The Necromancer inhaled, and began walking the steps to the top of the tower. He let out his breath, trying to calm himself. For he was about to face The Master. He must be ready to report the news.

The Practitioner of the Dark Arts continued, many thoughts passing through his mind, more than one of which were the rather numerous painful deaths he might suffer.

He came to the large doors, cursed and blackened. He stepped up, and the gates opened to him. Ganondorf was standing next to the throne, his face concealed in shadow. Only his glowing eyes could be seen. Those piercing eyes. They cut through the Necromancer like a spear, forcing him to speak.

"M-My Master.. The division of moblins has not returned from its assignment. Which means Kokiri Forest is no longer under out hold.. Something must have defeated them.."

Ganondorf did not speak. He only thought about the message. Who could it be who caused this trouble? Surely not- No, that was impossible.

"Master?"

"You may go."

The Necromancer left as hurriedly as possible, leaving Ganondorf to contemplate the news. The Evil King spoke to himself.

"No matter.. I must proceed with my efforts to obtain the Triforce..."

Zelda gasped for air. Her throat was dry, her mouth parched. Dried blood lay on her wrists and ankles from the chains. No longer could she feel them.

Her clothing was ragged and torn, her hair frizzled, and traces of blood lay on her face. She was in pain, and no hope resided in her heart.

But she was still very much alive. She continued to resist, with every ounce of her might, she fought back. She didn't know why.. But she knew she must.

The cursed Onyx doors swung open again. There was Ganondorf, strolling in leisurely, so as to prolong Zelda's pain.

The Evil King soon ascended the steps to the pedestal. His hand pulsed, and he lifted it. Zelda tried to brace her mind, but the shock was too much. Every time, the pain grew stronger. Every time, it gnawed more at her mind.

And every time it seemed to get longer. The pain. She could feel it even after it was gone. It corrupted her heart, weakening her, calling her to surrender.

But she would not. She would resist. If anything, she would give Ganondorf a captive to remember!

The pain finally lessened. Ganondorf turned, and stalked out. Zelda was weakened once more, her strength slowly being sapped by this constant pain...

Ganondorf returned to his throne room. The session had weakened him. He didn't show it, but this torture put a strain on him as well.

He sat down on his accursed throne, and slowly slipped into meditation. Dark whisperings going through his mind. Chaos was order.

The darkness spoke to him, calming his mind. He spoke to the darkness, bending it to his will. He was truly the King of Evil. The darkness healed his mind, and the Evil King controlled it. Insanity failed to take hold, and his mind was healed, more powerful than ever. The darkness was his servant, it was his slave.

Ganondorf's eyes snapped open. The Metal Gates to his throne room were opening. At first he saw a tattered cloak. Then the body came into view.

"Nox."

The shapechanger staggered in, blood stained his clothing.

"You failed," said Ganondorf.

"I did. And I fully expect you to kill me."

"But you know I won't."

"Exactly."

Ganondorf chuckled. Nox amused him. He was a good spy, a good soldier, and a good commander. And to top it all off, he was rather humorous.

"So.." sighed Nox, "What's my next assignment?"

"For now, recuperate. But I may need you later."

"Thy will be done," replied Nox, sweeping out of the room.