Saria

Two days and a night on the road, and Midna finally made it to the city under the mountain. Of course, there was difficulty, as the Imperials are sweeping the country for the Resistance, but entering the city is quite easy when you change your appearance to look more Hylian.

Saria, according to Hilda and the others, was relatively weak in Imperial presence when the group came to steal weapons, and that seemed to hold up. As she rode her horse down the main road, through the large market crowd, Midna had only spotted three Darknuts in the area. The relative ease was quite simple: The people of Saria were too distant from North Castle to make any impact. It isn't Darunia or Mido. Plus, if something did come of it, Death Mountain has no problem living up to its name. That made sense to Midna, at least. Vaati now has the power to use the mountain against the Sarians.

Saria Town itself was unremarkable but was one of the busiest towns in pre-Imperial Hyrule. Because Death Mountain is the barrier between North and South Hyrule, many travelers going south pass through here to obtain a pass to those deemed able to brave the dangers of the mountain. General Bagu used to issue such passes, and as such, Midna had one herself.

She planned to find an inn and staying the night before heading across the mountain. It was getting late, and Midna had experience on the mountain at night. She rather not travel at night alone, with so many Imperials out there. No telling if they're in South Hyrule.

She stopped at a place called "The Great Deku" and like its name, the sigh was shaped like the tree of legend. Midna wondered if the Sarians knew that the remains of the tree were in South Hyrule, known today as the entrance to The Eagle, given that their city's name is after the ancient Sage of Forest. Maybe they did. It wasn't too long ago that the sage before Ravio was executed here.

Midna set her horse in the stable, putting some fresh hay in the bin and making sure it had access to water. Next, she walked back to the front entrance, pushing open the wood door. A counter greeted her to the left, while to the front of Midna, a large, noisy area she deemed as the restaurant welcomed her. To her right was a staircase that had to lead to the rooms. As she stared forward, her senses began to go a little nuts. It wasn't the type that warns her of a dark presence such as the Darknuts, so she paid it no attention.

"Why hello there." Midna turned to the counter, seeing a young woman in a green dress. Her blue eyes were filled with youth, thought she was definitely older than Midna. She brushed her blond hair aside as she addressed her customer. "Welcome to the Great Deku. Are you here for a room or just to grab a bite?"

"A room for the night, please. Horse in the stable too."

"Great. A room for one. Would you like the regular or the deluxe suite?"

Midna's hand, already in the wallet Riju had gifted her, suddenly began to fish around for a more rupees. She was alone, and this would be the one time she'll sleep inside for a while… "What's the deluxe?"

"You get the amenities of the regular, the basic bathroom, bed, what have you, but you get the added discount on all meals and room service, including stable use for your horse. Room has a little more furniture too, for your comfort. Believe me, you're alone, it is worth it. And, while it isn't for me to judge, you're a beautiful young woman. If you find someone in there… Deluxe beds are much better."

Midna bit her lip. She had no plans to shack up with a stranger, but the prospect that she'll be sleeping in a more comfortable bed was enough. "Deal."

"Okay, that'll be 55 rupees, which includes payment for stable use." Midna handed over her payment, receiving a key. "Your hand, to dictate your premium status." Midna held out her hand, and the lady stamped it. "Okay, you're good. If you need anything, I'm Fado. Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you, Fado." Midna pocketed her key, then headed to the large room to her right. Upon entry, she could see that it wasn't as packed as the noise level would make it seem. Many people sat at their tables or at the bar, minding their own business in soft conversation, but as Midna could hear, the ones responsible for the noise were in the center of the room. It was a small grouping of three men, dressed in green tunics that rivaled Link's. She would have imagined the Hero having a fan club, but this being Saria, her mind told her the green tunic was about the ancient Kokiri.

Adults cosplaying as kids? The weirdos get weirder. Next thing you know, they'll be chanting how they're looking for fairies and singing "Kooloo limpah!"

Midna found herself a spot at the bar, waving the bartender over. He, too, was dressed in green. "Hello there, young lady. What can I get you?"

"I'll have a glass of milk and…gourmet meat and rice. Here." Midna showed her stamp, which the bartender acknowledged. He departed, coming back seconds later with her bottle of milk. As she opened the bottle of milk, she could feel her senses call out to her again. She let them guide her eyes, first at the three people with her at the bar, then at the table near the entrance before sweeping the rest of the room. It was at its greatest when she looked towards the center, though the distance between her and the table of men didn't match with the proximity of whatever she was feeling. Like earlier, the presence itself wasn't dangerous, but was quite familiar, though not enough to fully reveal itself. Whoever she was sensing is currently suppressing their own self, troublesome when trying to identify another.

One of the men at the table had noticed her looking in their direction, and Midna snapped her head back to the bar. She sighed to herself, knowing she had just gotten herself into some trouble. Nothing she couldn't handle, but she'll have to be careful. She has the advantage of being a woman, a teenager at that, in a bar with grown men. She'll have to use it. So, as she sipped her milk, she could hear footsteps coming her way, setting the bottle down as the stench of man and alcohol infiltrated her nose. "Well hello there, missy."

Midna turned to face the man, noting his yellow-orange hair growing over his eyes from under his green cap. Deciding to play along and have her fun, Midna sprouted the innocent girl look she seen girls when back at Kakariko use when speaking to then Prince Ralph the Philanderer. She even lightened her voice a bit. "Hello there."

The man glanced her over, staring a little too long at Midna's breasts and thighs. "One of the boys caught you staring at me."

"You wish, meatbag." "Is that so?"

"Mhm. You're a beautiful lass. I know that. I know everything."

That comment actually intrigued Midna. "Really?"

"Yep." He turned to his table, pointing to the other two men that, as she now noticed, looked just like him. "Those are my brothers. We are the Know It All brothers, because we know everything. I know something right now."

Midna had a tough time they knew everything, because if they did, they would know who she is. They would call for the Imperials. However, she continued to play. "What do you know?"

He leaned in close, his mouth smiling desirably. "You have a deluxe suite. You have no man with you. You must want some fun. I can give you all the fun you require. All night long."

Midna chuckled, sipping her milk. It was obvious she had the deluxe suite, she had the stamp. It was obvious she was alone, or she wouldn't had sat at the bar by herself. It wasn't as obvious she wanted some fun, but the brother was given her some, just not the way he wanted. She didn't want this to go all night long. "Hmm. Interesting proposition. You know what, it has been a while since I've allowed myself the pleasantries of a man. Been a while since I thought of a man that way. But you see… I have a criterion."

"Huh?"

"Yeah. See, I only date the eldest child in the family, and I don't know if that's you or one of your brothers." For once, following a royal rule might sow some fun. Midna turned to the table with the other brothers. "Hey, who is the oldest of the three of you?"

Unknowing Midna's previous statement, they both pointed to the lover boy beside her. "Him."

Damn. Oh, there was another way. "But who is the smartest. The smartest brother gets me for the night." Now that sparked the fire Midna desired. The two men at the table called out to her, deeming themselves the smartest brother, while the one with her walked back to the table. As her meal was delivered, Midna enjoyed hearing the argument behind her, and she was sure some of the other folks did as well. And man, the food was delicious.

So delicious that she had ignored the brothers for a while and was surprised when her plate was smacked from in front of her, and a knife was held to her neck. She kept her cool though. Reaching for her sword was a dangerous endeavor, but magic was on her side. Neither of these fools were adept anyway. The one holding the knife, as far as she could tell from the physique of the other two brothers on her left and right, was the one that approached her. He was definitely the eldest, based on the downscaling physique and height as she looked at the other two. The lesser of the other two had to be the youngest, but he had glasses. He was the smartest. After all, he held the hilt of her weapon.

Stereotyping, but if the shoe fits.

"Brawny" leaned in close to her ear. "Heh, you thought you could play us? We're the Know it All Brothers, and unfortunately for you, we're going to know you pretty well."

"C'mon now. We're in a public place, and you're admitted that the three of you are going to have your way with me…with force, right?"

"Middle" nodded. "Sure."

Midna tsked. "No class. You know that's a crime, right?"

"Glasses" nodded. "Sure."

"Yet you are still going to do it?"

"Yes!" They all replied.

Midna sighed. "Could at least pay for my dinner first, or let me fin-" The knife was pressed into Midna's skin, and she think it could have penetrated. Maybe she had had too much fun. "Middle" seemed to let Midna fulfill her wish, taking the glass of milk and throwing it in her face and upper torso. She grimaced as the eldest leaned over her shoulder.

"Boys, I think we'll be fed like newborns tonight. Mommy has milk." The younger brothers laughed while Brawny turned to Midna. "Only one person this week has annoyed me this much, and it is that idiot in the back with his silent treatment. Now, either I can beat him up or I can make you mine. Your choice and make it quick."

That person…that was who Midna was sensing. She still hadn't identified him, but she had a gender. If she knew him, he could probably handle these guys, not that she wouldn't love to do it herself. Midna sighed, folding her arms, and closing her eyes. "Well, as much as I wouldn't like to get someone else hurt in my stead…I really don't like you guys either… I don't know, tough choice. I'll need some time."

Glasses turned around, pointing to something. "Brother, I think he made the choice for her." The knife on her throat relaxed, and Midna turned with the other two brothers to meet the newcomer draped in a dark cloak. He dropped his hood, showing his dark face, amused gold eyes, and orange hair that wrapped around his head. Unlike her new friends, Midna easily recognized his facial features and the attire he wore under the cloak, and though the shock of seeing him was high, that explained why the presence she felt was so familiar.

Brawny kept up his tough guy act, retaining the knife over Midna's throat. "Hey, we'll get to you."

"One moment." The man's eyes dropped to Midna's, clearly amused. "Can you stop changing appearances?"

Midna smirked. "I'll stop if you stop dying."

"Hmph. I would think you'll be happy to see me."

"Yes, I am, but I still have to kick your ass, remember?"

"Uh," Brawny said, looking between Midna and the man, "do you know each other?"

Glasses rolled his eyes. "Of course they do, idiot."

Middle drew his sword, holding it up to the man. "Alright, she's ours. Step away or we'll kill you."

The man chuckled, closing his eyes. "You want her, just ask. Looking at you three guys, it might be easy to get a girl to…flash." Before the brothers could say or do anything, a snap of the fingers and bright flash hit the room, temporarily blinding anyone who wasn't Midna or had their eyes closed. Taking advantage, Midna punched Brawny in the face, stumbling him towards her accomplice. Her ally grabbed the eldest brother, holding him by his shirt then tossing him aside. The blinding effect wore off the younger brothers, enraged and ready to fight. Middle jumped for the man, while Glasses took on Midna. The youngest Know It All took his swings, but Midna was well-trained, blocking each of them before grabbing Glasses' arm and twisting it behind his back.

"Catch!" Midna saw the bartender toss her an empty bottle. Midna caught it with her free hand and smacked Glasses' with it, rendering him unconscious. One brother dealt with, Midna watched as her ally dodged Middle's sword strikes. He ducked just as it went for his head, instead hitting the wood wall and getting stuck. Middle was helpless as he was struck with a right hook, then grappled for a punishing knee to the face. He fell on his back, unmoving but alive.

Before her friend got complacent, the eldest brother had gotten back on his feet, knife in hand as he charged towards the man. Midna, calling out to him, threw the unbroken half of the bottle towards the last brother, hitting him square in the head. He landed on the man's chest, and he lifted the brother in the air from his shirt again. Seeing his siblings defeated, the Know It All began to plea. "Okay, okay, you win. I know when to admit defeat. But come on, you really gone to slide in on my girl?"

"Correction: That's my girl you're sliding on."

"Ha! And who the hell are you?"

"I thought you knew it all. But to help you out, my name is Ganondorf."


After dumping the brothers out on the street, the fighting duo received a cheer from the other patrons. The bartender offered to remake Midna's order, this time on the house. She accepted without hesitation. Free stuff was free.

This time, she didn't sit at the bar alone. Ganondorf was with her, sipping on a strong drink called "Deku Baba." She didn't know how many he had, or that he drank alcohol in the first place, as he downed the drink with ease. That was, however, the least of her questions, though she'll save that for a more private time. "So, you drink now?"

Ganondorf scoffed. "You just now noticed?"

Midna frowned. "Wait, when have you done so before?"

"Kakariko has a bar. I was royalty at Nabooru. Mido has the best drinks, if you really want to get wasted. One Noble Spirit will do you." Ganondorf chuckled as he poured and drank another shot. "But four days of this, I believe Deku Baba is giving Mido's finest drink a run for its money."

Four days? Brawny had said that Ganondorf was annoying him, but for four days? That means…he was known to be dead for two (Rauru and his funeral the next day), seen alive for four… It has been nine days since Rauru… Was he only dead for four to five days? If so, why did he spend all his time in Saria? Did he notice Midna when she arrived at the inn? Or when she looked around? She didn't suppress herself like he did. Why was he doing it anyway?

So many questions.

Midna pushed away her emptied plate, grabbing the bottle from Ganondorf as she rose to her feet. "Got a room?"

Ganondorf shrugged. "No."

"Then how did you pay for your drinks?" Ganondorf smiled as he stood up, holding up a finger with a key ring on it. Her key ring. Midna sighed as she took it back. "Duh."

Ganondorf chuckled as he followed Midna out the restaurant. "Hey, I was raised to be a thief. Once the prince of a group of them."

"Great. Using your title as an excuse."

"Not an excuse if it is the truth."

Midna rolled her eyes as she found her assigned room and unlocked the door. "Do you even know how to tell the truth? Thieves lie."

Ganondorf smiled as he walked into the room, closing the door. "Cheat and steal. Some of us have honor, others don't."

Midna nodded as she walked over to the mirror, looking at her disguised face. It was back to her pre-Twili look, slightly tanned with hints of blue. Now that she was in private and Ganondorf had seen her true form, she returned back to it. Over the last few days, she had gotten used to, as she jokingly put, 'feeling blue.' It was much better than being in the body of a two-foot imp. She spotted Ganondorf while he sat on the bed, staring at her, which amused her. She turned her head, looking at the Gerudo seductively. "What? Say something! Am I so beautiful that you have no words left?" Ganondorf turned away, looking at his feet, his face solemn and distant. Regretting her words, she walked over to him, taking a seat. "No, really. Say something."

"I… I am so sorry, Midna."

"I know you are."

"No. You don't know what I have done the last few days before Rauru, or after you fainted at Death Mountain."

"I do. You teamed up with Link to fight those robots. You help shut down the lizard machine. You took back Parapa from the Yiga. You restored your people's homeland. You, though not your intent, reinforce the Resistance at Rauru with your Bulblins. You tried your best against Vaati with Link and Zelda. Your final sacrifice disabled Vaati long enough for us Sages to fend him off and escape. So, yes you fought me and probably could have killed me. You accepted the Dark Lord's power. I forgive you for that."

Ganondorf shook his head. "I… The Yiga… I killed them all. Not just the men, but the women and children too. I almost had Riju commit it too. It is what they deserved, but…this may sound strange, but in Daemon Gerudo society, we slightly value the lives of men more than women, just like it is oppositely in others. It is this way due to the lack of males already, except for the one every hundred years. I cannot speak for Riju's clan, but I think they still retain that way of thinking. But I took no prisoners, no matter the gender or age. I exterminated them. I made their leader watch as I killed his kids before he joined them. You want to know why, Midna?"

Midna hid it well, but Ganondorf's retelling of Parapa horrified her. He…he wasn't him, but there had to be a reason. "Why?"

"They were responsible for my people. They sold them out. Master Kohga claimed to be a friend of my father but betrayed him in the end. That's when I killed his kids. I didn't want to initially, so I directed my shot at a mirror, and it crushed both of them. But in the end…they deserved it. I do not regret it." He turned to Midna, still hiding her true feelings. "I do regret one thing, and that was leaving you alone in Clock Town and getting you captured by Zant. I can still…remember what he said, heard your screams, his laughter, my anger… I swore to Auru that I would protect you, and I couldn't do that."

"Hey. Don't get soft on me now, Demon King." Midna wrapped her arms around him, leaning on his shoulder. "You did what you had to. The Yiga kind of deserved it, given their history with your people. Kind of horrific though. But we have all done things we've regret…and now that you've reminded me about Zant, I am now regretting a few words I said to Brawny about me not having the pleasures of a man for a while. He was the last man… I think I'm going to be sick."

"I'm still going to kill him for that."

"Ravio killed him."

"…You don't say. Coward grew balls."

Midna nodded. "Yeah. I did kill a phantasm of Zant, if that counts."

"A kill of a Zant counts." Ganondorf yawned, stretching his arms. "I think I'm tired. Damn Gerudo tolerance for drinks is too high."

Midna chuckled. "Maybe I should try out how high the Twili got."

"Whatever." Ganondorf waved a hand over his armored body, immediately getting rid of the armor pieces, cape, and over clothes. Left in a undershirt and underwear, he scooted back on the bed, throwing the covers over himself. "Goodnight."

Midna joined him at the head of the bed, though staying above the covers. She wacked him on the head. "Hey, you know I got questions."

"So do I. It can wait, huh? Morning will be here." Ganondorf turned over, away from Midna. Defeated, she magically swapped into a black nightgown. Placing herself under the covers, she faced Ganondorf.

He could avoid the big questions, but there was one she really needed to know. "Hey, Ganondorf?"

Ganondorf turned around, clearly annoyed. "Yes?"

"When…you were dying…did you mean…what you said? That you love…me?"

Ganondorf just looked at Midna, then sighed as he laid on his back. "Come here." Midna scooted in, letting Ganondorf's wrap his arm around her. He still wasn't a bulky, muscular man, just the same skinny guy she first saw in Nabooru. How was he so strong, she could only assume was Din. But his arm around her said all she needed to hear.

So she responded, with a kiss to his cheek.