back to reality as Dragmire's eyes ceased a yellow glow. Zelda panted, holding her chest, and lightly sweating.
What was that? She said to no one.
"My Power is real." Dragmire turned back for the door. "You will find that it is tangible once the election concludes."
Iman exited first with Dragmire just behind him. Zelda shook her head and rested in the chair for a brief moment. The door wildly swung open with Impa appearing and holding the handle.
"Master!" She exclaimed. Impa rushed in and held Zelda at arms length. "Master, you are unharmed?"
"I'm fine..." Zelda expressed.
Impa stood up and started to survey the room, looking for clues of a struggle. Zelda got to her feet quickly and approached Impa.
"Are you sure your just fine?" Impa asked.
"Forget about me." Zelda waved off. "I knew I had my suspicions about Link. He's in trouble."
Impa grew even more serious. "I will hail a carriage. We leave immediately."
"Wait!" Zelda called. Impa stopped in her tracks. "In secret we must depart. I fear leaving Castleton in times such as these will be detrimental to my campaign."
"Whatever you wish, my Master, I will do." Impa faithfully nodded.
Zelda exhaled. "The burden of weighing lives in the balance... A princess' job is never ending."
"We will use the exit into The Catacombs. I will summon a transport for us now." Impa stated. "How much time is allotted?"
"Tomorrow evening. Post-election."
"Then we haven't a moment to lose."
Zelda and Impa fled the sitting room of the castle in hopes to use the night time back drop to make their they gathered their supplies and materials they fled to the rear courtyard of Hyrule Castle and made their way into Catacombs. Zelda pondered over the things she learned from Dragmire and Iman while filling in Lady Impa. Together they drew conclusions and theories but remain stumped once the notion of them 'stopping great evil'. Zelda had yet to uncover truth but maybe a journey into the countryside would do her justice. She had yet to venture out to the fields this year so this would be a consolidated vacation in the time of peril that is this election. Danger does indeed lurk for this is far from a vacation but a mission to rescue a shining knight in distress. Impa was quite taken by surprise when Zelda opted to steer the steer out from Castleton. She only showed such commanding leads when she needed to personally see to the end of a situation. Here, Impa thinks it best Zelda take on this matter. She hadn't fully understood what it meant to be empathic but she had a grasp dealing with both Link and her highness. Impa smiled sitting back in a bit of relaxation as Zelda took the reigns of the two black horses from the carriage seat. She wore a dark hood and scarf to cover her face. While Impa rode as herself in high esteem. They didn't take long to reach the city limits and would prepare to ride all night to get to Hyrule Field clear on the other side of Lake Hylia. Impa knew her highness would need to rest more than she, and would take it upon herself to do the midnight run. Zelda snapped the reigns and the two royal women picked up speed.
The ladies skewered through the night with no hang ups and get to Hyrule Field by morning's rise. The sunrise and the cool air met with golden grass and stirring life. Zelda and Impa looked to each other and gathered a sense of urgency.
I hope you're okay, Link. Zelda expressed.
"Master, where should we start?" Impa asked.
I can't even pinpoint where you are... Please be safe. Zelda exhaled.
"Your highness..." Impa nagged.
Zelda stared into the distance.
"Hey!" Impa shouted.
Zelda slowly turned around. "Yes?"
"You're doing it again." Impa said with annoyance.
"You're crying?"
"Because you're making me cry!"
"I am? Oh... Sorry." Zelda shook her head.
"We'll find him don't worry." Impa tugged the reigns and continued the horses pace. "If you're open to suggestion, we should start at Kakariko Village."
Princess Zelda stares to the distance. "No."
"No?"
"No!" Princess Zelda leaps from the back of the carriage and up into the handlers seat. She snatches the reigns from Impa and puts the horses into high gear.
"Where are we going?" Impa questioned.
"I just got a faint reading!" Zelda exclaimed. "He's still alive! He's still alive!"
The horses darted across the field heading, not toward Kakariko, but toward the northeastern corner toward the canyon and the desert. Impa learned not to question her master's instincts since they haven't ever faltered. They traveled across the beautiful rolling hills, through spatterings of trees, over surmounting boulders, along quaint trails, and upon a clearing to get to a lone structure.
"Slowly." Impa suggested. Zelda pulled on the reigns and the horses eased to a trot.
"I beleive it best to stay our beasts of burden in this collection of trees." Impa went on. "You know how temperamental these kind of people can be."
"Yes... It is intimidating..." Zelda gained goosebumps.
Impa and Zelda started to walk the vast treaded path. There were motorcycles all accross the lot with the stench of tobacco emanating from the outer walls. The women realized these dank little hideouts were no place for women nor royalty. They approached the front doors of the ranch and read the tilted, crudely labeled sign: "Talo's Gulch". Impa took it upon herself and opened the door to enter first - Zelda trailed behind, trying to mask herself in her cloak. Impa surveyed the crowd of alcohol-abusing, nicotine-chewing, unkept, unhindered, leather-clad band of men and surprisingly a few women. The bar went into a lull as they all stared at Impa, standing bold in front of the doors.
"Well, well if it ain't one of them Shiekah's!" A patron slid his finger across her arm. "I ain't seen one o'you in years."
Impa snatched her arm back and clinched her fist. Zelda pushed Impa forward, further into the center of the bar.
"What are you..." Impa complained.
Say something. Zelda implored.
"I-I am, ahem! I am Impa, as a minority of you know. I am a Royal Aide to her majesty the princess and wish to question the proprietor in charge. We have concern of a friend of ours who is in grave danger. Could you please, without hesitation, support us in our journey?"
The gulch went into a stupor, mostly with looks of incredulous disbeleif and fowl misunderstanding.
"You know what?" A large man, holding a hefty pint grunted. "That sounds like a woman problem. We ain't gonna do the dishes for ya dame. Get outta here!"
"Yeah! Shoot yeah! You tell her! Take that royal rubbish! Way to go Mingo! Go back to Castleton ya wench!"
The patrons rudely turned back to their conversations laughing and clinking drinks. Impa exhaled, closed fists, and tried to quiet her empowering rage.
"Don't force me to do that again." Impa seethed. "You know how I feel about these places."
Step aside, Lady Impa. The princess stepped in front of Impa and scanned the unruly crowd. She dropped the hood of the cloak as a man nearby lusted after the maidens beauty.
"Hey blondie!" The intoxicated man tugged on Zelda's cloak. "I got a friend you can search out right here..."
Rude! Brash! Arrogant little prick!
Zeldagrabbed the man's greasy hair and slammed him through the table. The impact sent the alcohol and ashtrays across his friends. The princess huffed as Impa watched wide-eyed and a little jealous. The bar was silent now save for the sounds of blades being brandished from their burials.
"Constance..." Mingo uttered. "You hurt Constance..."
Stay your blades... Ease back... Let the leader speak.
"I don't carewho I hurt!" Zelda exclaimed, "Since ya'll asswipes, ain't got no respect for a lady, it's time I show you turds what a woman is all about! Now! Who gonna help us find our friend?"
Impa noticed her Master sounded like a completely different person. She sounded like she had been with these scum for years using dialect and inflection like a true biker. The big man at the bar shifted to his feet and pulled on his own scruffy beard.
"The nerve of some skirts comin' in here, and messin' wit' my crew... I should kill you."
Decrease violent lust... Stir intrigue...
"But I'm impressed. Constance, get your weak scrawny tail up and clean this mess. Sorry Talo."
Talo, the proprietor, squeakily cleaned a few glasses behind the bar acting nonchalant amid the chaos.
Mingo continued. "I'm 'fraid I can't help you. My men have been workin' hard all week long, and their backs ache so tirelessly. You bein' royalty an' all I'm sure you understand, an' all."
"Mm-hmm." Zelda folded her arms.
Empowered... Entitled...
"You see I got troubles o'my own ya know! I'm fixin' to get outta these hollers and into somethin' posh and real luxurious like. You see I'm a man of exquisite taste and I don't intend to hash one deal fer another. 'Less you're willin' to bet your life fer it."
Confidence... Into Arrogance...
The crowd of patrons roared in agreement - the savages they are. Impa, familiar with Zelda's emotional tugs, leaned in closely to her ear.
"You're giving so much. Why?"
Zelda shrugged Impa away and approached hefty Mingo. She took off her cloak without hesitation and shoved it into another lusting man's face. Zelda strolled right up to Mingo and stared him down. Mingo took a filthy bite of tobacco and started to chew it. Zelda held an unimpressed air and snatched the pint of alcohol from his hand. She downed it instantly and slammed it on the table.
Voracity... Soundness... Logic...
Zelda summarized. "I ain't askin' you tomove your fat to help us. I'm tellin' ya! Now, you're going to point me in the right direction or else you and I are going to have problems."
Mingo smiled. "Boys."
The blades the men bore revealed all around the bar. Impa crouched getting into a stance with her back to the princess.
Firmness...
"Get the hell off my turf..." Mingo breathed.
Zelda didn't understand.
She backed away unsure of what just transpired. Mingo took another bite of tobacco when a person sitting just to the side of Mingo turned around and gave her a gaze with a single yellow eye. Zelda froze. Impa grabbed her Master's shoulder and tried to lead her out. The person turned back around to the bar to remain a mystery.
"No doubt they will follow us. We must hurry." Impa whispered.
Zelda finally nodded and turned for the door. The royal aide stared at each miscreant holding a blade trying to see if they would jump or startle them as they exited. The one called Constance held his eye in pain yet growled as they passed him by. Impa got her hand on the door when Princess Zelda turned around and stormed back for Mingo.
"Princess!" Impa exclaimed.
Zelda stomped to Mingo and grabbed his leather stain-laced jacket and peered into his eyes.
Tell me where Link is!
No.
"How about a game?" Mingo threw Zelda's hands off him and snapped to Talo. The bartender set the glass he'd been shining down and reached to the shelving below. Talo emerged with Mingo's lance, tip bloodied.
"I run you through with this lance. If you live, I'll solve whatever li'l problem li'l miss royalty has t'offer. Sound like fun?"
"Kill her boss! Yeah! Put her in the dirt! My vote's fer Dragmire anyway!" The followers screamed. The person behind Mingo turned to look again and smiled. Zelda backed up, with technomantic sparkles emanating from her fingers. Mingo lunged forward with lance closing in on her highness.
Zelda flashed green and vanished when Impa sped underneath the lance's mighty thrust and appeared behind Mingo. Impa channeled dark energy and placed her fingers on Mingo's head and at the nape of his back. Mingo was pulsed with darkness as his eyes started glowing. Impa clutched Mingo further and the crowd instantly felt the same energy. The bikers were completely subdued. The only person not contained in the dark field energy was the puppeteer next to Mingo. She quickly got up and ran for the side exit when Zelda appeared directly in front of her. Zelda dodged a blinding kick and slammed her hands together to create a blue barrier that quickly swirled. The assailant was thrown back into the chairs and hit the floor. Zelda conjured up the reddest flames and sent the bar into a flash fire.
Zelda stood over the suspect and stared her down.
I'm only going to ask once... who are you?
"Stop stop! Okay!" The suspect revealed herself, pulling down a cloak shaking her ferociously red hair free. Her yellow eyes locked onto Princess Zelda and her majesty froze.
"Gerudo." Zelda's heart sank. "The one of Power."
Zelda recanted the flames and Impa set free the darkened hold over the bar.
What is your name? Zelda asked.
The Gerudo woman stood up and brushed off her jeans. She eyes Impa and turned to Zelda once again. The bar started to stir in pain and tenderness. Mingo was out cold, drooling on the floor with bits of tobacco seeping out.
"Well, I tried." the Gerudo shrugged. "Sorry boys."
Zelda corners the suspect. "Please do not waste my time. I have urgency with a young knight named Link and I beleive you know where he is."
"I do?" The Gerudo snatched away from Zelda. "What makes you think I know anything?"
"Apparently not." Impa stated.
"The name's Nadia. I don't know anything about a link."
Zelda did not give up. I know you are hiding this from me. Tell me. You know I have power you aren't equipped to see.
Nadia simply looked dumbfounded. "Why are you staring at me? You royal types are weird."
Impa approached. "Perhaps a summit can be reached."
Zelda snapped to attention, realizing the information she pieced together. "How is Asha doing?"
Nadia stiffened. "How did you..."
"She's suffering, isn't she, caught in a technomantic lock." Zelda expounded. "Most Gerudo aren't susceptible to technomancy unless they themselves are users. Tell me, is she still alive? I'd like to help."
Nadia closed her mouth from wonder and started for the exit. Impa started to give chase but Zelda gave her space. Nadia straddled the threshold of the door and turned back.
"Follow me." Nadia directed. Zelda and Impa followed Nadia outside into the yard of the bar where a shed rested. Nadia opened the doors and lifted up the floor to reveal creaky stairs. Nadia stepped down with her guests following.
"How did you know about the Gerudo leader?" Impa asked.
"I got two pieces of information. One from Link and the other from the horses mouth. If I scratch her back, maybe she'll scratch ours. After all she is the one of Power."
Impa rescinded. "Does she know the role she plays?"
"I'm not sure." Zelda stated.
"It's me." Nadia knocked on the door. They opened and many Gerudo women were scattered in the basement of the gulch. Impa and Zelda wore sympathetic looks seeing these strong educated women forced out of Twinrough in fear of the election. Princess Zelda followed Nadia while Impa coldly stared at each Gerudo. They reach the back room where Sabah and Fatima guarded the entry. Nadia quickly nodded to them and allowed entry.
"Asha, it's me." Nadia gracefully walked to her sister.
The beautiful older woman was pale and weak, looking malnourished and lost luster in her eye. Zelda and Impa approach tenderly as Nadia kneeled on a pillow.
"This is Princess Zelda and her Royal Aide, Impa."
"Impa..." Asha voiced.
"Good to see you again too." Impa lied.
Zelda approached as if she knew Asha for years. "You poor thing... He did this to you."
Asha slowly nodded. "I knew... you would... Come and see me... darling... I've got an offer... you can't resist."
"Even on her deathbed, she's still a calculating wench." Impa rolled her eyes.
"What is it that you wish?" Princess Zelda asked, clinching her hands.
Asha slowly moved her head and leered the royal one. "You let my ladies... into your kingdom... as women of power... and I'll give you... what you need... rather.. who you need... to save it."
"Princess." Impa sternly implored.
It's you isn't it? Zelda asked.
Asha nodded. It is. But. My time is over.
"Master, a word!"
Zelda turned in a huff. "What is it!?"
"I'd advise not trusting a Gerudo. They've built their empire solely on the wealth of others. Their power is only a farce."
The women in the room glared at Impa. Zelda stood up.
"But they do have power. This one proves it." Zelda clasped Asha's hand.
And soon, your sister will too. Zelda smiled.
Asha smiled also.
"Regardless, we will give the Gerudo what they want so long as I get what I want also. Do we have a deal?"
"We do." Asha tiredly expressed but a smiled glazed over her face. "Nadia. We did it..."
Nadia proudly rubbed Asha's shoulder before pointing to the area in the back of the room. Princess Zelda stood up and could hardly contain herself. She rushed to the back room and opened its doors. She could feel wonder and mystery all over her body as she straddled the handle. She twisted the knob and slowly entered as if she was opening a treasure chest. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she spotted a hero laying on a bed.
"Link!" Zelda rushed to his side. She felt his face and could sense the warmth coming from him. She knew he was alive but the question is, was he well? Zelda looked just above him as a magenta fairy was flying over him in a figure eight pattern. The fairy was using its technomancy to revive this hero in time of need.
Zelda felt sick. Iman hadn't lied.
Link did indeed die in the Unholy Hearth. But thanks to this lone fairy he discovered, he'd be able to rise again in time. Zelda grabbed a stool and sat by his side. She clutched his hand focused her technomancy into him. She could feel him stirring and healing from a dark entity that invaded his person. There is much more to this story than even she knows and she wishes for him to awaken and divulge what he knows.
"I saw 'em first."
Zelda turned around, hating to be interrupted and disturbed. "Excuse me?"
"I saw 'em first. Just letting you know." Nadia leaned against the doorpost.
Zelda turned her head back to Link and watched him sleep.
Soon all would be at peace.