"He who touches it will have whatever he desires granted... That is what you said, is it not? Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!"

-ancient king

Chapter Fourteen: Arrivals and Departures

Hylia City, 12 Fado 1015, city gates, late night…

After waiting in the river town of Mido for three days as a massive blizzard had rolled in, the party of the Nodor twins, Groose, Karane, and Pipit arrived at the eastern gate of Hylia City. With Epona pulling the wagon, the group slowly made it to the iron gates, where Aryll gawked at the five tiers that made up the city. It looked kind of like a cake to her, with the palace being on the 5th and highest tier.

Pipit headed for the gate and peeked through a small window in the city's east wall. He smiled and said, "We're a party of five from Snowpeak Mountain. We would like passage into the city so we can visit a friend of ours in Sunnyside Hospital."

"Entrance visa?" the guard asked.

"'Entrance visa'? We're citizens of the empire. I don't think we would need one," Pipit retorted.

The guard, sticking his head out of the window, said, "You're from a different province. Only those with entrance visas and imperial stamps proving they live here can enter."

"So, how the heck is anyone supposed to get in?" Groose yelled.

"Go back home or else I'll call the…!" the guard threatened.

"I'll take care of this."

A white-haired woman in Sheikah garb appeared out of nowhere and Aryll immediately recognized her as Lady Impa Kaji. The guard yelped and said, "L-Lady Impa. W-What are you doing here? Uh, I mean, forgive me for not shooing away these common folk and half-breed from the gate."

Karane grumbled and Lady Impa told him, "Do not worry about it. Just let them in. I'll take responsibility for them."

The guard shrugged and the large, iron gate slowly opened up from the ground. Lady Impa led the party through, passing into a small tunnel and then outside in what looked like a massive stable area. Horse stalls, barrels of hay, and dirt roads made up the area and the stench of multiple horses and their manure filled the air. Tall gas lamps illuminated the area and were near the stone walls, away from the hay and horse stalls. Shops for riders were available, selling things like bridles, saddles, and other items used for riding. A lone, wooden gate was in the north and more guards stood watch.

Lady Impa led them to a smaller stall, talked with the owner, and handed him a large gold rupee worth 300. Aryll had never seen that much money at one time and it seemed the owner didn't either. The Sheikah returned to them, saying, "Mister Quill over there will hold that horse in his stalls for you all. I would suggest taking everything that you need out of your wagon as the castle is a ways away. Here is the receipt for it."

She handed Pipit a small sheet of paper and Aryll said, "Wait, wait, wait! Aren't we supposed to go to Sunnyside?"

"Heika wishes to speak with you as there was an incident. So please, take what you need from your wagon and follow me," Impa said.

The group did as they were told and Impa led them to the Northern Castle.

The next morning…

"Ah, so you're his siblings and friends," Ganondorf said, receiving the group from Snowpeak in his office.

Aryll and the others were confused and weren't comfortable at all in the place. Ganondorf figured it was due to their close proximity to him, which most imperial citizens had no such contact. He, sitting at his desk, looked at their shabby mountain clothes and wanted to grant them new ones. If they were to go after Link and bring him back for his own safety, then they would need new clothes, armor, and weapons as he feared that the Hylian supremacists were after him too.

"Um, Y-Your Majesty…Um…" Aryll started.

"Speak to me as you normally would," Ganondorf told them.

Groose immediately piped up, asking the man, "What happened to Link? He was supposed to be in that hospital, but that Impa lady said something bad happened."

Ganondorf explained, telling the group how a group of Hylian supremacists had found out that Link was there. They also knew what he was and no one knew how they did. They tried to kidnap him by eliminating most of the staff that was guarding him, including his nurse, Riku, and the cook, Chloe.

His doctor, Osfala, tried to stop the insurgents with his powers but was quickly subdued when they fired crossbow bolts at him. He then saw Link's power awaken and he attacked and escaped. When Aryll's sister, Agitha, heard this, she said, "We should head back to Snowpeak."

"No! We must find Link and bring him back," Aryll said.

Agitha shook her head and said, "He's better off not being near people. Especially if he's this dangerous and terrorists are after him."

"What are you talking about? He's your brother, isn't he?" Pipit said.

"He's no brother of mine. My brother, my real brother, wouldn't have tried to kill us every time his persona changed. And he wouldn't have driven Dad to his…" Agitha started.

Aryll yelled at her, saying, "That wasn't his fault!"

"Yes, it was! And you know it!" Agitha shouted back.

Midna and Sheik appeared from the shadows, hearing the commotion. Riju and Urbosa also appeared, apparently eavesdropping outside and hearing the noises. The twins quieted down and Sheik said to Agitha, "There's something that you're not saying, Miss Agitha Nodor."

"Who're you?" Groose asked, surprised at the shadowy ones' appearance.

"They're uncle's guards. Or at least they're training to be," Riju said.

Urbosa rolled her eyes and introduced herself and her sister. Midna did the same and told the group, "As long as you guys don't try anything, we're cool."

"Anyway, what's the deal with all the hatred in the room? And it's all coming from you, Miss Agitha," Riju said.

Agitha glowered and said, "I don't have to explain anything to any of you."

"Well, they are the rulers of the country," Pipit said.

Karane added, "And I'm sure we could go to jail for not following orders or answering questions."

"I'm not that unreasonable. But I would very much like to know this hatred you have. Don't worry. You're in a safe place," Ganondorf said, hoping he would at least get something from the hateful blonde.

The girl said nothing, folding her arms and huffing. Aryll tried to explain, saying that Agitha had hated Link since they were children. There was an incident that involved him falling down a mountain and cracking his skull. He survived, only to gain random personas. Most likely the ones Ganondorf had met already. Their father, Sigmund, tried to get Link to take his medication, but he refused a lot. But when he did, those personas would calm down.

One day, Link utterly refused to take them and Sigmund wanted to find another way to cure his son. They had tried exorcisms, local medicines and even attempting to get Link back into the swing of things before the accident. But nothing worked. And the medications had started to wear off, causing Link to have random seizures and personality changes.

The man left the mountains with his retinue and was ambushed by monsters in the ice caverns. When the villagers went to find him, they only found remnants of his and his troupe's armor, weapons, and the occasional limb or two. Link fell into deep depression and Agitha hated him, believing him responsible for his father's death.

But Sheik said, "There's something else too. I can sense it."

Urbosa's eyes widened and she said, "Link…tried going after your dad when he left…?"

Agitha turned away and she nodded. Riju, being quite intrusive, said, "And you went after him and saw him…"

"Turn into a monster…He…He didn't see me. But I saw him. I…followed him to the edge of the village and hid. It was somewhat dark, but dark enough that he couldn't see me. Link suddenly stopped once he was outside the village and I saw him jerk forward. He…He then fell on all fours, shadows surrounded him, and then turned into…" Agitha said in a barely audible voice.

"A beast…Wow…And he returned, covered in wounds and…wow…" Riju muttered.

So, Link's situation was far worse than Ganondorf realized. If the dark power that Impa reported could do that to him, then it would be harder for Link to get on their side. He could possibly attack him, turning into that beast…a shadowy, lupine beast that apparently attacked his father. And if he did, then he would have to break his promise to Lydia and attack Link to defend himself. And if he did that, he was certain the spirit inside of him would attempt to kill him, thinking him his hated ancestor. And there would be no hope of keeping the empire safe.

The girl looked away and Groose said, "Well, I don't know about you guys, but if this is happening to Link, then we need to save him."

"Why? He's the monster that killed my father," Agitha said, leaving.

"Agitha! Wait, there's got to be an explanation for all this!" Aryll yelled, running after her.

Sheik looked at her liege and he nodded. He needed to get the girls back to Lydia, as she was terribly worried about them, but she couldn't leave her post in Snowpeak as per her duty. And he would have to send the children back to the mountains under guard as they were friends and family to Link. If the insurgents found out, they would probably use them as a bargaining chip to force Link to fight Ganondorf, believing that if the man was defeated, the empire would crumble and the world would be "saved".

Ganondorf cleared his throat and said, "You'll be under my protection until we can figure out a plan to get you back home and your friend back safely. And I will contact Lady Nodor to let her know about your whereabouts."

He looked to Midna and told her to lead their guests to the guest suite. The Twili did as she was told and the remaining three followed her.

That night, 3rd tier, streets…

Aryll wandered the streets, searching for any sign of her sister and brother. All she found were very impatient people that pushed past the slow-moving mountain girl. She checked shops, bars, and even the occasional alley. But there was no luck.

Hours of searching made her exhausted as she didn't expect the city to be so big. Tired and seeing the sun disappear over the horizon, Aryll thought to return to the palace, but she didn't want to return without any information on Link's whereabouts or her sister's. She wanted to prove Agitha wrong and...

Her attention was brought back to the present as someone had bumped into her.

"Oy, watch it!" he yelled.

"Oh, sorry…" Aryll said.

She then realized that her purse had been stolen. Aryll quickly turned around and saw the man sprinting into a nearby alley. She yelled and chased after him, only to find him rummaging.

"Only 40 rupees and a book with weird 'andwritin'. Seriously, though. I thought she 'ad somethin' better than this, the way she was dressed," the man said, taking out Aryll's things.

"Hey! Give it back!" she yelled, rushing for him.

He turned around and said, "Ya just as broke as e'eryone else 'round 'ere."

"Give me back my stuff!" Aryll yelled, throwing a punch.

The pale-skinned, bald man in black jumped into the air and landed behind the girl. He then struck her in the back of the head and Aryll fell flat on her face, falling unconscious.

"Well, she ain't got no money. Wonder 'ow much she'd be worth," the pale-skinned man said.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Why not? She's best sold off for a bit o' coin," the man said, turning around.

He then jumped as he saw a Twili man in black. The raven-haired one glared at him with harsh red eyes that seemed to glow with an unnatural light. The bald man glared back and asked, "What'cha want 'ere, Twili?"

The Twili looked at Aryll and said, "Did you hurt her?"

"She attacked me first! I was just gettin'…" the man said.

He was then struck by a knife, the weapon hitting his right cheek and leaving a large gash. Both the Twili and he saw his attacker, a masked, blonde Sheikah. She jumped from the roof and landed between him and the fallen Aryll.

"Roberto Cieco, or should I say, 'Blind the Traitorous Thief'. I wouldn't think you would return to the capital after your near run-in with the Corps," the girl said.

Blind smirked and said, "Ya know me? I guess after what I did, other Sheikah would know. Heh, I'm famous!"

"More like infamous. Turn yourself in and your punishment will lessen. If not…" the young Sheikah said.

Before she could get any more words out, the newcomer Twili suddenly struck Blind down. He fell to the ground and disappeared in a shower of black mist. An eerie laugh came from the mist and Blind said, "See? I'm famous! Famous for never gettin' caught by you Twili or Sheikah!"

Sheik rolled her eyes, irritated that this Twili would attack the infamous Blind the Thief. If she had turned him in, then it would be one step further into joining the Shadow Corps. With a sigh, she asked, "Why did you do that? Why did you attack him?"

The Twili youth ignored her, walked passed her, and held the unconscious girl in his arms. He then asked, "Do you have any red potions or any healing items?"

"No. Not on me right now. But I know a bit of healing magic," Sheik said.

She tried to read his mind, only for her to see nothing but shadows and mist clouding it. She then looked at the girl and said, "Why did you leave? Why were you looking for…?"

"Aryll?! What did you two do to her?"

Agitha found the pair, seeing her sister in the Twili's arms. She then glared at him and asked, "You were following us the whole time, Oni? And you attacked my sister?"

"No! I did no such thing!" the Twili, apparently named Oni, said very offended.

"Your sister was attacked by Blind the Thief. He stole her purse, and she tried to get it back and was attacked by him. If your friend, Oni, and I didn't find her in time, he would've probably sold her off to unsavory folks. So, I believe thanks are in order," Sheik said.

Agitha grumbled and Oni asked, "Why did you leave the mountains?"

Realizing that the emperor needed them back at the palace, but unwilling to bring the newcomer with them, Sheik mentally asked Impa if she could. Impa immediately replied, "Oni? He's here? Well, that makes this difficult…"

'Meaning?' Sheik thought.

"Keep a close eye on him. Do not let him anywhere near the emperor. If we try to separate him from the others, he'll grow suspicious," Impa told her.

Sheik did as ordered, and led the two back to the palace with Aryll, after finding the girl's purse and gathering its contents from off the ground.

Northern Palace, guest suite…

"Oni? What are you doing here? How did you get here?" Agitha asked.

Oni placed Aryll on one of the beds in the palace's guest room and said, "I was told that you five were headed to the capital. So, I tailed you. And what are you all doing here? Why did you leave the mountains?"

He saw the room's two beds covered in red, cotton blankets with the symbol of the Gerudo on them. A lone table was situated in front of the beds, separating them from the nearby fireplace. The far wall's fireplace had a blazing fire burning forth, warming the rather chilly room. On the walls were artwork of various places in the desert and monuments around Hyrule. Something told him that the room didn't look like that before, but he hadn't a clue how he knew that. Was he a part of the Twili that worked in the palace?

"What happened to Aryll? Why is there a large bruise on the back of her neck?" Karane asked, checking the girl.

"She was attacked by a local ne'er-do-weller named Blind the Thief. If your friend Oni hadn't followed you to the capital and if I wasn't on patrols to bring the twins back, I fear that far worse would've been done," Sheik said.

"Yeah, she probably would've been sold as a slave or something."

Sheik rolled her red eyes and said, "Imperial guardians are supposed to be quiet, Fi…"

Fi, a girl in blue and white, came falling from the ceiling and shocked everyone. She bounced off the opposite bed to Aryll's and then onto the floor. Meekly, she looked up and said, "Uh, hi?"

"Seriously, you suck at being quiet."

Another appeared, this time a Twili, and Fi said, "Well, Lady Impa told us to watch them, right, Middy?"

"Please don't call me that," the girl said.

Sheik then said, "Well, since the cat's out of the bag, Fi, Midna and I will watch over you all as you're under the protection of His Majesty, the emperor. When we've gathered enough people to deliver you back to Lady Nodor, we'll end our watch."

"So, we're under your 'watchful eyes'?" Pipit asked.

Sheik nodded, seemingly quite serious.

Oni was taken aback as the name "Midna" was very familiar. He didn't know why and fought the urge to ask her about it. Agitha ruined the mood by saying, "I only left because you all want to find that patricidal monster."

"Hey, we don't know exactly what happened. Maybe…Maybe it was just a dream as your mom said she went to tell Link about it the day they found out about your dad. He started crying and…" Pipit yelled, trying to defend his friend.

"He was pretending! He had to be! He…I saw him! I know I did. I saw him leave the house and wander outside the village towards the ice caves. And I saw him turn into a lupine monster, like a werewolf! I know what I saw! But none of you believe me. You'd rather believe Link like you always do! And that's why he destroyed most of Aboda! He's a monster! Not my brother!" Agitha shouted.

Oni remembered his nearly being killed by Link when he was in that…state. He didn't know what happened to cause Link to pulsate with such powerful magic, but he knew it turned him deadly. And that power drove him from the village, who seemed relieved at his departure. But Aryll, Lydia, and Granny Matilde were inconsolable for days. That is until the twins left with Link's friend for the capital. Wanting to fulfill Lydia's wish in bringing her girls back, Oni trailed them.

He came out of his thoughts when he heard Agitha yell, "He's not even Link anymore! Why would you think that he's…?"

"Wait, wait, wait! What? What happened? Why do you hate him so much?" the girl, Fi, asked.

Agitha turned away and said, "I'm not saying anything to complete strangers."

A moan was heard and the group saw Aryll waking up. She apparently heard the conversation and said, "Why…Why not? We can use their help in finding Link."

"I can care less what happens to that…that fiend," Agitha said, glowering.

Aryll was about to retaliate when Karane stepped forward. The glare on her face made the room suddenly feel cold to Oni. She stared at the younger girl and said, "Don't you ever say anything like that again…We don't know what actually happened that day. So, stop saying that about your kin."

"Why not? It's not like he's the one who attacked you during one of his feral fits! It's not like he's the one who killed your father!" Agitha yelled.

"Wait…You really think he killed Dad? That wasn't his fault! That was that troop of Bokoblins!" Aryll yelled.

"No! Bokoblins couldn't have as they said the claw marks and everything on Dad's remains…And Link came back, covered in…" Agitha yelled, eyes welling up with tears.

"Bokoblins have claws too. And teeth. And clubs," Oni said.

Agitha clenched her fists and said, "I know…I know what I saw. Link…turned into a shadow lycan and returned as human, but he was covered in…in…"

She took off, running out of the room. Karane sighed and said, "I'll go get her."

Once they were gone, the mood remained a bit somber and Groose asked, "So, you guys gonna help us find him?"

"No. We're to keep watch over you until His Majesty can secure transportation and security to bring you back to Snowpeak," Sheik said.

"But we can't return. Not without Link," Aryll said.

She held her head, in pain, and Oni said, "Are you sure it's a good idea? Your sister's sure that your brother's a monster now."

Aryll jumped as she couldn't believe what he was saying. Why was he agreeing with Agitha? Did he hold a grudge after what Link tried to do to him?

"Well, he's still our friend and we kinda owe it to him to help him. And especially if we got people trying to use him for their own ends," Pipit said.

"Even if he doesn't remember me, Link was like a brother to me, especially after what happened to my family. So, if I can help him, I would," Groose said.

Aryll nodded and said, "And Karane would say the same. Most of us want to help Link. And you and Agitha refuse to."

"I didn't say that. I was just asking if it was a good idea. Maybe, based on what I'm hearing, he doesn't want to be found. Not by anyone. I don't blame him. If I was…like that, I would try to stay away from people as best I could," Oni said.

Aryll looked down, not sure if she should believe him. Link, he needed help. And she was sure he knew it. But to say he turned into a monster and killed their father? No, no way. She wouldn't believe it. Never.

The next morning, Northern Palace's throne room…

Midna watched in the shadows behind a pillar as the many members of the Shadow Corps stood at attention, waiting on their orders. Ghirahim and Vaati were also in attendance, farther back from their senior counterparts. Vaati's face was one of steeled determination while Ghirahim's was one of annoyance. He checked his attire many times, quickly becoming bored.

The Twili shook her head and she remembered that Ghirahim was one to get quickly bored, especially if he had to wait on something or if a job was too mundane. He would get distracted at times, finding something to entertain him. He did just that, messing with a small ring, an heirloom of his family's, on his right ring finger.

Vaati noticed and mouthed at him to stop it and the elite forces saw their emperor stroll in. He was followed by a grinning Chancellor Cole and a scowling Lady Veran. Ganondorf sat on his rather ornate gold and iron throne. The combined symbols of Hylia and the Gerudo were on the headrest and the seat was covered by a small, red pillow.

"You all are wondering why I have called you all here. It has been reported by our younger trainees that the Triforce of Courage has finally resurfaced after 150 years. The last holder was a man named Raven Schultz of Holodrum. Before we could claim it back for Hyrule, he died in a skirmish with Hyrulian forces near Sunken City."

"The holder now is…a son of a friend of mine. His name is Link Nodor. I want you all to bring him back, alive please, as the Triforce piece he has will disappear if he dies. Also…" the emperor said, pausing.

"Why should they bring him back here? Especially after what happened at that hospital," Lady Veran asked.

"That is precisely the reason why he needs to be brought back. He is to be brought back here, where we can safely extract the Triforce piece from him before the insurgents can get to him. Then, he will resume the treatment he so desperately needs," Ganondorf told her.

The woman turned away, the scowl not leaving her face. One of the members in front raised her hand and asked, "So, the boy is sick?"

"Yes, he is as he had a horrifying mental disorder. It leaves him vulnerable to fits and persona changes," Chancellor Cole said.

Midna wondered how he got that information as medical records on anyone were supposed to be sealed, according to the law anyway. Another raised their hand and asked, "So, along with the power his piece has, the boy is dangerous?"

"Yes, he is. So, exercise extreme caution when hunting," Lady Veran said.

Ganondorf rolled his eyes and a third asked, "But…isn't he…? Is he the 'Kingslayer' reborn or something? Only those who are his reincarnations hold…"

The emperor interrupted the man and said, "Not necessarily true. Two of the previous holders, Raven Schultz and Hasan Salamand were found not to be his reincarnations. The others were dealt with violently and took the Triforce of Courage out of our reach for ages."

Chancellor Cole then said, "Anyway, we have assigned Squads 1 through 4 to search the lands for our elusive Triforce holder."

The squads took their bows and disappeared. That left only the final two, Squads 5 and 6, and included the younger recruits. They took a few steps forward and Midna couldn't help but feel jealous as her rival, Meg, was among them. They bowed and Ganondorf told them, "You all have an even more important mission ahead of you. And…it may cost you your lives if you're not ready."

'Wait, what? I thought he was going to send them after…' Midna thought.

Vaati's face went from hardened determination to worry. He looked at Ghirahim, who was confused, and asked, "Sir, what do you mean?"

"I mean that we have found a means to get into the Death Valley, formerly the Valley of Kings," Lady Veran said.

"Why are we going there? It's that suicide?" Meg asked.

'Yup,' Midna thought.

"Yeah! You want us to die?" Amy, Meg's younger sister, asked.

Ganondorf shook his head and said, "It was not my original intention for you all to go. But after receiving information on how to enter, I deemed it necessary as you all are stronger, faster, and more cunning than those I've sent to find the boy."

"Wh-What do you mean?" the silver-haired I-no asked.

"He means that we're sending you all for this mission. And since it is quite dangerous, I expect you to know what to and how to prepare for a desert and volcanic region," Lady Veran said as I-no and her sister, Sue, were both her students.

Ganondorf then explained that there were eight temples within the empire that was channeling energy into the barrier that protected a palace located within Death Valley. Those who miraculously returned from the area saw the barricade protecting the entryway and anyone who tried to power through was killed instantly. It was said to have the power of the eight elemental magics powering it and the only way to do that was to siphon that power from the elemental temples.

"So, how could someone do such a thing? It would take incredible magical energy to do so…or some kind of device to direct that energy…" Vaati said.

"And that is where this information comes in. Our forces stationed in the southern forests entered the ancient Forest Temple and found something rather spectacular," Chancellor Cole said.

He didn't say anything for a few moments as he rubbed his hands menacingly. Lady Veran sighed and said, "He means that they found such a device, something called a Medallion. The Medallion holds the power of the lost Forest Sage and holds the ability to use Forest Magic. And since they saw a beam of that energy flowing in the direction of the valley, they were wise to contact us instead of cutting off the beam themselves."

"Yes. And thus, you all will be split up into eight teams. One team will head for the southern forests. The second will head for the heart of Death Mountain. The third will venture towards the frozen Lake Hylia. Our fourth team will enter the underground caverns of Kakariko City."

"The fifth will head for the ancient sand seas of Arbiter's Grounds as several Gerudo tribes reported seeing the sigil of the Spirit Medallion in the region. The sixth will go into the southeastern forests near Hytopia as there were reports of the ancient Temple of Light appearing there. The seventh will head for Headstone Island in the southern Great Sea as the Temple of Earth is located there, but deep underground. The last, our eighth group, will head for the Skyloft City above the Isle of Gust in the northern Great Sea," His Majesty explained.

"You all are to head there, covertly, sever the beams of magic that power the Great Palace's barrier and return here with the Medallions. Also, you are not to harm any of your allies or the citizenry as we need all of you to venture into the Palace. You will receive your group assignments from Lady Impa and Byrne. You all are dismissed," Chancellor Cole told them.

The squads bowed again and disappeared into shadow. Pleased, Chancellor Cole turned to his emperor and said "See? What did I tell you? I told you that we would find a way in."

"But to use children? I don't see much sense in this," Ganondorf told him.

"Bah, it's not like any of them have families to return to. And even if they die, you'll have the power to bring them back with the completed Triforce," the chancellor said.

The emperor sighed and asked about the whereabouts of the Triforce of Wisdom. Lady Veran looked disappointed and said, "The squads have searched Hytopia, but nothing turned up, save for a lot of angry representatives."

"And you sent your people to the Great Sea, the border village in Holodrum and Labrynna, and even parts of Termina. And still, you've found nothing! You are useless as…!" Chancellor Cole yelled.

Lady Veran glared at him and said, "I do hope you remember your place, short man, as I outrank you. I am from the powerful Dominico clan and I will not have you yelling at me like…!"

"No. I outrank you as I am the chancellor of this great empire! His Majesty is too lenient with you nobles and but I am...!" the chancellor argued.

"Quiet!" His Majesty said, silencing the two.

After the duo fell silent, he ordered them to leave. Once gone, the man got up from his throne, scanned his surroundings, and said, "You can show yourself."

'How did he know I was here? Pretty sure I hid well this time,' Midna thought.

She stepped out of her hiding spot and into the light. The Twili greeted her emperor, to which the man gave a small smirk.

"I see you're getting better at hiding your presence from others, including those high in rank in the Corps. I don't know whether or not I should be worried or congratulate you," he told her.

"Oh…Um…Well…I was just trying to see…" Midna said, stammering as she was sure she was in trouble.

He understood, saying, "You wish to help out Link Nodor? You're worried about him, is that it?"

"No! I…Okay, that Aryll girl got to me. She's really worried about him and her sister told us more about Link's condition," Midna said.

She explained and Ganondorf became very worried. If what Agitha said was true, Link returning from the ice caves after going after his father and being covered in wounds and blood…Then his condition was worse than he thought. He had to get Link to return to the capital. And he would most likely have to be placed in the dungeons to be treated by Dr. Osfala…if the man ever returned to medicine.

"So, what do you want us to do? I'm sure Aryll and the others, minus Agitha will try to run away to find him," Midna asked.

True. Based on their behavior and the strong feelings of wanting to get Link back safely as well as hatred came from the group. If they did leave, he would have to both send people after them to bring them back and explain to Lydia what happened. He already had to do that earlier and she wasn't too happy.

"If they do leave, I want you to tail them. Bring them back by any means," Ganondorf said.

Midna nodded, acknowledging the order.

Okay. So now Sheik, Fi, and Midna as well as Riju and Urbosa have met Aryll and the others. But is Agitha right in believing that Link had turned into a monster as a child? Or is she just blinded by angst? Review?

-miano53