Special thanks to all the reviewers who pointed out the grammatical errors in this chapter. As it turns out, when I wrote this chapter in Word, I was tracking my changes. As a result, any editing I did was still being tracked. When I loaded the document, all those changes came in as well and made it quite a mess to read. I've reloaded the document the way it was supposed to. Hopefully this chapter should be easier to read now.

"You tell me this now?" Zant's voice boomed as he stood outside in the night air.

Only minutes ago, he had been relishing in the fresh air that gave him a relief from the dank atmosphere below the mountain. However, Mudora's recent words had ignited a fury within him, and not even the chilly mountain air could cool his hot temper now. The veins on his forehead bulged and his yellow eyes squinted into small slits. He snorted and pounded his foot into the ground like a horse.

Mudora grunted his acknowledgment and turned his gaze to the forgotten village in front of him. Crevices and crags tore open the landscape and ruined buildings lay in disorganized heaps of old bricks. A pile of stone rubble stood as a marker where there once had been a well. The ground was scorched and dry; nothing had grown in this forgotten place for years. Hungry mice scurried through the rubble in search of scraps while a lonely wind swept through the ruins.

The deity shrugged his shoulders. "I doubt you would have followed me this far otherwise."

Zant stood still and glared at his master. He threw his hands in the air. "But…this changes everything! We had an agreement!"

Mudora did not answer right away. He folded his arms and continued to trace out the shape of each of the dilapidated buildings. As a cold gust brushed abrasively against his cheeks, melancholy in his eyes seemed to mourn for a culture that no longer existed. He let out a small sigh and responded at last. His voice was stern like a parent. "Perhaps for you. But for me, this changes nothing." He turned around, the hem of his robes fluttering in the wind. "Will you still remain loyal?"

The usurper's voice rose in intensity. "Do I matter so little to you?"

The ancient sage arched a brow. "You wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for me. Neither would…"

Zant cut him off. "I am well aware of my debt. And I have repaid it."

Mudora nodded and turned back to gaze at the village. "I suppose you have." He paused. "To be honest, I'm surprised you're still here. I know how you loathe me, though you hide it with stoic expressions and flowery praise. Your reaction right now confirmed it."

The twili looked off to a set of tombstones in the center of the neglected village. "I had to pick my poison: you or the Light Dwellers. I only chose you so I could make my enemies suffer."

The deity tilted his head in surprise. "You know the path of justice carries a high cost."

Zant was silent. His blood still simmered with anger beneath his skin, but he had enough self-control to restrain it.

Mudora turned to face Zant again. He tilted his head to the cave mouth nearby. "We have talked enough of this. I know you do not approve of my methods. However, if you will not act on those objections, then I want to hear nothing more on the matter. We have more pressing issues to attend to."

"Of course I won't act. What could I possibly do?" Zant grumbled.

The sage rubbed his hands together as if brushing dirt off them. "Which is why we're done discussing this." A somber expression covered his face. "More importantly, I sense the wind tamer approaching Termina even as we speak. He is no doubt looking for the next sage. It seems we have allowed his journey to be too easy."

Zant folded his arms and grunted. "I did everything you asked. I discovered the tower's location. I recruited as many monsters to our cause as I could find. And what have you done?"

Mudora boldly approached the usurper king. His superior height caused the twili to take a step back. "Love me or hate me; I don't care." He raised a hand as if to strike him. "But I will not tolerate disrespect!"

Zant knelt before his master with his face kissing the ground. "Forgive me, Mudora," he said grudgingly.

The scholar nodded and retracted his hand. "Your outburst is understandable, so I will ignore it for now. Make yourself useful and release it on Kari and his friends."

Zant lifted his head slightly. "And what will you do?"

Mudora began to head back towards the tunnels of Death Mountain and stopped. "I intend to set the next phase of my plan into motion. Termina is an ideal location to carry it out, especially given the bitter memories that place holds. However, I will need some time, so do whatever you can to stall them."

Zant paused. "Stall them? Why not kill them?"

Mudora laughed to himself. "I'm trying to give you a task you can actually handle. After all, one man has proven too much for you to kill."

The usurper king bit his lip. He tightened his fist, took a deep breath, and slowly let it loosen.

"Where are they now?"

Mudora smirked. "They are currently at sea. Come here and I will let you sense their location as I can." The villain stepped forward so his master could place a hand on his forehead. Mudora mumbled some words beneath his breath and lifted his hand off Zant. "Can you see them?"

The twili nodded. "Yes, I can." He stood to his feet once again. "Is that all?"

The sage nodded his approval. "Go now. We are done here."

Within a second, the villain disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The deity watched in silence as the wind took the dark fumes and swept them into the sky. Death Mountain towered above him, threatening to block out the morning sun with its own hot billows. The sage folded his arms and walked towards the cave. His footfalls were the only sound in the abandoned valley for miles.

"He hides his resentment well." He said as the cave's mouth loomed over him. His skin felt the air change as he stepped out of the sunlight and into the shadows. "Now to deal with my guest. I should handle this quickly. There's no telling how long my magic can keep him contained."

As the sage proceeded down the tunnel, small drops of water sprinkled his long hair from the stalactites above. The stone walls carried the sound of his footsteps down the twisting tunnel like a warning call. Beady yellow eyes peered from the darkness as the local Keese awoke to their visitor's presence. The deity paid them no mind, continuing down the path with purpose. His robes remained unsullied by the dirty, uneven ground as he walked towards the cavern where he had locked Geroshida away.

The ancient sage turned a corner and walked into the cavernous prison. With a snap of his finger, torches flickered to life, lighting up the cramped chamber at his command. The ceiling was warped and uneven with several dents as if struck by a large hammer. At its highest, it was no more than a foot above Mudora's head. The chamber's unconscious prisoner, trapped within a crystal barrier, barely fit his monstrous body in the room. With a wave of his hand, Mudora dissolved the barrier keeping his guest here. With it gone, the sleeping spell contained within would wear off within seconds.

Just as Mudora expected, Geroshida stirred with a groan. His entire body ached from his burns and injuries as he rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms. As the Gerudo sniffed the damp air, he sensed he was somewhere foreign. He stood up sharply to leave, but the stone cold ceiling pounded the thief lord back to the ground. As his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he noticed Mudora's figure in the torchlight.

"You!" He growled, rubbing his exposed head to relieve the pain. "Where am I? What did you do to me?"

Mudora scowled. "You won't even thank me for saving your life? I suppose I should have expected such from a common thief."

Geroshida's head throbbed with pain from his encounter with the ceiling. The room around him seemed to spin, throwing him off balance. Still, he had his pride. He rose to one knee but struggled to stand much further. "I don't recall asking for your help. Do you even know who you're dealing with?"

The scholar smiled slyly. "You question my knowledge? Perhaps a short display is in order then." He began to pace about the room, listing off facts like he could see them spelled out on the wall. "You are Geroshida, leader of Scorpio for fifteen years. You are of Gerudo descent, your mother was a prostitute, and your father was one of her clients. They are both dead now. You prefer solitude and enjoy playing chess alone in your spare time. You currently hold the Triforce of Power, and will stop at nothing to obtain the other two pieces." Mudora paused, the torch behind him seemingly amplifying his powerful aura. "Shall I keep going?"

Geroshida glared at him. His calculating eyes and stoic expression hid all signs of weakness. "I see you're no ordinary man." He tried to stand up slower this time, but his strength left him and he was forced to one knee again. His deep voice reverberated through the small chamber. "What do you want with me?"

Mudora nodded with approval. "That's more like it. Now we can have a civil discussion." He began to walk to the thief lord. "You and I share a common foe. I think we can help one another."

"What are you doing?" Geroshida growled as Mudora stretched his hand towards him. He grabbed the sage's wrist and held it there. "No one touches me!"

Mudora smiled. "I suppose this will work." A blue aura began to glow from Mudora's wrist. The large man quickly released his grip before he could be touched by it.

"I said not to touch me!"

Mudora sighed in annoyance. "Stop squirming and whining like a toddler. I'm trying to heal your wounds."

Geroshida glared like a threatened animal. "How do I know I can trust you?"

The sage shrugged his shoulders. "You don't know. But given the circumstances, you don't have much choice. You do want to avenge your humiliating loss to Link and Zelda, don't you?"

The thief lord was silent. He looked at the burns coating his arms and felt the scars blotting his face. He clenched his fist as a deep loathing bubbled to the surface.

Mudora grinned. "I thought you might." He walked back towards the wall and leaned his back against it. "As I said, you and I share common enemies. You want Link and Zelda dead. I want them and their friends stopped before they can awaken all the sages. By working together, we both benefit."

Geroshida shook his head slowly. "I work alone."

"Of course. Perhaps I should explain myself better," Mudora urged. "I am a scholar, not a fighter. I detest violence in all its forms. However, there are times when fighting cannot be avoided." He pointed to Geroshida. "This is where you come in. You seek to destroy them anyways. I can give you the power to do that."

The thief lord sneered. The cogs of his mind began to turn and scheme. "So you want me to do your dirty work for you? Does that mean I work for you?"

Mudora shook his head. "Of course not. I understand you're an independent man. I can heal you and direct you to the hidden power, but you will have to obtain it yourself. Once you walk out of this cave, you are free to do whatever you please. All I ask is that you stop Link and his friends, which you were planning to do anyways."

Geroshida lips curled into a sneer. This sounded almost too good to be true. "So all I have to do is find this hidden power and destroy my enemies? You won't be watching me or interfere at any point?"

The deity nodded. "That's correct."

The Gerudo held his breath. "And what of the Triforce?"

Mudora spit on the ground. The torches surrounding the cavern seemed to grow in size and intensity as the sage's anger aroused itself. "I despise the goddesses. I want nothing to do with their supposed power. Take it and destroy it for all I care."

Geroshida's eyes flashed. "I will be sure to do that. Now, tell me more of this hidden power."

The ancient sage nodded. His fury subsided and the flames returned to their normal size. "I will do so while I heal you. Since you refuse to be touched, I suppose I can do it from here. It will just take longer."

The Gerudo nodded. "I am a patient man."

Mudora's face lit up. "A necessary trait in any leader." He held up his hands and mumbled something beneath his breath. A blue aura emanated from his fingertips. It floated through the air and began to surround Geroshida, filling him with a new strength. With his hands held out to heal his newfound ally, the sage explained just what the hidden power was. "The power I speak of is an ancient demonic artifact called the Trident. It was once wielded by a powerful demon general when they warred against the Goddesses under Demise. Hidden deep within the Pyramid of Power within the Desert of Doubt, it has the power to transform its wielder into the King of Darkness."

Geroshida nodded, his mind soaking in every detail. "This place sounds familiar. I believe Gerudo legend speaks of this place, but I always thought it to be no more than a fairy tale."

Mudora shook his head. "I assure you it is quite real. I was there when the demons attacked." His eyes stared solemnly at a nearby torch. This time, they seemed to dim as the sage became lost in thought. He quickly returned his attention to the situation at hand and the lights returned to normal. "Anyways, the Pyramid is guarded by a tribe called the Zuna. They should be no threat to you, however." He lowered his hands and the blue aura disappeared. "You should be healed by now. How do you feel?"

The thief lord rose to his feet again, careful to lower his head so as not to crack it against the ceiling again. His muscles held his weight up with no problems this time. The pain from his burns had numbed. However, the scars covering his face and body still remained.

"Better than I was," came his curt reply. "I should be strong enough to get this trident you've been blathering about." He looked towards the exit. "So are you done? Am I free to leave yet?"

Mudora folded his arms. "I am not your tutor. You were free to leave whenever you wished. If you'll follow me, I'll show you the way back to the surface."

Geroshida nodded. "Yes, I think our business is done here. I have an organization to run and a weapon to find."

Mudora lead the thief lord through the underground paths until once again they were on the surface. The forgotten village greeted them with apathy, unchanged as it had been for years.

"Are you sure you'll be able to find the pyramid?" Mudora asked as they stood outside.

The Gerudo seemed grateful to finally be standing at full height. He basked in the sunlight and let its warmth caress his hard face. When he heard Mudora speak, he crossed his arms and turned to face the sage.

He grunted in arrogance. "My people are no strangers to the desert. If this weapon truly exists, then we'll find it."

"Very well, then. May you find success in destroying your enemies," Mudora said. He turned back towards the cave. "I have work I must return to."

The thief lord smirked to himself and didn't respond. With his back towards Mudora, he began the long walk back to Castle Town where his underlings awaited him. His mind plotted in mutiny. This unsuspecting fool would rue the day he treated Scorpio's leader like an imbecile. Deity or not, as soon as the trident and the Triforce were in his possession, he would put this violence-loathing, book-reading weakling in his proper place.

Balthasar's ship seemed to crawl through the ocean slower than a snail covered in molasses. The sun and moon fought for dominance in the sky in an endless cycle, making it impossible to know how long the ship had truly been at sea. The travelers quickly grew accustomed to this monotonous routine, and entertained themselves with whatever means they could find to pass the time. Some, like Colin and Tifa, mingled among the crew helping with chores or asking questions. Others, like Atrayu and Midna, secluded themselves to a section of the ship. The rest, like Kari and Link, did a little bit of both. Days passed by slowly as the captain and his men rushed around the ship to keep it on course. At night, the floating vessel changed completely. Every night, the captain and his crew hosted a music hour to lift the ship's spirit with homemade instruments and crazy songs. Dancing often broke out from those inclined to their musical nature, especially Tifa. Laughter, stories, songs, and music helped break up the oft repetitive life of the sailors and their passengers.

Surprisingly, Kari's complaints about the ship had quieted considerably. However, his face always contained a shade of white and his eyes glanced constantly at the vast ocean ensnaring him. He spent much of his time steering the wind or meditating, but each day he and Link spent some time in the afternoon sparring above deck. Their sessions were short and light; they often had to avoid working sailors or stop so Kari could change the wind again. However, it kept their instincts sharp and their close-combat skills ready.

It was just after one of these sessions that the two companions were resting.

Catching their breaths, they stood by the ship's railing and listened to the rhythmic slopping of the ocean waves against the hull of the ship. Gulls cried out from the sky as they glided on the untamed ocean gusts. The sun warmed the companions with its rays of liquid gold.

Link ran a hand through his sweaty hair and let the wind cool him off, inhaling the salty air with a deep breath followed by a contented sigh. He looked to Kari, whose red eyes stared at the sea with a nervous intensity.

"Still not used to life at sea yet?" the hero asked with a smirk. He contemplated throwing the Sheikah overboard to see how he'd react, but decided the idea was more dangerous than it was worth.

The Sheikah folded his arms on the railing and leaned forward. "You sure know how to brighten my mood," he said dryly.

Link blinked stunned. "Do you mean that literally?"

Kari's eyes followed a stray gull. "Of course not. Midna says that expression to me all the time. The words seem to express a message that is opposite of its literal meaning." He unfolded his arms and gripped the railing securely. "I hate the ocean."

Link nodded silently. Kari was finally catching on.

"Well, hopefully, we'll be there soon," the hero said indifferently, inhaling the sea salt into his lungs once again.

The Sheikah looked down at the frolicking ocean waves and felt his stomach drop. He backed away from the railing's edge and sat on the deck's comforting wooden floor. He grimaced as he felt the ship rock up and down to the ocean waves. "Link, I have something to ask you."

The hero turned, allowed the wind to caress his cheek and tug at his hair. "If you're asking for my portion of salted meat, then the answer is no."

The grave expression on Kari's face showed no amusement. "Actually, I have regurgitated my food several times since coming on this death trap. The floor's gotten quite messy so I've stopped eating."

Link felt some bile rise in his throat. He tried to swallow it back down. "I don't think I needed to know that."

Kari continued his thought uninterrupted. "Anyways, I wanted to ask you about Zelda."

Instantly, the hero tensed and the content smile on his face disappeared. "That's right. You saw our little conflict, didn't you?" He looked down at the splashing waves, his tone becoming defensive. "She wanted to go her separate way. I had nothing to do with that. Honest." He kicked his boots guiltily against the wooden deck. "Maybe I shouldn't have yelled at her, but it's too late now."

Kari was quiet as Link let out an exasperated grunt. The hero turned his attention back to the ocean.

"Actually, I was going to ask you about her Sheikah clothing," the wind tamer finally responded.

Link stood so still a bird could've nested in his hair. His lips closed up tightly. He didn't know if he should dread answering this question more.

"I want to know where she obtained them. If there are others of my tribe alive, if I am not the sole Sheikah, I would like to meet them. Perhaps I will not feel so isolated."

Link shrugged his shoulders and purposely directed his eyes elsewhere. "She has that kind of clothing? When was this?"

Kari hugged his knees close to his chest. "Well, she had them on when we played our practical joke. Colin said he found you two together. I was wondering if she said anything about them."

Link finally turned to look at Kari. "Nope, she didn't mention anything about it. Maybe they're a family heirloom. I mean…the Sheikah used to serve the Royal Family."

Kari looked into the hero's eyes hopefully for any elaboration. It took strong effort for Link to hold back what he really knew. He was too ashamed of the truth, of what he had done as Ordona. He bit his tongue and kept his face as neutral as possible until the wind tamer finally looked away.

"I see. Perhaps you are right," the Sheikah said. "Ever since Her Grace reappeared, my people have served her and her descendants faithfully. I just wish I could see this change for myself."

"Her Grace?" Link asked.

Kari nodded. "It is a long story. I will tell you tomorrow if you wish, but now is not a good time. Talking of my people would only intensify my longing for home."

The hero nodded and leaned his chin against the railing. The ship continued steadily on its course, creating rifts on the sides of the vessel and pushing water to the sides. A few larger fish splashed out of the water for air only to return to their watery habitat. As he gazed out on the horizon, it amazed him how vast the ocean truly was. An endless blanket of blue expanded for miles in every direction.

"To be honest, things are more bearable than when I first arrived," Kari said. "I have met new friends here, which helps relieve the loneliness. Many of you have suffered as I have." He got up from the deck and stretched his arms. He began pacing around, throwing mock punches and imaginary kicks. "My father was a harsh man and didn't show much affection. I'm still not used to it, but I enjoy observing your interactions together. I feel …like I am part of a new family."

Link nodded in reflection. "I'm touched. You've come quite a long way since we first met up on Death Mountain."

Kari blocked another punch. "I was not talking about you. I was mainly referring to Colin and the others."

The hero lifted his chin off the railing. "Please tell me you're joking. After all I've done for you!"

The Sheikah chuckled. "You're right. I was kidding." He pointed at the hero. "See, I'm getting better at this game."

Link could not bring himself to smile. The joke wasn't so amusing when it was used against him. "Yes, I suppose you are."

Kari became serious again. "Link, you've changed me a lot. I was trained my whole life to hate Hylians. I was told all of you were evil and selfish. You helped show me how wrong I was. It's a good thing we didn't meet several hundred years ago, or else this friendship might not exist."

The hero was silent.

"Actually, Kari," Link spoke up, "I've been meaning to ask you something as well. You know how Zant and Mudora have been looking for you? Can you think of why? Maybe if you remember how you got into that slumber, we can start to figure things out."

The Sheikah shook his head. "I've been trying. But nothing has come to me." He sighed. "I suppose I can continue to meditate on it."

Link rolled up the sleeves to his tunic and wiped the sweat forming on his forehead. Their sparring session had warmed him up despite the chilly air. "Well, perhaps I can get you thinking. I don't think I ever told you how I found you, have I? Unless I told you in my sleep."

Kari shook his head. "I can testify that you talk in your sleep, but you have not elaborated on how you found me. Is it really that important?"

The hero nodded. "I think it is and I'll explain why in a little bit. But first I have to give a little background of what was happening before I found you. That way everything makes sense."

The Sheikah nodded and sat down. "Very well. Begin."

Link turned his back to the sea and leaned against the railing. He took a deep breath before beginning. "Okay, where do I start?" He tapped his foot pensively for several seconds. "I guess it all began when I returned to Hyrule for the first time in seven years. I was on my way back to Ordon when I spotted a group of monsters in Hyrule Field. It struck me as odd, especially since they were out in the open. I'm not talking small fries like bokoblins or bulbins, but monsters ready for war, like Dark Nuts and Lizalfos."

"And that's exactly what Zant was preparing for," Kari agreed.

Link nodded. "Yeah, but we didn't know at the time. I wrote Zelda so she'd know I was back and what I'd seen. As for Zant, the monsters must've seen and reported me to Zant. He sent Atrayu to track me down, and then 'ambushed' me. I could've taken his monsters easily, but I let myself get captured so I could learn more about what was going on."

Kari let out a groan. "And how is this relevant?"

Link frowned. "Hey, I'm trying to get to that."

The Sheikah glanced from the corner of his eye at one of Balthasar's men swabbing the deck. "It sounds more like you're bragging."

"Okay, so maybe I am a bit. But if you want, I'll skip ahead a bit." He paused and looked up as he tried to think of where to resume the story. He shielded his eyes from the bright sun overhead. "So I guess I'll skip over my near-death experience with Zant and talk about how I got lost in the caves when I tried to escape."

"Is this at Death Mountain?"

Link nodded. "It is. Those tunnels are confusing."

Kari snickered. "Only for you. I grew up in those tunnels."

The hero scowled. "Well, good for you, but this is my story. Anyways, I stumbled deeper into the tunnels until I encountered an eerie chamber deep underground. It had a massive iron door guarded by a large stone Cyclops. I don't know if it could sense me or I'm just noisy, but it woke up and started attacking me as soon as I entered the room."

"Is this where you start boasting again? Kari asked.

Link shook his head. "Actually, I didn't have any gear on me. Zant had stripped me of my sword and shield." His face soured. "While I'm not proud of it, I had to run."

"So you ran? Then what was the whole point of going down there?"

"Well, I eventually went back. After all, big doors always guard valuables. I learned that a long time ago." He shook his head. "But I'm getting sidetracked. Before I could fight the Cyclops, I had to return to Ordon Village and grab some of my old equpiment. Ironically enough, I had a chance encounter with Talo on my way and saved him from bokoblins after the poor boy broke his arm."

"And he didn't recognize you?"

Link hesitated. "I was…disguised at the time so Zant wouldn't recognize me." He wasn't ready to tell Kari about his double life as a wolf quite yet. "Everyone else wasn't far behind him, so I didn't want to risk upsetting and scaring so many people. After that chance encounter, I grabbed my bow, arrows, and Gale Boomerang and snuck through Kakariko. I ducked back into the caves and followed a scent trail I left earlier to find my way back. After that, I made short work of the Cyclops. Once it toppled to the ground, the stone doors opened and I found myself in another room."

Now, the hero had Kari's full attention. "What did you find?"

Link hesitated for a moment. A gull landed on the railing and stared blankly at the feral warrior. He swiped it away with his hand. It let out a taunting cry and soared back into the sky.

"That's where I found you, Kari. The place looked like the site of some dark ritual; there were creepy blue torches and bones everywhere. On the stone altar is where I found you, fast asleep, with the wind waker firmly in your hands. There was also an inscription: "Only a familiar voice will wake the youth from his slumber." The hero stopped and looked at the Sheikah. "There was another ominous set of doors in the back. I tried to push them open, but they were sealed shut. Any of this sound familiar?"

Kari nodded slowly. "I can vaguely picture it in my mind like I've been there, but I can't remember when or why." He waved the hero on. "Finish your story."

Link folded his arms. "That's pretty much it. I used Farore's Wind to take us back to the surface and tried to shake you awake. You wouldn't stir for the longest time. Eventually, I got so frustrated that I just shouted at you repeatedly and sat down. Somehow that worked and you woke up. I'm sure you know the rest of the story from there."

The Sheikah stared pensively. "So what should we make of all this?"

Link paused. "Well, I have two strong hunches. The first… someone must've put you there for a purpose. It may have been to protect you or seal you away, but whatever purpose it was, I doubt it's a good one. Second…I don't think anyone was supposed to find you. Whoever put you there, and I'm willing to bet my life it was Mudora, tried to repel interlopers like me."

Kari nodded. "Those are good deductions. But it still doesn't explain the inscriptions or why I was put to sleep in the first place."

The hero paused. "Well, I'm a warrior, not a genius. I'm stumped on both of those accounts."

The Sheikah nodded towards the prow of the ship. "I am going to go meditate then. Perhaps I will be able to find some answers there."

Link stretched out his arms and looked towards the stairs. "Sounds like a good idea. I guess I'll retire to my room then. Same time tomorrow for sparring?"

Kari nodded. "Of course. Unless you're too weak to do it."

The hero smirked. "We'll see who's weak. Good session today though. I'll see you tomorrow."

The Sheikah waved behind him. "Of course."

The hero walked away from the wind tamer and climbed down the ladder to the lower deck. He always retreated to his private corner after the sparring sessions. It was here that he indulged in his forbidden delight, his hidden secret, of becoming a wolf. There, he would sprawl out on the floor covered in fur and sleep away the daylight hours. This had become the hero's daily cycle since boarding the ship. Later, he would become human and spend time with Midna out on the deck beneath the stars. She was the one person on the ship, outside Atrayu, who understood his double life and accepted it. This meant the world to him.

The sounds of ocean waves steadily softened as the croaking and groaning of the ship took its place. Link passed by several crew members and worked his way to a back corner of the cargo hold. He had crafted a makeshift room by stacking some boxes that weren't in use. Securing a rod to the top, he had draped a blanket the captain had provided to create a doorway. He wasn't worried about being cold; a blanket of fur was plenty to keep him warm. His only concern was the surprise of an unexpected guest. However, his corner was so far removed from daily foot traffic that anyone who came near had to be looking for him specifically. As long as he wasn't too deep in sleep, his enhanced senses could detect approaching visitors.

The hero was all too happy to return to his secluded sanctuary. However, as he pulled aside the curtain to his domain, he was greeted by an uninvited guest.

Atrayu leaned up against the back wall, her amber eyes bore right into him. Her arms were folded across her chest and her usual smirk rested on her lips.

The shifter's days aboard the ship were mostly spent in solitude. Whispers circulated about her when she wasn't around, but no one dared make eye contact with her on the few occasions she emerged from her room. Originally, she had made herself comfortable in the cargo hold. However, the sailors had refused to retrieve any supplies while she was down there, so Link had advocated a room of her own to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. The only times she emerged from her room was to catch her own fish, as she had promised the captain. The door to her cabin always remained shut. The only visitor brave enough to cross that threshold was Tifa. That's why Link was so surprised to see her here.

Surprisingly, there hadn't yet been a conflict between Atrayu and Colin. As long as the youth went out of his way to avoid the shifter, he was optimistic. He spent his time on the deck helping with chores, playing cards with sailors, or drawing to the rhythm of the ocean slapping against the ship's hull . Link wasn't sure if Colin had planned it this way, but the two archenemies seemed to be at opposite ends of the ship.

"There isn't much room here," Atrayu said casually, breaking the hero's train of thought. "And the wood is so hard. How do you manage to sleep down here?"

Link quickly checked past the curtain and around the corner. When he was certain no one was within earshot, he pulled the curtain closed. His voice was quiet bur harsh. "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how wolves can sleep anywhere."

She stretched out her arms and faked a yawn. "Of course you don't. But isn't a patch of flowers or a drift of snow more comfortable?"

Link kicked his boots against the wood. "Much more comfortable. But I don't really have that luxury here." He rolled his shoulders as he awaited a response. When she didn't say anything, his eyes sharpened and he got to business. "So why are you gracing me with your presence?"

Atrayu pushed off the wall and stood up straight. With her arms still crossed, her fingers tapped lightly against her shoulder. "I'm here to discuss our deal. Since I've fulfilled my end, it's time we talked about yours."

Link shook his head. "That would be helpful. You never told me what I had to do."

The mercenary's hands now rested by her side. "Well, I'm here to correct that."

The hero took a seat down on the hard wood and propped his back against a crate. He hugged his knees toward his chest. "I can feel my excitement already."

Atrayu stood over him. "Good, because you'll need it. You'll be facing Alpha."

Link leaned forward with interest. His heart beat just a little faster. "Alpha? Who's that?"

The mercenary's face darkened. "You've never met him? Consider yourself lucky." She leered at one of the boxes to her side. "He is the worst leader to ever rule Nevkah. He may be the strongest of the shifters, but even you humans have more honor than him."

The hero nodded slowly. "Sounds like you two don't have a great relationship."

Atrayu glared at him but didn't speak right away. The enclosed space felt even smaller. The thick silence was broken only by the ship's groaning. Link could feel his stomach rise and drop to the rhythm of the ship, so he stood up and rolled his shoulders.

"You could say that," the shifter responded at last. "He's the reason I was exiled. He's the reason my homeland is the way it is."

Link nodded in affirmation. "That's good and all, but what good will fighting him do? And why me?"

The mercenary shook her head. "You call yourself a shifter, but you have much to learn about your own culture."

"I never called myself that. You did!" Link spat back.

She ignored him and continued her explanation. "Leadership in Nevkah is determined by strength. The stronger you are, the higher you can rise. Alpha is the title reserved for the strongest shifter; he leads the country without question." She paused. "However, his power is not absolute. If anyone is able to best him in single combat, then he loses his title and the victor becomes the new leader. This is why you must do it; you are one of the only warriors I have fought strong enough to achieve victory. You also possess more honor than most men or shifters."

Link felt like he'd been splashed with cold water. "Wait." Unable to sit still anymore, he began to pace around the room. His mind worked furiously. "So if I understand this right, you're asking me to overthrow your country's entire government and then declare myself its new king? Isn't that asking a bit much of me?"

The shifter grunted. "And you consider your current quest easier?"

The hero paused for a moment. "Okay, I'll give you that. But I don't have time to get involved in politics. Why can't you just do it? You must have a lot of free time if you can hound us every day."

Atrayu scowled. "I've already tried to defeat him. That's why I was forced to become a mercenary."

Link felt like an idiot. "Oh." His pacing changed directions and he peered beyond the curtain one more time. "Even so, I can't promise to do this. At least not until this whole ordeal with Mudora is over."

The shifter stuck her tongue out, as if she had swallowed something bitter. "You will have to go to Nevkah eventually. You should know that one of the instruments resides there."

The hero glared at her. "How do you know we're looking for instruments?"

Atrayu shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "The little forest girl tells me all sorts of things."

Link slapped his face. "Din's Fire, Tifa. Why can't you keep your mouth shut?" He looked at the mercenary and his tone became more benevolent. "So about this instrument in Nevkah: is it difficult to find?"

The shifter chuckled to herself. "Your double-standard amuses me, but I will tell you nothing. Go ahead and find it yourself." She passed by Link and stopped by the curtain. "Maybe if you were more willing to help my cause, I'd be more willing to tell you what I know."

Link gritted his teeth. "I said not until Mudora is dead."

Atrayu shrugged her shoulders. "I will hold you to that then. Shifters do not break their word."

Link just nodded and looked towards the curtain. "Fine. But no sooner."

The shifter grunted. "We will speak about this again. I will leave you for now." She slid the curtain to the side and brushed past it to some unknown destination.

Link closed the curtain behind her and slumped onto the floor with a sigh. His hand resting against his forehead. He groaned as yet another complication was added to his growing list of responsibilities. His head spun just thinking about it, and he felt a growing knot in his chest. He didn't want to think of such things now. As he listened to the crashing of the waves on the other side of the wall next to him, he slowly released those thoughts from his mind. He felt at ease as he transformed. The comforting warmth of fur blanketed him as he sprawled across the wooden boards, let out a wolfish yawn, and fell asleep.

He didn't know how much time was passing while his eyelids remained closed like window blinds. His consciousness became engrossed in his dreams, tuning all noise out from the real world. In his fantasy world, he was hiking up a mountain, his equipment foolishly left at the base below. Rocks tumbled below him as he pulled himself up foothold by grueling foothold. As he climbed exhaustedly over a ridge, he saw a cave beckoning him. As he walked in, candles automatically lit his way. He continued through the tunnel until he emerged in a large, empty chamber. A woman waited for him; dark skin, black hair, and blue eyes that pierced through the darkness. Her voice beckoned him to come closer, called for him to approach without hesitation. He paused, allowing her comforting voice to soothe his anxiety before obeying. One step in front of the other, her smile grew wider as he approached.

"At last, you've come. I've waited so long for this. I never thought this day would come," her voice greeted him.

And suddenly, the dream popped like a bubble on a needle. Link slowly shook his head and placed his head on his paws. The soft creaking of floor boards on the other side of the curtain had roused him from his slumber. He heard a voice call out to him as if he were underwater. He hadn't entirely shaken his grogginess yet.

"Link? Are you there? It's me, Colin. Can I come in?" the voice said.

The wolf's clouded mind made it difficult to process the strange voice. He slowly opened his eyes, seeing the Ordonian's shoes shifting back and forth behind the curtain. He stared there, watching the pair of feet rock back and forth on its toes.

"Guess he's not here," the voice said. "Hopefully he'll find this if I place it on his bed. I'm sure he won't mind."

The words resonated in Link's mind like an echo. Suddenly, an inner alarm went off and the lupine warrior jerked awake. Like a compulsive gambler caught making a bet, Link realized the severity of the situation: he was about to be exposed.

As Colin pulled aside the curtain that had previously hid him, he jumped back with a shout. Link hopped to his feet and backed into a corner. He let out a slow, warning growl in the hopes that Colin would heed it and turn away.

To the hero's dismay, Colin didn't. Slowly, the cloud of surprise faded from the youth's face and a righteous anger replaced it. His brows sloped inward and his hand felt for the hilt of his sword. A small piece of paper he'd been holding dropped to the ground and rustled as it fell flat at his feet.

"This is Link's corner! Get out!" Colin threatened. His eyes locked onto the wolf with malice.

The wolf continued to stand there, not moving a muscle as his growl faded away. Link was at a loss; he felt helpless like a deer caught in a trap. What should he do? He couldn't transform or Colin would learn the truth. He couldn't attack or the Ordonian might get hurt. His eyes honed in on a small gap to the swordsman's side. His best and only option was to make a run for it.

Unfortunately for Link, Colin seemed to understand what he was thinking. The swordsman withdrew his blade and stepped to close off Link's only source of escape. He took a deep breath and mustered his courage. "Enough is enough. I've avoided you for Link's sake, but you've gone too far this time, Atrayu. You think you can just walk all over us however you want? Well, I'm putting an end to that now. Fight me like a warrior or I'll make the first strike."

Atrayu? Colin hadn't caught on yet? Perhaps he could use this to his advantage.

The wolf's blood was rushing now. He glared at the determined youth. Both knew confrontation was inevitable; Colin showed no signs of backing down. A wave of panic washed through Link and his hair stood on end. If he couldn't avoid Colin, perhaps he could scare him and cast the blame on Atrayu.

Link arched his back and bared his fangs. A low, resonating growl echoed from his throat. His blue eyes met Coin's gaze with aggression.

Colin stepped back but held his ground. He positioned his sword to strike. "Not gonna' transform? Am I not worth your time? Is that it?"

Link's heart was racing. Things were getting out of hand quickly. He snarled and growled at the top of his lungs, circling around the small enclosure with his eyes never straying from Colin. The youth's face was pale with fear and his wrist trembled slightly, but he refused to back down.

The swordsman stepped forward, intentionally slicing the air to demonstrate his commitment. Resolute blue eyes leered behind a weapon ready for battle. "I don't care you're stronger than me. I don't care I've lost every single fight we've had. All I know is that you took Papa from me and I'll never forgive you!"

Link jumped to the side to avoid a desperate thrust and then another. Colin's movements were predictable, but passion drove every one of them. Link growled and snarled as loud as he could, but the youth continued to corner him. The wolf felt his animalistic instincts begin to consume him; the anxiety of close corners, the adrenaline of an impending threat, the thrill of a fight. He couldn't remain passive any longer; he had to act.

The wolf was backed into a corner now with little room to evade. He was panting now, his teeth bared ferociously and an aggressive snarl holding the youth at bay. Colin stood over him, sweat dripping down his forehead and arms. He was breathing hard, nervous energy driving him on. He had the beast trapped and he knew it. Could it really be this easy? He didn't want to take any chances. He drew his arm back and prepared to thrust his sword once more.

The wolf in Link had had enough. He twisted his body so Colin's sword scratched against his side. He opened his mouth wide and sunk his teeth into Colin's sword arm. The Ordonian snapped his jaw shut to handle the pain and tried to jerk his arm away, but the wolf held onto it like a chew toy. The feral warrior derived delight in the viscous texture and bitter taste of the blood on his tongue.

The sword dropped to the ground and Colin screamed in pain. He brought his other arm around and punched the wolf in the head frantically. The wolf's head recoiled with each blow until he was finally forced to release Colin's arm. The youth stepped back, gazing in horror at the blood oozing from the puncture holes where teeth had been only a few seconds earlier. The wolf, with crimson-stained teeth, hovered over the sword and snarled.

Link saw a hatred in Colin's eyes he'd never seen before. His face fought to endure the pain while his lips moved to speak. The youth's next words burned themselves in Link's memory. "Monster." The Sheikah had called him the same thing as Lieutenant Ordona.

With blood oozing onto the floor, the Ordonian covered his wound with his other hand and rushed past the curtain out of sight. He heard the ship jump to life as Colin's scream carried across the floating vessel. Link knew he had to run. He dashed for the exit, but stopped as his paws crinkled against the piece of paper Colin had been carrying earlier. He transformed back into a human and picked it up. It rustled as he flattened out the crinkles and wiped away the blood soaking some of the edges.

Etched out on the paper in charcoal was a life-like portrait of Rusl. The details of the drawing captured the man's spirit, down to the sly smirk beneath his mustache and the confidence of his arm-crossed stance. He was posed with his sword in its scabbard, a smug look on his face as if preparing to meet a challenge. Some words were written in messy cursive towards the back corner; the blood had smeared some of the charcoal but Link could still make out what it said.

"His memory is always with us. To Link, from Colin."

The hero hung his head in shame. Colin had come to give him this. He spit out the taste of his friend's own blood. How had he sunk this low? The question lingered in his mind as he tucked the sheet in his back pocket and fled from the scene of the crime.