Within Himself

This is a fanfic about Ganondorf. Its written during OoT and tells how Ganondorf came to be the usuper ruler of Hyrule. Enjoy.

The Legend of Zelda:

Within Himself



Chapter One



My eyes raised up from the sunset pouring out into the expansive desert heat. Sand covered everything. To the east was the Desert Collosus, one of the biggest deserts in Hyrule. If you made your way through that desert sucessfully, then you would bestow the Spirit Temple.

Beneath my feet is a monstrous stone fortress. Filled with endless hallways and too many rooms to count; strong guards, traps, and a massive prision chamber - not including the strongest foundation I've ever seen - this fortress is considered impenatrable.

This is Gerudo Desert, all the way down to the last detail.

My name is Ganondorf Dragmire, and I'm seventeen years old. I have dark tan skin and orange-red hair that I usually spike up. My eyes are, as most say, "Like a blazing sunset of gold". For a seventeen year-old, I have a strong build and a large frame. I'm six foot, four inches tall.

Girls adore me, and, being a Gerudo, I have the curse of being the only male around. My father was killed years ago, when I was about eleven, by an assasin rouge from another land.

I remember people always telling me how I would be the king of the Gerudo. I took the throne with pleasure, and I've been dubbed Prince of the Gerudo for three years, now. But, it just doesn't feel right...I don't want to rule a kingdom of sand and heat...I want mountains, volcanoes, lush water domains...

But, no...all I have is this godforsaken place to rule. It's made me despise everyone I know. They always say, "Oh, you're our savoir!" and "Praise Din that we have you!"

People say I should take these as major complements...but to me, they're pure insults. I don't want to be their savoir, I don't want to rule just them and this place. I want to rule an entire kingdom!

The day I was made prince was probably the worst day of my life. I remember sitting in that cold, bland room surrounded by a bunch of old hags...just the thought makes me shiver...


Three years ago...


"Nabooru, wait up!" I snapped. The Gerudo before me only chuckled and continued to run forward, her bright red hair blowing behind her in the warm desert breeze. She was wearing baggy white pants and a silk purple top that revealed her belly and white undershirt. At last, I caught up to her. I threw my arms around her waist and brought us both to the ground.

I opened my eyes and spit the sand out of my mouth. Nabooru was in front of me, collasped on her rump, with a look of rage on her face. I sat up and chuckled. She threw her arms off of me and slapped me across the face.

"Pervert!" she protested.

I smirked as my cheek continued to tingle, but I knew she was only playing. Nabooru bounded to her feet, as did I, and we continued to pound after each other. But, suddenly, I heard a faint yell.

We both stopped our cheering and laughing and turned in the direction of the fortress. A guard was approaching me, her red silk pants and white vest blowing in the breeze.

"Master Dragmire," she muttered reverently, giving a slight bow. My eyes narrowed. I hated that label. The guard raised back up and motioned for me to follow her. I glanced at Nabooru, who shrugged, so I followed.

We entered the fortress and I was led down many hallways until I came to my room. It was a rather huge room with silk tapestries on the walls and a large king-sized bed with a desk and lounge chairs and a big carpet between it all. The guard motioned me to the vanity that I rarely used, except on special occasions. I began to get suspicious.

What's going on? I thought.

The guard smiled, her golden eyes still gazing blandly at me. She placed one hand on my shoulder and brought me over to the vanity. I stood still, but only for the sake of trying to figure out why she was doing this.

She slid golden bracelets over both my wrists and combed my hair back, making an indentation of my veins form along my forhead. She slipped off my vest and replaced it with a long-sleeved silk stop that had a high collar and buttoned up all the way. After she had buttoned them all up, she dusted off my silk pants which clung to my legs, for they still had dust and sand on them. Then, to my horror, she pulled out a bright golden jewel from one of the vanity drawers.

After applying some sort of glue to the back of it, she attatched chains to it and stuck in on to my forehead. My eyes grew large. What was this all about? This guard was beginning to freak me out.

A few minutes later, after more jewery was added to my wardrobe, I was led out of my room and back down the hallway. I soon noticed that this was an area of the fortress I had never been in.

We approached large steel doors. The guard knocked twice. And old cackly voice muttered, "Who comes to the golden gate?" "One who has seen its flowers and tasted the fruit," the guard replied. I raised one eyebrow. What was up with these riddles?

The doors opened to reveal not even a five-foot tall woman hunched over. She had gray hair that stuck out at all angles and was wearing a long black robe. She raised her buldging eyes to meet with mine. I actually gave a slight screech at her appearance, stumbling clumisly backwards in shock. The old hag reached out her five bony fingers and clasped it over my wrist. A chill was sent up my spine. She touch was so cold...I began to wonder if she had been brought back from the dead.

The hag dragged me over to a huge table with four chairs on either side. At the head of the table was a throne-like chair with gold embrodery and red velvet upholstery. I had no choice but to sit down.

In the eight chairs before me sat seven robed hags. Each one looked no different from the one that had just dragged me here, who took her seat and filled the empty chair. Each hag had skin hanging down from their eyes and throats, each one appearing to be at least a hundred and fifty years old. Eight sets of budgling golden eyes stared at me.

I gulped.

Now I knew. This was the Council of the Gerudo, also known as the Croones. How they got their nickname was beyond me...all that I knew was that something extremely goverment-related was about to happen; something invovling me.

The first hag to speak was the one with a blue jewel attacked to her forehead. I reconized her as the Ice Mage, and next to her was a hag with an orange jewel attatched to her forehead; I assumed she was the Fire Mage. The Ice and Fire Mages were twin socerers who had lived in the Spirit Temple for at least three centuries. One claimed to be four hundred years old while the other claimed to be three-hundred thirty - being twins, this subject always turned into an argument.

I had only seen these two once in my life: The day I was born, and I hardly even remembered that.

"Master Dragmire," the Ice Mage muttered; the other seven hags repeated after her. "We are glad to see that you've come as planned."

Come as planned?! Now I was really starting to freak out.

"If you please," the Ice Mage continued, looking over to her right. The Fire Mage nodded at her twin sister and stood up, walking very slowly to the other end of the room. It seemed to take five minutes for her to make one step. She retreaved an object that I couldn't get a chance to see, and hobbled back over to the table. After passing it to her twin, the Ice Mage handed it to me.

I cringed.

It a crown layered with gold and covered in purple, red, and blue jewels.

Surely not...they couldn't possibly be asking me...?

They were, and my horrified question was fufilled when another hag - the one with a puple gem - stated, "I suppose you are ready, Master Dragmire. Do you wish to take the throne?"

It seemed like I couldn't have a tongue to speak. My throat suddenly became dry. My heart pounded in my chest. My breaths were hesitant and unsteady.

Each set of buldging eyes continued to stare anxiously at me, until I had no choice.

I lifted the crown to my head and placed it over my orange-red locks.

"Yes...I-I accept," I croaked, hoping that royalty was as good as most claimed.


Present Time


Of course, I didn't know what I was getting into. I lifted my hands to my head, in which that godforsaken crown still sat atop it. My fingers clapsed around the freezing gold. Then, in one swift motion, I threw it to the ground.

There was a loud clank. Three of the jewels shattered and sprawled across the stone balcony.

For three years I had dealt with this. Well, I was tired of dealing with it any longer.

This time, I was certain what I had to do.

I would run away, and never...not even once...look back.



~~~To Be Continued in Chapter 2~~~

This is one of the very few fanfics I read that i actually want to keep reading!

I hope to see more.

^-^

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it so far; I'll try to post more as soon as I can.

Thanks, VZ!

Fantastic indeed, great idea looking through Gannon as a frustrated teen forced with the crown. Next Chapter please.

Wow, thanks!

So many people adore this already! Okay, okay...the next chapter should come out around this weekend - this fanfic will more-than-likely be a once-a-week post thing.

Wow! This is amazing!

Great job. I can see everything happening in my mind. Very well done.

Chapter Two



I forced myself to abandon the thoughts that had so long kept me here.

The cool desert breeze brushed against my cheeks; the silver light of the full moon shone down the fortress. I crouched over the balcony's edge, placing my right foot upon the stone banister.

It was now or never.

I clenched my eyes shut, raising by hands to the banister, clutching it tightly. Then, in one swift motion, I plunged off into mid-air. Everything seemed to go by way too fast. The sky and ground were blurred together. Then, in one loud thump! my shoulder plunged into the warm sand. I slid for a second or two, but only from the impact of my weight.

A deep groan escaped my lips as I lifted my eyelids. But, the thought once again entered my mind...the thought I had been pondering ever since that morning. Even if I did escape, wouldn't the Croones immeaditely notice my disappearance? And, when they did, wouldn't search parties of at least fifty Gerudo guards come looking for me?

By doing this, I was placing a limitless bounty on my head.

However, I once again refused to allow these thoughts to stay in my mind. I had to keep going; there was no turning around now.

I raised myself slowly to my feet, letting the sand concealed in my grasp slip through my fingers and fall soundlessly to the gritty mounds below me.

The two strands of hair that always fell right in front of my eyes were now brushing against my ears as the breeze grew stronger. This clarified that it was raining outside of Gerudo Valley.

Since the Gerudo domain was nothing but a desert of heat, rain was not permitted through its boundaries; only a decent breeze annouced that a downpour was housing itself just outside our doorstep.

My eyes narrowed.

For so long I had strived to feel the cool water rush down my body, sending that tingling feeling up my spine; so long I had strived to rid myself of this everlasting heat; so long I had strived to free myself of the govermental powers of the Croones...

And now, it was all laid before me, like a path that gestured me to keep going.

I took a deep breath, then ran as fast as I could forward.

My footsteps seemed to be as quiet as a cat's.

As I entered Gerudo Valley, I passed the tent of racers that for so long had haunted the peaceful area. I despised them so greatly - when I got full power of whatever came into my possesion, those fools would be the first to go.

I raced across the long wooden bridge, then over the log that suspended itself along the parallel walls of dirt that led into a long pool of water.

Then, I stopped.

There they were: Millions upon millions of clear-like dropplets falling from the sky, plunging into the grassy terrain that expanded all the way to the huge mountain boundaries of Hyrule.

Finally... I thought.

My eyes scrolled around the land that surrounded me. I walked out from the shadows of the looped ridge that led to Gerudo Valley. The rain splattered against my face, soaking my black clothes. I closed my eyes, tipping my head back as the cool water streamed down my body.

I didn't care that I was drenching myself.

For so long I had waited for this moment, and I planned to allow the lavish rain fall to continue with its heavenly pattern...

My eyes opened.

It seemed as if my sixth sense had aroused.

I crouched down on one knee and placed my left hand against the moist dirt. The symbol of the Goddesses, known as the Triforce, flashed on the back on my hand.

I closed my eyes, feeling the vibration of the two figures nearly a mile and a half away...a young boy, as well as a girl...both about the same age.

There were arguing over something...but I couldn't make out what they were saying...this rain drowned it out too much.

I raised myself back to my feet.

There was something about that boy, and even though I didn't even know who he was, a feeling in the pit of my stomach made my insides seem to twist in to knots: I hated that child.

I had to find out who he was...perhaps that would explain the sudden feeling of hatred which had aroused from my heart.

I ran to the wooden fence, grabbing it with one hand, and slung myself over it, landing squarely on my feet as I ran foreward.

It seemed to take hours for me to get there, even with my unnatural speed.

At last, a giant castle came into view. Magnificence was written all over it. It had a feeling of power, wisdom, strength, impenatrable force...it was Hyrule Castle.

My golden eyes gleamed with envy.

I wanted it.

Suddenly, I spotted the shadowy figures of two children. I could make them out better, now that I was closer.

"Ouch! Link, why are you dragging me out here in the rain?!" squealed the girl. She had a high, feminine voice. Even though she appeared to be merely four years old, she had a air of grace about her.

A light pink dress, as well as a head-dress holding up her golden locks, had the insignia of the triforce clearly labled on the waist, and near her forehead.

My eyes widened.

This was the princess of Hyrule...Zelda.

Of course! It had been annouced that the princess had been born a year before the crown had been forced to me.

A plot began to form in my head as the young boy clad in green beside her stuttered an apology, but I payed no attention to him.

The future queen of Hyrule was about to have many unexpected events in her life...

I would have to wait several years, though, until she became of age. Then, I would strike, and no one would have suspiscion.



~~~To Be Continued in Chapter Three~~~

Sounds good. But sorta confusing. Ganondorf doesn't meet Link until MUCH later when Link rescued Ruto from King Jabu-Jabu's belly.

Yes, I know - but this story isn't going to be a replica of Ocarina of Time, though, as with DoS, there will be parts where it's exactly the same.

This fanfic is going to have a lot of twists from OoT, but it will still be epic and original.

And, btw, Ganondorf meeting Link earlier than in the game will have a larger purpose in the story. So, keep that in mind.

Hope you liked the new chapter!

Originally Posted by zeldafan10101

Yes, I know - but this story isn't going to be a replica of Ocarina of Time, though, as with DoS, there will be parts where it's exactly the same.

This fanfic is going to have a lot of twists from OoT, but it will still be epic and original.

And, btw, Ganondorf meeting Link earlier than in the game will have a larger purpose in the story. So, keep that in mind.

Hope you liked the new chapter!

Gotcha. And yes, I did enjoy this chapter

Great job. I'm really liking this so far.

Keep up the amazing work!

Chapter Three


It had been forty-eight hours since I first laid eyes on the small Princess. I was sitting underneath an oak tree, twirling an acorn between my fingers from boredom.

I decided that keeping a close eye on the castle was the best way to start my planning. As of now, I had thought out about seven plans, all in which I quickly denied after realizing it was either too obvious or too stupid. A rush of new and fresh plans flooded my mind, only two that were worth considering:

1. Princess Zelda's mother died years ago, and her father is still in his middle years. After suffering such a loss, if anything else happened in her family, she would be devastated. I would pretend to strike a truce between the Gerudo and the Hylians, then either allow the king or convice him to let me to be of services. I would spend my time in Hyrule Castle, gather as much information about the king as possible - such as his favorite food and wines, perferred clothings, pass codes, and riddles - so I could show I was "trust worthy". Then, when the king has moved to his older years, as well as Zelda blossoming into a young woman, I would either posion him or frame someone of possibly murdering him, when it was I who had done it - anything to make it seem abrupt and uncertain, causing the signs to devirt away from me. Then I would take Zelda captive, forcefully take Hyrule's regin, and become the King of Evil.

2. King Daphnes Hyrule is an extremely fat, stupid old man. If it weren't for his adviors, the idiot would probably be jumping off a cliff by now! Then again...he can't be that stupid...anyways. I would follow a similar process, except pretending to be a Gerudo refugee, and I would have to ask for quarters and some meals at the castle. I would get on the sweet side of the little princess, making me be like a guardian to her - I know she already has a guardian who's a female, but little Zelda tends to act like she hates her. None the less, I would gain the princess's trust, become her "friend", and cause her to want me to stay. Surely she would ablidge to asking her father...and if she doesn't, I'll hypnotize her in an unidentifiable way. Afterwards, I would follow the same process of eventually dethroning the king, captivating Zelda, and taking reign.

I considered these two plans.

They both seemed to fit into place, and I doubted that neither would fail. After about thrity minutes of more planning and contemplating, I chose my second idea. It seemed the most reasonable and well-thought one.

I gazed up at the crystal blue sky, dotted here and there with a cloud of white. A devious grin formed over my face. It would soon be all mine...

-*-*-

A year and a half passed.

My hair had grown a little bit longer, but I had tried my best to keep it short. The cherry-red locks were still spiked up, the two strands falling in front of my eyes. My skin was still tan, my eyes still like a sunset.

I had grown more muscular, but still the same height.

Through the months that had passed, I had basically become a Gerudo refugee, considering the fact that I hadn't even laid eyes on Gerudo Desert ever since I left. In doing so, my evil little plan wasn't all a lie.

I raced through the pale morning light, concealed in the shadows of a blood red cloak.

For the first time, I stood in front the massive stone archway that was the entrance to the market. My golden eyes widened. Even in this time of morning, the drawbridge was lowered and a few people scurried about, almost as if beckoning me to this clueless town.

I grinned, revealing my pearly whites, then walked with a slow pace into the market, my face hidden in the shadows of the hood.

Some of the commoners even gave me a faint wave, completely unaware to the torture they would eventually endure.

Without even hesitating, I walked forth, straight towards the castle. I got a few glares of confusion, but ignored them. I came to the castle gates, and the guards stopped me.

"Halt! Who goes there?"

One of the guards, a plump, drunken fool, looked over my hidden appearance.

"Who are you?" he grumbled with a cough.

The other guard - the much more sensible one - muttered, "Enough, Hayes! Sir, exactly what business do you have here?"

"I've been sent here by the Gerudo Croones; I have a message for the king and I need to speak with him immeadiately," I lied. It was all part of the plan.

The first guard - the drunken one - slapped his knee and started laughing.

"The ol' Croones, eh?" he taunted. "You mean them hags? Those blokin' bit -"

"Hayes - control yourself!" the second guard snapped furiously. Then he turned his attention to me. "Please ignore him, he's obviously had a little too much rum. Now, you speak of the Croones? Exactly what message are they speaking of?"

"That information is classified - only the king may hear."

The guard seemed hesitant. "Do you have a scroll of some sort, to prove this is true?" he mumbled.

"Sir, I will assure you that I have pratically lived my entire life around the Croones. They never send scrolls - only messengers."

As if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, the guard sighed and eventually opened the gate. I sneered.

What an idiot, my mind taunted.


Hyrule Castle looked even more magnificent up close. I couldn't help slightly gasping at the sight, but then another thought came over me.

Even if this looks pretty nice, it's not...dark...enough for me. Hmmm...it needs a more threatening appearance - I'll take care of that after I'm king.

An hour or so passed, and I had made my appearance to the king, delivering a completely made up story supposedly sent by the Croones, asking for a truce and demanding that the king provide meals and quarters for me until further notice.

King Daphnes, slightly understanding the situation, eventually accepted the offer.

But...he seemed supicious.

I pushed this thought out of my mind and ventured around the castle until I found the courtyard.

There, sitting in a patch of flowers, her golden hair twirling in the breeze, her sea-blue eyes staring at the daisys, was eleven year-old Princess Zelda.

Now came the first step in my plan...



~~~To Be Continued in Chapter Four~~~

Gasp!

This story is still so interesting! You have me wanting more. This is so much better than I could do.

I can't wait for chapter 4.

That makes...three, I think.

Thanks, fans! Chapter 4 will be out next weekend, or this coming weekend, rather.

Chapter Four


My eyes narrowed as I drew back the red hood, revealing my face. The young princess had no idea I stood several feet behind her. She was whispering something...singing. It rather sounded like a gregorian chant of some sort, following the tune the "Song of Time".

I gave a crooked smile. She had just returned from visiting the Temple of Time, for she also seemed a little weary about something.

As I continued to stand behind her, leaving the princess singing and picking daisies, I thought over how to approach her.

It had been foretold by many that the many decendants of Princess Zelda were able to tell the future from dreams and visions. In doing so, I had to be careful with what I said. If I drew any attention, she might get suspicious, and I didn't want that.

Slowly, the young princess's rather heavenly voice hushed.

She turned her head behind her; the daisies in her limp grasp slipped through her fingers, landing soundlessly on the plush grass.

Giving a faint gasp, Zelda turned over so she was facing me, shuffling backwards.

"Who...who are you?" she whispered.

Even at a young age, I noticed she had a strong sense of wisdom about her...something I couldn't clarify. It puzzled me deeply, until I realized she was now standing, her clenched fists at her sides, her dark eyes boring into mine.

"Why have you entered the castle grounds?" she snapped, her voice no longer quivering. My eyes narrowed.

"Please, my princess, let me explain," I muttered, bowing reverently at the child. Zelda's frame seemed to loosen up now that I had shown respect.

"I am a messenger sent by the Gerudo Croones -"

Just as I said that, her eyes almost seemed to glow. Her clenched fists started to shake.

"The...Gerudo?" she echoed, almost sounding anguished. My puzzled expression grew even more confused; what was she angry about? Surely she wasn't already suspecting...

My thoughts paused as my mind screwed itself into place. The answer was clearly set before me. Now I remembered.

During the battle of the Hylians and the Gerudo - the battle that drove my helpless race into the desert, on the brink of death - we had presumed that murdering royalty was the best way to strike; when striking fear into the opponent, they were extremely weak, not only in strength, but in confidence and emotion.

That night, the queen of Hyrule - Zelda Harkinian Hyrule - had been killed. And now, that I speak of the Gerudo, the thought of her mother's death comes back into her head.

I gritted my teeth.

I had a feeling this was only the beginning...perhaps my plan would be harder than I thought.

"Your highness," I whispered, tipping my head forward. "I know there have been several...conflicts...between the Hylians and Gerudos, but may we put our past behind us?"

"Very well," the eleven year-old muttered after a pause, folding her arms across her chest. "State your purpose of being here."

"Once again, I am a messenger sent by the Gerudo Croones," I repeated, plotting lies dripping off each word. "I have just delievered a private message to your father, the king of Hyrule, concerning us two races. Also, I am to have quarters and meals provided until further notice - the Croones shall notify me through the mind.

"Now that I am staying here for a while, I wanted to properly meet you, my princess."

I tried to hold back the snarl in my throat as I tipped my head to the right and smiled sweetly.

Suddenly, it was as if the barrier between us had been broken.

The corners of Zelda's lips twitched, signafying she was returning the smile.


"No - you're it!" the nearly twelve year-old princess cheered, racing across the courtyard.

I sneered.

For the past few months, my plan had worked like a charm. Zelda had grown very close to me, making me a strong companion.

Tomorrow, I was going to present news that the Croones had appeared to me in a vision, telling me that I needed to return to the desert. I would tell Zelda first, of course, to see her reaction. If she did not seem disappointed, asking her father to let me stay longer, then I would hypnotize her.

I raced after the twelve year-old pitifully; I quickly realized that being a child's best friend was dreadfully boring. She always wanted to play a game - chess, for instance, or tag, like now.

But, previously, there was something that had been burning in my chest for several days, like a lust for something I couldn't describe.

As I continued to chase after the princess, she cheered in delight. I felt a whoosh of bordem sweep over me. Then, it struck me. Maybe I could pratice magic attacks with her...of course - being raised by the royal family, she was bound to have some mage experience.

"You're majesty..." I whispered, coming to a hault.

She stopped and looked behind her shoulder.

"Yes, Blaze?" she whispered.

I smirked. I had fooled her into thinking my middle name was my real one. I hadn't mentioned my royal bloodline was pure Dragmire.

"Would you like to have a magic lesson?"

She seemed a little hesitant, but held her hands before her, a fireball appearing between them.

"This is my strongest..." she winced, launching the sphere of lava at me. I held up my hand, creating a sheild. The fireball immeadiately destroyed itself upon the impact.

"Perhaps I should teach you, to make you more skilled," I suggested, smiling.

The princess chuckled.

"I'd like that very much," she replied, holding her hands above her head and creating a a blue light.

She launched it at me; I dodged, then tossed her a minor ammount of purple and black magic.

"Nayru's Love!" she yelled, creating a blue crystal over her. The ball of magic was rebounded back to me as if it had hit a mirror.

I dodged again, and the process was played for about an hour. I noticed she grew stronger with each attack; she wasn't used to one-on-one combat, so she had no limits with me.

Before long, I sensed her tiring, and she held up one hand, panting for breath.

"No more..." she breathed, chuckling slightly. "You are quite strong with magic. Who taught you?"

I hesitated, only for a second.

"The Croones, of course," I whispered. "I am their most trusted Prime Minister - I don't see why they wouldn't train me."

Zelda took a long pause, and I saw the change of emotion immeadiately; it worried me.

"P-Princess -?" I stuttered, but was cut off.

"This is why all your attacks are dark magic," she whispered, her eyes narrowing. "You have an air of majesty about you...I have a feeling you have been lying to me about something. What troubles you?"

My body tensed.

Damn it... I thought, biting my tongue. She's on to me...I need an excuse...

"I have never been loved before," I blurted, and my eyes grew wide.

Where in bloody hell did that come from?! I screeched in my mind, but Zelda actually seemed to take the bait.

"Have you no mother, either?" she whispered.

"No," I replied, for once answering truthfully. "Or father. And...they never loved me...not once..."

I clenched my eyes shut.

Why am I spilling out these emotions to a small girl? She wouldn't understand...no, she would. Her mother was dead, and her father is all she has left... It will be good to see someone suffer - to go through the agony that I did.



~~~To Be Continued in Chapter Five~~~

Amazing. You get better and better each time. However, you misspelled "instance" in this last chapter. Minor mishap. Nothing big.

Thanks, VZ!

Oh, and I'm glad you pointed that out. I have a bad habbit of spelling it that way...

Chapter Five



I stared out at the soft rainfall cloaking the ground. The sky was covered in a sheet of dark gray as the clouds gathered and fused together, letting the droplets of water sprinkle over the earth.

My golden eyes narrowed, and I turned back to gaze at the dull comforter over my body. I bolted up to a sitting position, clenching my hands into fists.

I couldn't take this much longer.

So many thoughts crowded my mind; so many thoughts cascaded through my soul...my head was throbbing.

I ran a hand through my silky, cherry-red locks, which now hung around my shoulders losely. Pushing the heavy comforter and cotton sheets off of my bare chest, I slung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up wearily. A hand trailed the back of my neck as I groaned, sluggishly walking over to a window.

The pale, gray light welcomed me; the sound of the soft downpour rang inside my ears.

It was two thirty-five in the morning. I hadn't been able to sleep for hours, and when I finally managed to suceed in my attempt, I was harshly awakened by a druken guard ramming against my door.

As I let myself press my back against the cool marble wall, I closed my eyes, the troubling thoughts never leaving me.

The evening before, I had been appointed a position just below prime minister. Considering the fact that I had only been here a few months, I was rather astonished at the sudden annoucement. Of course, I had expected something of the subject, but a poisiton below prime minister was extremely high, making me third in command.

I had been worried about the outcome of my plan for weeks now. However, all had been going smoothly. I claimed to Princess Zelda that the leader of the Croones - Levinda, the hag who wore the purple jewel - had bestowed me a vision, asking me if I wished to come back. To my enjoyment, Zelda almost immediately dashed to her father, asking if I could stay.

None the less, there are always good days and bad ones.

Why, just a few weeks ago, a maid had asked me if I wanted some rum. Instinctively, I obliged. Then, she asked again. Same reply. The process was repeated four times until I became drunk. As I stumbled clumsily down the hallways, being the fool I am, Zelda came around the corner and noticied my hazed actions. She was furious, and stomped away, telling me that she thought I was a good person.

Strike one.

Then, three days ago, I came across a guard who was questioning me about my business with the Croones. My short temper didn't take long to flare up, and, as if on the cue to appear at the wrong time, once again, Zelda came around the corner. I was nearly strangling the man, and because Zelda had grown very close to me, she was horrified and outraged.

Strike two.

Ever since that day, Zelda has been acting wary around me, for I know she's suspecting something. I've been far too risky. One more strike, and I fear that Zelda will put all the peices together. Several times she has noticed that my true personality is not the man I claim to be.

"Cold hearted. Devious. Suspicious. Just what are you planning? Spit it out!"

Once, I read her mind, and that's what I heard. Not comforting to me at all.

Already, I fear she's upon my plan. And so, I've refused to talk to anyone ever since then, unless it is absolutely nessescary I reply. I have avoided personal contact with anyone except the princess and the king. So far, Zelda's protective wall has cracked some more, even after my little moments, so I think all will go smoothly if I keep it up...

There were three soft knocks at the door.

I flinched, then bolted over to the side of my bed, grasping my silk, marroon robe that trailed the ground, and flung it over my half-naked body. I was thankful I was wearing pants, for hardly a second later - after my grunt of a reply - Zelda entered the room.

Her sea-blue eyes narrowed at the sight of me, and she turned away, trying to hide the dark blush that crept on to her cute little cheeks.

"What are you doing?" she whispered, slowly facing me once more.

"Might I rebound that question..." I muttered, then remained silent.

Zelda grunted and folded her arms across her chest.

"I can't sleep..." she whispered in that perfect, disturbingly heavenly voice of hers.

"Same," I grumbled, sitting on the edge of my bed.

The twelve year-old shifted her gaze to one of the windows on either side of the full-sized bed, then glanced at my eyes.

As we looked at each other, I raised my eyebrows.

"What are you doing in here?" I snapped, clutching the pale comforter.

"Your hair isn't spiked..." Zelda stated, completely ignoring my question as she gazed it awe at my shoulder-length hair.

"That surprising?" I groaned sarcastically, standing up again.

Zelda shrugged, then scanned my spotless, rather large room.

"You're a clean freak, aren't you?" the young princess chuckled, clasping her hands in front of her in a childish manner.

My face turned scarlet. This was one of the few things that were true about me, which hardly anyone knew of.

I didn't reply, but guestured torwards the door in a bored manner.

Zelda's eyes narrowed. She was used to me not talking much, but when she glared at me like that, my body always froze up. How I wish I could just hypnotize her, but her suspiscion would only increase.

"I told you - I can't sleep. I'm not tired," she snapped, turning away defiantly.

I stood up and approached her, my robe flapping against my bare skin.

"You still need to try..." I breathed, my eyes fluttering closed dazedly at her scent. She always smelled like a mixture of paper scrolls, lavender perfume, and daisies. It was a scent that was blissful, yet strange at the same time.

Zelda almost immediately caught my action, even with the dim light hardly effective in the pitch-black room.

"I may sleep when I want -" Zelda protested, but froze still. I was hardly a foot away from her now, and my gaze was peircing and cold.

"Out," I demanded, pointing to the door.

Zelda's sea-blue eyes locked on my muscular chest - only for a breif moment - then returned to meet with my eyes. Our gazes were now identical.

"I don't feel like leaving," she muttered, acting like a brat.

"Well - princess or not, you're making me uncomfortable," I snapped, hastily tying the ends of my robe waistband together and somwhat hiding my body. It gaped open around my chest, but I didn't care.

Zelda made me more and more annoyed each day, and I knew she was doing it on purpose.

She wanted to see the true me - the devious, anger-filled personality I've always had.

"Then I guess you'll have fun watching me loath in self agony," I protested, and I had to hold back a yell. Zelda was gazing at me that way...again.

Her eyes were scrolling from my feet to my shoulders, up and down, at least five times until they finally locked on my face. My fists were clenched so hard I could feel the thick, warm liquid forming pools between my fingers and dripping down my wrists. I was thankful my robe sleeves covered my hands, for Zelda didn't see the bleeding.

This kid sickens me... my thoughts protested. Just who does she think she is, scanning my muscles like that?! She's twelve, damn it - twelve!

I groaned in frustration before I could hold it back.

Suddenly, Zelda glomped me, nearly causing me to collaspe on to my bed, but I was a strong brawny guy.

I grasped her shoulders and held her off of me, my eyebrows furrowed and mouth a crack open.

"Oh, Blaze..." Zelda gasped suddenly, and I realized her eyes were swirling with tears. The hot liquid spilled down her cheeks, dripping on to the floor. "My father," she continued. "He's acting more and more worse each day. I fear that work is troubling him too much. What if he has a heart attack?!"

Finally.

For once, something amazing happens. I might not have to deal with killing Daphnes Hyrule after all...

"I'm sure he'll be alright," I crooned, leading her over to my bed and sitting down. She sat down next to me, sobbing into her hands.

"But what if he dies?! Blaze, he's the only thing I have left!" Zelda moaned.

"You have me..." I blurted, unsure why that had popped out of my mouth.

Zelda suddenly stopped crying. She raised her head from her palms and gazed at me with a look of hope. My lips twitched into a friendly smirk.

"Even if your father dies," I continued. "You will still have me. I will stay by your side. I'll always be there. I could be your guardian."

"W-What about Impa?"

"You don't need Impa, princess. She's too mean - too stern. She doesn't understand you like I do."

"You're right, she is mean. She makes me do chores!"

"..."

For a second, a laugh threatened to burst out of my throat, but I kept quiet.

"If you wish to talk to me about your father, you can," I muttered, changing the subject. "It's always best to get these things out of one's system."

Zelda figeted with her hands nervously, then nodded.

"A-Alright..." she whispered.

For at least two and a half hours, I listened - with extreme difficulty - to Zelda talk mostly about the same thing: What if he dies?

On and on she talked, almost as if she couldn't shut up.

Then, I remembered she was blonde.

That explains it... I thought, smirking.

Finally, Zelda bid me a farewell and left. Almost immediately, I collasped to my back, letting the plush matress cradel me. Instinctively, I curled over to the side where Zelda had been sitting. A child's body heat was like a hot water bottle.

As I let the warmth consume me, I quickly fell asleep.

But all the while, one thought circled my mind:

And so...the plan unravels.



~~~To Be Continued in Chapter Six~~~

Whoa. Awesome new chapter. I'm excited to see what else you can come up with.