Dragmire's War – Part 3

-Ganondorf-

The month Ganondorf Dragmire stayed in Kanyou was not wasted, despite his selfish desire. He stayed out of their internal matters but he did spend as much time strengthening the foreign relationship between Qin and Majora, and Fae and Majora, as he did exploring every street by his sharp nose, touching every fabric, viewing every color, tasting every dish, and hearing every instrument.

Zelda and he butted heads on a daily basis on matters of principle and philosophy, seemingly driven by their difference in culture. He was raised in a community social structure based on individuals and she was over a individualistic social structure based on community. One would think they would have much in common, but in reality they were polar opposite in principle.

The fights were so common place that it united Ryo and Impa on a singular thought: Just how had the two had not tried to kill the other yet?

One thing was for certain, the palace was lively. Yet for the constant friction, Impa could not help but notice the arguments made Zelda sharper, more confident in her decisions after having argued them with the man, and rather than drain her of energy, it seemed to inspire her and give her more energy. So for the month, Impa kept a distant watch, but did not intervene in their daily butt-of-the-heads.

Ganondorf Dragmire departed for Joket at the end of the month. Upon his arrival his wolf, Kagami, came bursting out of the gates and jumped him. Ganon laughed, allowing himself to be knocked down onto his back. Most pets of the dog family would lick their master's face. Kagami was not this way. He curled up and forcibly plopped down on Ganon's chest, effectively pinning him to the ground. Ganon tried getting up, but Kagami growled. Ganon relented.

"It is good to see you, as well, Kagami." Ganon chuckled. "I am sorry I sent you away. I missed you greatly, but you must understand… I didn't know how Qin nobility would take an animal. I may be used to having you sleep against me, but Qin? Who is to say." Kagami huffed, growling deep in his throat. "Or don't understand, that is well too. I won't have you leave my side again, unless I am visiting Qin nobility."

Kagami turned his head to Ganon, seemingly rolled his eyes, and stepped off Ganon. "Your forgiveness is appreciated." Ganon said. Kagami turned away and flicked his tail. "Okay… not forgiven then. You'll get over it."

They entered Koget. The first stop Ganon made was into the Lon Lon Inn, mostly to avoid entering the governor's mansion yet. Malon cheerily waved to him from where she was helping her mother, and while Ganon saw Kuroko Dragmire visibly tense at the sight of him, she did not show any defensive or offensive signs. Her husband looked at him worriedly from behind the counter. Everyone else in the lobby of the inn eating and drinking stopped to notice him, and a few being Majora stood at their table, as was polite. Ganon waved them down.

From what he saw the shop was prospering. There was no signs of damage, and the mingling of Majora and former-Qin the same roof under a Dragmire pleased him. He did not know how, but Kagami Dragmire seemed to have found a way that neither him nor Zelda could. It spoke much of her and he found himself seeing her with more respect than even before.

She was a strong woman fitting of the Dragmire name. Worthy of being a chief's wife, should her husband fall to an unfortunate fate. Plus he did not wish for the Dragmire clan to fall, but be restored once more, and having her as wife would make it that much easier and more pureblood.

He put such thoughts to the back of his mind to consider for later.

"I just want something simple after my travels." Ganon took a seat. Kagami sat by him. "What is simple fair here?"

Kuroko finished her task and approached, "Lord Dragmire, we-"

"None of that. We are family. Just call me Ganon." Ganondorf waved it aside. "I insist."

"You honor me, Lord Ganon," Kuroko compromised. Her smile was tired but genuine. "Here the simple fair is steamed rice and fresh vegetables or onion soup."

"Much simpler than what is at the palace." Ganon mused. He looked at Malon and smiled. "What do you think is better, young one?"

"Onion!"

"Onion soup it is, then." Ganon decided. "I would also like milk for myself and for Kagami."

"Kagami?"

"My wolf partner." Ganon explained.

"Oh, right." Kuroko smiled in embarrassment. "I will take your order back to the kitchen."

"Mhmm." Ganon hummed.

As Kuroko went to the back, Malon stuck around. At first Ganon was curious what the little girl had in mind. He found himself quite fond of her, despite having only met her once. She was clearly a lively, hardworking one and was very much attached to her mother. He also considered her precious for what she represented, as a child of the Dragmire untainted by hatred or demon-worship. He hoped she would never need to learn to hate as he did. He hated people as a whole.

To his surprise, Malon walked up, and put a hand on Kagami's head cheerily. Ganon about leaped out of his chair to grab her, for Kagami was an aggressive wolf who did not hesitate to tear and kill, but to his further surprise, Kagami didn't move. The young girl patted his furry head and made noises as if to a puppy, and Kagami just sat there and took it. Not a growl left him.

Oh, this was too good.

"I take it you know him?" Ganon smirked. Kagami turned just enough to give Ganon an evil eye.

"Yeah! He comes by all the time!" Malon exclaimed cheerily and bright, "He likes me and mother lots! Father not so much… Think it's the hair. We have hair like you. But we no know his name before you tell us! I always call him Wolfy."

"Did you now?" He smiled wickedly at the sight of Kagami being treated like a puppy, and obediently taking it. He was not going to let his wolf forget this moment for a long time. Kagami's ears flatted backwards in fear. The wolf was smart enough to know Ganon's thoughts. "So, Malon. Tell me, has anything exciting happened in the city while I've been gone?"

Kagami glare at Ganon with an expression as if to say 'Don't give her a reason to stay!'

"Yeah! Lots of stuff been happening I hear about!"

"Why don't you tell me about it." Ganon suggested.

Malon did just that. Kuroko was called back to the kitchen to pick up his food and presented it to him. It was a quick thing to fix and he ate as Malon talked excitedly about anything and everything she could think of. The soup was warm and smooth, and while having basic ingredients was pleasurable. The combination of items worked well to create a simplistic, satisfying flavor. Kuroko seemed to have reservations about Malon being around Ganon, but after a while seemed to ease up and merely keep a motherly eye on her daughter.

Malon talked about all kinds of things. She talked about her friends, herself, her family, the inn, the guards, the weather, the people on the street. It was amusing in and of itself just how many things Malon paid attention to. Most of it Ganon listened to out of politeness, since it was inconsequential and he did not wish to be impolite and ruin the atmosphere since she was so full of excitement and energy. But there were things she said that struck Ganon, things he actively paid attention to.

The picture she painted was convoluted, but by the time he finished and left, he figured he had a good idea of what had happened.

The tension between Qin and Majora had not lessened. In fact, it was growing worse. The former-Qin felt oppressed and wary, and this wasn't helped by the tribute. The tribute was mostly weapons and tax money, but it was a hefty tribute being placed on the city. Ganon felt it was well, since the city was an exceedingly wealthy one and despite the expected norm in history, he had shown extreme mercy. The woman were not raped, the young girls and boys were not taken away as slaves, the men were not rounded up and killed, their jobs were not taken, their churches and homes were not burned with them in ot, their priests were not flayed alive, and the streets was not red with blood. If anything, he spurred the blacksmiths on with additional paid work. The only way they were hurt was in their change purse and their pride. By all reason they should be basking at his feet for the mercy given in this bloody age. Ganon believed they felt oppressed by it out of principle or there were rabble-rousers behind the scenes.

Such rebels were not unexpected, and unless it grew, Ganon felt they would blow over.

But these two things would not specifically be causing the relation to be growing worse. Ganon believed the woman he left in charge was a stern, but fair, leader. While she would naturally favor Majora's agenda, she wouldn't go out of her way to make things worse. So while the former-Qin might feel oppressed by being handed over to them, and placed under tribute, such feeling of oppression would naturally ease as the Majora showed themselves to be peaceful with them.

The problem was a number of former-Qin were disappearing… and it was rumored the Majora were behind it. So the Majora and former-Qin never traveled anywhere alone, and the Qin were pushing for the Majora to allow more Qin guards on the streets. Right now the guards were mostly stripped of their position and replaced with Majora to keep the peace… but that was perhaps a poor choice now.

Ganon felt the fear in the air as he walked to the inner mansion. It was in the way the former-Qin looked at him behind his back, how they hurried out of his way, how they looked guarded and afraid when he neared. It was more than what was present before… and more than that there was something hidden just beneath the fear. Something he knew well… a hint of hatred.

Ganon entered the mansion complex. The smell of anger and hate in the air clung to him like an old addiction. His steps became incensed and with each stomp he became more livid. He knew the Majora. He knew them well. They felt discriminated against, having been pushed out of the planes years ago, but he knew they wouldn't go so far as to outright murder.

Most of them.

He had two at the top of his list that would be willing to do it, had the power and means to make people disappear without bodies, and had the gall to not consider themselves subject to his absolute authority in his absence.

Servants scurried away from him as he entered the inner complex. In one shove he threw the mansion doors open and bellowed, "Where are they!?"

"M-my lord Dragmire-" A servant squealed. The servant stopped when she realized she made a mistake in being the one to speak, as it drew Ganondorf's sharp attention and his towering presence over her.

"Where are my mothers." Dragmire asked. Polite as he tried to be, filled with self-restraint, his mouth still breathed steam, his eyes were still red, and his hair still glowed like fire, and he couldn't help he was a large man.

"Up-upstairs… Third floor." She whispered, her eyes wide.

Ganon swept past her and ran up the stairs three steps at a time. Kagami bounded after him.

"You old hags have some answering to do!" Ganon exclaimed as he entered the only room with a closed door on that floor. His twin mothers were named Koume and Kotake, and despite being their adopted son, there were times he couldn't tell the difference at all between them. The differences were so incredibly subtle. The only real difference was in their magic, as one used Twilight and the other used Divinity of Din.

Koume and Kotake jumped from where they sat near the window enjoying… something. Gossip maybe? Ganon didn't give the slightest damn what it was they were doing.

"Dear, you have returned?" One asked.

"You look to be in good health." The other said.

The two were startled but calm.

"Nevermind my health," Ganondorf grunted. "I have a story to tell you from my travels."

"You came just to tell us a story?" Koume asked.

"This is most peculiar." The other said. "But what-"

"does this have to do with 'answering'?" The first finished.

Ganondorf smiled darkly, baring his teeth. He started to pace with his hands behind his back. "You see, I was on a visit to a faraway land on behalf of our people. While there I saw many wonders and curiosities. I ate fruits I have never known that were so sweet I feasted until the juices ran down my chin. I gazed on and worshipped at the feet of an idol of Din, Naryu, and Farore that would make our own priests humble. I saw politics at work on a scale so large yet with an intrigues for detail that would boggle the mind and test the wisest's understanding for a lifetime… and I have clashed with powers that for probably the first time… rivaled my own."

As Ganon spoke he pulled items out of his sack. Some fruits and dried meats, a letter from the newly appointing priests at Kanyou for the Majora priests, and finally a helmet.

Ganondorf Dragmire thrust the helmet of Zant down on the table between them. They looked at it curiously, and with appreciation for the work put into it.

"This man had powers of the Twilight and was filled with madness. He came as the night wind, silent and lethal. With his power he came upon the princess as a snake, and even with powers clashing against him that are born of the divine, he very nearly succeeded. But from my understanding, he was but a simple Shiekah once before he disappeared. And in that time he lost his inner mask, only to gain one… with Majoran symbols on the inside."

"Majoran!?" The two woman both screeched in surprise, outrage, and confusion.

"How dare they put our filth on this! This is the work of an amateur! No wonder he was mad! Take it away before it makes us mad as well!" Koume threw the helmet off the table. Zant's helmet clattered across the floor. Immediately Koume and Kotake bickered over who could have possibly done such a thing.

Ganondorf hesitated. He had come in expecting these two to be involved, but their surprise and outrage were genuine. He considered himself good at reading people, and having been raised by them, he knew theml. More than that, the sheer fact that they were twins trained his eye in the ability to discern even the smallest difference in order to distinguish between them, further allowing him to read people with ease.

They were not the ones to give Zant power, nor do they know who did.

"If you did not give him power of the Twilight… then who did?" Ganondorf inquired.

"Oh, he always had that!" Koume waved his question off.

"Pardon?"

"He is a Sheikah after all!" Kotake added.

Ganon looked between them as they continued bickering. He pulled up a chair and sat before them. "Explain." He ordered.

Koume sighed. Kotake said, "Depends on the question."

"Why is it you say he is this way because he was Sheikah. Why is it you see the markings of Majoran, yet call it amateurish and is what drove him mad? These are symbols unlike any I have ever seen."

"We never did tell him, did we?"

"I think we did not."

"Not tell me what?" Ganon pressed.

"At one time the Sheikah and Majora were one." Kotake said. "It was hundreds of years ago, but true. The Majora were a subculture of the Sheikah, renowned for our skills with runes. As you know, the Majora separate ourselves from the powers we control by these runes, turning them into tools and weapons. We only expose ourselves to the powers with masks. These same masks give us power, but also give us safety, as we can just as easily separate ourselves once more from them. The Sheikah, though, had no such separation. They create a barrier with self-discipline, faith, absolute assurance. Sheikah did not openly expose themselves to Twilight, but when they did… there was no turning back."

Koume continued on, "In times of conflict, a champion would be chosen as a living sacrifice to Twilight or Divinity, whichever would answer. The champion would gain great power, and would kill until finally the power they wielded had consumed them."

"He would have died on his own?" Ganondorf asked.

"It was only a matter of time, yes." Kotake assured him. "But never wait for time to kill such a zealot. As you said, he proved your match. The zealots were known to not fall until they had slain tens of thousands."

"The runes were most likely of his own design." Koume added. She and Kotake both spit in the direction of the helmet. "As you do know, the Majora and Sheikah were briefly reunited under King Sho of Qin, and we shared our knowledge with them."

Ganondorf nodded. He leaned back in thought. He did know of the information exchange. The pieces were falling into place.

"And this man with the helmet, how did he meet his end?" Kotake asked.

"The princess killed him." Ganondorf said.

The two woman looked at each other in shock. "That feeble girl?!" "Killed him?!"

"It is true. That is not to say it did not take several of us to tire him, but she ultimately was the one to stand against him in a duel and kill him."

"Most impressive!" The women exclaimed. "There is more to her than meets the eye!"

"A girl that young that can slay a Twilight consumed zealot Sheikah where thousands cannot!"

As if Ganon could not be more surprised by these turn of events, this was proven wrong as he witnessed his twin mothers gain a form of respect or admiration for the girl's strength.

"A dangerous one she is."

"We must be careful in our dealings with Qin."

"Peace or war, whichever we follow in the coming years,-"

"-this girl will be the axis of our fate. We must either be prepared to throw our lot in with her-"

"or kill her."

Ganon nodded. "I agree. Thankfully, I have already made my mind up on this matter. For now it benefits Majora greatly to be with her. We have been given a gift of weapons for war."

"Ohhhhh." the women giggled cheerfully. "Goody!"

Ganondorf Dragmire stood and looked out the window toward the west. "My eyes are cast once more to the mountains, mothers. I will return to the mountains and cliffs that caged me… and I will break it under my hands and tame it all."

The old croons cackled joyfully.

"On another note…" Ganondorf changed the subject. "A number of Qin have been disappearing of late. Might you two know something of it? I have half a mind to say you are involved."

"We do know of it." Kotake replied.

"But it is not us, Lord Ganon." Koume added.

"The one to do it is a man of Qin."

"Man of Qin?" Ganondorf inquired.

"Yes. We hear of him. He is a crafty one."

"His work is admirable, skilled, artistic even."

"Do you have a name?" Ganondorf asked.

The women hummed in thought, and looked at each other. "Chi Chi?" One wondered. The other nodded. "Sounds almost right."

"Cheechee?" Ganondorf huffed. "I doubt it. But if you two knew of it, why say and do nothing?"

"Why should we?" Kotake said.

"This is Qin against those of Qin blood." Koume added.

"It has little to do with us! We are Majora! Their problems are their own! Let them bicker and squabble in their own filth!"

Ganondorf thought to rebuke them, but he found he could not. Perhaps it was something about the times, but he found deep down the separation of Qin and Majora was still prevalent in his heart. He understood the vision Zelda wanted to achieve, but until she could tell him how to make it achievable, all he felt he could do was go by the old ways. He knew of no other way.

Ganon decided, "At the very least, let us ensure the man is brought to justice for stirring chaos. It shows greatly on us and our ability to rule if this vagabond is allowed to continue freely. The trouble out there will follow us to our doorstep if we do not stop it. Let us put in token effort, for the sake of goodwill, at the very least, and afterward leave the former-Qin governor with what he requires to ensure the people are happy in our rule."

-Zelda-

So far as meetings went, it could have been better. Ryo had spent the last several hours giving his report in detail as to the results of his venture across eastern Qin. Zelda struggled not to fall asleep in it all. She utterly despised the man and hearing his voice only grated her; and the things he spoke of mattered little to her.

She, admittedly, was still a student from carefully selected teachers in the ways of mathematics, reading, sciences (such as they were in this time period), history, court manners, and a million other things she had seemingly no time for. Now of late she had added hawkery and swordsmanship to the list. Of it all the only ones she found relaxing were hawkery, swordsmanship, and riding. History fascinated her but it wasn't relaxing.

So to hear him spout numbers and statistics and names as smoothly and confusingly as a poet, or perhaps a ditzy court lady talking about social balls, offered her no benefit. She would have willingly fallen asleep to spite him but she had all of her ministers here and did not want to put on a bad form. In the end the ones who would ultimately be using the information Ryo was presenting were them.

"Thank you, Chancellor." Impa nodded to her equal. "That leaves us all much to consider."

"Finally…" Zelda whispered. The bastard had finished his report.

"You are most welcome, Chancellor." Ryo returned with a proud smile. "I have no doubt we do, and admittedly… it was much." He cleared his throat and smiled in amusement. "Such a lengthy report has left my throat dry and now my feet are asleep, as I am sure many of us are soon to follow."

The court laughed lightly at the joke. Zelda's eyes widened. Was he talking about her? How dare he call her out in her own court! She stirred herself fully alert and leveled an icy stare at him. He didn't seem to notice.

"Which is why I have split all of the information into their own scrolls according to subject and passed a set on to each one of you." Ryo motioned to them all.

"Of course you did…" Zelda muttered quietly. His efficiency was nauseating. That would have had to be hundreds of scrolls written for them. The bastard had his own team of scribes.

"Thank you, Chancellor," Impa said. "I look forward to going over them. Are there many?"

"Admittedly, yes."

Impa stepped forward and gained everyone's attention. "Then let us say what matters to be the most pertinent and focus our attention on them for tomorrow." She briefly glanced to Ryo and Zelda. Ryo nodded in agreement. Zelda rolled her eyes, which made Impa raise one brow.

"The most evident being of what to do with the land bequeathed to the high princess Zelda formerly from Chancellor Ketsu." One man said.

"Not so much a matter, the governors have not changed hands, have a long history and deep knowledge of their holdings, and are competent." Impa argued.

"Agreed." Ryo said. "However, on that note, it would be good for the Princess to meet with them. To connect with the governors who rule her lands in her stead outside of this court."

"Hmm…" Impa hummed. "A consideration worth having, but not the most pertinent for now."

"As you wish." Ryo shrugged. "May I suggest, then, that the matter we go over be of the wood and tar supplies? Would you say that is most pertinent?"

Impa glanced around the court, and also noted the sudden interest from the Fae Elder. No one argued this. In her own mind she saw it as exceedingly important as well.

"Then let us make that a matter to look into." Ryo concluded. "As for a second matter, what do you say?"

"Farms," Impa said. "With the return of the Fae," She motioned to the Fae Elder. "We can now reclaim land that was lost. Farm land that was salted by our enemies and turned to wasteland can be restored and used once more."

Ryo stroked his beard. "I agree."

Impa continued, "Fae Elder, as this is a matter that relies entirely on your participation, I would like for you to have a place of honor in the discussion. I presume you will want a say in recompense?"

The Fae Elder bowed. "I would be honored, and you are correct."

"Good. Good. Very good." Ryo smiled widely. "Then I motion for this court to be adjourned. Two major matters are enough for tomorrow, and are enough to research for tonight."

"I second that." Impa said. They both turned to Zelda.

And now came the part where Zelda was supposed to participate. She stood and said loudly, "Everyone, Qin thanks you for your participation and contribution. As there seems to be nothing more for now, this session is concluded."

And Zelda did not wait a second longer before turning, walking down the steps, and out the side door.

She clenched her fists angrily. Once more the man called her out in front of her own court! She was tired of this! Was she to be little more than a jester in her own court? A girl to be paraded, laughed at, or forced to laugh and dance at his whim!?

She allowed herself a moment to vent her frustration before following as Ganondorf Dragmire taught her. Take all the darkness, take all the anger and hate and energy, and locked it away to be unleashed at the opportune moment.

Seeing the sun through a nearby window, Zelda felt a desire for the warm sun on her face. She walked out, sat on the grass, and leaned against the outer wall to relax. She did not know how long she was there. May have been seconds or minutes, but before long she heard voices in the hall behind her. She paid it no mind.

That was until she heard the words "Ice Witch".

Zelda opened her eyes and listened.

"I don't like it." A man said. She recognized him as one of her ministers, but was not sure which.

"You don't have to like it." A second man said. Once more she recognized the voice but was unsure who.

"I understand, it just bothers me to see the difference in power. Do we have any hope in fighting Ryo? He holds the kingdom in his hand. The people respect the Princess… many say it is a curse to have a woman on the throne and call her the ice witch whose gaze will freeze your heart, but there are some who heard of how the princess returned from the dead, along with dead people, and retook the throne. Although these believers are merely seen as crazy…"

"I heard it too. They say she is a specter and the Majora are her undead army."

"Indeed… but while the people respect the princess, they love Ryo. Qin will follow him to the ends of the world if he but asks for it."

"I doubt it." The second man argued. "Zelda is the heir of the Royal Family! Chancellor Ryo is a merchant! Granted, he is a skilled mastermind of a man with just the right pension for luck. There is no doubt his abilities to climb so far to the top of the kingdom. But that is all he is, a merchant!"

Zelda nodded silently in agreement. Ryo did not possess the bloodline of the Royal Family. He would inevitably fall. She had faith in it. He was just… infuriating.

"The fact that you make him sound weak for being a merchant is why we will lose. His strength is that he IS a merchant!"

"I don't understand."

The first man explained his argument, "No one is self-sufficient. No city, no village, no fortress can survive on its own. We all make something more than we need. We all need something more than we can make. A merchant supplies that need with the excess of others."

"But security…"

"Our armies live on the stomach of food and weapons supplied through carefully placed logistics established by Ryo, and who do you think it was that legalized hired guards outside of the government military? Ryo." The man sighed. "Ryo knows what people want… and he supplies it. Why do you think he goes on trips so often? The man has every city memorized down to the smallest detail! Their governors, what they need, and what they can supply. Then all he has to do is get the people in touch with each other. All he has to do is make connections! All he has to do is connect the dots! The cities benefit and prosper. Qin prospers."

"And he benefits for it, as he receives recognition and honor." The second man guessed with dread. "On the surface it sounds easy, but I feel no one has the mind to play a puzzle as grand and complicated in design as a country, as he does. Who else can balance four hundred cities in one's mind!? It boggles the mind just to consider it!"

"Qin recognizes his abilities so much they pay him regularly just for him to inspect their cities and get them in touch with each other. In truth, High Princess Zelda can rival him one day, but not as she is now. She cannot rival him as she is… because while she has the people's respect… she doesn't have their heart. She doesn't know the beating heart of Qin. She has no suitors. She spends no time socializing in court. She has not even left the palace to so much as worship in the temple! She is determined and efficient and a quick learner, she truly amazes me for one so young, but once the whispers and prestige she has earned dies off, she may be forever doomed to being known as the Ice Witch."

Anything more could not be heard as the men walked away. Zelda said nothing nor did she move, stunned as she was by the open defeatism of her servants. It left a dreaded hollow pit in her stomach. She felt like crying, but refused to. It made her feel weak and vulnerable and defeated.

Three things she felt very much right now.

"I'm not a witch…" Zelda whispered as she brought her knees up to her chest to rest her head against.

-Link-

Link was given a collection of scrolls by Princess Zelda and Chancellor Impa, some money for his travels, and a guide to take him to Mutagi. The guide was important because Link could not read words nor understand maps due to his lack of an education.

He arrived at Mitagi and presented the first scroll to the guards, as he was told. The scroll bore the seal of the king. Despite Zelda not officially being king, due to her age, the seal of the king was still hers. The guards read the scroll. The words ordered them to take the boy (Link) to Ouki Mutagi. They guided Link to the inner mansion of Mutagi. The city-fortress was vast, eclipsing the capital in its size and grandness, but where the capital was beatiful and full of culture Mutagi was a war-machine. Everywhere Link looked he saw soldiers. Every corner had a blacksmith, armorsmith, swordsmith, or some kind of military purpose to it. Where the capital had three layers of walls in the form of rings, Mutagi was built in grids with dozens upon dozens of interlinked walls.

Link was awestruck in the fortress-city. He could not fathom a power that could build it, much less conquer it. Whoever this Ouki was, he was possibly as wealthy, and powerful, as Zelda! And she was the heir!

The idea of meeting Ouki terrified him, but also made him so excited he couldn't contain himself.

At last the guards presented him to Ouki. Ouki stood on a wall overlooking a regiment of soldiers being trained when the guards presented him. Link stood stiffly to the side, afraid even blinking wrong would be a sin. And the size of Ouki! Link thought Ganon was strong and musclebound, but compared to Ouki, Ganon was little more than a stick! Where did the muscles end on this man?! Link knew if Ouki took his armor off the guy would not have a six-pack on his stomach, he would have a sixteen pack! He had arms the size of tree trunks!

And the armor probably weighed a full ton!

Ouki blinked in surprise at seeing Link. He stared a moment at him, before shaking himself and extending a welcoming hand. "Oh-ho! Who is this?" Ouki wondered outloud as the guards bowed, and Link stiffly bowed. Sweat poured off him just from being under the man's gaze.

Beside Ouki was a blond-haired blue-eyed man with a funny mustache, armor unlike any design Link had ever seen, and a sword that was too plain to be from Qin. He was definitely a foreigner.

The foreigner was handed the rest of the scrolls in Link's possession, and after noticing the seals, opened the scrolls. His eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, in curiosity, and handed them to his master.

Ouki smirked as he read them. "So… 'Link' is it?"

"Yes, sir!" Link bellowed.

"The princess wishes for me to train you. My my… never thought she was the type to refer to anyone as a friend. You must mean a lot to her. What kind of relationship do you two have, I wonder? Hmm?"

Without thinking, Link said, "I hit her! No! I mean- I- we lived together! No… wait that's not right!"

"Wha?" Was about as far as Ouki got on that. Ouki was flabbergasted.

"I-I-I-"

"You beat her and slept with her?!" Ouki asked.

"NO!" Link exclaimed, panicking and raising his hands in surrender. "No! No! No, that's not it!"

"Calm down. Just say it." The foreigner said.

Link took a moment to try and calm down. "You see… She was hiding in my village as a slave… alongside me with my master, for a short time. I followed her to the palace after I learned who she truly was. I may have… shoved her… at one point. We were arguing and she was being cowardly and needed… a shove. It ended up helping, as it sort of shoved her to action. She forgave me and everything so it's nothing to worry about!" Link gulped. He squeaked. "Please, don't kill me…"

Ouki and his blond attendant looked at each other in amazement before Ouki burst out in laughter. Link chuckled nervously, wondering if he was truly about to die or not, and the guards stood silently, wondering what to do here or what was going on.

Ouki finally stopped laughing and wiped the tears from his eyes. "Oh, dear boy. Thank you. I needed that. She must love you for your stories."

"It's true…" Link pouted quietly.

"Now, which noble are you the son of? I can tell by your guise you are not highborn. A village mayor, perhaps?"

"Err… I'm just a peasant." Link answered. "I really was a slave."

"Oh. So you weren't jesting…" Ouki muttered. His energy seemed to evaporate in disappointment, and Link felt he had failed in some way. But what could he do? He was being honest. He really was born a slave. Was entering the army and being trained really this difficult that former slaves were not allowed? Just how big of an obstacle was he facing from his birth?

"You're parents are also slaves, then?"

"No. At… at least I don't think so." Link replied. He hesitated. "I'm a war orphan. I don't know much but the soldier who dropped me off at the plantation as a babe but he said I was born to a great general."

Ouki nodded, his smile returning. "Good, good. I am sorry war took your family, lad, but if you really are born of a general, then it will show."

"Yo-you believe me?"

"Why not? Generals can bed as many woman as they want." Ouki shrugged. "Or men in my case."

"Now, then!" Ouki suddenly said more firmly. He straightened his posture and Link couldn't help but standing at attention on instinct. The man had an overpowering presence of authority. "Men, take the boy to a room in the lower mansion. The princess wants him to have special training, so special training is what he shall get!"

Link couldn't believe his ears. He smiled so wide it hurt. He wanted to hug Ouki, but wisely thought better of it. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Link bowed repeatedly punctuating his words.

"It is quite alright, lad. Get on your way and prepare, but make no mistake." Ouki's cheery attitude disappeared and he looked darkly on the boy. "I will send you to your breaking point every single day. Son of a noble! Son of a slave! No matter! Men stronger than you have died in the first week. The princess asked this as a favor, but how I choose to do it is my choice."

Link may have wet himself just a little.

The guards led Link away. Immediately Ouki's first-in-command, the Englishman, said, "My lord. Are you really going to train him? What of the scroll from the Chancellor?"

"What of it indeed." Ouki muttered darkly. He unfolded it and looked at its words again. "I think I need to have a quick chat with the Sheikah. You carry on here. Let me know if anything comes that needs my attention."

The Englishman bowed. Ouki departed.

He entered the lower mansion, and went lower. He entered the lower dungeons and went even lower. He reached a point that ended in a dead-end. A bit of light shined from the end of the hall onto the wall, and pulling a lenses from his possession, he shined the light through it, revealing the dead-end was actually a door.

He entered the sanctum of the Sheikah. It was musty and filled with passages leading to other areas. It was the Sheikah's home, and the few he passed by showed it as they were incredibly pale, having seen little sun. Everyone stepped aside as he entered. He was their host. They were living in his home freely. It was only right.

Ouki demanded to know where the Shadowmaster was, and after being guided, stepped in. The shadowmaster was resting, reading a scroll by candlelight.

"Ah, Ouki Mitagi." The man greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"It is good to see you as well, Shadowmaster. I hope you are not overly burdened with your new position."

"It is difficult filling in shoes that have been worn by another for so long, but I will make do. Your hope is welcomed."

"Good to hear. I also apologize for my cander, but I am not here to visit. I am here on business. If you will but allow me a moment of your time, I promise I will leave you to your rest."

The shadowmaster nodded. "One thing I find myself disliking is perhaps that the hours of leadership never truly end… but alas, you know it well. Very well. What is your business, Lord Ouki Mitagi?"

"An explanation to this." Ouki handed him the scroll that had borne the mark of Chancellor Impa. "Why am I instructed to have some boy KILLED. What is so special about this boy, Link? You know the answer, do you not?"

"I do. Impa had passed information on to me of the danger the boy possess." The shadowmaster answered.

"And this danger is what?" Ouki raised an eyebrow. "Because Zelda's own words speak well of the boy. Even calling him friend. I spent a little time with the princess, and I judged her easily enough to not be the type to make friends. So that makes this a very special case. More than that, what damage would it do to her when her family is betraying her, only to hear that her own Chancellor has ordered the assassination of a 'friend'? Because I looked at him. He is genuine, frightened easily as a church mouse, and a little childish." Ouki crossed his arms. "Before I even consider committing such treason, I need a Din-damn good reason for it."

The shadowmaster stared into Ouki's defiant eyes for a long moment, considering what to say and what not to say, perhaps hoping Ouki would back down and not press the issue. Problem was he knew Ouki wouldn't back down until he was satisfied.

The man sighed. "I had hoped you wouldn't press the issue… You of all people are the last one who should know of this, yet also the only one in a position to do anything about it."

"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"The boy claims to be the son of a great general." The Shadowmaster said.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaand?" Ouki pressed. "Lots of generals have lots of brats out there."

"A female general."

Three words. Three simple words. But it was enough to knock the wind from his lungs. His whole world spun. The candle light of the room danced as a beautifully violent woman. The world shook under his legs, or perhaps that was his legs shaking. He could not tell which was which anymore. He couldn't tell what was what anymore.

Ouki collapsed to a knee and placed a hand on the stone floor to steady himself. It was forever before he remembered how to so much as breathe.

"It seems you realize the implications of what this means." The shadowmaster concluded.

"Is it true?" Ouki asked breathlessly. "Is he…"

"We do not know, but the rumor alone is dangerous. The boy is dangerous. If his lineage truly is what he claims, and he learns of it, then he is a danger not only to you or I… but all of us. The Mitagi. The Sheikah. The Ki. The Royal Family. All of us are in danger if he really is HER son. If he seeks after his lineage…" The man shuddered. "He could overturn this entire kingdom on its head. There are some secrets buried for a reason. Secrets too dangerous to ever see the light of day. You know this. You swore to uphold the secret to your dying breath when you learned of it, even at the loss of your family, your house, and your reputation. Now is the time to prove if your conviction is as strong as you claim to finish it."

Ouki closed his eyes. He could see it. The fires burning. The woman and children dying. War ravaging the land. As much as war exhilarated him, he could not stand by and watch as everything he had sworn to protect was destroyed.

"He is dangerous if he searches for answers. Too dangerous." Ouki agreed.