"You take that back!"

Ogadai stood with his fists clenched and lower jaw jutting out, trying to look as menacing as a ten-year-old possibly could. "You better take back what you said, right now, or else!"

"Or else what?" The skinny, scabby Kando boy with the shaved head laughed. "You'll fight me? Oh, wait, that's right…your mommy won't let you."

The little knot of Kando boys, each one rake-thin with clothes of little more than rags, stood in a semi-circle around Ogadai. Maline sat sniffling next to her friend, tying the head back onto her makeshift doll with a bit of twine. But the doll was no longer the reason for the standoff between Ogadai and the Kando gang.

Ogadai brandished his tattooed fist. "I'm as much a Kando as any of you! Just because a bunch of mangy dogs like you haven't ever seen my crest, doesn't mean my clan doesn't exist!"

Amid guffaws from his flunkies, the leader sneered, "You're not a real Kando if you don't fight. You're not any more a Kando than your prissy, weak, Hylian mommy…"

Suddenly Ogadai saw red. He pulled his arm back and split his knuckle to the bone on the boy's front teeth, his blood rising in satisfaction as he felt them shift back in the gums. As their leader fell to the ground, hand over his mouth, the rest of the pack jumped Ogadai. Maline jumped up and ran back to the main road of Refugee Village, screaming.

Pummeled by fists and feet, Ogadai struggled to the surface of the mob and fought back, punching, kicking, biting, gouging, pulling tufts of hair out of heads. A strange new feeling erupted in him, delighting in hearing cries of pain as he beat down those who threatened him and Maline.

Abruptly someone pulled him out of the hullabaloo. He felt himself being tossed roughly aside and looked up to see his mother, Asana, laying out over the little gang with a switch. "Seven against one, eh? Little monsters. Only cowards fight in gangs!"

"You'd know all about cowards," the leader spat out with a mouthful of blood. Incensed, Ogadai ran to his mother's side but she pushed him back. "That's right, I know 'em when I see 'em. Now get out of here!"

They darted off. Ogadai opened his mouth to speak, but Asana spoke first. "What in the name of the Goddesses do you think you're doing?"

Indignant, Ogadai held his injured hand and shouted, "They broke Maline's doll! I was only defending her!"

She grabbed him by the ear and pulled him back toward home. "It doesn't matter what it was about. No fighting under any circumstances!"

His face turning crimson, Ogadai demanded, "Why did you let him say you're a coward? Why didn't you beat him up?"

"His opinion doesn't matter," Ogadai insisted, calming down slightly. "He's just a stupid, half-starved kid. He'll probably be dead in a few years. There's no point in wasting energy worrying about something like that."

Ogadai switched from yelling to sulking. "They said I wasn't a real Kando because I didn't fight."

"Despite how the country's been the past few years, the Kando aren't all about fighting."

Ogadai's temper rose again. "Well, what were they about then? They asked about my crest and when I couldn't tell them anything about our clan, they called me a liar. None of this would have happened if you told me more about Father's clan!"

She let go of his ear, but grabbed his uninjured wrist as she pulled him up the stairs into the inn. "It doesn't matter. His clan's gone. They were just farmers, like the Elani and Utusa clans."

Ogadai wrenched his hand out of Asana's grasp. "He was my father! Why don't you ever tell me anything about my father?"

"It doesn't matter! He doesn't matter! He's dead!" Asana whirled round and shouted so loud Ogadai covered his ears.

Tears filled Ogadai's eyes. "Why did you marry him if you don't care that he's dead? Didn't you love him? Don't you love me?"

Asana's face blanched. "Ogadai…of course I…"

"Well, I don't love you! I hate you!" Before she could protest, Ogadai fled up the stairs to his room, slamming the door shut.

He kicked a hole in one of the walls, cracked one of the legs on his bed, and shredded his pillow, sending goose feathers flying. After venting all his rage, he collapsed on the bed, tears in his eyes.

I don't hate you, Mother. I love you. I know you love me. But why won't you tell me where I come from? What my father was like? Was he tall or short? Smart? Funny? Where did you first meet? Do I look like him? If he were alive today, would he teach me how to ride a horse? Would he be proud to have me as a son?

Sniffling, Ogadai wrapped some of the shredded pillowcase around his bleeding, throbbing knuckles. He was still just a child at heart and he hated it. If he was grown up, he could protect his mother, and all his friends. He could find a better place for everyone to live, where they wouldn't have to worry about rationing food or wandering Kando raiders.

He heard a light knock at his door. "Ogadai, can I come in?"

"Go away!" he yelled, still mad.

The door opened and Asana entered anyway. Ogadai folded his arms and turned away. He could feel her eyes on him, the hole in the wall, the goose feathers everywhere. She sat down next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. "Ogadai…I'm sorry about what I said. I was angry…" she paused. "Ogadai, I don't want you fighting because that's what got your father killed in the end."

Ogadai turned to face her. "My father was a fighter?" He'd imagined he'd have to be in order to save Asana from rival Kando, but he'd never been sure.

"Yes…a very good one."

"Even though he was a farmer?"

"Anyone can learn to fight, Ogadai."

Ogadai scratched his head. "So why'd he die? Was he stupid or something?"

"No, he was very intelligent. He…" Asana narrowed her eyes, an indescribable expression on her face, as if attempting to explain something better left unsaid. "He often fought the wrong people for the wrong reasons. It's not something you'll understand right now."

Ogadai fingered one of the feathers. "Are you mad at him? Because he left us?"

Asana sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "Yes…yes, I guess you could say I'm angry with him. But…you're too young to understand why."

Moaning, Ogadai complained, "That's what adults always say when they don't want kids to know something."

She smiled slightly. "I'm sorry, Ogadai. I know you won't understand the truth at this point in time. But I promise I'll tell you when you're older." She laid her hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. "All you have to know right now is that I am your mother and I love you, and I always will." She examined his hand. "Come on, I'll wrap that up for you. There'll be gamebird soup tonight, a traveler brought one in for payment."

Ogadai dried his eyes. "Okay."

They spent the rest of the night cheerily, with hot spicy soup and candies Asana brought up from deep in the cellars of the inn. The man who paid in food gave a long, exciting account of his travels; and at both his and Ogadai's request, Asana recited ballads from her homeland.

Ogadai sighed as he poured cold water over his soapy head, washing up as slowly as possible in one of the few places he was allowed to keep his mind to himself. So much makes sense now…she saw me attack those kids and was afraid I'd become another Usurper King. But I was defending Maline…just as she defended Zelda.

It does explain why she never wanted to talk about him. The whole story about him being a Kando farmer was a lie. But why was she so angry, back then and now? I still don't know the answer. Did Father really trick her, or did she just regret her decision when he was dethroned?

I wish I hadn't found out about it this way. I wish she had told me from the beginning. It would have been shocking, embarrassing even, but at least I wouldn't have been consumed with the need to know.

Ogadai stepped out of the bath and toweled himself dry. He dressed and stepped into his bedroom, where the ghost waited.

For once, the specter was not eager to re-enter his body. "I've been speaking to your mother, and I think if you talk to her, she might agree to the mission I've given her," Ganondorf said.

Ogadai's heart leaped. Finally, some privacy! The small child inside him rejoiced at the thought of Chusai finally cooperating. And yet, a tiny alarm bell went off in the back of his mind, warning him that his father knew about his desire for freedom.

His sister guards stood at attention as he and the ghost approached. One of them unlocked the door, and Ogadai stepped inside, his father close behind.

Chusai, staring out the window, turned around with a frown. "Why are you back so…" Her eyes lit up, and she embraced her son. "Ogadai!"

Ogadai said nothing; he hadn't realized until then how much he had missed his mother's embrace. Pulling himself free, he said, "Mother, I know you don't want to do this, but…I'm getting tired of playing host for Father. Can't you help him get his own body?"

Chusai shot an accusing glance at Ganondorf. "I had a feeling you'd try something like this sooner or later," she snapped, then turned back to Ogadai. "Listen, I don't think you understand the problem. He's not going to trust me to do it myself…he's going to send your sisters along with me. The other two Bearers will fight to the death to keep their pieces." Seeing Ogadai's frown, she said, "Ogadai, listen to me. I would never choose them over you. But how would you feel if I asked you to kill one of your childhood friends?"

Ogadai blinked. He had never thought of it that way. "But Mother…you probably killed people while protecting Zelda. Father deserves a proper body."

She flinched. "This is true…but there has to be some way to take the pieces without killing them." She turned to Ganondorf. "Can't they be captured alive, and you use some magic to take it from them? They're not really any threat to you without the pieces, are they?"

Ogadai watched Ganondorf's eyes flick from Chusai to himself. Suddenly he realized what his mother was doing. She had shifted the blame of failure from her to him. Ogadai could sense his father's irritation, bubbling just below the surface.

"It is certainly possible," Ganondorf said hesitantly. "But as you stated…they will fight to the death…"

"I don't see what's wrong with a knock over the head," Chusai pressed. "Or a sleeping spell, or something. Didn't the Gerudo once use paralysis darts in war?"

Ganondorf scowled. "Fine. I'll instruct my daughters to refrain from deadly force." He pointed angrily at Chusai. "But before you go, I will place a tracking spell on you. If you try to run off and warn them, I will know."

Ogadai thought his mother would be angry, but instead he saw a look of satisfaction flick across her face. "That's fair, I suppose."

Ganondorf met her gaze. "Remember…it's in your best interests to complete this task as soon as possible. If I stay in Ogadai's body too long, his soul will begin to merge with my own…"

The smallest flick of panic crossed Chusai's face. It slowly began to dawn on Ogadai that the two were still engaged in a game of wits which had gone on for years.

The ghost turned and exited. "Come, my son. Visiting time is over."

Zelda rolled up the final scroll containing the signatures of the Gerudo Council and the Hylian Royalty. At last, the truce had been completed.

She provided an escort for the Council members as they returned home; some of the Hylians still did not approve of the Usurper King's former allies "getting off scot-free," even though that was hardly an accurate description of the Gerudo's plight. As irritating as she found their raiding habits, Zelda understood the Gerudo relied on their unorthodox way of life to pay for necessities not found in the desert.

Chusai Ordana led the escort, and returned to the castle with a look of grim determination. Zelda heard her speak to the guard outside her chambers; so did Link, whom she had appointed as her new bodyguard.

He frowned, and she saw a little crease form between his eyebrows. He was, understandably, a little suspicious of her; and Zelda had noticed strange behavior from Chusai as well. Not all of it could be explained away by the understanding that Chusai had undoubtedly suffered as a centerpiece of the Usurper King.

At first, she had been simply stoic and dutiful, acting as a perfect ambassador between the two nations. Zelda appointed her as Captain of the Guard, a position she felt equaled that of the Princess' bodyguard. But Chusai acted aloof around her, Link, and the other Hylians in general; she seemed more relaxed around the Council, Namu especially.

As the talks dragged on, Chusai began arriving late in the mornings, stating she felt ill. Zelda had periods of illness as well, for the stressful talks started early and sometimes went long into the night; but Chusai never seemed sick at any other time. After a few months the mysterious illness left as suddenly as it arrived; seemed nervous, and quick to temper, as if continually expecting something bad to happen. Zelda often wondered if Chusai resented Link taking her position.

Link stepped protectively closer to Zelda as Chusai entered. Chusai looked at them with her gaunt face and restless eyes. She bowed and said to Zelda, "Your Highness, may I speak with you alone?"

"We are alone," Zelda reminded her. Part of the role of bodyguard was to keep total confidentiality, and Zelda saw no reason why Link would not be capable of this.

Chusai's gaze hardened ever so slightly. "I mean just you and me," she said, casting a sideways look at Link. A sense of urgency seemed to hover around her.

Link, unfazed, said calmly, "Anything fit for the Princess' ears is fit for mine."

Zelda watched carefully as a flash of anger momentarily showed itself on Chusai's face. Link had mentioned his suspicions that Ganondorf's hold on Chusai had not completely disappeared; and though Zelda did not agree, it certainly would explain Chusai's odd behavior.

Chusai looked directly at Link as if trying to stare him down. "It is of a very personal matter," she stated, irritation rising in her voice.

Link stared right back. "You can be assured that I am not the gossiping type."

Zelda watched as Chusai struggled internally, wondering what it was that she needed to discuss. Finally Chusai's eyes narrowed and she said shortly, "It is of no importance," then turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

Link and Zelda exchanged glances. "What do you suppose that was about?" Zelda asked.

Link shook his head. "I don't know…it would probably be safe for her to speak to you alone, but I don't really want to take any chances, not so soon after…"

Zelda nodded, a great weight on her heart. If Chusai had indeed been tainted by Ganondorf's shadow, she could only blame herself, even if her sacrifice was necessary…

Zelda sighed deeply, staring up at nothing, unable to see in the dark cavern. She, Link, and the Council slept on pallets in camp style, inside Zora's Domain. The cavern had little to offer besides shelter, though the Zora King was kind enough to deliver food.

If only I had fulfilled her simple request.

When the page had given her Namu's letter, a terrible feeling crept into the pit of her stomach. The letter confirmed her mistake. Chusai had felt too ashamed to speak to anyone except her trusted mistress. But Zelda hadn't trusted her, and Chusai was left to bear her burden alone.

I'm such a fool. I didn't want to admit even to myself that such a thing could happen, to either of us. But even if I had spoken with her, what could be done? The child's heritage would be plain to see. Both would be ostracized, at least among the Hylians. As much as Chusai had bonded with the Gerudo, she likely would have resented me further if I asked her and her son to leave for the desert.

But if Ogadai had stayed, he would have been protected…we would have taken his piece, rebuilt the Triforce, and then none of this would have happened…

She rolled over, and heard Link speak next to her. "Can't sleep?" he asked softly.

"No…" she replied slowly. "I keep thinking about Chusai…if I'd only listened to what she wanted to say…"

Link said nothing for several moments. "You can't expect to make the right decision every time," he offered finally. "Triforce of Wisdom or not."

She smiled, but only briefly. "Link…what are we going to do if we can't separate Ogadai from his father?"

"Zelda, there's only one thing we can do."

"I don't want to face Chusai with that choice."

"I don't either…but there's not much else we can do…"

Zelda frowned. "Well…when we come across him again, if Chusai has joined us by that time…I want you to give her a chance."

He was silent for a good minute. "As you wish, Your Highness."

Naomai entered Chusai's room with her small tray of food, hurriedly putting it down on the floor. The Gerudo wore long, multi-layered cloaks during cool desert nights, and Naomai reached into the folds of hers, bringing out half of a spear and a long, flat device Chusai recognized as an atlatl.

"Thank the Goddesses you managed in time," Chusai said between mouthfuls as she wolfed down the food. "It got to the point where I had to say I agreed with his plan, and he wanted to start tomorrow…I knew you were almost done, but I couldn't be sure…"

Naomai tied a long length of thin rope around the spear, then placed it on the atlatl. Bringing her arm back, she threw the spear out into the darkness of the night, a satisfied look on her face as it buried itself in the wood of a lower tower's roof.

"There will be a horse for you at the Eastern Wall." Naomai spoke hurriedly and in hushed tones. "I will try to lure Ogadai to Atami village. I'm sorry I couldn't do more, like find you a decent weapon." She tied the other end of the rope to one of the torch holders, then handed Chusai a large knife.

"You've done more than enough." Chusai embraced Naomai. "Wish me luck."

"May the gods protect you."

Chusai took off her belt and threw it over the rope. Without looking back, she pushed off from the windowsill, and slid down rapidly and quietly. She struck the tower roof hard, but managed to climb down to the battlements and disappear into the night.

Naomai watched her leave, then untied the rope and let it fall. She placed the atlatl back in her cloak, picked up the tray, and left the room as if nothing had happened.