Chapter Nineteen:

Zelda had hoped that once Calamity Ganon had been defeated all her troubles would be over. That her life could go back to what it was before Ganon had ever reared its ugly head. In the back of her mind, she always knew that would not be the case, that she would have to rebuild her kingdom. She knew she would never see her father again, and that everything she knew was lost. But she had clung to that hope, even if it was only a fool's dream.

Rebuilding would be difficult, yes. Everyone had already lost so much. But now that the threat of the Calamity was gone, Hyrule could unite once more towards the singular goal of returning the kingdom to its former glory. Or perhaps, even beyond.

Zelda sat beneath a lone tree atop the hill before the forest, overlooking the Sheikah village. It had been five days since she, Link and Ganondorf had come here. Five days since she fired the finishing blow that destroyed the Calamity. Impa had sent out riders bearing letters to the other settlements, announcing her triumphant return. It didn't really feel all that triumphant. With all the death and destruction that had been caused, how could anything feel triumphant?

They were to leave for Hateno tomorrow. Even now, Sheikah warriors were loading up wagons with supplies. After they visited Hateno, they would continue down to Lurelin Village. Ganondorf would accompany them to Hateno, but was leaving for Gerudo Town from there. When she asked him why, he gave her no answer. From Lurelin, Zelda, Link and the Sheikah would go to Gerudo Town, then to Rito Village, then to Goron City, and finally to Zora's domain, where she would be crowned as Queen.

Queen. The word hovered over her head like an executioner's axe. She wasn't ready to be Queen. How could she possibly fix this broken kingdom? Why did this responsibility fall on her? How could she face the people she failed to defend and promise them that she would do better? She had failed them so utterly and completely. It was her fault that the Calamity was able to destroy Hyrule. She failed to stop its assault and left her people to die. The destruction of her kingdom was her fault.

Zelda sighed. She knew it wasn't a good idea to let these thoughts creep into her mind. There was no way anyone could have predicted the immense destruction that the Calamity had wrought across her kingdom. No one could have foreseen that what they thought would be their greatest ally would be turned into their enemies so quickly. As Impa always said, do not let your past mistakes hinder you from doing your duty.

Zelda frowned. Impa was a...confusing subject. She was one of Zelda's oldest friends. Zelda trusted her with her life. She had always trusted Impa's judgement. Before she set out to battle the Calamity, she came to her and asked her to look after her kingdom while she was gone.

And yet, it didn't seem like she had fulfilled her oath. She was obviously aware of some issues plaguing the people, but did nothing to help. Impa was supposed to guide Hyrule while Zelda was battling with the Calamity. But instead, she let communication between villages fall and allowed monsters to run rampant.

Zelda wanted to trust her. She wanted to believe that there was some reason she couldn't see that prevented Impa from doing something. But in the five days they'd arrived, Impa had not defended herself against Ganondorf's accusations. She averted her eyes in shame whenever she spoke with Zelda and was far too eager to bow to Zelda's every whim.

But Impa's inaction was inexcusable. It was Impa's duty to protect and guide Hyrule during her absence, and she had failed. As a Queen, it was her responsibility to punish her. As a friend, she just wanted an explanation.

Zelda sighed, laying back on the grass to stare up at the sky. This would be her first major test as Queen, and define how she ruled. Would she be a just and fair ruler and deliver punishment where it was deserved, or would she bend the law to favor those she liked?

Zelda wanted to scream. It wasn't fair! Why did she have to be put in this position? Why was she suddenly given the power to decide the fates of hundreds of people? Why was it her responsibility to oversee an entire kingdom by herself? It was too much. She couldn't do it alone. Everyone who she thought she could depend on was dead. Her father, Urbosa, all her Champions, the dukes and everyone else who governed Hyrule, were all dead. Now the weight of that responsibility was solely on her. How could she possibly rule this kingdom alone?

"Zelda?" Someone asked. She looked up and saw Impa walking towards her. Zelda sat up in the grass.

"Hello Impa," Zelda replied, looking back down at the wagons. Donovan was carrying a crate towards one and Sebastian was calming the horses. Link was slyly feeding one apples.

"Something on your mind, Princess?" Impa wondered.

Zelda sighed. "I don't think I'm ready to be Queen. There's so much to do. How can I do it all?"

Impa sat down beside her. "You don't have to do it alone. I'll be here to aid you in any way, and Link will be by your side to support you." Impa paused and frowned before adding, "And I'm sure Ganondorf will help you as well."

Zelda smiled lightly up at the Sheikah. "Thank you, Impa."

"Of course, Princess. Come, dinner is ready. You must have your strength for the journey tomorrow."


Ganondorf scowled up at the vibrant banner that greeted them as they marched towards Hateno village. Two guards in gleaming armor stood at attention before the entrance. Beyond the poles that marked the entrance, people crowded in the streets. The town was positively glowing with joy, children running and laughing while their parents chatted amongst themselves. Everywhere he looked people were dancing and enjoying themselves. There seemed to be no end to the merriment.

It only took a few seconds for them to be spotted as they marched up the hill. Zelda and Link rode in front, Zelda on her white stallion and Link and his own steed. Impa rode next to him on a pale blue horse. Ganondorf had been given a black horse with wild eyes named Strider. Riding a horse was very different from riding a Sand Seal. But Ganondorf had learned quickly how to remain upright on the beast. Four wagons trudged behind them, dragged along by teams of oxen. Sheikah warriors rode their own horses alongside the caravan. Ganondorf had often felt stares aimed at the back of his skull during the ride.

The first person to spot them shouted "There she is!" and immediately a roaring cheering erupted from the crowd. The cheering continued as they proceeded into the town. Zelda waved at the people as she rode further into town. The procession stopped once all of the wagons had entered the village.

A man pushed his way through the crowd. The clapping quieted to background noise as the man bowed low before Zelda.

"Princess Zelda, words cannot express how glad I am to see you alive and unharmed once again. It is an honor to welcome you to Hateno Village. This year has been a long one, and hearing of your glorious return has eased my troubled mind. Your victory over the Calamity is proof that the Blood of the Goddess still runs strong and Hylia continues to watch over us, even in our darkest hours. It is with the utmost humility that we grace you with this feast, Princess Zelda, the Light of Hyrule!"

The cheering returned tenfold. The roar of the applause was so loud, some of the oxen stamped in fear. Zelda smiled and waved back, uncertainty written across her features.

After allowing a minute for the applause to die down, the mayor continued. "Please, Princess, enjoy yourself tonight. This is our way of saying thank you for saving us from the Great Calamity."

Impa dismounted and helped Zelda off her horse. Ganondorf dismounted and let a Sheikah handler lead it away. The horses and wagons were led to a nearby stable, leaving Impa, Zelda, Link, Ganondorf and the mayor to stand alone. The rest of the people walked around them, staring in awe at the woman who protected them from certain death. Some dared to reach out as if to touch her, but between Impa and Link's scalding glares, none did.

"I don't believe we've ever formally met," the mayor began. "I am Dalton Sullivan, and I am the mayor of Hateno Village. My Uncle was the Duke of Hateno Province before he died at Fort Hateno. I am humbled to be in your presence."

"Thank you, Mayor," Zelda said, clearly unprepared for what to say. "For throwing me this festival. It's a delight to-"

"Oh IIIIIImpa~," a singsong voice cried out. The Sheikah leader sighed and put her head in her hand. Another young Sheikah woman came out of nowhere and wrapped her arms around Impa's neck. "You didn't think you could drop by Hateno without saying hi to me, could you, dear sister?"

"Hylia kill me please," Impa whispered.

"I'll do it if you want," Ganondorf offered. Link elbowed him in the ribs. Ganondorf just grinned. Just by arriving she had already pissed off the mayor and annoyed Impa. He liked this woman.

"Ahem, yes. Zelda, as you may know, this is Purah, our resident Sheikah expert," the mayor said, waving a hand at the woman with a red streak in her hair.

"Oh Dalty, you're too formal. I'm just an ancient technology fanatic with too much time on her hands," Purah said, playfully punching the mayor on the shoulder, who glowered at her. "And we've met before. That reminds me, that Sheikah Slate was busted up last time I checked. Bring it up to my lab tomorrow and I'll fix it up for you."

"You're most kind," Zelda said.

"Nah, I just love ancient things. Well, I'm off to get some fruitcake. Have fun at your party, Princess!" Purah said, skipping away.

"I can't believe I'm related to her," Impa muttered.

"I think she's endearing," Zelda said.

"Yes, well, anyway, let me show you around. Hateno is well known for its soldiers, but it's also the largest port town in Hyrule…"

Ganondorf stayed put while the mayor led Zelda into town. Impa and Link followed dutifully as the mayor put his arm around Zelda's shoulder and pointed her at everything there was to see. Zelda looked highly uncomfortable, and it made Ganondorf want to smash that man's face in. But he also had other things to do. Besides, Link had already taken care of it.

Ganondorf wandered the streets for a few minutes, occasionally stopping at a stall to inspect and buy an item. Most vendors were selling freshly baked food, but he also picked up a few trinkets he could give to Athena. Oh shit, she was going to be pissed when he got back. He'd been gone for a week and a half now with no explanation on where he was going. She was going to tear him limb from limb.

A strong gust of wind blew past him, distracting him from his thoughts. It whipped through town, knocking things off tables and ripping cloth off of makeshift shops. It also blew a fried banana into the waiting hands of a little girl. She snatched it up and ran off before the vendor even realized it was gone.

Ganondorf made sure to memorize the girl's face as she ran by. She had black hair and green eyes. Frightened green eyes. And she was small and thin, wearing dirt coated ragged clothes. Curious. He would find her before he left.

Ganondorf spent another few minutes meandering the various wares this town had to offer. Once he felt he had spent enough time here that most could confirm he had been in attendance, Ganondorf snuck into a back alley and cloaked himself in shadow. He quietly crept out of town, down a forgotten pathway into the night.

You return to me at last, the horned statue declared.

"So I have," Ganondorf said, releasing the magic veiling him from sight.

You have something of mine, it stated.

"So I do," Ganondorf said, picking the black diamond out of his pouch. It was heavy but smooth like glass.

Excellent, it replied. The diamond floated from his hand and absorbed into the stone carving. It would seem our business is concluded. You have been most gracious, Ganondorf Dragmire.

"Why did you need light magic? And why did Zelda's magic attack me? Why did her Divine power go into my flames?" Ganondorf asked.

These are not easy questions to answer, the horned statue said. But since you have helped me greatly, I will answer them for you. To understand them, you must understand the nature of magic. The magics you use, storm, earth, shadow, these are the natural magics. They exist and operate in the natural order of the world. Yes, magicians bend the natural order, but they do not break it. But there are other magics too. Light magic, the magic your Princess uses, exists to oppose dark magic, or black magic. These magics have existed since the dawn of time in constant conflict with one another. They are stronger than the natural magics and have more uses too. But they come at a cost. These magics have a tendency to inhabit the natural world. They cling to whatever they come into contact with, and attempt to transform them into a more perfect vessel, in the magics eyes. They have a physical and metaphysical affect on whatever they possess. Whether it be plants, humans, or machines.

Of course, there are other unnatural magics, such as Sheikah magic and Twilight magic. But they don't concern your questions. When I was sealed in this statue by the Goddess, it was formed from light magic. Being a being black magic, I could not defeat the bonds. But now that I have light magic in a contained vessel that I can control, I can free myself.

Ganondorf shivered. What had he done?

Don't fret, dear Ganondorf. You have much bigger problems to worry about. I'll answer your third question first, then your second. As I said earlier, unnatural magics have a tendency to inhabit other vessels. Natural magics are fantastic vessels for them. It's a symbiotic relation, really. When your Princess' magic attacked you and you used your fire magic, it wanted to get away from you and inhabit a vessel. Allowing me to contain it safely. But oh ho ho, your last question is fascinating, really. You see, Malice is a special kind of black magic. It is created from raw emotion, generally anger and rage. It is exceedingly difficult to control, and only answers to the one who created it, and no one else. It's only purpose is to destroy. When you battled those Malice monsters, you struck them with your bare hands. Had Link done that, it would have badly injured him. Had a normal person done that, it is likely they would have been killed. But for some reason, the Malice recognized you as it's Master and absorbed into your body. Now, why would this dark, ancient magic see you as its Master, hm? Calamity Ganon has been sealed away for thousands of years. Food for thought, yes.

Enough, Oni interjected, his voice echoing in his head like thunder. Silence your wicked tongue, wretched one.

Of course, Great One, the horned statue whispered, it's arrogant voice trembling.

Come now, Ganondorf. Put these vile thoughts out of your mind. Let evil's words fall on deaf ears.

Ganondorf stared at the horned statue. "Should I discover you are trying to deceive me, or use me, I will erase you."

Naturally, the horned statue purred.

Ganondorf glared at it once more before walking back up the path that lead into Hateno Village. Suddenly the lights did not seem so festive and the noise did not sound that joyous.

"Oni?" Ganondorf whispered.

Yes?

"Did the statue lie?"

A pause. No. It did not.

A chill went down Ganondorf's spine. "What did he mean?"

I can only guess, but I believe I am beginning to see. My best advice would be to avoid any contact with Malice at all cost.

"Couldn't you do something?"

I'm a being of black magic. It would be like trying to drown a fish. I could, but it would not be pretty. Should you get infected with more Malice, seek Zelda first.

Ganondorf shivered, remembering the feeling of choking, his skin smoking as he roasted from the inside out. "You want me to go through that again?"

Trust me, it's a lot better than what I would have to do. Now stop this line of thought. Hylia willing, this is the last you'll ever see of Malice.

Ganondorf wanted to believe him, but in his heart, he knew that wouldn't be the case.