Scimitar of the Desert Goddess

Chapter 8

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I directed the effort of collecting corpses. We moved our sisters first by placing them in a wagon. Once they were all gathered, I met with everyone to offer my condolences while the pile of flesh burned. The ashes were given to the sand protected by our goddess, the only burial appropriate for a Gerudo. After the brief ceremony, where drinks were passed around to encourage the celebration of the lives of our loved ones, I instructed the Gerudo on the disposal of the knights. We salvaged armor and swords, looted rupees and any gems we could find, because at heart we were still thieves. The cart departed, stacked to the brim with naked corpses and one hero sprawled out on top with the hilt of the Master Sword pointed at the sky.

“Dora, you need to rest,” came Rayne’s voice from behind me.

Her ability to constantly care for my wellbeing was miraculous and it made me smile weakly. “You know that I cannot do that, not yet,” I said, then turned to face her.

“It was worth a try,” she confessed. I joined her as she walked toward the castle. “Have you thought about what you are going to do?”

“I have given it consideration,” I said, gazing up at the darkening sky. “Deciding on what exactly I should say is a different story.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to rest for the night? You can address this issue tomorrow,” she suggested. Rayne stopped me by grabbing my hand. “You look exhausted. You’re pale.”

“No. I cannot allow what faint memories he might retain slip further away. No matter what happens, I must speak with him,” I insisted. “I only pray the outcome is in my favor.”

Rayne embraced me suddenly. “In that case, good luck. But, you don’t really need it,” she said encouragingly. “The Desert Goddess has plans for you and your destiny with Ganondorf. I will see you in the morning. And try to keep it down tonight, will you? I need my beauty sleep.”

I laughed and pushed her toward the doorway. “Silence, you,” I joked. “I will be as loud as I please, so the world will know my husband has returned!”

“Oh, for the love of the desert, keep it to yourself. Good night,” she chuckled, then disappeared into her home. The conversation with my friend held a smile on my face as I wandered into the castle. I had a destination, but my progress there was slowed by my anxiety. I dreaded the events coming up, but I could not avoid them. I needed to stand my ground.

“Ganondora,” the King of Evil called, his voice thick with authority I dared not question. My heart fluttered. I lifted my eyes to find him in the doorway of the throne room. He jerked his head back to gesture me inside. I obediently entered behind him. As he stopped near the thrones and turned around to face me with his arms crossed over his chest, ideas struck me. “Why was there an army of Hylian knights at my castle to greet me when I returned?” he questioned, his eyes glaring.

His stature and tone intimidated me, which only gave me more reason to be brave. “One week after your death, I was summoned to Hyrule. I know you do not remember me, but I cannot hide who I am,” I explained, maintaining a proud tone. “Zelda was interested in prosecuting me because I am your wife and we conquered Hyrule together. As such we are guilty of conspiracy and murder. She wanted me to serve out my lifelong sentence in Arbiter’s Grounds and allow her to govern the Gerudo. I refused. Because of that, she said all of the Gerudo are wanted criminals and sentenced us to death.”

Ganondorf slowly lowered his arms. I thought convincing him was going to be that simple. I was wrong. He held his hand out to me, and then I heard a shrill shriek surround me. I realized exactly what he plotted in the same instant Nira was yanked from my shadow in her solid imp form. “You call yourself the queen I chose to lead the Gerudo, yet you are collaborating with a traitor!”

The Twili wriggled, until the tendrils of energy creeping out of Ganondorf’s fingers tangled around her limbs. “Nira was instrumental in your resurrection. I swore that she would be rewarded. I owe her for transporting me back, or else I may have died. All she wants is the same as me, her king.”

“Zant,” he growled. His fingers tightened, causing Nira to squeal.

“Dora, you’re making it worse,” she screamed through gritted teeth.

“Zant only betrayed us because of your arrogance,” I shouted. “You would have been victorious, we would have been King and Queen of Hyrule forever, if you were not so proud to refuse the help that was available to you! Do you know why Link was killed so easily today? Because Nira, Rayne, and all of the Gerudo fought together,” I exclaimed, praying to make him understand. “If you only gave Zant what was promised none of this would have happened.”

The magic binding Nira weakened and she managed to escape. She wasted no time in rushing straight out of the throne room. That distant look returned to Ganondorf’s eyes. “When you impaled the hero’s heart with the Master Sword, I remembered the moments before my death. You were the last person I saw. Tell me why,” he ordered.

“This may be difficult to believe, but I married you because I love you. I was terrified when I saw that sword in you, but I was powerless to save you,” I confessed sadly. “I feared losing you.”

“I could never care about someone so selflessly,” he spat.

“You’re right. You are selfish, greedy, and evil. You are confident, powerful, and cruel, and those are the traits I love about you most. Our relationship was always about you and I would never have it any other way. You saw in me a goddess that could lead your people, a warrior that could kill without mercy as you commanded. Trust me,” I said sincerely, “it was not a decision you made lightly.”

He deliberated on my words and I patiently waited for him to speak. “It is obvious that pieces of my memory are missing. The two thrones behind me are testament enough. I never witnessed anyone fight the way you did. You craved revenge from that hero like a ravenous predator. If you were that important to me, why have I so easily forgotten?” Ganondorf questioned out of frustration.

“You have not forgotten. Demise is blocking your memories,” I explained, frustrated. “There is so much we have accomplished together, so much we have shared, that it is only a matter of time before you remember. Our history runs deep. Our love is stronger than hate!”

As if the words I spoke were a threat, Ganondorf raised his hand in the air and conjured the Sword of the Six Sages. I gasped as it came crashing down. I barely jumped back in time to avoid being slaughtered. I was shocked at first, aghast that he would dare attempt to kill me. I also understood this presented a perfect opportunity. I unsheathed my scimitar and said, “Fine. If that is what you choose, then I will entertain you.” I rushed at him, not even giving him a chance to reconsider his actions.

The pure, white blade of the Sages was a massive sword that required two hands, yet he effortlessly wielded it with one. His power was incredible. Each strike that I blocked made my scimitar reverberate. I feared that the blade might have shattered if it were not enchanted. I was a determined and tenacious opponent that took advantage of constant movement to keep Ganondorf guessing where I would attack next. “Do not tell me you have forgotten all of our sparring matches together back at the fortress when we were younger,” I said, avoiding another attack. His only response was to begin using his sorcery to his advantage. One hand gripped the hilt of his sword, the other sparked with dark magic. “You always did cheat,” I remarked. “Your power is just like I remember! I longed to feel it once more.”

I spun with my scimitar held out horizontally. He swiped my blade to the side and the dark energy he built up pummeled my body. I grunted and stumbled back. This fueled my desire. Instead of yielding, I raised my sword again, ignored the pain, and continued my vicious barrage of attacks on him. He was swift and proved deadly. As the seconds passed, our energy diminished. Mine was already nearly depleted. Although I made a few well calculated strikes against the weak points in his armor that left him bleeding, I was defeated by a swing that knocked me off balance. He followed through with a swift kick that was packed with so much power I was thrown across the room. I rolled to my knees and sprinted back toward him. Our blades crossed, but I was no match for him. I was vulnerable with two hands on my sword just to match his strength. He unleashed a battle cry and thrust his fist into my stomach. I grimaced and heaved violently to breathe.

Intrigued, Ganondorf questioned, “Will you keep fighting until I kill you?”

Many long seconds passed before I was able to speak. “If that is what it takes,” I said, my voice hoarse. “I will fight until my dying breath!” I tripped over a step as he swung just to force me back. I landed clumsily in the king’s throne, and then held hostage at the end of his merciless blade. I breathed heavily, still struggling to recover from having the wind forcibly expelled from my lungs. “You always were better than me,” I confessed with a painful groan.”You were the one who pointed out that if I was going to defeat you, I needed to accept that I love you.” Tears burned my eyes, but discerning if they were from exhaustion or heartache was impossible because I experienced both equally.

Ganondorf’s sneer promised death. I clenched my eyes shut when he drew back his sword to pierce me. A sour clang resonated in my ears. I found the sword struck the back of the throne, and then clattered to the floor. Ganondorf’s face contorted with pain from an internal battle I was not privileged to witness. Rather than fall on his knees from the agony, he leaned all his weight on the arms of the throne. Panic sprung me to action. I rested my hands on either side of his face and kissed him tenderly. I sorely missed his warmth and yearned to be devoured by his lust. For the time, I was content with that single kiss. “That demon is not strong enough to manipulate you, Ganondorf. I love you,” I whispered earnestly. The tears I once restrained tumbled from my eyes. I held my breath anxiously, afraid if I blinked I might lose him forever. No, I did not expect he would profess his love for me. That was not the King of Evil. His actions spoke volumes of the ways in which he cared for me. I caressed his cheek and watched him intently. He breathed heavily, sometimes grunting like a wounded animal. His breath was warm, and foul, but nothing deterred me. I glanced to his hand when it shifted, and then slowly moved to my face. His thumb grazed my cheek and defeated my tears. His battle worn touch was comforting on my smooth skin. I rested my hand across the back of his fingers and nuzzled my cheek against his palm. My eyes never drifted from him.

“You have newly enchanted me, my goddess,” he said, his tone deep and superior. I longed for more of the way he watched me with incredible admiration, a way I have never seen him gaze at anyone before. “That ravenous fire of yours was nearly out of control, and I am to blame. Had I failed to return and tame that wild spirit, I fear Hyrule may have been destroyed.”

I chuckled around the diminishing tears still tightening my throat. “I missed you,” I whispered, and then latched my arms around his neck.

He lifted me from the throne when he embraced me with his strong and protective arms. My feet dangled just off the floor when he stood to full height. I cherished the possessive way he tangled his hand in my hair and pressed his face to my neck. His whole torso rose when he inhaled deeply. The weight of the world crumbled from my shoulders. There was no better sensation.

Ganondorf did not apologize for almost killing me, nor did he express gratitude for the traumatic feat of resurrecting him. All that I endured, I did for my own selfish reasons. This was the man I adored with all my heart. The only payment I needed was his promise that I would belong to him forever. When he did step back, I interlocked my fingers in his right hand and in the other he conjured my elaborate circlet. “Dora, why did you remove your crown?” he questioned, offended.

“I was warned that your memory could be damaged, or that Demise might try to alter it somehow,” I answered calmly. “I also feared that the demon might eliminate me altogether, as he tried just now. I gave it to you in hopes you would remember your proposal, the night when you crowned me queen, and when you first claimed me.”

“How could I forget?” he remarked with a smirk. “Despite knowing the threat that all your dedication and loyalty could be stripped from my mind, you confronted Demise, and risked your life. Only my wife could be so reckless,” he quipped, while clasping the crown around my head.

I smiled with content and leaned in to rest my head on his chest. “Now that you are with me, perhaps I can rest easily. These past nights have been filled with nightmares.”

Ganondorf dipped down and swept his arm behind my knees to carry me away. “Allow your passion to chase away the nightmares tonight, my queen, and I shall properly reward you for your efforts.”

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Chapter 9

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The sun beaming on my face woke me from my restful slumber. I opened my eyes and prayed the night was more than just a sweet dream. I heard his deep inhale of breath when I rolled to face him. His arm shifted beneath me so I rested my head on his shoulder. I smiled with such warmth as my heart fluttered in my chest. To see that devilish smirk and caress the flesh of his chest, when I was convinced he was gone forever, left me elated. As I woke in the bliss of the protective arms of my supposed dead king, the people of Hyrule Castle Town were waking to devastation. I was satisfied with the turn of circumstances. As much as I longed to lay with Ganondorf for eternity, and express our undying passion, there was much work to be done.

“Zant trusted you!” Nira snarled.

Ganondorf and I sat in our thrones as King and Queen to meet with Nira. I knew the conversation was not going to be easy. There was strong tension between the two of them. Not to mention, I made a promise without being certain it would come to fruition.

“You are performing poorly at your attempt to convince me that reviving Zant is in my best interest,” he said in a deep and threatening tone. I felt his anger flowing in waves, in which I struggled to stay afloat.

“Isn’t it enough that I made your resurrection possible? And that your wife promised Zant would be returned to me?” she protested.

“Not entirely,” he answered smugly. “Dora’s word may weigh heavily on the choices I make, but my say is final. It was my power that granted Zant all that he obtained, and so it shall be mine that revives him. For what purpose? That he may continue to use my power as a toy? To act as a child and abuse that which was given? My intent was to revive Zant once the battle was won, even if such a reward was undeserved.”

“You lost,” Nira reminded harshly. “I was there, as your enemy, for retribution!”

“Then you know he fought until his dying breath,” I interjected. “You were aware of the odds that opposed him: the Fused Shadow, the Master Sword, the arrows of pure light! You act as if Ganondorf surrendered.”

“You’re right. That is farthest from the truth,” she agreed. “But imagine my horror when Zant spoke telepathically to me in that last moment, only to say good bye with no explanation.”

“I suspected Zant was the true reason for my death,” Ganondorf continued. “I felt my energy waning as the Master Sword expelled the evil from my body. Before all of my power could be lost I gave Dora the Triforce of Power to protect. Zant’s actions were unexpected, at best.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Nira was swifter. “Unexpected? Zant saw you as a god! Yet, when Midna all but destroyed him you were absent! He was blasted into a realm between dimensions. What did you expect him to do?”

“To have faith in his god,” Ganondorf countered in a raised voice that silenced Nira.

I could have reached out and touched the air of uneasiness in the room, while I watched Nira with a concerned gaze.

“I love Zant,” she confessed softly.

I laughed. “That hardly comes as a shock.”

“You knew?”she asked, surprised.

“Why else would you be here?” Ganondorf chuckled cruelly. “You clearly despise me. Despite your pride, you are here to beg for his life because there is no one else who can grant it.”

“I bet that just makes you feel important,” Nira remarked coldly.

He smirked. “I am interested to hear what Zant has to say about his actions and compare that to our speculations. Allow him to swear his own fealty, and then I will decide if he lives, or dies again.”

Nira’s small hands curled into fists of frustration, but she had little say in the matter. Except for her lips peeling back into a snarl, she said nothing. From his rightful place in the king’s throne, Ganondorf held his arm straight in front of him with his fingers sprawled open. I watched the same magic portal that transported me across Hyrule appear in the floor beside Nira. She lifted into the air and hovered, swaying back and forth gently as she watched the swirling red magic. The enchanted glow filled the room and competed with the late morning sun. That moment reminded me that, in bestowing his magic upon Zant, Ganondorf also gained attributes of the Twilight magic. The energy pouring from him throbbed and the light of the portal pulsed in the same rhythm. The Triforce of Power and Courage intensified on the back of his hand. Suddenly, Zant rose from within the portal. He wore his regally decorated robe, but was missing his oversized, metal helmet. His lips were parted as if he were in a daze. The four slits in the corners of his mouth were spread open. His face was slender and pale, with slanted eyes filled with round, amber pupils.

Nira’s eyes grew wide with an expression of disbelief. Her fingers trembled. I almost heard her heart beating out of control as if it were my own. Zant scanned his surroundings. He passed over Ganondorf and I, peered at the ceiling, and then rested his gaze on the imp beside him. His mouth closed into a smile. “Nira,” he greeted with surprise. “You have not recovered your Twili form.” His words fractured her tough exterior and it collapsed entirely. She darted at him to wrap her arms around his neck. He rested his hand on her small back. “I am quite surprised at you. It’s not like you to be so emotional,” he chuckled.

“How can I help myself when I missed you so deeply?” she replied softly, and then floated back from him. Her crimson eyes glanced toward Ganondorf.

Zant turned to face us and knelt on one knee. As he offered his respect, he asked, “Master, how may I be of service to you?” he inquired, bowing respectfully at his waist.

“Tell me why you ended your life,” the King of Evil demanded. “Your answer will determine your fate.”

“I must first apologize to have caused such distress,” Zant began sincerely. “Especially you, Queen Ganondora. I hold nothing but the highest respect for you in every aspect. After all you endured to be where you are, it was not fair of me to cause you the agony of grief. However, I do believe my actions are justified.”

“Zant, you are speaking in riddles,” I pointed out, irritated. “Do you mean to say you did not betray your god?” I inquired assertively.

“My intentions were never so malicious,” he exclaimed.

“What?” Nira gasped. “Ganondorf left you for dead!”

“Oh, dearest Nira, our god would never do that. He may be evil and vindictive, but only to those who are disloyal,” he responded with the highest praise.

“Then, why?” I wondered, throwing my hands open in front of me.

“I was a helpless bystander to the grand battle of Ganondorf and the hero. I cringed at the way he suffered. I became lost in my thoughts. If my god could be defeated, what did that mean for me? I felt hopeless. I refused to go back to the Twilight, back to the family that rejected me. If I was forced to live forever, suspended in that void, I would have been lost without faithful Nira by my side.” As Zant spoke, I felt guilt that I ever accused him of being a traitor. The Sorceress Sisters were wrong, but I could hardly blame them for being blinded in their state of mourning. I leaned forward slightly and gazed at my husband. He rested back almost lazily in his throne. The way he was effortlessly in control of the situation, and his reactions, was admirable. “Finally, with Ganondorf on the brink of destruction, I knew what I needed to do. I could not give that hero and his princess the satisfaction of sealing such a powerful entity. I shared in Ganondorf’s agony at the end. I could not bear to see him so weak. Those are the reasons that I made my decision to end his life with mine.”

Ganondorf smirked and I heard a chuckle emit from deep in his throat. This wicked sound filled me with apprehension. I was eager to watch the way Ganondorf executed his next move. Zant’s future looked bleak. “Your claim would imply that your actions were a matter of perspective. You avoided persecution from your sister, but you longed to save me from a fate worse than death,” Ganondorf reiterated. Zant nodded and waited anxiously for his god’s judgement. “That is not the answer I anticipated, but I never held high expectations for you, Zant. Your failure proved you are not worthy of my power.”

Nira gasped, and then grit her teeth in anger. Zant was shocked. “I never intended to do anything you would disapprove of,” he protested, using caution.

Ganondorf sat forward, his back straight, and voice a sheet of ice. “I granted you more than enough power to defeat Midna and when given the opportunity you allowed her to live. You were careless. You underestimated your enemy. You barely tapped the potential of the power I granted you and assumed you were too powerful to be defeated.”

Nira’s frustration burst forth suddenly when she yelled, “How dare you scold him?” She darted forward and at the same time Ganondorf rose powerfully from his throne. I nearly jumped to my feet, while Zant’s expression filled with dread. Nira fearlessly floated higher until she was face to face with Ganondorf, and she said, “If you claim to be so powerful, then how did you lose? Who condemns you for your failure?”

“I will not tolerate this disrespect!” Ganondorf bellowed. I placed my hand on his arm, but he already latched on to Nira with his energy. She whimpered as his magic invaded her and I feared he might crush her small frame.

Her voice was strained when she defiantly said, “And I will not sit by while you belittle Zant!”

“Nira,” I snapped firmly. “You have encountered the demon that empowers Ganondorf. You heard his conditions, and my oath to agree. I will lose everything if I do not meet his demands!”

Ganondorf’s hold on Nira faltered and she escaped to Zant in that instant. “But Ganondorf remembered you! Didn’t you vanquish Demise?” she asked, while catching her breath.

I was forced to ignore her though, because Ganondorf locked our eyes and asked, “Dora, what were the terms of my resurrection?”

“I swore that you would complete the Triforce and kill Hylia. If we fail, he will destroy everything I love,” I answered obediently. He turned back to face Zant, his eyes thoughtful. “I apologize, my love,” I added and slid my fingers along the palm of his hand. “These are goals you share with Demise, but the consequences are significant. I do not care what it takes. Let Hylia, Din, Farore, and Nayru stand in my way, because I will annihilate them as long as I have you,” I declared.

“As fiery as ever,” he responded with a smirk.

“Your spirit is strong, Ganondora,” Zant complimented. “The feats you accomplish for your king are incredible. It is obvious your destinies are bound.”

Nira softly said, “I should have considered your sacrifices, Dora. Demise is a monster and I admire your bravery for standing up to him.” The Twili imp inhaled harshly, and then released her breath slowly. She floated toward Ganondorf and made sure he looked at her when she said, “I will attempt to be more respectful to you, but only because your wife has a compelling spirit.”

I was flattered. Ganondorf responded to her compliment. “I will tolerate your disdain, only for as long as necessary, because you will help conquer the Twilight Realm. Zant,” he continued, refusing Nira the opportunity to rebuttal. “We need all the monsters that you can supply. I will accompany you to the Twilight Palace and witness your victory over Midna. If you fail, I leave the two of you to the mercy of the Twilight Princess.” The magnitude of his threat settled in the room, while Nira and Zant traded glances.

“There is one more problem,” Nira advised remorsefully. “Midna shattered our only gateway home, the Mirror of Twilight.”

Furious, I harshly asked, “Why did you keep this information from me?”

“There was no need to tell you,” she answered, as if she was only being reasonable. “Especially if you were unable to raise Ganondorf from the dead.” I stared suspiciously at her, questioning the grounds on which we built our alliance. “I believe I can trust you now.”

“I would also like to believe I can trust you,” I countered with a grin.

“Zant, as a member of the royal family, there must be a way into your realm without the mirror,” Ganondorf stated more than he asked.

“Your three goddess that birthed Hyrule created the mirror as the only connection between this world and the Twilight. My people were imprisoned ages ago as punishment for attempting to control the Triforce with our dark powers, which Midna now commands,” Zant explained, his voice rising in aggravation. “The Royal Family abused their privilege to access the mirror by sending unwanted criminals to our world that became our burden to bear.”

I scoffed. “The Gerudo have shouldered the burden of guarding the prison for years. We constructed statues of the Desert Goddess as a way of asking her to protect those that were wrongfully accused of crimes, and to prevent the truly sadistic ones from breaking free to harm my people. That has happened on occasion and we were left to deal with their escape on our own. After Ganondorf was banished to the Twilight Realm, I passed my own judgement on the prisoners. Some were executed, as they were untrustworthy, others I freed and sent back to Hyrule to create chaos.”

“That explains why the prison echoes with tortured screams of the dead,” Zant reasoned. “Alas, the only way to repair the mirror is with the power of a goddess.”

Ganondorf listened intently, and with patience most of the time. He was wise because he absorbed even the information that might have been deemed unnecessary by the simple minded. In the silence that followed my brief exchange with Zant, he said, “Dora, it is time you learn why your scimitar is such a significant weapon.”

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Chapter 10

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“I hoped I might put this place behind me,” I said, approaching the platform that held the Mirror of Twilight.

As the desert neared the peak temperature for the day, the four of us convened in the Mirror Chamber on the roof of Arbiter’s Grounds. We traveled by Twilight teleportation. The effects were not as debilitating as the time before.

“Fate has brought us back to where it all began, my queen,” Ganondorf said.

The stone slab, stained with splashes of crimson, remained in the same place as if it were frozen in time. I gripped Ganondorf’s hand as the memory of my first visit consumed me. Despite my valiant efforts, he convinced me back then that my attempts to free him from the chains holding him to the rock were in vain. He said my focus needed to be leading the Gerudo during his absence. I embraced him for the first time, but then I was tossed aside like a doll by the sages. Ganondorf was pierced by the Sword of the Six Sages. He appeared lifeless for several seconds. I longed to rush back to him, but the Gerudo in my company restrained me. Suddenly, Ganondorf came alive. He broke free of his chains like a terrible beast. His awe inspiring power begged for me to kneel as a weak servant, while also motivating me to strive for greatness. He eliminated the Sage of Water, which caused the remaining Sages to panic. A new sentence was decided for Ganondorf and he was exiled to the Twilight Realm. In their haste to be rid of him before more damage was caused, they made a mistake that bathed both worlds in innocent blood and perpetual Twilight.

Not all of my memories of that place were horrible. I reunited with Ganondorf there to receive his instructions that the Gerudo needed to prepare for battle. We discussed my declaration of love in front of the King of Hyrule, a young Princess Zelda, and all the knights that arrested Ganondorf. That conversation was difficult, but once it was over and I was certain our feelings were mutual, I was happier than ever before. It was a moment of bliss. I only needed to wait until his true return, after Hyrule was conquered, so that I could rush into his arms and become his queen.

These more pleasant thoughts returned me to my present endeavor. The frame of the enchanted mirror was directly in front of us. “I do not understand how you expect me to perform some divine miracle that will regenerate this mirror,” I stated, confused.

“Draw your scimitar,” Ganondorf directed. I did as he commanded. The hilt was crafted from white gold and wrapped in a ruby cloth. A Gerudo symbol was carved into the pommel, with the Triforce displayed at the center of the hand guard. The length of the blade was engraved with my name in Gerudo letters. I held my sword firmly and pointed the curved tip of the blade exactly where the mirror belonged. Ganondorf moved calmly behind me, and then leaned over by my right side. His fingers gently grazed my elbow and slid down my arm where they curled around my knuckles. It was difficult to deny how electrifying his touch felt, or its crippling effect on me. His intention was not sensual. He used his power to guide me in gathering energy into the sword. “You are able to call upon the power of the Desert Goddess by channeling your spirit. Call upon her and she will grant your wish.”

A small hand rested on my left shoulder, along with a hand of misshapen fingers on my bicep. I found Nira and Zant there and I sensed their spiritual energy flowing into me. They offered their strength, and the desire to reclaim their home. I stared ahead again, before closing my eyes to concentrate on my prayer to the Desert Goddess. Nira’s intensity, Zant’s dedication, and Ganondorf’s hatred was more than enough to reach my goddess. I opened my eyes to watch the letters along the sword glow orange as pure as the sky when the sun set. A bright white light, that filled the vacant area in the mirror’s frame, caused me to wince. The four of us stood our ground when a vast amount of energy burst from my blade and entered the white void in front of us.

The stone back of the mirror expanded from the tip of the scimitar. The circular designs on the mirror’s reflective side projected into the air and shined on the large black slate protruding from a deep pit of sand atop the prison. Hylian letters, and the symbol of the Triforce in the center, danced in a deepening circle. The trick of the spinning design made me feel as if I could walk within the depths of the stone. Twilight symbols emerged from the outer rim of the portal and pulsed with magnificent energy.

Nira and Zant moved forward eagerly. I tried to avoid my astonishment at my ability to perform such an incredible feat. I twisted my scimitar when Ganondorf freed my hand, as if truly seeing the weapon for the first time. “I never thought I would be capable of magic,” I said breathlessly.

“This is grand power. You were destined to wield this blade,” Ganondorf explained, and then led me toward a white rectangle on the floor in front of the mirror. I calmly sheathed my sword. “Imagine all the other possibilities your weapon can offer,” he added to help me better understand. I stepped with him up to the outlined box, while I bit my tongue. I wondered why he never told me before, but he did everything for a purpose. I was not about to question his judgement.

A staircase, only visible by the mystic white lines, ascended toward a hovering, round symbol of the Triforce. Ganondorf was the first to step inside the ring and be drawn into the portal. I was right behind him, and then Nira and Zant immediately after.

One by one we landed on the platform in the realm of the Twilight people. I stepped forward to absorb my surroundings. I gazed at the strange Twili beings. They possessed few human like qualities. Zant shared similar traits, such as their eyes and copper hair, but the civilians were shorter and stockier. They wore varying styles of black robes that melded with their skin. I asked, “Nira, why do you take that form? Why did you remain that way once the battle was over?”

“My disfigurement was caused by Midna,” she explained solemnly.

“This definitely is personal for you,” I remarked.

“Yes,” Zant added, stepping forward. “I was able to maintain her actual form until Midna defeated me. I can return you to your true form, if you would like,” he offered to Nira.

“No. She will underestimate me this way. I plan to immobilize her with my strength, and then claim our victory!”

“That sounds delightfully vicious,” I grinned. I gazed beyond the ordinary Twili to our surroundings. The sky was frozen in that rare moment when the sun has set, but the moon was yet to rise. The luminescent sky was never ending in every direction. The city, consisting of paths connecting the rows of houses, was suspended in the realm.  “I anticipate Midna’s agonizing screams for what she has done to you,” I said, while watching two guards hasten inside from their post at the grand palace’s entrance.

“As do I,” Zant agreed.

Once our appearance was discovered, their reaction was pandemonium.

A beautiful Twili woman rushed out of the palace onto a balcony, which overlooked the walkways filled with citizens scurrying like frightened insects. I watched her oval face fill with an expression of fear at first, and then her eyes narrowed out of hate. I suspected this was Midna, if only because of the crown that decorated her head.

Zant stepped forward along the dark, stone path at our feet. The metal helmet I thought was absent expanded from a device on the back of his neck and concealed his head. The mask was pointed on top, with bulging eyes, and a mouthpiece that closed onto his neck. He thrust out his arms to his sides and a wave of magic bowled the Twili over that were near. They transformed into disfigured monsters of pure darkness. Nira suddenly zoomed ahead of him, as if to lead the way toward the palace.

“This is a gorgeous place,” I said and calmly followed Nira, with Ganondorf at my side.

“Soon you will be free to visit as your leisure,” he smirked. “For now, you better hurry to the palace.”

“Yes. I am eager to see Midna fall in battle,” I exclaimed with a laugh. I glanced up to the balcony to find the Twilight Princess was gone.

“We are spectators in this battle, Dora,” he reminded in a scolding tone. “I trust their drive for revenge will suffice to propel them to victory. I plan to only intervene if absolutely necessary.”

Despite his stern words to remind me that I was not to participate, I was filled to the brim with excitement, like a young girl bursting with energy. I might have skipped and ran to the palace if I would not have looked such a fool. I clung to Ganondorf’s calm and confident aura as I grasped his hand and intertwined our fingers. We strolled through the double doors and followed a path of corpses of dark Twilight beasts. I assumed they were Midna’s loyal subjects that died protecting her. Any who showed hostility were brutally slain. The means of death made their killer obvious. “I will bet you that Nira killed more than Zant.”

“Zant is obviously testing his abilities, branching out for new ways to kill with his sorcery,” Ganondorf commented, inspecting the bodies.

“Let us wager who has killed the most, and hurry to make sure Zant does not tease his prey. I’m sure your presence will help him think twice about toying with Midna.”

Staircases lined the walls of square rooms, and by following them we found our way to the top floor. Torches were not used to light the corridors because the walls emitted their own magical glow from their intricate Twili markings. As promised, I heard Midna’s screams of agony when we marched toward the throne room. There was a bounce in my step when I approached ahead of Ganondorf.

Nira and Zant skillfully coordinated their attacks, as if they fought side by side for decades. Midna’s guards were already maimed bodies scattered across the floor that splattered the stone with black blood. The Princess of Twilight called upon the petrifying power that only she could command. My allies needed to strike swiftly before she unleashed her full potential. I witnessed the power of the Fused Shadow in the past. It was magic tricks compared to what the Triforce could do, but still possessed fearsome abilities. “I thought you destroyed the Fused Shadow after you battled Midna,” I inquired to Ganondorf when he stopped at my side.

“I did,” he confirmed. I watched Nira dart from one end of the room to the other in such a blur she seemed to just disappear out of the path of the tentacle arm Midna used in an attempt to snatch her enemy out of the air. “As the chosen leader of the Twili she could have reconstructed the magical device with ease.”

Zant used heavy attacks with his twin scimitars that emerged from the sleeves of his robe. Instead of being decorated with green lines, the difference in his magic was obvious with sharp red markings. The blades danced with flames of the same color. After Midna avoided his attack, his whole body grew to partially fill the room. He danced from his left foot, and then stomped on his right. Each impact sent a wave of breath stealing magic that knocked Midna back. Zant hovered in midair to shrink back to his normal size. He conjured a huge red and black orb over his head, while cackling wildly, and then fired it at Midna. His magic attack was so incredible that it tore through her barrier to block and struck her all the same. She shrieked and the explosion tossed her back into the wall. When she crumbled to the floor, Nira rushed forward to play her part. In the time it took for me to blink she was directly in front of Midna, slashing her with the only the dagger’s tips. I noticed Midna was already covered with thin scratches on her arms, torso, and legs. Nira cleverly delivered these wounds over time with the intention to sting and cause discomfort, only to wear Midna down.

“Zant, finish her,” Ganondorf ordered with a voice from deep inside. He must have seen the same change in Midna’s eyes, and felt the spike in her power, that I sensed. The power she focused during the battle was prepared to be unleashed. The helmet that housed the power of the Fused Shadow shot out of Midna’s open hand and locked on her head. Six tendrils of energy, formed by the strange green magic, lashed out at Zant. I held my breath and prayed for his survival.

I was surprised Zant was able to deflect the power of the Fused Shadow. A mechanical, metallic hand with a thumb, elongated index and pinky fingers, and short, stubby middle fingers, popped out from a black, round portal that appeared directly in front of Zant. He held his arms straight in front of him and leaped into the air, moving the hand with him. When he swung his arms down, the hand crashed upon Midna. Her scream of agony filled the room. I could see what caused her pain when the hand was commanded to rise in preparation for another strike. Her left leg was snapped in half, which must have happened as a result of her attempt to flee. I watched a black and white figure fly in front of Midna and strike her with such ferocity blood sprayed the ground. Nira was at a safe distance when the hand plummeted to the floor to flatten Midna. The crunching sound of more cracked bones initiated another scream from her. She choked and coughed violently. “Zant,” she groaned. Blood poured from the corner of her mouth when she spoke. He lifted the hand just enough for her to speak clearly. “Please. You do not know the nightmare,” she said, barely able to talk. “The nightmare you will bring on these innocent people.”

“Our father should have considered that before he chose you to take his throne! I was next in line, it is rightfully mine,” Zant yelled, his voice rising in pitch with his anger. “With my kingship reclaimed I can make Zelda and all the Hylians suffer for condemning us to this fate!”

“Do it, Zant!” Nira encouraged. “End her once and for all!”

“No!” Midna shouted.

Laughing wickedly, Zant raised the hand, and then thrust it down on Midna, completely crushing her. Her shriek filled the room for a mere second before it was snuffed out. Blood spilled over the smooth floor. Zant lowered to his feet and dispelled the hand with a smooth wave of his arm. I winced at the sight of the butchered and crushed corpse. I was impressed, so I clapped slowly to congratulate them. “I think this means I lost our wager,” I whispered to Ganondorf.

“Zant killed Midna, meaning he has one more death than Nira,” he confirmed.

Zant’s large helmet retracted into the device on the back of his neck. Nira darted toward him to celebrate their victory, but she stopped when her body suddenly sparkled with a green and white light. She froze and stared at her torso. Her entire body shined with powerful energy.

Midna was dead, so Nira was free of her curse. The magic exploded and filled the room with a blinding light. I instinctively covered my face with my arm. Ganondorf gripped my waist and held me protectively. I lowered my arm swiftly when the light faded. I was untrusting and prepared to attack if needed. Thankfully, it was exactly as I predicted. A tall, curvy, and slender Twili with full crimson eyes stood with her bare feet in the pool of Midna’s blood. Nira’s arms, and her leg visible through the slit in her skirt, were decorated with purple Twilight markings. Her hair was a stunning orange and laid perfectly on her shoulders. Zant rushed forward to catch Nira’s arm as she lost her balance when trying to step forward. My eyes were locked on them in suspense as they gazed at each other. “You are more beautiful than I remembered,” Zant said softly, then grinned. Nira giggled quietly. For her, the world disappeared, and Zant was all that remained. Ganondorf and I did not exist in her moment while she was captivated by Zant. I anticipated a kiss, but was disappointed. Zant pointed toward Midna’s corpse and called upon the magic of the Fused Shadow. As the only remaining Twili of a royal lineage, he possessed total control over their family’s magic. The helmet was a crumbled mess after being smashed by the enchanted hand. As it floated toward Zant, all the pieces melded together to make it whole. The helmet infused with all that power shrank to fit in the palm of his hand, and then he offered it to Nira. “A gift for my loyal companion.”

“No, this belongs to you,” she insisted, pushing it back to him. “You are now the King of Twilight,” she exclaimed.

“Dearest, I have no need of this power. I already possess sorcery that is far superior to that of my family’s. The least I can do is offer you this bit of power as a way to thank you for all you have done. Use this gift to aid me in the fight against Zelda,” Zant requested. With a gentle toss, he released the Fused Shadow, and Nira caught it in her hands with acceptance.

“Thank you. This is an honor,” she said, bowing graciously with her skirt swept to the side.

“I must return to the desert,” Ganondorf informed, his deep, menacing voice intruding on their tender moment. “I am confident the Gerudo are eager to retaliate on the Hylians for their candid attack. When the sun sets, meet us outside Gerudo Valley. Tonight,” he commanded, “we will consume Hyrule in darkness by blotting out what meager light they cling to, Princess Zelda.”

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Chapter 11

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“Victory is within our grasp!”

I stood proudly at Ganondorf’s side while he publicly addressed our people for the first time since his return. I always chose to speak to them from the balcony so that I could be seen and heard. He purposefully gave his speech from the ground, giving the illusion that he was no more significant than anyone else. While the Gerudo were tall, his unnatural height made it easier to see him from anywhere, and the authority in his voice made even the sand comprehend his significant words. “It is obvious my queen led you fearlessly in my absence, to the point of defying Hyrule’s royal family. We achieved our first triumph by defeating the knight’s that foolishly believed they could claim us as trophies. Your queen expertly ended the life of Hyrule’s hero. All that remains is to kill the princess and we will be free of the oppressive royal family! All who challenge us will be defeated swiftly.” I loved listening to his inspiring dialogue. The way the Gerudo admired his strength and charisma filled me with warmth. The relief of his return in the eyes of my people was pure, and a fire burned beyond that, a yearning to torture their enemies for attempting to slay their king. I grinned as Ganondorf concluded his speech. “Prepare for battle tonight. Dora will discuss the plan of attack with all of you. Hyrule will be under my control before they know what hit them!”

The crowd dispersed, each leaving to perform their roles in preparation for nightfall. Each Gerudo was a master in a specific skill: archery, swordplay, or melee. They were grouped based on those professions to make perfect teams. Everyone was highly skilled in stealth, which would be our main focus in this attack. “I will mingle with them to distribute instructions and clear up any concerns,” I advised Ganondorf.

“I have my own preparations to complete,” he said. We shared a brief, ardent kiss and separated to complete our tasks. Rayne accompanied me as I visited the groups of three to four Gerudo eagerly discussing their plans for killing their enemies. I laid out the details for them, speaking with everyone individually, and by name. I explained the goal of infiltration, the routes to take, and the order in which we would be dominating the castle. As many lives as necessary would be taken to complete the subjugation of Hyrule. “This is our time to claim our place in history as the most powerful force in Hyrule, and to prove that we are not just another race that those righteous Hylians thought they could control like brainless animals!”

I provided a similar rousing speech to each group. Half way through, Rayne split off so we covered more ground quickly. As I boosted their spirits and gave them praise, I felt the tendrils of doubt creep into my mind and latch on. I forced that confident smile and unwavering tone, but my will crumbled beneath the weight of my distress. I knew I needed to escape when I felt the burn of tears in my eyes.

I fought to keep my stare fierce and my heart firm so my people would not smell my fear. I finished with the last group and retreated into the castle. I rushed into the great hall immediately inside the double doors. A hearth burned bright on the opposite wall to spread heat through the castle. Considering the approaching dusk, it was comforting to chase the chill off my exposed skin. A staircase lined the rounded walls to my left and right to lead to the second floor. I inhaled a deep breath and slowly released it. A hand delicately touched my shoulder. I spun to face Rayne’s pale yellow eyes. “What is the matter?” she asked out of concern.

“I’m in over my head,” I whispered. I glanced around the darkness and dancing shadows to see if anyone could be eavesdropping.

She raised an eyebrow at me in bewilderment. “In what way? Being a queen? A wife? Wait, are you going to be a mother?”

“No,” I shouted, louder than intended. We lurked further into the hall toward a wooden table where we could sit and talk quietly.

“I assumed all went well in the Twilight Realm today,” she said knowingly.

“Yes. Midna is dead, and Zant is king,” I quickly informed. “In fact, that plan went so smoothly, I am more concerned for what is to come. What if I fail to meet Demise’s demands?” I asked myself, more than I asked her.

“What demands?”

In the chaos of all that occurred in the last day, I completely forgot to mention that to Rayne. I reviewed Demise’s condition for giving Ganondorf life and her eyes widened as I spoke. To make my mood worse, the inevitable confrontation was all my fault. “His new life is but a day old and we are ready to rush into a fight that will endanger him. We have a tremendous amount of odds stacked against us. The goddesses and sages will not hesitate to defend Hylia. And if we fail I will lose him, you, and all the Gerudo. I will have nothing left. Rayne, I was on the edge of insanity after losing Ganondorf the first time. If I lose him again, and the Gerudo are eradicated by a vengeful god, I will leap over the edge willingly.”

“Then do not fail. That is your motto, isn’t it?” she said, more than she asked.

“Failure is not an option,” I affirmed. “We are talking about omnipotent goddesses that despise us. How could anyone, even someone as mighty as Ganondorf, possibly hope to survive that?”

“No one is omnipotent. Every enemy has a weakness,” she reassured. “You distributed plans to your warriors, now what is your goal? How do you kill a goddess?”

“With the power of another goddess, of course,” Ganondorf said from the top of the staircase behind me. I was deeply drawn into my conversation with Rayne that I never heard his approach. He made a habit out of surprising me. He answered the question that was on my mind without me needing to ask. “I overhead all of your worries and consternation, Dora,” he added with displeasure. “I grapple to comprehend how you, my loyal wife, could be skeptical of my power.”

His steps were heavy as he menacingly descended the stairs. I instinctively stood to show my respect, and Rayne mimicked me. I never intended for him to learn of my conversation with Rayne, in a rare moment of weakness. “I absolutely trust in your power, Ganondorf,” I corrected firmly. “It is difficult for me to believe beyond any doubt that we will win when I am terrified of losing you again.”

The light of the hearth created long shadows on the floor. The dancing flames reflected on Ganondorf’s yellow eyes, intensifying his distrustful glare. “I need to understand exactly what happened to you after my life was stolen,” he demanded.

I felt interrogated. “Do you believe I acted in a way that was anything but faithful?” I asked, insulted.

He stopped, just beyond my reach, with his arms crossed over his broad chest and declined to answer.

I glanced at Rayne to find she also seemed confused. “I was wounded,” I confessed. “I was consumed by rage when I absorbed the reality of your death. I yearned to make the hero stop breathing. I attacked him, but Zelda struck me with a light arrow. Rayne ensured I made it home safely. Even with Koume and Kotake’s help, I was sore for a few days.”

Ganondorf glanced to my thigh, which indicated he saw the scar during our romantic reunion. His tight jaw was the first sign of his aggravation at my answer. “You intentionally risked your life. What made you believe you were capable of defeating both of them where I could not?”

I shook my head and admitted, “I did not consider the result of my actions.”

“You never do,” he scolded. “You are the one I chose to lead the Gerudo, the one I trusted to protect the Triforce of Power, the only one capable of restoring my life, and you rushed into a losing battle!”

“Can you blame her?” Rayne interjected. “You were dead! She was emotional and she wanted vengeance. We all did!”

“Hold your tongue,” Ganondorf ordered, his voice a stiff warning.

She disobeyed and continued on my behalf. “Dora is your wife! Nightmares haunted her, causing her sleep to be violent. Numerous times she woke in turmoil and tears because of grief.”

“As you have so blatantly pointed out, Dora is mine, and this is our discussion,” he reminded angrily. “You are her personal servant and you will be punished if you continue to defy your king!”

I held my breath when Rayne did not stop. “I am not just a servant, I am her best friend! She was inconsolable! It broke my heart that there was nothing I could do to make her happy. We Gerudo may have lost our king, but Dora lost her husband, her only reason for living, and the only man she served with admirable dedication. After all she has been through, you would dare treat her like a child for wanting revenge? The least you could do is show a little gratitude!” Rayne must not have felt the static in the air because she showed no fear, and never hesitated. I was extremely sensitive to the changes in Ganondorf’s energy. I anticipated his reaction to Rayne’s defiance. While I appreciated all she endured to sustain my sanity, I never thought she would stand up to Ganondorf for me. I never would have asked her. I was shocked at her bravery. He drew back his arm to wind up a ball of terrifying energy in his hand. All at once, he threw it forward and I shoved Rayne out of the way. I absorbed his dark power instead of my friend.

“Dora!” Rayne yelled, scrambling back to her feet. I leaned against the long table, seething with the pain of the heavy magic coursing through my veins. Grimacing, I looked at Ganondorf. His perplexed expression was cute.

“You should not have intervened,” he said disapprovingly, and suddenly quiet.

The dark magic slowly faded from my mind. I trained with Ganondorf for years, and so my resistance to it was stronger than most. "Rayne is right,” I said. I calmly walked toward Ganondorf and explained, “I did suffer torment as a result of your death. That is why I cannot bear the thought of risking your life so soon. Your death made me weak and I despised that. I cried for days. The only strength I clung to was leading the Gerudo. Now if we fail, I lose all of that! Everything!” I stood before him with my head bowed. “You are right, as well, my love. I understand that now. I never comprehended how important my position is as queen until all of my people, who are like my children, were looking to me for direction. I learned that my role is not to give my life for them, only for you, and they are fighting for us.”

I prided myself on my ability to appeal to Ganondorf’s ego. I mastered humility in the face of his anger and used a calm tone of voice that made him listen. He could see reason when I spoke. Admitting my faults to him was not easy, but the reward of preventing an argument I could not win was worth wounding my pride. He turned his hands over so his open palms faced me. I smiled slightly and wrapped my arms around his waist. I squeezed and pressed my cheek to his chest, while he folded his arms against my back with his fingers tangled in my hair. “You do learn some lessons I teach you,” he remarked. “I was insulted when my mother informed me they saved my body before the Hylians stole it. I refuse to dwell on what they might have done to me. I believed my wife would have taken better care of my corpse,” he said, as if to explain his temperament.

I gasped and leaned back to stare up at him. The way he said it was musing, but his tone was ice. “That was a selfish decision. Saving you should have been my utmost priority. I wish I had considered that at the time. After I was injured, I realized I needed to survive, and I fled like a coward. I was ignorant, but you have taught me to be wiser.”

He brought his hand from the back of my head to my face, and his thumb pressed to my cheek. “That situation will never occur again. Zelda is our primary target.”

My eyes widened and he grinned. “For the Triforce of Wisdom,” I realized. “The Triforce will be complete, but will that be enough to dominate the very goddesses who created its power?”

“A great dilemma has been posed to us. Without the goddesses, the Triforce will be rendered useless. We risk losing that advantage if we slay them. That is why you will defend against their attempts to intervene while I utilize the Triforce and Demise to draw out Hylia to kill her,” he instructed fervently.

“I best prepare then. It is almost time to strike,” I said, and moved to rush up the stairs.

“Rayne, I have an important task for you, unless you choose to disrespect me further,” Ganondorf said, causing me to pause. He turned from me to Rayne. She stood by the table’s edge, watching us with a smile.

“You two are undeniably the most adorable couple in all of Hyrule,” she laughed. “There, I said it. Now, what do you need me to do, your majesty?” she asked with a dramatic bow.

I laughed and placed my hand to my cheek to feel the warmth of my blush. “I believe that was a compliment.”

“Yes, keep that to yourself,” Ganondorf warned. “Since Dora and I will be occupied with a difficult battle, you will be in charge of the Gerudo. All guards on night patrol must be eliminated. Infiltrating the castle will be simple. When I execute Zelda, I want all of Hyrule to awaken and watch. After that, you will ensure the safety of the Gerudo.”

Rayne grinned devilishly. It was not only her bravery that amazed me, but her lust for blood and mischief. “It would be my honor.”

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Chapter 12

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