Retreading old ground, Ruuya reflected, was not as exciting as exploring it the first time. Since they had bypassed the colosseum Lynel, the entire trip back to the village had been almost underwhelming. The lumbering giants and crowds of monsters had been carefully avoided, and resting spots had been well selected. Vaati had a familiarity with the Realm of Darkness that was simply uncanny. It almost seemed like he could sense the monsters well before they caught sight of them. Now, on the last stretch of their journey, Ruuya could just make out Flow's tower over the tops of the red-eyed trees. Its grey bricks were slightly dampened by the light drizzle, almost seeming to glow in the misting rain. Soon, they'd be back. Nan, Flow, and most of the villagers would welcome them, celebrating the return of their...god.

But Alysse... Alysse was waiting. She probably would not welcome them with open arms. Ruuya suddenly found that she couldn't swallow. Maybe she shouldn't have had such sticky fingers.

"That pointed rooftop over there," said Vaati, snapping her out of her thoughts. She was happy for the distraction. "Am I correct in assuming that it's in the village?"

Ruuya nodded. "Yeah. Almost." It was technically on the outskirts on the far side.

"Finally," Vaati huffed, his shoulders sloping forward slightly in exhaustion. The old man no longer bothered to hide his weariness around her, despite that she was sure he wanted to. Their hike through the countryside had more than worn him out; they would've been back almost a day and a half ago if it weren't for all the breaks the old sorcerer had needed to take. He definitely needed more exercise. "I didn't want to spend yet another night in this godsforsaken swamp."

Ruuya grunted in reply. The fields leading up to the Village of Outcasts were soft underfoot, but that didn't make them a swamp. Although, she supposed if one were stuck in a cold, dry palace for centuries, the outside world would probably look like the wetlands.

If Vaati had actually been paying attention, he would've noticed the outer farms and homesteads some time ago. She rolled her eyes. So much for the people's legendary, caring champion, she thought. What am I really bringing back: a hero or a fraud?

Feeling a sudden chill, she realized it was probably the latter.

For now, it probably doesn't matter, she thought, He's the best chance we've got to get outta this mess. It may have been cruel, but it was better to live life in the sun and heat than to spend all of one's remaining days in shadow and fear. She was doing what had to be done. 'Sometimes, there were only bad choices, Ruu, but the wise woman chose the better one,' or so her mother had said.

Ruuya forced a smile onto her face. "It's a bit larger than a village," she said. "More like a small city, but I guess the name just stuck. They'll be excited to meet you."

It was probably an understatement.

"Wonderful," he said, a cheerful but sly smile spreading across his face. Then he stopped, blinked, and stared at someone in surprise. She stood in the shadow of the broken statue of Vaati – this one missing an arm instead of its head – a small short sword tied to her hip and a shirt of glittering mail over her normal, sturdy woolen tunic. It was Nan. When had she acquired that armor and blade?

Nan's eyes brightened, grin alight. "It's you!" she cried.

Barely glancing at Vaati, Nan ran up to Ruuya and threw her arms around her, holding her in a firm embrace.

Ruuya froze for a brief moment, arms resting at her side in shock, but then returned the hug. "It's good to see you too, Nan," she said. Her eyebrows rose, and she pulled back. "But...how did you know that we'd be coming through this way?"

"Mr. Friend told me!" said Nan, faint traces of laughter in her voice. "He was bouncing around the fields when he saw you and he said you had a hobo with you, but he wasn't real sure 'cause Mr. Bullard headbutted him somethin' fierce, and he landed in a bunch of muck and had to roll home to wash up. But he told me as soon as he could that you were comin' and you're here!"

Ruuya smothered a small laugh. Footsteps approached from behind, and Vaati stepped a foot closer to Nan than was comfortable. He glared. "Little girls should be seen and not heard," he hissed. "Run home."

Nan didn't even flinch. Instead she looked Vaati up and down, humming to herself the whole time.

"You don't look that much like a hobo," she said, tilting her head. "Or a monster. Why do you look human?" Nan gasped, her eyes twinkling. "Are you an animal? Are you an animal that fell into the Dark World? Oh, you poor thing!"

Vaati snarled. "Listen here, you -"

"We have to get you to Aunty Flow right away!" Nan cried. She reached out and grabbed Vaati's wrist. Then, much like she had on Ruuya's first day in the village, she proceeded to drag him along with her, ignoring his complaints and snarls.

"Stop it!" he said. "Who in hell do you think -"

"You look a lot like the Great Vaati," Nan said. She was practically hopping down the road, Vaati still in tow despite his efforts to rip her hand off of him. He paused for a moment as Nan continued to rattle on. "But he's been gone for a long, long time, so you can't be him. And what we look like on the outside is what we are on the inside, so you must've liked him a whole lot!" Nan gasped loudly. "You must be his reincarnation! Flow definitely has to see you!"

That is...actually be a good theory, Ruuya thought, amused. Unfortunately, it's not true. Perhaps a reincarnation would be less of an ass.

As Nan continued talking over Vaati's protests, Ruuya sighed. She moved, trailing behind them, listening as Nan chittered and chattered the once-powerful sorcerer into submission.

Maybe Flow would be happy to see her. It wasn't as if Ruuya had stolen from her before -

Oh.

Ruuya tapped the bag hanging by her hip. It was filled to bursting with reference books, and her own pilfered treasures. Perhaps Alysse hadn't told the cloud woman about the theft.

She could only hope.

Ruuya looked up and let her eyes wander. A horned half-man with goat hooves was standing stock still, gaze turned towards Nan and her helpless guest. With a start, Ruuya noticed that a scaly person on the other side of the road was staring at the two as well. As they continued to weave their way through the village, Ruuya began noticing how many looks were being sent their way. Whispers were exchanged. Gossip resounded. Soon, a small group started to follow in their wake, a mix of all kinds of animals, monsters, and beasts. Vaati had since grown silent, choosing to observe his surroundings instead. Nan, the perpetual chatterbox, hadn't slowed down in any sense of the word, and the old mage was struggling to keep up, his feet sliding across the slick cobblestone streets.

Ruuya had a feeling that even if Vaati hadn't been worn down by the ages, Nan would have still been able to keep her iron grip on him. Perhaps that stubbornness was why she had turned into a goat, rather than a parrot.

By the time they had reached Flow's tower, a crowd had formed around the building. It was nothing compared to the gathering behind Ruuya, however. It seemed as if every last villager had turned out to catch sight of their old, fabled hero.

Waiting there, separate from the crowd, was Flow, floating right in front of her enclosed garden. Her head cloud was a bright white, and her arms were folded, each arm stuck into opposites sleeves which flowed opposite of the westerly wind.

Ruuya moved off to the side, hoping to draw less attention as Flow opened her arms, smiling.

"Lord Vaati," she proclaimed to cheers, "you have returned to us! I thought you had perished against the Usurper all those years ago. Those of us who remained searched for you, but to no avail. Please, tell us, how have you came back to us at long last?"

A smirk spread across Vaati's face. It dripped with smug confidence, of control. Ruuya took a step back, uncertain and discomforted by this sudden change. He wriggled his arm out of Nan's suddenly lax grip, and straightened his back, strolling up to the ancient witch with a confident step.

"My dear mage," he said with a flourish. "You should know better than to believe your eyes. None can kill me. No, I was sealed away, deep inside my palace." He chuckled. It was a high and eerie sound, as if it had come from an otherworldly being.

Considering where she was, Ruuya supposed that should have explained things. But it made her stomach twist with renewed unease.

Vaati went on unabated. "I was far too powerful a threat, so they did the only thing they could, and locked me away. But I was freed by one of your own, and now..." Vaati spread his arms wide, flaring out his cape dramatically. "Here I am."

People were staring at Ruuya. Some gasped, others seemed confused. Nan bounced in place, practically vibrating with energy as she looked between Vaati and the grimacing keaton.

Flow covered her mouth. "Master... Please forgive me. I held the key to your palace for centuries. Had I known you were up there, I..."

Vaati held up a hand, palm facing outwards. Ruuya held in a sigh. "Precisely. What did you expect?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "For the enemy to say he had secluded me from your sight, hidden in a secret chamber underground? I think not. No, they not only sealed me away in my own palace and stole freedom from my hands, they humiliated me. Tell me," - Vaati reached out a hand, curling his fingers inwards, as if gesturing for Flow to come closer to give him something - "does that treacherous pig still live?"

Ruuya frowned. That was the second time he had referred to a "pig" with such disdain. Was it a pig-like person? she thought. A slob? Some kind of monster? She doubted that either of the ancient sorcerers would appreciate an interruption. Her questions would have to wait.

Flow shook her head. "No, Lord Vaati. If he still lived, his name would have been remembered in the Light World. When Ruuya came to me, she knew nothing of the beast. Even when I spoke of him, she had no recollection of having heard of him before. The Usurper's intrusion into the Light World failed. He is no more."

A grin slowly crept up Vaati's face. It quickly turned into a grimace, however. "He could be hiding," he said, lifting a hand to his chin in thought. "Lurking. Preparing. A disgrace such as that pig knows not when to accept defeat."

Flow was silent a moment. The crowd had hushed. Ruuya resisted cringing at Vaati's title. Finally, the old sorceress spoke, "If he is, then we will be ready. We can prepare. I am much stronger than I was when we first met. Together, we can cast him down should he dare show his face!"

The crowd burst into cheers. At that moment, Ruuya wished she could slink away. Perhaps this was how her sisters would react if the Great Ganondorf came back and reclaimed his title. Like these villagers, they would harp his name without considering the consequences of their blind devotion.

"So, you're him," said a voice from the back of the crowd. The others stepped aside, letting the speaker through as they fell silent. Vaati looked back, his face growing pale at the sight of the tall newcomer. It was Alysse, dressed in a flowing dress of white trimmed with gold at the neckline, hem, and cuffs. Even leaning slightly on a wooden cane, she made an imposing figure, a ray of light among the shadows. "From all the stories I have heard, I thought you would be more impressive."

"How dare you," he said, raising his staff, flashes of red light sputtering from the amethyst on top. "I am, Vaati, the King of Winds, the most powerful sorcerer to ever grace these godsforsaken lands!"

Ruuya snorted, covering her mouth a moment later. For a few tense moments, the owl-woman did not reply. When she did, her stance was unyielding. "These people love you, they looked forward to your return," she stated, her eyes locked onto his. "Don't trade that for fear by destroying one of their own."

He glared back, but lowered his staff. The red lights receded. "I am not without mercy." That, Ruuya was sure, was untrue, but Alysse had given him an easy out, even if she had not realized it. "But if you stand against me again…"

"You would do nothing."

"What?"

She smiled, though as she wore the form of an owl, it only touched her eyes. Perhaps she had realized the truth… Or she was just as brave and foolhardy as her daughter had been. As brave as Nan was...

"A wise, gracious leader listens, does he not?" she asked. "You will listen now, Lord Vaati. These are my people. They are under my protection. Do not butcher their faith in you."

Lightning flashed above the tower, thunder echoing in its wake. Vaati studied her in the still that followed, meeting her hardened gaze with his own. At last, an unspoken agreement seemed to pass between them.

"A fool would sooner poison his own well," he replied, "and I am no fool. I have always listened to sound advice."

Flow nodded.

"I'm sure," said Alysse.

"But," he said, turning once more to the crowd, "today is a day of celebration, for the Great Vaati has returned and deserves praise -"

Ruuya rolled her eyes. Tooting your own horn a bit too much there, old man.

As Vaati continued his speech, Alysse slid up besides Ruuya, a sigh escaping her beak. The strong woman from before had gone, and in her place stood one who appeared tired, exhausted, barely able stand. She leaned on her cane, a white wisp in the rain. Moved by pity, Ruuya offered her support, throwing Alysse's arm around her shoulder as they wordlessly listened to Vaati finish his speech in weariness and foreboding apprehension.

"- for on that day, I shall make them tremble at the sound of my name and storm justice on those whom have wronged us!" he declared. "You, my followers, will bring Hyrule this new age, and marvel in a new era of greatness with me, Vaati, as king!"

Cheers and applause rained from the crowd, but Ruuya heard something else below the storm: a faint discordance of tears.

Beside her, Alysse was bent, weeping.

"Alysse?" Ruuya asked.

"What have I done?" she asked, her voice haunted, barely a frayed whisper. She did not so much as glance at Ruuya as she spoke. "I've doomed these people…haven't I?"

Yes, Ruuya thought, you did. They watched as the crowd erupted in euphoria. Nan cheered loudest of all, whooping and bouncing in jubilee. Alysse bowed her head in shame.

What have I done? Alysse's words echoed in her own mind, a sharp chord of regret against the cheerful rain.

"And it all begins with this!" Vaati dug inside of his tunic, pulled out a roll of paper, and unfurled it. An odd series of symbols was drawn on it, each made of thick black lines, except the last few which looked dark red. As though they had been written in blood. For the life of her, Ruuya couldn't figure out what they meant. "This is the key to our freedom!" he announced, turning the parchment around so that the entire crowd could see the design. "All it needs is a little...assistance." He strode forward to Flow, and held it out to her. Reverently, she took it.

"Oh this. This spellwork..." Lightning sparked inside of Flow, rumbling happily. Both Nan and Ruuya took a step back. "Oh it is gorgeous, Lord Vaati! This has to be your best work."

A few cheerful bits of hail clinked against the cobblestone path leading up to the tower. Nan glanced at Ruuya, then whispered, "Maa always said she was scariest at her happiest."

Ruuya couldn't have agreed more.

"Quiet," Alysse said sharply, hushing her granddaughter. Nan blinked and opened her mouth to speak, but then thought better of it. It seemed something in the universe could tame the girl's unending chatter.

"Yes," said Vaati. "It is."

"Now," he said, addressing the crowd, "I and my most loyal servant, Flow, must depart. By tomorrow morning, I promise you, we will open a new portal to the World of Light and retake what once was ours!"

Once more the villagers erupted in elation. Some threw hats in the air, others hooted and hollered. Ruuya covered her ears, feeling overwhelmed by the noise. Vaati and Flow stepped into the garden, quickly disappearing into the tower itself, leaving the chaos of the celebration behind them. She wished she could shrink away, too...but a hand gripped Ruuya's wrist, and she was pulled into the den of laughter and merriment. Nan grinned up at her.

"Come on, Ruu! I'll take your bag back to the house. Have fun!" she said. And faster than Ruuya could process, the weight of her knapsack was gone. She was left to the masses, for Alysse had retreated as well.

Great. She had to face this insanity alone. She hoped Vaati was a fan of cool dishes, because she was serving revenge later.

"What was it like in the palace?" asked one. It was Mr. Friend, she thought, from the insistent bouncing.

"How did you find him?" asked another.

"How...how many monsters were there?"

Quickly, she was bombarded with questions, hugs, even congratulations. It was all overwhelming. Ruuya wished to flee but she couldn't escape.

/-/

As the door closed behind him, Vaati felt his shoulders sag as he leaned against its hard wooden surface in relief. He had finally escaped the crowds. A part of Vaati had always hated giving speeches. He would much rather read, do magic, or slay a few kings...

"Ah, Master Vaati," said Flow, eyes practically glued to the paper, "I thought I had seen your best. Clearly I was mistaken."

Vaati chuckled. "Underestimating me is dangerous, indeed," he said, then sighed, gripping his staff tightly with both hands as another wave of exhaustion overcame him. It had been centuries since he had traveled so much, and worse, being trapped inside a crystal had only served to weaken his constitution. Flow, however, was too engrossed by the spellwork to notice the embarrassing onslaught of fragility. Nonetheless, she pulled out a cushioned chair as soon as they reached her cluttered kitchen, which he all but fell into, grateful that he was finally off his feet. "You at least show proper respect, unlike that meddlesome owl."

She nodded her head, clearing off the table with a gust of wind and gingerly placing the scroll on the hardwood surface. She produced two metal cubes from the ether, using these as a pair of paperweights so that the scroll would not curl in on itself. "Oh, young Alysse has always been the headstrong sort," she said distractedly. Then she fetched a bottle of wine and two glass cups with nearly invisible ribbons of wind. "She'll come around eventually, I'm sure. That family has always been foolishly stubborn."

He nodded, anxious to move on from this line of conversation. He was certain that whoever this Alysse was, she had guessed that he could not access his magic. It wouldn't do if rumors about the truth came out. The last thing he needed was dissent among his new followers.

For now, until he discovered how to unlock his powers or he found a way to obtain recognition in the World of Light and gain political sway, he would have to tread carefully. He could not take a risk and antagonize someone who his followers apparently respected greatly, no matter how much he wanted to smite that smug bird.

There's just one problem with all these plans, he thought, frowning to himself as Flow handed him his glass, They all require I get back.

It seemed he had to, at last, admit his problem. The wind witch, he hoped, wouldn't betray him once she heard his plight.

"It seems I have an unfortunate predicament," he said, staring at the bright red liquid as he spoke. "My magic is blocked."

"Blocked?" asked Flow, placing a plate of cookies on the table. "I...do not understand, Lord Vaati."

Carefully, he folded his hands before him, resting his head on top as he studied the cookies. How to put this? How could he, the Great Vaati, admit to such weakness? It was embarrassing. Shameful. He hated it, almost as much as he hated the one who had doubtlessly done this to him.

"I believe that Ganon did not only imprison me within that crystal," he said, "he also drained me of power, using me as some kind of power source to charge his magic."

"Oh, you poor thing," she said, throwing a blanket over his shoulders. She patted him between the shoulders like some ancient grandmother.

He glared at the cookies, then sighed. No, he needed to be nice, angering someone so loyal to him was a mistake he could not afford to make. So, he let the woman pity and nearly mother him, despite that both kinds of actions disgusted him. "Yes, Flow, I can't power my own spell," he explained in disdain, pointing to the scroll. "Nor do I have a replacement for the mirror that keaton broke."

Flow nodded, handing him the plate of cookies. Unconsciously, he took a few, biting into the heavenly double chocolate chip shortbread. "Hmmm," she said once he had devoured at least half a dozen. "May I ask one thing, great lord?"

"If you must," he said, definitely not talking with his mouth full.

"Ganon failed to take over Hyrule," she began, her eyes downcast. "He didn't resurrect correctly, and only his malice fully arose in the Light World… I would think that once he was gone, the spell would be undone…"

He grimaced, pained by her words. "Yes," he agreed, shaking his head. "But it isn't. It is why I need your help."

"Yes!" she said, clapping her hands in excitement, a jubilant rumble of thunder followed a moment later. Vaati felt a wave of relief, glad she was no longer poking around at such discomforting issues. "I think that it might be best to use a different hand-mirror, of course. It was carved into the inside of the original one, correct?"

"Indeed," he said, lifting an eyebrow. "Wait. How did you know that?"

She giggled, airy and light. "Where else would you put the spell, silly?" the flustered cloud said then covered her mouth, a faint violet blush coloring her cheeks. "Don't worry, I have one! Let me go and grab it!"

She disappeared in a cloud of...cloud. He snorted, then shook his head. Denizens of the Dark World could certainly be particular. Try as he might, Vaati could not recall who this Flow had been to him or what role she had played in his forces. Indeed, she might just be some fan who had heard of him and was simply delighted to finally meet him, or his student from long ago.

He just didn't know, could not recall. That disturbed him greatly. The Great Vaati should not have been so forgetful, like some...some…

Some disgusting old man with only half a brain.

"I'm back!" she cheered, rescuing him from those disturbing thoughts. A moment later, mist puffed into existence, and the cloud-woman reformed. "This mirror is a little larger than the last, but I think it will work much better. We can increase the size of the portal with it and make it all the more spectacular."

"Did you bring a knife?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "I forgot."

Again, she disappeared. Instead of allowing his brain to wander down the same miserable trails, he took the opportunity to finish off the rest of the cookies.

It is true, he thought, savoring the taste, the Forces of Evil always have the best snacks.

"Here," she said, coalescing once more from drizzle and cloud. Flow handed him a knife, and gently set to work loosening the oversized looking glass. "It is an amazing privilege, Lord Vaati, to once more work on this with you."

Vaati nodded, barely paying her any mind as he carefully etched each letter into the inside of the mirror. Instead of blue wood, this was a rich redwood trimmed with gold. High quality, like a gift one might give to one's favored protege. It was the perfect choice for a difficult spell like this one, for that which people valued most would hold the magic best, stabilizing the spell and making it more powerful. That was especially true if it was a personal keepsake that others might also want if you chose to sell.

His hand paused. He looked up at Flow. She was still blabbing. "A great honor, truly, to sacrifice myself to power it."

"Flow," he began, raising his free hand. "Who gave this to you?"

"Oh," she paled, her cheeks coloring again. "No one as great or as handsome of you, certainly. He...he's just a friend. Do not worry."

"Not I?" He felt a jolt of shock, but also relief at this news. If she had been more to him...he might have felt a smidgen of guilt. And guilt was unbecoming.

"You weren't one to hand out gifts, even to your most loyal pupil," she said, sounding slightly disappointed by this. "But that matters not now. Let me make more cookies. It's not good to do such hard work on an empty stomach."

He grunted. His stomach was anything but empty, but at least she would be less distracting to work with if she herself was distracted. As the night wore on, the woman's voice became little more than background noise as he carved his spell. Details were carefully scratched into the wood, and blood was drawn.

This time, Vaati promised himself, Hyrule would remember him.

AN:

Jazzy-kandra: *hums the doom song obnoxiously at Alysse*

SmashQ: It's raining doom! Shout out to fleets whose works inspired Vaati's current magic problem.