Link and Bato both spoke on what they've experienced. For Bato, who was handling it relatively well, was the fact that it was his first real life conflict. Tons and tons of bloodshed on both sides. Something he found very unnerving. Link was surprisingly simple: he almost got swollen up by a gigantic sand worm. Just thinking about being in the belly of that beast made his anxiety jump on overdrive. The claustrophobic feeling with no way out. That's why he began to cry.
"You literally went inside the belly of the beast in the form of Lord Jabu-Jabu. What makes this any different?"
"I can cut my way through Lord Jabu-Jabu if I was desperate." Link said, sheepishly. "But I would never do that. Ruto and the other Zoras would kill me!"
Bato tried to steer the conversation away from Molgera to make him more comfortable. "What happened after your fight with Barinade and getting the sapphire?"
"Ruto wanted me to attend an 'engagement party', whatever that means. But I told her I need to return to the Temple of Time and that I would talk to her after saving Hyrule. Her father, agreed."
Bato went quiet and thought about whether to tell the young man about the ins and outs of marriage. He shook his head, deeming him too young. But, it didn't mean it wouldn't come up in the future, knowing his luck. "Dodged that bullet," he mumbled. "How are you feeling?"
Link nodded his head, sadly. "I'm better now. It helps when I'm able to talk to someone about what happens. Usually, people are focused on other things or something more serious happens, they don't ask how I feel."
"So, before me, you just kept the feeling inside of you? Not telling anyone about the monsters you face or the things you've done?" While Bato was asking a question, Link was looking increasingly guilty. "I mean, you're not in trouble. I just wanna know."
The boy stood still, eyes moving, trying to formulate an answer. Finally, he answered, "no. I had many things to focus on like training and figuring out how to get to places. So…I don't have to think on them."
"You still need to tell someone about these things, boo," Bato said, softly. He took off his hat and ruffled his hair. "You see the soldiers and warriors that face hardships, monsters, and death. At least they have each other. But you? My guy, you've seen a lot of things that are terrible and horrible." He smiled at him, "I think you're entitled to talk about them with someone you trust, right?"
"I trust you," Link said, flatly.
"More than just me." He got up and walked over to get a glass of water. Pouring a pitcher, he continued speaking, "you got friends. Allies. People you can trust. Just because I know exactly what you've faced it doesn't mean I have to be the only one. You gotta trust someone with these things. That way, when the bad things happen and the monster return, you'll have someone that will always be with you."
Suddenly, Link looked fearful. "You told me that you're not going anywhere!"
"I'm not." Bato walked over and knelt down. "But I need you to get to know more people. Get more friends." The boy looked uncertain, but Bato put his hand on his shoulder and smiled. "I'm going to tell you this now. I don't want you to live alone. And I don't want you to die alone, either. Lest you want to end up as a warrior skeleton with regrets."
Saying these things made Link freeze up and he felt heartbroken. But he said nothing. Bato yawned for a moment. "I'm going to take that nap. You wanna join me?"
Link looked at him for a few for moments. "Yes," he answered, "I'd like that."
When Bato and Link arrived in the late afternoon, they were met with great jubilation. Banners were flying, music filled the air with songs from Gerudo and Hylian alike. As the procession came towards the palace, Bato and Link were in a carriage, in utter awe of what was happening.
It seemed Link picked up on Bato's thought on 'what is everyone doing' vibe. "You effectively ended the civil war! Why wouldn't they throw a parade in your honor?"
"I didn't do anything. Ganondorf and the other rebels' forces gave their unconditional surrender."
"You talked to both sides in protecting Desert Town and the Spirit Temple! To them," Link said with a grin, "you're a hero!"
He didn't like that word. Once again, it just screamed of martyrdom. "Har-de-har. Just like you."
"I just work behind the scenes, so I don't get any fancy parades like this. But I prefer that over this. So many watching eyes everywhere. You can't get a moment's rest. I don't envy you at all."
"Which is why I wanted the life of a farmer in the first place." Bato took a peek out of the window. Then the waving crowd was full of smiles and cheers. Looking towards the front, he saw Nabooru leading from the front. Bato didn't see Ganondorf or any other rebels being paraded about in the procession, so he breathed a sigh of relief for that one. Had they done, he would have had choice words with Nabooru.
The first thing that happened the moment the two entered the palace proper, they were greeted by a Hyrulian guard who requested they come down by the barracks to meet with Felia. "You're in trouble," Link said, in a sing-song voice.
Scoffing, Bato tapped Link lightly on the head. "Shut up, Link," he said, in jest. When they got to the barracks, Felia was speaking with a captain when she spotted them. Cutting the conversation short, she made a beeline towards the two. She was not happy.
"I gave you a fact-finding mission, and you gave me a defeated Ganondorf, a surrendering rebel army and the destruction of one of the biggest beasts this realm has ever seen!"
"You make it sound like it's a bad thing," Bato said, dismissively.
"You're crazy!" Felia threw her hands up, no doubt over Bato's antics.
He shrugged, "sometimes crazy works. Besides, it all worked out."
"You did a lot of things without notifying this delegation! We're supposed to be representing the kingdom here! How can we do that if you continue to do such outlandish things that eclipse our attempts at negotiation?!"
Bato was getting annoyed now with Felia's badgering. "Look," he said in a stern tone, "I acted on the information available to me at the time! I'm not a strategist, nor a diplomat or even a solider! I do what I have to do and protect the people I care for! I've said as much when I was with Utia back in Castle Town. So, you can continue to fight on what I did, or you can start thinking of how you can use this to the kingdom's advantage!" He pointed at her, furiously, "let me be perfectly clear. The kid and I have done our part, regardless of importance! You and your people can deal with the fallout. I…simply…don't…. care."
He narrowed his eyes at her as Felia looked like a fish out of water. Turning away, he stridently walked away, with Link following behind.
Nabooru had Ganondorf snuck in lest the people cause a riot in Desert Town. Parading Ganondorf in the procession would be counterintuitive to what they wanted. They wanted to unify the people, not divide them further. As for the man himself, he was kept under heavy guard and thrown in the dungeon with the rest of his compatriots. Avesa and Uraka were heartbroken, seeing their defeated liege in the same cell as they were. Yet, they sense a change in him that was different from the last time they saw him.
"You could break these bonds easy," Avesa said, matter-of-factly. "Even this cell, it would be nothing for you."
"The rebellion is lost, it is over," Ganondorf said, dejectedly.
Uraka grabbed him, "where is the Gerudo that promised us freedom from the Royal Family. Righteous retribution against those who wrong us! What about all the promises that you made when we made our lot with you after Hyrule Field?"
"The delusions of grandeur," Ganondorf effortlessly shrugged Uraka's grip, and she fell on the floor. "Besides, there's been enough killing already."
Avesa started speaking frantically, "Our most loyal, our most devoted –"
"Are gone." That stunned the both of them. "Either by that lizard attack or by the worms."
"… No, it can't be." Avesa didn't like where this was going.
"More of our sisters were ambushed by the worms while you were here. Bloodied and wounded, how was I going to ask them to assail Desert Town with the forces they had? The writing's on the wall. I sought the spirits to help, but they didn't answer. It was only when Bato interceded on my behalf that I learned the truth."
"What, oh great one, was this truth?" From the corner, Naufefi, who was keeping silent, mockingly spoke up.
"Watch your tone," Avesa growled.
But Naufefi laughed, "Why? This is not the king that I followed! I followed the King who promised us peace and salvation for our people. The man I see before me is nothing but a weak fool."
A flash of lighting and Ganondorf held Naufefi's neck up in the air. Avesa and Uraka were helpless to stop it. Naufefi kept on grasping on his arm, trying to break free. "I am many things, but weak is not one of them. You do well to remember that. Regardless of my maliase, it doesn't mean I can't snap your neck."
"I…I…orr…y…" Naufefi's struggles became fainter and just when she was about to pass out, Ganondorf released her. She coughed on the ground violently, grabbing her neck, then scampering away from the man.
"You always had a mouth on you, Naufefi," Uraka said, shaking her head. "But she does raise a valid point, my king. What truth was revealed to you?"
He was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "I was proud when I announced to everyone that we would take control of our destiny. Little did I know I was just one of many would be conquerors to fight in a game that has chosen the light as its victor."
Ganondorf beheld his captive audience. He walked past them, "the boy who leaked my plans to the king. As you know, he was the boy who travelled through time. He travelled forward and defeated me there. Then, he came back to prevent that future from happening. Even still, I still fought tooth and nail to fight for control of my destiny. Yet it seemed the goddesses has painted me to play the villain in this sick drama. I was never a hero for my people. True, there would be times I would win, but it wasn't a lasting victory. It was an endless cycle of hatred paved throughout the ages in blood for all eternity!"
"What will you do?" Avesa asked.
"Nabooru allowed me to fight by her side during the worm's invasion." Everyone in the room looked at each other, bewildered. "She had need of my strength, and I gave it to her for the sake of the people. Now that the threat has passed, I have outlived my usefulness." He mused, "always wanted to know how it felt on the other end of that."
The prisoners were awaiting judgement, that was certain. Nabooru wanted a captive audience when sentencing them. After what seemed to be hours, footsteps were heard and the door unlocked. Aveil was there with a contingent of guards. "Lady Nabooru wishes to speak with you. All of you."
In the opulent throne room, the Hyrulian delegation was seated. The members of court were allowed in to witness Nabooru's verdict of the rebel forces. In the corner, Aveil and Nabooru waited for everyone to arrive. Nabooru scanned the room, quickly. "Where's Bato and Link? I thought I told you I wanted him here."
"He sends his regrets, my lady," Aveil said, nervously. "He was very adamant about caring for Link's well-being."
"This decision has been influenced as much by him as any other! He deserves to be here."
"Yet he was firm. 'She can complain all she wants. I'm not leaving my kid.'" Rolling her eyes, Nabooru watched as the members of court and delegates started to funnel in. Soon the entire room was full. A horn was sounded and everyone stood up. Nabooru came in with her royal guard and took her seat upon the throne. She nodded off to the side. Ganondorf, Avesa, Uraka and Naufefi were led into the throne room, bound. There were yells of 'murderer' and 'traitor' among the crowd. Nabooru held up her hand, to silence them.
"We are gathered today regarding the rebellion, its officers and its leader. The trio were led out before Nabooru and stood tall. "Naufefi." The guard behind her shoved her hard. She looked at the guard, with contempt. "You are charged with the endangerment of the innocents of the Desert Town, despite your intentions in requesting assistance." Naufefi clicked her tongue and looked away.
"Avesa. You are charged with conspiring and carrying out orders on behalf of the rebel faction." Avesa said nothing but looked at Nabooru.
"Uraka. You are charged with aiding a rebel faction and leading an attack on an official envoy of the kingdom of Hyrule." Uraka, too, said nothing. Utia, who was in the room, looked away.
Finally, she turned to Ganondorf. "Ganondorf, your crimes are immeasurable. Your deeds inexcusable. Many have suffered because of your hubris and greed." She turned to the court, "does anyone else have anything to say concerning this matter?"
"I do, your grace." The voice of Felia was heard. She was surrounded by the Hyrulian delegation that was whispering in her ear the entire time. "Ganondorf has caused great grievances and costed the lives of many innocents, in his pursuit of power. His Majesty, the King, asks you to take him to the Arbiter Grounds, for execution."
"That place you've mentioned. It is a place for the truly condemned and vicious prisoners."
"Which is why it is the perfect place to meet his end, your grace." The delegation nodded in agreement, and Nabooru held her chin. She turned to Ganondorf, who was staring right into her soul, "I would like to hear from the condemned. Step forward and say your peace."
The Gerudo King laughed. "How gracious of you, Nabooru." He walked a few steps forward and turned towards the court. "The Gerudo desert is a harsh place. The sun burned our lands and homes, while the moon blew a cold wind that ran through everything. My people were dying, that was certain." He turned to Felia, "but the fertile lands and greens of Hyrule made me envious. How unfairly the goddesses have favored your people over the Gerudo."
He started to pace, furiously, "we asked the king for aid! We bartered whatever we had! Yet, we were spurned by the king and his court! Considered nothing more but desert rats! That's why… I wanted to make Hyrule pay. To bring the fertile fields to the Gerudo who had suffered so unjustly! To beholden our place in the world and do more than just exist! To live!" He bowed his head, "I wanted this so badly that I made schemes, devised plots, manipulated others and lied. I didn't care who suffered. It was for the people; I kept on saying."
The court dared not jeer or say anything to him. "I don't know when it went so horribly wrong or when I first took it too far. But it did get to the point where the needs of the people were eclipsed by my wanting of power. Power to change and rule the world! A disgrace from the noble ambitions that I once had." He looked down, "I wanted to help you. I wanted to help all of you. I have failed your expectations of me." He outstretched his arms, "so deliver me the death I so richly deserve. Or throw me in prison and lock away the key! Torture me! Banish me! Do whatever you think, just!" He looked grimly at everyone, "but I promise you this. Anything you think of, I deserve worse."
Finished, Ganondorf turned to face Nabooru again, who had a tear in her eye. "I…" She was at a lost for words. Apparently, his speech had made an impression on her. Not just her. Some nobles of her court started to whisper. But there were others that whispered angrily still about the possibility of deception. After composing herself, she nodded and spoke again. "You hurt all of us, Ganondorf. You betrayed our hopes and our dreams for a better future. A moment of regret doesn't erase years of strife, war and the countless losses on both sides. I have made my decision." She stepped down from the throne and faced him. "You will be taken away to the Arbiter Grounds. But, for your actions in safeguarding the Gerudo people against the moldugas, you will be treated with respect." She stared intently at Felia. "Will this suffice, Lady Osede?"
"… …that will suffice." Felia said, after a while. Some Hyrulian delegation members were not happy with her, but said nothing. Ganondorf's officers look away disdainfully, obviously knowing what was going to happen.
"As for the officers of Ganondorf's army." Nabooru turned to Uraka, Naufefi, and Avesa.
"Death would be preferable," Naufefi proclaimed. "I cannot speak for these two, but I knew what I was doing the moment I swore fealty to the king. Do whatever you wish, you have earned that right. But I followed my heart."
The other two looked at each other and nodded. "We cast our lot with the king," Avesa said. "We committed these 'crimes' at his behest. Now that everything is said and done, we will reap what we have sown."
"… So be it. But you will not join your master in death. You three will be held indefinitely in the grounds." All three of them scoffed their disdain but said nothing further. As if on cue, the guards took Ganondorf and his officers away. Nabooru addressed the court, "these four will be taken, forthwith, to the Arbiter's Grounds. Ganondorf will be executed for his crimes, and his officers will spend the rest of their lives imprisoned." She took one step forward and raised her fist in the air. "This war is over! We have won!"