A Rebel's War - Part 2

-Kanyou, Capital of Qin-

For most, it was a day like any other. The sun shined, clouds painted the sky white, birds sought insects, and the kids played. Even for Ryo, it was a normal day. Ryo saw nothing different about it from any other.

And that was his problem.

Ryo walked the streets of Qin's castle-town by himself. He had forgone his guards to wander the streets he grew up on in solitude. He had been in his manor for many days after the name 'Riboku' was given to him. Feeling like he needed a breath of fresh air, Ryo took to the streets. He saw that nothing changed. Ouki had died. People mourned, but then they stopped and continued with their lives instead.

'Did they truly mourn?' Ryo wondered. 'Can they not see how shaken Qin's military is? How vulnerable they are without him?'

'Of course they don't,' He thought. They are short-sighted and never looking beyond themselves, their neighborhood, their families, and their friends. But then, that isn't a fault of their own. It's an unfortunate part of societal structure. Men like Ryo would be given the responsibility of seeing beyond their sight.

Ryo felt alone. Without Ouki, who was he to chase? Who was he to fight, to dance with, and to test himself against? Zelda was skilled, but she was still young and full of mistakes. It took great effort on Ryo's part to not capitalize on them. She was almost begging to fail. It took patience to wait… to decide.

You have lost sight of your ambition.

Ryo gnashed his teeth angrily, and he abruptly turned into an alley. He needed some perspective. He knew these streets like the back of his hand and knew where to go. His feet led to him old districts, forgotten by the nobility and rich, then to an old abandoned orphanage used as a graveyard. Its walls were nearly consumed with vines. Its fence and playing area had collapsed from abuse and a lack of care. Few, if any, traveled here besides a need to mourn because the area where children once played and ran became tombstones, listing those that laid beneath.

It was almost symbolic of the times.

Ryo chose his spot carefully. If his memory was right, there should be a marker... there. He cleared away some branches and leaves hiding an old stump. It was eaten by insects, but it was still there. Ryo stood by it and looked up.

The palace, in all of its splendor, stood before him. From this angle, a child, a man, a visionary could see between the houses and through the alleyways to the crown jewel of Qin itself. It stood perfectly between the houses in his sight, with the space between creating an arrow pointing towards it, daring Ryo to give chase. It looked just within reach.

Men desire to fly because the birds that taunt them are barely out of reach.

Men reach their hands to the moon because it looks so close.

Ryo felt his heart pound in his chest, and he unconsciously reached a hand out to the palace. It had lost none of its beauty over the years, and it was his. It was where he worked, played, and lived. Who cared if there was some fifteen-year-old girl on a big chair? The world knew who really held all the power.

Ryo scoffed, "Fool. I have lost none of my sight. It is you who can't see my vision! It is you who cannot see through my machinations! This dynasty is mine… My bloodline will rule… not just Qin, but all of Hyrule! That foolish man is so short-sighted… Why destroy Zelda? She is still useful and makes Qin stronger. He is a brash man who cannot think outside of war. Not all dynasties are made with bloodshed… some are made with… a much more elegant touch."

-Mitagi, Zelda/Link-

Geoffrey scattered the remaining conscripts to return to their homes, but he excluded the elites who lived with him. As it was, officers would house their own soldiers. Link, being an independent officer, was expected to house his men too, so his unit departed for Jouto to establish their new home. Kyo Gai and Den Yuu both had families to move, so it would take a little time. Kyo had his mother, and Den had a wife and daughter. Link didn't know how he would be able to house them, but with the wealth they had gained in the war, they wouldn't need to worry about jobs for a while. He could simply leave the families to find work on the plantation or the surrounding villages while he and his men continued to fight on the battlefield. Despite his misgivings about it, Link realized war was profitable. Between picking loot off the corpses and being paid portions by the palace, they would manage well if Link managed food right and kept proper care of their supplies. Men who survived skirmishes and whole campaigns could easily afford early retirement. Of course, Link wasn't in it for the money, but it certainly didn't take away from the experience, either. If he could help make his village wealthy and pay the mayor back for raising him, he would.

Despite the much smaller army that returned to the Mitagi fortress, it was an uneventful, relaxed journey. They saw much of the countryside and stopped by a number of villages along the way. It was believed that the Majora would not reach the fortress for at least a week. So while Zelda's party did not spend a full day at each village, Zelda did insist they make brief stops so she could meet the various governors, mayors, and lords. She put their names and faces to memory and made brief inquiries to their needs and life in the area. These were men and women whom Zelda had never met, being lesser nobles, and their work was indirectly running the land holdings outside of the palace walls.

Malon and Sarah ran through the fields and played under their superiors' amused gazes. Were it not for keeping appearances in front of soldiers, Link may have run with them. Andim loved the freedom and country air away from the capital and spent her time flying, catching mice, and demanding attention from anyone who would notice. Link didn't feel particularly different about the trip since most of his life was spent outside anyway, but he did take notice of the great impact it had on Zelda.

Zelda was actually smiling. Link was left stunned and concerned for the rest of the day, wondering if she had gone mental.

The moment they passed through Genyuu Pass, Zelda was a completely different person. Link wasn't sure why. She wasn't necessarily a secretive person, but at the same time, she didn't let others help with her burdens much. If anything, that could be the reason. Her burdens were temporarily lifted, and the cage of the palace walls was gone. There was only lush grass, forest, simple people, and wonders before them.

Zelda didn't know she was acting different, but she felt it. She realized what a difference a few years made. Those years ago, she was weak going through Genyuu Pass, but she was a stronger person passing through again. It was reflective and enlightening at once. Certainly the chance to take a break from the palace did a great deal to ease her, but it was more the sense of growth and a small dose of fulfillment that helped. She was not king yet, by no means. She had many years to go, and her battles with Ryo would only truly begin when her years reached their climax and he sensed she was a real threat. But she still felt tremendous growth. To some, just the knowledge that they are improving day by day, becoming stronger, wiser, and more courageous, is all they need to feel at ease; to know they are on track.

She looked forward to arriving with hope. She wanted to help Ganondorf. She felt stronger with him. He had an assuredness, a confidence. It was a confidence similar, yet different, to Link's. Ganon was confident because he was strong. Link was confident in absence of strength. She relied on both of them.

Days continued to pass, and eventually fortress could be seen on the horizon. It was then when reality returned to Zelda. Ganon was here. Though she wanted to help him, she was the princess of Qin first and foremost. Her official capacity came before any sense of friendship and trust. If he truly did and was what witnesses said… then her personal feelings meant nothing. She would have to place them on the sacrificial altar of leadership.

Zelda sighed.

"What's wrong?" Link wondered, noticing the sudden change in her mood. In a single breath, the old Zelda was back.

"I'm just worried," she said. "I need Lord Dragmire. I need the Majora not only for the army they might provide and security across our western border, but for the sake of my vision to prove that peace is possible and old hatreds can be overcome. If Ouki's report is true, and there is no reason to doubt his word, especially in his passing, then it will prove… difficult."

Link looked down, worried as well. He reached across and touched her shoulder. The gesture surprised her. "Whatever you do…" He said. "Whatever you decide, I know you will do what you think is right."

"You think too highly of me," Zelda remarked. She brushed his hand away. His gesture made her gut feel like a knife was twisting in it.

"You haven't given me reason to think any less, though," Link said.

Zelda had nothing to say. The trust in his voice made her uncomfortable.

The small army entered the fortress of Mitagi. Immediately, there was fanfare and cheers as if they were a parade of sorts, and soldiers lined up along the main road. It was identical to what Link had seen at the palace, but this time it was soldiers rather than civilians.

Mitagi fortress was the primary training ground for all non-conscripted soldiers in the south-east region of Qin. It also acted as the single barrier holding the Gerudo border back, was the eastern officer and strategy academy, and a city with so much wealth, size, and so many tall walls, it didn't just match Kanyou, it made Zelda's city look insignificant. The fortress walls were not only tall, the inner city had layers upon layers of walls, interlocking into regions and sectors. An invading army would have to penetrate no less than twenty layers of walls before reaching the innermost mansion, which was a full castle on its own.

This one fortress city kept back all of Gerudo, which was a country half the size of Hyrule ever since it conquered a foreign nation to the south.

Sarah and Malon gaped.

"Impressive," Zelda commented as the carriage entered.

"Surely you have more to say than that," Link egged her on.

"Hm," She hummed. "More concern, than anything else."

"What concern can you have here? It's the safest place in all of Qin!"

"True. The walls are tall and thick, the city is wealthy, the army is the largest, and the castle is… a bit much. But the thing is, it is bigger than mine. Everything here outclasses me."

"Is that jealousy I hear?" Link smirked.

Zelda popped him on the forehead with a finger. "Know your place, monkey. No, it's not jealousy. Ever since I first met Ousen Mitagi, I felt his eyes reminding me of Ryo. The same ambition and desire existed. He may not play a part in politics, but what does it say about him when he establishes an impregnable fortress with a glory greater than his liege?"

Link scrunched his brow and considered it.

"Come now, you should be able to figure this out. You have been around me long enough," Zelda pressed.

"You think Ousen Mitagi may turn on you?" Link whispered.

Zelda nodded, "It's a thought. One I dearly hope does not bear fruit, but what other thought can I have when I see him trying to out-class me? What other thought can I have when his eyes fall on the throne like a drug-addict being handed the next fix? This is a man addicted to power, to greatness, to success."

"Surely you don-" Link froze. His triangle flashed, and instantly he was above them, throwing the girls to the ground between the carriage seats. "Get down!"

A spear impaled the side of the carriage where Malon and Zelda were sitting.

Soldiers didn't take long to notice the spear, and yelling erupted outside of the carriage.

Link yelled, "Stay here!" He kicked open the door and ran out. He grabbed the spear of Nayru from the mounted soldier at the door, and his eyes scanned the crowd.

All over, soldiers were armed to the teeth and were trying to figure out who had thrown it. Link briefly tapped into his Gift to go back a few seconds, and he saw a soldier slinking away into an alley. Link rushed out after him. Geoffrey, at the head of the group, heard what happened and rushed over. He climbed into the carriage, assured himself the Princess was well, and ushered the driver on to the castle at the fastest speed he could muster.

Link chased the assassin through the crowd. The man in question was a soldier wearing a blue cape and a red, fluffy thing on his helmet like a damned rooster. The rooster impression didn't help Link hate his guts any less. The man turned a corner to an alleyway, and Link tapped into his Gift for a single moment to grab-

An elderly woman.

"Oh, my! Unhand me!" The woman cried.

Link let go of her and looked ahead. There was no one else in the alley. There was no armor and helmet lying about, and this woman was two centuries too old to be a soldier capable of throwing a spear into the royal caravan's side.

"Did you see anyone run by!" Link demanded. "I'm in the service of the Princess, so if you have seen anyone go by, you must tell me!"

"I-I- no! I saw no one! I was just on my way home from the shop!"

"So no one wearing a blue cape in silver-ish armor ran by here?"

"No!" The elderly woman panicked. "What-you, my sight may not be the best, but I'm not blind. The only one to come here has been you!"

Link ignored her to look again. There was nothing blocking his view the man could have hidden in that the woman would not have seen. Link cursed and kicked a toy rabbit mask that had fallen on the ground. "Damnit, are you sure?! I mean, really sure!?"

"Hey! Be easy with that, I just bought it for me grandson. I am. I'm sorry."

Link sighed, "Damnit! Okay, I'm sorry for bothering you ma'am. Just be careful. Someone tried to kill the princess."

Link turned and made his way back. He looked back and forth at the path he had taken. He had been fooled. He knew of only one group who could disappear into thin air, and the thought did not bode well for him. It was a group hidden deep inside the fortress.

-Castle Mitagi-

"The Sheikah," Zelda repeated. Doubt dripped from her tone.

Link nodded, "The man disappeared into thin air as soon as he was out of my sight. I was only a second behind him. There was even an elderly woman there, and he disappeared before she saw him."

"Well, clearly the woman is in league with him. Men don't just disappear."

"I disagree. Princess, I'm telling you, there was nowhere the man could have hidden. It was a straight path. The walls had no holes he could crouch into."

"I, actually, must agree with you both," Geoffrey interrupted. "At the very least, we know the Sheikah are capable of what Link described, but it also isn't instant. The woman would have seen him before he disappeared, unless she was distracted… as the elderly are prone to be."

"Impa would never do this. She would rather die," Zelda growled.

"Chancellor Impa is no longer Shadowmaster."

"The Sheikah also don't resort to spears and wearing heavy armor."

"By what rules? Assassins operate by blending in and using those same preconceived ideas against us."

Link looked to Zelda, knowing her thoughts. "You think it was Ousen Mitagi?"

Zelda nodded.

Geoffrey looked between them, stunned. "You- You would accuse Lord Mitagi?!"

"For negligence, at the very least, " Zelda replied. "This occurred under his watch. And where is he? Shouldn't he be here, apologizing and accepting responsibility for his lack of security? This is a tarnish on his name, and he doesn't seem to care. I don't know if he called for the attempt on my life, but at least this doesn't look well for him."

The three stood in silence. Suddenly, it felt chilly in the fortress. Link felt he was being watched, and he looked around, expecting eyes.

"It's not safe here…" Geoffrey whispered. "Regardless of who is responsible, I will have security increased around you, ten-fold."

"That is the responsibility of Lord Mitagi, not you. I appreciate it, but you don't rule over his house or his guards," Zelda said.

"Until he tries to stop me, I will. I bear Ouki's will, and you are the only liege he has acknowledged in generations. I will not allow a drop of your blood to be shed on my watch." He bowed.

Zelda nodded. She smiled and returned his bow. "You have my thanks, general Geoffrey. I will accept whatever recommendations you make, but I do need to attend to the matter of Lord Dragmire as scheduled. I would also like Link as my personal bodyguard while here."

"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Link grumbled.

"You can accept, monkey. That's what you can say."

"Okay, I accept."

If Geoffrey found their back-and-forth odd, he didn't show it. "I understand you and he go back a while, so I will trust your judgement. I will see to it that the necessary precautions are made. For now, I need all of you at the guest quarters. I will take the room across from you two."

"Uh…" Zelda muttered, uncertain. "You mean you want Link… in the room with me?"

"Wait, what in with who?!" Link gasped.

"For now, as a precaution," Geoffrey said. "It is acceptable for him to sleep on the floor. It is common for bodyguards to sleep at the feet of their master, but I understand if you find it… indecent. I can find a woman to guard you, if you wish."

"It is, but my life can take an ounce of indecency, so long as the monkey knows his place," Zelda said.

"So does that make me a monkey or a dog in this picture?" Link wondered.

"Both."

"Hey! Don't make me short-sheet your bed."

"Is that a threat?" Zelda asked. "That's a threat, right? You really shouldn't be threatening the princess, especially in the presence of Lord Geoffrey." Link paled.

Geoffrey sighed. "Please, take this seriously," He asked.

"This is how we take it seriously," Link smiled.

Malon and Sarah were brought from the next room while the three of them talked. When they were ready, everyone was escorted to a tower wing where they were shown a guest room. It was a cold room, unused for many years, but kept tidy and ready by local servants.

Malon was still in a state of shock from how close the spear had come to her: it had penetrated where she sat beside Zelda. Sarah was so concerned with Malon's wellbeing, she didn't take notice of the arrangements until later.

"S-so we are sleeping wit-with him?" Sarah pointed at Link.

"I'm standing right here," Link muttered.

"Not 'with' him, just with him in the same room. He gets the floor," Zelda answered.

"Are you serious? It's cold, solid stone!" Link exclaimed. "I thought it was a joke!"

"B-but he's a-a man," Sarah squeaked.

"Well spotted," Zelda replied. "He's also armed and ready to defend our lives at the cost of his own."

"You didn't have to add that last part…" Link muttered, still ignored.

Zelda continued, "Sarah, you trust him, yes?"

Sarah nodded, "He was there when the assassin was in the palace."

"Right, and he's a simpleton. His brain doesn't go much further than scratching himself, sniffing, and stabbing. So feel at ease, I certainly do."

"I know but… I'm just uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping with men around. I've had brothers in another room, certainly, but-"

"Sarah," Zelda pressed gently. "What do we do that he cannot see or hear?"

Link perked up instantly.

"Nothing," Sarah answered.

"We will also have Malon with us," Zelda added.

"You're really not helping my imagination right now," Link whispered, getting a little annoyed.

"It's just sleep, dog-boy. Stop wagging your tail and put it down," Zelda said a little louder and with more bite.

"Okay," Sarah hesitantly said.

She seemed better, so Zelda patted her on the head. Sarah started unpacking their chest, and Link approached Zelda.

"You're really pushing me," Link whispered. "Are you annoyed or something?"

"You screwed up catching the man who tried to kill me when you were on him. 'Annoyed' is one way of putting it," Zelda answered. She glared at him briefly, and he lowered his head, knowing she was right. Zelda sighed, "I know you did your best. Your loyalty and ability is not in question, but you did bring news I dislike. In truth, I am more annoyed at the situation."

"Anyone who's life is threatened would be much more than just annoyed. You're taking it well."

"Not if I take my annoyance out on those closest to me. But without a proper foe to point my aggression at, you will unfortunately be at the end of my wrath for a while."

Link's expression soured. This would be a long trip. He deserved her annoyance. He failed her. He just hoped they could find the attacker soon. Link looked at his hand. Zelda's heartbeat was faster than normal. He could feel her stress. In addition, he saw Ganondorf's triangle lit, and its beat was steady and strong. Ganondorf was here. They were both here, and they needed Link. He wouldn't let them down.

-Ganondorf-

The triangles on his hand lit up, and Ganondorf lurched forwards. Consciousness returned to him, albeit dimly. He groaned. While this Mitagi dungeon was not the same as the one from Bayou, it was no less a pain. He could sit as needed, but his arms were encased within metal gloves chained to opposing walls.

How long had Ganondorf been imprisoned? He could not tell. He had no reference for time. There was no sun nor moon, there was only the regular coming and going of nurses to feed him by their hands. Under normal circumstances, it might be humiliating. Now, however, he was uncaring. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered. He was doomed. He didn't know why he accepted the rations. He should just reject food and let his body waste away. What hope was there for the body when the soul was sick? What was the point of salvation for a demon?

Ganondorf saw the light pulsing from within the metallic glove on his right hand and sighed. "Of course they came…"

The light also stirred something within the room. There was movement. It was faint, but enough for him to realize someone was there.

"Who's there?" Ganondorf said. "Show yourself. Are you a guard, a servant?"

A large soldier, encased entirely in armor, stepped forward. He held a longsword.

"I am not a soldier," The man answered. "I am the guardian of this place."

"So you are the prison warden?"

"No. I am the Guardian," The Guardian corrected. "You are down much deeper than the Mitagi's prison. A most unusual thing: I've never had so many coming and going from my sanctum. I first considered you a powerful man they wished to have erased and forgotten from the world… but that…" The Guardian pointed at Ganon's illuminated hand within the glove. "That is something truly special."

"I am, or rather, I was. You may be at ease, Guardian. Your presence is unnecessary. Even these chains are unnecessary."

"You are not the one to decide that."

"I observe, sir, that you are given a special responsibility, and you are old and isolated. I can understand then that you know not who I am. My name is Ganondorf Dragmire, king of the Majora, bearer of the Gift of Din."

"A Dragmire…" The Guardian murmured. He hissed and thrust his blade out. It reached up to Ganondorf's neck, but it did not touch him. "Tell me, Demon, why are you here? I could obtain no straight answer from those above. Are you here for me to execute?"

Ganondorf was not affected by the proximity of the blade to his neck. He observed that despite the Guardian's old age, he held the blade strong and true. The Guardian's voice was raspy as an old man, and he sounded like he had been down here for a long time. At least he certainly recognized what a Dragmire was and had an accurate idea of what this Dragmire became.

"I don't know if you are my executioner or my jailor," Ganondorf said. "I cannot say what purpose the Mitagi brought me into your sanctum for, but I would guess it is to be imprisoned. I am a powerful man, and you must be powerful as well if they trust me to your keeping. Tell me, Guardian, do you have a name?"

"… I once did, but no longer do. I gave it up long ago," The Guardian said. "I am simply the Guardian. You have only half-answered my question. If I am to be your keeper, then why are you in my care?"

Ganondorf sighed, "Because… the elders of my clan gave our blood and souls to demons. The Dragmire turned to demonic worship. I do not know if I was a baby when they infused me with shadow and demonic possession, or if I am merely a demon summoned into this world. Either way, I am the living embodiment of what the Dragmire turned to. My soul and my blood is that of a demon. I bear on one hand the mark of the Triple Goddesses, and on the other hand I bear the mark of the Twilight Pantheon. I joined Qin, our mutual ally, into war to confront one of those very elders. I fought him, and I demanded answers of him. His answer was to awaken the power trapped deep in my soul… I became a great and powerful demon who tried to wreak havoc. It took a powerful warrior to stop me. I have since been imprisoned."

The Guardian stood still for a long time, silently observing him. His blade never wavered from Ganondorf's throat. He was so still Ganondorf could not even hear him breath.

Finally, the Guardian spoke, "You say you are either a possessed infant or a summoned demon in the shape of a child. Why would you say this? Are you without memory?"

"Surely no man can remember so far back, but I do remember my youth in a haze. I grew up as a child would, physically, but I was different. I was angry. I loathed. Fury and wrath and violence and disdain were in my blood. My mind was my own, but I was heated in hatred so deeply that at the same time it wasn't. My mind was given over to that burning hate fully and utterly, seeking only release. I was one both possessed and not, for the hatred was my own and yet unnatural."

Ganondorf continued, "When I was younger… I entered an event designed to remove the limitations holding back a Majora's power, and were I to guess now, I would say it unleashed my demon blood. Coming out of my rampage, I found myself encased in holy water, drowning. I heard the words of Din telling me to fight, to struggle, to overcome. It was the first moment of my life I can remember outside of a haze, where I did not feel trapped with thoughts that were not my own. The event was covered up, so my clan and I would not know of my demonic blood, but I have always felt something was wrong. I have always felt dogged, chained, caged by whatever force that held my mind and body at sway since my youth. I thought, at first, it was the mountains. I thought, at first, it was my parentage. In leaving the mountains, I sought answers. I thought later, perhaps the cage and hate I felt was towards the past, as my clan was mostly destroyed. Maybe the cage was the barriers between nations keeping me from running from one side to the next of this world… But I never received my answer. It is this quest for answers that led me to confronting the elder of my shattered clan. There I received my answer. The cage holding me is my own soul, my own blood."

The Guardian lowered his blade and stepped back. "I see. Were it up to me, I would bear this sword through you right now. You are held by the chains of the Mitagi, or rather, you are held by your own chains. You are right. My presence is, perhaps, unnecessary. Even these chains binding you are of no use. You have the power to break out of here… and you choose not to. It is not I, nor the Mitagi that chain you. It is you. Even if the doors were opened and the chains loosened… would you leave?"

Ganondorf bowed his head. He looked at the floor and closed his eyes. What was the point? He would take his cage with him wherever he went. He was cursed. Ganondorf didn't even feel imprisoned by the Mitagi. He felt more imprisoned by his own flesh.

Taking the silence as confirmation, the Guardian spoke up, "And that is why I will not run you through. Living is worse for you than death. Your death will come in its own time, and then you will see what demons see. For now, I am content with this."

The Guardian walked away, and Ganondorf wished to sleep soon. He did not like being awake. He just wished it would all go away.

(edited by RealCoolDude u/10495976/)