Ilia's lips quivered as Mudora's statue-like gaze locked onto her. Her heart thumped like a drum. Her chaliced hands shook slightly; her back pressed firmly against the tree trunk behind. She looked frantically to the side to move away, but the stump's roots hindered her path. Directing her gaze forward again, the ranch girl's eyes were captured by the deity that now towered in front of her.

"It seems you regret your hasty words, little girl," he said, gazing on her with pity. Ilia flinched as his hand reached for her face. His hand firmly grasped her head, icy fingers that sent chills all over her body. She froze motionless. "However, I do not tolerate disrespect. You just have to learn the hard way."

Ilia's eyes locked on Mudora's face. His grasp seemed to have arrested all her movements. Her body began to convulse uncontrollably.

"Get away from her!" Kari shouted from behind the deity. His leg swung through the air as he aimed a kick to Mudora's side. The blow connected firmly and ripped Ilia from the ancient sage's grasp. The Sheikah rushed to the ranch girl's side, placing his hand on her head. Although her eyes were open, her skin was unusually cold and she showed no signs of self-awareness.

Recoiling from the impact, the ancient figure held his side and glared at the wind tamer. "I did not sense you coming. You have some skill. Your father taught you well." He glanced at Ilia. "But why do you rush to her aid. Why risk your life for someone you hardly know?"

Kari ignored the comment and continued to examine Ilia's health. Her face was frighteningly pale and she wasn't breathing. The wind tamer placed two fingers on her neck. A chill flashed down his spine; there was no pulse.

Mudora folded his arms in his cloak. "Do you have any idea of the mistrust and distaste she hides from you?"

Kari gave the sage an accusatory stare. "What would you know of her?"

A knowing smile crossed Mudora's lips. "I can read a person's thoughts and feelings just by touching them. I can elaborate more on the thoughts she hides if you wish."

Kari clenched both his fist. "What did you do to her? Bring her back!"

Mudora raised his brows. "But that would ruin my whole purpose for being here. How else will you learn what I have to teach you?"

"I have no interest in anything you have to give!"

"So you prefer that group of Hylians you travel with? After what they did to your people?"

Kari had enough. The wind tamer pounced from his position next to Ilia. He aimed another swift kick at Mudora, but the ancient deity sidestepped it with little effort. As the Sheikah landed back on his feet, his blood was boiling. "Do not mock my friends! They are different!" He launched another volley of punches.

The leader of the sages dodged a jab to his left. "Can you really trust them?" He jumped to avoid a sweeping kick. "How do you know they will not betray you in the end?"

Kari was getting desperate. Despite the Sheikah's agility, none of his jabs or kicks could even brush the deity. With the element of surprise no longer on his side, the duel was clearly against him.

"I may have lost much of my power when I was imprisoned, but I am more than a match for you, Kari," Mudora said, avoiding another kick and nodding his head in Ilia's direction. "I suggest you stop attacking the teacher and focus more on the lesson."

The words seemed to stun the Sheikah. He stopped his attack and turned on his heel to face Ilia. The ranch girl was moving and breathing again. Yet, as Kari observed the color of her skin and the jerkiness of her movements, a terrible feeling gripped his body.

"K-kari…h-help," she whimpered. Her hole face cringed in discomfort and was full of sweat. She appeared as if suffering from a fever.

"Tell me, Kari, do you know how the first monsters came to be?" Mudora asked from behind the Sheikah. He had his arms folded in his robe, his eyes ready for another attack. When the shadow warrior showed no response, the deity continued. "Their origin stems back to the beginning of this world. The Goddesses wished to bestow upon their creation the power of choice, much like we, the Firstborns, possessed. Of course, I pleaded and reasoned with them that this was a foolish decision. After all, to give away free will is to allow the potential for terrible deeds. This happened first to us, which gave rise to the Demon King himself, Demise, and resulted in a disgusting war that cost many valuable lives." He paused, clenching his fist in a show of built up frustration. "Nonetheless, in their arrogance, the three went through with their intentions. For a time, they were able to get away with minimal repercussions, but it was only a matter of time before the mortals rebelled against their creators. This gave birth to strife and chaos, and Demise was resurrected from his imprisonment deep in the earth. Those who chose to follow their evil desires were consumed by them. As a result, they mutated into demonic forms and joined his army, and another war broke out on earth. Although he was stopped, those tortured soulsstill lurk in the shadows and strike fear into mortals' hearts."

Kari cautiously approached Ilia. Her eyes slowly opened, but the pupils that greeted him weren't the friendly pasture green of the ranch girl. There was an intense hatred to them; an almost demonic darkness seemed to possess her. The young woman let out a terrible moan like a ReDead.

The wind tamer turned around sharply. "Why are you telling me this?" The Wind Waker slipped into his hand. He readied himself for another confrontation.

Mudora's face became grim. "Because I have released all the hatred and dark thoughts trapped in the corners of Ilia's heart. As her darkness begins to consume her, she will lose her humanity and undergo that same transformation. Already, she is showing signs."

"This is madness!" Kari shouted. "Why would you do such a thing?"

The deity unfolded his arms, allowing his long sleeves to dangle freely in front of him. "Because if you want to save her, then you will learn what I have to teach you. You are a Sheikah, are you not? Is it not your custom to train with such high stakes?"

The Sheikah looked nervously to Ilia. She was thrashing uncontrollably now, clawing at the bark of the stump and foaming at the mouth. The slits of her eyes had narrowed, and her pupils had turned a blood-stained crimson. Fangs hung from the roof of her mouth and long claws had grown from her fingernails. She seemed to have lost all sense of reason. As she stared at him, she possessed the bloodlust of a moblin or lizalfos.

Without warning, she let out a banshee howl and dashed towards Kari on all fours. The mutated ranch girl slashed wildly at him with her newly formed claws. The wind tamer reflexively dodged her strikes and leapt over her, retaliating with a few jabs as he hit the ground. It felt like he was punching a tree trunk; her skin seemed to have hardened from the transformation. Undeterred, his corrupted friend turned around and came after him again, this time crunching at the air in the hopes of biting him. Kari quickly summoned a gust of wind and blew her away. She landed with a thud into some nearby bushes, disappearing from sight.

"How long do you intend to keep up this fight?" Mudora asked. "Are you really willing to kill one of your friends? To kill a sage?"

Kari scowled. "Change her back!"

Mudora walked casually around the Sheikah. "I do not have that power. She is the way she is because of the jealousy and bitterness buried deep within her. I only brought it to the surface." He stopped and looked at Kari. "Have you ever heard of Fused Shadows? They contaminate the body in a very similar manner. Only one who is accustomed to the shadows can control them properly. Your friend, Midna, should know all this."

The deity's comment took Kari off guard. He mumbled to himself. "Fused shadows? But those are…"

Before he knew it, Ilia had leapt out of the bushes and caught him by surprise. The Wind Waker dropped out of the Sheikah's hand as she pounced on him and threw him to the ground. Pressing against his chest, the monstrous Ilia's hot breath and thick saliva dripped onto his face. Her hair had lengthened, as had the claws gripping Kari's throat. Her sandals had broken from the widening of her feet and the long claws that now graced her toes. She was ready to rip open his face when an invisible force stopped her.

"Get off of him," Mudora's voice boomed.

Like a dog called by her master, Ilia obediently rolled off him and got to her feet.

"Good. Now turn around three times," Mudora directed.

Once again, Ilia complied.

Kari grabbed his trusty baton and watched in mixed fascination and shock as his mutated companion followed Mudora's every command. His stomach tightened and turned on itself. What kind of adversary was he dealing with?

"Kari, I hope you're paying attention," Mudora's voice grabbed his attention. "This is the power I wanted to show you. It is the greatest power the Wind Waker bestows on its user: the Command Melody. With it, you can take control of anyone you want and order them as you please."

"What a frightfully sickening power," Kari muttered. "You disgust me."

Mudora raised a brow. "Perhaps. But if you want to save your friend, I suggest you learn it." He looked to Ilia, who showed no more soul than a statue produced by the Elegy of Emptiness. "Unless you want me to release your 'friend' back on you. She looks quite hungry."

"What do you gain from all this! Why are you going through all this trouble just to teach me?" Kari tightened his grip on the Wind Waker. Once again, he tried to summon a gust of wind to consume Mudora, but the air remained as still as ever.

A knowing smile crept on the deity's face. "I have my reasons. Now do you want to save your friend or not?"

Kari looked at the feral monster that was his companion. He had seen the atrocities of the battlefield and witnessed the death of comrades; those paled in comparison to the sickening mutations caused by Mudora. He felt his breath taken away by how quickly his friend had been corrupted, perhaps irreversibly, before his very eyes. All shreds of her humanity had disappeared, leaving an empty, mutated shell that bared little resemblance to the original Ilia. As much as he despised submitting to his enemy's demands, he had to do whatever he could to reverse the process.

At last, Kari's eyes lowered to the ground in resignation. His voice was soft and full of self-loathing. "I will do as you request. Please, just change her back."

Mudora smiled benevolently. "I am glad you are more compliant than your friend." He raised one of his arms. "This magic is similar to how you summon a gust of wind, but the movements are slightly different. Watch my arms carefully." He held his arm out to his left, then moved it in front, then to the right, and back to the center. "It will only work when someone is nearby, and the stronger that person's will, the harder it will be to control them." He glanced towards Ilia. "Since her will is weak, she will be an easy first target."

"Stop talking about her like that! You made her that way!" Kari protested.

"Focus more on the task at hand. You will never learn otherwise." Mudora chastised him.

Silenced into submission, Kari imitated the movement of the silver baton just as his enemy instructed. Similar to how he concentrated on the wind, he focused on entering Ilia's mind. As he closed his eyes, he suddenly felt his consciousness ripped from his body and inserted in hers. Instead of looking through his own eyes, he viewed the world through hers. As he thought about moving his right arm, she did likewise. He was the master puppeteer now.

The power he held over her was frightening. Mentally, he couldn't contain it. The coldness and emptiness of the vessel chilled him. His soul felt trapped in an icy cavern with no escape. Startled by the experience, Kari's concentration broke and he was pulled back into his own body.

The wind tamer collapsed to his knees. His eyes were wide as marbles and his knuckles white as snow from gripping the silver baton. "What a terrible power. It violates the very concept of choice the Goddesses promote."

"Excellent!" Mudora shouted elatedly. "Such a fine student. A true natural if I do say so myself. It is almost as if you and the baton are one."

Kari snapped out of his shock and pointed the Wind Waker at the ancient sage. "Spare me the flattery. I have done what you want. Now change her back."

Mudora's face darkened. "Did you not listen? I already told you I cannot do that. I only gave you a way to control her, a leash if you will. Fortunately for you, the transformation is not complete. She is fighting harder than I initially gave her credit for. Perhaps she is a worthy sage after all." He paused. "If you want to change her back, you must do it quickly."

"But how?"

Mudora twisted away from him, allowing his cloak to flutter in the air as he turned. "You will have to figure that out on your own." His face darkened as he looked up at the night sky. "I must get going. There is someone else in need of my assistance." He turned back to face Kari. "But before I go…I wish to extend an invitation. When your friends betray you, as they inevitably will, come seek me out. I will gladly take you under my arm. I will even share with you everything I know about Kasuto and your people. I am a scholar after all, and no aspect of history is beyond my knowledge."

"Mudora!" Kari shouted.

But it was in vain. In a flash of light, the deity disappeared, leaving behind Kari and the corrupted Ilia. Slowly, she began to stir as the effects of the command melody wore off. A low growl rumbled from deep in her throat as she turned to look at the horrified Sheikah. Her eyes honed in on him in bloodlust.

With another banshee howl, she dashed towards him. Instinctively, Kari performed the series of motions Mudora had taught him.

Left. Straight. Right. Straight.

Once again, he found himself occupying Ilia's body. This time, as he tried to adjust, he practiced moving her arms and legs, having her move in circles once he became more comfortable. Testing the abilities of his newfound power, the Sheikah was flooded with a mix of awe and shame. There was little doubt he found this new ability fascinating. Yet, at the same time, as he imposed his will over hers, he began to wonder if he had been corrupted as well.

"By the goddesses! What is that thing?" A woman's voice cried.

"Kari! Watch out!" Another voice warned.

The shriek broke his concentration and jolted the Sheikah back to his body. A slight dizziness gripped his head from the abrupt transfer, but he quickly shook it off. He opened his eyes to see Nayru and Farore. They stared with horrified expressions stretching their faces.

"You? You two?" He stuttered. "You are still in Labrynna? What are you doing here?"

Suddenly, Ilia let out another agonizing howl, but this time she did not attack. She fell to the ground with her hands bracing her head. Her eyes were closed in pain, and her whole body shook violently.

Farore shook her head. "That can wait." Her eyes slowly glanced at the mutated ranch girl but had to look away again. "Ilia? W-what is happening?"

Kari looked at the ranch girl in concern. "She is becoming a monster. Mudora did this. We have to stop it."

Nayru looked desperately to Farore. " Is there anything we can do?"

Farore closed her eyes. "Perhaps the Song of Healing. Can you still sing it, Nayru?"

The Oracle of Ages nodded. "Of course. I just hope we're not too late." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As she opened her mouth and began to sing, the notes of a beautiful song overwhelmed even Ilia's panicked shrieking to fill the woods with a peaceful melody.

At first, Kari had no idea what was happening. Yet, as the notes enveloped him, he found himself closing his eyes and swaying with the music. On the cusps of his eyelids, he saw his beloved village of Kasuto restored to its glory before the war. The wind was warm and the sky was a crisp blue; only a few cotton clouds floating along. He stood on the crest of a small hill outside the village with all his kin gathered around him. Fists rose in the air and shouts of joy filled his ears as his companions applauded his special day. His father nodded approvingly from the front while Akime showed his support from the wind tamer's side. Standing before him, in a crimson, full-length sleeveless gown with a small flower in her fiery red hair, stood the love of his life. Together, they had endured the confines of a jail cell, the dangers of the battlefield, and the complexities of daily life. But today, their lives would be forever intertwined as they exchanged vows before the goddesses and the community; today he would marry Midna.

As the song reached its end, the scene slowly faded and Kari found himself back in the woods outside the castle. His muscles had relaxed and he felt every anxiety swept away. He dropped to his knees and gently pinched his cheek. He wasn't dreaming. Had the vision been real? It still stuck vibrantly in his mind.

CLUNK!

"Look Nayru! It worked! Ilia's back to normal!"

"Praise the Goddesses!" Farore whispered softly.

Kari turned around to find Ilia returned to her normal self. She slept soundly with no sign of stirring; her chest gently rose and sank to the rhythm of her breath. The monstrous mutations that had plagued her body had disappeared. Her pale face regained some of its color. Her hair had shortened to its original length, and her fangs and claws had entirely disappeared. The only thing out of place was the demonic looking mask that had dropped by the ranch girl's feet.

"What happened?" The wind tamer asked at last.

Nayru stepped beside him and placed a hand on his back. He flinched but didn't brush away.

"The Song of Healing is a melody that is able to heal even the most broken soul. That mask in front of Ilia is the embodiment of the twisted energy built up inside of her. She will be fine now."

Kari continued to gaze pensively at the ground. His vision just wouldn't leave him.

"How did you find us?" he asked at last. "You were not at the party. I thought you had left."

Farore shrugged her shoulders and bobbed her head to the side. A large smile plastered her lips. "Din was always the life of the party. Not us though."

Nayru nodded and lifted her hand off the Sheikah. "We decided to stay out of the way and let you all have your fun." She paused. "We felt that dark presence here just recently. You know…the one we talked about earlier. We knew something terrible had to be happening."

Kari nodded and rose to his feet. He walked to the ranch girl and examined the strange mask at her feet. Its dark markings and monstrous face sent chills down his spine. As he held it, a strange tingle washed down his spine. The mask gave off a strange aura; one that he had felt somewhere else before.

He quickly placed it down and knelt by Ilia. Two fingers to her neck confirmed a pulse. Her breathing and facial color also seemed normal. Satisfied, he looked back at the two oracles.

"That song. It brings me peace." He paused. "Do you think you could sing it once more?"

One Month Prior in Holodrum

"Finish me already. I am not afraid to die." Atrayu smiled genuinely as she gazed at the rain licking her face. "If I die in combat, then at least I will have regained my honor."

"As you wish," Link replied. His hand tensed as he prepared to give the finishing blow.

The mercenary laughed to herself. "I see you are one of us, after all. I am glad I was not mistaken."

The words froze the hero in place as they echoed in his mind. His breath left him as he stood motionless. The rain dripped from his head onto the ground, and he suddenly felt cold. Lightning flashed in the sky above, illuminating the horror in his wild eyes. Man struggled against beast, hero against murderer. As he looked into her feral eyes, he could see a reflection of the beast he had become. Unkempt hair, blood smeared on his cheeks, and teeth clenched like a hunter. Yet, what chilled him the most was the look of hatred in his eyes. Was that really him?

The arrow dropped silently to the ground as the hero looked away. The divine glow on his left hand receded into the darkness. He closed his eyes in shame. "No, Atrayu. I'm not like you."

The shifter stared blankly at him for a few seconds before his words hit home. Her smile slowly disappeared. "What are you doing? Finish me already."

The hero sat down wearily, his soaked tunic pressing on him from all the excess water. "Why are you in such a hurry to die? Don't you have anything left to live for?"

Atrayu scowled and turned her head away from him. "Maybe. Maybe not."

Link couldn't take it anymore. He felt a churning in his gut that he had to express. His fist pounded against the ground as he vented his frustration. "What in the underworld is wrong with you! Did you come all this way just to kill me then?"

The shifter was silent. The water dripped down her cheeks as she lay motionless in the torrential downpour. Thunder clapped in the distance as the storm began to move on. Still, the dark clouds showed no signs of completely letting up.

The frustrated hero crawled over. His arms screamed for him to stop, his muscles threatening to snap like elastic bands if he went even an inch further. He ignored their empty threats as he sat himself in front of the shifter. Her gaze seemed to pass right through him. With sweaty, bloody hands, he shook her shoulder. She turned sharply and glowered at him.

"That hurts!" she warned. "If I had strength left, you'd have a slash across your cheek!"

The hero couldn't help but smirk. "That's better. Now I asked you a question."

The shifter twisted away from him. "Don't think I heard it. Want to repeat it for me?"

Link grunted and sat facing the mercenary's back. He felt he might collapse if he stayed on his hands and knees any longer. "I thought shifters were supposed to have good hearing." He wiped some of the water dripping from his eyes. His hair felt like leaves in the rainforest from all the water it held. "Why did you come here to kill me? I thought you didn't work for Zant anymore."

She rolled over to face him, her torso expanding and contracting to her laborious breathing. "I didn't come to kill. I came to talk. But when you refused to listen, I had no other choice."

"No other choice?" Link asked incredulously, his voice jumping up an octave. "That's a little extreme, isn't it?"

Atrayu laughed mockingly to herself. "What would you understand of my situation?"

Link leaned on his back and let the rain splash him in the face. It was letting up now, making it easier to hear her above the water's incessant pattering. "Neither of us is going anywhere soon. Maybe if you tell me, I can help you."

Atrayu chewed on his words in silence. The puncture wound still stung in her shoulder. Amber eyes gazed at the blood-tainted pool slowly surrounding her body. For the shifter, it was a painful reminder that she was no longer the dominant warrior.

"In my culture, the loser must submit to the victor," she said after a short while, her eyes staring at the ripples created by the falling rain. "Because you are one of the only warriors capable of defeating me in combat, I acknowledge your strength and superiority. I will do whatever you ask. My life is in your hands."

Link grimaced as he sat up again. He took a deep breath. "I don't think my hands could hold anything right now," he joked. He looked quickly at her but received no reaction. He diverted his attention to the puddle-filled field that had served as their battlefield. "But I do want to know why you were looking for me. Is it because of what happened in Nevkah?"

"Yes and no," she replied. "Your intrusion certainly contributed to my exile, but there is more to the story I don't wish to elaborate on. The political situation in my country is…complicated."

Link nodded. "That's your business. I'm fine with that. But I still don't understand why you came searching for me."

Atrayu fingered the dragon scale wrapped around her neck. She was slowly recovering some strength. "I'm getting there," she scolded. "When I first left, I had nothing with me but this and the clothes on my back. Everything, my honor, my position, my family's legacy; all of it was stripped from me."

"What is that?" Link interrupted, pointing at the scale she twisted in her fingers.

Atrayu looked at him in disbelief. "You really don't know what this is?" The blank expression on the hero's face answered her question. "You don't know much about your own heritage, do you?" Link bit his lip but said nothing. Atrayu continued. "It is a scale from our Guardian Deity, Valoo. Every shifter when they reach the age of maturity must scale the mountain where he lives. If they pass that trial, they obtain one of his scales. This allows us to transform at will."

The hero leaned forward. "But I thought shifters were born with that ability?"

Atrayu nodded. "We are, but it is incredibly difficult to control. Without the scales, we would be overwhelmed by our animalistic instincts and go berserk. These allow us to control our abilities while maintaining our humanity." She looked at his neck inquisitively. "Where is yours?"

Link shook his head. "I don't have one. Anyways, what happened once you left Nevkah?"

The shifter's brows raised in concern. "Don't have one? Then how do you transform?"

The hero brushed the question aside. "I have special circumstances. That's all. Now continue with your story."

Feeling some of her strength return, Atrayu struggled to lift her head off the ground. The effort proved too much and she collapsed back with a splash. "Valoo's breath! I've got nothing left. Guess I really don't have a choice." She paused to collect her thoughts. "Now, where was I? Oh, yes. Growing up, I heard stories in passing of a shifter who left our country. No one really knew why, but even mentioning his name became taboo. Still, as I found myself sharing his fate, I made it my goal to find him." She paused. "I thought you might be that shifter."

The hero hesitated. "I think you have the wrong person. I've only been to Nevkah once, and you know how that turned out."

She looked at him curiously. "Then how do you transform into a wolf? Only our people have that kind of ability."

Link looked guiltily away. "Well, I'd rather not go into the specifics. It's complicated, but it should be enough to know that I'm more of an exception than a rule." He cleared his throat and changed the subject. "So do you think this other shifter is still out there?"

The mercenary nodded slowly. "I don't know. They left long ago when I was only a young pup." She looked awkwardly around the room. "So what now? What will become of me if you will not grant me an honorable death?"

The hero closed his eyes and sighed. "How should I know? I don't even know what to do with myself half the time." He rubbed a hand through his soggy hair. "Life hasn't exactly been herding goats and eating Ordon pumpkins. There's a world to save, sages to awaken, and an ancient demon to fight."

A sly smirk curled onto the shifter's face. "Sounds like a difficult job to do alone."

Link sighed. "It is. But who else can do it?" He fiddled with the front strands of his hair, twisting them over his finger. Suddenly, an inspiration struck him. "On second thought, I think I do know what to do with you."

Atrayu glanced in his direction. "And what's that?"

There was a glimmer in his eye. "You're a mercenary, right? How good would you be as a spy?"

The shifter smirked. "I have many talents. What sort of job are you thinking?"

Link's hands rested momentarily on his lap. His pants were completely soaked. "There's been a group of thieves calling themselves Scorpio chasing after us. We had a run in with them earlier, and they seemed pretty determined to capture Zelda. If they come back, I want to be ready."

Atrayu nodded. "So you want me to take care of them?"

The hero shook his head. "No, they'd just come back with reinforcements. I need for you to become one of them somehow. Learn about them and their intentions from the inside."

"As a spy," She finished his thought. "But how do I keep them from being suspicious?"

The hero scratched his forehead. "Good question." He brushed back the streams of water dripping onto his nose. "They'll have to think you're working for them. You have to gain their trust somehow."

"And how do you recommend that?"

The hero looked directly at her. "Do whatever it takes."

"And if they ask why I'm interested in helping them?"

Link paused, drawing in the mud with one of his fingers. "I don't know. Make up a story that they'll believe."

The shifter looked around for a few seconds. "I think I have just the thing. Her face darkened. "But what if I'm forced to kidnap that monarch of yours?"

Link paused. He hadn't thought of that.

The shifter's brows rose. "You need to be prepared for the worst."

"I know! I'm thinking!" he snapped back.

"Touchy," the shifter whispered under her breath.

Link closed his eyes and let the rain wash on his face for several seconds. "Do whatever it takes to gain their trust. Capture her if they ask you to." He paused. "Just…whatever you do, don't hurt her. And keep her alive at all costs."

"You ask a lot. What makes you think I'll do all this for you? What's in it for me?"

Link scowled. "But you said..."

Atrayu sneered. "I know what I said. But not everything is free. Although I respect you and will listen to you, I am no man's slave. If I do this, I want your solemn oath you will do something for me in return."

The hero crossed his arms. "But I just spared your life. That has to count for something."

The shifter nodded. "And I intend to honor that. In exchange, I'll tell you everything you want to know about Zant." Atrayu's hands rested at her sides, her fingers tapping slowly in the pool around her. "However, you hired a mercenary for this job. We aren't known for our charity."

Link bit his lip and placed his hands on his knees. "And what exactly would I have to do? You know…to return the favor?"

Atrayu just smirked. "I'll let you know once I've completed my task with Scorpio."

The hero picked up the remains of the arrow he had placed down earlier. It began to twist between his hands. "Thanks for keeping me in suspense."

She laughed to herself. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Link stuck the arrow in the ground and stared at it. "Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?" He looked up at the shifter. "Now about Zant. Tell me everything you can."

Their discussion played through Atrayu's mind as she watched Link handle the dilemma placed before him by Scorpio's injured leader. She could see the apprehension creeping on him as he looked at her and back to Geroshida.

"So what's it going to be, hero? Her life or yours?" The thief lord challenged.

"You have to be bluffing!" came his response.

Atrayu couldn't discern if Link's panic was genuine or not. She could see sweat running down his head, and his eyes were wide and alert. His blade flipped restlessly in his hand. To see him squirm was amusing, but she couldn't tell if he was faking it.

The thief lord shook his head. "I'm sure I don't need to remind you of Atrayu's past deeds." He looked in her direction. "I doubt she'd hesitate to kill someone else dear to you. Isn't that right, Atrayu?"

The shifter snapped out of her own thoughts. She gave a glance to Link and then to Geroshida. The fool had no idea he was not in a position to bargain. Just as she hoped, Link had been the decisive victor. The thief lord had been stripped of his power; the force of his threats was the only reason he still survived. She decided to let the situation play out a bit longer.

"I never hesitate to kill my prey." She rolled her eyes. "Of course, I will only do as my employer wishes."

The leader of Scorpio raised his brows. "You heard her yourself, hero. Still think I'm bluffing?"

The shifter resisted giving a smirk. If only the fool knew who her true employer was. In her hands, she could feel the soft shaking of the monarch's body. She nodded to herself. Perhaps Zelda wasn't as invincible as everyone believed. She turned her attention back to the hero to observe his reaction. His grip on his sword tightened, a symbol of his growing resolve. His answer would come soon.

"I can't surrender. Not to you."

This time, Atrayu couldn't suppress her smirk. It seemed the hero had a plan; he would never willingly place Zelda's life in jeopardy. Now to see what that plan might be.

Geroshida raised his brows. "So you've decided to go for your opponent's king instead of protecting your own?" He smiled malevolently. "How amusing. It takes guts to make such a bold, offensive move."

Every muscle in the hero's body tensed. He inhaled deeply and held his breath. His teeth clenched tightly together. It all came down to this.

The thief lord continued. "Unfortunately for you, I wasn't bluffing." He turned to Atrayu. "Kill her!"

Atrayu hesitated for a moment. With Geroshida watching her closely, she tightened her grip on Zelda and raised her claw. She looked to Link for a sign of what to do next, but the hero had already taken matters into his own hands.

With his sword arm raised, a bright green orb floated in the air. He locked his eyes on Geroshida and gripped the hilt tightly. Within seconds, the green light enveloped him and he was gone.

The shifter looked frantically around but couldn't find the hero anywhere. Geroshida too seemed startled by his sudden disappearance. The Gerudo looked to his side, but found no sign of the hero. The rage slowly built in his face.

"Zelda!" Link hollered at the top of his lungs.

The hero plunged his weapon for all it was worth through Geroshida's back. The Master Sword pierced right through Geroshida's weakened chain armor and cut through his flesh. Blood spurted out as the blade emerged out his front. The thief lord's blood curtling scream echoed across the entire throne room. Still, Link wasn't satisfied. His feet pressed into the ground; his arms worked furiously to drive the weapon still further. There was a fierce anger in his eyes as he let out a warrior's battle cry. His hands trembled as he gave the Master Sword one final push.

Geroshida twitched violently, cutting short his deathly roar.

"H…how did you…?" He muttered, his breath beginning to give out.

"Farore's Wind," Link interrupted between heavy breathing. He refused to release the hilt. "Your giant explosive. –Huff- The smokescreen. –Huff- I cast it and lured you in."

Geroshida's eyes closed. "W-white's gambit…," he muttered before falling flat onto his stomach and landing with a thud.

At last, Link released his grip from the hilt and stumbled away from his fallen opponent. He let out a large sigh of relief and collapsed to his knees. It took him another minute of heavy breathing before he was able to say anything intelligible.

"Atrayu, you're going to release her now, right?" he glanced in her direction.

His direct tone caught the shifter off guard, but she quickly gained composure. She loosened her grip on the monarch. "Good riddance. I've never had my nose so overwhelmed with such disgusting scents."

Zelda rushed over to Link and placed a hand on his back. Her face folded into a scowl. "My perfume is of the highest quality." She paused for a moment, suddenly realizing who she was addressing. "Wait…what in Hyrule is going on here?" She examined the hero's wounds. "Link, are you alright?"

Atrayu folded her arms. "We can explain later. There's still some company to deal with."

She was referring to the group of hesitant Scorpio bandits standing near the entrance of the throne room. The shock of their defeated leader had paralyzed them. Their weapons were gripped loosely in their hands; uncertain murmurs circulated amongst them.

Link groaned to himself. "Atrayu, you want to take care of them? You seem itching for a fight."

The shifter's grin widened. "It will be my pleasure."

Flicking her scale necklace beneath her armor, she transformed into a dragon. As her size increased and scales covered her skin, the color drained from every Scorpio looking at her. When the transformation completed itself, she let out a loud roar and flapped her wings. A small burst of flame in the air was the last touch she added to intimidate them.

Her efforts succeeded. Immediately, their weapons dropped to the ground. Yanking the door open as quickly as they could, the demoralized thieves all retreated out of the room yelling at the top of their lungs. Their hollers carried all the way down the hall and slowly faded away.

Atrayu reverted back to her human form and snorted in disappointment. "Spineless cowards. Didn't even try to fight."

Zelda looked frantically from the hero to the mercenary. She could still hear her heart thumping in her chest from witnessing the transformation; the shock hadn't quite left her. "She just…? And I thought you were…?" She placed a resigned hand on her forehead. "What in Nayru's name is going on here?"

Link let out a fatigued laugh. "I guess you have a right to know."

Zelda folded her arms across her chest. "No, please take your time. Feel free to laugh about it a bit more. I don't mind being kept in the dark."

The hero winced. "Wow, I didn't know royalty could be sarcastic. Maybe you should give Kari lessons." He glanced quickly at the shifter, who had begun to scavenge through the weapons the assassins had left behind. "I'll try to keep this simple. Back when we fought in Holodrum, we made an agreement. Because I beat her in combat, Atrayu would act as a spy in Scorpio to help us bring them down once and for all."

The monarch nodded. "I see. And how did she ever agree to that?"

Link shrugged his shoulders. "It's part of their culture. Like I said, I won our duel."

"But isn't that how you got our lead on Zant?"

"Yes. But she also offered to do this," Link said, shifting his eyes to the side.

Zelda's eyes narrowed. "Link, you're a terrible liar." She walked closer, just now seeing the seriousness of the burns that covered his cheeks and the bruises covering his arms. "Never mind. That's not important. We need to get you to Ilia and have these wounds looked at."

"Neither of you are going anywhere!"

Both Hylians tensed as soon as they heard that deep voice. They slowly turned around, hoping the words had been a figment of their imagination. Yet, as they saw where the voice had come from, their stomachs rolled inside them. Staring back at them, with the Master Sword impaled in his back and hatred in his eyes, stood Geroshida. The Triforce of Power resonated brilliantly on his left hand.

Hearing the commotion, Atrayu dropped the spear she had been practicing with and smirked. "You need to work on your technique, Link."

The hero gave her a dirty look. "But I hit his vitals."

"Well, obviously you missed. He still looks alive and well." Atrayu cracked her knuckles. "Fine with me. I'm restless anyways."

"Let's see you beat him then! Obviously two dozen explosions and a stab to the heart aren't good enough!" Link snapped.

"Would you two focus!" Zelda shouted. She looked back at her opponent. "Does he really think he can take all three of us?"

Geroshida sneered. "Fight me all you want." He held out his hand and looked at it expectantly. With a bluish glow, the stone from earlier appeared in its master's hand.

Zelda shook her head in disbelief. "A gossip stone! But how?"

The thief lord cut her off. "Agahnim, are you there?"

"Yes, master. What do you desire?" The wizard's voice resonated through the stone.

He held the stone closer to his mouth. "Are you and your men in position?"

"We await your order," came the response. "We are ready to commence the attack."

"Good. Wait several minutes. Then begin unless I tell you otherwise."

There was a slight pause. "As you wish."

The gossip stone dissipated again. Geroshida leered at the two Hylians and the shifter. He said nothing, letting the strength in his eyes demonstrate his newfound confidence. He was still badly wounded, and his breathing was heavy. However, he carried his head higher and his face projected authority and dominance.

"As I was saying, fight me all you want," Geroshida began. "However, know that if you do, innocent blood will be on your hands." Zelda cringed. "I was right not to completely trust a shifter, no matter how useful her skills." He glared at Atrayu. "It pays to have a trump card for the worst case scenario."

"What are you planning this time?" Zelda demanded, casting an eye to one of the weapons behind her. She contemplated the possibility of using it. "We will stop you."

Geroshida sneered. "I doubt it, Princess. Not unless you can transport yourself all the way to Ordon. Currently, my men are surrounding that backwoods village, ready to slay its lazy inhabitants and burn its foundations to the ground. I am the only one who can stop it. If I die, so do your citizens."

A ferocious growl echoed in Link's throat, causing the monarch to shiver.

"How do we know you're not bluffing?" Zelda accused.

"You heard the voices of my underlings. I do not hide behind words like that fool, Durian." Geroshida responded with authority. "You'll just have to decide for yourself. Are the lives of your pathetic friends worth surrendering the Triforce?"

Zelda closed her eyes and clasped her hands. "What do we do? Nayru, give me wisdom."

"This is the last time I'll say this. All of you must surrender, the shifter included, or I promise the citizens of Ordon will go deaf from their own screams of agony before they die."

"Never!" Link growled angrily, taking a step towards his adversary. "I would sooner see my teeth rip your flesh from your body."

"Link! Think about what you're doing!" Zelda jumped in front of him and grabbed his shoulder. "The entire village is at stake!"

Her reasoning fell on deaf ears. "Would you just have us tuck our tails between our legs and give up?" he argued. The blood of a hunter pulsed through his veins. The feral nature of the wolf had captured his mind.

Zelda shook her head. "Of course not! But we can't walk right into his hands either!"

Link pushed her away. "If you want him to keep raping Hyrule, then get out of my way! I'm not just going to stand by and let that Scorpio scum do what he wants." The monarch watched in disbelief as he brushed past her and transformed into a wolf.

Atrayu walked next to her. "I don't understand why you had to argue. Geroshida's words mean nothing. All that matters is how he fights. Right now, he is ripe for the kill." She bore teeth ready for battle as she shifted into her wolf form. She dashed past Zelda and joined Link on the battlefield.

Zelda placed an exasperated hand on her forehead. What choice did she have now? She turned around and began searching for a suitable weapon.

The two wolves circled the weary thief lord like a pack on the hunt. Atrayu's steps were quick and upbeat; she licked her teeth in excitement. In contrast, Link circled with slow, large steps, his stomach close to the ground. His front paw limped, but even the pain couldn't deter the focused hunter.

Geroshida grunted. "You had your chance. Now, I will let you listen to the desperate shrieks of those close to you." He was about to summon the Gossip stone when both wolves broke from their circle and lunged towards him. Unfortunately, as Link attempted to leap at Geroshida's throat, pain sparked up his dislocated leg and he collapsed before he could get very far.

"Link! Please…stop this!" Zelda pleaded, tentatively holding a scimitar in her hands.

Undeterred by Link's failure, Atrayu continued her lunge on the thief lord. Although the man had regained some strength, she knew he was in no condition to fight her. His eyes widened as her fangs came straight for his face.

CLASH!

Before she could reach Geroshida, the shifter hit an invisible barrier that threw her back to the floor. She landed with a grunt before returning to her normal form and jumping to her feet. She glanced up to see if the leader of Scorpio had deflected her attack somehow. Instead, she saw a familiar figure critiquing her; a person that sent waves of disgust tingling down her spine.

"Please stop this meaningless violence," the sage scolded as he stood between Atrayu and Geroshida. He looked around. "Hmm, this is an interesting turn of events. "The exiled mercenary working with the destined hero. All to finish off the evil monster. I must admit even I did not foresee this."

"Come to test your strength against mine?" Atrayu challenged. She extracted her claws and clicked them against one another.

"I have no interest in fighting you, Atrayu," the deity's face twisted in disgust. "I am here to stop this battle. I am afraid I cannot have this man die quite yet."

"Who in the underworld are you?" Geroshida asked. "I never asked for your help."

Mudora glared in annoyance at him. "That is because you mortals are too stupid to realize when you are overwhelmed. Look at yourself! You have a sword impaled through your chest!"

When the deity reached for the blade of evil's bane, a small shock of pain traveled through his arm. Still, he grabbed and pulled it out of the thief lord's back. Geroshida let out a short grunt. He hunched over, grabbing his chest and breathing sharply.

The deity examined the Master Sword with interest. "Intriguing. It seems to have lost much of its sacred power since last time I saw this, no doubt due to the sages' deaths." He ran a finger along the blade's edge. "Still, my sister did well in crafting this. The edge is sharp even without its divine blessing." He threw the blade to the panting wolf. It landed several feet in front of him with a clank. "I recommend forging this again if you ever hope to slay your enemies. A blade without the power to repel evil is no sacred weapon at all."

Link glared at him through feral blue eyes. He transformed once again into a human and reached for the weapon. He grabbed the hilt with his good hand and prepared for combat. He had to be careful. His dislocated shoulder felt like it was on fire.

Mudora smiled in amusement. "You seek to take up arms against me in your state? Even after all these years, you haven't changed a bit." He analyzed Link's face and nodded. "Unlike you, I have no desire for conflict. I have simply come to retrieve this poor man." His eyes rested on Zelda. Strangely enough, he greeted her with a warm smile. "Ahh, the Divine Princess. I am happy to see someone of your wisdom and stature awakened as a sage. It is a shame you choose to associate yourself with lesser men. However, someday soon, I will create a better world for those like us who embrace the way of the mind over the way of the sword. I hope you will come to your senses by then and join me."

Zelda was speechless. What could she say to that?

Mudora looked towards Geroshida. "Any last words before we depart?" He paused. "And I know what you're thinking. You are coming with me. You are in no state to resist."

Even with the swelling, the thief lord's face was flush with anger and humiliation. He looked to the hero and the monarch. "Don't think you've won this battle! Even now, your murderous hands are stained with blood. Hyrule is a barren landscape of death and destruction…and soon Ordon will join it!" He laughed to himself. "We will meet again. When that day comes, it will be my weapon that tears through your body."

Link snarled fiercely. "Come back here!" He ran at the pair, hollering with a savage war cry as his weapon sliced through the air. Mudora and Geroshida disappeared in a flash of light long before he reached them. Still, he sprinted until he arrived at the spot where the two had been. He stood there for several seconds, not a word uttered, until he fell to his knees, splashing in a pool of Geroshida's blood. With no one left to fight, no prey left to hunt, his rage evaporated like dew in the morning sun. Slowly, horror crept onto his features as he realized the consequence of his actions. The thief lord's words rang true; the death of the Ordonians, his family, would be his burden to bear. If he had only controlled his rage…if he had only surrendered himself…there might've been a chance he could've saved them.

His eyes stared into the distance. "Uli…Zen…Talo…I failed to save them."

Zelda rushed to his side. "Link...I'm here for you." Even as she tried to comfort him, she felt her own soul tagged with remorse. After all, she was guilty of abandoning her people to pursue a quest that had little chance for success. How could she comfort him when she needed assurance herself?

"It's all my fault," Link whispered.

"Link! Snap out of it! It's not your fault!" Zelda responded, this time shaking him. She tried to be strong for the both of them, but instead inwardly reviled the hypocrisy of her own words.

"I failed them. My fault." He began to chant, his face swinging back and forth to Zelda's shaking.

"Look at me, Link! You couldn't have done anything!" the monarch tried. But her efforts were futile.

The hero pulled away. He transformed into a wolf, sat on the ground, and tilted his head to the ceiling. His silver coat of fur was stained with blood and debris, and his right paw shook weakly. His eyes closed in mourning. A long, lonely howl resonated through the debris-covered throne room, expressing all the pain and sorrow twisted in its soul. Zelda felt her chest tighten as she listened to the feral warrior's cry of lament; the load of guilt was theirs to share together.

When the wolf's despairing howl came to an end, he rose and clumsily dashed out of the throne room, bumping into the large wooden door before slipping through it to some unknown destination. Zelda rushed after him, but Atrayu stopped her with her hand.

"Don't waste your time. You'll never find him." The shifter closed her eyes. "If he's anything like me, he's gone to a place no one will ever look. Alone, he'll offer his sorrows to the full moon until his body collapses from exhaustion."

Zelda closed her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. Again, she felt the heavy weight of her title thrust upon her. Despite the pain ripping away at her soul, she was expected to project an aura of confidence and hope. There were things that still needed to be done.

"Who will explain to Ambi what happened here? Who will tell Colin and Ilia they may not have a home to return to?" She looked around at the wreckage, absorbing every piece of debris and charred surface. She closed her eyes and tilted her head towards the floor, whispering the last part of her statement so the shifter wouldn't hear. "Who will comfort me in my mourning?"

Geoffrey was amazed by the simplicity of life in Ordon village compared to Castle Town. The people here rose and slept to the cycle of the sun. Their lives were not dictated by schedules or meetings. They did not have layers of politics to consider in every conversation. Instead, they carried with them a simplistic joy through life. They ate when they were hungry and slept when they were tired. Their interactions with one another were genuine and lively. They whistled as they fished in the nearby stream and sang as they harvested the fields.

That wasn't to say their lives were without difficulty. The bokoblin attack months earlier had cost the village a portion of their harvest, leaving the villagers to scramble for what remained to ensure adequate food for the winter. The war had also damaged trade with the capital. Without the imported cloths and other accessories for winter, the bitter cold would be more difficult to fight. To make matters worse, one of their goats had recently caught ill and passed away, spreading panic that the others might soon follow. However, perhaps most prevalent on everyone's mind was the fear of another attack. To ease these anxieties, Bo appointed one of the villagers to serve as a watchman each night. In spite of these issues, the people of Ordon still carried on with a resilient strength sharpened by years of ranching and farming. They understood their place in the universe, and thanked the goddesses for what little they had been given.

During his time in the village, Geoffrey had taken a special liking to Fado. Although the large man was clumsy and often let goats escape into the village, his strange dialect and carefree ways struck the captain as entertaining. For the past several days since he and Viscen had arrived, the captain had helped the man herd the goats each morning and evening. He enjoyed the physical exercise, plus it gave him a chance to repay the village for their kindness. The horse they used, Zephyr, was a benevolent animal that listened well to his directions. Although it was a far cry from the battlefield he was accustomed to, whooping and hollering at the goats from the horse's back was exhilarating.

The captain had also forged a friendship with Uli. They both understood the pain of losing someone on the battlefield. In the evenings, the two would sit outside her porch exchanging stories after Zen had gone to sleep. He would listen as she reminisced about Link's childhood and his interactions with Colin, while he would offer tales of his campaigns throughout Hyrule. Once in a while, the conversation would shift to Rusl, and heaviness would come over her eyes. Yet, even then, a sad smile would cross her lips as she talked about how he was with the goddesses in a better place. Her hope seemed absolute despite her loss, and Geoffrey found himself desiring such a thing for himself.

Viscen had decided to help out at Malo Mart. Unfortunately, the soldier had no idea what he had signed up for. At the end of each day, he would barge into Fado's house, where they stayed, exhausted beyond belief. As he crashed onto Fado's couch, Viscen would complain of milking goats all day, searching through the woods for bugs, or some other tedious task Malo had given him. Sometimes the kids were too undisciplined other times Malo was a slave driver;the complaints changed each night. Still, Geoffrey reflected, the Malo Mart theme song would be the last tune on the soldier's lips as he went to sleep.

Geoffrey's time in Ordon had done wonders for his body as well. Since his stay in prison, he had grown weak and thin. However, several helpings of pumpkin soup and goat cheese had renewed his strength and filled him out. His wounds from Atrayu had also healed significantly, but they still caused him pain if he moved the wrong way.

Today had been one such time. As he lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling and pondering over the past few days, he felt his ankle throbbing. He had landed on it the wrong way dismounting Zephyr, and now he was paying the price. The pain had prevented him from falling asleep, so he passed the time listening to the crickets chirp outside his window and the rhythmic snoring of his fellow soldier. It was surprisingly soothing. He felt pity Talo had the night watch tonight; he might as well have taken it if he couldn't sleep.

KABOOM!

There was a flash of light just outside his window and a large crash, shaking the cups resting on Fado's table. The captain bolted out of his bed and dashed towards the window. Not far in the distance, the glow of flames radiated in the night like a lighthouse. Screams of panic resonated through the glass to his ears. A bell sounded the alarm throughout the village; clearly Talo had noticed the commotion as well.

"Great goddesses! What's going on out there?" he gasped, his fingers tightening on the window's rim.

"Mmm…stop making so much noise," Viscen complained as he turned over in his sleep.

KABOOM!

The captain rushed over to his inferior's bed and shook him violently awake. "This is no time to be asleep, soldier! Something is going on out there!"

"I'm awake, captain!" Viscen said through drowsy eyes. Geoffrey finally let go and backed off. The other soldier instinctively jumped out of the bed and stumbled to his feet. He looked around disoriented as his eyes adjusted to the light.

"Grab your weapon. Something tells me we're gonna' need it." Geoffrey directed, quickly putting on his boots by the door.

"Here Cap'n, take my spear. I'll use my short sword for now," Viscen offered as he finally came to his senses. He tossed Geoffrey the long weapon. As the captain caught it in his hand, he gave it one tap on the ground for good measure. It was a standard spear, not the one he favored, but it would work nonetheless. After all, there was no way of recovering his own weapon; it was locked away in Hyrule Castle's armory.

"Hey. What's all the commotion about?" Fado said sleepily as he walked down the stairs from his room.

"Village is under attack. Stay here where it's safe," the captain replied quickly.

The comment seemed to startle the rancher awake. "Under attack? Again?"

"Ready when you are, Cap'n," Viscen nodded. He had quickly slipped on some chain mail over his night shirt; his short sword rested in his hand.

"Good. Put your boots on and let's go!"

When he was ready, the two men left Fado and raced out the door. What they saw set their adrenaline racing. Flames danced on the roofs of several of the houses already, flushing out the panicked Ordonians. Their screams carried through the night as shadows dashed through the flames, cornering some of the panicked villagers while others set fire to the remaining houses. Columns of smoke blocked out the light of the full moon as the warning bell awakened the entire village to the ambush.

Some of the villagers fought back, however. Talo swung a sword wildly at any thief foolish enough to get near him. Hanch stood atop the outcrop near his house with the hawk in his hand, sending the bird of prey on anything that moved. Bo moved with purpose up the hill to where the goats thrashed against their stalls.

"Viscen, evacuate whoever you can! I'll help deal with the intruders!" Geoffrey ordered, rushing towards where Malo and Beth were cornered by a lanky man wielding a sabre.

"Please don't hurt me. I'll pay you whatever you want," Malo begged, throwing rupees at the man's feet. Beth stood there shivering, paralyzed completely by her fear.

The man glanced at the money near his feet and grinned. The shadows hid most of his face. "Thanks for the offering. Too bad it isn't enough." He raised his sabre. "Now who wants to die first?"

Malo continued to grovel at the man's feet. "Take Beth! I'm too rich to die!"

Geoffrey made it there before the man had a chance to decide. With trained hands, the captain thrust the spear straight through the man's chest and retracted. The man gasped as air came out of his punctured lung, stuttering and choking as fluid leaked from his open wound. Geoffrey kicked the assailant down to the ground and stabbed him one more time to ensure his death.

"Evacuate the village immediately!" he ordered, looking carefully for where he was needed next.

"But…my store…" Malo sobbed.

KABOOM! This time, Link's house went up in smoke and flames.

"Get out of here! You can't rebuild if you're dead!"

More voices cried for help in the distance.

Beth finally snapped out of her fear. She still shook uncontrollably, but her mind seemed to be working now. "Come on, Malo!" Pulling him by the hand, she dragged the sobbing entrepreneur to the village exit.

The screams of the villagers pushed Geoffrey even harder. The heat from the burning structures pressed against his skin. His leg still throbbed with each step, slowing the determined captain more than he wanted. He felt like he was in a dream; no matter how fast he hobbled, he feared he wouldn't reach them in time.

"JAGGLE!" Pergie shrieked at the top of her lungs. "GODDESSES NO!"

Geoffrey limped towards her but didn't need to ask what happened. The woman knelt outside her burning house, wailing and mourning. The structure had collapsed on itself; serving as little more than fodder for the bonfire before her. Some of Pergie's skin had been charred from the flames while escaping the house, but she didn't care. Tears dropped from her eyes as she mourned her unlucky husband.

"Ma'am, you need to escape while you still can." He tried to lift her up but she pulled away.

"But my Jaggle…" she broke into another sob.

Geoffrey tried to reason with her, but the woman refused to be comforted. The captain looked back to the waterwheel and wondered how Viscen was managing.

His eyes caught sight of a shadow jumping off the Malo Mart roof moving straight in his direction. The captain eyed Pergie, and a nervous sweat came over him. If she didn't move, he'd be forced to protect her.

The bandit moved towards them quicker than Geoffrey anticipated. The captain readied his spear and held his ground close to the weeping woman. His longer weapon gave him the advantage; as long as he kept it ready, his opponent would have to keep his distance.

FWIP!

A bolt from the thief's crossbow flew through the air and stuck itself in the captain's bad leg. The pain rippled through his bones and he nearly lost his footing. His opponent took advantage of the situation and rushed at him. Geoffrey hardened his expression and braced himself for the inevitable blow.

Two hundred pounds of flesh and muscle jumped through the air and sprang on the thief's back before he reached Geoffrey. Fado held the Scorpio underling in a choke hold and began wrestling with the man to disarm him.

"Go! Take Pergie with you!" Fado yelled through gritted teeth. He struggled to maintain his grip on the assassin. He twisted his body to wrestle the man to the ground like a stubborn goat.

"Woman! Do you want to see your boys again?" Geoffrey yelled, starting to lose his temper.

This got her attention. Pergie slowly looked up at him. "I do," she sobbed.

"Then get yourself to safety!"

At last, his message seemed to get through. She slowly rose to her feet, taking one last mournful look back at her husband's burning grave before fleeing towards Faron Woods.

"I can take him," Fado reassured the soldier when he looked back. He had succeeded in pinning the man to the ground. The Scorpio struggled against the rancher's large arms as he reached for his weapon a short distance away, but Fado refused to give in.

Geoffrey nodded. Though he wanted to help, there were still others who needed him. He looked towards the other side of the village and felt his heart drop. Surrounded in the center of the village were Uli, Zen, and Talo. The young man, even with his injured arm, held off three laughing assassins with Rusl's sword as they walked around taunting their victims. They took pleasure in stepping in and out of his sword range before he could land a solid hit.

"Hang on. I'm on my way," Geoffrey panted to himself. He limped towards them, gripping his spear tightly. The arrow in his leg sent pain searing through his muscles, making it difficult to move quickly. The smoke was starting to choke his system, causing his breathing to be short and quick.

"Hey Sothe, we've got another one heading our way," one of the thieves, a stocky man covered in black garb, warned as they spotted him. "He's got quite a weapon on him."

"Relax, Volke. Heather and I will take care of him," Sothe replied. He nodded towards a female thief. "You take one side and I'll get the other. We'll let Volke take care of our little swordsman and his friends."

Geoffrey gripped his spear and watched them carefully. To his dismay, they sheathed their sabers and reached for their crossbows. He took a deep breath as they began to load the bolts into the channel. His eyes locked onto Sothe as he walked in front of the soldier, his hand winding the crannequin; he knew Heather was behind him doing the same thing.

"That spear belongs to the Hylian army," Sothe commented. "How did a soldier end up in a backwoods village like this?"

"You know…I think I've seen this guy before," Heather said. "Wasn't he going to be executed in the city?"

Geoffrey cringed.

"Yeah, Heather. You're right. Looks like we'll just have to take justice into our own hands." They both lifted their crossbows and took aim.

The captain had one chance and he knew it. Lifting his spear above his shoulder, he turned around and hurled it like a javelin towards the girl. Unfortunately, he miscalculated where her voice had come from. The weapon flew to her right and landed a few yards behind her.

Without missing a beat, both thieves fired their crossbows at the unarmed soldier. Geoffrey was helpless as one found his shoulder and the other penetrated his opposite leg. The pain started to overwhelm him, forcing him to the ground. The two thieves loaded another round of bolts and began to tighten the string. In a desperate attempt, the soldier lunged after his closest assailant. Sothe reacted by bludgeoning him in the face with the stock of his weapon. Geoffrey collapsed back to the ground, his head pounding and the room spinning around him.

While he was disoriented, his body flinched as the two thieves fired a second round. Both legs felt like they had been stung by giant hornets. When he tried to move either limb, nothing happened. In fact, he wasn't even sure he could feel his legs anymore.

"We might as well finish him," Sothe said as he looked at the panting captain. "He didn't scream as much as I hoped."

"Wait…do you hear something?" Heather paused, looking around curiously.

"Probably just another house blowing up." Sothe placed another bolt in the channel.

"No, this sound is different. It's like an earthquake…or…"

"Or what?"

"I don't know. Like a stampede."

Even Geoffrey in his half-conscious state could feel the rumbling now. Though initially it was faint, it quickly grew louder and more noticeable. In fact, it was heading towards them!

A stampede had descended on the village! Over a dozen frightened goats trampled down the hill with little regard for anything that might get in their way. Epona and Zephyr ran amongst the animals, bolting for the exit of the village. Sothe's face hardened and he turned quickly to Heather.

"Quick! Kill him before we get crushed!" Sothe yelled above the ground's rumbling. Sweat dripped down the thief's brow as he fumbled for his crossbow. As he turned the crannequin, his hands shook, breaking his concentration. When the string was finally tightened, he concentrated on Geoffrey's vitals. The growing tremors caused him to sweat nervously. He released the trigger in one last desperate attempt. The bolt nearly missed the captain's heart, landing several inches below. Heather attempted to rectify his error, but the horns of a frightened goat threw her and her partner back before she could fire.

All around him, Geoffrey felt the pounding of hooves as goats thrashed around him, charging into his enemies and making a further mess of the village. It could only be the protection of the Goddesses, because somehow the frightened animals either jumped over him or went around him as they scrambled all over the village. As he lay there in a dazed state, he wondered if this was how he was going to die. As if in response, a strong hand grabbed him and pulled him to his feet.

"You okay?" Bo's face looked at him solemnly. "You look pretty beaten up."

"What about…the others?" Geoffrey asked. He could feel his consciousness start to fade.

"They're all fine." He nodded towards some of the other villagers. Talo had several cuts across his arms and face. Uli held Zen tightly in her arms but smiled when she saw the captain looking at her. Bo drew Geoffrey's attention back to him. "The goats bought us some time, but we have to go now."

"What about the other villagers?" Geoffrey tried to stand on his own but instantly collapsed. "I can't move."

Bo effortlessly heaved him over his shoulder. "Then I'll carry you." He nodded towards the others. "The others are waiting for us at the bridge. Let's go!"

The bridge connecting Ordon Village to Faron Woods never seemed so far. The villagers fled with heavy hearts as their beloved village burned around them. Goats crashed wildly against walls and fences, driven into a panic by the chaos around them. A few corpses littered the ground, most belonging to Scorpio. However, not far from the road, they saw Fado's body. There were several stab wounds across his chest. Uli covered Zen's eyes as the group carried on. If they could just safely reach Link's house, which burnt like a beacon of hope, they would be close to safety.

"There they go!" A Scorpio spotted them escaping the village. Several more, including Agahnim, spotted them as well.

"Fire at will!" he ordered.

Bo, Talo, Uli, and Zen furiously turned the corner near Link's house. The small wall acted as a shield, repelling Scorpio's projectiles as the villagers fled to the bridge.

"Don't just stand there!" Agahnim snapped at the men standing around him. "After them!"

A wave of relief washed over Bo and the others when they finally saw the bridge in sight. Waiting for them on the other side was Viscen and the remaining villagers. Fado and Jaggle were noticeably absent. They all hollered excitedly as Bo and the others rushed across the swaying bridge. That excitement quickly turned to panic when they realized their pursuers were just behind him.

"Why are you still here?" Bo shouted. "Keep moving! They're right behind us!"

"Where do we go?" Beth said. She brushed up against her mother. Her face was pale.

The Mayor shook his head. "Does it matter? If we get going, we can still make it out of here alive."

Viscen shook his head. "They're too quick. They'll catch us before long."

"Where's Fado?" Beth asked.

"He won't be joining us," Bo replied quickly.

"Oh," the young woman's eyes averted to the ground.

"They're coming!" Malo shouted. "Let's get out of here!"

"Bo. Put me down," Geoffrey demanded. "I'll stay behind and buy you all some time."

"But you can barely move," the Mayor protested.

"I am a soldier. I will die as one too. Put me down at the edge of the bridge. There's no time to argue."

"If you insist." Bo complied and lifted Geoffrey off his shoulder.

"Viscen, hand me your sword and take the rest of the villagers to safety. I leave things in your capable hands."

"But Cap'n," his underling protested.

"That's an order!" he snapped.

Viscen jerked back. He hesitated before offering the hilt of his sword. "Yes, Cap'n."

Geoffrey grabbed the weapon when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. "I hope you know what you're doing. May the Goddesses be with you," Bo said.

"And you as well," Geoffrey nodded.

"There they are! I will have the head of anyone who lets them escape!" Agahnim's voice called out. Scorpio had reached the spirit's spring and was gaining ground quickly.

The villagers began to panic and murmur among themselves. Several of them cast mournful glances to the columns of smoke rising from their village.

"Cap'n, I will see you again soon." Viscen waved a hand in the air as he moved towards the front of the pack. "Everyone! Follow me! And hurry!" he rallied. The soldier led the way to Faron Woods. Bo gave a firm nudge to get the first few moving, and the rest soon followed, leaving Geoffrey alone with their enemies.

The veteran soldier leered at his opponents from his kneeling position. His head was spinning like a vortex. The ringing in his ears was unbearable, and the pain from all his wounds overwhelmed his entire body. Still, he had one last mission to complete before he would hang up his armor for good. He would see it through until the end.

Raising the sword above his head, he sliced the first rope holding the bridge in place. It snapped and dangled loosely off the side of the trembling structure. He raised the weapon again and sliced the right rope. The built up tension sent it soaring to the side of the bridge, leaving no railings for Scorpio to lean on. All that remained were the two bottom ropes holding the platforms in place.

"He's cutting the bridge! Kill him before he finishes!" Agahnim yelled, unable to hide the urgency in his voice.

A volley of crossbow bolts sailed through the air. He gritted his teeth as the swarm of projectiles impaled his body like a practice target one after the other. His body recoiled and flailed from the impacts. Combined with his previous injuries, the pain was too much. He collapsed on his back, the sword falling out of his hand and into the abyss below. His strength left him and the surrounding world became hazy.

Two more ropes…but I can't move. Please. Goddesses. It can't end like this.

Several of the thieves started crossing the bridge cautiously. Without any handles to lean on, they walked as if on a tightrope.

I know I haven't always believed in you. But remember what I said I would do if you saved me from Durian's execution? I've made good on my word. I do believe now! I don't care what happens to me here, but don't let these monsters pass.

The bridge groaned furiously as the assassins stepped on it one by one. Little by little, the remaining ropes began to wither from all the added weight.

I don't know if I'll be good enough for the afterlife. But please…don't let me die in vain."

"Keep going!" Agahnim shouted from the safety of the edge.

Strangely enough, Geoffrey felt an unexplainable peace wash over him. Even as he stared death in the face, even as his enemies threatened to walk right past him, there was no fear or regret in his eyes. He knew everything would work out in the end.

I trust in your divine judgment.

The bridge's groaning grew even louder as the assassins approached the other side. The further they stepped, the more the remaining ropes weakened. Several stopped, wishing to turn back as the bridge swayed more, but the momentum of their comrades pushed them onward.

SNAP! SNAP!

The remaining two ropes finally gave way beneath everyone's cumulative weight. The bridge lurched from its fastenings and swung through the air, sliding Geoffrey's weakened body off the wooden platform into the abyss below. He could hear the rushing of water as whatever awaited him down there quickly approached. Through the haziness clogging his eyesight and the howling wind against his freefalling body, the weary captain could make out the Scorpio falling with him as the bridge slammed against the cliff. He found himself pitying them as he heard their horrified shrieks. Unlike them, he was ready to embrace death with open arms.

At last, he understood. The peace Uli had as she reminisced about Rusl. The confidence Zelda showed as her kingdom faced certain war. The hope Luda demonstrated as she prayed for each person in the courtyard. For the first time, the captain had a grasp of something greater than what he could see. After a lifetime of searching, he had finally come home.

These thoughts filled his mind as Geoffrey's body crashed into the rock-filled river. In his final moments, a satisfied smile spread across his lips: his sacrifice had not been in vain.

A/N- It's been a while since my last update. I didn't get the chapters out like I hoped. Skyward Sword got in the way of that. But now, I have finally finished playing through the whole game. I need a bit more time to reflect and play through it a second time to determine if it's my all-time favorite Zelda, but it's definitely one of them. While not a perfect game, I would easily recommend it to any self-respecting Zelda fan. It is truly an awesome game and you will enjoy yourself from start to finish. Has anyone else finished it? What did you guys think?

Anyways, this chapter was really long. I worked hard to make sure the length didn't detract from the quality. Hopefully, I succeeded. I also have a small request. If you don't already, please review. Til next time!