A Rebel's War – Part 3

-Link-

Normally, Link would be a heavy sleeper. He could sleep through hurricanes and snore loud enough to wake the dead. Because he was always bursting with so much energy, he would collapse in exhaustion when he finally released it all.

This night, however, Link was far from tired. His eyes stayed wide open all night as he laid on the stone floor beside the bed. The three girls were sleeping, even Zelda, but not him. Currently, his energy was overflowing and threatening to release itself, but he had nowhere to aim it. He was like a coiled snake with no prey. He was as attentive as a bird and silent as an owl.

Ganondorf was near, in danger, and just out of his reach.

Zelda was near, in danger, and within reach.

Should he run off to find Ganondorf and leave Zelda to Geoffrey's protection? Should he stay and leave Ganon to his fate? Link couldn't decide. Then there was the matter of who made the strike at Zelda. Link clearly saw the soldier, and he was just within reach when he somehow disappeared. Was it a Sheikah? Was it a Mitagi? The Sheikah lived beneath the city while the Mitagi were in it, leaving Link's focus sandwiched between both. To top it off, this was all in the middle of politics surrounding Ganondorf. Link didn't even know who could be involved in that.

Link gripped the Spear of Nayru tightly and adjusted himself. He ran a hand under his clothes. He felt the scars. They didn't hurt, but where Midna's sword shattered and its shards pierced him tugged gently at his skin

"Midna… Tou…" Link whispered. In a sudden rhythm, he whispered to the air the name of every man in his unit he lost. He remembered their faces, why they had fought, and how they sacrificed not just their lives, but their very purpose for fighting for him. It reminded him of what he had heard from Ouki: the men who died, did so, and passed on their reasons to fight to him.

Link raised his hand and looked at the glowing triangles. In his mind, he saw his friends, and he saw Zelda and Ganon among them.

"I swear," He whispered. "I won't let you two be added to the list."

-Zelda-

After a good night's sleep, Zelda rose. She stretched, felt her back crackle into place, and looked down at the other girls. Sarah curled up protectively around Malon, who looked rather uncomfortable with how tightly she was held. Zelda smirked. A dark part of her mind found it amusing. If only she could capture this moment and show it to them. She imagined the looks on their faces would be positively delicious.

Zelda looked down the other side to find Link staring at the ceiling with wide, bloodshot eyes. His spear was held tightly above him, and he was as straight as a board.

The bloodshot eyes snapped to her. Zelda just about leapt back in fright. Instead, she merely leaned back.

"I take it you have not slept?" Zelda asked. "Or moved…"

"No," Link rasped. His voice sounded hoarse, tired, scratchy.

"Good of you to not fall asleep on duty, then. But if you were careful to not wake us, surely you could have requested another guard to take a shift."

"You wanted only me."

Zelda blinked, remembering her request. She sighed, "My apologies, you are right. Please rise, speak with Geoffrey, and request for another to take over while you get some rest."

"No, no. I'm fine," Link smiled dimly. "All good."

Zelda raised an eyebrow. He did not look fine, but then again, he knew his limits far more than she would.

"At the very least leave so we may change into proper clothing," Zelda insisted. "Granted, we chose more decent nightwear, but this would be scandalous were it under any other circumstance."

"Right," Link nodded. He moved to get up, groaned, and quickly collapsed. "Shit. Can't get up."

Zelda gently sighed, "I swear, monkey… Very well. Stay still." She threw her legs over the bed and squealed the moment her feet touched the stone. She jumped to a rug. "Nayru-Farore-and-Din! It's freezing!"

"You get used to it," Link muttered.

Zelda quickly recovered, reached for his extended hand, and pulled Link up.

The amount Link groaned as he rose and how stiffly he stood did not bode well. He leaned against his spear like a staff to hold himself up.

"Thanks," Link smiled. "I'll be right outside the door."

Zelda watched Link walk out, and it did not please her to see him move as stiffly as Abhdan. Link was decades younger than that old man. A part of her wanted to say something, but she didn't know what. What could she say besides, 'good job'? That was all that he was doing: his job.

Link had never done anything for Zelda before like a job. He never acted for her because it was an order. Keeping him up all night on guard marked the first time Zelda had ever commanded him to do something in their relationship.

The feeling of a knife in her gut returned. Her first order to Link was for him to lay on a cold, stone floor, all while knowing it was so. She could have requested shifts. Geoffrey had even offered a female bodyguard for her decency, yet she wanted only Link. She felt more assurance with him, but Zelda knew herself better than that. She had wanted only him to stand guard all night because she knew in the back of her mind he would do it. She wanted to punish him for his failure with the assassin.

Knowing Link, he knew that she was punishing him. Rather than being humiliated or angry, he was thankful, focused, and stupidly loyal to follow her request like the simpleton he is. Zelda felt the knife lodged in her gut turn to ice and spread into her veins. She shivered.

"For the first time I've truly ordered him to do something… I truly am an Ice Witch," Zelda whispered.

She looked back at the girls to see they were still fast asleep. Normally, Sarah was a light sleeper, and while Zelda knew nothing of Malon's sleeping habits, she was still out cold too. Zelda could clearly see the stress in their sleeping expressions. The assassin's attack had taken a toll on everyone.

Zelda roused the girls, and they all changed into proper attire for the day. Zelda planned to spend most of the day outside, and so clothed appropriately to deal with the heat. Most noble women would wear a dress of some sort no matter what, but Zelda preferred the clothing of men. They were far more comfortable and practical, though not as beautiful.

Zelda turned around and saw herself. She hated what she saw.

"Sarah," Zelda said as she left the changing curtain, thoroughly annoyed.

"Yes, Zelda?" Sarah questioned.

"There's a full-length mirror back there. Please throw it out. If you can't, have Link destroy it."

"Oh!" Sarah rushed into her own clothing and skipped over. "I am so sorry! I should have checked and-"

Zelda waved it off. "No, no. No apologies are necessary. You have nothing to be sorry for. We had a stressful day yesterday. We were not expecting an attempt on my life. Our only thought was toward resting. Now we have taken a little bit of rest and will continue to do so safely in Lord Geoffrey's care. We will let the guards do their jobs and wait for the Majora to arrive."

Zelda saw Malon fretting out of the corner of her eye. "Though, with the time we have for ourselves, I am sure we can take some to see Lord Dragmire and assess his care and treatment for ourselves." Malon's composure lifted immediately. "I trust Geoffrey would have the honor of giving Lord Dragmire the dignity given to a king, even as a prisoner, but I cannot help but wonder if his relationship with Ouki led him to bias. I also wonder about the respect the rest of the Mitagi would offer. As such, it would be prudent to see for ourselves, would it not?"

"A wonderful idea, your highness!" Sarah squealed.

The girls finished dressing and walked out. Link stood, waiting by the door.

"We all good?" Link asked, still in a rough voice.

"We are. Thank you for waiting," Zelda replied.

"Waiting?" Link eyed them, now noticing their clothes were suited for outdoor use. "Where are we going? Surely you don't expect to go out anywhere? Least of all without a full guard."

"You are right to be worried. As said, I will speak with Geoffrey. I also want to meet with the Mitagi elders and the Sheikah Shadowmaster."

"Like Ousen?"

Zelda grimaced, "Now that I am calm, I remember he is on the frontlines in the war. He may have left assassins behind, but this is not likely with his attention elsewhere."

"So our options are limited."

"Or less than. The elders may seek to grab the throne without him... possibly betraying their own Lord. I am sorry, but until we have something to go on, the attempt on my life could have been orchestrated by anyone as much as no one. I mean, he could have acted alone as a rogue."

The thought made Link frown. The possibilities did not sit well with him.

The group headed towards the center of the castle. Geoffrey was already downstairs, and the castle was in a flurry of activity. With all the skill of a high general, he orchestrated officers and commanders within the castle as well as he would on the battlefield. Men ran in and out of the banquet hall full of Mitagi officers. It was loud.

"How did we not hear all of this?" Sarah wondered.

"He would have purposefully not wanted us to hear, it seems," Zelda figured. She entered the banquet hall. "Lord Geoffrey, I can see you have been busy, and I would like to hear of your work, but first I have a request. It seems in my rush last night, I failed to ask for a series of guards on shift to allow Link proper rest."

"Of course, your highness," Geoffrey bowed. "I shall personally handpick them. Is there anything else?"

"No. Please, tell me. What of your progress, and what is your plan?"

"I do not know if you know, but the Mitagi keep every soldier and every weapon recorded. No soldier is accepted without being recorded, and no weapon is allowed without being recorded. While we have forges, the forges are carefully controlled to decide the flow of weapons into our military."

"Why would you go this far?" Zelda asked. "It seems a little unnecessary. Even Ryo wouldn't go that far."

"This fortress acts as the border guard against the Gerudo, and the Gerudo are as crafty and strong as they are numerous. They are not above using spies and agents as skilled as any Sheikah. This is partially why the Mitagi accept the Sheikah as guests. The attempts to weaken this fortress are many. The Mitagi lack skill in deception and combat it in their own way. Thankfully, it helps you a great deal, as well. You see, your highness, we have the assassin's spear in our possession. All we must do is look at the records to see who it belongs to, who had requested it from the armory, and then whether the person in question had been in the barracks or not at the appropriate hour."

Zelda smiled widely as Geoffrey laid out the plan. "Brilliant! In this way you will find our assassin."

"At the very least, it will offer us a path forward," Geoffrey agreed. "I do not know what plans you have for today, but I insist you stay where I can ensure your safety."

Zelda smirked, "I cannot make promises."

Geoffrey sighed. He had a feeling Zelda would be difficult and strong-willed. "Then please, tell me your plans so that I may work with you, rather than against you."

"I wish to meet with the Mitagi elders, Sheikah Shadowmaster, and to see to the health of the imprisoned King Ganondorf Dragmire."

Geoffrey's composure darkened at Ganondorf's name. Zelda expected as much. She called him 'King' Dragmire to remind the Englishman of just who the prisoner was and how serious their situation was.

"I understand why you would think darkly of him," Zelda said. "You are a witness, and if I understand the air correctly, you feel King Dragmire played a role in General Ouki's death. Is that right?"

Geoffrey was silent for a moment. He straightened and said, "It is my own problem, your highness. It is true. I am… biased. However, I was a knight in my first home and a general in my second. I swear my loyalty, honesty, and honor to you, no matter my personal history with King Dragmire."

"Good."

"With that said, I insist on bringing the Mitagi Elders here, as well as the Sheikah Shadowmaster. They will come if called. In fact, messengers arrived shortly after you did, wanting to hear of your health. I have told them all you are well, but they still wish to meet with you personally. They are concerned."

"Are they now?"

Zelda shared a glance with Link. She had wondered why the Sheikah and Mitagi were not reaching for her last night. For the princess to be attacked, there should have been many messengers running to her side. It seemed Geoffrey had held them back. Zelda did not think it was because he wanted to do her ill, but rather because the houses' loyalties were in question. It was better to meet on her terms.

"I wish for you to stay," Geoffrey insisted. "Allow the Mitagi and Sheikah to come to you, on your terms, under my eyes and protection. Though both are under suspect, it would not be in your best interest to leave them feeling rejected. Show them you are cautious, but not of them. Once my investigation bears fruit, we may take the necessary steps."

"Very well," Zelda agreed.

Messengers were sent out to the Mitagi elders and Sheikah. Zelda figured it would not be long. This may have been the castle of the Mitagi head, but the other elders would have mansions nearby. Meanwhile, the Sheikah would have pathways branching from their sanctum under the city. Others lived in old Sheikah places or pretended to be normal people. In all fairness, Zelda had no idea where they were or how they lived. The Sheikah were always near, always invisible, and visible only when they wished.

The Majora would arrive soon. Zelda guessed either late that day or tomorrow. Once settled, then they would begin the talk on what options lay in store for King Dragmire and their cracking alliance.

Zelda was impressed. A single night had passed, and Geoffrey was already on top of everything. He handled her defense and offense towards finding the assassin well, all while keeping an eye on the end goal. He had a clear perspective of the battlefield and their resources, to use a general's terms. He adapted to the urban environment with the eyes of a bird. She would expect nothing less from the Bird of Qin's pupil.

Geoffrey looked past Zelda to Link, who was staying in hand's reach. "Actually, if you would not mind, while we wait, I believe Link may be of assistance."

"Oh?" Zelda wondered. Link gulped. A few of the officers gave their attention, and they were very large and very muscular. Link was growing as well, but he had a feeling he would always be a bit on the scrawny side. Seeing so many men who could break him like a twig was a little nerve wrecking.

"If I may address your servant directly," Geoffrey bowed slightly.

"Go ahead," Zelda said.

"Oi…" Link narrowed his eyes at her. He whispered, "When did I become your servant?"

Zelda stamped her heel on Link's foot. Unlike other guards, he wasn't wearing metal boots or heavy leather. He could only afford commoner shoes or sandals. She smiled as he whimpered.

"Link, this woman you saw in the alley yesterday, would you remember her face if you were to confront her again?" Zelda asked.

"Sure," Link replied. He looked between Geoffrey and Zelda in confusion. "… But she told me she hadn't seen anything."

"To be fair, you are far too trusting for your own good," Zelda asserted. "It makes you a good ally, but a horrible interrogator. You're more likely to give the comfy chair and fluffy pillows than a whip."

"What is she, a chicken?"

Geoffrey inserted himself, "Link, I need you to recall the woman. Is there anything we can use to track her? Markings or tattoos?"

"No."

"Was her clothing rich or poor? Was she adorned with jewelry?"

"Er- neither. Nothing I would expect from a noble, but also not filthy."

"So wealthy enough to take care of herself, then. What direction was she coming from? What direction was she going? What street was she on?"

"Err…"

"Would you be able to point it out if you look for the street?"

"Sure, I can find my way back." Link recalled the path he took from there to the palace and where the street in question was. He could picture it visibly, but he didn't know what the name of the street was.

"Good, good." Geoffrey didn't feel it was much, but it would be enough to go down this one thread of thought. "If I may borrow the services of your servant, Princess, I would like to task him with tracking the woman down."

Zelda nodded, so Geoffrey called out into the room, "Ouhon Mitagi! I have orders for you! Present yourself."

Out of the crowd, a young man stepped forward. Unlike the rest of those present, he was lean, almost feminine in his appearance. He was beautiful, clean, and lacking any scars from war. His black hair was in a pony-tail down his back. In his hand was a spear as thin and pointed as an arrow. It followed the traditional spear design, unlike Link's glaive. Ouhon saluted Zelda and then Geoffrey. His salute was sharp, crisp, and his back was held straight as a board.

Link didn't like him. He had the same look in his eyes as the Zora centurion. He was also tall.

"Princess, may I present Ouhon, son of Ousen." Geoffrey briefly motioned to the new man. "Ouhon, there is an elderly woman who may have witnessed the assassin. The assassin disappeared after turning a corner, and Link saw her there instead. However, the woman claimed to have not seen anyone. This leads to one of many realities. One: she is in league with him, or two: he is far more skilled than we know. Your mission is to assist Link in finding the woman. When you find her, investigate, so that we discern the truth."

"Understood," Ouhon saluted. "If I may speculate, General, I think there is reason to believe we may run into the assassin, should he be allied with this woman."

"A good thought. If you believe you are in unnecessary danger, retreat."

"Also, do we have permission to interrogate the woman?"

"Should the place be safe, discern for yourself if it is wise. Be aware, she may be guilty as an accomplish, but she may be innocent of the crime." Geoffrey looked from Ouhon to Link. "Is that understood?"

Link nodded, "Yes, sir."

Ouhon saluted Geoffrey and turned to Link. "Then, 'Link,' is it? Shall I meet you at the front gate when you are ready to begin?"

Link stared at Ouhon, disgruntled with his perfect posture, perfect hair, and perfect height. The man was even perfectly respectful, proper, and serious. Link gave a begging glance to Zelda, who smiled knowingly. Link really didn't want to go with him, but Zelda wasn't going to budge.

Link sighed, "I'm ready now."

"You… what?" Ouhon scanned him up and down. Link normally didn't feel poor or like a slave. A lot of people in nobility, the princess, no less, gave him honor and respect. Sadly, moments like this reminded him of his standing. "You aren't going to prepare? Put on armor?... Clean yourself?"

Zelda snickered, and Sarah struggled not to laugh. Link felt his ears turn red in embarrassment.

"I-I don't have any armor," Link said, forlorn. "What you see is what you get."

Ouhon stared at Link in open shock. But even in shock, he was perfectly composed. Link wanted to punch that perfect face: a single fist connected to that perfect jawline. He wanted to do something to unsettle Ouhon, even something as simple as shifting a single perfect hair out of place. The man was like a tall, beautiful, porcelain doll, where ever freckle was placed just right.

"I… see…" The man said slowly. "Then shall I meet you after I prepare? I need to freshen up and suit up in armor."

'THIS ISN'T FRESHENED UP!?' Link wanted to scream. 'Din, Nayru, and Farore! Where does he think he has a speck of dirt on him?!'

-Link-

It did not take long for Ouhon to prepare, much to Link's annoyance. Even his timing was prompt and convenient.

"Are you sure you're done? Sure you don't want to take an hour?" Link asked. He glowered with his arms crossed.

"I am sure. I do not want to keep you waiting." Ouhon answered.

His thoughtfulness only made Link roll his eyes and begin thinking insults. Ouhon's armor was shiny, clean, and styled in red. 'Oh, and of course he looked damn good in it!' Behind his back were no less than four spears. 'It's like he couldn't decide which one to take, so he decided to become a walking armory!' Each spear was of various thickness and size. The shortest had both ends sharpened. 'Because why shouldn't you risk hurting yourself if it looks cool!?'

"If I may," Ouhon cleared his throat. "You look a little awkward with your glaive. Have you much experience with them? I can provide you a sword, if you are more suited to it. The spear-"

"You want it for yourself, I take it," Link glared.

"I was going to say the spear could be placed in General Geoffrey's care or with High Princess Zelda, while you use what you find more comfortable. As I understand it, you have only recently acquired it. You would likely not have the experience to use it comfortably."

"And you would?"

"Yes."

"Sure, of course you would," Link whispered. Wasn't there anything this bastard couldn't do? But he kept that thought to himself. "I'm good with keeping it. It is true, I don't know how to use it well, but I will. It was entrusted to me by General Ouki's own hand, and I will honor that. Now shall we get started?"

"When you are ready, sir," Ouhon nodded. He bowed deeply and motioned out. "Lead on."

Link bristled. He despised being called 'sir' by someone like him. Yet it was more than the fact that the man was perfect. There was something wrong deeper in. Link wouldn't feel his instincts rising just because a man was beautiful, polite, convenient, shiny, badass, or tall.

They left the castle and entered the city. Link took Ouhon to where the carriage was attacked, and from there, they took to side-streets and then the deeper alleys. It did not take long to come to the corner where Link lost sight of him.

"This is where the assassin disappeared." Link stopped at the street corner. He looked in all directions. "As you can see, there is nowhere for him to hide."

Ouhon inspected the street. He tapped the blunt of a spear on the floor and walls. He looked up for footholds. The walls were solid, and the floor had no plates from where one might have descended into some hidden place. However, above them had a number of places where the assassin could have leapt onto if he was capable of jumping great heights.

"You are right to say that, but he could have leapt high. Some men are capable of leaping great heights."

"While wearing a full suit of armor and cape?" Link raised an eyebrow.

Ouhon glanced back, rocked his head and forth while humming in thought, and finally nodded. "You have a valid point, sir. Which direction was the woman coming from?" Link pointed. "And which direction did she leave in?" Link shrugged. "Sir, you don't know?"

"I put her out of my mind after I left. I was more concerned with Princess Zelda." The man narrowed his eyes at Link for a moment. Link leaned against the wall and tried to recall anything else. "No, sorry, I don't remember. I put my back to her and left… But-" Link snapped his fingers. He grinned in remembering something. "She did mention she had just bought a mask for her grandson."

"A mask." Ouhon scrunched his brow in thought. "Can you describe the mask, sir?"

"Er- yellowish with ears like a fox. Why?"

"Sounds like one of the new popular ones. There have always been mask salesman, especially around holidays, but lately a certain mask salesman has become very popular. This does not help us. Road-side sellers would not document their customers well enough," Ouhon sighed lightly. He put a hand to his face and tapped his chin. "We are still near the edge of town, and if she was walking in this direction, there are a limited number of places she could be. It's worth asking nearby houses. It would not be suitable to turn up empty handed without putting in valid effort, sir."

Link grimaced. It sounded to him like they would have a long day. A long day where he had to put up with Mr. Perfect and his perfect rationality of everything else.

A part of Link wanted to return to Zelda's side, but he immediately squashed the rebellious thought. He didn't like this guy, but that didn't mean he should betray Zelda's trust. He was in hot-water with her as it was, due to his screw up. The least he could do was make up for it, even if she was being extra cold lately.

If Link were to really think about it, he was given aggravation from Zelda that he was taking out on this guy. Link was being a dick for a less-than-good reason. He got the impression that Ouhon, being the son of Ousen, was a noble. Most nobles feel self-entitled, but this guy still didn't come across as arrogant, just unbearably polite.

"I still think we should check out the market she came from. Markets tend to have regular customers and they may know her." Link argued.

"If you insist, sir."

Link grimaced again.

-Zelda-

Zelda sat at the large, center table. At another table were Sarah and Malon. Sarah smiled brightly and jumped up and down in excitement at the food being served. Normally, Sarah was the one doing the serving, so she took pleasure in being the one receiving the honor this time. Zelda was happy for her, even though her fake accented attempts at sounding noble made the servers think they were being mocked. At least she was having fun.

"How much time do you think Link will take before he notices Ouhon is mocking him?" Zelda smirked.

Geoffrey dug into his own food beside Zelda. While his table etiquette was a sight better than some, like Link or Ganondorf, it lacked in comparison to most nobles. Zelda did not let it bother her though, Geoffrey was polite and proficient in every other aspect of his life. Eating was, no doubt to him, about being practical, getting it out of the way, and moving on. At least he still swallowed before talking.

"You know him better than I," Geoffrey answered after a pause to eat. "Ouhon is a prodigy in both skill and practice. His father would not expect anything short of absolute perfection in every aspect, so it is a very subtle thing where the true self ends and the mocking begins. Unlike his father, though, he has a bit of a proud streak to him."

"You say Ousen is not proud? I find that difficult to believe." Zelda sipped at her drink.

"Ouhon is proud but keeps it mostly within himself. I consider Ousen to be more… disconnected from others, than haughty about it. He is too much of a loner to show off."

"This castle and grandeur of his city, notwithstanding."

Geoffrey smirked, "Fair point, your highness. I concede to your argument. Ousen is proud, too. Perhaps it is more accurate to say he is more grandiose and subtler about it. I do not know how long it will take Link to notice Ouhon is mocking him, if at all. Link is a good man and loyal to a fault. Of all the soldiers to stand by Ouki's side, Link was the first to arrive when Harken struck the final blows. Link was the one to retaliate and strike at Harken, despite knowing he was but an insect to be squashed. For that, Link holds a place of great honor in my heart." Geoffrey looked sad at the memory, but also proud. He momentarily stopped eating as the emotion of the memory weighed heavily on him, for both good and bad.

Zelda gave an icy smile. The feeling of being stabbed returned. She sighed heavily, "You are right."

"However, after knowing him a short time, he doesn't strike me as… the most scholarly type."

Zelda laughed. They shared a knowing glance, and Geoffrey chuckled as well.

"So a part of me wonders if he will ever notice," Geoffrey wondered. "I do hope, for both their sakes, he does not. The death of Ouki has shaken the Mitagi, and it seems to have shaken Ouhon most of all. He has a hidden anger I did not see the last time I saw him. I worry he will do something… rash. He is always strung tight."

"Whatever happens, I hope they keep it civil," Zelda hoped. She didn't want to think about it too deeply. She knew nothing of the young man, and speculating wouldn't do any more than worry her.

A bit after their breakfast conversation, the Mitagi elders and a man veiled in Sheikah garb presenting himself as the Shadowmaster arrived. There were two elders present, so the three leaders sat across from Zelda and Geoffrey. Zelda frowned. There were supposed to be three elders, plus Ousen.

An elder spoke, "Your highness, it is a true pleasure for-"

"Where is the third elder?" Zelda snapped. It was horribly impolite to interrupt someone like him. He bristled, but wisely did not retaliate. "Because I take great offense that I call for the elders and the head of the Mitagi house and only two of them show up. I can understand Ousen Mitagi, with his work on the front lines, but then what of your fellow elder? Does he not consider me great enough to spend some of his time? An attempt was made on my life, and he doesn't consider it worth it to meet with me." Zelda tapped on the table. She looked down at them, despite physically looking up. "I have half a mind to have his lands and privilege revoked and replaced with someone off the street, just to make a point."

"You-your highness!" The first elder's eyes widened. "Surely you wouldn-"

Zelda whipped her attention to him. "I was attacked by a soldier as soon as I entered your city. Either your security is lax… or someone orchestrated it. At this moment, I can't tell which, and the mysterious absence of your peer is not helping my concern."

Her statement left them breathless, mute, and gaping. They turned their attention to Geoffrey, who simply smiled.

"Your highness…" The Shadowmaster said. "The elder you speak of… is gone."

"Pardon?" Zelda asked. Her aggravation halted and was replaced with confusion and concern. Geoffrey's eyes widened and he leaned forward.

"It occurred a few days ago during the festival," The first elder explained. "The elder held a ball in his estate. There were many guests, and during the dancing, he took time to retire and rest. It was while he rested that… he disappeared."

"How did he die?" Zelda dared to ask.

The Shadowmaster spoke up, "That is just it: he did not die. He disappeared. It is a matter we have looked into, and there is little evidence among the victims."

"Victims… you mean there are more?"

The Shadowmaster looked down sadly. "There are multiple disappearances, yes. Some leave us blood stains in the vicinity, others simply vanish. The victims include the leadership, commoners, and even my fellow Sheikah."

"And you have no idea what is causing it?" Geoffrey questioned.

Zelda frowned. Something was happening in the city, that was for certain. The city was a legendary fortress with top security from both a clan of Sheikah and the line of the greatest generals in Qin's history.

And then all that security suddenly had holes poked into it.

Zelda had no doubt that this was an orchestrated effort to dishevel the city, but to what aim?

"It appears we have much to discuss. There is an enemy in the city," Geoffrey said. "And we must figure out how to root it out."

-Ganondorf-

He heard scraping…

Ganondorf sighed. Why couldn't life just let him sleep? He ignored the sound and returned to the emptiness that is-

More scraping eked out from multiple directions. A door slammed.

Ganondorf opened his eyes, thoroughly annoyed. "Whoever you are, leave. I have no patience for you. Leave. Leave me to my sleep."

The scraping came closer, and Ganondorf heard scratching join in… then steps. A voice came out of the darkness, one that sent chills down his spine.

"No."

It was a voice unlike any man he had ever heard. Yet it was more than that. Something about it felt… inhuman. It sounded like no human mouth could have spoken with such a voice. Human's don't growl.

Ganondorf gulped. He raised his head and gazed out of his cell, searching for whoever, or whatever, that spoke. It did not sound like the Guardian. Ganondorf received his answer as bright glowing orbs appeared in the distant darkness. Dozens of lights of various sizes put themselves together as if on a frame, a hulking, lumbering frame. They moved as a now clear silhouette moved. A mouth opened with fangs and a long tongue peeking out. The inside of its mouth glowed with the same light as the orbs across its back. The creature stepped forth from the darkness to just within where Ganondorf's glowing hair could shed light on it. Ganondorf's eyes widened.

The creature was an abominable combination of fur and scales. It had a long snout, antlers, and double-jointed legs that ended in clawed hooves. Its spine was jagged with long, spear-like protrusions. There were a dozen eyes on its face alone. Its tail was dual-pronged at the end, and its posture was very low to the ground. If it raised itself to its full height, it might be as large as a horse, but it crawled with its stomach to the ground like a massive iguana.

"Y-you cannot enter this place!" Ganondorf breathed out. He managed to keep his fear back despite not knowing what this creature was. He tried to take a step back, but the restraints on his arms held firmly in place. "The Mitagi guard this place. Where are my guards?"

The creature snarled under its breath, annoyed by the question. "The Mitagi are not here. This is an ancient treasure trove of ancient powers that have long lost their purpose, guarded by a man just as ancient and just as… fossilized. Once, these powers may have kept us at bay, but now it is nothing more than an empty box."

Ganondorf turned his head and saw other creatures with a similar glow on them, but of much smaller stature. These lizard and giant spider sized menaces crawled on the walls around him. Ganondorf wasn't afraid to die, he was almost ready to die a peaceful death now, but he would be damned if he went down by being feasted on by some beasts! He clenched his fist as best he could within the metal gauntlet and ignited a flame. At first, the gauntlet was able to restrain the force of his power, but it did not take much for it to explode into shrapnel and pulverize a number of creatures.

Ganondorf lifted his hand and showed it to them. The smaller creatures stepped back in fear and trembled at the flame in his hand, but the largest did not stir. It did not fear.

"Din… is with me," Ganondorf assured it.

"Your Goddess's 'love' is not unconditional," The creature retorted. "She does not love us, nor does she love you. Just whose power do you think that is in your hand? Your existence makes her puke. You call on her name and carry her mark, but you also bear the mark of her enemy and use power she reviles."

One of the creatures came close enough to Ganondorf to annoy the largest creature. It sprang forward with a speed that shocked Ganondorf, but the largest beast bit down on the aggressor before it struck. It squealed in pain and tried to free itself, but the predator tore it apart and swallowed it. The lights on its body flared brightly, and then Ganondorf watched another orb appear on its body like an eye opening. Unless Ganondorf's eyes were deceiving him, he could have sworn the creature also just grew larger. It seemed to bear slightly more teeth and more thorns on its back than before.

The great predator was very close to Ganondorf now, but Ganondorf did not strike at it. For all of its viciousness, Ganondorf did not sense it would attack him. It had a calmness, rather than hostility, in meeting him.

"But we love you," It said.

Ganondorf balked, "Wh-what?"

"We love you."

The great predator raised itself on its hind legs until it stood at the same height as Ganondorf, and then passed it. It inched closer, slowly, almost cautiously, as if not wanting to spook him. It was then that Ganondorf saw its ribs were horribly protruding out of its body, thus revealing its internal organs. He thought it was no wonder why it would choose to crawl so close to the ground.

"You… are like us." It reached out with its massive clawed hooves and encircled Ganondorf's head almost lovingly. "You… made us. You… called out for us. So we… have come… Father."

(edited by RealCoolDude u/10495976/)