A Rebel's War - Part 6
-Zelda-
Zelda wished there was more she could say to help Ganondorf through his dilemma. All she could do was relate to his inner struggle of feeling cursed for life. Although she disagreed with his decision for a war with the Mitagi, she promised herself she would do what the Fae encouraged: Zelda understood Ganondorf's decision was important to him, even if she found it foolish and impractical. She would not hold him accountable as a man under her authority, but as an equal in alliance. His choice would put both the Mitagi and Majora alliance at risk regardless of the intentions. If she were in his position, she could not say she wouldn't do the same thing.
Ganondorf did not seem capable of further reflection. His mind had become fragile as of late, torn between paths. The best Zelda could hope to do now was give him some insights to consider. The insights would come from her priests. On admittedly rare occasions, she would listen and debate with them for the more unique decisions like this. The rest of what Zelda could offer stemmed from understanding a fellow cursed monarch. If Ganondorf wanted someone to relate to, she could offer that at the very least.
Zelda rose and left Ganondorf to his thoughts.
"Well, well," The Guardian mused as she approached him with Sarah. "So the fox was the princess. You had me fooled." Zelda tensed. The voice was definitely recognizable.
"So I did," Zelda replied. She looked back into Ganondorf's cell. Malon looked reluctant to leave. "Tell me, would it be improper for her to stay a while longer? She is his ward."
"It would be improper. I will not have it. I take my job very seriously, princess. She leaves with you all, or all of you stay."
"Very well. Malon, if you will."
Malon hesitated, but Ganondorf gave a limited motion for her to go. Understanding him, Malon somberly returned to Zelda's side.
Malon whispered in her newfound voice, "I will be able to see him again, right?"
"Of course, you can," Zelda answered. "The trial should be very soon now that the Majora arrived."
With that said, Zelda glared at Sarah.
"What is wrong, Zelda?" Sarah asked.
"For the sake of innocent animals everywhere, do not ever get a pet. Considering you were a damn sight better than Link, I understand now why he sucks with animals. You nearly crushed me in your squealing fits."
Sarah blushed furiously. "M-my apologies, Z-Zelda."
"All is well, but I will be checking with a doctor to be sure I don't have a broken rib."
As this sudden argument occurred, the Guardian opened the door leading up and led them back to the dungeon's main room. Once out, he twisted the central sword to seal the deep prison's passage and got more deep burns for his trouble.
After taking a moment to look around, Zelda saw there were no beds, no clothes, no doors to other areas, and no food outside of what was presented to Ganondorf. The Guardian said he lived here, Zelda recalled. How could that be? Who was this man?
From what Zelda could understand, the Guardian was exceedingly old. But while his voice gave him away as an old man, his demeaner showed a strength and virility as solid as Geoffrey's. References were made to him as if he was older than anyone else in Mitagi. Just by the very nature of his job, he must have been down here all the time.
"Tell me, Guardian," Zelda inquired. "You said you were charged with guarding this place, are under the authority of the Triple Goddesses, and were a prisoner as much as those below. This speaks of a crime and punishment occurring. You are the only one considered strong enough to hold back Ganondorf Dragmire should he break out. This alone speaks of power. Yet for all of my understanding and memory, I cannot recall a man charged by the priests with life imprisonment beneath the castle of Mitagi."
"You are a perceptive one, as well as a good listener. That is a powerful combination," The Guardian complimented. "You are correct. This is punishment for a crime."
"And will you not tell me?"
"I see no reason why I should." He continued to leave and gave Zelda the cold shoulder.
Zelda glared at his back and clenched her fists. She silently screamed. How dare he walk away from her like she was nothing! How dare he ignore her!
"Bastard," Zelda whispered.
"To be fair, ya are much the same," Malon whispered back.
Zelda gaped. "I-I am not! Sarah! Am I like that?!"
Sarah sucked in a sharp breath. "Well…"
"Sarah!" Zelda yelled, aghast.
"You do tend to be pissed off with ya friends," Malon continued.
Sarah and Zelda stared at the little red-head. Zelda was offended and aghast. She knew she was called the Ice Witch, and for good reason, but it still offended her to be confronted with it while being offended by another source. Sarah was left really wanting to be somewhere else right now, but she also wondered if Malon was really brave or just stupid.
"You were so much easier when you were mute," Zelda snarled. She spun on her heel and followed the Guardian out.
"And there we go," Malon said with pity. She didn't want to be proven right, but she hoped Zelda would listen to herself now.
"Zelda! That was rude!" Sarah exclaimed.
Zelda stomped her way up the stairs, her mood destroyed. Being called out by them struck her. But after taking a moment to calm herself, she sighed in the darkness. She realized she was cruelest towards those she cared about.
Malon was coming out of trauma, and Zelda was a bitch to her.
Sarah always had Zelda's back, took care of her, and was an emotional and physical support, but Zelda was a bitch.
Link protected Zelda's life at his own expense countless times over. He never asked for anything. He put up with her taunts and abuse ranging from well-mannered to outright mean and even took her scratches when she was a fox without lashing out. He did all that while thinking of Zelda's mood and bringing her gifts (ignoring that it backfired), and Zelda was a bitch.
Now that Zelda thought about it, her anger with him about failing to catch the assassin was unwarranted now. The assassin, who Zelda concluded was also the Guardian, was a man of incredible talent, power, and purpose. Link was right: the man could disappear. The man could teleport or move from one place to another within a moment.
Considering all the facts, Zelda concluded she was a bitch.
But on Zelda's previous thoughts, why wasn't the Guardian turning and stabbing her? He was right in front of her and armed with a sword. Zelda was defenseless and in his abode, but he did not strike. This was an opportune time and place for him to act.
Zelda could not grasp the choices the Guardian made in where and when to attack, but she felt he put heavy thought into what he did do. She thought he planned enough to make it unpredictable for her to know what he would actually do. He was creative, observant, and willing to wait instead of immediately taking an opportunity. Zelda had no doubt he would try to kill her again later, but when would that happen? When he was ready, she decided. Where would it happen? Whether she was in public, protected, or in private did not seem to matter to him.
Zelda nearly tripped as another thought struck her. The Guardian was cursed too. This place was his charge, and he was under the goddesses' authority. On the surface, it sounded like the man could not leave this place, but he has done so twice. He had left to attack her. The timing could perhaps be tied to some kind of crack in his curse, the binding that held him. If she could figure out more: the nature of his curse, his imprisonment, and if it weakened, then she could predict him easier.
Zelda sighed. She certainly had plenty to think over.
Their party finally exited the basement to the pleasant sight of the other's snickering. Zelda saw Link's eyes light up when they landed on her, but he seemed distant. He made no motion towards her, rather he took a step behind the Fae Elder. Zelda did not miss his move. It sent a knife into her gut. One more to be added to the pile, she thought.
"Princess!" Geoffrey exclaimed. He bowed. "I am overjoyed to see you restored! I take it King Dragmire was willing to restore you?"
"He was," Zelda confirmed. She stepped aside so Sarah and Malon could stand among them.
"You were brave to face him and ask for this."
"Admittedly, he was not of his right mind at first. The isolation in prison has taken a toll on his weak spirit. But we…" Zelda paused, seeing the girls hold their distance. Sarah was usually a step away from her, and though it was only a few steps further than before, it was big for them. Malon was usually the kind to stand neutrally to the side, but her posture was now defensive.
Zelda recovered. "They, my servant, Sarah, and Ganondorf's ward, Malon, stepped up and set his mind in order. Sarah braved his wrath, and Malon… Malon has a compassion I wish I had… King Dragmire was willing to remove the mask, and to my surprise, he never asked anything for it. So no, it was just I who benefited."
Sarah and Malon's posture relaxed and became a little friendlier after the compliments. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief.
"I… see." Geoffrey looked at her questionably, finding it odd how she seemed to go out of her way to praise others. He did not know Zelda well, but typically, nobles and kings do not give credit to others for any reason.
Zelda nodded. "Now, so that we may not keep the guard waiting, why doesn't the next group go ahead? Link-" Link perked up and his eye's widened fearfully. She never called him by name. "-You came here to see him, yes? Why don't you go and see for yourself how he fares?"
Link smiled nervously. "Thank you, but all is well, Princess. I'm sure I will see him eventually. You are in danger. I should-"
"Link, go ahead. See him. You last saw him in your battle with Harken Dragmire. You must be worried. You have been burdened with the lives of two monarchs as of late. That is no small thing. Consider it a gift and an apology of sorts, for I know I am a difficult and demanding charge. Please, set your mind at ease."
"I…" Link cleared his throat. He sniffed and looked down. Zelda didn't know the thoughts that passed over him, but he almost teared up. He finally nodded and descended the stairs where the Guardian waited.
"Who are the next two?" Geoffrey inquired. "I have no interest in meeting with him."
"I will allow four this time," The Guardian said. Everyone looked to him in surprise. "I want to talk with you, Lord Geoffrey, personally," He explained.
"Very well."
"I will go," The Elder Fae said.
Nabooru stepped forward," As will I."
The four of them assembled on the stairs and the Guardian brought them below.
Zelda waited until the moment the dungeon's door closed and spoke up, "I must ask a question for you, Shadowmaster."
"Princess?" The Shadowmaster allowed her.
"That man, the Guardian… who is he? Surely you know, oh, master of secrets." Zelda gave a small smirk.
"I-I do." The Shadowmaster hesitated for being put on the spot. "But I fail to see why that this is the time, place, or has the urgency for such-"
"I have reason to believe that that man is the assassin who has tried to kill me twice now."
The room gasped and the Shadowmaster paled. He bore so much more terror than the others that a gasp could not suffice. He understood the deep implications of what this meant.
"Oh no…" He whispered.
"Now do you believe this to be the time and place?" Zelda tapped her foot and crossed her arms. She glared at the man, coldly and silently demanding answers.
"The time, yes, but this is not the place." He glanced to the heavy dungeon door. "We have but a few minutes. Let us move away from here."
-Nabooru, Link, Elder, Geoffrey-
The second group descended into the same room the girls entered, and Link gaped at its splendor. Even as far down as they were, this place continued to shine like new. The Guardian lead them to the pedestal as before, and he opened the way down. Link's eyes fell onto the sword centerpiece, and he thought it was beautiful. He wished to hold it desperately, and it seemed to almost draw him in with the way it rested so majestically. However, thoughts of Ganondorf quickly reminded him of his purpose here.
They descended further to see Ganondorf's ragged form. He rose to his feet as they approached, and thankfully for them, was of a better mind than when the girls arrived. He was not his best, though. He was still sick in body and soul.
The conversations were simple and brief compared to what Ganondorf endured before. They consisted largely of catching up and offering bits of comfort.
Nabooru comforted Ganondorf with knowledge that his clan had come. She was saddened to see his lack of hope, but he was comforted to know the Majora were there. He thought it comforting, even if things led to being executed among family.
Link was understandably awkward. He didn't know what to say or do. He wanted to see a Ganondorf well, and he found a shell. Ganondorf opened the conversation in the best way, directly. He asked of the war and how Link's unit had come through. Link told him most of his men were dead, save for a few. Link insisted it wasn't Ganondorf's fault. They had died to Zhao, and even if Ganondorf's being a demon had not helped things, they still would have died to Harken's magics. In Link's eyes, Ganondorf was as much a victim as the rest of them.
The Elder Fae and Ganondorf barely had a conversation: there was little need for one. The Elder was unsatisfied with Ganondorf's appearance, and he assured him he would be at the trial. He told Ganondorf to not lose hope, to which Ganondorf replied, 'What hope is there for me, Elder? I am as dead while alive as I am dead. I do not desire death, but nor do I desire what this life offers me.'
It was a sad saying, drowning everyone else's spirit as well. The Elder countered with, 'There is always a way, King Dragmire. So long as we live, every day is a chance. A chance for salvation and goodness. That chance is only taken when we die. So do not give up. No matter how far your spirit falls, no matter how dark your prospects may be, pray and seek, and you will find.'
Geoffrey had no words to speak, wanting nothing to do with the man-demon. Instead, he stayed a level above with the Guardian. The Guardian wanted to speak with him, and this was the best time to do it.
"Tell me, Lord Geoffrey. I have heard that Ouki Mitagi is dead. Is this true?" The Guardian asked.
"It is, my lord," Geoffrey said.
"I see," The Guardian sighed. "That is a pity. He was a special one." Geoffrey smiled grimly, in full agreement. "I knew him little, but I had met with him once. As always with champions of the Mitagi, a piece of my trove was given to champion their cause." The Guardian chuckled. "And Ouki was able to weasel two relics out of me. He was the lover to the owner of another while possessing one himself. I couldn't find myself refusing him."
"Ouki always did find ways to do the unexpected."
"Indeed. And I am told you are his retainer, the one to inherit everything of his. Is this true?"
"It is."
"Then the same offer extends to you. I have observed you from a distance and see Ouki taught you well. You have a strong heart, a strong body, and a strong mind. You are worthy of being among the pillars of the Mitagi. I had once considered allowing you a treasure, but you were not Mitagi. Now it seems Ouki has found yet another way to bypass the rules."
"You mean…" Geoffrey breathed.
"You may take into your possession any of my treasures on this lower platform." The Guardian motioned to the eight stands on the third level. "Use them as you wish, but you are to return them on your death. In this case, you have two options before you: you may use the item Ouki requested from me, the gauntlets of strength, or you may return it and select another for yourself."
"And this is the rule set for all who choose?"
The Guardian nodded.
Geoffrey took a deep breath and looked over the relics. "Then… I will return the gauntlets of strength… tell me of this one." He stepped before a shield.
The shield had a highly reflective surface of the greatest quality. Little words were etched into the edges of the reflective side, but they were words he could not read.
"That shield will stop everything," the Guardian described. "No matter how strong an attack, it will not break, nor push you back. No matter the magic, it will not penetrate, nor bend. Spears and axes and swords and hammers will lose their bite, and all magic will be absorbed to be useless. This shield is the greatest defense and a powerful offense."
"Amazing!" Geoffrey reached out and took the shield into his hands. He placed it on his arm and felt the weight of it. He thought the weight was good: light while feeling sturdy. It was long enough to cover the body without encumbering him. "I was thinking of choosing this relic because it reminded me of home, but what do you mean by a 'powerful offense?'"
"There is a special trick. Allow me to see it." Geoffrey handed the shield over as the Guardian instructed. "Pick up your sword and strike it." Geoffrey looked at him confused, but he did as commanded. Geoffrey struck the shield. At the Guardian's bidding, he did so again, and again, and again. On the fourth blow, the shield seemed to shatter and crack.
Geoffrey gasped. "I am so sorry! I did not mean to-"
"Do not worry. Here, take it." The Guardian handed him the shield. "You are not so strong that you can break it with your strikes. I have never met anyone that can."
"But… the shield! It is cracked!"
"Nevermind that. Strike me with the shield."
"Pardon?"
Geoffrey felt the Guardian roll his eyes, even if it was unseen through the helmet. He repeated himself irritably. "Strike me with the shield. Yes, I am serious! Strike me with it!"
"As you wish." Geoffrey collected himself and rammed the Guardian with his shield. A burst of energy exploded from it, and the Guardian was thrown into a wall. Geoffrey gasped again. "I am so sorry! I did not know it-" He checked the shield. "It is not cracked anymore!"
"As I said, the shield has a special trick." The Guardian climbed to his feet, unfazed. "It collects energy so that when you strike someone, the energy is released as if the blows they dealt to the shield were upon them!" He noticed Geoffrey's concerned gaze. "No, do not worry about me. I am unharmed. But are you satisfied with your choice?"
"I am!" Geoffrey smiled ear to ear. "Thank you, Guardian of the Mitagi! I shall return to you the gauntlets and take upon myself this shield."
The Guardian nodded, regaining his stoic composure. "Use it well, Retainer of Ouki."
-Later-
The others did not spend much longer talking with Ganondorf before departing. They quickly met up with the Guardian who then resealed the platform over the prison. Nabooru and Geoffrey went on ahead to the exit, not needing a guide in the dark, while the Elder Fae and Link tarried a bit behind. Link studied everything in the torch light: the layered pedestal, the center sword, and most of all, the single green torch. It spoke to him in some way.
"This place reminds me of your grove," Link observed.
"How so?" The Fae Elder inquired.
"That house in your grove didn't collect dust either. It has a similar vibe to it." Link's head almost swiveled to look at everything. "This place resonates with something in me… I can feel it."
The Guardian turned enough to glance at Link but said nothing.
The Elder said, "You are correct in your assumption. There is a divine holiness here that is similar to our groves. It is a sacred site I have visited from time to time. As you bear the Mark of Farore, you would feel it."
"You bear the Mark of the Triple Goddess?" The Guardian asked.
"I-I do," Link stuttered. He blushed and covered his hand. He found it a bit nerve wracking to be put in the spotlight over something like this.
"Then you are the one I sensed using the Gift of Farore yesterday?"
"You felt that?"
"Of course I did," The Guardian answered. "I would recognize the sensation anywhere." He put an uncovered hand up, and Link gasped. A triangle glowed on it. But while Link's triangle was whole, the Guardian's triangle was only an outline.
-Zelda-
The Shadowmaster had taken Zelda to a side room in the prison and closed the door. He put his hand on the door and a faint black mist fell over it. It was Twilight magic.
"How to explain…" He swallowed and turned to face her. "How much do you know of the fall of Hyrule?"
Zelda knew the gist of the story for years. "The Wise Tyrant, Demon King, and Rebellious Hero made war. The Wise Tyrant was killed, the other two disappeared, and Hyrule collapsed into thousands of factions."
"That is right. The three fought, but did you know that all three were champions of their respective goddess? They bore the Mark you bear now." The Shadowmaster pointed at her hand. "That mark has birthed many names, and some would go to say it is passed down to champions chosen by the Goddess… But our records show this is not true. The Marks are not passed on to new guardians. Rather, the spirits of the guardians are reborn anew. You, as the champion of Nayru, are the same champion in spirit and soul as every past champion of Nayru. In like manner, the champion of Din and the champion of Farore are the same as they have always been. The person never truly changes. You three are reborn again and again in a never-ending cycle."
"For you see," He continued," The war between the Twilight and Divine was not just between the Goddesses, but between their creations. The minions of Twilight consume one another to become strong, and only the strongest five can be amongst their pantheon. To truly defeat the Twilight, you must destroy them from the highest to lowest power. In contrast, the Goddesses created three celestial spirits to lead their creations on their behalf. These spirits were named Wisdom, Courage, and Power. The Divine defeated the Twilight's greatest, but the rest of the Twilight would not fall without a fight. It eventually tainted the spirit of power, appealing to it with their mutual understanding of power. They instilled the Twilight's vengeance and hatred within the Spirit of Power, and this set everything out of motion.
"From then on, the cycle started," He concluded. "With every rebirth, the three are in conflict. And with each conflict, they are thrown further from the goddesses in a spiral of destruction. In the most recent cycle, the spirits waged war. The Spirit of Wisdom was reborn as who we know to be the Wise Tyrant. The Spirit of Courage was reborn as the Rebellious Hero. The Spirit of Power, of Hatred, was reborn as the Demon King."
Zelda nodded, listening intently. Bits and pieces of what the Shadowmaster described fitted with the sacred texts she had read. "But what does this have to do with him?"
"Because, your highness, for a spirit to be reborn, it must first lose its previous flesh. The Spirit of Wisdom died… but the other two did not. The Spirit of Power was only banished to another realm, and the Spirit of Courage… He refused to die. I don't know how, but he found a way to cheat death. He was punished by the Triple Goddesses for this, of course. He was stripped of his power and cursed to guard the relics he prized so dearly beneath a fortress created by his children: Mitagi and Kinoto. Those children would one day form the Mitagi and Ki family, the two families who would lay the foundation for Qin."
Zelda's eyes widened. "You mean… The Guardian, the Assassin, is also the Rebellious Hero? The Spirit of Courage and Champion of Farore?"
The Shadowmaster gave a solemn nod. "That is exactly what I mean, Princess."
-Link, Fae, Guardian-
Link stared at the armored man while feeling like ice had fallen over him. His nerves tingled, and the world spun. Link inevitably faltered and took a clumsy step to adjust himself.
"You're... You're like us?" Link held up his hand to advertise his triangle. "You're one of us? I thought there were only three."
"I used to be," The Guardian said.
"Used to be? So... you are no longer Marked?" Link looked to the Elder Fae. "And you don't seem surprised."
"I knew this already," Elder said. "I am as ancient as he is, but I hardly see how this turn is relevant. There are always cycles. You are not the first to bear the Mark of Farore, and nor will you be the last. Link, this man is the one you would know in history as the 'Rebellious Hero'."
"What?!" Link gasped. His head whipped between the two ancient people, struck with shock. "You-he! You're a legend! How can you be punished, and your Mark taken?!"
The Elder watched the Guardian, wondering if he would explain. In all the years Elder had known him, he had been closed off. He trusted no one and was always formal. He kept this thoughts far from his lips.
The newly revealed Rebellious Hero sighed. "Before I answer, let me ask you a question. This power you have been given, what will you use it for?"
"What purpose would there be in such a question?" The Elder snapped. He moved between the man and teenager. "You are no longer in a position of authority for such matters."
"Because I wish to understand the purpose and mind of whom my power has fallen to."
"Your power?" Link wondered.
Elder spoke up. "Link, the man before you was not just another champion of the Goddesses. He was the previous owner of the Mark you bear."
Link's amazement only deepened. This man was his predecessor!? He wanted to exclaim. Link knew the Mark was passed from champion to champion, but he couldn't believe it was passed down to him from the Rebellious Hero himself!
"Do you find my question to be an unreasonable one?" The Rebellious Hero coldly asked.
"No, perhaps not, now," Elder said. "Whether Link wishes to divulge his purpose is up to him. But what would you do if his answer should not satisfy you?" Elder looked down at the Hero. "You should remember your place."
"My place, as the one who came before him, would be of guidance."
"A position I already fill."
Link kept looking between them, albeit calmer than before. Standing before him were two beings equally ancient and powerful in their own rights. He sensed that despite an old friendship that might exist, there was a hint of animosity. Whatever the Hero's punishment was, Link felt it drove a wedge between them.
Link smiled and stepped around the wooden Fae. "It's alright. I don't mind."
Elder's expression soured, but he nodded. "If you are sure."
"I want to use my Goddess given power to help people," Link announced with certainty. "With all of this war, my place is on the front lines, defending the kingdom, and serving the Princess."
"The princess…" The Hero whispered. "You refer to the one who bears the Mark of Nayru?"
"She is the one," Elder answered.
"That's right!" Link said as well. "When I protect the princess, I protect the kingdom. When she bleeds, the kingdom bleeds, and people die. And I don't want that. I want people to feel secure and safe and be able to smile without armies marching down on them."
"You can't stop people from dying," The Hero said bluntly.
Link frowned. "Of course not, but-"
"And what would you do if you bleed?"
"I would… accept it? That's what happens in war. I have lost friends, but I press on." Link swallowed after his speech. Though he could not see the Hero's eyes, his tense posture spoke of great disagreement.
"You are a naïve fool and a hypocrite leading countless lives to failure. Let me tell you something, Link: I was once like you. I gave myself to a king. I gave myself to my people. Like you, I was trusting… naïve. I thought nothing of my wounds, of bleeding. I accepted it as my part. After all, what soldier doesn't bleed?"
"But do you know what happens when the soldier returns home?" The Hero asked. "He is an outcast. I have seen so many soldiers on the streets. They give all of themselves and receive nothing in return. They go mad with nightmares all their lives, and all the people scoff at them. They sacrifice everything for their kingdom and are given nothing but a pathetic word of thanks in return."
Link wouldn't lose hope. "Then it is up to the system to protect them, as the soldiers protected the system."
"Good answer, but what system would that be?" The Hero started speaker faster, louder. "What system can there be to protect the lowly men who sacrifice their lives for the wealthy and noble? The noble can murder, rape, and steal without punishment, but Goddess forbid a commoner who holds his head high, lest he lose it."
"Zelda will make that system."
"And that is why you are a fool," The Hero growled. "I have not known her long, but the way Zelda treats her friends tells me much. She is filled with anger. If the one who holds the Mark of Wisdom is so angry, they will only bring pain. Wisdom does not mean 'good.' It merely means the ability to discern, reason, and learn. She will be a smart one, and that scares me."
The Hero glared at the ground. "The king in my time bore the Mark of Wisdom, and he was a tyrant. He betrayed me… casted me out because in his 'wisdom,' he feared me. I served him without question, and he feared me for it. His people served him, and he reduced them to slaves. He trusted no one. He saw ghosts and conspiracies all around him. He trusted no one. Eventually, the ghosts he saw were created by his own hand."
The Hero continued, "I have watched your 'princess' since her arrival, and I see a tyrant in the making just as much as he was! Even you, who would treat her with friendship yet obey without question, are repaid with harsh words, disregard, and punishment!"
Link also looked down. "It's true… Zelda can be cruel. She doesn't know love nor friendship, so she doesn't know how to express it. She has never known gentleness, and so she doesn't know how to give it. She is a tool to others as much as they are to her."
"And… you think this makes her a good candidate for a king?"
"Zelda is broken… but that is why I am there." Link smiled. "How can she learn forgiveness unless someone is there to forgive her? How can she learn to be gentle, or to trust, or to care unless someone does it for her first?"
"You cannot fix a broken king."
"I can try."
"You will try. You will push yourself. You will bleed. You will give yourself until there is NOTHING LEFT!" The Hero screamed. Link and Elder took a step back in surprise. "You will have nothing left to give, and still the kingdom, the system, and the princess you serve will demand more! You will be a broken shell of a man before anyone will finally say you gave enough! You will wish for the peace of death just to be free of the blood that cakes every inch of your skin! You will be chased by the dead into your dreams! And finally, finally, it will all come to completion as you are betrayed in what remains of your life!"
"That's enough," The Elder interrupted.
"If I have to give myself until there is nothing left, then I will at least go down satisfied knowing it is as far as I can go!" Link yelled.
The Hero stared at him, stunned speechless for a moment. "You… are a fool… Mark my words, Link. She will betray you. We-You are better off without 'Wisdom'!"
"I said that is enough!" The Elder put a wooden arm out and shoved the Hero back.
Link glared at the hero, despite his initial admiration. He felt at once that the man was speaking from personal experience, so he pitied the Hero greatly. However, he wasn't going to let him speak poorly of Zelda.
"Let's go, Link," Elder said. "We have no more business here."
Link and the Elder walked back up the stairs, leaving the Hero fuming at the bottom. The Hero incoherently roared out his aggravation.
"Please, pardon his harsh words," Elder said. "The Hero means well and speaks from experience, but he lacks understanding that the past dies and generations change. He is a damaged soul…"
Link stopped walking and gazed at the exit in apprehension. "I get it… I understand his aggravation. Zelda is… difficult even at the best of times. If she is anything like the king he knew, then I can understand his fear. When I first met Zelda… she saw human lives as pawns to be used. I hated her."
"And now?"
"I still do," Link admitted. "Or perhaps it is better to say I hate that side of her. It is evil to control them, to tax them, and to have them die at your will… But it is also an evil designed to target the twisted, while sparing the innocent."
"That is justice."
"And I hate it. I hate how necessary it is… I hate how a girl as young as myself cannot be happy with a life as simple as meeting a good guy, having a couple pets, having neighbors, or even seeing the world. It's not because she doesn't want to, but because she is trapped to a seat. Did you know how Zelda completely changed when she left her palace? She looked almost normal for once, peaceful. She was smiling and… having fun… and looked hopeful."
Link clenched his fists. "I hate the throne. It is a cage without bars. I almost hate the princess and the whole royal family, but I find myself respecting her. I care for Zelda just as much as I hate her."
"That is a contradiction," Elder noted.
"A what?"
The Elder chuckled. How would he explain that word to Link? He wondered. "I mean to say, you despise the princess, but you care about Zelda. The Princess is a position worthy of your respect, but you despise the position for what it must do. You care about Zelda as a person, but you find the person can be cruel. They are the same person, but different parts, almost like different identities."
"Exactly!" Link exclaimed. "So… what do I do? Do you think I am a fool as he said because I want to help her?"
"No. In fact, you are the opposite. You are saving her," The Elder replied. "The princess is as you say. She is a person of many sides in conflict with one another. We can do nothing about how she is a princess that is short of treachery. We can do nothing about how there must be a ruler. However, you can do something about her. You can do something about the cruelty planted in her heart. She may have the throne, young one, but you and her friends, you all have her heart. How the kingdom develops is on your actions as much as hers. A king who knows only betrayal will betray his people. A king who knows love…"
Link gulped. He hoped Elder was not suggesting he actually love-love Zelda. That would be creepy. It'd be like dating Midna or anyone else he saw as a sister. But if Zelda wanted to arrange him and Sarah, they could talk terms.
"Sounds difficult," Link mumbled.
If Elder heard Link's uncertainty, he did not voice it. "Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not jealous. It does not brag, nor is it proud. It is not rude nor easily angered. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always holds on in dour times. But the one thing love never claims to be… is easy."
Link was quiet for the rest of their ascent.
-Zelda-
The last to briefly meet with Lord Dragmire were the twin-witches. They impatiently awaited their turn with patting feet. Once everyone finally returned, they stomped down to discuss what they wished with their son. Zelda did not know what the discussion would entail, and quite frankly did not care. There was something about the two woman that made her uncomfortable.
While the witches were below, though, a moment came for Zelda to speak.
"Everyone, a moment if you will," Zelda requested. Geoffrey bowed and Link shrugged. Once the Guardian and witches were gone long enough, Zelda whispered, "Link was right about the assassin. He is powerful, much more than the Sheikah."
"Including the part about him disappearing?" Link asked.
Zelda nodded. "Including that."
Link grinned. "I knew it." Elder looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "What? I did!"
The Elder sighed. "What did we just discuss…?"
"I did hear there was an assassin," Nabooru commented with dread. "Is there a reason for concern with Lord Dragmire?"
"I do not think so…" Zelda replied. "Lord Dragmire is exposed, but at the same time, he remains untouched. I believe the assassin takes his position seriously or has a purpose behind it."
"Who are you talking about?" Geoffrey asked. "It seems to me you have some idea of who it is."
"I do. I believe the Guardian is my would-be assassi-"
"WHAT!?" Elder, Geoffrey, and Link yelled.
"This cannot be!" Geoffrey exclaimed. His face grew red with sudden rage and restraint. He was unsure how to feel after receiving an incredible gift from the suspect.
Elder shuddered, and the wooden shell crumbled at points. Bark fell, and he almost toppled down. Link rushed over to keep him from collapsing, but the Fae instead left his shell entirely and fell to the floor. From there, the tiny creature fell to his knees.
"Are you sure?" Link asked as he worried over the Fae Elder. His head filled with too many questions for him to even think straight. He wanted to punch someone, but like Geoffrey, he didn't know where to aim his rage. The one thing he did know was he wanted to either punch Zelda for the accusation or protect her if she was correct.
"I-I am," Zelda stuttered. She did not expect such a violent reaction from them. It threw her off greatly.
"Princess," Geoffrey said after regaining his composure, "What you claim is… You must be very sure, because if you are wrong…"
"I am not wrong!" Zelda snapped. "Listen, Link's mistake with the mask may have actually been the greatest blessing in disguise we could have been given. The Goddesses took something designed for evil and used it for good. The assassin entered my room last night, as you know. I saw him with my own eyes. I saw his power in action. I heard his voice. He said one word, but it was enough. He was fully armored, so no skin was exposed, including his face. But the voice… it is perverse. The man down there has the same voice, is fully armored, and guards treasure with powers that are simply incredible."
Zelda was on full alert. "What's more is, so far as I am told, he was once Marked as Link, Lord Dragmire, and I are. As we know to some extent, these Marks come with abilities. Who is to say that this former Marked man does not still retain some power to appear and disappear or a treasure that can do the same? You said it yourself, General: everyone is accounted for… everyone among the Mitagi. So what about someone hidden? Someone not recorded and never accounted for?"
Geoffrey shared a worried glance with Link. "What you say makes sense. If he is what the legends claim, then he would be powerful enough to do as Link witnessed. You are also right to say that the Guardian is unrecorded except for the most secret of texts. He would not have been considered in our search. But do you truly think him so rebellious as to go after you the moment you set foot in his domain? Do you truly think him capable of murdering his own kin? Remember: you are not the only one being targeted in this city. In fact, I have recently received reports that some of the city guard have been found dead, torn apart as if by beasts!"
The Elder Fae recovered and reentered his wooden shell. The shell's eyes glowed once more, and the wood crackled as it repaired itself. Lips formed and said, "He is capable. For who else would rebel… besides the Rebellious Hero?"
They paled as the reality of what they now faced set in. Zelda shuddered. Link unconsciously took a step closer to her.
Elder faced Zelda with pity and sadness ingrained in him. "And who else would hate Wisdom so?"
Elder mused more, "It is a thing I have not considered, but it is a sign of our times. For so many eons, the Champion Spirits were united, and there was strength and peace in Hyrule. Then one Champion fell… and there was war between it and the others. Then at last… all three fell. With the broken unity of the Champion Spirits, all of Hyrule's unity would also be broken for the next five-hundred years."
"General, what shall we do?" Zelda asked.
Geoffrey gathered his thoughts. He looked up in a silent prayer, lips moving without sound, before sighing. "We continue as we have been." Geoffrey said. "He does not know we suspect him, and we should keep it that way. Lord Dragmire remains untouched, as you all saw to him. We should remove him from his watcher's hand as soon as possible, so the trial should be held immediately. During the trial's nights, I will arrange for him to be placed in other cells away from the Guardian."
"As for us," Geoffrey continued," We should be more vigilant than ever. The nobles must be warned of the assassin's power and to trust no one in full armor. Even among your own guard, every soldier is to be without a helmet so that we may recognize their face. Only those whose face I know myself will be chosen to be in the castle at any time." Geoffrey turned his attention to Nabooru. "My lady, I recommend you stay in a room adjacent to the Princess and myself for your safety."
Nabooru blinked, surprised by his courtesy. She expected to be left out of his thoughts since she was a Majora. She nodded. "Thank you, I am honored."
Geoffrey's face was stone in response. "The girls will be placed in other rooms away from the Princess, and only Link and a few guards will be present. None will lay down; all will always at guard."
"How long do you expect the trial will take?" Nabooru asked.
Geoffrey shrugged. "Depends on how long it takes before a resolution is made. Lord Ouki Mitagi ordered for Lord Dragmire to be judged here, and the elders will carry that out. With the accusation of demonhood, the priests here will be after him, so I would expect the high priest to be against you as well. Some will demand immediate execution… others, I cannot say. I do not believe I am overstepping my thoughts to assume you are a staunch opposer to this view?"
"You are not."
"Then how long it takes depends on how long you and they remain stubborn. And whether or not the Princess chooses a side."
Zelda gulped. She avoided their gaze.
Nabooru looked hard at Geoffrey. "You are not taking a side?"
"I…" Geoffrey hesitated. "I will not, not anymore. I have seen Ganondorf myself, and I do not judge him to have the desire to hurt Lord Ouki. He is deeply saddened by what happened. I believe him evil, but he is also a victim. If he is to die, I accept it. If he is to live, I can only pray for him. I believe him to be possessed, and unless you have a Savior capable of banishing demons as my birthplace does, I do not have much hope for him."
The Elder sighed again. "This will be… troubling."
"Amen," Geoffrey murmured. He looked between the group. "If I may make a suggestion: let us take a short rest. I will send word to the nobles that we will be ready to begin the trial this day. We may gather in the main hall when it begins. In the meantime, eat, drink, rest your head, and collect your thoughts."
"A short nap does sound pleasant," Zelda whispered.
-Later-
Men were heard walking by outside the room, and Zelda's eyes snapped open. Nothing actually happened, but Zelda was now awake and didn't want to go back to sleep. Her head was swimming with so many fears and conflicts she dreamed she was physically crushed beneath them.
In her dreams, she was on a ledge with the hell realms beneath her and the dead dragging her down by the ankles. She saw Ryo further away from the ledge waiting for her to get up so he may kick her down again. She saw a hawk circling the air with the armor of the Rebellious hero, waiting for her to make a mistake to strike at. She saw the Majora force a bloody conflict on all nations as she proclaimed Ganondorf Dragmire to the executioner's axe. She saw the Mitagi turn against her when she spared Ganondorf instead. She saw Sarah killed, Malon raped, and Link's head on a pike. She saw herself chained to ruins, stripped, and beaten by faceless men who endlessly debated their options.
It was not a good sleep.
Zelda stumbled over to her side table in a hazy blur. She looked at her reflection in the water basin, and without further ado, dunked her face to the ears. The cold water was sharp, and her senses snapped to attention. The cobwebs around her mind disappeared with the abysmal images.
"Rough nap?" Link asked.
Zelda groaned into the water. Of course Link was here, she thought, and seeing her in this condition. She lifted her head out and looked at herself properly. Despite her dislike for her own beauty, Zelda studied herself and found she was far from beautiful right now. She thought she looked horrid, like an elderly version of herself, wrinkled and worn down with burdens. The wrinkles could have just been water ripples, though. Zelda didn't know anymore.
"Yes," Zelda whispered. "How long?"
"Not long," Link said. "The candle mark shows not even an hour yet."
Zelda sighed wearily. Her body felt worn down and she shook her head. She hadn't even kept an hour of sleep. This did not bode well. "Why are men walking outside the door? This area is supposed to be sealed off."
"Princess…" Link approached. His voice was gentle and concerned. "That was me. You have been in and out of consciousness for a while. I left and returned with the water you just… splashed around in."
"Oh. I- Thanks," Zelda mumbled, surprised by the gesture.
"Yeah… kinda actually meant for you to drink that though…"
"Of course, you did," Zelda scoffed with a smile.
"Sure you don't want to continue splashing around?" He teased. "Perhaps take a bird bath?"
"Sure as realms not with you watching, monkey." Zelda rolled her eyes. Link smiled innocently in return. "Yeah, you smile like you don't know what you just suggested. By all rights, you should be executed for even thinking such things."
He put a hand to his chest as if injured, and he showed mock shock and awe. "I!? Me!? I will have you know, Princess, you are the one taking a perfectly innocent suggestion and assuming perversion behind it. It's almost like you are the one with such thoughts. I am fully capable of being blindfolded-"
"Uh-huh."
"-against my will and-"
"And I'm going to stop you right there before you come up with another perverted suggestion. Know your place, monkey."
"And that place is right here." Link smiled genuinely this time.
Zelda raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?" Link nodded. "I have a better idea." Zelda took him by the hand.
"Uh? What?" He asked, bewildered.
Zelda pushed him out the room and slammed the door in his face. "That's your place. I need to change." She smiled wickedly on hearing his groan. She heard him and understood what he implied about 'his place,' but she needed to change and prepare for the meeting. But the gesture was still appreciated.
She changed for the official occasion and departed the room. Guards were already on point and ready to escort her.
"Ready?" Link asked.
"Not really, no," Zelda admitted." But unfortunately, things tend to happen without my permission."
Link rolled his eyes. The guards then escorted Zelda to the main hall. The Majora were already waiting and were assembled at one side. Zelda shared a respectful nod with Nabooru before taking her place where Geoffrey showed her. Zelda would not be sitting on the throne, as she was not the Lord of Mitagi, but she would still be placed at a seat of honor in nearby.
The Mitagi and Sheikah Shadowmaster would not arrive for a short time, since Zelda and the Majora were the ones who were early. Despite this, the Mitagi nobles assembled at the opposite side before long. A few priests showed up as predicted, too. The Elder Fae stood far to the corner, and Link stood behind Zelda's seat.
Geoffrey stepped in the hall's center and bowed. "Gentlemen, ladies. You are all here at the behest of the now deceased Lord Ouki Mitagi. Were he alive, he would be the one standing before you, but as it is, I must stand in his place. I do not like it, but I will honor his wish in making Ganondorf Dragmire, king of Majora, accountable for his actions. Whether he is returned home with a full pardon or is executed, I will play no part in the decision."
Following Geoffrey's words, a Mitagi elder raised his hand. After being recognized, he rose and said, "First of all, let me say that it is a true gift for the High Princess, the Heir Apparent of Qin, to give up her time and energy to honor us with her presence. It is my greatest regret that problems have arisen that present the Mitagi in a bad light… problems that would directly involve her. Princess, I offer my apologies on behalf of the Mitagi."
"Your apology is accepted," Zelda nodded.
"With that said, I wish to pose a question before the council," The Mitagi elder continued. "Allow me to speak plainly, as the door is shut, and I trust what I say will not be spread."
"You may," Geoffrey said.
"Then do we not have an issue with priorities?" The Mitagi asked. "The life of our princess, the Heir Apparent of the four-hundred cities united under Qin, of millions upon millions of lives, is in danger from an unknown assailant. One elder of the Mitagi was killed, or at the very least, kidnapped. And even as we speak, this killing is spreading to the people. The guards kept the peace, but now the guards are being found dead. The people are noticing and are afraid. Our messengers and speakers are spreading the word that we are handling the murderer, but in truth we are not. With so many lives at stake, the life of our princess, the life of our Majora guests, the security of the Mitagi, and the security of Qin is at stake. Is it wise that we devote all our time and focus to holding judgement over a single man? Would it not be wiser to stabilize this war that is unfolding around us?"
Nabooru stood and said, "This man is not just a man! He is our king!"
Geoffrey put a hand out. "No one is implying anything else. You are correct, Lord Mitagi. Our judgement in priorities is questionable. I have no words to comfort your concern, but I believe that as much as you are valid, you are also invalid. We have the guests you have mentioned. The Majora and Princess of Qin are here, and they are here for a purpose. The sooner we finish this trial, the sooner we, the Mitagi, can devote all of our focus and energy to security. Because following the trial, no matter the decision made, the Princess and Majora will no longer have a reason to stay and will depart."
Geoffrey was not done. "While, let us say, we do as you say. We dismiss King Dragmire's wellbeing and the trial. He continues to rot in our deepest prison, the Majora continue to demand our focus and security, and the Princess continues to demand our focus and attention to provide her security. We will be unable to focus our efforts in any meaningful way because we are so busy on the defensive. We will be unable to turn to the offensive in any meaningful way. So allow me to say that it is true: we need to handle our security as soon as possible. But to do so properly, we must first remove the obstacle preventing us from creating any focus."
Everyone went silent at his words, and the Mitagi elder sat. Geoffrey looked at them all and saw no one had any more argument against the trial.
Nabooru was first to break the silence. "Then allow me to also speak on behalf of the Majora. We are honored to be here as your guests and at the recognition this trial offers. We prefer that mercy be given without the need for a trial but understand these are special circumstances. We appreciate the respect of being allowed to speak for ourselves as equals. We stood with the Princess at her lowest moment and appreciate the support given in turn."
Zelda swallowed hard. Ganondorf had stood with her even without the support of his council or people. Nabooru purposefully reminded her of this. Whether Ganondorf was guilty or not, to have him or the Majora punished in any way would prove the hatred of old right. The Majora would see it as a betrayal of the worst kind. Zelda clenched her fists to hide her shaking.
Geoffrey looked between all sides again and saw no one was rising or wishing to speak more. "Then Sheikah, if you will have the Guardian bring Lord Ganondorf Dragmire before us, let us proceed."
