Chapter 9: Letters

Princess Zelda,

I'm not sure how these things are supposed to work, exactly, since this is my first time doing so. Writing letters. But it's kind of satisfying in a way. Sorry if I have all kinds of errors in my writing. I want to do the best I can to improve. I've been studying those lesson texts you gave me, and I've been comparing them to make sure that at least my spelling turns out correct.

I haven't really fit in with living in the Eldin Caves yet, but the clan has been more accepting than any human tribe I ever lived with. They seem to prefer me in my dragon form most of the time, so it's been different to get used to.

I actually started writing this letter earlier, but it's hard to get privacy here. And that little Dinolfos, Amusei, looks up to me now. He follows me around everywhere, like a little brother.

How have you been? I hope Impa and your father haven't been too hard on you since that day.

- Volga

That had been his first letter to her, and he had gone through great lengths to have his writing revised several times before sending it, his knowledge of words not yet extensive enough to express everything he wanted. He had not received a response from her until a little over a week later. And by the goddesses was he in a mindless delight when he did.

Dear Volga,

I'm so pleased to hear from you! It looks like you beat me to writing the first letter. It also doesn't help that I have to go through so much fuss just to send a letter, let alone be able to receive it without going through some absurd security search. This will cause my letters to take much longer to arrive back to you, so I apologize in advance.

I can't even imagine how different it must be for you trying to accustom to living there. I'm glad they've been accepting. You know, as strange as this sounds, I found your dragon form to be rather fascinating. I was intrigued enough to search through the castle library to see what more we had on dragons, and well, other than the usual, malicious depictions of them, I found something interesting.

Did you know that some of our ancient gods were dragons? They were like guardians to the goddesses. The Era of the Sky and Surface actually had three such dragons, and one of them even lived in an environment like yours!

Oh, I sent you some food and books with this letter. The food won't spoil, but I'm working on practicing some cold enchantments so that I can send you more options in the future.

- Zelda

He had probably lost count over how many times he had read that. Just seeing her elegant handwriting on the parchment had him absently running his fingers over the dried ink of her letters, as if he could reach out to her through them.

And… she said she found his dragon form to be fascinating. Volga could not yet perceive that their letters would take a long time to reach each other, based on what she initially stated. Zelda found his dragon form fascinating. Enough to go and research more about them. Volga did not care if this boosted his ego by a tenfold, he was utterly beside himself with elation.

He had written back to her on the same day he had received that letter, with such eagerness, that his handwriting was choppy, and his thoughts had gone astray. It was when he realized how… attached it came off sounding, that he began to change parts of the letter. It took him quite some time to try and adjust his writing, before he finally decided to redo the entire thing.

Dear Princess Zelda,

I can't believe it's already been several weeks. It does not feel like time has actually moved that fast, because the days drag by. I've been training a lot with Dodongo and the clan's chieftains. The training is very strict, but I think this will be good for me. And it also helps keep my mind off of other things.

I learned how to breathe fire today in my human form. They taught me how to maintain the fire for as long as I can, and had me try to melt a stone spire, which is supposed to be resistant to lava. I really think I can get the hang of this. I'm starting to feel more confident in my abilities.

Thank you for sending the books, but I think Amusei and the rest of the clan got to the food first. Somehow I do not feel right in not sending you anything in return. I want to send you things too. I'm not sure what you would like, because what does one give to a princess, if she has everything? Do you have everything? What do you not have?

Your wish is my command, Princess.

- Volga

He had not heard from Zelda for a long time since that last letter of his, and worried if he had said something that unsettled her. Volga figured that the likely scenario was that she had been very busy, and the other factors she had to deal with when it came to sending and receiving letters.

Months had passed, and Volga pushed himself further with his training. The courier had caught him by surprise one day when he had stumbled upon Volga in his dragon form. Volga quickly transformed back, so that he could use his hands, not his claws, to retrieve and read the letter the terrified human handed to him.

Dear Volga,

I apologize for the delay. There's been much going on lately. I tried sneaking out of the castle the other day, and father actually caught me this time, not Impa. He was so infuriated, that it was as if he had gone through every possible option to make me as miserable as possible.

Did you know that I haven't succeeded in trying to sneak out of the castle since that last time I hid and travelled in that crate? I haven't been able to even visit the town since the last time we were there together. I'm starting to forget what some of the streets looked like.

I admire you for taking initiative in your training. I wish I had your ambition. I think I still can, it's just been especially discouraging lately. You've been a source of motivation for me, you know? Whenever I see you write about your training, it makes me realize that I'm not alone in this. Even though we have different circumstances, it's reassuring to know that you've been pleased with your efforts.

You asked me on that last letter if I had everything, and what I didn't have. That's something very difficult to answer. I have almost everything that rupees can buy. Yet that will not make me appreciate a gift any less. What I actually want, however, is not something that can necessarily be bought.

What I wish more than anything right now is to go outside and travel throughout Hyrule Field. I want to be able to actually BE in my kingdom, rather than through the hazy view from my castle. I want to grasp the grass, and soak my feet in the water. I want to touch the sand, and see if it's really as hot as they say it is. I want to see all the plant and floral life beyond what I've seen in my garden, and learn its new scents.

I suppose that with my upcoming future, I would have to meet a decent prince. Decent, because perfect does not exist, and my own desires of the ideal man would likely be too unrealistic. But I will amuse you, regardless.

I wish for a man who is kind and passionate, who is truly a gentleman, and not just because he was brought up to be that way. A man who is willing to take me to other places, and not keep me confined to the castle. A man who can appreciate my joy for books and music. A man who can love me with my imperfections, and that I can love him with his own flaws.

I know. This is something from a fairy tale, not real life. I will not hold such high expectations from a prince.

With all my rambles aside, there is something I'm happy with, and it's hearing back from you to see how you're doing. You don't have to give me anything Volga. You've given me your friendship, and that's more than I could hope to have.

- Zelda

Since then, their letters had become more thoughtful, and taken longer to write throughout the course of the next years. At times it seemed as if they would never hear from each other again, but the letters still came, and still went.

For the third time that day, the windows flew open. A rush of wind intruded inside, scattering the pages of open books and ancient texts, sweeping them across the spacious room. The rain that was accompanied wasn't any less invasive; the water droplets falling in a horizontal pattern due to the high winds, sharp, biting almost - and incessantly soaking the marble floor.

A pair of violet eyes peered from behind a crystal ball, enlarged from the magnified glass. She had not bothered with the windows this time. They would just leave themselves open again. Besides, the harsh wind and chilled rain felt refreshing from Hyrule's warm and cheery forecast within the past month.

The constant sunlight had darkened her skin slightly, her of all people, when she spent most of her time indoors! Not to mention, the brightness was starting to pull her further away from the windows. It was becoming more of a nuisance to her in general; rather than as a natural means to help her see, her retinas felt as if they were burned whenever her eyes were exposed to light.

Perhaps you are becoming less and less of the Guardian of Time…

She turned around abruptly at the sound of the voice, almost expecting someone to be there, which was an utterly preposterous notion, considering no living soul had ever stepped foot in her domain. Still, all she could see were her multiple arch ways before her, silent and idle, as she had always known them to be. From behind the glass doors, a crescent moon could be spotted in the darkening sky. She had not known the night had come so soon, nor how welcoming the darkness was.

So I am not the only one who appreciates the depths of the shadows, I see…

Yes, it was most certainly that voice she had heard. The one she had been hearing for the past several years, when all it started out as were mere whispers. It was a menacing voice, more demonic than human. She once feared this voice, had once considered that she might have been losing her very sanity - and now it was a voice she had grown accustomed to. Like hearing the voice of a companion who had been living under the same household.

I'm a companion now? How… uncharacteristically touching of you…

"Must you read my every thought?" asked the sorceress irritably, stepping away from the small, circular table that held the crystal ball she had been gazing at.

The voice had ignored her question.

You still haven't been able to see any more visions in that artifact of yours, have you?

"You already know the answer to that," she said coldly.

Yes, yes, the visions are all blurred, the voice sounded scolding, as if it was disappointed by her lack of progress. But that can't be all that's interfering with your powers.

"My powers," she repeated, ignoring her usual annoyance with the fact that she was essentially talking out loud to herself. "What's it to you, anyway?"

My dear, Guardian of Time, the voice cooed. I have been in your company for some time now. My influence has affected your powers, whether you realize it or not. You should learn from them. Otherwise, perhaps all hope is lost for you in regards to your Hero, that you are so tied to…

The witch stiffened at this statement. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Why not take a look and see?

Giving in to her curiosity when it came to anything regarding Link, she approached the table once more, and blinked back at the crystal ball. For a moment nothing happened, merely the same white, cloudy haze that she had grown familiar to seeing.

Yet as she stared, the white turned to various colors, and began to take indistinct shapes. No, there was definitely a shape, and it was of a young man. A bit more slender than that of an average man, but still a man just the same. Gold, white, yellow, and light brown tones swirled to create and shade his hair, and of course the witch had known those colors all too well… she had painted that hair countless times. The familiar green tunic soon came to view, along with a blue scarf that she had seen from a vision long ago, that had inspired her to create more paintings of him. She had always been fond of those particular paintings, but seeing him now within the crystal ball, and then… she noticed his location. Her home.

"He's in here!" she gasped out loud. "I mean… he's going to come here! When? Why?!"

Oblivious to her spontaneous glee, the voice said nothing, as the crystal ball continued to transition. Another shape began to form next to Link, soft shades of pink, blue, gold, and white. The smile faded from the witch's lips. That unmistakable blonde hair, well, blonde as she had seen it through most eras - luscious and vibrant. Her beautiful face, though it did not seem to hold that trace of helplessness that she had expected to see from the princess. There was an elegant sword gripped in her hand as she moved, dressed in a battle raiment that was more revealing, than she had ever seen of her, delicate curves emphasizing her feminine figure.

If envy and jealousy could burn, she would have set fire to every intricate thread on that raiment. Her thoughts only grew more disturbing as she watched Princess Zelda and Link share a passionate exchange in glances. They appeared to be leaning closer, unless it was her imagination. Whatever it was they were about to do, she would never know. She did not want to know. Her animosity for the princess blinded her of all logic, of justifying everything she had witnessed era after era - that the blood of the goddess was bound to the Spirit of the Hero.

"I can't see anymore of this," she said, livid, shoving the crystal ball away from the table with such force, that it rolled forth, into the ground, and the glass cracked. It was a wonder the entire ball didn't shatter, let alone that it still functioned at all. She turned away from it, resisting the temptation to dig her heel into the sphere, to start going into a frenzy of blind rage and break everything within reach.

You see, said the voice calmly, completely unaffected by what the witch had seen. He chooses her. Not you.

In that instant, the Guardian of Time hated that voice too, and not just the princess. She wanted to do nothing more than blast the empty air with every spell she knew, until she could miraculously find the target of this mysterious voice, who seemed to be mocking her for her outburst. For her weakness.

I am not mocking you, he said, and she grit her teeth at the reoccurring penetration of her mind. In fact, I want to help you.

"Pfft, what could you do to help me? You're a voice! You don't even have a physical form!" she exclaimed.

Just say the words. Let me enter, said the voice, in such a commanding manner, that she could not help the shiver that ran down her spine.

"E-enter?" she whispered, looking around wildly, a manic expression on her face. She was almost expecting this being to barge right through her window.

Do not be afraid, he said, in a surprisingly reassuring tone. You have a great power residing within you, Guardian of Time. I can show you things you never thought you could do. Use your gifts to your advantage, not as a means of watching to see what happens. Take control of your future. I can help you… obtain your Hero. I can help you with so much more…

The witch bit her lip, and shook her head. "I don't… believe you…"

Look around you, he continued firmly. Is this what you want to do for the rest of your life? Play puppet to the goddesses and sit here, by yourself, and watch over this accursed relic for all eternity? Why watch over the relic, when you could have it for yourself, and choose the life you want to have? If the goddesses trusted you with such a task to watch over the relic, then surely they would have trusted it to be in your hands, if it came to it. You and I both know the war is about to begin. Use the relic to help with the war, and have the pleasure of a reward on the side. Why settle for nothing, when you can have everything?

The sorceress fell silent. Truthfully, this was the longest she had ever heard him speak, and while she still had her own doubts, she found that the more she reflected on what he said, the more she realized that he was right. Why should she sit around for the rest of her life, watching over the Triforce in loneliness and misery? Why shouldn't she be able to experience the normal, every-day activities that everyone else did? Why shouldn't she be able to have Link?

If the goddesses had truly entrusted her with such a burden then yes, they must have accepted that she would be a perfectly viable candidate to actually be able to use the Triforce. And even if she wasn't good enough, that would be the fault of the goddesses, not her own. They had been known to make mistakes before.

Yes. She wanted this. The more she thought about what she could do with the powers of the complete Triforce, the more she found herself lusting for more. But she only had one piece… the Triforce of Power. She would need the other two pieces.

The witch did not verbally have to give the voice permission anymore, for she had already made that decision in her mind. All she could do was watch in morbid fascination, as the very particles from the shadows in the room coursed over the ground and in the air like a swarm of black beetles. The miasma surrounded her, materializing into the silhouette of what appeared to be a colossal boar. Towering over her, he suddenly plunged through without warning, dissolving into her body.

She could not really describe the sensation. Her chest felt heavy, suffocating almost, as if she had too many souls occupying her body, and she no longer knew which one was hers.

I'll make this easier for you, he said darkly, his voice louder and more clearer than ever, embedded in her very mind. I will separate you into two. Your weaker side will be cast away, as a separate being, into the depths of this forest, far away from here. And your stronger side, will be safe with me. Together, we will share your body.

Before she could properly let the absurdity of this sentence sink in, she felt her body give an unexpected convulsion. This experience was somehow more disconcerting than letting in a soul inside her body. She could feel a part of her leave her, but once it did, her apprehension was gone. She felt relieved. Who was this soul she was sharing with? She felt like she could do anything, be anything she wanted. No more morals, no more concerns, nothing. She was free.

From now on, the voice ushered to her, like a master would to a servant. Your title of Guardian of Time will be put behind you. You shall now be known as Cia. Take a moment to revel in your newfound powers.

And Cia did indeed.

Her eyes, a piercing amethyst, gazed down at her hands. She flexed her long fingers, like a newborn child studying itself for the first time. To her surprise, a flash of purple erupted from her hand, before whizzing toward one of her archways. The sheer power of this magic caused the archway to blast apart, setting off the other archways to crumble before her.

"Did I do that?" she half-giggled, half-squealed, positively delighted with what she had accomplished, even though she was practically destroying her home. "I want to test that on something else. On someone."

Patience, my pet, the voice said, a certain satisfaction regurgitated in his tone. There is much I have to teach you before you become directly involved with our upcoming plan. You will learn other variations of that same magic, and more. You will learn how to summon minions, and even your own… personalized version of such. You will learn how to control the mind of another to do your bidding and -

"I will learn how to control their mind?" she said eagerly. "To anyone?"

Yes and no, the voice tried to explain. It's a bit more complicated than that. We will have to start on some minor targets first, some generic minions that will be available to us once you open the Gate of Souls. But before we do any of this, I want you to summon a minion of your own. These minions, unlike a real one, will disappear after some time. I will teach you to try and maintain a minion for as long as you can. Our first plan of attack will be an indirect approach. Basically, your minion will be doing the work.

Cia nodded, taking note of her staff that had been discarded next to the table. She leaned over to pick it up, feeling her powers infuse a different element into the weapon. It was then that she noticed that she was still in her old clothes. She would get rid of this saintly outfit. Cia would fashion herself in something she'd feel attractive in, perhaps even a little provocative. For the first time, she felt sexy. She felt stunning. She felt alive.

"My own personalized minion, hm?" she drawled, glancing at one of her prized paintings. "Oh yes, I have just the one in mind."

The cold, silken sheets rustled as the young woman tossed and turned in her sleep. Slender fingers clenched at the covers that somehow could not provide her the warmth she subconsciously sought. Finally, Princess Zelda woke with a start, her chest rising and falling quickly due to her irregular breathing. She slowly sat up, her pale face glowing in the semi-darkness of her room.

Darkness was never something that frightened her as a child, but the seemingly jagged shadows of her bed room were making her somewhat uneasy. From the expensive furnishings to the endless amount of possessions her father shamelessly spoiled her with… the exaggerated size of her room never felt more empty. Empty and cramped, like her surroundings were trying to close in on her.

Perhaps this was due to her restless nightmare. Or the chill that seeped through her walls.

Zelda never liked the cold. It was harsh, and dug into her skin like sharp knives, no matter how many exotic coats her tailors ushered her to wear, and the poor creatures that had to be slain to produce thick furs that only nobles could afford. She disliked it all.

The strap on her lavender gown slid slightly down her right arm, exposing her bare shoulder. Zelda shivered, padding quietly across the lone room.

She pushed past the door, and continued forth through the extended part of her bed room. For her bed room was not so different than that of a small home; each section separated into her actual sleeping area, a study, a living room, and even a fair dining area if she so chose to eat and drink in private. All she wanted right now however, was heat.

Reaching her living room, relief flooded over her at the welcoming sight of her hearth. The flames cast a cozy glow into the shadows of the room, its light dancing along the velvety couches. Zelda approached the fire place, and stood in front of it, rubbing her hands along her arms as she basked in its warmth.

"Cold again, Princess? Should I go fetch you a hot drink? A thick blanket?"

Zelda gave a slight start and glanced over to see that her care taker was there, sitting in one of the couches, reviewing a parchment with the schedule of her soldiers.

"No thank you, Impa," she said quietly. "I like the warmth of the fire."

The blonde turned to face the fire again, though she could feel Impa's red eyes surveying her behind her back.

"You had another nightmare again, didn't you?"

Zelda gave a reluctant nod. "It was nothing. Just a bad dream."

Impa shifted away from the couch, and approached her, before suddenly going quite still. Zelda knew why; there, on top of Zelda's bare hand, was a faint glow emitting from the birth mark her mother had left her. It was in the shape of a triangle, on the far left of a very faded outline of a Triforce. Zelda instinctively moved her hand away from view, but it was already too late.

"This was no ordinary circumstance. Tell me of your dream."

At first, Zelda considered not saying anything, of brushing it off and not bringing more concern to Impa and her father than they had to deal with already. However, they both had practically implanted into her head about the significance of the mark on her hand. It would not be wise to say nothing, especially if this indeed, have any relevance with what she had just experienced.

"There were many people," Zelda began. "I did not know who they were. They were all masked. Dancing, drinking, and more. And then suddenly, some of them began to…" she hesitated. "Die. I… I could not see how, but I knew they were murdered. The victims had something in common though."

"Yes?" Impa demanded, almost impatiently.

"Impa…"

"Just be out with it, Zelda."

"They were… all blondes. And they were all women."

Impa stared at her for a long time, and Zelda hoped that Impa would try and crack one of her dry jokes, to say something along the lines of her probably being affected by some horror or mystery novel she had read - but she did nothing of the sort. When Impa spoke, it came out as a harsh whisper.

"The Masquerade Festival."

At her words, Zelda knew what Impa was referring to. The Masquerade Festival was a traditional holiday in Hyrule that was celebrated in the night of a lunar eclipse, to commemorate the era in which the Spirit of the Hero used time to repeatedly course through a three-day cycle to save his world from an unnatural destruction. His use of the various masks that he was given during his conquest was what had inspired the event to be a masquerade… and likely an excuse for some alcoholic debauchery on the side.

The event was celebrated in Hyrule Castle's very ball room, bringing forth practically all the nobles, and royally invited guests. Due to Hyrule's expansive population, there was only a limited amount of middle and low class invited, and if they were, it was often for a modest wage to assist with serving the guests.

"The solution is simple," said Impa decisively. "We either cancel the event, or you hide. The first option would be ideal, however, it is not without complications with the public. "

Zelda frowned, and shook her head. "Impa, if you're implying that what I saw in my dreams might actually happen, then the last thing I would want to do is hide. If I'm truly the target, I'd rather get it over with quickly, rather than having other women needlessly sacrificed for my sake. And if we were to cancel the event, we may never find out who the culprit is, or if there is more than one."

Impa's eyes widened. "What, so you're saying you're going to use yourself as bait? Princess, do you have any idea how important your life is to this kingdom? Have you forgotten what we spent all of these years trying to do?!"

"We have spent all these years trying to turn me into a warrior," Zelda countered. "Do you really think I would forget the freedom and what remained of my childhood - gone, so that I could focus on what you and father set out for me? What use has my training been, if I'm not out there, protecting our people? I would not deserve the title of Princess, let alone Queen, otherwise. Besides, you yourself have said that I'm a capable warrior."

The Sheikah made a frustrated grunt. "Damn it, Princess," she swore, though she would not have dared doing so in front of anyone else. She was more like an adopted mother or sister to her when she spoke like this, rather than merely her guard.

"You are capable. You are more than capable. But we do not know yet what we are up against. We do not even know if this is really going to happen, and quite frankly, I can say I've had enough of visions and premonitions for one life time. However, being that this dream coincides with your mark, I cannot simply ignore it. I admire your willpower, but it does not make me any more agreeable with your decision."

Zelda said nothing, and Impa realized that she would not change her mind.

Impa sighed. "I suppose I will have to take drastic measures to increase the security in this event. You do realize your father will likely lose any hair left on his head when he hears of this?"

The princess gave a meek chuckle, but the smile vanished quickly. "He'll be fine, Impa," she reassured her. "And I'll be fine too."

There was a pause, and then Impa spoke. "Are you going to write to him of this?"

Zelda turned her attention away from the fire, and rested her eyes back on Impa. She knew exactly what him Impa was speaking of. The boy she had exchanged letters with over the years - well who was most certainly not a boy any longer. Her closest friend, who was also ironically, far away from her. The only one who could bring a genuine smile out of her lips, whenever she received his letters.

"No," said Zelda thoughtfully. "There's enough burden as it is right now."

"Left!"

"Top!"

"Right!"

Dodongo's voice bellowed across the Eldin caves as he instructed the young dragon, the adolescent that was both his master and apprentice. To most, this complexity of ranks would not have been the generic, established hierarchy. Yet in a world where the great beast was the closest Volga had to a father, and the reptilian clan being closest to a family, Volga supposed there were stranger things.

A stream of fire shot from his mouth, striking each of the designated targets with a precision and range that, despite the larger hit box compared to that of an arrow, would have made an archer proud. The white markings on the rocks that had been for his practice turned black, the paint peeling from the stone.

"Very good, very good," Dodongo praised. "Now, place the stone spire from your back on the ground."

Volga raised two, toned arms and lifted the massive boulder that had been propped on his bare back for the past half hour. This was a routine obstacle Dodongo had provided for him to continuously develop whatever form he was in. As a boy, this all started as a constant frustration that heavily dragged him down after mere minutes - but now, after years of hard-work and rigorous self-discipline, his body grew stronger, possessing the muscles and the strength to overcome what was now a menial task.

"You've given me a pebble to work with this time, not a boulder, Master," Volga retorted, setting the stone spire in front of him. "Remind me why you are so keen on this particular type of… stone spire anyway."

Dodongo snorted, a puff of smoke flaring from his nostrils. "I already told you. These stone spires have a different material compared to the other rocks. They will not turn molten from the lava, therefore they will make for a viable defense barrier should the Eldin Caves ever be invaded." He gave another gurgled snort. "Perhaps I should assign you five stone spires next time, to nurture that pride of yours."

Ah yes, the matter of pride. Pride was something of a quality among the reptilian clan, a sign of leadership. Volga had been influenced of course, but not for the sole purpose of earning respect among their ranks. To him, it was a way of life. Gone were the days of cowering under the scrutiny of humans, of lacking self-esteem. Zelda had given him motivation, while Dodongo and the clan provided him the discipline that brought him to what he was now. Now he was someone who could walk with his head held high, rather than fixated on the ground.

That wasn't to say that his pride couldn't get out of hand at times.

"It was not my intention to sound arrogant," he defended. "You know I'm merely eager to prove myself."

The golden beast nodded knowingly. "I understand you have a desire to prove yourself, Volga. You train on a daily basis, and often on your own volition. And you dedicate yourself to read and study those books of yours… immersing yourself with human influence - just as equally. Perhaps the clan and I… are not only ones you are trying to prove something to, hm?"

Volga gazed at the lava-ridden environment before him, the place he had grown to call home. As a dragon with the ability to breathe and adapt to fire, this volcanic landmark was the ideal location for him to reside in. The crags were large enough for him to feel that he had sufficient space to stretch out his wings, rather than feel cramped in the more typical layout of a cave. There was food to hunt, though he never really developed a taste for anything here in particular - he most certainly could survive on it, if he so wished to.

This human influence Dodongo spoke of might never have been an influence at all if it were not for her. Volga might have been obliviously content dwelling in this place as a dragon, perhaps never bothering with his human form again. He might have been uneducated, angry, a mindless beast, as stories so easily defined of his kind. And he certainly wouldn't have felt this need to understand more of humankind, when nearly every factor of his past should have indicated otherwise.

"I live in two worlds, Master," said Volga mildly. "It does not bother me. But you know full well that my place is here."

Yet there was a hollowness inside him that his dragon life could not fulfill, and that only his 'human' influence could. Whenever he read a book, or picked up a quill, or even did something as trivial as taking an occasional visit to the marketplace to buy some supplies - it brought him a strange, peace of mind. It wasn't just a reminder that a part of him was still human… it was a reminder of the connection he still had with Zelda.

"Excuse me, you're the Dragon Knight, yes?"

Volga blinked at the voice that had come from seemingly nowhere. He and Dodongo turned to stare at the hooded, lithe figure that had appeared from behind a nearby stone spire. Humans never ventured this far into the Eldin Caves, much less in the face of King Dodongo and a dragon. Regardless of the fact that Volga wasn't in his dragon form at the moment, even the courier would have been more apprehensive.

"Yes," Volga replied gruffly. "What do you inquire of me, upon our territory?"

The stranger handed him a folded parchment. "I have been given permission to tell you that I'm an agent of the Royal Family. This is a note from General Impa."

Suspicious, Volga unfolded the note, and began to read. Impa had never written to him before.

Dragon Knight,

I have a delicate matter that I wish to address to you. The princess will likely not say anything, so as to not worry you, but due to the urgency of this situation, I need to maximize all my options. Bear with me, because this will sound completely unorthodox. But I'm going to be very blunt.

There may be an assassination attempt forthcoming in Hyrule Castle, likely in the ball room. The possible victims are blonde women. I know you have little to no sympathy for humans, but I thought you should know, since Zelda will likely be the concluding target.

I advised her that we should cancel the event, or that she should hide, but she refused both options. Her, being the stubborn woman that she is, plans to confront this assassin, and that's only assuming there isn't more. While I have faith in her abilities as a warrior, I do not have confidence as to what we'll be up against.

So I'm humbly asking if you could cooperate with me to prevent the danger that may befall this Masquerade Festival. And being that everyone will be masked, it brings me further uneasiness as to which one could be the killer.

I can understand if you don't want to help, and I won't hold it against you. Just try and understand that, for me to be writing this to you, I'm very concerned about the possible victims, and of course, of Zelda's life.

If you do wish to attend, all the details of the date, time, and location of the event are written below. There should be enough time to give you a few days to prepare by the time this letter reaches you. Let my agent know, for I have provided rupees for when you go shopping for a costume. There should be more than enough to buy what you wish.

- General Impa

Volga finished the letter, processing what he had just read. His expression changed from suspicion to confusion, and now to concern. For once, he agreed with Impa in that the event should have been cancelled. However, he could understand Zelda's persistence in wanting to uncover the identity of her killer. Because if there was really someone out there who wanted Zelda killed, a cancelled event would not have sufficed, and the killer would merely find another means to reach her.

The fact that Zelda did not inform Volga of this did not surprise him, but now that he knew, he could not help but wonder just how much Zelda had gone through that she never brought up. He certainly went through his own struggles, some of which that even he refused to acknowledge. There were no words to describe the thought of seeing Zelda again, something he had longed for so long, that not even all the letters they exchanged could compare.

But this was more than a reunion he would be facing. It was Zelda's life. Impa would not have asked him for his help if she did not feel truly in need of him.

"I will be attending," he told the agent. But when the agent reached for the pouch of rupees to give him, Volga shook his head. "No. I'm a man who works for my own rupees."