'Commonly referred to as the Demon King, Ganondorf has forever been considered the scourge of Hyrule. His transformation into the King of Evil and the atrocities he has committed cannot be overlooked. However, one rarely considers the incarnations of Ganondorf that have not fallen to darkness; the Ganondorfs that we may even consider "the good guys".'

—Extract from 'In Defence of Ganondorf' by Gerudo scholar Aveil Mesa

In The Shadows

~O~

Chapter 2: Twists and Turns

"Well, well, you've finally got yourselves another big case, eh?"

I sigh as I pass the traffic lights and I suddenly regret having my phone on hands-free in my car. Link watches me with a bemused smile as I reply, "You're just jealous that we got this case on our own merits this time rather than you calling in a favour."

And I'm not wrong. Urbosa, an old friend from the Gerudo Desert, was the one who told me and Link about the Seven Heroines case and pulled some strings so we would investigate it. We've rarely seen each other since those days and I can't help but miss her terribly—she took care of me after my mom died and my dad moved away for business. Apart from Link and a few others, she's probably my only close friend outside Castletown.

That's actually pretty sad now that I'm thinking about it.

"Only because I'll take any excuse to get you both back out here in the desert. It's getting pretty chilly up by you now, I'm sure," is all she says, then makes a sound like she's remembered something. "Well, if you're so busy then why not send that friend of yours instead? He's certainly a sight for sore eyes…"

My fingers tighten around the steering wheel as Link does his best not to laugh. I swallow thickly and try my hardest to ignore the hot flush of embarrassment flooding into my cheeks. I silently pray to Hylia for the world to swallow me whole, but nothing happens.

"No, he can stay here where he's useful." I can feel her pout all the way from the desert.

"Though I'm sure we'll be back to visit soon," Link pipes up before I can stop him. We round the corner leading up to the Temple of Din and the small but eager crowd spots us instantly. If it weren't for the officers there to help us through, we'd be stuck for sure. "Zelda's missed you a lot."

"Then I'll be waiting," she replies coyly. "In the meantime, you better take her out for those drinks and—"

"We have to go," I cut her off with my hands firmly on the steering wheel; it's like she lives to embarrass me.

"Oh, come on. We're just having a bit of fun and—"

I hang up before she can finish. Letting my head fall against my hands on the steering wheel, I mutter to Link, "I would've apologised for her if you hadn't said that."

"I just thought I'd say hello," is all he says and, despite my irritation, I can't help but smile.

"She's right, though: you still owe me drinks." As I step out of the car, I ask in a burst of sudden confidence, "Tomorrow at Telma's?"

He blinks at me, and for a moment I'm worried he's going to say no. But then he smiles and says, "It's a date." I groan which makes him chuckle, holding back a smile as I lock the car and we make our way towards the temple. I mean, I'm more than happy to go on a date if he is; it's not like Urbosa's teasing is unfounded.

Impa must've called ahead to let the officers here know about mine and Link's arrival because they're here to greet us with thin smiles whilst trying to fend off excited journalists and members of the public. It's certainly quieter than what I was expecting, though I suppose the press conference that's due to happen at the station will be occupying most of the reporters.

Climbing the steps up to the temple, the roof snuffs out the sun's light and any heat with it. The autumn breeze is chilly enough, but inside the temple is freezing. Sunlight streams in through the stained glass windows, each of them depicting one of the sages from legend. A red runner, embroidered with gold, stretches out towards the altar between symmetrical rows of pews.

The prayer candles have been lit this morning despite the ruckus. One or two officers are patrolling the temple to ensure no one sneaks in, leaving Link and I to make our way towards the towering statue of Din at the back, her unseeing eyes unaware of the body that once lay at her feet. The blood has been covered over with tarp, though I can see a few spots on the statue's dress that haven't been concealed.

I stand a few feet away, looking down at the tarp with a lump in my throat as I think about the man who lay here only a few hours ago. From the initial report, he was killed elsewhere and then moved here, so whoever did this has some sort of connection to this temple. Either way, it doesn't change the fact that someone once so full of life is no longer here.

It never gets easier to stomach.

"Damn, and I thought I'd seen the last of you two." We turn to find a redheaded officer making his way towards us, and I instantly recognise him from when we were helping Paya and her lost heirloom. I roll my eyes at him.

"Not just yet, Groose," I say with a forced smile. "Impa asked for our help on this case."

"Great…" he mutters, then, "I guess you're here to talk to the old coot?" I narrow my eyes, confused, but Link agrees and Groose juts his thumb towards the high priest (or, I assume it's him from the flowing red robes) sitting on the front pew with a bowed head. "His name's Agahnim if you're wondering."

We thank him and let him go before making our way over to the high priest. He doesn't lift his head until we sit beside him and, from the huff he gives, he's not thrilled about being disturbed. The priest unfolds his tightly clasped hands and raises his gaze to meet us, grey eyes watching us with a strange eeriness. I swallow thickly and force a smile despite the man's neutral expression.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," I murmur. "But we wanted to ask a few questions, if that's alright with you?" He looks at me with an expression that I recognise easily. "We aren't the police; we're private investigators who are helping them," I say, and not for the first time. "I'm sorry for what you had to see here today. One of your priestesses found Mr Makeela, right?"

He stands and clasps his hands in front of him, "Yes. She often begins her day with daily devotionals early in the morning. As soon as she found him, she woke us and we called the police."

Link nods, then asks, "And temple's open all night?"

"It is," Agahnim replies. "We place valuables in a safe to prevent robbery, but we allow the children of the Goddesses to seek a connection with them whenever it pleases people. Some of the priestesses watch over the temple at night, but last night I believe we were all asleep whenever Mr Makeela was brought here."

"Is there any way we can speak with the priestess who found him?"

Agahnim narrows his eyes at me, and I'm suddenly overcome with nervousness. "She has been hounded enough today, and I do not believe that she needs any more fear than she has already endured."

"It's alright, Agahnim," a tiny voice says from behind us. "I can talk to them."

We turn to find a young woman dressed all in white robes (that matches her pixie cut hair) and watching us with kind violet eyes. Her skin seems rather pallor, which makes sense after all she's seen today, though she seems as calm as can be despite the slightly bloodshot eyes.

Agahnim moves past us and places his hands on her shoulders, holding her tightly, "You need not speak to them; you should be resting."

"If I can help in any way, then I will," is all she says, then, "You may return to the other priestesses and console them. I'll be fine here."

After further insistence, Agahnim finally relents and leaves the priestess be. We stand there for a moment before Link offers her a seat where the high priest sat. She thanks him graciously as she does so, although her eyes constantly find mine with a strange look that I can't describe.

The priestess takes a moment for herself before asking, "You said you're private investigators?" Link nods.

"We are. And you're Lana, right?" She nods, her cheeks flushing a little. "When did you find Mr Makeela?" She rests her hands in her lap nervously.

"It was early this morning, not long after sunrise." I hum.

"And has anybody been acting suspiciously in the temple recently? Maybe staying for longer than usual, or someone who's a frequent visitor?"

But she doesn't reply straight away. Lana looks up and holds my gaze for an uncomfortable amount of time. Her eyes widen ever so slightly, and I go to ask her what's wrong but my voice dies in my throat. Her gaze is so piercing that I can't bring myself to question her. I reach my hand back and paw out for Link, but he's already moving forward to try and help.

"Lana?"

"O-Oh!" the young woman snaps out of her daze with a small gasp and finally looks away from me. Relief floods through me, and I try my best not to show it. "There's no one suspicious that I can think of. I've only been here a few months, but I haven't seen anyone acting suspiciously in my time here." She pauses, then asks, "Is… is there anything else you need?"

Link glances at me before offering Lana a warm smile and shaking his head, "I think we're done here. Thank you for your time, Ms Lana." She seems like she's on the verge of saying something only to hold herself back as we let her stand.

I silently make my way back towards the great statue of Din, looking down at the tarp with clenched fists. We will find out what happened to you, Ganondorf, I tell the bloodstains. For you, Nabooru and everyone who loves you. No matter how many twists and turns there are, we'll find out who's doing this.

I feel a hand on my arm and turn to find Link there. He nods silently, clearly thinking what I was, and with no one else to ask we slowly make our way out the temple when someone stops us.

"J-Just a moment!"

It's Lana. She reaches out to us as we look back at her, and that sense of unease washes over me again.

When she doesn't say anything, Link tilts his head, "Everything okay?"

"What were your names again? I'm afraid I never caught them." Link and I introduce ourselves sceptically, and I'm struggling to keep the confusion out of my voice. Lana sighs with relief. "Sorry, I'm sure that's a strange request, but I thought you would have strong names. I felt your arrival here and knew that I had to see who you were. Link and Zelda… those are strong names indeed." She seems to zone out for a little too long before shaking herself back into reality and adding, "May the Goddesses watch over you as you work to bring justice to their fallen children."

We thank her and finally leave the temple. Link can tell from my speed that I'm eager to head out before we're stopped again, though it's hard to describe the strange feeling in my gut that I got from Lana. I'm not sure what it was, but something didn't feel right. Dodging the journalists, we make our way back to my car and fall into the seats. I hold my keys in my hand but don't move to turn the ignition.

When Link asks if I'm alright, I shift my weight nervously, "I don't know, I just got a weird vibe."

Link doesn't stop me as I finally fire up the engine, though as we start the drive back to the station he says, "If it helps, I got a weird feeling too." I glance over briefly but he's looking out the window. "Not sure what it was, but she wasn't telling us everything."

I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, "For now, let's just try and treat it like a normal case." I can feel the look he gives me.

"But this isn't a normal case. Your name is—"

"Look, I can handle it," I snap, then let out a sigh, "I'm sorry… I'm just a little rattled. I can handle whatever crazy Triforce hunters come after us."

But Link doesn't laugh, "My flat's always there if you want to crash until this is all over."

"We don't know when this will be all over—it could be months or even years," I remind him. "I'm not going to hide away." I sigh and toy with my options. He's not wrong about all this: with my name and presence in this case, it seems obvious that I would be a target. But despite all that… there's something in my gut, something I can't shake, that's telling me to pursue this. Even after getting unwanted attention as Impa said, my heart is screaming at me not to let this one go. "I feel safe," I lie. "Worry all you like, Link, but I'll be fine."

The station is buzzing with activity when we return. Journalists and the public are swarming around the entrance since the press conference is well underway. Usually, such things would be indoors, but with it being such a warm summer day they moved outdoors. We manage to dodge any attention as I park behind the station and we sneak inside to watch with the other officers, including Paya, on the TV inside.

"The media's not being briefed on the… the hunter connection," Paya quietly tells us as Impa speaks to the crowds. Which is definitely for the best, I can't help but think.

The conference goes without a hitch, and by the time Impa's finished the media are still asking questions as she walks away. Just as she'd foretold, one journalist did ask about Link and I despite Impa never mentioning us. They'd seen us going to the temple earlier and, as it always goes, the news spread like wildfire; we can't back out now.

The next few hours are spent hopping between people. Pipit's research into financial records come up blank and Fi's post-mortem report confirms that Makeela was also drugged and tortured in the same way as Kiri. From that, it makes me think that the killer was either physically weaker or just wanted a show of strength over the victims. Either way, they knew how to make the concoction themselves.

The sun is starting to set by the time we've left and I drop Link back to his flat, its dying light spraying streaks of red and orange light across the skies above. As I pull up outside his flat, he hesitates before getting out, "Are you sure you don't want to stay?"

I force a smile, "I'm a big girl, Link. I can handle being in my flat on my own."

He looks like he's considering taking me by force but soon sighs and relents, "If you see or hear anything, even just the smallest thing—"

"Then I'll call you," I finish. "I'll be careful, I promise. Now go on and do whatever it is you have to do. I'll let you know when I'm home." My final comment seems to be enough. He thanks me for dropping him back before finally heading inside. I watch him until he's gone from sight before driving off, tuning out the world and letting my thoughts overcome me as I drive home.

Since neither victim has anything in common apart from their names linking to the hero and hatred incarnate and the few scraps of evidence we do have point towards Triforce hunters, it's hard to think about the person's motive. Just having someone searching for the Triforce and killing people because of it just feels too simple—why would they be displaying the bodies in public if they didn't want the attention? Is it just to offer a sacrifice to the Goddesses like in the Seven Heroines case? I'm not sure… it all feels too simple with all the evidence so circumstantial.

And that's what it is: circumstantial. We can't prove that they're Triforce hunters apart from the marks on the victim's hands pointing to what hunters have done in the past, but we don't have any hard evidence to prove what they're doing is related to the Triforce in any way. If anything, they might just be doing it to throw us off their scent.

I let my head fall back against the headrest, exhausted. By the time I've parked up outside my own flat, the sun is about to set completely and plunge the town into darkness for the night. I let out a deep sigh as I head towards my building, keeping my keys between my fingers just in case. Checking that no one is around, I head inside.

The foyer is silent and empty. The automatic lights flicker on but now I'm more on edge since the lights give off an eerie light. My box in the communal postbox is empty so I continue on my way and pass by the empty office where my landladies stay, although it's surprisingly empty this evening.

Just get to your flat and calm down, I tell myself. Freaking yourself out isn't doing yourself any good.

But as I head up the staircase, it quickly becomes apparent that I was right to be nervous.

The minutes drag by as I quietly make my way upstairs, desperate not to attract any attention to myself as I go. Only the sound of my breath breaks through the stillness, and even then it's so shallow that I barely hear it.

Without warning, a door slams shut.

I press myself up against the wall before I can stop myself, and it's at that moment that I scold myself for acting so childishly. And yet, I can't help but place my free hand in my jeans and grab my phone, dialling a number without hesitation.

He picks up after two rings.

"Are you back?" I flinch at how loud his voice is compared to the silence of the building.

"Almost," I whisper. "I just wanted someone on the line as I got in."

Something in my voice must betray me because his simple response is, "My keys are next to me. Say the word and I'll be there."

I swallow thickly, looking down the stairwell. "Not just yet but… if I see something I'll tell you."

I calm my breath and carry on, quickening my pace when I only have one floor left to go. Once I reach the landing, memories of every horror film Link made me endure come flooding back. A long, dark corridor with barely any light there to illuminate it. I'm half expecting a few shadows to start creeping around and really send me over the edge.

And that's when I feel it, the same thing I felt when Link and I left the station after talking to Impa about the case—that feeling of being watched. Link thankfully stays quiet as I make my way down the hall, and I'm constantly looking behind me for any sign of someone.

Then, without any warning, a shadow appears from the stairwell.

I cry out.

Link calls my name.

The shadow squawks.

"Sweet merciful Din, child, there's no need to scream like your victims!"

Are you serious?

"Koume?" I call out, noticing the red gemstone over her brow. The shadow harrumphs in response, and I know that's a yes. "Goddesses above, you scared the life out of me."

Koume, one of my landladies, steps forwards so the moonlight catches her complexion. Her and her sister, Kotake, are Gerudo-born and are so old that no one knows their actual ages. Either way, they both find something to be mad about no matter the hour, so this time it's apparently my fault.

Link's voice still crackles through the speaker, desperate to know if I'm alright, so once I reassure him I turn my attention back to Koume, "Why are you stalking your tenants?" Koume stomps towards me and hands me a note with her bony hands.

"Well I wouldn't normally, but someone came by with an important letter for you—said it had to be delivered straight away." She shrugs. "Since you were on the news, I assumed it would be something to do with that. What's got you all on edge? I tell you, you better not be drawing murderers and the like to this place!"

"I'm not bringing anyone here," I wave her off. "I was just a bit on edge, and then you decided to sneak up on me."

She gawks at me. "I did not sneak up on you, you—"

"Look, I'm sorry," I step in, making sure I keep my tone calm despite my pounding heart. "Anyway, did they give you their name? What did they look like?"

"I think he said his name was Vaati," she muses. "Either way, the kid didn't spend enough time outside—pale as a ghost, he was." I lower my head in thought. I don't know anyone called Vaati personally, but I've met a lot of people over the years so maybe I have and can't remember; I'm too tired to think.

"Look, it's been a rough day and I'd really like to sleep, so if you don't mind…" Nodding towards the door, the Gerudo elder catches my meaning and strides back down the hallway, chuntering under her breath with every step. Holding my phone back up to my ear, I finally step into my flat and sag against the door as soon as I close it behind me.

Link sighs when I tell him I'm home safely, "What do you have for dinner?" I blink in surprise as I turn all the lights on and check each room for intruders.

"Um, I'm not sure—probably leftovers. Why?"

"Because if you want some peace of mind, I have my shoes and jacket on ready to come and stay and I'm prepared to buy us food if that's what it takes."

I laugh as I sink into my sofa, "So you want to be my guard dog?"

"I… I just—"

"I'm only messing," I cut in when I hear how flustered he is. "But after what happened with Koume just… I don't think I'd mind having you over—only if you want to, of course," I add just in case.

His relief is clear when he replies, "I'll be there as soon as I can."

I sink further into the sofa as I hang up, the day's events falling hard onto my shoulders. The last big case that Link and I were a part of was the Seven Heroines murders, and that was stressful enough. But with our conversation with Impa, then Agahnim and Lana and the worry of how I may end up being on the front lines of this case just fills me with a dread that I feel like won't leave anytime soon.

Remembering the letter Koume gave me, I turn it over and find only my name on the envelope; no address, nothing. Curious, I open it up and reveal the letter inside, and what I find frightens me:

'To find the next person missing without a trace,

Find where the queen of law presides over this place.

The clock is ticking, so do not delay,

Or you shall find their body at the end of the coming day.'

My eyes scan over the letter a few times, unable to compute its words. The words echo around my mind as the letter falls out of my quaking hands. If this isn't some kind of sick joke, then I really won't be getting any rest anytime soon. If it really is the murderer playing games with us so we can try and save the next victim before it's too late, then it seems like the victim has gone missing—I'm not going to be the next victim. But there's a bigger problem.

Dread seeps into my gut—whoever they are, they know where I live.

When someone knocks on the door ten minutes later, I check who's there through the finder in the door before letting Link in. Something on my face must betray me because he immediately locks the door behind me and bundles me up into a tight embrace. With the letter's words at the forefront of my mind, it takes all my energy not to be reduced to a shaking mess.

The letter might imply that I won't be the next victim, but that doesn't change the fact that I could still be on their list and the next victim has likely gone missing tonight.

Goddesses above, I think to myself as I practically cling to Link. What have I gotten myself into?

Dread filled her gut as her assailant dragged her further down the alleyway. Her attempts to fight back had seemed pitiful in comparison to how easily they overpowered her. One of her shoes clattered against the ground, but the two of them were the only ones there to hear it.

The freezing cold gnawed at her legs, her tights being torn apart as she threw herself about in their arms. Everything had happened so fast—one moment she was outside the bar, the next a pair of arms were around her and tearing her away with nothing but her shoe that fell off in the struggle left to show that she'd once been there.

Maybe that shoe would be the only thing left of her.

The silent street grew further and further away from them, and with it her hope. No one was there to save her, nor was anyone around to come after her if they'd noticed she was gone—they were too drunk.

She was all alone, and it was already too late for her.

The car door was already open, allowing them to drag her into the back seat with ease. Then the locks clicked shut, and for such a usually quiet sound it was deafening to her. As the lights inside faded she spotted something hanging from the rearview window.

It was a photo of her.

She started to sob.

The person in the front seat reached towards her and cupped her cheek, thumbing away the tears. She couldn't make out their face through the darkness, nor their gender when they spoke because of her muffled sobs. All she could see was their kind smile which was full of pity.

"Don't cry, darling," they cooed. "It'll all be over soon."

Then the car sped off into the night without a trace.