Chapter Two

The Sheikah and Feelings

Kakariko Hot Springs..

It hadn't been long since Midna had left Nik to sleep at the hut Impa had allowed them to use while they were in town. She had since really just reached the hot springs and, after figuring out how to take her still somewhat unfamiliar new attire off, she exhaled a long sigh as she felt the heat from the steaming water soak into her body. She had been surprised at the change in temperature between her Realm and Hyrule, figuring the constant state of twilight in the Twilight Realm was truly to blame, since Hyrule's temperature fluctuated with the time of day. At the moment, despite the height Kakariko Village was situated at, it was quite warm but to Midna, she felt a chill in her bones. It'll be some time for my body to fully adjust, it seems. She thought. I feel bad Nik can't experience this. But, I guess the sight of a naked woman may just send his brain into overdrive anyway. She giggled as she lowered herself further into the water, her newest sigh released as a gurgling as she breathed just below the water's surface. I need to stop thinking like that. Its uncouth and degrading of my title. But I do want to feel thst boy.. She exhaled a groan under the water, closing her eyes as she attempted to relax.

One eye opened, however, when Midna heard a giggle coming from above her. "You and my sister are definitely on the same brainwave- simehow- if you both daydream the same way." Looking up, Midna was shocked as a splash of water rose up close to where she was, Impa's head surfacing right next to her after a moment.

Midna yelped in surprise as she put an arm up to cover herself- not that it worked much at all due to her new body- as Impa smirked. "Purah only ever comes to the hot springs to think, so finding her in these waters for most of her own visit here brought forth some very obvious answers. Tell me, why do you travel with Nik?"

Midna frowned as she settled back down in the water. "What does it matter? I have sworn my loyalty to that boy, that's all that matters, is it not?"

Impa half-nodded. "In most cases I would say yes. However, this is no ordinary case, is it? Nik is the one who is prophesied to control this world, and anyone who knows about the Kingdom's history knows that that makes Nik a huge deal. Like, everyone expects him to be the next Demon Incarnate, you realize?"

Midna nodded. From the little Nik had explained to her, it did seem as if he was supposed to be a young tyrant ready to kill Ganondorf the King, but Nik was- for all accounts- as totally opposite this Ganondorf on the spectrum of good and evil, and even that would have been subjective by their motives. "Yes, but that boy is nothing but a Saint in the body of what everyone believe to be a bad omen. I come from a place where it's simple to determine a person's alignment, and Nik is every bit good as this Ganondorf seems evil. And as leader of my people, I will abide by my word to help Nik in his quest, whatever awaits me by the end of it."

Impa hummed, tossing some of her now wet hair from in front of her eyes. "But why? A woman such as yourself, a queen no less, has no need to follow a teenager into a battle he's destined to fight, whether he wins or loses it."

Midna glared at the traitorous thought. "Nik won't fail. Not with me by his side."

Impa laughed heartily. "Good answer, although maybe I should be worried? Purah gave me the exact same answer in the exact same tone. It seems that, even having barely met him, Nik already has two girls trying to win him over. I fear it won't just be you two, either."

Midna wasn't following anymore. "Wait, what's that supposed to mean? What do you know?"

"Me? Nothing, honestly. But it seems that the charisma Ganondorf was known for before he took the Kingdom back in the time of Legend has passed on to Nik, and with that it brings a lot of potentially unwanted attention for him. Or, it will soon enough. I wouldn't be surprised if Nik gained a woman from every settlement in Hyrule. Hylia above, I would pay to see the King's face twist in rage at the sight of both of his daughters in bed with his would-be successor. But, again, I can't say anything for sure, really."

Midna frowned. "So you're saying that Nik will be gaining attention from other women?" A nod. "What? Like some kind of harem?"

"Exactly that. Wasn't sure if you'd know the term."

Midna sighed. "It wasn't very common, but it occasionally came to pass. Thankfully it was never the Royals involved, otherwise there may have been riots."

Impa giggled. "So tell me more about your people. I can't say I've ever heard of the Twili before meeting you. In fact, according to the history we have recorded, there was only one race banished from Hyrule: the Interlopers."

Midna grimaced. "Those were my people. Or what the Hylians called them before they were banished. They had it coming, since they were attempting to steal and use the Triforce for whatever they had planned. The Twili do not speak of such treachery."

"The Triforce? So it really does exist?"

Midna shook her head. "I wouldn't know. I'm only twenty-two, not over a thousand. It's just what the Legends say: we Twili were all banished because of a few individuals trying to make the world better for them without asking the rest of us if we wanted to be trapped in a world stuck in a constant state of twilight!" She sighed. "I'm sorry, it isn't my place to put blame on you or any of your people currently. Except maybe Ganondorf, being the progeny of the one who banished us. So, in a way, you could say I have more than enough reason to follow Nik into this fight. Even if I can't go home, I'll be happy to know I helped." The Twili-Gerudo shrugged.

Impa looked unimpressed. "What about the fact both you and Purah are both smitten with him already? You've both spent about the same amount of time with him in a more personal setting- that us to say, about two full days., correct?"

Midna looked annoyed but still answered. "Less for me. Come the afternoon, it'll be two days. But what the hell do my feelings have to do with all this? Or your sister's?"

"It's the fact it was so quick. It's the only way for me to keep out of whatever daydreams you and Purah have starting to run wild through your heads. That's why I'll speak to him later on today, with you, and then otherwise avoid him until we part ways tomorrow. Not that Nik isn't a good looking voe, he is, but I'm not sure I want to be involved with such a guy if it means potentially half the Kingdom will be begging to be or fucking him by the time he takes over. I'm not too particular to sharing, understand?"

Midna nodded slowly. "I understand, although I think feeling fearful of getting to know him better will only hinder you. He's.. Well, he's a mama's boy through and through, that's for sure. There isn't a bad bone in Nik's entire gorgeous body, and even if it means I have to share? So be it for him. My title as Queen of the Twili means next to nothing here, but it means something to Nik because he sees how important it is to me. He's not completely perfect, but he's damn well close enough for me. And your sister."

Impa rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Midna. Enjoy the rest of your soak. When you return to the hut and Nik is awake, you may both come up to the Chief's House up the stairs." The white-haired Gerudo climbed out of the hot springs, pulling a towel around her body as she began walking away.

Midna called out. "You act tough, but I see the fear inside you, Impa. We aren't so different from one another, so I'll just go out and say this. I'd give it a chance, you don't know if what's going on with me and Purah- even if it happens to you, too- will affect everyone we come across. That would be sickening, to be truthful. I feel that there may be a lot of women involved, but nowhere nearly as much as you want to tell yourself."

Impa stopped momentarily but ultimately kept walking, not wanting to show Midna the satisfaction in her face that said the darker-skinned woman was right. Despite her denial, it was hard not to be attracted to the only other male of your race other than the disgustingly evil king.

A short while later, Midna stood outside the hut, about to see if Nik had gotten up yet as a sudden explosion rocked the ground and a column of smoke rose into the air at the far side of Kakariko. She saw Impa rush out and look towards rhe smoke with a groan. "Ugh! Hylia damn it, Jaki.." She looked towards Midna. "Come with me. Your magic may be able to help."

Midna frowned. "Why me? Don't you have other mages around here?"

"Yes, but I need a neutral third party so I can be talked out of killing the brat. I've had more than enough of her antics to last the rest of my life." Impa said, pinching her nose.

"Sounds like a Sheikah issue to me, really."

Impa groaned. "Oh, come on. This isn't a tit measuring contest."

Midna smirked as she walked over to the other woman. "Lucky for you, 'cuz I'd win anyway." Impa just shook her head as the two went off towards where the smoke came from.

Later, Kakariko Chief's House..

Nik had been surprised at how tired he had been, being the afternoon now when he and Midna had arrived in Kakariko during the hours before noon. He was even more surprised by the shouting match currently being held in front of him. "Seriously, Jaki! You could have gotten yourself killed! Why do you always wind up blowing something up?!" Impa shouted at another Gerudo girl, also white-haired but hers was kept short, more or less in a bob cut.

"But, Mistress Impa, I-" The girl began as Midna cut in, having already been present.

"You're lucky what you did didn't cause any unneeded harm to your fellow Sheikah, Jaki. I understand wanting to set up pranks because of how dreary the state of the world is, but there's a time and place."

Impa nodded. "Exactly. Take the Laundry Incident. While it wasn't necessary or even warranted, that would have been a right time for a prank. Although I still have a rash from that fucking itching powder." She scratched at her shoulder. "What I want to know is what I should do with you. Keeping you here has only sent your pranks further and towards more dangerous designs. Either it stops or I'm going to have to banish you from town. At least temporarily." The shorter Sheikah Corps member put her head down in shame.

"What's going on over here?" Nik asked.

All three women turned towards him, Midna grinning. "Hey, sleepwear. You've arrived just in time to watch Impa dish out punishment. This one," She pointed to Jaki. "Set off what she calls a prank that almost blew up the entire research building on the other side of Kakariko."

"Wow. Pretty big mishap for a prank. My question is why?"

Jaki brought her head back up. "I was only trying to lighten the mood. Everyone here is so depressed. I understand why, Ganondorf and all that, but that makes it even more needed to have some lighthearted fun now and then. The issue is that my magic tends to act a bit too chaotically. See?" She held her hand up and concentrated, an orb of suspiciously-colored magic forming in her palm before it expanded outward in a miniature explosion, the girl pulling her arm back and nursing the affected hand with a frustrated whimper.

Nik looked at Midna, who nodded already knowing what he had figured out: somehow, Jaki had the magic of the Twili, or something just as similar since Twili magic was unheard of on the current Hyrule. "Then let her come with us." Impa looked at him like he was insane as Nik shrugged. "Better she use her magic somewhere the danger level is significantly lower than here where it sounds like Jaki has almost ended this village's existence several times over."

Impa nodded. "That she has. But, there's no reason for her to go traveling with you two. Her magic will only hinder you and your goal-"

"She will be fine, Impa. A little magic can't hurt us. Trust me, Impa, your little Sheikah will be safe with us."

Impa bit her lip, unsure whether to allow Jaki to go along with the would-be King and his.. consort, Midna called herself during their earlier conversation as they went to confront Jaki. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But I don't want anything happening to her. I may not be old enough for the job, but Jaki is sort of like a daughter to me. And I may have promised her mother I would look after her when Jaki first arrived here three years ago."

Midna nodded, a small smile on her lips. "It will be as if she never left your side, Impa. Except for the then lack of incidents. I'm sure she will feel right at home with us."

Nik nodded. "You have my word, Impa. Now, you wanted to speak with me?"

Impa hummed in the affirmative. In accordance to what Midna had told her at the hot springs, Impa could tell her heart was starting to beat faster just looking at Nik, hence why she was currently avoiding eye contact. "Yes, I have your next stop on this journey of yours. Purah told me before she left that she wanted you to investigate the potential Zonai ruins near Lurelin Village on the shore of Faron. She told me something about it resembling something she saw at another set of ruins close to Zora's Domain." Nik and Midna locked eyes again, both knowing Impa was speaking about the now completely destroyed Temple of Twilight. "And another little thing, she said to go to the Spring of Wisdom, for what or even why, she would not say. All she would tell me was that it was important."

"She thinks the Triforce could be useful in fighting Ganondorf, so this Spring of Wisdom would most likely be an altar of some kind, to pray to Hylia for the blessing of Wisdom. Or possibly a hint as to where the Holder of Wisdom may be."

"Triforce? As in the sacred power that was said to die out once Ganondorf took over? How do you suppose to find such a thing?" Impa asked disbelievingly, more than sure it was par for the course when it came to Purah.

Nik shrugged. "She's hoping the Triforce has manifested within the three Holders of Courage, Wisdom and Power. Ganondorf has Power, I would bet Purah believes me to be the Hero, hence the Holder of Courage. As for the Holder of Wisdom, we do not know. Yet."

"I see. Well, I hope my little sister is right about this, because how else are we to possibly stop the King from ruining Hyrule any more than he already has? Than his entire line have, minus Zelda. The sweet girl wouldn't hurt anyone unless necessary. Her sister, though.."

"What's wrong with Princess Sonia?" Nik asked, having seen the purple-haired princess once before a year or so earlier while she visited Zora's Domain.

"You've met her before?!" Impa asked, frightened. If Sonia knew about Nik, then surely Ganondorf did too, right?

"Not personally. Otherwise Ganondorf would have been at my house busting the door down a year ago and this conversation would have never even been a reality. But, I did see her from afar as she came to the Domain for a visit last year. No idea what she was doing there, but that's beside the point."

"Indeed. Well, for your information- or lack thereof, at least- Sonia is ignorant as all hell to what her father does, constantly terrorizing the kingdom for his benefit. But, she does have a weakness: Zelda. I'm betting she doesn't even know her precious little sister is rotting away in the dungeons under Ganondorf's orders."

Nik nodded. "Alright, that explains it, then. Now for one last question: What exactly are the Sheikah?"

Impa giggled, clearing her throat afterward. "I'm not surprised, although I figured Purah would at least try to completely fill you in. The Sheikah were- are, I mean- the protectors of the ancient royal family of Hyrule Once Ganondorf took the throne, most of the Sheikah were killed, except the women who were bred to bring a more diverse set of talents for his people. Any Gerudo with white hair, usually all white, mind you, is one who carries the active Sheikah gene, allowing us to use the more ninja-like magic and abilities they were once known for. Once you defeat Ganondorf, it is my hope the Sheikah can take up their mantle of protectors once again."

Nik nodded. "Yeah, maybe. Alright, if that's all, I have somewhere close to stop by before we call it a night."

Midna looked at him, confused. That was news to her. "What do you have to still do here? I thought the point was meeting with the head of the Sheikah?"

Nodding, Nik laughed. "It was the main point, but Purah also told me to use the nearby Survey Tower to help fill out this map. It could help us figure out where to dtop off on our way to Lurelin, the village by the sea Impa was talking about."

Midna nodded her understanding as Impa smiled. "Good thing this is a friendly town, Nik. Otherwise Ganondorf would have razed the entire place to the ground just to make sure you can't defeat him later. By the way, that reminds me. Nik, do you know how the power siphoning happens when it's time for the King to be succeeded?"

Nik shook his head. "No, all anyone has told me so far is that eventually I'll be strong enough to kill him."

Jaki took the opportunity to chime in. "Mistress Impa, who is this little Hylian voe, anyway?" Just by her voice, you could tell she was confused as to just what was going on around her in the room.

Nik looked at Jaki before realizing what was wrong. He turned to Midna. "Mid, you mind lifting the spell for her? She deserves to know why we're on this quest."

Midna nodded and walked over to Jaki, who looked at the mischievous mage in fright. "Do not be afraid, child. All it is, is a simple.. touch." She pressed three fingers to Jaki's forehead, which glowed very briefly before Jaki looked around again, now gaping when she looked to Nik, seeing him in his true Gerudo visage.

"A.. an actual voe?!" She looked at Impa, who nodded while smiling internally. "A Gerudo male?! Wouldn't that mean he's..?"

Another nod. "Indeed. Jaki, let me formally introduce you to Nik, the voe who would be King. Pending Ganondorf's death, of course." Impa snickered when Nik rolled his eyes.

"But, that's impossible, isn't it? Ganondorf is the only voe, he had Zelda when he should have had a true Heir eighteen.. years ago.. He isn't Ganondorf's son, is he?"

Impa laughed. "Oh, Jaki. Look at him, does he look like he's Ganondorf's son? Hylia above, the two look nothing alike. No, according to Purah's own words when she met Nik's mother- an adorable little Pure Hylian woman- Nik here is the result of divine intervention, immaculate conception brought on by- if I had to hazard a guess- Hylia or whatever higher power may exist who decided enough was enough for the reign of the Dragmire Dynasty. Nik was born only a day earlier than Zelda, as well."

"Which reminds me, I need a way into the Castle to rescue Zelda, Purah's orders of course," Another giggle from the Sheikah leader. "You know anything that could help?"

Impa pursed her lips. "No, I don't, unfortunately. From what Purah has told me, being our main eyes and ears inside the Castle, it's nothing less than a fortress. Honestly, the only way you will get in is seducing Castle staff."

Nik and Midna both looked at her, jaws on the floor in shock. "He isn't ready for that kind of thing. Honestly, who knows if he's even good at it. The young man has barely laid eyes on a single vai before Purah found him just days ago." Midna defended.

Impa smirked. "Well, then I guess you'll have to find him a teacher in such things. Although, finding another vai out in Greater Hyrule that would so easily oppose Ganondorf? Good luck."

Midna giggled, giving Impa a suggestive look. "Mission accepted, then, I guess. Now, if that will be all? I'd like to look about this quaint little village for a while before retiring to sleep for the night."

Nodding, Impa waved them off. "Yes, I believe that is all. If anything else comes up, then I'll be able to reach you."

Midna looked towards Jaki. "Tomorrow morning, first thing, be ready at the guest hut. Prepare for a long trip." Jaki only nodded, making Midna smile as she took Nik out of the Chief's hut.

Once back outside and down the steps leading from the Chief's hut, Nik asked Midna what he'd been thinking about with Jaki. "Midna, you really think Jaki's-"

"Somehow another member of my race? I'd put money on it. Now her story makes sense. See, Twili magic can be a bit.. chaotic is as good a term as any, actually. In order to keep the more negative and chaotic results from occurring, a Twili is trained from a very young age. She seems determined to show her worth, however, so I should be able to rein her magic in. My only question is how? The Mirror hadn't activated in centuries before it took me here, to you. But Jaki is old enough to be a younger sister to me, and I can't say I remember any Twili child ever disappearing from the Realm before.. It seems like there's much more to her story than meets the eye. Perhaps we should go and talk to her mother?"

Nik shrugged. "If we have time, I guess. We already have a lot to do, Midna. There isn't time to keep picking up side quests."

Midna looked at him funny. "What do you mean? Nevermind. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for in terms of supplies? I want to make sure we don't have to live off of purely lizards. Foraging is not a queenly activity."

Nik chuckled. "Of course, your Highness. I guess you should see about finding any meat and veggies you can. We have carrots and apples, so a bit more variety wouldn't hurt. Maybe find yourself a weapon, if any around town catches your eye. Take this, there should be more than enough for whatever you want to pick up." He handed Midna a pouch that made a jingling noise.

Opening the drawstring, Midna peered inside. "Are these.. jewels?" She asked, extracting a handful of green, red and blue Rupees, the light retracting off of them in every direction.

Nik shook his head. "Not exactly. I wouldn't be surprised if they originally were, but those are Rupees, the currency of the Kingdom. Green are worth one, blue are five and red are twenty. It goes higher, but there's more than enough of those three colors to get our things together. Now go do some shopping, I'm going to head to the Survey Tower." He said, looking up the steep hill at one end of the village, where the tall and- honestly- imposing tower stood.

Midna looked worried. "Are you sure you'll be alright going up there by yourself?"

Nik nodded in response. "I'll be fine. I can handle myself if it comes to a fight. Plus I should be fine, this village is a safe zone according to Impa."

"Hmm. Alright. If you do need me, then here," Midna relented as she placed one hand on Nik's forearm, the spot she held glowing momentarily. When she didn't just remove her hand, Nik feeling her sharper than normal nails pressing lightly into his skin, he turned his face towards hers and their eyes locked before Midna turned away, her cheeks just a shade darker than the rest of her face. "Sorry. All you have to do is press it and call for me. I will always hear you and come." On Nik's skin was the tattoo of a wolf's head.

"Midna.." Nik started, his fingers tracing her tattoos as he had the night before. "You don't have to do that. I mean it, I can handle myself."

"I don't doubt it, Nik. You're strong enough, hands down. But, I want to give you the help. We're in this together, whatever happens."

Nik smiled. "You're lucky we're alone. Others might think something was going on between us."

"Oh?" Midna asked, amused. "Would that really be so bad? I could think of worse things than laying with a handsome young man like yourself."

"Laying with? Talk like that and people will think you were much older than twenty-two. You know, you're definitely flirting with me at this point, or I've noticed as much, at least. Like I'm one to talk."

Midna giggled joyously. "Good. You really aren't as oblivious as you seem. You do have some form of feelings, then? For me?" Her voice was hopeful, although she still didn't understand why she felt for Nik as much as she did. They'd only known each other for what was going on two days, after all.

Nik nodded. "I'd be stupid not to. Between your beauty," Midna turned away giggling like mad. "The fact you're the most exotic woman I've ever met," When Midna lifted her head to look at him again, her eyes were half-lidded as she beamed. "I don't really know. But I can say that I do indeed feel something for you, Midna, despite only knowing you for a day and a half. It's.. it's like you were meant for me to find, crazily enough."

Midna nodded. "I agree, I've felt the same since our heart-to-heart last night. What does that mean for us?"

"Not sure yet. What I do know is that the thought has been driving me insane."

"What thought?" Midna asked, now hating the fact she wasn't psychic.

The response she hadn't expected waste action Nik took as he answered her. "To do this." He said, voice barely a whisper as his head craned down towards hers until their lips met.

Midna broke the kiss, thankfully before she decided to listen to her body and let Nik take her on the ground right there, in the middle of Kakariko Village. "Go do what you have to, Nik. I'll be here when you come back." She smiled.

Nik straightened up and chuckled. "I'd hope so. We'll talk more about all this later, when things calm back down again."

Midna rolled her eyes. "Anytime. There's something Impa told me in private I think you should know, especially with this thrown into the mix, now. Now go, before I do something I might regret later." She pushed him away lightly, grinning as she turned around and walked towards the shops. Like I really would regret doing that. She hummed happily to herself, an infectious smile playing on her lips.

Nik shook his head and looked towards the Tower again with a sigh. "Here goes nothing." He said, making sure he had his longsword on hand in case a fight broke out.

A Short While Later..

Midna's ears perked up as she heard the distant alarm going off, her head turning towards the Survey Tower Nik had gone to. Something unintelligible was said just as Midna saw Nik's long blonde hair flaring in the wind as he was ejected from the top of the tower. From this distance, Midna couldn't tell but Nik was actually having the time of his life, despite being in mortal danger. Until he realized he had no way of knowing if he would have a soft landing. Midna frowned, not knowing what to do as she saw another silhouette fly through the air until Nik had been caught, now dangling from whatever had saved him..

Moments Earlier, Kakariko Survey Tower..

Nik had no idea what to expect when the Octorok-reminiscent tentacles sprung out of rhe platform and tied some form of rope to his waist, attached to a spool. His confusion lifted, however, as the apparent elevator the platform truly was began rising dangerously fast. "Fucking Farore!" He cursed as the top of the shaft opened up in a motion similar to a camera shutter before the platform stopped, Nik being so lucky as he was flung into the sky. Once he had stopped ascending, Nik took his Purah Pad out, hearing it beeping. The camera lens on the back glowed Sheikah blue as a beam of light spread out, the screen of the Purah Pad showing his version of the Hyrule map fill itself out for a good chunk of the surrounding area around Kakariko.

It was then he realized that there was no way for him to stop his descent, which had sped up dramatically since the map had been scanned into the device. He kept his body spread out, ensuring his fall went as slowly as he could force it to. The wind whipped at his face, making Nik wish he had goggles to at least be able to see clearly while he fell to his- possible- death. It was then he felt his arm grabbed out of the air, his body jerking as he found himself hanging. "I'm so sorry! I forgot to see if Purah left you a paraglider before you came up here!" He heard Impa's voice call out, realizing the white blurs in his vision were really the Sheikah leader's twin white ponytails.

"Impa?! You mean I was sent up to that tower without the shit I needed?" He heard her call out in the affirmative over the wind whipping in his ears. "Holy Hylia.. Just get us down safely!"

"No problem! But, you're gonna have to get a bit wet!" Nik sighed, knowing what she meant. He'd land in the water close to where she landed dry on the ground.

"No need, just let me drop and roll, I'll be fine. I just need to be close enough to the ground before I move."

Impa frowned as she kept her eyes on the path of their descent. "Fine. I trust you know what you're doing." Fuck the fact I'm worried, huh? She thought, shaking her head. It wasn't like that, Impa knew, it was just Midna and their conversations throughout the day fueling her own strangely strong attraction to this voe.

Soon, they were safely on the ground near the Tower, and Impa handed Nik the paraglider she had used to save him. "Here, this was supposed to be yours. I knew there had to be a reason Purah would leave it. She's always launching herself off those Towers, making sure nothing new finds its way onto the map lest she go investigate. I love how dedicated my sister is to her research, but sometimes? She's so annoying."

Nik laughed. "I understand what you mean, Impa. Thanks for saving me, I guess. It didn't seem like I'd be able to navigate over to that lake in time, anyway." He pointed off where a lake sat about a mile and a half away from where they currently sat.

"Maybe. Either way.. listen, can we talk a minute?" Impa turned to face him, looking shy.

Nik raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "About..?"

Impa was blushing. "I.. I want to come with you, but I can't because of my position here.. And I'm not just saying it due to lack of trust or anything like that. I didn't exactly want to at first, but something finds me wanting to stay close to you. Become closer to you, and I don't.. know what to do with myself because of it.."

"Like Midna has felt, you mean? I.. I think I'm starting to get just what your sister told me about becoming some form of irresistible to the vai around me. It would explain how Midna and I feel after only a day. So, what do you think you should do?"

Impa sighed heavily. "I don't know! It's frustrating when you run a village but only want to go off traveling and.. well what else doesn't matter. My point is, I've decided I'm staying. But," She poked Nik in the chest. "You have to come back to me and visit. A girl gets lonely, you know. Can you do that for me? If you don't mind having another girl waiting for your.. affections, as you have my sister, already."

Nik chuckled, having already figured as much about Purah. And Midna didn't seem put off by Purah or now Impa's own attraction to him. "I can do visits. Anything more will have to wait for other things to develop with the situation."

"Yeah, that I kind of already figured, myself. Wouldn't want to get Queenie upset, would we? I'll see you in the morning. And don't do something so stupid again, always make sure you have everything you need to figure something out."

Nik nodded. "Of course, Impa. I'll take those words to the grave."

Impa giggled. "Sure. Well, see you around, Nik. You can always check in with me if you need." Nik nodded as the Gerudo woman sauntered off towards the village, Nik opting to stay on the grassy hill for a bit longer first.

That Night, Hyrule Castle..

While Nik and Midna spoke about their growing feelings, Zelda continued to sit in the dungeons, her father finding no remorse to let her out again, although Zelda really didn't know what she would do if she was free, with her new feelings of disdain for what Ganondorf had done. She sighed as she heard a distant door open and close, wondering who could be coming down. Only Ganondorf and select guards knew the princess was detained, and it had been more luck on Purah's part when she came and found her. I wonder if she ever found the voe? She thought as she heard a familiar voice giggle. "Now, what did you do to dear old daddy to land back in solitary this time, Zee?"

Zelda looked and saw the current leader of Gerudo Town- and the vai that had birthed the two princesses of Hyrule- Urbosa. "Mother? How did you..?"

"My dear little Zelda. You didn't think your father could keep your imprisonment a secret from your own mother, did you?" Urbosa smirked. "No, in actuality your little friend sent me a message telling me you were down here and I came to try and talk your father into letting you back out. Unfortunately, as you well know with your father, there's isn't a lot of room to talk him out of most anything, especially prisoners. But, I was able to bring you this. Purah said you'd know what to do with it and when to hide it." Urbosa reached into her pack and handed Zelda her own Purah Pad.

Zelda smiled. "Thank you, mother. It's nice to see you out of the desert."

Urbosa smiled. "I couldn't have my little scientist be completely bored while incarcerated, so there's also some research materials you may find interesting, both about the current situation around our Kingdom as well as some things I believe even you were not privy to know about just how the siphoning of Ganondorf's power works. And yes, Purah told me she found the voe your father has been still trying to birth to our family. Sometimes, the life of a Main Girl sucks, remember that."

Zelda didn't know what to say to that, since it didn't make sense to her in the current context. "Yes, mother I will look into these things and when I get out of here, the damage father has done- to everyone- can finally begin to be reversed and healed."

Urbosa smiled widely. "That's my vai. I must go now, but always remember you're in my thoughts, Zelda. And hopefully, if my prayers to the Heroines are answered, perhaps your father can still see reason and let you out. You're far too beautiful to stay rotting in this desolate dungeon."

"Yes, mother. Sav'aaq."

Urbose giggled. "Oh, vehvi. It is already well into the night. So, Sav'orr and Sav'orq, dear one." With that, Urbosa left the dungeons and her daughter, who turned the Purah Pad on right away.

Princess, thank Hylia and the Heroines your mother isn't accommodating of your father's machinations and agreed to take this to you. By the way, several more have been made and I expect the number to still increase, but I won't tell you why yet in case Ganondorf intercepts this. Just know my travels are going well and- hopefully- there will be a rescue plan for you if needed fairly soon. And no, the King will not read that since the Purah Pad was set to open this message when you activated the device. Otherwise it was a false report on my travels so far and was only put on your Pad in case he didn't receive the official report already.

In other news, I.. I think I might be in trouble. I found him, Zee, and he's.. I can't really describe it. He's magnetic, maybe, and being the future King, I think I already know why I feel affected in such a way. You'll figure it out with the ancient documents I found while searching the library in Lurelin while reading up on the Spring of Power. Please send me a message back just to ensure I know you're still alright. Worst case scenario, the Pad finds you already dead from whatever Ganondorf is doing while keeping you locked away. Sincerely, Purah.

Zelda smiled at the message, surprised Purah had rigged the device in such a way, being derived from schematics Purah herself had said she could barely decipher when they had found them in the basement of Hateno Village's laboratory several years earlier. She decided to begin looking over the research stored, mouth hanging open as she began reading whatever Purah and her mother had compiled pertaining to the Gerudo Line of Succession and the Hundred Year Rule. "No.. is that why father has so much power but still craves more?" She asked herself, looking at the far wall where she believed the dungeon wall gave way to the underground.

Meanwhile..

Midna was looking at Nik, eyes avoiding his as she finished recounting what Impa had told her earlier in the day. Nik seemed shocked, for starters, to the news.

"Wait a minute. So you're saying the siphoning of power I've supposedly always caused on Ganondorf is.. the more natural side of the Succession to the throne?"

Midna nodded. "Yes, it would seem that way, although how Impa knows something so crucial is unknown."

"I mean, I can see how she would, with Purah being advisor to the Princesa. Well, one of them. And Ganondorf most likely doesn't even notice because he's been trying to have a male heir which, due to his unsavory methods, is also boosting his power back to his regular level?"

"Yes, and if what the princess told Purah was true, then Ganondorf has been piling on extra power for your entire life."

"That tracks enough, I guess. Which leaves my power, still technically infantile to the King's, correct?" Midna nodded. "And the way to truly boost my power is to.. actually create a harem?"

"Unfortunately for me, yes. See, the way the siphoning of the previous King's to the next works both naturally and with an extra boost being capable. Naturally, your power should have eclipsed his on your eighteenth birthday, but that didn't happen nearly as hard as I'd think with how you described it and most likely due to Ganondorf's killing of his newer wives. I wonder what the true current Queen thinks of such things? No matter. Back to the topic at hand. So, now your power most likely has to rely on gathering a harem. But, the only way the power transfers successfully is when you take said women to bed."

"So, sex is key?"

"In so little words, yes. When you bring them to bed, whether it's me first or someone else- perhaps Purah- Ganondorf will know there's another voe out there and begin hunting you down."

"Understandable, I've been prepping to be on the run during this journey, anyhow. So where does that leave the odd exclusions to your illusion spell placed on me?"

"That.. is tougher to explain, but I believe I may have an answer. I think, and still highly doubt mind you, that my spell works on all those who aren't destined or hinted to become a member of your harem. Purah, me, Impa. The three of us all see through the spell, with me being most obvious as the caster. Chances are, we will encounter many more women with similar results, and there's no telling whether they will all stay within the close age range they have already. You could enthrall someone's mother for all we know."

Nik hummed. "I feel like you just jinxed us there, but let's deal with that when we get to it, alright, Mid? No use worrying over things like that at the moment. I think maybe we should just get some sleep."

Midna nodded, hands splayed at her sides on the bed she sat on. "Yeah, you're probably right. At least Lurelin isn't too far from here, conditionally. You really think we'll find something about my people there?"

Nik shrugged, having been thinking about the same thing. "I don't know, Midna. I hope so, because I don't want you feeling alone in that way, you know? But, don't forget, the Gerudo are your people now. I am your people."

Midna smiled. "I know, and I love that you care so much. Either way, I'm not too sure I really want to know the truth of why I find myself here."

"Whether you do or don't, I'm right there with you, Midna. Now, come over here and lay down. I see you don't want to be alone over there for the night." Midna blushed but giggled all the same, nodding as she made her way over the short distance to Nik's bed, laying down with him as he draped an arm around her. "It may not be going all the way, but for now I think this will do nicely."

"I agree, Nik," Although I'd much rather you claim me and get it over with.. "Good night." She said, closing her eyes.

Nik chuckled into the fringes of her hair. "Good night, Midna. Sweet dreams." He said, laying in thought for several moments before closing his own eyes for the night.

The Next Morning..

Jaki was already waiting for her two chaperones- as she called them- by the village gate, tapping her foot impatiently. The two appeared down the path as they whispered and laughed to each other. "Finally! I've been waiting for almost an hour!"

Midna giggled, despite it being her fault the two were late, not wanting to wake up from Nik's arms and, after the fact, refusing to let the kiss they had shared end. "Sorry, young one. Time got away from us, is all. Are you ready?"

Jaki shrugged one shoulder, patting the bag that sat on her back on that side. "Everything I should need. Are we really going to Lurelin right away?" She asked, suddenly downtrodden.

Nik frowned. "Why? What's wrong with going to Lurelin?"

Jaki sighed. "My childhood there wasn't very good. Mom was a teenager herself, a young one at that, when she took me in and the other villagers tended to be a bit hostile towards her. Then add in my very chaotic magic, which ostracized me from others even when I was just trying to help everyone else out. In all, it was a bad time and I love living in Kakariko more anyway. There's no bullying just because my magic works differently."

Both older Gerudo hummed and nodded. "I see. Well, if anyone gives you any trouble, then I will personally show them just how dangerous your magic can be. One of the reasons you're even with us is for me to try and help you control the magic you can't seem to grasp." Midna said as Jaki frowned.

"Ugh, you mean this isn't just a cool trip across the country? Although, I guess that makes sense, what with who Nik is in the grand scheme of things. And you, first girl."

Midna laughed despite her narrowed gaze at the sixteen year old. "Honey, that isn't even an insult. Although how do you know about the conditions of Nik inheriting the Kingdom? I only found out from Impa, who only knows from her own sister who works at the Castle, yesterday."

Jaki giggled. "I like to read, is that such a crime. Now let's go, slow pokes. Daylight is wasting and it takes more time than one thinks to reach Lurelin from Kakariko."

Nik chuckled. "Lead the way, then. You would know the way there better than leaving home in Zora's Domain, I hadn't seen any of Greater Hyrule."

Nodding, Jaki lead the trio down the path, out of Kakariko and back into the greater world of Hyrule, unable to know what would happen next..

A/N: Don't shoot the messenger because of Urbosa being the mother of Zelda. Thanks to the fact Zelda's mother circa Breath/Tears died when she was an early age and Urbosa was basically a second mother to her, there you go.

So Nik now knows he has to build a harem to stand a chance against Ganondorf, although that is more of a plot device to keep us moving. In reality, there will be a Master Sword or equivalent eventually. Now I'll put down how I'm trying to have the story keep going as of now.

For now, it's more or less traveling and finding several of the harem girls. This Arc, if you will, will end with Zelda getting rescued from the dungeons of Hyrule Castle. The second Arc will be short, beginning with Zelda's main integration into the group before Ganondorf finds them all and kidnaps her back into his custody, just not simply in the dungeons. This begins the real meat of the story, where the group will have to find either the Three Spiritual Stones or whatever Zelda plot device I can think of followed by a huge climactic shift. Maybe. From that point, it's the Temple Run and endgame where at this point I do not know whether I'll have this story be one much more fleshed-out Breath of the Wild and then doing a part 2 which would entail the Zonai involvement and whatever else. Again, I haven't played Tears as of yet but I've seen the story beats already so I can at least loosely follow that for now.

Anyway, next time it's off to Lurelin Village, where two more girls in the harem will be shown/revealed/etc. For those of you reading this on ffdotnet, I urge you to look through my Galkwry for this story on Deviantart, as it already has the two new girls in its contents as well as a few that will be implemented later on as I have to bring them in naturally and not just force their inclusion just anywhere. Also, Ganondorf still doesn't know Nik is out there. As I brought up in this chapter, the turn from him ignoring Nik to actively pursuing him will begin when I decide to include (if I do, I suck at writing them) the lemon. Or at least aware of Nik at that point and furthermore pursues him actively after Zelda first gets rescued. Alright, enough ranting for me. Enjoy, and I hope to see you all next time.

One last thing, ignore small typos. Eventually I'll go back and re-edit the chapters but for now it's fine. They're only there because my thumbs are too fucking big to press the right letter key here and there, although I noticed there was a full sentence all screwed up in the Prologue, lol.