Chapter 17

Almost a month had passed since the...incident with the assassin.

In the weeks following, Ganondorf had become somewhat paranoid. In all his years of being king, he was no stranger to people trying to kill him. This kind of thing is to be expected after killing the previous monarchs. No one had ever gotten this close, especially in Castle Town. Even though he knew a simple arrow wouldn't kill him, he vowed that an incident like this would never happen again. Now he did try to take his mind off the incident by being hauled up by his work, training in his swordplay, exercising, anything really, but nothing seemed to fully relax him. It got so bad that it started to affect his health, physically & mentally. Under heavy persuasion from his subordinates and the royal doctor, Ganondorf decided to go to Termina to help him relax for the next three weeks.

Ganondorf stood in the courtyard as his luggage was loaded into a carriage. With him was Aveil, who had planned to tag along as his bodyguard. Ghirahim, Cole, and Nabooru accompanied the courtyard giving their send-offs.

"Everything will be taken care of while you're in Termina, your majesty," Ghirahim assured.

"Castle Town and all of Hyrule will be safe in our hands," Cole declared.

"We'll do everything to ensure that it stays that way, my king," followed Nabooru, not noticing the stink eye given by Ghirahim & Cole.

"Very well. Lord Ghirahim, the security of the castle is in your hands. Chancellor Cole, I trust you to watch over the kingdom's affairs. If there's any emergency, alert me as soon as possible."

"You have my word, sire. I'll even keep an eye on Vaati. Make sure he's doing his job rather than visiting a brothel," Ghirahim promised with glee, no doubt looking forward to pestering Vaati.

"If there isn't anything else to discuss, I will go. I will return in three weeks."

"Have a good trip in Termina, your majesty." Nabooru bowed to him, followed by the Lord & Chancellor.

Ganondorf stepped into the carriage, followed by Aveil, neither of which gave Nabooru a second glance. Ghirahim, Cole, and Nabooru watch the carriage leave until it is out of view. They return inside the castle once the carriage is out of sight.

"Is there anything you both need me to do?" Nabooru broke the silence as they walked through the halls.

"Check on Vaati to see what he has to report," Ghirahim answered, clearly disinterested in talking to her. "After that, make sure some part of the castle is clean or something…."

"Are you sure there isn't anything else I can do?"

"What could you possibly mean?"

"Like...Helping out in taking care of Hyrule."

Both the Lord and Chancellor started at each other with puzzled looks. Then they both let out amusing chuckles.

"I'm sorry, you poor child, but last I checked, Ganondorf put US in charge of the kingdom, not you," Cole chided.

"And you want to know why?" Nabooru did not speak as Ghirahm slowly stalked toward her. "Because we are King Ganondorf's best people. We know how everything works. On the other hand, you don't have the intelligence for such a job, which makes you useless, and the king knows it. He trusts Cole and me more than he'll ever trust you." Ghirahim got close enough to the Gerudo woman to touch nose to nose. "We're not saying this to be mean, we're just stating facts, and sometimes facts don't care about your feelings. Best let the adults do their job."

"I...I guess." Nabooru stuttered as she tried to hide the uncomfortable tone in her voice. Thankfully Ghirahim moved a few spaces back after she answered.

"Look on the bright side. You'll have more free time on your hands these next three weeks. That should fill you with joy! You can do whatever you please. Read a book. Go out into town. Or spend time with your friends...if you even have any," Ghirahim muttered at the last part. "I quite envy you, to be honest."

"I suppose that is something to look forward to too."

"There you go!" Ghirahim clapped his hands together, and a sardonic smile grew across his lips. "Looking at things from our point of view. Perhaps you're not useless after all!"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Now we have important things to do." He gave her a shoo gesture as if she were a dog. "You run along now."

The Lord turned heels down the hallway with The Chancellor, not even sparing Nabooru another glance as she stood with her eyes downcast.

"Lady Nabooru?" A voice startled the Gerudo woman. Turning around, she saw Karane.

"Knight Karane. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you."

"Do they always talk to you like that?"

Nabooru looked at the redhead in bewilderment. "Pardon me?"

"The way the Chancellor and Lord Ghirahim speak to you? Doesn't that bother you?"

"It's nothing to be concerned with."

"You know you don't have to take that."

"I assure you there's nothing wrong. Now I must go and attend to my duties."

Nabooru quickly walked out of the hall before she could hear Karane utter another word. Truth be told, she was surprised and a little grateful that Karane, someone she barely knew, showed concern for her wellbeing. But Nabooru doesn't want to plague someone with her issues. She hates feeling like a burden, a feeling she had come to hate after growing up being thought like that. The last thing she needs is to add someone to that list. So she continues doing what she had done since her mother's death. Take the insults and pretend that they don't even hurt.

Later that evening...

Within Castle Town lies a place called 'Telma's Bar.' It is a popular place for many to drink & eat, listen to a live band, and spend time with friends. It was also popular with the soldiers to spend their off-hours.

Among them is Karane, along with Pipit, and their other friend Shiro, who had invited both. Karane sat at the bar with a bowl of Creamy Heart Soup, a favorite dish, in front of her. She barely took a few bites from it as her mind was elsewhere.

"Karane?" Pipit's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "You okay? You hardly ate your soup."

"I'm fine. Just thinking."

"What's bugging you?"

"I don't think now is the time to discuss it."

"Don't give me that, Karane. I know something is eating you. You can tell us."

"Yeah, 'Rane, we're all friends here," Shiro added.

A sigh escaped from the redhead. "I was doing more morning patrol near the castle gates. The king had just left for Termina, where I stumbled upon Nabooru with Lord Ghirahim & Chancellor Cole. They said some...unkind things to her."

"What do they say to her?"

"She offered to help them take care of Hyrule, but they say she wasn't smart enough to understand, making her useless. They talked her down as if she was a child."

"They really said that?" Pipit had a perplexed look.

"That's only part of it...Last month, on the morning of the incident with the assassin, I overheard a conversation between Nabooru and the king. She wanted to join the Gerudo guards, but he turned her down, saying that she was weak and would not last long." Her expression grimaces. "It's like none of them value her. And the crazy thing about it, none of which looked like it bothered her. "

The pair of men remained quiet as Karane sipped her drink.

"I'm pretty sure it isn't anything serious," Shiro assured her.

"How is being called weak, useless, and stupid not serious?!" Karane raised her voice, causing the men to jump. "Sorry. It's just...I don't like bullies."

"When we were younger, there used to be these kids that like to bully the children in our village, Karane and me included," Pipit disclosed, Karane's eyes downcast as she recalled the memory.

"Ah, I'm sorry to hear that," Shiro said sympathetically.

"Don't be. Those idiots stopped bothering everyone after I gained the courage to punch one of them. I wanted to do that to Ganondorf and his lackeys for the way they talked to Nabooru.

"I don't think that'd be a good idea."

"You're suggesting I shouldn't care?"

"I'm suggesting that you don't do anything rash. Let me ask you this: Do you know Lady Nabooru well?"

"Not...really."

"Have you seen those interactions before?"

"Just those two alone."

"Then you can't be too sure. I'm not saying you shouldn't care, but don't jump to conclusions."

The redhead placed a hand on her head as an exasperated breath escaped. "I know you mean well, but something about this just doesn't sit well with me."

"Then just wait and observe. When you're certain, talk to me about it."

"I'll keep that in mind." Karane straightens herself. "I think I'm gonna head back to the barracks and call it a night."

"I'll walk with you," Pipit offered. "I'm also feeling tired."

"Sorry if tonight isn't how you planned," Karane apologized.

"Don't worry about it. There'll be other opportunities," Shiro assured.

"You coming back with us?" Pipit stood.

"I think I'm gonna stay for another round of drinks. I'll catch you guys later."

"Stay safe now."

"You too, Pip. Same to you 'Rane."

The pair left the bar and exited back to the streets. Shiro remained on the bar stool. With his companions gone, the bar had become quieter.

A heavy woman with red hair that had each strand of it in mini braids tied up in a ponytail and had brown skin made her way towards him across the bar, dawning a friendly smile.

"Another drink, soldier?"

"Don't mind if I do, Telma."

"Haven't seen you in a while. How's life in the castle doing for you?" Telma grabbed a bottle and poured the contents into Shiro's cup.

"His royal majesty left for Termina this morning, so things have quiet. Quieter than has been for the past month since the...incident. "

"Sounds like you've been working hard, honey."

Shiro smiles back at her. "That's the life of a royal guard. How are things here?"

"Same old. Serving drinks and food and dealing with drunk morons. All that good stuff."

"And you say I work too hard." Shiro glanced around the bar to ensure no one was listening in. Thankfully the patrons seemed preoccupied with their business to care. "Someone hardworking like you deserves a...tip." Shiro reaches into his shirt and pulls out a small bag and an envelope. He puts the bag on top and slides the materials toward Telma. She glances down at the envelope to see the name 'Impa' written across.

"I appreciate the generosity." Telma gently took the materials.

"Give Linebeck and the others my regards?"

"Will do. You have a good night, honey." Telma gave a wink before walking away.

Shiro took his cup and emptied it with one chug. He got up from the bar counter and went straight for the door. Once outside, he took another glance around before making his way back to the castle.

The Next Day...Resistance Base Camp

Zelda strolled through the camp, watching the inhabitants going about their day. To her side, she notices the Ordon children playing with the other kids. Since saving their parents from the Lake Hylia camp, Beth, Talo & Malo appeared to be in better moods.

As she searched, she spotted Ashei and Malon sitting on a small wooden table with a pitcher in the middle.

"Hello, Malon. Hello Ashei. May I sit here?"

" 'Course," Ashei responded.

Zelda pulled a chair out to sit down. Malon poured the pitcher's contents into a glass and gave it to Zelda.

"Thank you." Zelda takes a sip out of it. "What is this?"

"Tabantha Tea. My specialty," Ashei expressed.

"It's good," Zelda drowsily answered.

"Are you okay, Zelda? You sound tired," Malon asked with a concerned tone.

"Beth's dad, Hanch, had another episode last night."

No explanation was needed for the other women to understand what Zelda had meant. It had been about a month since the other Ordon villagers had been rescued from the Lake Hylia labor camp. The rescued Ordnionians moved next to Link & Rusl's tents. Their torture may be over, but the memory of the horrors they had to deal with during the two months they were there remained. This month, there had been several incidents where Fado, Beth, or Talo's parents would have a sudden flashback and needed to be calmed down, mainly by Rusl and Uli.

"Is he okay?"

"He's better now. Poor Beth has a hard time understanding. I don't think any of the children do."

"I remember Fado telling me what went on at that camp. It must be tough for them to move on after dealing with such traumatic experiences," Malon mentioned. "I can't even imagine going through those horrible things."

"All they need to do is recover and time. Is all they can do," Ashei stated.

"Can they really?" Malon wondered.

"After my father's execution, I was in a bad place. I was a teenager angry at the world and would use any excuse to take out my anger. Despite that, Impa, Auru, Sheik, and Shad were all patient with me. They understood I was in pain and offered their ear whenever I needed it. Recovering from a traumatic experience is hard, but it becomes easier when surrounded by people who care for you. I think your people are in good hands, Zelda."

"I'll be sure to remember that."

"Ah, there you are, Zelda."

"Auru?" Saw the older man approach her. "Is everything alright?"

"Is Link around?"

"He went out hunting a while ago. He should be back soon. Why do you ask?"

"When he returns, you both need to report to Impa immediately. She says it's an important matter to both you and your sister."

"Glad to see you made it back safe, Link!" Fado greeted as he grabbed Epona's bridle.

"Malon left you in charge of the stables?" Link hopped off his horse.

"Yep! She's good at this type of thing. Taught me a lot of stuff."

"Does that mean I don't have to worry about chasing goats or cuccos around this camp?"

"I'm certain of it. Maybe I have a future being a rancher after all," Fado paused as his expression went downcast. "...Just wish my folks could be here to see me."

"I'm sure they're proud of you," Link smiled.

"You're probably right. Anyways, you need help carrying that?" Fado motioned to the large buck on Epona's rear.

"No worries, I've got it." Link flung the large dead buck over his shoulder without struggling, grabbing another bag as well. "See?"

"If you say so. I'll see you later!"

Link gave a wave as he made his way through the camp. The large deer over his shoulder did earn him a few stares from the camp residents. He dropped off the buck and a bag filled with birds at the cooking tent, where the head cook, Henya, thanked Link and yelled to her husband, Rusta, to prep the game for dinner later.

"Oh good, you're back!" Zelda's voice caught his ears.

"Zelda, hey. What's wrong?"

"Impa requested to meet us."

"Now?"

"Yes. C'mon." Zelda took the lead as Link followed her closely. "How was hunting?"

"Got several birds and a huge buck."

"That's good."

"So, any reason Impa wanted to see us?"

"Auru said it was something that both of us and Ilia would be interested in and wanted to talk to directly to us."

"Let's not keep her waiting."

The pair continued their walk until they arrived at Impa's tent. Twilight was curled up near the front, perking her head up when she saw the Hylians. The friends each gave her a quick pat on the head before entering the tent.

Inside, Impa stood at the table with Auru by her side. Also with them were Sheik and Ilia.

"You got here pretty quickly, baby sis," Zelda commented.

"She was already with me when we heard Link returned," Sheik casually told her.

"Oh?"

"Yep," A light blush grew on the teen's cheeks, which made Zelda arch an eyebrow.

"Now that you three are here, we can get started. I may have your next mission. One I think would interest you three." The elder sheikah eyed Zelda and Ilia. "Specifically, you two."

"Why?"

Impa glanced at Auru for a moment before turning back. "We found Bo."

All three Ordonians in the room couldn't speak. Zelda and Ilia were the most speechless.

"Dad's alive?! When you find out?" Zelda asked.

"Shortly after your return from Lake Hylia."

"You've known that for that long? Why did you keep it to yourself until now?!" Ilia demanded.

"Because your father is being held prisoner in Hyrule Castle." The serious tone of Auru's voice indicated that there was something unpleasant.

"Hyrule Castle is the most highly secure place in the entire kingdom. Anyone who attempts to break in never comes back out, alive that is," Sheik explained to Ilia, who then calmed down and muttered a sorry.

"I did not want to send you there without a proper plan. As Sheik said, the Castle is heavily guarded," Impa stated.

"That is...until now," Auru added.

"What do you mean?" Link asked.

"We have contacts within the capitol who keep an eye on what occurs there," Impa answered. "About a month ago, an attempt was made on Ganondorf's life by a lone assassin, who then killed himself. Ganondorf had become so paranoid that it started to affect his health, so his doctors advised him to take time off. Yesterday he left for a three-week retreat for Termina, taking his best security detail, expecting another attack while he's on the road."

"And not expect an attack at the castle while he's away," Link concluded.

Which way now may be the perfect time to pull a rescue mission.

"Did they say anything about Mom?" Zelda gave a hopeful look.

"My contact mentioned that something he should discuss with you in person. That is...if you want to take part in this."

"Want to take part? Of course, I'm gonna take part!"

"I'm defiantly tagging along," Ilia declared.

"Count me in as well," Link chimed in. "He was there for me when Dad vanished. I can at least return the favor by helping him."

Impa was quiet for a moment. "Are you three sure you want to do this? I'm not going to lie to you. This won't be like Lake Hylia or previous missions. You'll be entering the Lynel's Den."

"My parents adopted me. They raised and loved me..." Zelda started. "When our village was attacked, I couldn't do a damn thing to help them. I felt so helpless. This may be our only chance to save them, and I'll be damned if I don't help."

"Very well...If you three are sure, then I will allow it. But it won't be easy. Even with Ganondorf gone, there will be obstacles for you to face."

"As if that had ever stopped us before," Link quipped back.

"Getting into the castle will be the least of your worries."

"What do we worry about?"

"Not 'what.' More like 'who.'"

Sheik then went over to a desk and took what looked like pieces of paper. He then went over to the table and placed them there. These pieces of paper had pictures of several individuals. Three men and two women, to be exact.

"These are people Ganondorf trusts dearly." Impa pushed the first image to them. "Let's start with one you guys should be familiar with."

"Vaati…" Link hissed.

"According to our contacts, he had been demoted to handling issues of Castle Town due to his failure at Lake Hylia. You may run into him. We all know what he's capable of, so you must be careful."

Auru pushed forward another picture. This one was a man with orange hair and a mustache. He was wearing a green coat and a matching-colored top hat.

"This is Chancellor Cole, Ganondorf's advisor. Once he served on the council of the old Royal Family, now he's one of Ganondorf's devoted followers." A hint of venom spewed in Auru's voice. "He's not a fighter, but he is not to be trusted. He'll stab anyone in the back to stay in Ganondorf's good graces."

"So he's a sleazy politician?" Ilia stated.

"If you want to put it that way," Auru replied.

This time Sheik was the one to push up two pictures. Both were two women. They both had the same colored dark skin, red hair in a ponytail, and yellow eyes. The only thing differentiating each other was their clothing.

"These women are Gerudo."

"This one right here is Aveil." Impa pointed to the picture of the Gerudo in red. "She's the leader of the guard and commander of the army. Fortunately, she had left with Ganondorf, so you don't have to worry about running onto her. But if she returns, be warned, she is a skilled fighter."

"What about her?" Zelda looked over to the other Gerudo dressed in pink.

"Her name is Nabooru. She's a devoted servant to Ganondorf. She is no fighter, so she shouldn't be a threat. Her mother, Neanatu, was one of Ganondorf's skilled warriors."

Link arched an eyebrow. "Was?"

"Neanatu died suddenly from a hidden illness around a decade ago, so they say," Impa revealed.

"But the fact remains that Nabooru won't pose a major threat but is someone you can't trust, just like the rest of Ganondorf's followers," Sheik said. "Do you understand?"

All three Ordonians nodded their head. Zelda looked over to the final picture. This one is a Hylian man with white hair and pale skin. The man's left bang covered his left eye. And he looked to be wearing purple eye shadow on his exposed brown eye.

"This is Ghirahim." Impa pushed the last picture to the Ordonian's side. "He is Ganondorf's second-in-command. His loyalty goes even beyond the others. If Ganondorf tells him to put a sword through someone's chest, he'll do it without a second thought.."

"A skilled killer. Sounds like someone Ganondorf would want to work for him," Link commented dryly.

"You all need to be careful if you come across him."

"We understand," Zelda complied. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow might be the best. I cannot come since I'm a wanted fugitive, so Auru will lead this mission. Any questions you have, you go directly to him, understood?" the trio nodded. "Good. I suggest you three start packing."

"I'll go tell Ashei & Shad. I'm sure they would also like to help," Auru promised.

All three Ordonians and the older man left the tent. Only Impa and Sheik remained inside.

"Is it wise to let Zelda & Ilia tag along? Their close connection may cause them to do irrational things."

"I know, Sheik. But even if I share your sentiments, I can't stop them."

"Well, I'm tagging along too. Someone needs to look out for them."

"Both or one of them?"

Sheik looks at his master questioningly. "What do you mean?"

"I don't need to be a Sheikah to see that you spend most of your time with Ilia, especially since we returned from the lake. Mind sharing what's all that about?"

"She was interested in our culture, and I offered to share my knowledge. And a few days after Lake Hylia, she asks if I could teach her how to better defend herself."

"That's all?"

"Yes," Sheik answered defensively before returning to his original tone. "I'm going to go pack for tomorrow. I will see you at dinner."

"Very well."

Impa stood as she watched Sheik leave her tent. A sense of anguish was felt in her chest. The same kind of feeling a mother would feel for their child. While Sheik may not be her blood, Impa was cared for as if he was. She appreciates his dedication to focusing on the rebellion, but sometimes she wishes he wouldn't push himself. Sheik was so severe sometimes, even for a Sheikah, Impa had to remind herself that he was still a seventeen-year boy, not even a full adult.

It had always been that way since Impa found him when he was a young child, just after becoming an orphan. He put all his focus into his Shiekah training and the rebellion. It had made her worry about how he will cope should the time come that Ganondorf would be defeated and Hyrule no longer needed The Resistance.

Would Shiek one day settle down or find something to put his focus on? Love sometimes blooms in the least likely places. Certain members of the camp were clear examples of that.

Impa was not in charge of his decisions, but if there was one thing, she wanted Sheik to be happy.

Sheik's mind was occupied as he walked through the camp. It was common for that to happen. But unlike now, it wasn't on the mission. Looking to his side as he walked, he saw her.

Ilia was still with her sister and Link, who was talking to other Ordonians. Probably explaining to them what would transpire tomorrow. He didn't hear what they said, for Sheik focused on Ilia. When she turned in his direction, he turned his head and quickly walked away. His heartbeat was racing a bit, and his face turned slightly red. Sheik couldn't understand why he felt this way when he didn't want to.

As hard he tried to deny it, he did find some things about Ilia that were...charming. She's pretty and has those alluring green eyes. Of course, looks don't define a person. Her determination to look out for other people and her kindness speaks volumes.

Those thoughts were quickly pushed out of Shiek's head. They were nothing but infatuation. Even if they weren't...Sheik couldn't be in a relationship, primarily for personal reasons.

The kind of life he had lived is drastic compared to Ilia's. He had seen and done things no one should do by the time he reached his current age. No one would understand his struggles, and he did not want to burden a potential partner with those.

Sad as it sounds, Sheik figured it was for the best.

And finally we made it to where the last fic was left off. Thankfully I intend to continue this version because I actually planned it out this time. Plus, it's also a good way to celebrate the announcement of Skyward Sword coming to the Switch.

Poor Nabooru is just not treated well, is she? At least Karane is concerned for her. Also, Telma appears but don't worry we'll see her some more. They'll also be some more familiar faces from previous games joining the cast next chapter. Who you may ask, you'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.