[IC] Legends of Zelda... and Everyone Else

[Zmerr]

Ganondorf sat in his office with the door open while he flipped through requests and various other paperwork, ignoring most of them.

"Your Highness." A feminine voice sounded from the doorway. Ganondorf looked up, expectantly. "I have news about Princess Midna. And also potentially your Hero." The spy came in and dipped low to the ground in a bow of respect.

"News, you say?" He leaned back in his chair. "Out with it, girl." He motioned for her to continued.

"Midna's speech has started many rumors. The Hylian people are talking about her. Some for and some against, but it has reached most of Castle Town. I don't think Princess Zelda has caught wind of it." The spy adjusted her ponytail. "It's only a matter of time before she does."

"Indeed. See if you can keep her from finding out." Ganondorf pondered this for a moment. "And the Hero?"

"He has awakened indeed and I believe he is in Castle Town. I saw the fairy Navi. She was going into an inn and there I saw a boy and some unfamiliar woman. I think it might have been him, but I'm not sure about the woman or if he has unsheathed the Master Sword."

"He has." Ganondorf looked pensive. "I felt it. I will go to Castle Town and see for myself. Don't tell the others what you've seen. I wan him to be found in case this lead is false."

"Yes, My Lord."

[Zmerr]

---(double post)---

[Lugubrious]

The children vanished into the ongoing cascade of rain. If anything, the storm grew worse as noon approached. After listening to the mask vendor's commentary, and noting the twinge of melancholy in his sigh, Midna felt obliged to cheer him up. “Not everyone has a destiny like mine, but it is a good thing. Renown comes with its drawbacks. For instance, it is rare to spend time with my father and avoid hearing him complain about the strains of a life spent on a pedestal. No privacy, all responsibilities...maddening. It is not a life I find particularly attractive either, but it is a life I am destined to live.” She paused for a few seconds, searching for the right words. “You, humble merchant, are an important part of this kingdom.”

At that moment, Midna had the misfortune of stepping right into an unseen puddle. The resulting splash soaked her bare feet. She clicked her tongue in irritation and stepped around the offending pool. “I attribute our safety thus far to luck. Sooner or later we will encounter some overly-devoted disciple of Zelda's who will try to end our lives or make them miserable, depending on that...individual's intelligence.” A look at the Happy Mask Salesman confirmed that his permanent smile had only continued to grow larger. Such a perennially cheerful mood was one-of-a-kind, particularly on such a dreary day. Noticing a few townspeople looking on, Midna waved with a hand, moving the wrist rather than an arm. With unconvinced looks on their faces, the citizens skedaddled. She exchanged a whisper with Zant, which managed to turn the perturbed frown on her face into a neutral expression once more. “Not everyone is as easily convinced as those children,” she said, resuming her walk. “For now I am a myth, a tall tale. Later today, or perhaps tomorrow morning, I shall host an event in the central plaza before the castle. There, I will tell much about my people and I. Then Midna will not be a stranger any longer. I'm sure that if you attended your questions would be answered.”

She stopped in front of a two-story structure with an architecture simple yet grand in design. In bold Hylian script, which neither of the Twili could read, the sign over the two-door entrance read 'Museum of Hyrule Historia'. “A strange building,” remarked Zant.

[Zmerr]

"I will most definitely attend. I'm quite interested in learning. I have a passion for traveling and knowledge of things foreign to me." Happy explained, the museum coming into view.

"A strange building." The robed man said, looking at it with what Happy could only assume was intrigue.

"The museum. It's a great place to go if you want to learn about this country, it's people and it's past." He stopped walking and stared at the building. "It might be a good place to stop. We could probably all learn something inside. I'm sure knowing this country's history will be highly beneficial to your cause."

He continued to stare. This building had always stolen his attention, but he'd never had the chance to pay a visit. There were two stories of old stone brick, kept in good shape. Etchings of the Triforce and various other shapes and patterns lined the windows and heavy wooden door. Stairs led up to the entrance. In an arch, following the contour of the door, THE MUSEUM OF HYRULE HISTORIA in an ancient for of Hylian writing. It was somewhat difficult for even a natural born Hylian to read. That was probably why there was another sign stuck in the ground that said the same thing in a more modern style.

[Redwing]

Not for the first time in his life, Vaati was grateful that he was a mage. The daytime desert sun was beating down on his nearly white skin. It is wasn't for his heat protection spell he would have been as red as the jewel on his hat by now. Not many people traveled to the Gerudo Desert, and it was pretty obvious why. With nothing but sand dunes and monsters for miles it would be suicide for any normal person. Not like they would have a reason to go in anyway. But Vaati wasn't a normal human. There was something in the desert. Something important, he has sensed it. He didn't know who, or what, it was. He didn't know why it was important. But he was the only one who was foolish enough to venture the desert in search of it.

He still had a decent water supply left. Enough for at least another day or two worth of travel. And if it took any longer than that, there was always magic water. It tasted terrible but got the job done. Vaati trekked yet another sand dune, cursing as he nearly lost his footing on the unstable surface. He paused at the top of the dune, trying to figure out if the image in front of him was real or not. A castle? In the desert? It was still some distance away, and it the direction of whatever he had been sensing. With a shrug Vaati set off toward the castle. He had come this far, why stop now?

As he got closer he realized that it was in fact real and there were people guarding in. They appeared to be women. Kneeling behind a dune so he wouldn't be seen, he assessed the situation. He really only had two options, make himself known and risk death. Or turn back now. Because whatever he was sensing was most definitely in that castle.

[WatermelonTango]

"Thank you." Zelda said, stepping outside. She looked up and saw that the previously bright blue sky was replaced by a dusky grey expanse. On days like this she'd using a water repellent spell, but it didn't seem like a good idea given the circumstances. She motioned her brother as she made her way to the center of town.
"If we want to hear what the people have to say, the best place to visit is the tavern." Zelda said as she nimbly stepped over a puddle. "If anyone asks, I'm Madiline. You should come up with a name as well. I'm thinking you'd make a good Claud." A friendly grin crossed over her face as she giggled at the thought. Her brother having an ordinary name just seemed comical to her.
"We're here to observe. Listen to what the people have to say and get to the bottom of their worries and doubts. Whatever we can do help them we will. The Royal family has always done it's best to be there for it's people, and we will not be the generation to fail their duty to them. I will not allow it."

Zelda boldly walked up to the doors of the Magtail Fort and pushed them open, holding them long enough for her brother to duck inside before she moved in herself. She got a couple of interested glances, but people quickly resumed to whatever it was they were doing and she walked in without a hitch. Zelda took notice of a grumpy looking man cleaning up the remains of food splattered across the stage. She felt bad for whatever performer had gotten such a cold reception by the crowd of Magtail. That and the tomato stains. She had always known the Magtail crowd as nice and orderly and didn't think they had such rowdy behavior in them. Zelda sat herself down at a nearby stool and ordered herself a simple cup of tea as she kept an ear open for what the citizens had to say.

Zelda heard some of the usual things. Some people were discussing how high the taxes were.. and they were correct. Zelda had been trying her best to pressure the Royal Treasury about the tax rate, but it was difficult with their perception of her being a naive child. She would redouble her efforts when she returned home. However, it was clear that the tavern was abuzz about something completely different. She heard the name of Groose mentioned several times. She heard of his name before.. and her immediate impression was that he was a self absorbed attention lover. Zelda spent a bit more time listening to the gossip before she found her brother and positioned herself next to him.

Zelda did her best to keep her voice down. "Something happened here earlier today, maybe an hour ago. All I can understand is something about magical floating tomatoes and a Goron attempting to assault a robed woman. Have you gotten anything?"

[Apollosarcher]

Dark Link grinned as he awakened, he had just finished forming, a new body perfectly molded to the current hero's skill set, he would have another chance and this time he would kill Link and take the master sword, for if he could claim it he could corrupt the blade and then he could have his reward, the right to be human. Groaning as slowly got up, where had he formed? Looking around he grimaced, the middle of the desert, his ally liked this place, but him? Well he had been told it was hot yet he could not feel the sun beating down upon his skin nor heat of his body draped in solid black and chain-mail. He still hated it, to much light sighing he dusted off his tunic and began the trek towards the castle he knew exactly where he needed to be, at Ganondorf's castle and with no shadows he couldn't just shadow step between here and the castle so a walk it would be. Hours past as the unfeeling entity walked on stopping when he stopped the castle he ignored the guards walking towards the castle, when they attack he drew his shield and blade parrying and striking them down without killing them, no need to anger the master. He stopped at the gate and waited if Ganondorf was near, he would soon be out directly to see of the ruckus he had caused.

[Turbo-Sloth]

Impa watched solemnly from the rooftop of Hyrule castle, underneath an arch which sheltered her from the downpour. She’d been watching the market. Vendors selling wares, town-folk taking refuge from the deluge. Children playing, and mothers scowling; everyone reacted to the rain in their own way. But her watchful gaze did not linger on these, for she was scanning the town sprawled before her. Years of training rended her the ability to see the unusual from such a distance- if she were to scrutinize so closely.

But today was not a day for that.

Today Impa looked at the shadows. Under overhangs, dark alleys, rooftops of establishments. She scanned the darkness. There in the shadows she saw movement, dark figures moving stealthily. She wasn’t alarmed by this. These were her agents; the few remaining sheikah serving the royal family. As their superior, they reported to her. All happenings, all gossip, all rumors, all that could be heard- she heard. It wouldn’t be long until she received a report.

In the meantime Impa’s thoughts turned to princess Zelda. She’d noticed the stress bore upon her shoulder. It pained her to see her youth put upon such a strain, but it made her proud to see her growing into a fine queen. Impa sighed. She wished she could be with Zelda, but her duty was to the king. Impa had to watch for him, in the case of any attempts made for his life. She stood up slowly. It was about time she checked up on the king. Impa looked up. There she saw an open window in one of the tallest turrets. Impa nimbly climbed the old stones, quickly making her way towards the entrance. Upon reaching the tower, she slipped in through the window, and made her way towards the king’s chamber. Perhaps one of the chief doctors could brief her on his current condition.

[Zmerr]

The sounds of fighting floated into Ganondorf's room as he ordered his servants to pack the things he would need on his trip. He looked out of the window for a moment to see who the assailant was.

Ganondorf leaned out to get a better view. It appeared as if the shadows themselves were attacking his soldiers. An unruly anger flowed into him.

"Hey! Pull yourselves together!" He shouted to the soldiers. "I made sure you got the best training!"

He stepped back into the room and looked at the bags his servants had packed. They seemed sufficient enough. he dismissed them and dressed himself in clothes he thought suitable for travel.

On his way to the exit, he stopped in the main foyer. In a dark corner, a pair of red eyes seemed to be watching him. He dropped his bags and reached for a dagger, but he didn't draw it.

"Who are you and what do you want?" He asked the shadow.

[Apollosarcher]

"I am here to serve... Master Ganondorf, I am the champion of Darkness sent you to help purge you of the Hero... I am his copy, matched perfectly in strength and ability, yours to command." He bowed sheathing his sword and shield. He saw the man arrayed before him, he looked ready to fight yet the shadow knew if he had been given free will he would strike him down and proceed forth without this arrogant King, yet he had not, the force of his creation had not given him free, only free thought so that he might stand against the Hero's sharp mind and adapt his skills to challenges. "I am Dark Link, I was forged by darkness by a power beyond you or I, equaled only by the goddesses, my purpose is to ensure the death of the hero and your rise to power. I am your weapon, I am your shadow you have but to ask and I shall obey." He spoke his speech as he had many times before.

[Zmerr]

Ganondorf eyed the dark being, slightly offended by the comment about having more power. Was he not aware of the Triforce Ganondorf had under his command? He pushed the question out of his mind and removed his hand from the dagger.

"Mine to command, you say?" Ganondorf thought about this. "And how do I know this isn't a trap?"

He ordered a servant to carry his bags the rest of the way to the carriage. He truly suspected that this man was lying to him. It had happened too many times where someone claimed to be his undying servant and then tried to kill him or tried to steal from him. He remembered Nabooru. She'd tried to steal some treasure from him so he'd had her put under a spell.

Ganondorf knew the same spell wouldn't work on this person. He had definitely been telling the truth when he said he had powers that matched the Goddesses. He could sense it. It radiated off of the shadow as if he wore it like perfume

[Apollosarcher]

"You are not the first, I was entrusted many times before in other lives, in others times each time we have failed and I am once again taken back into darkness to wait until your rebirth, I have no free will, I have no choice if I wish to be more than a shadow I must see you become king and all the land remade in your image." Dark Link rose slowly staring at Ganondorf, that was strange most of his past masters had not questioned it they simply accepted that the forces of darkness had backed him completely sending him this perfect weapon. Inwardly Dark Link wondered if this might be it, that this time he would succeed and give Ganondorf his throne.

[Lugubrious]

"I don't know that I'm much interested in extended reading," Midna said languidly. She made as if she was going to turn and continue her leisurely stroll, but was surprised to find Zant blocking her path. A slight tilt of her head demonstrated her confusion. "Huh, what is it?"

Using his left arm, Zant gestured to the Happy Mask Salesman. If the Hylian hadn't already noticed, it was obvious now how ludicrously long Zant's arms were. "Our...friend is correct. There is indeed much we could afford to learn in such a place."

Without hesitating, Midna launched into the language of the Twili. Clearly, she sensed something amiss. "Do you truly place such faith in a dusty old museum?"
"I do not. But there is something I must check. In the meantime, you could lead the merchant around inside. Judging by his speech, he's never been before."
"If you insist."

The exchange completed, Midna switched back to accented Hylian to talk to Happy. "Professor Zant has convinced me that a little exploring can go a long way. Let's go on in."

Though the building was designed to seem old and authentic to keep with its theme of preserved antiquities, it was obviously well maintained. No creak in the door or floorboards announced the trio's entrance,and for a minute they stopped to take a good look at the place. This structure had two stories, with half of the first floor devoted to a veritable library of records, texts, and literature. Along the other side of floor one, there existed a rather large exhibit depicting the various ages of the world. Before all that, however, lay the desk of the museum clerk, whose intrigued expression was directed at the Twili. Midna couldn't blame him; everything about her and Zant screamed unusual, from skin tone to eyes to proportions. It might be necessary during my event, she noted, To explain that most Twili cloth themselves in bent shadow, as I do. As she sidled up the attendant's desk, the direction of his gaze fomented her new idea. "Forty rupees per person to visit." He declared with a questioning eye. "You folks aren't from around here. Are you nobility?"

Zant withdrew the money from a pocket in his sleeve. "Something like that. If you wish to know more about us, please attend the event at the Castle Town main square tonight."

The man eyed the rupees, as if he expected them to be fake. After a few moments, he shrugged. "I might. Shift's gonna end at dinnertime. Enjoy the museum...uh, sirs and madam."

Immediately, and without any warning, Zant departed alone to the records section. Midna, at a far more leisurely pace and with Happy most likely in tow, made her way to the Ages exhibit. Her eyes scanned the various displays. "The Sky Era, the Force Era, the Child Era, the Era of the Great Seas...it's all very interesting."

[Zmerr]

"Interesting indeed." Happy agreed half-heartedly as his attention was attracted to certain item in a display box. He hadn't even noticed Zant leave. He moved quickly and came to stand next to the artifact. In neat print, it was labeled MAJOR'A MASK. He eyed it suspiciously, examining every fine detail. "I wonder how much of it is actually real." He had a bit of a growl in his voice as he determined that the mask was fake.

He walked away from the display box with an angry frown so uncharacteristic it was almost scary. He continued to look around, but he wasn't paying much attention to anything. That mask was the reason he never knew his family. Somewhere along the line, one of his ancestors had gone off looking for it and never returned. As a result, his great grandfather, grandfather and his father had all done the same thing in hopes to also find out what had happened to the other seekers.

The mask was living up to its legend without even being worn. It did bad things. Certainly the fate of his father and those before him was terrible?

***

Ganondorf gave the shadow another look-over. No free will? This could prove to be quite interesting. He stroked his fiery beard in thought as he watched the other for any misleading signs.

"I was going into Castle Town today. Why don't you accompany me and we can talk about this... business." He wanted to keep an eye on Dark Link. He still didn't trust him. "I would like to learn more about you. Are you thirsty? Surely a long walk through the dessert has dried you out." He ordered a servant to get Dark Link a jug of water with a single flick of a hand.

He led the shadow out to the carriage and invited him to take a seat inside. He looked at the unconscious body strewn across the ground. As he was looking around, something caught his eye. Something sparkled red on top of nearby dune. Perhaps it was a dropped treasure? He ordered one of the carriage's guards to look into it.

[Redwing]

Fi shifted away from Navi as Link picked her up and set her on a chair. Then she moved back and placed her hand on the fairy again. She jumped when the fairy suddenly grabbed her wrist. The Navi opened her eyes. Fi didn't hear what Link said, because she was focused on the fairy's telepathy. She wasn't sure why Navi didn't want to make herself known, but she would respect it. "As you wish. She said in return telepathy. Fi silently floated away from the fairy as she began speaking. "As well as I can be." Fi said honestly when Navi spoke to her aloud.

The name the fairy chose instead of her own made Fi smile. It was the name of one of the previous Link's companions. Whether it was chance or fate that had let she choose that name, the sword spirit didn't know. She felt herself getting upset the more Navi spoke though. Though she forget about most of it when the fairy mentioned her blade dulling or her power weakening. Did the Great Fairy really think that little of her, the Sword of Evil's Bane? "My edge has not dulled and my powers have not waned. Test them both if it pleases you. I've seen almost as many generations as the Goddesses." She wasn't usually like this, but there was something in the way that Navi had said it that made her want to defend herself.

It was then that she remembered what Link had said before. Where to go in order to figure out his quest. She turned to Link, putting the fairy out of her thoughts for the time being. "I'm afraid I don't know the changes made to the land since I was last out of the temple. But one place comes to mind right away. Kakariko Village is always an important place each quest. Does it still exist?"

---

Sheik followed closely behind his sister as they walked through Castle Town. Keeping an eye out for anything and everything. "Claud." He mumbled the name Zelda suggested for him to use. "I suppose it will do." Though he really didn't care what name he used. It was only going to be for a short period of time. Zelda was explaining to him what they needed to do. It seemed she was forgetting that he did this on a daily basis. But he didn't say anything, impressed that she knew what to do. The siblings entered the tavern known as Magtail. Stares lingered on his sister for just a brief moment, but they stayed on him longer. Mostly his eyes. He met each stare with one of his own and each person quickly turned away.

Sheik choose a spot on the wall, leaning back against it and with his arms crossed. A waitress came up and asked if he wanted anything. "No thanks. I'm just waiting for someone." He said with a smile. The sad thing was the lie came easier than the smile. He listened and observed, hearing all manner of things from the people of Castle Town. Including an event that had happened here only a short hour ago. This was definitely worth investigating. He walked up to a man whom he had heard was at the event. "Pardon me." He said to the man. "But I'm afraid I missed what happened earlier. Do you happen to know what this Midna looks like? I have some questions for her."

The man was friendly and described the woman and her companions for Sheik. After thanking the man he returned to his spot on the wall. His sister coming up just a short time after. "A few things that should be discussed with father." He said in answer to her question. Though Hyrule's king wasn't his real father, the man might as well been. "A few things that should be discussed with Impa. All in all I got a good amount of information." He said, not giving his sister the details of what he heard. This was not for her ears yet. "You did well for someone who has never done this before." He playfully pat his sister on the head, like he had done when they were children.

---

Vaati watched as a strange dark figure with an sickeningly evil aura forced his way through the guards. He disappeared for a few minutes before coming back out with another man. That man was definitely what he had been sensing. And now that he was close enough, he could sense the dark aura underneath that incredible power. The amount of evilness was a bit dizzying. He shook his head to clear it, unintentionally letting the jewel on his hat hit the sunlight. Apparently the man with the great power had seen it because he was sending another person over to his location. There wasn't anywhere for him to go. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to try. "Hey!" The woman yelled and ran at him, obviously angry that he was here. With a curse Vaati attempted to cast a spell, but was grabbed before he could get it off.

The mage struggled, but he trained his mind far more than he did his body. He had endurance, but not strength. The woman simply dragged Vaati along like he was nothing. The evil was nearly overwhelming as he got closer. He took a deep breath and shut it out, closing his sensing power for the time being. "Your Highness, I found this boy lurking in the sand."

Your Highness? A king out here in the desert. "My apologies good sir, allow me to explain myself." Vaati said with a bow. "My name is Vaati, I am a mage. I sensed some sort of great power out in the desert and my curiosity got the better of me. I wasn't aware that there was a castle out here." He had explained himself, now all he could do was hope this supposed king was kind enough to listen.

[Zmerr]

Ganondorf glared at the strange boy in purple. It was twice, today, that someone had come here because of his power. He eyed the boy curiously and then looked at Dark Link.

"Is he also a will-less dark servant matching only the power of the Goddesses, Or is this some for of ambush?" He said sarcastically, believing either of them less and less. Their appearance at almost exactly the same time screamed that something was terribly wrong. Either that, or both of them were telling the truth and his day just got better.

He looked back at the boy. He seemed to be genuine. He also had a strong cloak of power and magic about him. The two powerful beings being so near to him with most of the guards down was making Ganondorf very uneasy.

"Tell me, mage. Is that the only reason you're here?"

[Redwing]

Vaati was very nervous about this whole situation. The supposed king seemed to think that he was working with the shadowy one. He had never ever met the guy before. Besides, he didn't work for anybody, he was a completely neutral party. Just a mage wandering the world with no real purpose. The mage nodded when the supposed king asked if it was the only reason he was were. "Yes, I swear. I was simply curious about the power I sensed. Nobody knows much about the desert, so the only way I could answer that was to find it for myself."

He didn't know what the supposed king was talking about when he said a will-less dark servant with power rivaling the Goddesses. Was that what the shadow was? In that case he sounded dangerous and terrifying. It also explained the horribly dark aura. Vaati had dabbled in the dark arts at one point, but had learned more than a spell or two. The evil magic made him feel unclean. "I can assure you I am not working with this other man. I'm simply a willful, neutral partied, mage."

[Lugubrious]

Having been so accustomed to the Happy Mask Salesman's characteristic happy smile, even in the short time she had know him, Midna was very surprised to see an expression on his face akin to rage. It puzzled her to see such a twisted, nearly frightening look on someone who ordinarily gave off such a joyous air. She considered asking him why, but thought better of it. Instead, she swept over to the exhibit that he vacated, curious as to why it might spark such wrath in him. The brilliantly-colored mask immediately caught her eye, and after giving the artifact a cursory examination she read the associated text. Once used by an Ancient Tribe for hexing rituals, this mask's dark power grew too great and it was sealed away to prevent catastrophe. During the Child Era, it was discovered by a Skull Kid, who it possessed and used to threaten Termina until the Hero of Time destroyed it. It is unknown if the mask exists. Majora's Mask is named after the fell monster from whose skull it was carved.

Midna glanced at Happy, whose bad mood remained. What could a man who sells masks have to do with this terrible artifact?

-=-=-

After about twenty minutes perusing the shelves, Zant began to zero in on his quarry. The fragment of knowledge he sought was erudite and rare, something only a place as grand as this might have. He poked among the tomes and scrolls, seeking one in particular. Finally, he found what he was looking for: Legend of Hylia. He plucked the thin novel from the shelf, careful not to pull off its loosely-attached binding. Flipping through quickly, he examined each chapter until 'Hylia and the Interlopers' came into view. "Ah." His lips curled into a definitive grimace as he skimmed the paragraphs, his rudimentary understanding of Hylian writing only getting him so far. The core message of the story was clear, however, and it could not be allowed to remain in the hands of the public.

Zant looked either way down the aisle of shelves. Nobody was in sight. He focused his hearing, divining for any breath or footstep. Only the sweet sound of rainfall drifting in through an open window nearby met his ears. Soon, the storm would start to diminish. Zant held up the book by one of its covers, dangling the offending page a few inches from his face. He raised his other sleeve, and out from the orifice popped a gleaming scimitar. With deft precision he sliced the page free from the book and then into three pieces with subsequent cuts. The sheared paper, free of its binding, was caught by wind from the window and whipped out into the air. Good. The water will wipe it away.

He returned to the museum's other area to find Midna and Happy apart, reading different exhibits. Making note of Happy's very unhappy mood, he approached the Twilight Princess. "I am ready to go when you two are. There was nothing of importance to me in the histories."

[Zmerr]

Ganondorf was not convinced of his own safety just yet. "Neutral party, you say. That at least means you aren't with her." He jumped into the carriage. "Perhaps you'd like to join us as well? With all the guards down, I'd hate to leave you here with no one to wait on you." There was a slight twinge of sarcasm in his voice.

This mage was at least not an ally of Zelda's. If he was, Ganondorf would be sure to kill him on the spot. As for Dark Link, was a little closer to believing him, but he still needed time to decide.

He made room for both his guests in the carriage as it was built to hold only the king and one guest, but the other two were small enough that they would both fit. He gave them both a greasy smile sipped on a cup of water a servant had provided him.

"Perhaps we should have a more official meeting. The circumstances made me forget my manners. Please forgive me." He bowed his head respectfully. He placed a hand on his chest to indicate that he was talking about himself. "I am Ganondorf, King of Thieves and Lord of the Gerudo. As you are temporarily honored guest, you may call me Ganondorf. No need for formalities."

***

Happy saw Zant reenter the room. He hadn't even noticed he had left. He had been so sucked up in his own self pity. He joined the two. "I think I've seen about all I need to see. Did you find anything of interest?" He smiled once again, ignoring the disgusting presence of the mask.

He folded his hands together and turned toward the door, but didn't make a move for it. He didn't to rush the others because of his discomfort. He was beginning to enjoy their company and didn't want to push them away by forcing his own agenda. He was still unsure if he wanted Mdna to rule Hyrule, though he felt she had the power and wisdom to do so.

Zant was quite an interesting character, speaking only when necessary. Happy no longer believed Zant was the mastermind behind their plans. He felt he made a good adviser.

The missing key to his final decision would be revealed later when they explained to the public who they were an where they were from. This information was extremely valuable.

Perhaps, he thought, if he decided he liked what they were doing, he could be of great use. He had a lot of resources and useful connections to people outside of Castle Town. Some even outside of Hyrule. He knew almost everyone inside the gates as well. He might pitch the idea once he made his decision.

[Apollosarcher]

Link himself sighed "Kakariko Village has become a ghost town, with most of the farming being done there moved to Ordin a few bomb makers and traders work there other than the place is empty... I have a plan through that might get us some answers and seeing as it's not to late I think we should get a move on. I'm going to meet princess Zelda, she will know something, lets hope the captain of the guard doesn't catch us though... Impa won't be happy to find a deserter sneaking in to the castle." Link finished his meal and gave the fairy and Fi a smile. " Ciela you can ride on my shoulder if you want, were going to Hyrule castle." He began to walk through the rain those few that were outside stopped and stared, he matched the statue near goddesses temple perfectly. That rainy dreary day Hyrule began to whisper of it's new hero, one who would help the people, not just protect them.

---

Dark Link simply followed ignoring the water "As I said before master, I am of darkness I have no need for mortal items." He waited by the Carriage, he spotted the mage being hauled back by the guard and rolled his eyes. "Master may we get going, I hate this sunlight, it is not something I that is pleasant to us beings of darkness." The irrate shadow climbed into the carriage to escape the light. His new master was skeptical but that gave him something to work towards, until he knew he could challenge the hero he would bide his time and do what he was ordered to.