Ganondorf observed the large, squirming bag with curiosity, his golden eyes narrowing as he took a cautious step forward. He watched, entranced, as it trembled violently, the fabric stretching and writhing as if something inside desperately sought escape. His fingers twitched at his sides before he finally reached out, gripping the top of the sack with both hands. His pulse quickened as he imagined the treasures hidden within, the riches that would finally grant him the power and recognition he longed for.
With a swift tug, he loosened the bindings and peeled open the bag. His breath caught in his throat.
"What...? Where's the...?"
His eyes widened in shock as he stared at the small, disheveled figure curled inside. A blond girl, bound at the wrists and gagged with a filthy rag, trembled as she gazed up at him with wide, teary green emerald eyes. Her chest rose and fell rapidly with panicked breaths. Ganondorf remained frozen, his mouth slightly agape.
"A... girl...? This is... Fortune and power...?"
His fingers curled into fists as his mind struggled to process the situation. He shifted his gaze between her and the bag as if expecting some hidden treasure to materialize. His brows furrowed deeply.
"Fortune and power...?" he repeated, his voice laced with confusion. "But... you're just a little girl. How could you bring me those things?"
Slowly, cautiously, he reached into the bag and unshackled her wrists. As soon as the restraints were off, she clutched her reddened wrists, rubbing them with trembling hands. She sniffled, her lips quivering as she met his gaze.
"Are you going to hurt me?" she sobbed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ganondorf blinked. He felt the weight of her words settle in his chest like a stone. He shook his head, rubbing his small brow in bewilderment.
"Me... hurt you...?" He exhaled sharply, still trying to grasp the absurdity of the situation. "No, no... I just thought that... you are not... a treasure at all...?"
His young, naïve mind reeled. How could a bound child possibly hold the key to his dreams? His fingers twitched as he glanced at her wrists again.
"You're... not here to grant me anything...?" His voice held an edge of incredulity.
The girl shook her head sadly.
Ganondorf's rigid posture eased slightly as he studied her. There was something vulnerable in the way she hugged her arms close to her body, her small frame trembling.
"What is your name?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
The girl hesitated. Her gaze darted away as if searching for something. Ganondorf's eyes narrowed. He leaned in slightly, impatience flickering across his face.
"Did you just forget your name?" he pressed.
The girl jolted, as if startled by his sharp tone. She quickly shook her head, her voice hurried and nervous. "No...no...no...my name is...Zel...Zeleana."
Ganondorf studied her with cold scrutiny, his expression unreadable. Yet, as she shivered, something in him softened.
"Zeleana..." he echoed, tasting the name on his tongue. His gaze lingered on her bound wrists before flickering back to her eyes. He inhaled deeply and asked, "Zeleana, how did you end up in that bag? With those men..."
She sniffled again, her hands gripping the hem of her tattered dress. "They were faithful workers under my father, but when my father was away, they kidnapped me."
Ganondorf tilted his head, his intrigue piqued. His eyes darkened with thought.
"So, they betrayed your father and kidnapped you...?" He crossed his arms, tapping his fingers against his bicep as he mulled over the situation. "Do you... know why they kidnapped you, Zeleana? What was their intention...?"
She averted her gaze. "No idea."
Ganondorf's brow furrowed. Something about her answer felt...off. He took a step closer.
"What...? You don't know...?" His tone sharpened with suspicion. "Are you sure you have no idea why they kidnapped you, Zeleana? You can tell me the truth..."
She exhaled shakily, glancing away. Ganondorf followed her gaze before looking back at the sacks lying on the ground. His expression darkened.
"No, I don't... Why don't you ask them?" she shot back defensively.
Ganondorf sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "And how exactly do you expect me to ask them? I stole the bags from them, remember? I can't just waltz up to them and interrogate them... I'd likely get caught."
His irritation flared, but so did his disappointment. His hands balled into fists at his sides. "I thought I was finally going to be recognized, respected, and adored. Father would finally see my true value... but it was just you."
Zeleana looked at him curiously. her expression ureadable.
Ganondorf exhaled, his shoulders slumping. "At least I got some gold," he muttered to himself before turning back to her. "Right, you can go home."
Zeleana's eyes widened in surprise. "You're letting me go?"
Ganondorf met her gaze, something unreadable flickering in his amber eyes. He nodded slowly. "Yes... I'm letting you go."
She hesitated, then asked curiously, "Why do you need fortune and power?"
His jaw clenched. "I... need fortune and power because I'm tired of being treated like an outcast, like someone who doesn't matter." His voice was tinged with frustration. "I want to be respected, admired, and adored... I want people to acknowledge my worth."
Zeleana nodded, pondering his words. She tilted her head before speaking again. "Your actions show that you are worthy. Since you saved me, don't you think you already are what you want to be?"
Ganondorf's mouth parted slightly in shock. He studied her, stunned by the maturity in her words. She looked barely over six years old, yet she spoke with an uncanny wisdom.
"I... well, I suppose you have a point," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe... Maybe saving you gave me some worth. But it's not enough. I want more."
"I see..." Zeleana murmured. She hesitated before asking, "Are people mean to you because you are a Gerudo?"
Ganondorf's expression hardened instantly. His fists clenched. "Yes, they are... They think I'm dangerous, a threat. from a thieving treaturous race... They can't see me for who I really am…I don't blame you if you think the same."
"I don't... not anymore at least... but I think you are a worthy hero since you saved me." she spoke softly, then, she paused, her fingers twisting the hem of her dirtied pink dress before she lifted her gaze to meet his. "If there is anything I can do, I promise I will."
Ganondorf's brows furrowed in surprise and confusion. He had expected many things from her—fear, resentment, even empty gratitude—but not this warmth. Not this earnest kindness.
"You...you think I'm a hero?" His voice wavered slightly, betraying his disbelief. His hands curled into loose fists at his sides, as if bracing himself for some cruel jest. "And you really want to do something for me... after all that happened? Even though I'm a Gerudo...?"
"Yes! Once I will be home, I promise I will do anything to help you!" She smiled, her eyes bright with certainty.
Ganondorf studied her, searching for any trace of deception in her expression. But there was none—only sincerity. A mix of disbelief and curiosity flickered in his golden gaze. He still couldn't comprehend how this girl, this daughter of Hyrule, could see past his heritage and offer him something so rare—acknowledgment.
"You...you really will?" His voice dropped lower, a strange tightness gripping his chest. "You'll remember me... and do something for me...?" He repeated the words, as if trying to make sense of them, as if afraid they might dissolve into the wind before he could grasp them.
"That is a promise!" She declared, standing taller. "I'll go home now. Thank you again for saving me."
She turned and walked away, her small frame gradually fading into the dim twilight. Ganondorf exhaled slowly, his muscles relaxing as he leaned back against a jagged rock. His arms rested over his knees, and he let out a heavy sigh.
"A promise... she promised to remember me..." he muttered, almost to himself. A foreign sensation settled in his chest—uncertainty mixed with something dangerously close to hope.
The night air was still, but then—a sound. Small, hurried footsteps pattered against the ground. His ears twitched at the disturbance, and his head snapped toward the noise. A familiar figure emerged from the shadows, breathless and wide-eyed.
"Zeleana...?" His voice carried both surprise and guarded curiosity as he straightened up.
"I know, but I am really scared of them finding me again, and my house is far. Can I stay at your place tonight? I will leave in the morning, I promise." She clasped her hands together, her tone urgent but hopeful.
Ganondorf watched her carefully. She fidgeted, her weight shifting from foot to foot. There was real fear in her eyes, but also a strange trust in him that unsettled him more than anything else.
"Fine..." He replied after a beat, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You can stay with me for the night. But you have to promise to leave in the morning, understood?"
Zeleana nodded eagerly, but his next words made her eyes gleam with mischief.
"Father is gonna say I kidnapped you or something...so we have to be careful and sneak in when everyone is asleep." Ganondorf's voice was gruff, but there was a trace of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips.
The girl giggled, bouncing on her heels. "Sneaky, sneaky!"
Ganondorf let out a short chuckle, shaking his head at her excitement.
"Yeah, sneaky, sneaky," he echoed, rolling his eyes before leveling her with a serious look. "But you need to be quiet and listen to me, understand? We don't want to get caught, do we?"
"Yes, sir!" She saluted playfully, her stance rigid like a soldier's.
Ganondorf huffed in amusement. "Sir, huh?" He smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright then, 'trooper.' Let's get a move on."
He led her through the forest, his strides long and effortless. Behind him, Zeleana struggled to keep up, her short legs moving twice as fast as his.
"Why are you so slow?" He asked, glancing back impatiently.
"Why are you so tall?" She shot back, panting slightly.
Ganondorf's eyebrows twitched, his lips parting in mild disbelief before a smirk ghosted over his features.
"I'm not that tall... you're just super short."
"One day I will be taller than you!" She declared, puffing out her chest.
Ganondorf snorted and arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, right. Sure you will. Maybe in your dreams."
She gasped, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. "How dare you! I will tell my father!"
Ganondorf smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh no, what are you gonna tell your father? That a big, bad Gerudo didn't believe you could be taller than him?"
"Uh-huh, he will ask what you are so tall for!"
Ganondorf let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be very impressed with my towering height. Maybe he'll even appoint me as the official 'Tall-People-Whisperer' in your family."
Zeleana burst into laughter, her eyes crinkling with delight. "You're so nice and funny, I like you!"
Ganondorf felt a small, unfamiliar warmth settle in his chest. He quickly hid it behind a nonchalant shrug. "Uh...yeah, I am pretty great, I guess."
"And humble too!" She teased.
"I'll have you know, I am the most humble person I know!" He shot back with a smirk. "But I'll allow you to bask in my greatness, little one."
Zeleana grinned mischievously. "Oh, thank you, great hero, for allowing me the privilege to bask in your greatness!"
Ganondorf shook his head, trying to fight back a chuckle. He gestured ahead. "Come on, 'great one' has to lead you. Hope you can keep up."
"No, I can't!" She raised her arms expectantly. "Hold me up, and I won't lag behind."
Ganondorf raised a brow, exhaling sharply through his nose. "Oh, of course, your majesty. Shall I carry you like a little princess?"
Zeleana's eyes widened, and she stammered, "But...but...I am not a princess!"
Ganondorf smirked, his eyes glinting mischievously. "Not a princess? Really? But you act so much like a spoiled little princess." He nudged her lightly, but when he noticed her faltering smile, he softened. "Hey, hey, I was just joking. You're not a princess, I get it."
Her face brightened as he scooped her up effortlessly. She squealed with delight, gripping his shoulders. "Wow! I can see everything from here!" Her legs swinging slightly in the air. "It's fun!"
Ganondorf chuckled, shaking his head. He held her securely as they moved through the night, the warmth of her trust settling deep within him.
Ganondorf chuckled at her enthusiasm, adjusting his grip to hold her more securely.
"Yeah, I guess it is a pretty good view from up there, huh?" he mused, his voice tinged with amusement. As they moved through the night, he became more aware of how light and fragile she felt in his arms. Without thinking, he tightened his hold slightly, a subconscious gesture of protectiveness.
The journey through the quiet terrain was smooth, their surroundings bathed in silver moonlight. Crickets chirped in the distance, and the rustling of leaves accompanied their steady pace. The warmth of Zeleana's small frame against his chest was oddly grounding, though he would never admit it aloud.
When they finally reached the house, Ganondorf came to an abrupt halt. The soft glow of lamplight spilled through the windows, casting long shadows against the walls. His arms tensed instinctively, pulling Zeleana closer.
They waited, hidden behind a stack of crates near the back entrance. Both of them held their breaths, the night air thick with suspense. Ganondorf's eyes remained fixed on the flickering lights inside, his jaw clenched as he waited for the right moment.
One by one, the lights dimmed, then finally flickered out. The house was swallowed by darkness.
Ganondorf exhaled, his breath warm against Zeleana's ear as he whispered, "Looks like it's safe now. We can move."
Zeleana nodded, her excitement barely contained. With slow, deliberate steps, they approached the back door. Ganondorf carefully pushed it open, stepping inside without making a sound. The air inside was cool, carrying the faint scent of burnt wood. steel and old parchment.
Still in his arms, Zeleana covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. Ganondorf smirked, shaking his head slightly. She was clearly enjoying this sneaky escapade far more than she should. He raised a finger to his lips in warning, though a glimmer of amusement lingered in his eyes.
Their stealthy advance was going smoothly—until, suddenly, the room was flooded with light.
Ganondorf froze mid-step, his entire body going rigid. Zeleana gasped softly, gripping his tunic in alarm.
Standing before them were Link and his father.
Link's gaze was unnervingly calm, his piercing blue eyes sweeping over the scene with mild curiosity. He said nothing, merely observing.
But his father—his father was another story. His sharp eyes zeroed in on Ganondorf like a predator locking onto its prey. His expression darkened, his glare carrying the weight of unspoken fury.
Ganondorf clenched his jaw, standing his ground despite the tension thickening around them. He could feel Zeleana's heartbeat pounding against his chest, her small fingers gripping onto him tightly.
The room was silent, save for the faint creak of the wooden floor beneath them.
And Zeleana, still cradled in his arms, suddenly felt much, much heavier.