"You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you? Now don't think me rude, but I have been following you... For I know of a way to return you to your former self."

Chapter Twelve: Limited Answers

3 Rauru 1015, Aboda Village, Nodor Household...

"So, he's in there?" Ganondorf asked, standing in front of a steel door.

Osfala nodded and said, "I don't think that it'd be a good idea for you to go inside. One of his personas is very…xenophobic towards those that aren't Hylian. And even then, he also has several more personalities that wouldn't be too keen on speaking with you. Impa and I have already had a terrible time trying to get 'Link' to return to us. But he's not willing to speak with anyone."

Ganondorf looked through the observation window on the door, seeing how gaunt the boy became. Apparently, he wasn't eating either and it had been like that for a while. His blue eyes were unfocused, staring and wandering everywhere. It was as if the boy tuned out on life and didn't want to come back.

"This is…dire…If he continues like this, then…" Ganondorf said.

Osfala answered with, "Yes, he'll die. And according to Impa, the people of his village would rather have his demise, especially after what he did to Aboda Village."

The ashen-blonde one then explained how the child had powers he couldn't explain, along with personalities that were driven out of control, especially whenever he was stressed. It sounded like something in those books Riju loved to read and he said, "Whatever amount he needs for his treatments, I'll pay."

"About that…even treatments don't work with the boy. We're on the maximum dosage for him and if we push any further, then I fear that we'll cause permanent damage to both body and mind," Osfala explained.

"Still. I'll pay. But please, find a way to get him to learn how to…" Ganondorf said, not wanting to break his promise to Lydia.

"Maybe by tomorrow, the sun is gonna glow! And maybe by tomorrow, not gonna stub my toe! Or maybe by tomorrow, the snow is gonna blow!"

Ganondorf froze up, looking through the observation window, and saw that Link was swaying back and forth, singing to himself. Osfala's eyes widened and he said, "He hasn't done anything like that since arriving here."

"I thought he had a stutter. Are you telling me loses it whenever his personality…?" Ganondorf asked.

He then heard a dramatic shift in Link's tone of voice. He continued to sway, singing a song far too familiar to the emperor. It was an old Gerudo song about the trials of Nabooru, patron saint and ancient sage that fought to keep her tribe from the one he was named after, Ganondorf Dragmire I.

The man could see Link's eye color change to hazel, just like his, and Ganondorf backed away from the door. Osfala then said, "And any physical changes are subtle, such as his eyes changing color and his posture straightening depending on the persona. Yes, it was very, very disturbing to see the first time Impa and I saw it."

A knock at the door and Osfala dared not answer. Another knock and two ruby red eyes peeked from the observation door. There was curiosity in them and Ganondorf asked, "Um…?"

"Most likely a curious 'Ravio' or 'Yami'. Either way, as he's like that now, I suggest not opening the door," Osfala said.

The two left the area with Ganondorf shaken by what he saw. But the boy needed his help and he mentally vowed to do so.

"Heika, aren't you going to eat?" a younger Impa asked.

She watched as His Majesty, the emperor, sat on the bed in his bedroom and didn't move for anyone. It had been two months since the assassination of both the empress and the princess. Due to the disaster, the capital was put on high alert and no one was allowed to leave or enter the city. The castle's security became even tighter and even those that guarded Ganondorf were placed under scrutiny.

The 37-year-old was among them as the traitorous commander of the Shadow Corps, Yosuke Sasanuma, was her mentor. He had set the princess's chamber ablaze and killed Empress Jamilah and the retinue that tried to rescue her. He was close to killing His Majesty but was thwarted by Ghirahim, a squire brought into the palace along with his little sister three years ago.

After the funeral processions and cease-fires declared from Labrynna and Holodrum, Ganondorf was still inconsolable. He had refused to see anyone and most days didn't get out of bed. He even refused to eat, worrying people like Chancellor Cole.

"Heika, you have to eat. The empire will suffer if we lose you too," Impa told him.

"It will not. My sister can rule in my stead," Ganondorf muttered, his hazel eyes glazed over in sadness.

"Well, she's already trying to keep everyone together since you're still mourning. But…Heika, do you believe that Jamilah or Din-hime would want you to mourn them forever?" Impa asked.

The 32-year-old emperor looked up at his guardian. Impa knelt at his bedside and asked, "Do you think they would want you to stay sad forever or do you think they would want you to move on and live for them?"

"I…It's too soon to move on, Impa. You understand, right? Your family was wiped out like mine…but by monsters," Ganondorf told her.

"Yes. And I had no choice but to move on quickly as holding on to the sadness of their loss prevents their moving on," Impa told him, referring to an old Sheikah superstition.

The man sighed and said, "I don't think I could move on…My heart won't let me…"

"You're doing WHAT?" Agitha yelled.

Aryll, packing her things in a small traveler's pack, ignored her twin as she assaulted her with questions after telling her that she was leaving. She asked if her sister had lost it, but Aryll refused to answer. The girl packed things such as three small bottles filled with Red Potions, a wallet filled with 100 rupees, a few clothing essentials, and some dried meats. To prepare for her journey, the girl donned a white travel dress along with a black shirt underneath the dress, thick, black leggings, snow boots, and a leather armor overlay she "borrowed" from her mother's armor collection. She grabbed her thick winter parka, white in color, and her hat and gloves and put them on. Seemingly ready, the girl headed for the home's entrance and Agitha grabbed her arm as she opened the door.

"What are you doing? Why are you leaving?" Agitha asked.

"I already told you. I'm leaving to go find Link. He's not doing well all by himself. Not according to that letter the emperor sent Mom," Aryll said.

"So, what? You're just gonna drop everything and move to Hylia City? But you're only 12 years old and you can't live anywhere by yourself. That's illegal!" Agitha said.

"Well, Groose, Karane, and Pipit are going too. So, you can either come with us or you can stay here," Aryll said.

She was released by her sister and Aryll left the home. Once outside, she headed for the marketplace where Groose, Karane, and Pipit waited. They were buying weapons and provisions and only told the other villagers of their return to the mines and border wall. When they spotted Aryll, she only said she would see them off.

To her surprise, the remaining shopkeepers believed her, despite what her brother had done to the village two months ago. When the trio was ready, they checked their equipment, weapons, and provisions.

Karane was dressed in her usual light green winter armor, a poncho over her clothes to keep her extra warm. She armed herself with an iron bow and its quiver was on her back, holding about 20 arrows. Around her waist was a belt that held a few pouches and she carried small potion bottles and her wallet, the amount Aryll didn't bother to ask about.

Pipit also had his usual yellow garb on, but he added another layer of protection by buying a set of leather armor to wear over it. He was armed with a simple knight's longsword and an iron shield. He also had a pouch on his belt with a wallet full of rupees and dried foodstuffs.

Groose wore a warmer variant of his usual blue, green, and white attire. Like Pipit, he also chose to wear leather armor over his clothes. But he armed himself with a crossbow. Bolts were in a small quiver at his waist, but they glowed with a pale green color.

He handed Aryll a short iron sword and a small wooden shield. Aryll stared at it with great confusion, asking, "Uh...Why this?"

"Well, you're pretty good with a sword. I've seen ya spar before and ya need a weapon," Groose told her.

Aryll took it in uncertainty, not sure if her swordplay was all that great. Ready, the four headed to the stables, hitched Epona to a small wagon, and headed for the town gate. Before they could leave, someone yelled, "WAIT!"

Agitha came running towards them, also dressed in travel gear and in a blue parka. She carried two books in her arms and Aryll asked, "What? Why are you here?"

"I'm going with you," she told her.

"Huh? You're coming with us? Even though you hate him?" Pipit asked.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm only going to prove Aryll and you guys wrong. Link's not going to recover and I don't see how he will. So, I'll just go with you guys, prove you wrong, and scout out schools there that can teach me more magic. Then, I'll be able to get the heck away from this dump," Agitha said.

Groose shook his head, Pipit shrugged, Aryll frowned up and Karane said, "Well, more the merrier, right? Just don't be too much of a killjoy, okay?"

She made no such promises and climbed into the back of the wagon. Aryll did the same, along with Karane and Pipit while Groose elected to drive. With a small whack and Epona neighing in annoyance, the wagon took off, heading into the snowy mountains.

12 Fado 1015, the second day of the week, Link's room...

"What if tomorrow, the snow's gonna blow? What if tomorrow, the rain's gonna pour? If so, I'll be fine, fine, fine!" "Link" sung.

Impa, sitting in her usual chair, watched as he was on the floor, laying down on his back. He looked up at the ceiling and suddenly burst into a fit of singing. A large grin was on his face and Impa said, "You're in a good mood today. What gives?"

"Link" turned his head to face her. She came in alone as Osfala had other patients to attend to. He grinned and said, "I don't know why, but I'm really happy today."

"Oh...Hello there, 'Ravio'," Impa said, disappointed that the boy still didn't return to his original self.

"Ravio" gave another grin and greeted the Sheikah. Impa returned it and said, "Well, Osfala's not here, so I'll be here to observe you today. As well as a guest. But please, try to behave."

"Oh. Okay, "Ravio" said.

The door to the room opened and the boy's green eyes widened as he saw a man with long red hair, dressed in what looked like Gerudo armor enter the room. He seemed sheepish and asked, "Are you sure this is a good idea for me to be here?"

"Um…Who are you?" "Ravio" asked.

Impa glanced at the man and he said, "I'm…Galuf…a comrade of Impa Kaji's."

The boy tilted his head, as if confused, and said, "Huh? A Sheikah and Gerudo together? I thought you guys didn't get along or something."

"How did you figure that?" Impa asked, being careful not to rouse the one persona that would ruin her efforts at waking Link.

"Ravio" looked confused and started making quick glances around the room. Fear was on his features and he suddenly said "Wh-Wh-Where am I? I-I-I can-can't remember…M-M-Miss I-Im-Impa?"

Impa sighed and said, "Hello there, Link Nodor. Welcome back."

Link gave a small sigh and noticed the large Gerudo male in the room. He looked at him and asked, "A-Aren't you…? Th-The emp-emperor?"

Ganondorf nodded and said, "He's not going to suddenly lunge at me, right?"

"It seems that that part of him is calm…for now. But I wouldn't recommend extended stays…" Impa said.

"What ha-happened? W-Where am I?" Link asked her.

She told him how he was "gone" for two, going on three, months. He would constantly shift personas and his psychiatrist, Osfala, would say how dangerous they were. He had stopped eating for a month and everyone was worried he was about to expire. Link was frightened and asked, "S-So h-how…how c-c-can…?"

He started getting frustrated, his stutters becoming uncontrollable again. Impa nodded, reading his mind to figure out what he wanted to say. She then told him, "You should probably follow the advice you were given by the one called Oni, putting notes around the room and telling them things."

"S-So…j-just t-t-tell t-them…?" Link asked.

"Anything that will help ease your drastic persona shifts until we can find a way to permanently bring your personas under your control," Impa told him

Link's demeanor suddenly changed and he asked, "So, you're gonna get rid of me?"

Based on his tone and glare, Impa said, "And there's 'Nyx'…"

He looked at Ganondorf, who noticed the harshness in his sky-blue eyes. The boy muttered something that sounded like various Labrynnan slurs and the man looked to Impa. Impa put a hand on her kodachi and the boy noticed, saying, "I'm not gonna attack. I can't believe I'm stuck in here with you two."

"What do you mean by that?" Ganondorf asked.

"Well, Your Majesty, I don't like your or this 'shadow chick's' kind. Stupid gorjas and sneaky 'shadow folk'…" "Nyx" said, glaring.

Impa sighed and said, "This is 'Nyx', the personification of Link's fear of others."

"Keep saying that, lady. I'm not just a…" "Nyx" started.

He clutched his head, suddenly getting a headache, and he opened his eyes again. Looking at Impa and Ganondorf with sapphire blue eyes, the boy stammered, "Um…D-did I…?"

"Yes…You said things I'm sure you'd regret if you could remember," Impa told him.

She looked at His Majesty and he had a sad and disturbed look on his face. At least he knows how bad the child had it. They had to figure out the curse that was on him. And if they were to cure him of it, she was sure that the spirit within him wouldn't attempt to make any harm to His Majesty's life. Hopefully, Link would be grateful and see that attacking Ganondorf, the one she called "friend", would be a terrible mistake.

Maybe getting him to realize that Ganondorf wasn't the same one as the one the Kingslayer tried to fight would ensure the empire's peace and safety. And maybe he could get other countries such as Labrynna and Holodrum to make peace with Hyrule. Maybe, but it was certainly a far-reaching dream.

Two days later, Impa's chambers…

After watching the boy suffer another four seizures, the total being six that day, and having the nurses inject purple potion into his veins, Impa sat at her desk, speaking with Dame Lydia on Link's condition on the Sheikah Slate. The mother was very sad and asked, "So, he's…he's getting worse?"

"Yes. But I'm sure he'll start feeling better once the purple potion injections finally start taking effect. But Lydia, I'm afraid that you were on the right road in figuring out what is happening with him," Impa told her.

"What? He's possessed?" Lydia asked.

"Not possessed, but he may be cursed with something horrible. Same premise but different means," Impa replied.

"So, do you know how to rid him of the evil?" Lydia asked, the Sheikah Slate's screen glowing bright green with every word.

"Not yet. I have people working on it. I'm sure they'll come with a way in a few days. Until then, his nurses will keep him sedated and have him take the purple potions," Impa informed her.

Lydia sighed and said, "Do whatever it takes to save him."

"And Heika knows of his condition as he saw it first hand," Impa added.

Lydia was silent for a few moments and then asked, "So, he's…?"

"He's willing to pay for his treatment and vowed to do whatever it takes to cure him of his affliction. And hopefully, what your village elders wish will not come to pass and there can be peace."

"You told him what he is?" Lydia asked.

"No. But I'm sure he'll figure it out sooner or later," Impa replied.

More silence and the woman asked, "Hopefully, it won't come to that. I don't want to lose anyone else. And…um…have you seen a band of children in Hylia City, riding with a horse-drawn wagon?"

"No. Are you saying…Your children, they're headed here?" Impa asked.

"H-How did you…?" Lydia asked.

"My powers are strong and it was a bit obvious when you mentioned not losing anyone else. If I see them, I will be sure to send them back to Snowpeak, despite any protestations," Impa told her

Lydia gave her thanks and the screen turned back to its usual dark green. Impa sighed and felt a presence in the room. She turned around and said, "Show yourself. Stop hiding in the shadows."

She saw Midna jump down from the ceiling and the girl clumsily landed on her backside. The Twili looked up and said, "Ow…Um…Well, I found something and Byrne gave me this."

The girl handed her mentor a letter and the name Madame Couture was on it. Impa gave Midna a small smile and asked, "Did you ask Byrne for help?"

Midna, embarrassed after falling and failing to find information on her own, stood to her feet and said, "Yeah. I did…Sorry."

Impa opened the letter and asked, "So, what did he say?"

"Byrne said that he would do some research on all the known curses. And Fi and Sheik said they found something on some of the old curses. One of them is known as the 'Four Sword' curse, where if one cast it at their enemy, they would shatter into four pieces," Midna said.

Impa suppressed a shudder as her mind wandered to someone being able to modify such a curse. After getting her mind from such a dark place, she started reading Madame Couture's letter.

"Hello Impa, I read your letter and from what you're telling me, that child is suffering from a most ancient, dark curse. That curse is called the Animi Fracti. It was only used by those deemed a great threat to the old royal family of Hyrule and cast by the most powerful of Sheikah sorcerers, splitting their enemies and even turning them into monsters. I heard that the first emperor used it on the would-be Kingslayer when he attacked. But I digress."

"That curse is a modification of the 'Four Swords' curse and enhanced further by potent Shadow magic. That would be the reason why the boy is suffering seizures and rampant personality shifts, the unnatural magic that's coursing through his body. Anyway, he would need to find something powerful, something that can break the darkness and restore the light within him. There was something that could do it with ease, but it's been lost to history."

"The only alternatives I know of are finding a Light Spirit spring or using a light-filled object such as Light or Silver Arrows. But the latter would probably be used if the legends are true and the boy turns into a monster…Uh…But I've also heard that playing certain songs could help. If only you knew how to keep a tune. Pity…Anyway, that is all I know about that curse. Call me next time on the Sheikah Slate instead of sending a letter next time…Madame Couture," Impa read.

The Sheikah rolled her eyes, finding that the fashion icon as well as powerful witch of the empire didn't have any exact answers on how to lift the curse. And she just had to mention Impa's lack of singing skills. Well, singing wasn't something those that worked for the imperial family were known for. And she could keep a tune! Just…by whistling.

'Never mind her. We have about three ways to go about this. We can find a Spirit's Spring, but the Light Spirits all vanished after the empire came to be,' Impa thought.

"So, what did Madame Couture say? Is she making us new outfits? Because I could use another battle outfit. You see how this one I got on is really threadbare?" Midna asked.

The two then heard, "Madame Couture's making us new outfits?! We're all getting cool outfits?!"

Fiona came falling into the room after opening the door. Her brother, Ghirahim, rolled his eyes and said, "Fi, I told you that it's not good to eavesdrop on Impa. And why do you need another outfit? I just paid for two last month."

Impa looked at her ward, the newly appointed into the Shadow Corps Ghirahim Manjhi. The boy, a tall, medium build, platinum blonde around 17 years old, gave another huff. The Twili-Hylian "half-breed" wore something simple compared to his usual dark grey and leotard and black cape combo. That attire he wore at the time was black dress shirt, pants and boots, giving him the appearance of a palace worker than a member of the Corps. Impa was a bit shocked that he wasn't wearing the makeup he was known for wearing. He claimed it distracted his enemies and it did work, most of the time.

'Well, he does bring it on himself wearing makeup like that…' Impa thought.

"I do NOT! Seriously, can't I be expressive? And besides, the ladies here love when I look my best," Ghirahim yelled, apparently hearing the Sheikah's thoughts.

"Sure, if looking your best makes you androgynous like Rosado…" Midna muttered.

Ghirahim glared, but Impa thought he looked better without the makeup and crazy things he would do to his appearance. But, Ghirahim had always been a wild child. Always striving for some kind of attention, especially after Impa found out his and Fi's origins.

"I don't want to ever remember him…not after what he did…" Ghirahim said darkly.

Impa knew he was referring to his father, Lord Agahim Manjhi. The man left Ghirahim and Fiona orphaned and destitute when Fi was about eight months old. Even then, the man wasn't a great person to be around as he was constantly drunk and gambled most of the Manjhi family's money away. When he died, most nobility in the empire didn't mourn for him as he had married a Twili, who died after giving birth to Fi.

"And he would blame my mom and me for his lost status whenever he was drunk. So, can you please not think or even speak about him…ever again?" Ghirahim asked.

Impa nodded, switching her thoughts back on poor Link. The boy probably only had a few months at most to live if they couldn't find a way to break the curse. Fi interrupted her thoughts, asking, "So, are we getting new outfits?"

"No, Fi. You're not getting a new outfit. I've already had to pay for your last three," Ghirahim told her.

Fiona whined and said, "But we could convince her to lower the price. I really want to get that Torrent Robe she made in Hylia Girl Weekly. Please? Please? Please? It's only 600 rupees each!"

He refused and the two started arguing. Fi claimed that he never wanted her to have anything. Ghirahim retorted, stating all the times he paid for what she wanted. Impa couldn't help but chuckle as the scene was quite funny.

Midna, however, wanted to go back on the subject of Link's malaise. After quieting the two, explaining to Ghirahim what happened, and then turning the attention back to Impa, the Twili said, "And that's what we're working on."

"So, this kid's cursed? That's terrible…" the Twili half-breed said.

Fi nodded and said, "So, do you know how to remove something like that?"

"Nope. Did you try speaking with Madame Couture? Or even Master Ezlo?" Ghirahim asked.

"I've asked the Madame, but she gave me few exact answers. We have three possibilities, though. And no, I do not wish to bring too many more people into this as it is not a priority of the empire," Impa said.

"But the emperor's footing the medical bills for that kid. Seems like it's a priority for us now," Ghirahim said.

Impa shook her head and said, "He originally assigned it to me only, but after what I saw with that child, I figured that a bit of outside help was necessary."

"I thought we were supposed to work alone," Fiona said.

"You can ask for help whenever necessary, but you shouldn't depend on help all the time. That is one of the tenants of the Shadow Corps," Impa told her.

Midna nodded and said, "Yeah, 'cause that same 'help' would try to kill you later…"

"Anyway. I wish to keep this between us, Sheik, Byrne, and Heika. So, if you find anything, and I mean anything on the subject of the 'Animi Fracti', alert me. Do not speak with anyone else about this. Understood?" Impa said.

The group nodded in agreement and each left the same way they came in.

And now Link's malaise has gotten worse and Ghirahim's in the know. But this Ghirahim, like Ganondorf, Midna, and Fi, is much, much different than the original. Unlike the one who was Demise's weapon, this guy will be much more caring, if not overly protective of his sister, soul.

-miano53