Beasts Within

Prince Hansen parried the incoming lunge with ease, opening his opponent for the winning blow. The blunt sword made its mark and earned him the victory point. Removing his sparring helmet, Hansen bowed respectfully to his trainer. "Excellent work, your highness," his mentor praised. "I think that is enough sparring for one day."

Hansen went to work removing the sparring gear when the king appeared. "Were you watching, Father?" asked Hansen.

"Of course, my son," replied the king. "You have amazing skill at such a young age. At thirteen years old I could hardly pick up a sword, let alone best a seasoned fencer." Hansen smiled with satisfaction as his father proudly squeezed his shoulder. "I think, son, it is time I showed you something."

Hansen kept in stride beside his father as they made their way to the part of the castle that was forbidden to all but the king and queen. He would one day become king himself, and it was exciting to receive this honor much earlier than expected. King Harkinian, just like his father. They arrived at a guarded door. The guards wordlessly granted them entrance and closed the door behind them.

"This room," his father began, "contains knowledge of Hyrule known to no other man. The world has many libraries, but the kings of old have kept these secrets safe for centuries."

"Why must the king keep secrets?" asked Hansen as he and his father took seats.

"My son, being a ruler is no easy task. Evil lurks in every shadow, waiting to strike at the heart of your kingdom. The people put their trust and faith in you to protect them—to help them prosper."

Hansen gulped at the gravity of such responsibility.

"My son," continued the king. "Our world is full of magic beyond measure. There are powers that could destroy our land with one swift blow should it fall into the wrong hands."

"So, these secrets help us prevent that?" asked Hansen with an air of hopefulness.

The king frowned. "I am afraid it is not quite that simple, son. Some things cannot be averted, but these texts can help us prepare to weather the storms. That is why I brought you here." The king spread open a scroll that sat upon the table next to them. It was covered in glyphs he did not recognize and images that could not be described as anything less than foreboding.

"This," said the king, "most ancient document speaks of something known as The Cycle. Every one thousand years, precisely, evil is unleashed upon the land." The king pointed to a sketch of a magical doorway with hideous creatures pouring from its mouth. He then pointed to a figure, tall and strong with red hair. "It always begins with this man. A Gerudo king by the name of Ganondorf."

Hansen's heart began to race. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"You are strong and brave," said the king reassuringly, "otherwise I would have waited longer. I aim to equip you now with this knowledge so you can prepare to face your fate."

"You mean," gulped Hansen, "this evil will occur when I am king?"

His father nodded.

Hansen bowed his head so his father would not see the fear that was rapidly consuming him. He had always thought being a king would be fun, and now it he was being told it was going to be a nightmare. He rubbed his hands together nervously waiting for his father to say something, but he never did. "So," he said finally, "I will stop it. I will find this Ganon person and destroy him before he can destroy Hyrule."

The king shook his head. "Son, you cannot thwart the will of the gods." The king then turned the scroll further to reveal a depiction of a young girl with blond hair. "Look, you will have one child—a daughter—and you will name her Zelda. It will be a sign to you that the prophecy within this scroll is true."

"Then I will not name her Zelda. I won't have any children."

"Indeed, you will try, but in the end, you will have a daughter by this name. That, son, will be your one and only opportunity to learn that you cannot escape your fate. I pray to the Goddesses that you will find the courage to face it."

Hansen shook his head. "No, father," he said. As he stood, he swiped the scroll off the table. "You will see. I will be the king that ends the cycle. I will not be a coward like the kings before me." With that, Hansen stormed out of the chambers.

Sighing heavily, the king gently picked up the scroll and returned it to its place. He knew his son would not accept his fate, for that too was written in the scroll.

One year later, the king died of sudden infection, and Hansen became the youngest king in Hylian history. For twenty years hence, he devoted his life to the protection of Hyrule. Not once did evil take him by surprise. He was strict and harsh against offenders, and he was beloved by the common folk. He made Hyrule safe.

Then he met her: the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in the whole of Hyrule. She was not much younger than he and she radiated confidence. She was everything he could imagine a fine queen to be, so it was not long before she became one. He loved her dearly. His affection for her was the only thing stronger than his hatred for wickedness. He would do anything for her, though he never had to. Her contentment was unparalleled: she was happy to simply be loved and to love in return.

Five years later, she perished during the birth of their first child. How could a man so devastated by grief refuse to honor her dying wish? So, cursing fate, he named his precious daughter Zelda. Shortly thereafter, he learned that the king of Gerudo had a son and had named him Ganondorf.

Though he stood in the shadow of fate, he remained ever devoted to the task of ending the cycle once and for all.

Zelda sat in a circle with Aveil, Nabooru, Ganondorf, and Link in a comfortably spacious chamber. Light from dozens of candles rippled across the ceiling and through detailed tapestries depicting Gerudo history and culture. There was no furniture in the room, just animal furs to serve as soft cushions for the members of this unusual band of unexpected allies.

Dinner did not last long after she had gotten the news that her kidnapping was not for the purpose of ransom. Everyone had eaten swiftly and silently until Aveil declared the festivities at an end. It was here, in the king's sitting room, she chose to inform her on exactly how she was supposed to save the Gerudo. Zelda had doubts about choosing to serve a people that had done something so cruel to her. Yet, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for them.

"It starts," began Aveil, "with a lonely king."

Zelda recalled the painting in Father's throne room.

"Everyone knows of his choice to remain unmarried and some have guessed that his legendary sword holds magical properties. A select few—including your father, Princess—know the sword is actually a gift from Din herself. However, even the great king of Hyrule is oblivious to the most important truth. The sword is a gateway, a key, to a far greater power: the only power capable of restoring our people."

"What power?" asked Ganondorf eagerly.

"The ancient texts call it by different names: the Power of the Gods or the Golden Power. Long before the lonely king—or any king for that matter—the three Great Goddesses created our world. Din forged the elements with her mighty hands. Farore filled the world with plant and wildlife. Naryu gave it all order. When their creation was complete, they departed back to the heavens, leaving behind an artifact that contained within it their very essence.

"Just as the Goddesses are three beings of one mind, the artifact too is composed of three pieces. One piece contains Din's power, another Farore's courage, and the third Naryu's wisdom. Three forces in perfect balance: a Triforce."

Link chimed in, "So, we just grab this Triforce and do what with it exactly?"

"Make a wish," said Aveil simply.

Link laughed. "Right, of course, make a wish. Why didn't I think of that?"

Ganondorf frowned at him.

"So," said Zelda, "this Sword. Where is it?"

"Here."

"Here?"

"In the palace," Nabooru clarified.

"Then why do you need me?"

"Because, Princess," resumed Aveil, "the sword is only one part of the key."

Zelda put the pieces together verbally saying, "The sword was a gift from Din, but the goddesses are of one mind. So, the lonely king must have received gifts from the other two as well." With new understanding, Zelda touched the diadem that always seemed to fit her too perfectly, never falling off even during the rough ride through the mountain passes. "A gift from Nayru," she said, breathlessly repeating her father's pronouncement at the ceremony.

"Indeed," confirmed Aveil.

Zelda's heart quickened its pace as a sense of thrill and adventure began to swell within her. "That means there is a third gift as well."

"Yes," replied Aveil, "but I don't know what or where it is."

"But you do know where we can start looking, don't you?"

"I have some ideas."

"Wait a minute," interjected Link. "Are you actually trusting her? She kidnapped you!"

"Out of desperation," countered Ganondorf.

"Oh, so the ends justify the means?"

"You seemed to think so when you freed us."

"Well maybe I should rectify that mistake."

Ganondorf leaned in. "I'd like to see you try."

Link leaned in also. "My pleasure."

"Boys," implored Zelda. "This is not the time for bickering. You are both right. The ends don't always justify the means, but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.

"Perhaps we each would have done things differently, but there is one thing we have in common. We all agree one way or another that my father is wrong. He was wrong to steal a child just as much as it was wrong for the Gerudo to steal me. But now we have a chance to make it right, and at the moment I would rather put my trust in those who are in need over those in power."

"Not sure how 'those in need' felt it necessary to stab me," grumbled Link, "but everything I've done has been for you. If you want to find the third key, I'll help."

"As will I," said Ganondorf. "If the Triforce truly is our only hope, it seems I can do nothing for my people here."

"I would like to accompany them also, Mother," offered Nabooru.

"No," replied Aveil flatly. "You are needed here."

"But what can I—"

"I said no."

"You know," pressed Link, "she's a really handy guide."

Nabooru retorted, "I see, just a good guide."

"I said no," repeated Aveil decisively, "and that is final."

Nabooru challengingly asked, "Is it really your decision, Mother?" She looked at Ganondorf.

Ganondorf fidgeted before saying, "I think one escaped Gerudo travelling these lands is trouble enough. You will stay." Zelda sensed that he was working a bit too hard to sound superior in his declaration. Still, it seemed enough for Nabooru.

"Of course, my king. If you'll excuse me, I have some duties to attend to."

As Nabooru took her leave, Zelda asked, "So, where do we start?"

"There will be no time to waste," Aveil answered. "You'll have to leave at first light tomorrow."

"Where to?" asked Link.

"It's just a hunch, but—"

"Just a hunch?" huffed Link.

"Link, please, hear her out," said Zelda.

"It's just a hunch, but there are not many people that know the greater mysteries of our world. The Gerudo kings knew some things and the royal family undoubtedly keeps many secrets. There is one people that would know more than all of us combined."

"The Sheikah," said Zelda.

"Yes, Princess. The Sheikah."

"Oh great," said Link. "I'm already at the top of one Sheikah's hit list and now you're telling me we have to pay a visit to the whole family?"

Aveil smiled that mischievous smile of hers. "Well, then, I better get you a sword." She looked at Ganondorf. "And I have just the one for you. Come, my Lord."

Aveil led Ganondorf into another chamber deep in the heart of the palace. Zelda and her toy soldier stayed behind at her orders. This place was only for Gerudo kings. Even she wasn't supposed be back here. "Welcome to the king's sanctuary," she said.

"This is all for me?" he asked.

It sickened her to see him so humble and awestruck. "Sire," she said. "You do not ask if this is yours. You know it's yours because you are king."

Ganondorf said nothing. Disgusting. He was half the man he should be. Oh, he was taller and stronger than most Hylians, but to her he was a twig: an easy thing to break. What a disgrace.

She led him to the corner of the room. "There," she said, indicating the very plain sword leaning against the wall. It appeared dull and fragile, a piece of junk.

"That?" asked Ganondorf.

"Yes, that," snorted Aveil in return. "Take it."

Ganondorf did as he was asked, as usual. Aveil's stomach turned as her wimpy king reached for the sword. He grabbed it by its bare hilt and held it aloft. His expression amused her. He was trying so hard to appear grateful for such an awful gift.

The expression was fleeting however when the sword morphed before their very eyes. Aveil knew it would happen, but it was still quite a sight to behold. The blade broadened and lengthened, forming notches along the edges. The hilt formed itself to fit his grip, and it adorned itself with gold trimming and red jewels. Only a gift from Din would change to fit its bearer so that even this puny visage of Ganondorf could wield it with perfection.

"Amazing," said her king. He swung it a few times as though it had been his forever.

This was definitely an improvement, she had to admit. However, it was time to help him discover a hidden strength deep within. "Do you know what your name means?"

Ganondorf shook his head.

"Thousands of years ago, before Hylian kings, great beasts roamed the lands. Many of them were frightening to behold but none was feared more than the Ganon. In our tongue, it means demon, and it was a suitable title. Entire armies would fail to overtake just one. That is, until one of our first great kings. He lost most of his army, but in the end, he brought its head home in triumph. It took four horses to pull the wagon that bore his prize. So amazing was his victory, that he was given a new name: Ganondorf. It means 'demon death'.

"Every one thousand years we name our male heir after him. Every 'Ganondorf' has been great."

Ganondorf frowned. "I fear I'll be the first to disappoint you."

Aveil's blood boiled at his self-pity. She walked up to him and slapped him across the face. For a split second, she thought he would strike back, but he hung his head instead. "You are Ganondorf! Slayer of demons and King of the Gerudo! You carry within you the strength of a hundred men!"

"Zelda's father," said Ganondorf, "always called me Ganon, never Ganondorf. I always swore it was intentional. Now I know. He was calling me 'Demon.'"

Aveil spit at the ground, "He is the demon, and you will one day do to him what demon slayers do best!"

Ganondorf looked at her, but there was no fire in his eyes. She would have to ignite the flame herself.

"There is something important you must do, as your first act of kingship."

"What?"

Aveil led him through the room into the king's bed chamber, at the far end of which was another door. It led into a small library.

"All these things I have told you—about the Triforce, the sword, our history—I learned it all from here. These books contain knowledge passed down by Gerudo kings, generation after generation. They are sacred, and they are not meant for the eyes of a common Gerudo woman. To enter into this room carries with it the punishment of death."

Ganondorf looked horrified, "Surely an exception can be made given the circumstances."

"Fear not, my lord. No one has to die tonight." Aveil marched Ganondorf across the bed chamber and picked up a lash. She thrust it into his chest and proclaimed, "The old law says I should be beaten to death, but by your grace, you may spare me within an inch of it."

Ganondorf shook his head. "I won't do it."

Aveil knew he would say that, so she whipped out her knife and held it to her own neck. "Then I will honor the laws myself!"

Ganondorf seized her wrist. "No!" he exclaimed.

"Then you will do what you must?"

"Yes," he said, and he breathed a sigh of relief as she released the knife. "Since you give me no choice." She loathed the way his eyes looked upon her, like she was insane. "Why?" he asked. "What good does it serve?" She hated even more his incredulity. He needs to understand. He needs to feel his power stir within.

Aveil took on a motherly tone and explained, "My lord, our people are different. We don't live comfortable lives in pastures, growing fat with leisure. Our people survive because we are strong, and they need to see strength. They need to see formidability. They need to know no matter how hard things get, they have a king that will not yield."

"I won't take pleasure in this."

"We'll see."

Ganondorf did as he was told. He always did as he was told. So it occurred to him that he was being tested. Maybe Aveil didn't want him to follow through with this. Maybe she wanted him to make his own decision for once. As he marched slowly behind Aveil out of the palace into the city's center, he resolved to defy her and become his own man.

Resolutions, however, seem fragile when so many eyes are watching you, especially when one pair of eyes belongs to your lifelong friend. He could feel Zelda's confused stare behind him as she and Link followed. Gerudo women watched intensely knowing what was about to transpire as evidenced by the whip he gripped tightly in his fist. In fact, the only eyes he did not see were Aveil's. She never looked back—proud to the end.

Aveil stopped in the center of the palace courtyard and announced, "I have broken the most sacred laws of our people. When it seemed as though we would never see Ganondorf again, I gave into weakness and fear." More citizens emerged, and Ganondorf felt the weight of expectation bearing down on him.

"I entered the king's sacred chambers and read the king's books! I did not trust in the Goddess Din to bring our king home! I thought myself equal to the throne!" Playing the part with expert precision, Aveil whirled around and fell to her knees. "My king," she pleaded. "Spare me my life, but do not withhold your punishment." She went prostrate; her backside beckoned for the lash.

All men face a moment when a single action determines the course of their lives. This was Ganondorf's, and time stood still. Part of him really did want to defy Aveil despite the sea of Gerudo faces waiting for him to assert his dominance. His hand slowly loosened its grip upon the whip.

Yet, he did not drop it, for another voice urged him to do it. It was a part of him he almost didn't recognize because usually, he only felt it when he felt sorry for himself. It was the part that felt like a monster. This time, however, the monster was not a thing of pity. This time, it was impatient. This time, the monster was excited.

In an almost curious manner, Ganondorf allowed the monster to take over, though only a little at first. His arm slowly rose to the sky, and there it paused ever so briefly before falling like a mountainside avalanche. The whip pierced the evening silence with a deafening crack, and Ganondorf felt the beast within awake.

The second blow came stronger than the first, and he could feel the monster come alive. A third crack caused his blood to surge through his veins like a desert storm.

Crack. He did not flinch.

Crack. She did not scream.

Crack. He was no longer in control.

Crack. The monster enjoyed the strike.

Crack. He enjoyed it too.

Crack. The monster roared in excitement.

CRACK! The final lash came with such explosive force that Aveil could no longer contain her screams. The horrifying sound caused Zelda to shriek in protest which brought him back to his senses. Aveil lay flat on the ground, barely alive… and smiling.

Curiously, it was not the sight of Aveil's pain that had caused Zelda to cry out. Ganondorf, lost in his trance, never noticed what everyone else saw. What happened on that final strike of the whip brought fear to Zelda and joy to every Gerudo. As his fist rose for its last blow, it began to radiate with visible energy. When it came down, blinding light burst from his hand and thunder echoed throughout the hushed city.

So, of course Aveil had smiled. She had done it. She had awakened the beast within.