Chapter 23: Realm of Sin V

There was no one on the forest road, as travel was still too dangerous for most. With these roads made wide and smooth for the wagons, it meant that Link could let Balrog run freely to get to Ordonne fast. It was a name that felt familiar. From the history lessons, he knew why. Ordonne had once been a larger region that included the forests around Taven. Conflict that hadn't made sense to him as a child had caused a rift in two major towns that split the region in two, the southern town taking the Ordonne name and the northern one becoming Taven. All these regions and towns changed over the centuries, but Hyrule always remained.

It was a fact that now bothered him, but it was a small thing among everything else. Sometimes he let himself be absorbed in the passing trees and hardened road. It was a feeling he enjoyed. Gale wanted him to slow down and Link wanted to as well if he was honest with himself. However, he knew that things would be better once all this mess was taken care of. Much better, because then he could be with Gale alone.

But there was something that Gregio had pointed out. He might not have met with Gale's true self yet. When he freed him from the legacy of Demise and Ganon, Link couldn't be sure of who the resulting person would be. Gale might be grateful to be free, but he might not be in love. He could succeed and still not get what he was hoping for.

Still, Link felt like even that would be better than Gale getting killed off. He could still have a chance to get his love returned, even if it took more work. Besides, that was something he'd be able to figure out later. There were more immediate problems to think over.

At the end of the road, the forest opened up into wide open fields. There was a town here, not Ordonne itself but a stop on the way there. Link slowed Balrog down and took another look at the fields. When he mentally compared this land to dream memories, something didn't look right here. It was summer, so there should be thick growth of crops everywhere. Instead, he saw large dark gaps like gashes on the earth itself. Was the dragon so close?

There were still some hours of the day left, so there weren't many in the town when he dismounted to send Balrog away. He did find some women and children who were working together on laundry. Once he showed them the artifact and explained that he was only here after the dragon, they were willing to talk with him. "It's been a week back that the Thorn Dragon was around here."

Another woman pointed out to the fields. "Right, but you can still see the mess it made. It was an absolute rampage and nobody around here could do anything about it. Everybody's worried about between it and the cursed rain that passed through, we won't have much of a harvest come fall. All the menfolk have been hard at work salvaging what we've got."

"Do you have any idea of where it's moved on to?" Link asked.

"Actually, some folks off to the southeast have got it trapped in a pit," one of them said. "I don't know how they mean to keep a dragon trapped, but they're trying. It's just that none of us can actually kill it."

"I can get rid of it once I get there," he said, hoping that they were managing to keep it. Although given that it was born of pride, he didn't think it'd be easy to keep it down. "What roads could I take to get to where they are?"

"There should be signs up, to the town of Mulberry." She then gave him more specific directions on which roads to look for.

Before he left, one of the girls came up to him. "Excuse me mister, but you're from north of here, right? Do you know a place called St. Saria's?"

Link nodded. "I'm from there myself."

She looked hopeful. "Oh, then do you know my friend Emma? She lost her mom a little while back and she got taken away to there."

"I know her," he said, recalling her as the newer girl who had a crush on him. "She's doing well, all things considered."

"We were gonna let her stay with us, but then some knights said we couldn't do that," the girl said.

A woman who must have been her mother added, "I don't see why they had to do that. We were perfectly fine with taking care of Emma ourselves, but the Hylian government insisted that she had to go to one of the orphanages they sponsored. We didn't even get a response on adoption papers from the castle so we could keep her here."

"That shouldn't be how they do things," Link said, although he didn't know much about the larger laws himself. "Have you tried contacting the orphanage directly? The headmistress is a reasonable woman and should agree to adopting her to people she already knows."

"Can you help us with that?" the girl asked. "I really miss her and I was gonna be a good sister to her."

"I've got to take care of these dragons first," he told her, patting her head. "It's too dangerous right now for us to be letting the kids out of our town. But I'm almost done, I promise you that. And once that's all taken care of, I'll see if I can bring Emma back here myself for you. Your family just needs to talk with the orphanage to make things proper."

The girl grinned at that. "All right, thanks mister!"

The other women even smiled at that. "I'll give that a try once we can count on mail deliveries," the girl's mother said. "There's a lot of people here who'd like to see Emma come back home too."

And he'd liked to see more of the children in Taven get to other homes. Link left them to their work and headed out to take care of his. The roads were torn up along with the fields, forcing Link to pay more attention to where they were going than the thoughts in his mind. While he'd been able to pull back the magical damage from the other dragons, he didn't know if he could undo all this as much as he wished he could. Hopefully they could get enough food to get themselves through winter.

When he got to the town of Mulberry, things were getting bad. The dragon had escaped their trap and was now rampaging through the town. People were along the road trying to get away or looking back in horror. Ignoring them for now, Link pressed on down the road. Immensely long vines were whipping through buildings and writhing along the ground. He guided Balrog through it all on instinct rather than any thought, sending the phantom horse away once he got in close range to the dragon's main body.

It had an enormous reach with those vines, but the Thorn Dragon itself was only five feet long. While its scales were a regal violet, the beast underneath the vines was relatively plain and almost nonthreatening compared to the others. Link blocked smaller vines with his shield, getting metallic dings with every strike. He soon spotted the seal on its head, which it was defending with its vines. After dropping back, Link got out the trirang and activated the fire setting. The flames cleared a path that he was quick to rush down and strike once he had the chance. It burst into violet smoke that dragged him into the other realm.

The ruined town of Mulberry still surrounded them in a strange violet light. However, his attention went to something unusual: the white soul flame was in plain sight, hovering not far from the basin. He didn't get a chance to go claim it as black vines erupted from the ground and surrounded the flame. Thorny armor was formed; the dragon brought its hand forward and summoned a large golden sword. While it looked impractical, it also looked horrifically cruel with barbed edges meant to dig into skin and not let go. The dragon gripped the sword in both hands and readied itself for a duel.

There was no ignoring this duel, not when it had the flame itself. Nodding, Link stepped off the seal to face it. He then got out of the first attack easily when the dragon overshot its swing. There was a clang when it hit the area near the seal; its attacks were not going to affect that area. In the moment it took to recover its balance, Link thrust in to see if he could cut apart the vines surrounding the soul flame. They were harder than most vines, but not hard enough to be metal.

Stepping back, he observed its stance and the cut he'd made. There was more skill in his opponent than when he'd faced the berserker guardians in Clockwork's trial. It had the strength to wield its heavy sword as well. If it did hit, it would be painful even not considering the barbs. Yet a few more exchanges assured him that this was not as bad as facing his shadow, not being as relentless nor as overwhelming. The cuts were not being repaired either; this was simply a duel that needed patience, striking when he could and not letting it land a hit.

Or, that was a barbed blade. If it got caught in anything, it'd be hard to pull out. Link started leading as best he could, moving back to one of the more intact buildings. It was a wooden structure with a covered porch. While the pillars might not stand under a blow, he just needed to get himself backed into the wall… there, then dart out of its swing. The gold glinted ominously.

And the blade got jammed into the wall as he expected. There was a loud crack as the armor pulled on it. This might not last long, but Link moved in, slashed away some weakened vines to increase the opening, then grabbed the soul flame directly and pulled it out. With a real flame, he'd be burned right now. This flame accepted him gently, recognizing his caution. The dragon gave a feral scream as he ran off and set the flame within the basin.

"I should not fail like this!" the Thorn Dragon growled, appearing with very few of its vines. "You didn't even call on any of the others."

"I didn't need to," Link said.

"I should be able to take over any who think themselves able to use our power," it continued, becoming less angry and more baffled at the results. "But I must obey the rules of the magic that binds us. Hero, you strange human… I am the Thorn Dragon born of pride, but I submit my will to yours. Go on, use my blade to destroy those who get in the way of what you want. You've earn the right." It then vanished, turning another ring violet and sending him back to the normal world.

"Would you undo any of the damage you've done?" Link asked. There was no cut in the wall from their sword duel, but every building that he could see was going to need repairs to make them useable again. Several might need to be rebuilt entirely. And as he glanced into a broken window, he saw bodies from those who had been unable to escape.

But as he thought, nothing could be done for this. He sighed and headed on back to the road. The people he'd seen fleeing were waiting some distance away, having seen the dragon disappear but not being sure if it was really gone. One man who was braver than the rest came to meet him. "Is the dragon really gone?"

Link nodded and pointed out the ring on the Septdraco. "I've got it under control. And, I'm sorry I came too late to save your town."

Even if this man was braver than the rest, he still had a look of mournful uncertainty. "Uh, well, it's gone. Nothing anybody could do about what's been done." He looked back at the others. "Not sure who all's alive or gone."

"Who's in charge here?" When he wasn't sure how to answer, Link decided to take charge for them. There was no time to doubt about what he could do as someone had to make sure these people were safe and taken care of. "No, for now, is there any safe shelter we can take for the night? It might be too late to set out for another town, but we can at least have those who are fit search around for others who might have escaped in another direction."

"There's some barns not too far, as the animals have scattered," he said, pointing off to the north. The man helped him call in the people who'd come this way. There were those who were injured and frightened children, with nearly everyone in various degrees of shock. No one questioned Link deciding on what to do to make sure they were all safe for the night. Rather, they seemed relieved at him doing so.

By the time night fell, they'd gathered forty-six survivors around two barns. Fires had been set up to ward monsters away and help with a group that was patching up wagons for them to use tomorrow. They seemed sure that they could reach Ordonne itself tomorrow, to find some shelter until they could get the resources to fix up their town. Some of the young men and women were fit enough to keep guard, but Link wanted to stay up with them for certain.

Before that, though, he tried to comfort the kids so that they got some sleep tonight. He didn't blame them if they couldn't. "I've fought a lot of monsters now, big and small. Even so, I have to be careful around them too."

"Are they gonna attack suddenly or will we know they're coming?" one girl asked, her arms wrapped around her knees.

There would be the blow of a horn, or a feral call. "Yes, but then I'll find them and get rid of them before they come close." He put a hand on the Master Sword resting on his back; he could see a faint silver glow on his wrist from it. "There's no evil that can stand against this weapon."

Once the kids were settled down as best they could, Link went out to check around the perimeter. This was pasture land; the fences were broken in several places. Once his eyes adjusted, there was a clear view of the land around them. There weren't many places where monsters could sneak up on them here. The tree line was distant enough that they'd have plenty of time to spot ambushes. Then again, these people were shaken. Fear could see what was not there and miss what really was.

His paths crossed by one of the young men; Link nodded to him. He smiled and there was a stray thought that he was a fit and handsome fellow. No, that was inappropriate. Link was going to move on, but then the young man said, "Hey, you think we're in the clear here?"

He nodded again. "The less intelligent monsters will keep away from the fire, and the others like the bokoblins won't rush for a fire not their own. As long as we have eyes in all directions, we'll see them coming."

"It'd be better if the fences were whole, but yeah, I think we're okay for tonight," he said. Then he met his eyes and there was a start like the surreal feeling he'd felt the previous night in Reeds. "Say, uh, you seem to have open eyes for folks."

Link wasn't familiar with that kind of talk, but he felt like he knew the meaning. "This isn't an appropriate moment," he said, although he could feel a heat to his blood and see in his mind what could happen.

While that should have been obvious, he came closer and gripped his arm. "Why not? It's dark enough that if we go out further, nobody would notice. Everybody would still be scattered if it hadn't been for you, so I'd like to do something in appreciation for that."

They could escape notice of the others; it would be a brief thing, and it was probably safer than what he had done before since this man couldn't be as violent. Such thoughts tried to blur his judgment, but others tried to jar sense into him. He should not be giving in like this. Specifics got lost, but he knew he couldn't.

"Sorry, I can't accept that," Link said, although the words felt forced. He was able to push his arm away.

"What are you doing?" a familiar voice said sternly from the darkness.

"Whoa, who's out here?" the young man said, not realizing the danger he was in.

"It's nothing," Link said, going towards Gale and trying to seem calm. The lighting wasn't great here, but his eyes did not look human right now. Later, he'd deal with the other guy. "Uh, you go keep an eye out in that area. We need to talk," what about… "the closer treeline, it's over there." He went closer, his heart racing. "Gale, trust me, we'll, talk."

He looked over at the other guy in a jealous hate, so Link put a hand on his chest. His mind still felt blurred; it should be clear what was happening, he knew there was a reason. After looking at him, Gale growled softly, then clasped his hand and teleported them out past the treeline. The survivors around the barns would not be seeing them out here. "What were you doing with him?" he said sternly.

"I don't know him," he started with, although his mind was getting distracted by the feel of his breath on his cheek. This was completely different from how he'd been last night, when he'd been charming and civilized. But what was he doing here? "It was a spontaneous offer from him, but I turned him down."

"I could kill them all for tempting you like that," Gale said. It was a feral tone like he heard from some of the dragons.

From him, it was thrilling. It shouldn't be. The blur was more of a warm fog. "No, please," his hand moved over and undid one of his buttons.

"They're weaklings, they," he got distracted by what he was doing and looked at him. Pulled him closer. "You're one of true power, you shouldn't be wasting time on them."

Prism was pushing him; the fact finally got in grasp. He could also see the lust in him. Could he distract him from the survivors just trying to get through this night? "But you're the powerful one of us two," Link said, taking control of these feelings inside because he knew what he liked. "What do they matter? You seem wilder tonight, like you could really show me what power you have."

He didn't say anything in response, just gave a deep laugh and held onto him tight.

Ganon could feel himself slipping. There was a time for planning and civility; there was a time for manipulations and calculated moves. But eventually, a feral feeling of power would overtake him, willing to solve everything through violence. It would start with hate, feeling offended at a prick through his defenses or being enraged at being opposed by an unworthy foe. It was a dangerous state of mind, yet there was a thrilling fulfillment in reaching it without holding back. Still, not yet, this wasn't the time. He could keep the beast in check with logic for some time yet.

Or, it could be pushed away by someone else entirely. Sometimes he broke out of that state right before a death, after a good battle. But this was new. This was the first time someone had turned that hate into lust and let that burn out on themselves. Worn out from that, Link was asleep on the ground, hardly minding the fact that he was out in a pasture where some unlucky stranger could stumble on them.

Previously, he'd left Link once he'd fallen asleep from their nights together. Ganon had no need for sleep, he was changed beyond those base matters. Tonight, he found himself worrying about if someone stumbled across Link like this. He could set up a ward to keep monsters from finding him and killing him. With some tweaking, it could be made to dissuade the humans from coming near as well. Then he could head back to the castle.

He could do that, yet Ganon found himself sitting against one of the trees and watching over him. Link had stopped him from getting rid of worthless beings that didn't deserve this world. He should be angry about it, killing him here in his sleep when he couldn't fight back. In this state, the sword on his back meant nothing. Instead of being angry, he wanted to take care of him even if just for this night.

It was a worthless sentiment. There was no advantage to taking care of someone else in a defenseless state. The other person took all the benefit and what did they give back? Well, there was what he'd been given already tonight. Was that enough to do this otherwise pointless task of keeping watch?

It was something to be taken as proof that he truly cared about and loved him even if he didn't. That would tie Link tighter to him. And this really wasn't much, was it? Just leave the other worthless people alone, take some time easy doing nothing more than keeping others away. Link would give back even more in the future for this little investment.

And there were pleasant nostalgic memories creeping in, of a joyful love for those who took care of him, holding his hand on uneven grounds and showing him the good of the world…

Ganon grumbled softly at those memories, wanting to sweep them away fully. That self, the one who had been born into this mortal body, he should be gone by now. It was something of a failure that he'd grown such strong human morals in spite of his heritage. And now he was trying to convince him that binding himself to another was a good idea.

Closing his eyes, he thought back to the life he'd taken this name from. While he was declared king merely for being born a boy, there had been many schemes from cunning Gerudo women to secure him as a husband and thus take leadership of the tribe. Ganon had learned from them well. Their fighting techniques depended on a female's physique, leaving him at a disadvantage. But their cunning and manipulation that was something easy for a male to adapt.

Around twelve years, he already knew that he needed something else to take control of his life for himself. A man's advantage in physical strength was not enough when the Gerudo women knew how to counter that. Thus he left his mother behind and went far into the desert to seek out the infamous twin witches to learn magic from. They used magic which the other Gerudo deemed immoral. Ganon didn't care, since morals seemed like a weakness to control others with. And this was all before his demonic side awakened.

Compare that to the boy king of this generation, one who was controlled by an immoral conqueror. He did not see this as an example to follow. Instead, his examples were his deceased parents who saw leadership as a type of service and power as something to handle with care. He struggled more than the other king. There was an odd satisfaction and happiness in there that shouldn't be possible. The same kind of feelings led to this wasted time.

What did that matter? Ganon was biding his time until the moment he could reclaim the Triforce. Whatever he did in these days was inconsequential. He may as well take what pleasure he could get even if it led to nonsensical situations like tonight.

Take what he could in this limited time… he looked back at Link. Still asleep. This one was strong and handsome, although his willpower became attractively passive when around him. It was a little curious that he noticed such things about him; maybe his plans this time made it more apparent. It was also curious that the thought of how brief this time would be seemed to hurt too. Since he was sure to get Courage awakened soon, Ganon should be anticipating his victory. But it'd be a victory too if Link swore his loyalty, right?

He called on some paper and wrote out a short note for Link this time. Once he finished, Link started to stir even though the first glow of dawn had yet to appear. Ganon left the letter by him and warped back to the castle. Perhaps he could begin work on retaking Sudai Castle. But then, wouldn't it be nice to disrupt Zelda again, but this time with Link at his side and willing to kill her at his orders? They'd be well broken after an act like that.

This odd happiness might even be because of how Link would unquestionably be his.

Link: Don't worry about missing your watch duties. My presence made sure no monster would dare go against my wishes and come close. They should continue to keep away until tomorrow night as well.

And I apologize for showing up two nights in a row unannounced. I've simply been overcome with a desire to be with you as much as possible. I'll also take your word that you thought nothing of that other man's offer. Just watch yourself. You belong to me and you're not going to accept any other, right?

Actually, I've been caught up in a lot of feelings lately that don't seem like myself. I want more time to figure out what you mean to me, what we could be together. Perhaps you could come to the castle to see me instead? I'll devote some time just for you and the rest of the world can handle itself for that time. There is much more I'd love to tell you.

Love, Ganon

Why had he used that name? Link read it back over, using Sophie's lamp for illumination. It had made him feel a buzz of happiness until he noticed that mistake. Now that he was careful, it didn't seem right. Gale might plead for him for more time, but Ganon told him to make that time. Whichever self he was, some of this all was an act.

Link knew that and still wanted to accept it happily. Just a little more time, though. Just a few more obstacles, and then he could speak to Gale and know who it was that he loved. Although, could he keep some of who he'd been last night? Link didn't think he could tell anyone, not even Gregio, but that had been something amazing.

He collected himself as best he could, hoping it wasn't too obvious what he'd really been up to. When he got back to the barns, the survivor's camp was quiet. "How's it going here?" Link asked those keeping watch over the fire.

"Nothing much has happened, thankfully," a woman said. "Where've you been?"

"Out by the treeline," he said, as much as he felt safe in admitting. "There's not many monsters in sight, which is nice. The dragon might've intimidated them."

"It is odd, but nice, yes."

"We did find someone else, a neighbor of mine," a man there said. "But he's delirious, possibly from an infected wound. He was mumbling something about sparkling fog."

Link bit his lip. Once he told them he'd get back to keeping guard, he went to go check on where they were keeping the injured. It had been dark, but they'd gotten close enough that he recognized him now. His skin was hot and he was barely moving now. Feeling both glad that he hadn't given in and guilty that he might have, Link asked if they'd given him any medicine, then offered one of his own to try breaking the fever. He needed to do something about Prism soon.

For the time being, he should keep these people safe. Link checked around to be sure that they could head off once the sun was up. They had to track down some missing horses to get enough to pull the wagons. As expected, said horses had gathered together for safety through the night and were glad to have a knowing human lead them back to the barn. Link checked them over for injuries, brushed them down to further soothe their nervousness, then helped their owner hook them up. By then, the sun was up and some of the women had gotten together a breakfast to share with everyone.

Balrog wasn't about to let itself be tied to reins, as Link expected. He rode the phantom horse so he could scout a short distance ahead and still be able to get back quickly in case the others got in trouble. Whether by luck or some interference from Gale and Ganon, not many monsters were near this road and Link was able to dispatch the ones that were well before the survivors were in danger.

Much like Ruto in central Hyrule, the town of Ordonne had put up temporary barricades and other measures to keep itself safe. Link was the first to meet with the guards there. "Mulberry got destroyed by the Thorn Dragon escaping its pit," he told them, pointing back towards the approaching group. "These people are the survivors we could find; they need somewhere safe to stay."

"We've got a lot of people already, but we should be able to take in some more," one of the guards said. "What about the dragon? Is it still loose?"

Link shook his head. "I've got it recapturd in the Septdraco."

"That's good, let me go tell the lord of what's going on. There's a church a short ways down this road, could you bring the group there for now?"

"Sure." He rode back to inform the people of Mulberry about this.

Like those from Eblan, they wanted to reward him for saving them. Link declined the offer; they needed what little they had to get their homes and shops rebuilt once it was safe to go back. Plus, he had failed them in getting distracted last night. They wouldn't know, but it still bothered him. The Ordonne lord came in to check on the people of Mulberry himself, which Link saw as an opportunity to slip out and head on to Laverre.

He didn't get far as one of the younger boys soon clung to his leg. "Do you have to go?" he asked with teary eyes. "Who's gonna protect us if you go?"

Smiling for the boy, Link patted his head. "You'll be fine; this town has guards that will protect everyone here."

"But you're better than everybody, we'll be really safe with you here," he said, pressing his face against Link's leg.

It reminded of how he felt about Gregio at first. Thinking it might help, Link gently pulled the boy away so he could crouch down and hold his hand. "Maybe, but that means that I should go after the evil ones who are making the world dangerous now. I know it's scary because lots of bad things are happening to many people. But it won't last much longer, I promise you that. I'll stop the one who commands the monsters and life will become more peaceful. So while I'm leaving soon, I'll still be protecting you."

"Are you really gonna do that?" he asked. When Link nodded, he rubbed his eyes. "Um, okay. I'll try to be brave too, and wait."

"Good, I'm glad," Link said, letting him go and getting up.

"Those would be the words of a true hero, so we all need to keep strong in these last days of darkness," the lord said, coming over to them. "And you would be Link Verdan?"

"Yes, I am,"he said, giving a bow of his head for respect.

The lord mirrored the action. "I've heard about you from Zelda."

"You can't be thinking of turning him in," one of the Mulberry men said. Others came closer and Link found himself wishing that he had gotten away quietly. But no, these were results of his mistakes. "Everyone in our town could've been wiped out if he hadn't come when he did."

The lord seemed embarrassed too, rubbing his head. "We don't want more trouble from the Hylian royalty. They've had us in quite a bind the past few years."

"That was all because of that horrible king who invaded us," the man said, angry at the lord. "He only put you in charge because you agreed to do whatever he said, but he's gone now. Link came and helped us without waiting on being asked to."

Another nearby added, "Right, he did that but the royals just keep giving orders from their castles. Are you really going to turn on him for people who couldn't stop this mess from happening in the first place?" From the nods going around, he wasn't the only one who felt like that.

"Zelda and Joachim should be more reasonable once they take back central Hyrule," Link said, glad and yet uneasy for their support. "I know what she must've said about me and I have made mistakes that led to that. But I only want to finish up the responsibility I've taken on."

"You even just said he speaks like a true hero," a woman nearby said.

The lord sighed. "All right, I'll take that into consideration. If you've got to be going so soon, I'll just have to tell her that I didn't get to properly meet you. But thank you for rescuing our people here."

"It's nothing," Link said. "I'm glad to have helped."

An hour later, he found himself looking down the road towards Laverre. It was a city large enough to compete with Hyrule Castle Town, at least as the latter had been. White stone and red brick buildings sprawled along the inner coast of a large bay leading out into the ocean. While he was still a couple miles away, he could already see a giant whirlpool disturbing the waters and keeping the ships at port trapped there. That should be Twin Fang.

It could stay there a while longer as there were more pressing issues to deal with. Link checked around the hill he had stopped on. As it was mostly open fields now, he could tell that there wasn't anyone to put in danger here. The last town had been a small stop at the edge of the Ordonne farms, well behind him now. There were some dips and ditches that monsters could be lurking, but otherwise this area seemed clear.

He dismounted to dismiss Balrog, then looked over the Septdraco. Only one ring was still gray, which would likely turn orange once he got Twin Fang. Link took hold of the iridescent ring that stood out from the rest and tugged on it. "Prism, you've put a great many people in danger with your tricks. I will challenge you now."

The ring shone bright and fog descended around him.