The Ambivalent Hero: Book II

by ZeldaRubix

The story of Link and Zelda continues in book II. Will Link be redeemed? Will Zelda succumb to her vices? Find out in the concluding story of book I. This was originally uploaded in 2013. It will be re-edited later.

31. Chapter 31

Inspiration: What we think we know, and what we truly know. Link's conversation with Morgana at the end of chapter 20 in book I. "Time to Say Goodbye," by Sarah Brightmon and Andrea Borcelli.

Shout Outs: Nyoom-is-the-word, beastfromtheeast, and Purge Juls, thank you.

Re-edited 6/9/2015, & 6/10/2015

Word Count: 16,386

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Chapter 31

Hyrule Castle: Zelda's POV

The guard looked at me surprised, but was quick to obey my commands.

"Yes your majesty," he said, then got into step behind me.

We headed down the hall silently, until we were at our destination. Afterwards, I informed him to wait for me outside.

"Please stand watch," I said.

He nodded.

"As you wish," he replied.

I then knocked per protocol on the door.

"Who is it?" a male response promptly asked.

I cleared my throat.

"It is her majesty Queen Zelda," I referred to myself.

I immediately heard scuttling of feet and the moving of furniture.

"Who's there?" one of the men asked in the room, it sounded like Shad.

"It's the queen," the other replied, it sounded like Daphnes, "put that away!" he snapped.

After a few more seconds of scrounging, the door opened and I was greeted by my dear brother Daphnes. He looked surprised, but then puzzled that I had traveled down here alone, with the aide of only one guard.

"Your majesty!" he replied, holding the door slightly ajar, but then lowered his voice. "Is everything alright? You should have called for me to come to you."

I grinned.

"That isn't important right now," I said, keeping my voice low, "let me enter and I'll tell you."

He returned my grin, but was hesitant in obeying my order.

"Are you sure I can't escort you back down the hall to your chambers?" he asked with a bit of insistence. "You might be more comfortable there."

It was then I gave him a knowing stare.

What are you trying detract me from? I wondered suddenly.

"Bastion..." I trailed in warning, "open this door, I get the strangest feeling you want to be rid of me."

His smiled widened nervously and he raised a brow.

"Not at all my lady," he replied, then cleared his voice, "and how rude of me to suggest otherwise, please come in."

I shook my head and groaned playfully.

"That's more like it," I joked, "I was beginning to think-"

I stopped in mid sentence and gasped.

However, when Daphnes stepped back, I soon understood why. Sitting at the head of the table, still sporting a beard and a brooding disposition, was Link. When we made eye contact, he narrowed his eyes slightly in contempt. I felt my heart skip a beat, and he wasted no time cutting his eyes from mine to keep from looking at me after the brief encounter. Now I wasn't sure I wanted to enter the room, but I wasn't and couldn't dawdle with what I needed to tell them either. Link and I were going to have to get past our sore feelings for now for the greater good. In all honesty, this was the best case scenario anyway. Time wouldn't now need to be wasted reporting to Link elsewhere. He was right here where he should be.

I guess staying away from the castle for now isn't the most viable option, I thought.

I was frozen for a moment, but then walked in, and tried hard not to face the palpable tension in the room. I looked to the other side of the table and saw that Shad was also present, and as soon as he saw me, he stood up. Link initially hesitated to follow suit, but afterwards stood up out of respect also. He still avoided staring at me as I walked closer to the table. Daphnes behind me, closed the door and went to the opposite side of the table to face me. There was an uncomfortable silence between the four of us, and that was when I decided to get right to the point.

There's no sense beating around the bush, I thought.

I cleared my throat to speak.

"Morgana has been found," I said, keeping my voice low.

Daphnes only nodded.

The reactions from the other two men were also subdued.

"I know," he said,"I was filling the others in."

I shook my head, wanting to be more clear.

"You don't understand," I replied, "she's now been sent elsewhere."

That got Link's attention.

He didn't bother waiting for a cue from me.

"What do you mean?" he demanded. "Did Elbourne foolishly let her go?"

I understood his dislike for the dragon prince, but in this case it wasn't well founded. Elbourne had been than helpful in his dealings regarding the matter. He practically hand delivered her to us.

I chose to ignore his tone.

"Quite the opposite," I said, "he's helped us entrap her."

Daphnes raised a brow and looked at me with open cynicism.

He was starting to feel more sympathetic towards Link.

"Entrap my lady?" he repeated. "Don't you think that sounds a little fantastical, even for Elbourne?"

I grunted at their lack of faith, then produced the letter.

"It's all written there," I said, "read it for yourself if you'd like."

Daphnes wasn't trying to be negative, but I understood his caution. Link on the other hand would have been irritated with me if I told him the sky was blue. He was that disgruntled with my presence there. He was trying very hard to keep his composure in check, but he seemed visibly agitated.

"Can you just tell us the gist of his quibble?" Link asked of me in a very blunt manner. "I have no desire to read about how much he wants to bed you."

Shad and Daphnes looked over at him shocked.

"Link!" Shad snapped.

The hero didn't seem to care about the scholar's warning. I wasn't surprised at his contentious state, considering our last encounter, and for the most part it was deserving. However, there was only so far I would let this go before I needed to exercise my authority as queen. I understood he was angry with me, but he needed to understand I was trying to make things right and humble myself before him. I think he would do well to examine his own measure in all this as well. It wasn't just my actions that led to all of this. Link had plenty to add to this mess too. This witnessed exploit should have been confirmation to my brother that what I told him a little while ago wasn't a hyperbole. Link simply didn't see me the way he once did.

"Link..." Daphnes trailed too.

However, the hero didn't flinch.

Even so, I wasn't going to be baited.

"It's alright," I stated, then turned my attention solely to Link, "as a matter of fact that sounds like a wonderful idea."

The room fell silent again, and I cleared my voice once more.

"Elbourne informed me that he told Morgana to meet him tonight at the Red Lantern District," I explained. "He has no intention of going of course, but he told me to inform my support team to rendezvous with a woman called 'Lady Mystere' or something. I have no idea who he's speaking of. He said he let her know Morgana was going to be back in the district this evening, and if there was anything you all wanted to do, you should confer with her first."

I was met with silence initially.

Link glanced over at Daphnes.

This probably seemed a little far fetched for them.

Link took in a deep breath. "What do you think?" he asked my brother.

Daphnes shook his head and sighed. "I really don't know," he said honestly.

I rested my hands on the table wanting to offer some insights.

"I think you should at least try the lead," I stated, "if it doesn't pan out no harm was done.

Link groaned in frustration. "That sounds all well and good my lady," he started, "but you're not the one who would be wasting your time, that would be the three of us."

I looked at him surprised.

Daphnes narrowed his eyes slightly at him. "That's enough of that Link," he warned, "if you feel you can't address her majesty with respect, then don't address her at all. There's only so much of that nonsense I'll accept from you."

Link cut his eyes from me to his best friend. "Excuse me?" he replied.

Daphnes didn't flinch. "You heard what I said," he said without hitch, "watch your tone when you speak to the queen."

Link looked at him angrily just then. "Who are you to give me-" he tried.

"Link!" Shad snapped again. "Let it go for now! This is more important than your bruised ego!"

Link looked between the two men shocked, then pursed his lips together and closed his eyes tight. He looked like he was trying very hard not to erupt with anger. A moment later, he groaned loudly, pushed himself away from the table, and hurried towards the exit. No one attempted to stop him. When the door slammed behind him, I was left feeling very shaken. I swallowed hard and stared down at the burnished wood table.

"Do you have any doubts now?" I whispered to Daphnes.

Daphnes looked at me with open remorse, there was no denying Link's feelings now.

"I'm sorry for his behavior your majesty," he apologized.

I blinked several times to hold back the tears of frustration, and calmed my racing heart.

Shad then took a step from beside the table and bowed suddenly.

"I'll go after him my lady," he offered, "please don't take anything he's done or said to heart. He's very difficult with everyone these days."

I merely nodded at his words and gave him the okay to go after him. When the door closed behind him, I finally looked over at Daphnes and shook my head.

"I don't know what to say," I whispered.

Daphnes took in a deep breath.

"Sometimes it's better not to say anything," he replied, then came up to me and gave me a hug, "sometimes no words are the best words."

I hugged him back and closed my eyes.

I sighed.

"I suppose you're right," I whispered back.

He squeezed me in his arms.

"Don't worry," he reassured, "Link will do it, trust me, he hates the very thought of Morgana. He may be upset now, but in the end he will always do what's right. He'll be in that district tonight to entrap her, and I'll guarantee he'll want to do it alone too."

I tried being optimistic like my brother.

"Let's hope so," I replied, forcing a smile.

Hope was all I could really ask for right now.

~SSS~

Meanwhile Down the Hall: Link's POV

"Link wait!" Shad called after me, but his voice didn't stop my trek.

I kept walking like I didn't hear him.

It was more like I was storming down the hall.

His footsteps scuttled faster after me.

"Link!" he called to me again as he quickened his step. "Come on, will you please stop and talk?"

When he was about a yard behind me, he reached for my shoulder attempting to halt me. However, I immediately snatched myself from his grip and whipped around to face him. He nearly ran into me from his momentum.

"Whoa!" he cried out, having to catch himself before he collided into me.

I didn't have the patience for any of this right now.

I already knew what he was going to say.

"What?" I demanded.

He stopped to catch his breath by bending over and bracing himself at his knees, then he looked up and gave me a stern look.

He wasted no time scolding me for my lack of propriety.

"Why did you leave like that?" he demanded. "Are you mad? You walked out on the queen!"

I found those to be silly questions, and ones Shad should have known better asking. What the queen thought about me was the last thing I was concerned with. If he stopped me to discuss etiquette and procedural protocols, he could spare me the lecture, I wasn't in the mood for it.

"So what?" I snapped back. "I'm sick and tired of being chastised by my so called 'friends' when she was the one who instigated all this on me! Do either of you suffer from amnesia or something? You and Bastion both were acting like I was a villain!"

Shad paused for a moment and took in a deep sigh, understanding my frustration, but he also realized he needed to be a voice of reason. He didn't answer right away as he contemplated what I said.

"Look," he started finally, "no one's saying you don't have a right to be frustrated. You do, more than anyone in that room to be quite honest, but you need to put those feelings aside for now and think about the bigger picture, and the bigger picture is capturing Morgana."

I looked away from him, already aware of that fact. I knew I needed to hear this right now, but honestly I didn't want to, and there were other potential problems to consider. This lead we suddenly had wasn't full proof. Elbourne was still very much a wild card. There was no certainty we could fully rely on him.

"What if the queen was given some wrong information?" I demanded all of a sudden. "What then? This is Elbourne we're talking about here! The man isn't exactly the king of chivalry!"

Shad wasn't deterred with that.

"That's true," he replied, "but you forget he has strong feelings for the queen. He wouldn't betray her with illegitimacy, and the rumor has it that he doesn't care very much for Morgana these days. They had a falling out some time back."

I wasn't interested in the day of the life of Prince Elbourne. I couldn't stand the guy, and the fact Zelda kept company with him made me disgruntled with her even more so. Why couldn't she see him for what he truly was? Why did she keep a man like that in her life? There was only one answer for that: she was a damn fool. That Triforce of Wisdom obviously didn't garner her a sensibility in common sense.

"It still doesn't mean we're not being led into a trap," I went on anyway.

Shad raised both his eyebrows, and pushed his glasses up his nose.

"Then we'll know we can't trust him," he replied, "but we have to try this lead if we at least have one. We can't just not pursue it because it comes from a source you hate. I'm not fond of Elbourne either, but a lead is a lead."

I was getting more and more irritated.

It seemed no one was seeing things my way.

"I don't trust him now!" I replied. "He's a hedonistic bastard!"

The scholar then ran a hand over his face and groaned loudly, he looked fed up with having to explain all this to me.

"Link..." he trailed in frustration, "will please calm down and think! You're being unreasonable and you know it!"

I shook my head.

I was thinking.

I was probably the only one thinking.

"Shad-" I tried.

"Think about all those girls Morgana trafficked to a terrible life Link!" he interrupted abruptly. "Think about how she and her brother schemed to bring back an ancient evil, and nearly destroyed Hyrule in the process. Think about what she intends to do if she gets away. That far out weighs any grievances you currently have with the dragon prince!"

I looked at him taken aback for a second and was temporarily rendered speechless. When he put it that way, there was much more perspective to what was going on. Like I stated before, I didn't want to hear this right now, but I needed to.

He was right and I knew it.

I clamped my mouth shut and closed my eyes just then.

What could I say?

He saw that he was finally getting through to me and took a step forward.

"Just put it aside for now," he went on, "tell the queen how you feel about everything later, but put your hurt feelings aside for now."

I took in a deep breath again. I finally caved in to his reason and nodded at his words. There was really nothing else I could say in rebuttal. I was acting purely and solely on emotion, and that was not a good way to act. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed. I was going to have to swallow my pride for now.

I looked over at my long time friend realizing I had lost this battle with him.

"Okay," I said, "okay, you're right, you're right."

When he heard those words come out of my mouth, he looked at me relived, but then he shook his head for good measure.

I was in for another scolding.

"You certainly have your ways about you," he said, "I didn't realize you could be so difficult."

I raised a brow.

He had no disagreement from me there.

However, he was about to see I could be much more difficult.

A compromise was in order here.

"I'll put everything aside for now," he said, "but if there is any plan for tonight, it's going to be this: I'm going to the Red Lantern District alone."

Shad looked at me surprised just then.

He wasn't expecting that.

"What?" he demanded.

I didn't flinch or change position on this.

This was nonnegotiable for me.

"You heard what I said," I replied.

He was now visibly irritated with me.

My request didn't make any sense to him.

"We haven't even gone over what we are to do yet," he stated.

"I just told you what we are going to do," I replied.

Shad placed his hands on his hips.

"What if you need back up?" he asked. "What if something goes wrong and we have no contingency plan?"

I looked at him undeterred.

"I promise you, I won't need back up," I said with confidence, "I can handle one treacherous woman."

He billowed out an irritated breath.

"Morgana isn't just one treacherous woman," he said, "she's a damn Interloper!"

That was not a concern for me.

"She still isn't Ganondorf," I replied.

Shad shook his head.

"Link-" he tried.

I wasn't discussing this further.

"This is the way it's going to be Shad," I interrupted, "take it or leave."

Shad saw the look on my face and realized now he was in a losing battle. He hesitated for a moment, but then finally nodded in agreement. He took in a deep sigh, and attempted one last ditch effort.

"We'll have to go over this with Bastion first of course," he tried to slide in, "we wouldn't want to keep him in the dark."

I shook my head, already knowing how that would play out.

"I don't care what Bastion has to say on the matter," I replied, "he isn't the leader of the CIT, I am, and as it stands, I'm going alone."

Shad narrowed his eyes slightly in aggravation and groaned.

"This is ridiculous," he mutter to himself, then looked over at me. "You're so damn stubborn, you're bordering impossible. Why do you insist on proceeding this way?"

I didn't reply to that.

He already knew the answer.

Instead, I walked past him, down the hall, and headed for the stables to the north.

Epona was waiting for me there.

Shad turned and looked after me.

"Wait!" he called. "Where are you going?"

"Tell Bastion I'll rendezvous with Lady Mystere myself," I said, "he can catch up with me later if he wants to, but I want to pursue Morgana alone, got that?"

Shad rolled his eyes and looked away. He didn't respond right away.

When he didn't reply, I turned around and looked at him, then took a step forward.

I wasn't playing.

I wanted an acknowledgement.

"Got that?" I repeated.

Shad took in a long winded exaggerated sigh and nodded finally.

"Yes commander, I got that," he said sarcastically, "I'll be sure to let Bastion know you set off on your own."

Sarcasm wasn't my concern, but I was glad we were finally on the same page. Without waiting for another word of protest, I turned back around and headed towards the stables once again, and suddenly, I had all the motivation I needed. The previous falling out with the queen was nothing more than nonsense now. Shad helped me to realize the importance of our real objective: Morgana thinking that she was safe. I started readjusting my gauntlets on my my wrists and walked faster, when the urgency of the matter really hit me.

This will be a night you'll never forget... Morgana, I thought.

I suddenly didn't have a moment to lose.

I had a lady to meet.

~SSS~

Dusk, The Red Lantern District: Morgana's POV

The long trek to the underground playground for Hylian men was finally over for me. I arrived shortly after speaking with Elbourne this morning. With time to kill, I spent the entire time preparing myself for the evening: making sure I had the right room, making sure the bed was comfortable enough, making sure I had the right clothes for foreplay later, making sure I had the right incense for burning in the oil holders later- the whole nine yards. It was imperative that everything be perfect. This was going to be my last night with the dragon prince and I wanted no hang ups. When I first arrived, I even met up with with 'Lady Mystere' the way Elbourne instructed... that really took a great of humility on my part because I couldn't stand the girl, and I really hated even referring to her as 'Lady Mystere'. There was nothing ladylike about her. She was nothing more than a peasant girl who happened to get lucky due to my unbridled tongue. Unfortunately, I was the reason she was held in such high regard. I could kick myself for being so foolish.

When she first came to the district five years ago, she was nothing more than a frightened sixteen year old girl, wanting desperately to return to her mother and brother. From the moment she was brought before me, she was imploring me to set her free because at the time she was all her mother had because her brother had gone missing. She stated he had been kidnapped or something. She was crying and on her knees pleading her case while she spoke before me the way most of the girls did. I could tell from her sobs that her pleas were heartfelt, and that she was being genuine in her remarks. However, I just watched with indifference, having heard such begging and pleading before a hundred times over, and to be quite frank, it bored me to tears. I was tired and jaded of all the sob stories these young girls told me when they were brought in: "My mother this..." "My father that..." "We own a poor farm..." "I have debts to pay..." "I'm all my family has..." yadda yadda yadda, blah, blah, blah. They could all cry me a river. It was the same song and dance time and time again. They could all spare me the tekkite tears because life simply wasn't fair. They should have been glad I didn't use them like I used some of the other girls I had captured... rituals were still practiced very much in my circle of friends, and I was sure none of them wanted to be victims of that. They were fortunate to be sex slaves and nothing else. However, the freedom thing just wasn't going to happen. What these women didn't seem to understand was, that I didn't care for them one way or the other. They were simply a product supplied for an insatiable demand; a means to an end. They probably believed I would connect with them on some feminine level or something... a woman to woman kind of thing. They couldn't have been more wrong. That was not how I conducted business.

Pleading for mercy always annoyed me, it just showed that individuals believed too greatly in that thing called hope. My brother always told me hope was a dangerous thing for people to have. He stated hope was the only way for people to deal with a terrible set of circumstances, and trust me when I stated that circumstances were pretty hard on these girls. If they had hope, then essentially they had faith, and faith was something no one could take away from an individual. Hope led to revolutions, and the awakening of the human spirit. Hope was a dangerous by product of endurance. However, I had no such desire to give anyone any kind of faith in Hylian-kind, especially a Gerudo half breed, which was what this girl was. I saw right away that she was strikingly beautiful, but also very spirited, and that was a problem. I didn't need her thinking she could influence my other girls in any way. So, to rectify that problem I had her stripped naked in the main square, and whipped for twenty minutes straight. Her screams echoed throughout the district, and she served as a warning example to all the other girls who thought to act like her. She never gave me any lip after that. I also made sure she wore a mask to cover her pretty little face. A face like that was bound to get too much unnecessary attention. She would only get the attention I chose for her. She was going to be a treasure trove of rupees for me... or so I thought.

My problems with the half Gerudo girl started when Prince Elbourne came to visit the district several years ago. I remember the first time I saw him, even at his young age of sixteen he was still the most handsome creature I had ever laid eyes on: he was young, poised, angry, and earnest. At the time, I had just finished an evening in bed with his father. The king was gratifying to say the least, but I was eager to see if the son had the same moxie as his father. I approached him the way I approach all my new important guests, and was pleased to find out that not only was he as insatiable as the king, but he also seemed more motivated to be so. It was strange, but also the most incredible night in bed I had ever spent with anyone in my life. I was twenty-two at the time of my meeting him.

One evening when Elbourne was leaving my chambers, he saw what he described as: a beautiful brown skinned girl with the blackest hair he'd ever seen, wearing a mysterious but haunting mask, and looking forlorn as she walked by. He couldn't take his eyes off her when he asked who she was. I didn't understand who he was pointing out at first, as there were a few girls who fit that description, until I realized it was my trouble maker he was speaking of. I pretended not to know who he was pointing out initially, until he undeniably picked her out of the crowd for me. I was annoyed that the scars on her back didn't deter him from desiring her. I was sure her welted skin would make her less beautiful in the eyes of some men, but for whatever reason, Elbourne seemed to be more intrigued with her because of them. If I had been thinking, I should have whipped her face instead, that way there would have been no sympathy garnered for her... it would have been more affective too.

Even still, in any such case, and because I had no choice, I told Elbourne all about her. I dubbed her the name 'Lady Mystere' because her name was a mystery to me. I never asked for names, and the girls were reluctant to give them to me anyway. However, I shouldn't have talked her up as much as I did, all my words seemed to do was heighten Elbourne's curiosity of her. So much so, the very next night when he came back to the district he requested an evening with her. I was livid on hearing this at first, but I tried not to let it show. His desiring to spend the evening with her over me was simply because I made her seem like she was a more desirable creature. I even made the amount excessive to sleep with her, one hundred thousand rupees. Elbourne sensed what I was doing, but didn't blink at the price. He left and came back with the money in a few short hours. Words couldn't describe my irritation at the time. With the payment in tow, I had no choice but to give him access to her. At the time, she had been with three, or maybe four different men all willing to pay handsomely for a night in bed with her. However, Elbourne had been the highest bidder thus far... and it seemed something far deeper than sex transpired between the two of them that night.

I had no idea what happened, but I wish I had been a voyeur to witness it. When Elbourne came back to me later in the week, he demanded that I keep the price of Lady Mystere at one hundred thousand rupees, and he also stated that if I ever had the 'poor girl' beaten so badly again, he would stop coming to see me, and have my whole operation shut down as retaliation. I was shocked, but more than that, I was angry. He even suggested at making her the decoy madam so that I could move more freely in Hyrule. I was beyond livid at his request, and almost didn't given in to it, until... until I realized my insubordination meant never seeing him again. I wasn't sure if I was more frustrated with him telling me how to deal with my business, or that he was smitten with a little insignificant whore. I couldn't believe he was siding with a peasant over me. However, I wasn't so frustrated that I was willing not to see him any longer. That just wasn't the case. I cared for him too much to lose him, and that was when I realized I was falling in love with him. I also said yes to everything he asked of me, from the half Gerudo girl being the decoy madam, to the rupee amount he wanted set for her. I did it all, and from that day forward, I never had Mystere whipped again. She was the highest priced girl in the district, which meant only really rich men had access to her, essentially, only Elbourne ever had access to her. He didn't see her very often after that, I think he just allied himself with her because he wanted to make sure she was safe in some capacity. She probably told him her sob story the first night they slept together, and he got briefly infatuated. All men had their weaknesses, and that pretty half Gerudo girl must have been his. In any such case, it was a price I was willing to pay to keep him seeing me. I didn't care what he did with her, just as long as I got my nights with him too.

I took in a deep breath at the recollection and realized just how much I couldn't stand Mystere.

As soon as he gets tired of you, you're dead, I promised myself.

Currently, I was outside the little whore's house settled in the back of the large underground alcove. The three story home was mandated by Elbourne to keep his favorite girl comfortable. I had no such desire to build it, but it was done in good faith. I walked up to the porch and walked in with no qualms about knocking. Lady Mystere may have had Elbourne's favorite, but there was no denying who the real lady of this district was. I was still the head madam here and Mystere was always going to remember that. All the girls had to answer to me.

When I came in I narrowed my eyes at the sight of her. Mystere was lying on a chaise in the middle of the room, however, when she saw it was me, she instantly stood, and was slightly startled by my abrupt appearance. I halted for a moment to stare at her, and just the sight of her sickened me. She really was a thorn in my side. She was dressed in her belly dancer garb like everyone else, but for some reason she was wearing her black and gold burlesque mask. She had many different themed masks, and only wore that mask for special occasions. What special occasion was she getting herself ready for? Was Elbourne coming to see her too tonight? I decided not to think about it, as it was too grating to my nerves. Jealousy was not my forte, but it was a very apparent emotion in me these days, I hated the way it made me feel insecure. I gave the now twenty-one year old woman a long once over and grunted.

"Why in Hylia's dear name are you wearing that damned mask?" I demanded of her, not having the patience to ignore it. "You look like a fool."

She didn't even flinch, and a small grin seemed to curl her lips.

She shrugged nonchalantly.

"Because Prince Elbourne asked me to," she said in a whispery kind of voice, "he said it was his favorite mask on me."

I felt my eyes narrow again and took a step forward. She was trying to get under my skin, and unfortunately she was succeeding.

"Well take it off," I said, "you're not dealing with Elbourne tonight, you're dealing with me."

Mystere paused for a moment, and her small smile widened.

"Are you sure that's a request you want?" she asked. "You've told me time and again you hate looking at my face."

Now she wanted to be bold. I was getting tired of her thinking she had a right to talk back to me. I certainly wanted to knock her down a peg or two, but knew that that wasn't a viable option for me. I walked up to her seething with annoyance, and she just stared back, daring me to hit her like I did in the past. She wasn't scared of me anymore, and that was because she knew she had a powerful ally. She knew she was untouchable with Elbourne as her confidante.

I really hated her.

I really really hated her.

"Take it off," I said through gritted teeth, "do it now before I slap you across your smug little face."

This time her eyes narrowed at me from behind that mask, but for some reason she just grinned again before she gave in to my request. She lifted her mask, and the resemblance she bore to the woman I hated even more than her was uncanny. She was like a walking talking enigma. How in Hylia's name did she look so much like Queen Zelda? How was that possible without...? I tried not to ponder it too deeply on the matter, I simply would never know, nor did I truly care.

She's just a look-a-like, I thought, that's all.

"There, satisfied?" she replied. "Is there anything else I can do for you? You never know, this might be the last time we ever see each other."

I gave her an offhanded stare, finding that an odd thing to say. What was she talking about? Had Elbourne told her about my plans to leave for Balaam? Was she in the know more than she needed to be? It didn't matter, part of what she was saying was true. I probably would never see her again, and it couldn't happen soon enough. I was tempted to hit her just then, but maintained a little bit of self control. I would be out of her goddess forsaken house soon enough.

"What the hell did the prince leave with you for me?" I demanded, changing the subject. "He said you had something for me."

Again, she didn't flinch, and instead of responding to my tone, she just went back to her chaise and picked up a brown package waiting for me. It was wrapped with a single white tie. She then walked over to me and handed it to me.

"This is what he desires you to wear tonight," she said, "I hope you like it. In fact, while you were away at one of the other houses, he snuck into the district and went into the room you had prepared for him. He's already waiting for you."

I grunted, rolled my eyes, and snatched the package from her hands. I groaned without replying to her, and left the room without another acknowledgement of her presence. Of course Elbourne was waiting for me. That was what he proposed he would do. What a stupid thing for her to say. I couldn't emphasize enough how much I disliked that girl.

I then headed down a back alley to my usual place of residence where I entertained all my guests. The Treatment Room was a room of wonders. I had some of my best experiences there. I remember one night when a noble told me where to find all his gold bullion because he was so enraptured with me. Such reactions made me laugh, because it was amazing what a man would espouse when they were begging to ejaculate. I recalled another time, I had a man so aroused he promised me half his fortune if I just completed my satisfaction of him so he wouldn't die of pleasure... his words not mine. I thought the poor fool was going to collapse from a priapism. I had many other stories, but far too numerous to recollect on at this time. I knew one thing though, men were like clay when they were sexually aroused. The thought of that made me smirk.

They're such fools when it comes to sex, I thought

I went into the house and was met by the usual entrance of the front foyer. The front foyer disconnected from the bedroom, making my entrances more grand when the time came for it. I closed the door behind me and wasted no time getting undressed. I tore open the brown package to see what the prince desired me to be seen in, and it was a little unexpected to say the least. I stared at the garment for a moment. It was a strange garb, as it was a long robe with words inscribed in ancient Hylian on it. The words read: opportunum advenisse tempus, or the translated version, 'the time has come'. It was interesting, but far more modest than all the other costumes I had worn for him. Usually the prince preferred to see me in black lace, or something equally revealing. Other times he was so overcome with his desire for me that he wanted me to come in the room with nothing on at all. Those unabashed nights were the best nights, but admittedly they were only the best because the guise of The Treatment. I knew it was a service that I myself had created, but I was also keenly aware of why Elbourne was such a fan of it. It didn't take a Hylian scholar to see that he was fantasizing about Queen Zelda nearly every time he was with me. I emphasized 'nearly' because there were also times he slipped and said Lady Mystere's name too. It made the contempt I felt for her that much more tantamount.

Even still, it was no matter. I didn't care who Elbourne thought he was seeing tonight, I just wanted to be with him. I hadn't had a good night of sex since the last time we were together, and that only ended in us parting disfavorably. I wasn't going to have that tonight. I was going to be the most docile, perfect, sensual lover he ever had. No request would be too brazen... or demeaning. What difference would it make? I was never going to see him again after tonight anyway. I tried not to be saddened by that thought as I stripped of everything and put on the robe, but it was the truth. It was a beautiful garment if although odd. It was dyed black silk with the words sewed in scarlet red thread. The contrast was bold, and I decided to be equally bold and wear nothing else with it. I looked at myself in the mirror and decided to keep the robe untied. There was no sense wasting time on petty laundering. If things could begin quickly, they should proceed that way. I looked myself over several times in the mirror and decided to undue my hair from the braid I was wearing and brush it down my back. After I did that final touch, I felt I looked perfect. Not even Queen Zelda was a match for me now.

I smirked.

This is going to be a night to remember, I thought with a boast of confidence.

Feeling satisfied with my appearance, I proceeded to go to the other room. However, I paused for a moment outside the door, listened, and heard the subtle sound of footsteps on the other side. A fleeting feeling of excitement fluttered my heart just then.

He's really here, I thought.

I couldn't wait to see him suddenly. I couldn't wait to hold him in my arms and cry out his name as he made love to me. Yes, it was definitely going to be a night to remember. After I got my bearings together, I then knocked on the door. There was a brief wait on the other side before a male voice replied.

"Come in," he whispered.

His tone made me smile.

So he wants to be secretive does he, I thought.

I stroked my hands over my hair one last time before opening the door. When I entered the main bedroom, everything was as it normally was: the lanterns on the wall were lit, the room had a subtle purple haze about it, incense was burning, and the the sheer canopy of the large bed was covering the mattress. The only little oddity I would say was where Elbourne was placed. He was seated next to the bed instead of on the bed where he usually waited for me, and not only that, his back facing me. He was also dressed down considerably for the occasion, wearing a dark brown cloak that covered over his head, and he looked like he was still fully dressed. I found that strange, but then quickly dismissed my puzzlement when I realized he might have wanted to role play like we had in times past. He probably wanted me to undress him to prolong the foreplay because I knew how much he loved that. He probably wanted to be reminded of how powerful his dracosaurian was. I smirked at the sight of this and closed the door behind me.

It was just him and me now.

The darkened room darkened a little more with the last shut out of light. I made sure the robe I was wearing was wide open as I walked over to him. When I stood behind him in his chair, I leaned forward a little and wrapped my arms around his neck from behind. I liked this man of mystery he was playing. It was making this so much more fun.

"Good evening my lord," I whispered near his clothed ear, "did you miss me?"

He was quiet for a long moment before he replied.

He stroked his fingers over my forearm and let his hand rest there for a moment.

"Yes Morgana I have," he whispered back, "you have no idea how badly I've been waiting to do this."

It was then I edged back a little, because I realized something was slightly amiss with his tone. He didn't sound the same. He sounded more unusual... more menacing for some reason. What was up with his voice? Why was he acting so out of character? However, before I could any answers to my questions, something unbelievable happened. The cloaked man suddenly grabbed my hand he had resting at my wrist and tightened his grip. I looked at his aggressive action in surprise, but not as much surprise as when he stood up from his seat, and turned around to show me who he truly was. When he unhooded himself, I felt all the blood drain from my face. My heart sincerely skipped a beat.

Dear Hylia, I thought in dread.

This man was not Elbourne at all.

The man staring back at me was Link, and he looked mad as hell.

I knew retribution was nigh.

I tried to step back but nearly tripped.

"Oh my goddess!" I whispered terrified.

He narrowed his eyes at the sound of my voice.

"Hello Morgana," he whispered with an eerie calm, "you weren't expecting to see me so soon, were you?"

I swallowed hard and attempted to step back once more, but his grip tightened, and he suddenly pulled he to him. He looked like a completely different man up close with that beard covering his much too handsome face. He didn't appear at all like that shy boy I once entertained the night he first came here. He look unhinged now, feral, like a man without an ounce of mercy. I wasn't going to lie, I was genuinely frightened. I saw what he did to my brother without so much as a flinch. I was certain he was going to present the same fate to me as well, but even still, I tried to keep a brave front.

My voice was shaky.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" I demanded. "Where's Elbourne?"

He grinned for some reason.

"You really thought you had that man wrapped around your little finger didn't you?" he said never raising his voice, which made him all the more scary. "You thought you had this whole thing figured out didn't you?"

My bottom lip trembled.

"You're lying!" I tried to convince myself. "He would never betray me to a man like you! He despises you!"

The hero didn't cringe.

"You're such a fool," he whispered, "Elbourne is gone Morgana, he threw you to the wolves because he actually hates you more than I do, and that's saying something. I bet you didn't know that, did you? No one's going to help you now... no one."

I felt my bottom lip quiver more.

My insides churned in apprehension at the sound of his voice.

"Elbourne would never-" I attempted.

However, Link was decidedly going to be a man of action instead of words, and in mid-sentence I felt this sharp indescribable pain suddenly pierce my gut. My eyes widened in shock, and I only had to look down to see that I was stabbed through with the full tang of a broad sword. The astonishment I felt was beyond anything I experienced, and when I looked back up at him all he did was look back. In fact, when he saw me staring at him so intently, he seemed to grow more contempt for me, and proceeded to turn the blade in a complete three hundred and sixty revolution so the wound wouldn't close. Blood gushed from the wound immediately. I gasped with the last full breath I could take, and slumped down onto my knees before landing hard on the floor.

I stared up at him in complete disbelief as the room began to swirl and fade in a kaleidoscope of colors.

He just stared back with the coldest blue eyes I had ever seen, then told me something very telling, something he once uttered to me when he first came here.

"You didn't heed my warning," he said quietly, "I told you all it takes is one time for you not to be careful and you could be dead... you should have listened."

My eyes widened more, as afterwards he stepped over to leave me dying like a heap of trash. I was getting desperate for mercy. He had to have a potion or something to heal me with. He wasn't the kind of man to kill a woman in cold blood and just leave her there. It wasn't in him. He was the hero for Hylia's sake! I even grabbed at the pant of one of his legs to stop him from leaving. I suddenly coughed up a glob of blood when he looked down at me again. Tears started pouring down my cheeks.

"You can't leave me like this," I whispered, "you can't leave me to die in a place like this! Please! I thought you were a man of honor! Somewhere in your heart you can express mercy!"

My words were falling on deaf ears.

Again, he just stared at me.

There wasn't an ounce of remorse in his features.

He narrowed his eyes at me before he spoke.

"Did you use that same logic on all the women you had kidnapped and sold into slavery down here?" he replied. "Did you use that logic on all the people you and your sick brother killed in all your devilish rituals? Did you show mercy to any of them? No, of course you didn't, and none will be shown to you either Morgana."

With that, he snatched his leg from my grip and headed out the door. I looked after him stunned, as the room got more hazy and the pool of blood expanded more and more underneath me. I was genuinely frightened, because this was the worst case scenario for me. Elbourne betrayed me, knowing I would never question him. He hated me so much, that he threw me to his mortal enemy to exact his revenge on me. Now I was going to die here alone and in the dark, with only my thoughts to comfort me. I looked around the room wishing for some kind of savior, there was none.

This is really it, I thought as my memory began to fade, but not before it flashed before my mind.

My mind's eye went back to when I was a little girl watching my mother bake bread in the kitchen... my father was delegating trade with the Zoras... there was a massacre that killed off Queen Rutela... Vincent schemed to have father and mother killed to take over the estate... I killed my mother with my own hands... Vincent did the same with father... We moved to Hyrule when I was twenty-two... I lied and said I was several years younger when I met Elbourne... I was twenty-two when I first met the dragon prince... I was inducted into the brotherhood that same year... I was being followed by Bastion Belmonte when he found out the Interlopers were the ones that abducted his sister, he too was a member of the brotherhood... My brother and I made plans to bring back our master Vaati... I hid in plain sight of Hyrule's aristocracy for five years... Five years later I met the hero in a chance encounter to change the world... The night of the crystalline moon almost brought my brother's and my dreams to fruition... Vincent and I trapped the hero... The hero was jailed... The hero was freed... The hero killed my brother... I killed the traitor Auru... I was betrayed by Elbourne with a kiss... At twenty-seven I was going to die alone in the Red Lantern District...

What a life I had led.

The room was starting to fade more, and my body had adjusted to the excruciating pain. However, just when I thought the terror was over, and the comfort of death was going to wash over me, the door to the room suddenly reopened and in stepped the hero once again. I gasped in fear, thinking there was nothing more he could possibly want since my life was already leaving me. I stared up at him in complete and utter disgust as he walked towards me. I couldn't have hated another person more.

You bastard, I thought.

"What do you want now?" I barked with my last breath. "Is this not enough for you? Have you come to watch for your sick pleasure?!"

For some strange reason he grinned and shook his head.

"Oh Morgana, still thinking about yourself until the bitter end," he said quietly, "but to answer your questions, no, your bleeding to death isn't enough for me." He then got a little closer and kneeled down, the sword he used to pierce me through was still in his hands. "Did you honestly think I was going to make this easy for you?"

I didn't know what he meant at first, but then I realized all too late what he was talking about. I had no strength to move as he stood over me and raised his hand with the bloody sword in tow. I looked on terrified and in disbelief. I wrapped my hands around my neck as a last ditch effort for mercy.

"You-you wouldn't!" I suddenly found the strength to scream. "No! You can't!"

He didn't flinch at my words.

"This is for Hyrule my lady," he whispered, and then down came the blade.

All I remember was screaming, then everything going abruptly black.

There were no more words.

~SSS~

Link's POV

I stared down at the now decapitated Morgana and felt nothing. Usually there would be some sense of shock or remorse or something from what I had done, but as it stood, I just felt numb. Vengeance could do that to a person, and I had to remember to reel myself back in before I went too far. The two people I despised the most in the world were dead, and Hyrule was once again free. I took in a deep breath at this realization, but then nearly gagged as the room was beginning to reek of Morgana's congealing blood. I covered my nose of the pervading stench, and knew I needed to get out of there. What was done was done. Once I left, I knew I was never coming back here. I hated this place and all it represented. I closed my eyes for a brief second, then turned and headed for the exit. The enemies of Hyrule were gone, and she could live on peacefully once more, or just until the next threat arrives. I hated the thought of that, but I knew it was always a possibility. If someone craved power, then they would always try to vie for the throne. Even still, I would never turn my back on her. I loved Hyrule too much.

I'll be ready then too, I thought.

Afterwards, I sheathed my soiled sword, left the room, and headed for the main house at the end of the alcove. When I got there, I didn't bother to knock, as Lady Mystere was expecting me. She had been a key player in keeping our plans secret, I was extremely grateful for her cooperation. When I came inside, she got up immediately in anticipation, and looked relieved when she saw it was me. From the doubtful look on her pretty face, she wasn't as sure as I that we would be successful. However, I was glad to prove her wrong. Morgana was no longer going to be an issue for her or anyone. Even still, she glanced down at my now sheathed blade, still wondering if the deed had been done.

She took a step forward and clasped her hands together.

"Is... is Morgana..." she trailed.

I just stared at her, having guessed she probably suffered greatly at the hands of that evil woman.

"She's dead," I replied rather bluntly, "she'll never torment you again. However, I think you'll want to have that room cleaned and sanitized if you plan on using it in the future. There's blood all over the floor."

She looked at me surprised, and her eyes widened.

"Blood on the floor? My goddess," she whispered with a nod, "I see."

After that we were met with a brief silence, and when she kept staring at me with that all too familiar face, I had to turn away. It was nothing against her, she just looked too much like Zelda. It was hard for me to stomach that woman right now, even her look-a-like.

"Do me a favor will you?" I started, not trying to sound rude. "Put your mask back on."

Mystere looked at me taken aback at the request.

"What?" she asked, shaking her head. "Why?"

I rolled my eyes, not wanting to go into it.

"Just do it," I said with a slight impatience, "I don't have time to explain."

She could tell by my tone that I wasn't in the mood for any shenanigans tonight. However, it still wasn't fair to take my frustrations for the queen out on her. But for the sake of peace, she complied, probably at the urging of my terrible disposition. She placed the mask over her face without any qualms. When her visage was clearly covered, it was only then I turned back to look at her. I couldn't tell if I offended her or not, but judging by her prudent nature to my irritated attitude, I sensed she wasn't, and would let the matter slide.

"Satisfied?" she asked finally.

I gave her a long once over and nodded.

"Thank you, and yes, but it's nothing personal," I attempted to reassure.

She sighed, and crossed her arms over her large bosom.

I was sure she didn't believe that, but didn't bother to call me on it.

"You don't have to explain anything to me," she said, "I've experienced much worse."

I found her saying that telling.

I hated that for her, because I knew Morgana had probably been very cruel to her.

"Well... just know you'll never have to experience anything like that again," I said, "you're free now."

She simply nodded, but wasn't too reassured by that fact.

"I see your point," she said, "but one woman being dead isn't going to desist the culture of depravity that exists down here. It's going to take a lot more than that."

I merely grunted and shrugged, realizing some situations were just too big for one person to handle.

"You can't save the whole world at once sometimes," I said, "that's why you should start with one person... you."

She got the gist of what I was saying, but still didn't budge.

"I find that funny coming from you when you did save the world at one time," she said with a grin, "don't you think that's ironic?"

I took in a deep sigh.

"I guess so," I said, not having much of a rebuttal, "but at least you can now get out of here."

Myster just stared at me.

"And where exactly am I supposed to go?" she asked rhetorically. "This place has been my home for five years."

I didn't have much in the way of answers for her, but I did remember something Bastion told me.

"Don't you have a Gerudo mother searching for you?" I asked. "Won't she be glad to see you come home?"

She raised a brow and narrowed her eyes slightly behind her mask.

"Who told you that?" she asked, with accusation all throughout her voice.

It didn't bother me, but I did bring that up out of the blue.

"Does it matter?" I asked. "If it's true you need to find her."

She looked away from me for just a moment.

Her body language shifted at little.

"My... my mother is dead," she said quietly, "I found out shortly after I arrived here that she was killed searching for me."

I felt my brows raised involuntarily and I looked at her stunned. I looked away, understanding her loss all too well. I didn't know what to say to her just then. Losing a parent in any capacity at any age was devastating.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I whispered.

Mystere swallowed hard from the painful memory, but kept her emotions in check.

She took in a sigh and tried to appear strong.

"She... she was everything to my brother and me," she whispered back.

My ears perked at the mild revelation.

Her who?

I looked at her puzzled just then.

I didn't want to appear insensitive to what she was saying, but that last bit of information caught my attention more than it intended to. I took a step forward.

"You have a brother?" I inquired.

She looked into my eyes for a long time before nodding.

"Yes, I do," she replied, the decided to be more forthcoming, "he went missing one day out of nowhere five years ago. I went to look for him when he didn't come home for several days... that's how I got captured. The crazy thing is, for a long time I thought he was dead. However, it took him a few years, but he was able to track me down in here. When I saw him again, I was beyond relieved, but I couldn't say anything to him because he was dressed in Hylian armor. However, I knew he knew it was me when we made eye contact briefly, he reassured me with a smile. I never got to ask him why he disappeared, but he was the one who told me that when he returned to our farm our mother was found there dead. He also informed me that she had been looking for the both of us right up until her untimely death according to her then neighbors."

I was intrigued at hearing all this, but something still wasn't sitting right with me.

"Why hasn't he taken you away from here then?" I asked suddenly. "If he knows you're in this goddess forsaken place, why would he leave you here?"

She shook her head and sighed.

"It isn't that simple," she said, "after he found me, he needed to keep me here for my own safety's sake. He told me that some powerful men possibly knew of our existence and that I needed to stay hidden."

I gave her an odd stare just then.

Something still wasn't adding up.

"Did he tell you who this man was?" I asked. "Did he give you any clue who to look for?"

She shook her head no.

"He said the less I knew the better," she replied, "he didn't want me worrying unnecessarily."

I didn't reply right away, not seeing how she could be satisfied with that as her explanation, but I wasn't there to judge. She knew her sibling better than I did.

I simply shrugged.

"I'm not completely following you," I stated honestly, "but in the end it's really none of my business. If you want to stay here, that decision is completely up to you. However, just know you're free now if you want to leave. You might also want to spread that message to all the other young women who live down here as well. They have a right to leave if they so desire."

She took in a deep sigh and nodded.

"You're right of course," she replied, "and I'll be sure to do that. I think many of the girls have families to go back to. I'll stay here and look after the others who have no place to go back to."

I gave her a long slow once over after her utterance and didn't understand why her attachment to this place was so strong. Why didn't she want to flee from here as soon as possible? Why was she making reservations for herself and not the others? Why didn't she see more for herself than this? I didn't understand it, and decided to address it.

"Are you really going to stay here?" I asked.

She bit her lower lip at my tone and looked to the ground.

"I have no choice," she replied.

"Everyone has a choice Mystere," I replied, "you deserve better than this. You aren't some mindless whore."

She just stared at me, not sure what to make of my blunt words. It was something she needed to hear, but didn't necessarily want to hear.

"I know that already Link," she said, "but my family is gone, and for some of these girls I'm all they have left. The prostitution is going to stop since Morgana is now dead, that isn't something you need to worry about."

I rolled my eyes and looked away, annoyed with her answers. Mystere saw that and looked at me with open concern.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

I just shook my head.

"If you can't see what the matter is then I don't know what to tell you," I said.

Mystere looked at me surprised.

"Link..." she trailed.

I didn't reply and we were both met with silence.

Mystere fidgeted with her hands nervously for a moment and took a small step forward. She was staring at me intently with her sky blue eyes.

"I know you may think I'm out of line for saying this, but you're... you're different than from when I first met you," she divulged. "You seem so cold now. When you first came down here you were a man full of ideals, now you seem jilted in some way. What happened to you? Why do you seem so callous suddenly?"

She hit the nail right on the head, but I wasn't going to go into the long sordid story now. I already had to live with it, I didn't need to constantly remind myself of it. However, her questions did warrant some answers. I didn't want to leave her without giving her some kind of explanation.

"I wouldn't call my change sudden," I disclosed, "it's been a while since we last saw each other and a great has happened between now and then. Since the last time I saw you, I've been through a great deal that you don't know about. To put it short, I was in prison for a short while and while I was there, a girl I impregnated lost my child due to the indirect actions of Vincent and his contemptible sister Morgana. Besides their own devious misgivings and hatreds for Hyrule, it was why it was necessary for them to be dealt with specifically by me."

I couldn't see her facial expression, but I could tell she was stunned at what I revealed.

"You were going to be a father?" she whispered.

I paused for a moment, thinking about my unborn child and nodded.

"Yes," I said swallowing hard.

Myster took another step forward and looked at me with open remorse. I could see it even from behind that mask.

"Oh Link..." she trailed, "I'm... I'm sorry, a lot really has transpired," she said more to herself than to me, "last time I saw you, you were a virgin."

I looked to the ground, ignoring the virgin bit due to Bastion's big mouth, and tried not to think about the 'would have beens' if I still had the opportunity to be a father. I was really angry an innocent baby had to die because of all this nonsense.

My throat tightened.

All the thoughts did was anger me more.

I was going to have to deal with this for the rest of my life, and anger was not the emotion I wanted to constantly display. I needed to get at peace with this somehow. I didn't know how long that was going to take me, but I knew an embittered man was not what I wanted to be. There was another brief silence that overcame us, and I decided then not to say anything else on the matter, it was probably already surprising enough for her.

"Anyway, it doesn't matter, that's just life I suppose," I said more to myself than to her.

Mystere just stared at me for a second, but then took a few more steps forward and stopped. She didn't say anything right away, but she did lift the mask she was wearing again without my beckoning. I felt my eyes widen involuntarily and immediately looked away from her once more, but this time saw she was preemptive in her actions. She walked up to me and turned my face back to face hers. Her sky blue eyes searched my face with a loving, kind stare, concern was written all over her expression, and she caressed my cheek softly.

"Tell me the truth," she started suddenly, "does some of what happened to you have to do with who I look like? Is that why you find it so hard to look at me?"

I wasn't going to answer those question, all it was going to do was open a wound.

I shook my head and looked to the ground again.

"It doesn't matter," I replied.

She stared at my down cast eyes for a long time, and ran her fingers down to my bearded chin.

"I think it does," she whispered.

It was then I looked up finally and stared into her eyes. As I stared at her, I couldn't get that woman's face out of my head. She was like her mirror image. It was so uncanny.

Zelda... I thought.

I looked away once more as it was too much for me, but she met my eyes again when she turned my face back to hers.

"Please Link," she begged softly, "what is it? Tell me what's bothering you."

My throat tightened more at her tone, because she sounded just like her. I didn't want to answer, because I felt a rare conjuring of emotion stir within me. I had been through so much because of that woman, but she still tugged at me, there was a part of me that still wanted to please her. It was so strange. I rolled my eyes again and looked away.

I wasn't going to do this.

I wasn't going to cry in front of a woman who looked like my temporary enemy.

I wasn't the kind of man who couldn't keep it together.

Don't do it Link, I told myself, don't do it.

However, it seemed I was wrong, because apparently I was that kind of man and I couldn't keep it together. Without realizing what was happening, there were tears already running down my face. I probably looked like a pathetic fool to Mystere, but my frustrations couldn't be made anymore manifest than tears. Mystere's eyes widened in minor disbelief and she looked at me stunned, but still with open remorse. She immediately came close to me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and hugged me tight.

"Hey," she whispered gently, "it's going to be okay, what's the matter?" she whispered. "Please talk to me."

I said nothing and kept my eyes sealed shut for a moment. I hugged her back and even tighter than she was hugging me.

"I'm so sorry you're in so much pain," she went on, and stroked her fingers through my hair, "I don't know what happened, but please don't cry, everything will be alright."

I still didn't say anything and pulled back for a moment and stared into her beautiful face. I caressed her cheek as her features became clouded behind the stream of tears coming out of my eyes.

"Zelda..." I trailed, which probably confused her all the more.

Mystere looked at me perplexed, but before she could say anything I leaned over and pressed my mouth against hers fervently, only to heighten the confusion. I kissed her hard, but at first she seemed to be trying to resist. However, her resistance was short lived when she stopped putting up a guard and kissed me back. I didn't know where this was coming from, but I knew I needed to do this. I cupped her perfect face and let myself get get lost in her mouth. I kissed her deeper and breathed like an insatiable man against her lips like I couldn't be satisfied with just one kiss. I wanted more, I needed more. It was hungry, and wet, and confusing, and complementary all at the same time. When I finally pulled away, I quickly wiped my eyes of my tears and hugged her tight once again. I squeezed her body in my arms and took a deep breath against her perfect raven hair. It took a few moments, but I got my bearings together after that, really needing that moment where I could just let my feelings show. I then pulled away from her and looked to the ground again. I hated being like this in front of another person. It wasn't a part of myself I liked to show.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you with my actions, but I needed that," I apologized, wiping my eyes clear again, "I didn't mean to cry in front of you."

Mystere blushed and was still a little taken aback at what just happened, but she wasn't at all fazed by my brief set of emotions. She fanned off my apology, and tried to smile.

"It's alright," she said, "you don't need to explain. I'm... I'm actually glad you kissed me. To be honest, I've been wanting you to since I first met you," she confessed, "and I take no offense to you calling me Zelda."

I didn't have much to say in reply.

I didn't even know why I said her name.

"Yeah..." I trailed.

She took a step forward and placed her hand on my forearm to try to comfort me.

"As for your tears, don't feel bad about them," she went on, "I've had plenty of nights like that too. It's hard when your feelings are just there, you know?" She had become so comfortable, she was about to have a slip of the tongue. "You know how sometimes when you think you're alone?" she went on. "Well, I remember one night when I thought I would never see my brother Daphnes again. I couldn't stop crying for the-"

However, after realizing what she had done, she immediately stopped herself when she realized what she was saying. Even so, the words were already out there, and I heard what she said. My ears perked instantly. She had my full undivided attention now.

I looked back at her with open curiosity.

"Your brother who?" I asked.

Again, she clamped her mouth shut.

"It's nothing," she said suddenly, then turned to walk away from me, but I took hold of her wrist and turned her back around to face me.

She wasn't going to walk away from this conversation that easily. Mystere suddenly looked nervous and glanced down at our intertwined hands. She glanced back up at me with apparent regret now.

"Link-" she tried.

"What name did you say Mystere?" I interrupted. "Did you say Daphnes? Your brother's name is after the late king of Hyrule?"

She swallowed hard and looked fearful all of a sudden.

"You didn't hear me say that, I was merely talking too much," she insisted, "now please let me go, you've done all you intended to do here. You should leave."

I narrowed my eyes at her.

She clearly wasn't being truthful, and if she thought that was going to deter me she was dead wrong.

"I heard you as clear as day," I went on anyway, "you are the lost daughter of the fallen king, aren't you?"

She didn't reply.

"Aren't you?" I said with a slight impatience.

She hesitated, then finally nodded.

"Yes," she whispered.

I felt my heart pound in anticipation.

"And that means your brother is Hyrule's rightful crown prince," I stated, "isn't he?"

In a poor attempt to protect him she shook her head no.

"That isn't true!" she said.

"Mystere!" I replied back, knowing she was lying. "He's your twin! You all but admitted it when I stated you looked like Zelda! And you never denied it when I mentioned it to you the first time! Stop lying!"

She looked at me terrified just then.

"You mustn't say these things!" she said. "My brother's life is already in danger as it is."

I raised a brow and took hold of both her shoulders.

We were now starting to get somewhere.

"Mystere, I need to know," I said quietly, "who is your brother? Is he going by a different name?"

She stared into my eyes for a long time before she answered.

"I-I can't tell you," she whispered.

That was not going to help the situation.

"You know you're doing him more harm than good," I said, "if he can be protected, then I need to know who he is!"

She cut her gaze from me and took in a deep breath, then let her stare fall to the floor. There was a brief silence that overcame us for a moment, one where it looked like Mystere chose to contemplate seriously on what we were discussing. She finally took in a deep sigh and looked like she made a decision.

"I know I'm going to regret this, but I trust you," she started, then dropped her voice to a whisper, "you... you actually know my brother quite well, he's actually your brother in arms. He came down here with you the first time we met."

It took me a moment to register what she was saying, but then a few seconds later I felt my eyes widen with complete and utter disbelief.

Wait a minute... I thought.

I couldn't believe it.

I didn't want to believe it.

My breath quickened for a second.

"Bastion is your brother?!" I said stunned. "He's-he's who you were speaking of?"

Mystere kept her eyes fixed to the floor, but then slowly she nodded.

"Yes," she whispered.

I felt my head buck back and reeled in from the shock.

This was beyond astonishing.

"His real name is Daphnes?" I asked.

Mystere nodded, still not looking at me.

"Daphnes III actually," she whispered.

I didn't know what to say in reply, but suddenly so many things in terms of his behavior made sense. I now understood why he was so fiercely loyal to Zelda even in opposition to me, he was also her... her brother.

This was insane.

I'll be damned, I thought.

I then glanced over at her wanting to know something else.

"What's your real name?" I asked just then. "I know it isn't Mystere."

She didn't reply right away, and bit her lower lip.

"My real name is Daphnie," she said quietly, "I know Daphnes and Daphnie seems silly, but my mother was completely in love with the former king as you can see."

I ran a hand through my hair, unable to think of anything logical to say in this moment. It honestly felt so surreal. Daphnie finally looked back at me, and there was a look of worry in her eyes.

"Please don't tell anyone," she begged, "if anyone knew who he or I truly were we'd both be killed instantly."

I knew that for a certainty.

I immediately shook my head of her worry.

"I wouldn't do that to you," I promised, "your brother is my best friend, and since I now know you are his sister, I will treat you with the same respect and regard as I have for him."

Her features softened a little.

She took in a deep breath.

"Thank you," she whispered, "you don't know what that means coming from you."

I stared at her for a moment, gaining insight into so many things in those last few minutes. However, as Daphnie continued to stare at me she decided to speak again and change the subject to something else. It was actually a previous subject. She pursed her lips together thoughtfully before she spoke.

"Do you really hate the queen Link?" she asked me suddenly. "Is there really nothing she can do to gain your favor back?"

I took in a deep breath, not sure what I felt for the queen, everything was so convoluted now. It was a mixed, confusing feeling actually.

"No, I don't hate her," I said, thinking I was being honest, "I'm just very cross with her right now."

She stared at me without really acknowledging what I just told her.

She simply nodded, and I knew right then that I was needing to move along. I needed to get back to the mainland above ground. It was then I reached up and caressed her cheek to end this conversation.

"I have to go," I whispered, "and thank you for all your help."

She didn't seem too pleased to hear about my departure, but she understood why.

"You're welcome," she replied, "and be sure to visit from time to time."

I gave her a brooding stare just then.

The thought of coming back here didn't sit well with me, and the thought of her staying here didn't sit well with me either. I wanted her to leave this place.

"I want you to find your Gerudo people and get the hell out of this life," I said seriously, "take as many of the girls with you, but get out of here while you can. This is no way to live Daphnie."

She was slightly surprised at the seriousness of my tone, but she didn't fight it. She actually seemed pleased that I was so concerned.

"You're right of course," she said, "and I might just do that."

I gave her a long once over.

"Please do, and take care of yourself," I replied with a hint of finality, "make sure you contact your brother before you do anything hasty."

She nodded.

"I will," she promised.

With that, I let her go and headed for the exit. However, she was quick to stop me one last time.

"Master Link," she called to me.

I turned to look at her.

"Yes?" I asked.

She grinned at me.

"Please find it in your heart to forgive my sister," she said, "after all she's only Hylian."

I just stared at her for a moment, but didn't reply.

I took in a deep breath and nodded.

"Be careful when you decide to leave," I told her.

Afterwards, I left out he door before she could stop me again. I made sure I was hooded and hurried down the long road to the front exit of the crypt. I couldn't leave this place soon enough.

I was glad to finally be departing the Red Lantern District.

~SSS~

The Next Morning, Hyrule Field near Faron Province

I sent a message to Bastion via the swiftest transport possible: the wings of an eagle. Now, I saw the evidence of that message getting to him by way of watching him from the distance coming towards my general direction on horseback. I still had no intentions of going back to head the CIT and being a part of the queen's team. I had enough to deal with in terms of helping Ordon get back to normal. My responsibility was to them now. I also needed to make sure Ilia was going to be okay when she found out the news of her father. She was still in her coma, but I had a feeling she would be waking soon. As Bastion came closer, he pulled back on the reigns of his horse to slow the steed to a halt. Afterwards, he dismounted and headed to where I was underneath the tree. He could probably tell from why I called him here that I had good news.

"You'll have to forgive me for not being as punctual," he joked, "I know how you hate that."

I merely grinned at his sensibilities, and ignored his dig.

"I'm used to it by now," I replied.

He came and sat down next to me.

"So what's going on?" he asked, already knowing the answer. "Why the rendezvous in the middle of the day?"

I stared out at the green pastures in front of me, and felt a huge weight of relief.

"She dead Bastion," I said, not beating around the bush, "she dead and Hyrule is free once more."

He looked at me surprised at how blunt I was with that.

"I'll assume she didn't go quietly," he replied.

I smirked and stared at the trees in the distance.

"She went exactly the way her brother went," I said with no qualms, "she was shown no mercy."

The emptiness of my voice made my words that much more impactful. Bastion stared at me for a moment with open concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly.

I simply nodded, not sure if that was really the case. There was so much I knew now that I didn't know before. I was trying to compartmentalize it all.

"I'm fine," I verbalized finally, "I'm just tired."

It was then he smirked at me.

"You sound like an old man," he joked, then eyed my beard, "speaking of which, when are you going to shave that stubble? I think the point has been made that you are an ironclad warrior. You don't need to look like a nomad as well."

His words made me grin.

"You're so superficial," I half joked.

He shrugged, and decided to run with it.

"Why do you think I married Ashei?" he went on. "I wanted to make sure I had attractive kids."

That actually made me chuckle.

I shook my head.

"You're an idiot," I replied.

This time he laughed.

"I know," he said.

Afterwards we were quiet for a long time and rested against the tree. It was a silence that was reflective of everything we had gone through over the last few days. Hell, even over the last year and a half. I was grateful for it, and closed my eyes.

It was then Bastion looked over at me.

"So what now?" he asked me, breaking the silence.

I shook my head.

"I really don't know," I said honestly, "but I need to be in Ordon from now on, the villagers there will need me."

Bastion just looked at me.

"What about Hyrule?" he asked. "What about the queen?"

I looked to the ground and sighed.

"I'll always serve Hyrule," I said, "and as for the queen, well, she has you Bastion."

He looked at me taken aback just then.

"I don't follow you," he said.

I smirked, deciding not to go into it.

"You follow me all too well," I replied, "just protect her the way you always have."

He narrowed his eyes slightly when I then stood up to end the conversation.

"Are you really never coming back?" he asked. "Are you really going to leave this way?"

I thought about his questions for a moment as I stared at the spires of Hyrule Castle in the distance. I wasn't going to lie, I was going to miss my life of intrigue there with my comrades, and constantly being in the queen's presence. I was going to miss that excitement that life afforded me, but now I knew that was all a dream. I no longer had a place there, and the queen would be better protected with her brother looking out for her. I was a peasant with a destiny the goddesses bestowed on me for just a little while. That 'little while' was over, and I needed to get back to my roots. Besides, deep down I knew I was a wrangler at heart anyway.

"Hyrule and the queen will be fine," I said finally, "but if she ever needs me I'll be there to serve her."

I then went to my precious Epona and mounted her.

Bastion's eyes never left my face.

"I think you should be the one to tell the queen Morgana's dead," he stated, "she would want to hear it from you... she still loves you a great deal Link."

I looked away when I heard that, not sure what to do with that information.

Everything was so mixed up now.

I took in a deep sigh.

"Yeah..." was all I said with a trail, "I'll think about it."

Bastion didn't say much to me after that.

"Think about it sooner rather than later," he said.

I grunted, but gave him a nod to signify I heard him.

Afterwards, I turned Epona around and headed south towards the forest, but as I rode away I found myself looking over my shoulder at Hyrule Castle at the queen's balcony. I wasn't sure, but I think she was standing there looking out this way. I quickly went to looking ahead once more, not wanting to catch her gaze. I closed my eyes for a brief second and took in a sigh.

Was I really going to leave without telling her myself? I wondered. Was I really going to leave my responsibilities off on someone else?

I groaned and then pulled on the reigns of my trusted mare.

"Of course I'm not," I muttered to myself, then turned my dear horse around and headed back towards the castle.

I looked up at the queen's balcony once again and saw that it was now empty.

I'm coming to you your majesty, I thought, whether you're ready for me or not.

~SSS~

An Hour Later, The Secret Passage to Zelda's Chambers

I stood in the dank claustrophobia of the narrow hall leading to the queen's bedroom, and waited for the second set of footsteps to depart the room. It was her servant Lydia leaving, and a few moments later I heard her alone. I wasted no time opening the secret door and going inside. One of these days she was going to arrest me again for my presumptuousness, but considering all I had been through, I simply didn't care any longer. I just wanted to tell her what I needed to tell her so I could be done with this. I walked right on in the main corridor to find her surprisingly facing straight my way and looking calm. I guess the element of surprise wasn't on my side after all. She probably came to expect such impulsive actions from me by now. I begrudgingly admitted this, but she looked lovely in the dark blue gown she was wearing, it complimented her fair skin beautifully. There was a hopeful gleam in her eyes, but I wasn't going to say anything to reassure it. I just wanted her to tell her about Morgana and leave. However, I didn't want it to turn into an incident like the previous day in the Situation Room either. I wasn't going to entertain anything other than what I needed too. This life for me was over.

I bowed out of respect which surprised her.

"Good morning my lady," I greeted in a solemn tone.

Her pretty eyes were widened, but she greeted me in return.

"Good morning Master Link," she replied.

I cleared my throat and got straight to the point.

"The lady of the house of Rue Morgue is dead," I stated bluntly, "she was executed at my hand."

Zelda looked at me and took in a deep sigh of relief.

"That is wonderful news good sir," she said quietly, "thank... thank you for your service."

I thought nothing of it.

"It's my duty," I replied.

She clasped her hands together and nodded.

"I see," she said.

There was a brief silence between us.

"Was there anything else you needed to report?" she asked suddenly.

I shook my head.

"Not at this time," I replied.

There was another silence.

"When can I expect to see you again?" she went on a few moments later.

I shook my head at that too.

"I told you before your majesty, after all this I'm retiring to Ordon for good," I said seriously, "there's nothing left for me here."

Zelda looked to the ground and pursed her lips together.

"I... I see," she replied, "well just know there's always a place for you here."

I didn't nod or shake my head at that.

I just felt indifferent.

I didn't bother to acknowledge that.

"Was there anything else my lady?" I asked with a hint of finality.

She looked up at me and stared at me for a long time. I saw her throat tighten.

"No... I suppose there isn't," she said.

I cut my eyes from her and looked to the ground myself now.

It really was about to be over between us.

"Then I must bid you farewell," I said, "may the goddess grant you peace with the aide of the Triforce."

I bowed once again, then turned on my heel to leave. It was then, and only then, Zelda prompted herself to stop me.

"Link wait," she called in a quiet yet determined voice.

I closed my eyes as I wasn't facing her, but I knew where this was going to lead, and it was only going to hurt the both of us more. I just wanted to end it on a respectful note. I turned back around to look at her.

"Yes my lady?" I inquired.

She then walked up to me and stared me straight in the eyes. Hers were brimming with tears, but she still looked strong. In her hand was a handkerchief, she was gripping it tight, but then took hold of my right hand and placed it in my palm.

"I know you won't take a proper monetary reward for all that you have done, but please accept this," she whispered in a slightly broken voice. "I... I was going to give it to you after we consummated our union after the Dragon Gala, but fate had something else entailed for us." She curled my knuckles around it. "I know you hate me now, but try to think of me as you once did when we were friends. I would really appreciate it if you saw me as that Zelda again one day."

I found it hard to swallow suddenly, and looked down at the gift she just gave me with complete confusion. I looked back into her eyes and found myself fighting back my own tears. I hated how she made me feel this way, Midna didn't even do this to me. I blinked several times to keep my eyes clear, and gripped the handkerchief tightly.

"I can't promise you anything," I whispered, "but I'll try."

Her tears finally spilled over after hearing that, and I had to get out of there before I started crying myself.

"I bid you good day," I said quickly and hurried back towards the secret passage.

She didn't bother to stop me again, but I did turn to look at her, burning her beautiful face in my memory.

Goodbye Zelda, I thought.

Afterwards, I went into the passageway and never looked back.

I thought that was the last time I would ever see the queen of Hyrule again.