The Legend of Zelda:

Nothing seemed to have changed as Kat very casually entered the cold walls of the fortress, as to not draw too much attention to herself. No one had given her any odd looks, and there was no sign of Dark Link. The only thing Kat did notice about the fortress, was that it was much stricter now; the Gerudos were usually a “carefree” sort of bunch, but now they were all training to be at their maximum potential for what would come in less then two weeks, and if anyone so much as spoke a childish joke they would be slapped. There was no longer such thing as lazy Gerudos; all of them now had a stern look on their face, and were always going somewhere or doing something.

Kat made her way slowly to her and Dark Link’s room, looking down at herself. She was already strong enough on her own; if Nabooru really didn’t want her to slaughter her ass she would have had her killed already. Why was Nabooru keeping her around when she hated her so much? Kat had every reason to kill her, and Nabooru probably knew that too. But here she was, alive and well.

Before Kat could think about it any further a guard passed by. Kat gave him a friendly nod, disguising her uneasiness. He returned it, and kept on walking. Then she realised that she was at the door to Dark Link’s room.

This was it; if Dark Link was behind this door, then all would be over for her, absolutely everything. Kat took the knob of the door and flung it open, stepping into the room.
It was completely empty.

Dark Link wasn’t here, but if Seth was, then chances were Dark Link wasn’t far away. She would check in on Rin. There was no sense in waiting for Dark Link to come and get her; if he was here then she might as well get her hopes over with.

Before leaving the room, Kat went over to the side of the bed and kneeled down, placing her palms together and closing her eyes. She said a silent prayer to her mother in her head before standing, looking about the room once more, and then quickly heading out the door, wiping a tear as she went. Rin’s room was only a few doors down, and before she knew it she was at the door, heart thundering.

She could hear noises from within. She took a deep breath and slowly slid the door open, peering inside silently.

The sight Kat saw was definitely one that she was not expecting to ever see in her life. Dace, the leader of the former Neroths, was lying over Rin, their clothes still on thankfully, but that didn’t distract Kat from the fact that they were kissing like there was no tomorrow. Kat took in a quick breath, completely shocked. They both shot a look towards her and Rin let out a loud gasp, attempting to shove Dace off of her.

Kat slammed the door and took off for her room, not running from them, but suddenly feeling as though Rin was now not on her side anymore. Ganondorf had persuaded Nabooru to turn on her sister; if Dace believed in Nabooru’s teachings, then Rin was sure to follow him, especially if that’s how she felt about him.

Kat went into her room and closed the door, locking it behind her. She quickly went over to her old bed that she hadn’t slept on in what seemed like forever and flopped down on her stomach, eyes closed as she tried to comprehend what was going on. How could Rin do that?! She had said back at the temple that she was going to help her, although she couldn’t tell her exactly how. Once again, Kat’s trust for Rin was diminishing.

However, discovering this did leave Kat with one good piece of news: Dark Link and Seth hadn’t returned yet.

Kat ignored Rin as she began banging on the door and pleading for her to open it. As long as Dark Link was gone all night, or hopefully longer, her and Link could get out to the Spirit Temple.

“Fine, if that’s how you’re gonna be…!” she heard Rin squeal and the banging stopped.

Kat sat up on the bed and placed her hands together once more. “Mother, I know you can hear my prayers, won’t you please answer them. Please keep those with wrong intentions as far away from me as the heavens will allow; I can feel your warmth now Mother, the time is coming. Tomorrow will be the day you, Father," Kat was sure to mention, feeling guilty now because of what Link had said, "and I have been long awaiting. Tomorrow, I will avenge your death and reclaim your powers as the Sage of the Spirit. Tomorrow, I will kill Nabooru.”

-------

Link watched as the sun peeked over the horizon, its bare, clear light forcing him to look away. He had spent all night at Kakariko Village, filling his pockets with necessary items, his quiver full of arrows, and his belly full of a delicious dinner. He had forced himself to sleep, and he had been happy when he’d woken up at four o’clock in the morning and bid his Kakariko friends farewell. He had left Epona with them, knowing she would be in good hands.

But would Kat be here on time?

He knew his wait would be a long one. Link took a seat against the outer wall of the stable facing the open pasture of the ranch, remembering how he had gotten Epona here as a child from his dear friend Malon. She had fled to Trinidaria, along with Talon and Ingo. He remembered how he’d been so eager to ride his new horse, but hadn’t been able to at such a young age. That was one thing that had made him feel a lot better after awakening from his seven year long sleep, when he was finally able to ride her, after reclaiming her from Ingo, of course.

He had been through a lot over the past few months, more then most men accomplish in their lives. Now that he had someone to go through it with, he felt a little better. Even though he didn’t know Kat very well, he felt as though she really was against the rest of the Gerudos. But he couldn’t help but feel a bit sceptical at this moment; when Kat arrived, she would be taking him into enemy territory, Ganondorf’s people, familiar territory to Kat. He would be very, very vulnerable, until they entered the desert itself. But even then… what if this was all a trap? Would Kat really have faked nearly killing herself, just to earn his trust?

He suddenly heard the steady padding of feet against the ground. He quickly jumped to his feet and looked around the corner, seeing Kat approaching quickly atop the same saber, two large bags now strapped to its sides.

“That was fast,” Link said bluntly as she stopped in front of him.

Kat jumped down from the saber, seeing that Link was ready to go and his quiver was packed full. She smiled contently. “Yes, Dark Link didn’t return.”

Link could tell she felt more confident now, as if she was certain that her luck had changed; or was she just happy that she had hooked him into her scheme? What if this was all a lie?

“Link.”

He looked up suddenly, a little startled.

“I can tell you are uneasy, and that you are afraid to trust me.” Her voice was calm and gentle. “When we arrive at the Spirit Temple, I will take you down to my mother’s temple, to show you that everything I’ve told you is true.”

Again, Link felt vulnerable. Was she lying to him?? No, he had thought about this all night. When she had almost killed herself, there was no way that she’d known he was there already; she couldn’t have put on an act like that if she hadn’t seen him. He had seen the tears in her eyes and the look on her face; he had seen how grateful she’d looked when she had first seen that he was there. He was certain that she was telling him the truth.

“That won’t be necessary. There won’t be enough time, anyway,” Link said quickly.

Kat nodded after a moment, but then paused. “Do you trust me?” She looked at him questioningly.

Link looked at her, but said nothing.

Kat began to get upset inside. “After everything we’ve talked about…? What could I possible do to make you believe me? Just because of my race, because I grew up with thieves, you think of me as a liar?” Kat stepped closer to him. “Of course I’m trying to make you believe me, but not for the wrong reasons!” She stopped in front of him, expecting him to back away, but he just stood there and looked down at her, her eyes becoming damp and shiny. “I have felt so alone for my entire life! I thought maybe, just maybe, you were reaching out to me.”

Link didn’t break eye contact. “I have been alone for my entire life.”

He stared at her, no longer feeling uncomfortable with having her near him. His mind was so mixed with emotions, he didn’t know what to do. But he felt so right right now, he could no longer ignore Kat’s beauty. He had been alone for so long, and having her here… he couldn’t control himself any longer. Link closed his eyes and leaned in towards Kat.

Kat froze with a mixture of confusion and fear. Why was he doing this all of a sudden? Had those seven years thrown his mind out of whack? He was getting closer; what the hell was he doing??

Kat stepped back uneasily, seeing Link open his eyes and look at her quizzically. He straightened awkwardly but still looked at her, as if she was the one who had done something wrong.

“What?” he asked eagerly.

She looked down at the ground and then up to him, a serious yet confused look on her face. “Link… you can’t just do that…”

Link felt embarrassed now, unsure. But quickly, his mind put two and two together. “You’re just afraid that you’ll be killed like your mother, aren’t you? Because she fell in love with a Hylian??”

Kat’s eyes widened. “What?! No!! It’s not that at all! Link, listen to me,” she said quickly, “you can’t do that. I haven’t even known you for a week yet. You were questioning believing me or not, and then all of a sudden…?” She looked up at him in a concerned way. “It doesn’t make sense; it’s as if I’m conversing with a child.”

Link was absolutely appalled by the comment. “You don’t want to follow in your supposed “mother’s” footsteps. How do I even know if you’re not making all of this up? This could all be a plan to have me killed before I can get to the temple!” Link was raising his voice now, trying to make himself seem like he was in control. “I’ve never once heard you mention your father, all I hear about is your mother; why? Maybe because you don’t like Hylians either! You think of them as less important then your own!”

Kat was becoming incredibly frustrated with him. He wasn’t even listening to what she was saying, let alone listening to himself. She shook her head disappointedly at the ground as his echoing words disappeared. “You think I made it all up.”

“You did make it all up.” Link was glaring at her now, a look that he could only give his worst of enemies. “Well I’m afraid that I’m smarter then that; Hylians aren’t as stupid as you think. The prophecies told that only the Hero of Time would save Hyrule; there was no mention of an accomplice alongside him.” Link turned his back to her. “That was a nice act you put on for me, but you Gerudos are all the same in the end.”

He began walking towards the entrance to the ranch, but that didn’t stop her.

“You can’t just walk away from your problems, Link!” she shouted to his back. “Even though you think you’re helping, Hyrule has yet to be saved, and without my help you’re as good as dead.” Her eyes began to swell as he became nothing but a green blur. “In the eyes of all Hylians, you are a hero; but in my eyes, the eyes of a pitiful Gerudo, you are a hero no more, and in all of history, you never will be.”

-------

“You aren’t honestly afraid of that pathetic little niece of yours, are you?!?!”

“No,” Nabooru said smoothly, fondling the Spirit Medallion as she extended out on a lavish sofa. She looked at the two witches with a smirk across her face. “I am simply saying that I think she is up to something, and I am not sure of what that something is.”

Kotake and Koume floated lazily amongst the large room atop their small broomsticks.

“Eeheeheeheehee!!” cackled Kotake, her icy hair flaring in synchronization with her emotions. “It’s amazing how family members can affect their relatives!” she said looking to her sister. “Koume, remember that time when-”

“I thought I told you never to speak of that again!!” screeched Koume, dashing dangerously at her sister.

Kotake dodged the assault and flew in up to Nabooru.

“Do not worry my dear,” she said comfortingly, her giant nose massive compared to even Nabooru’s. “If ever she were to try anything, if ANYONE were to try anything, my sister and I would be there between them and you! Plus you have your lovely King Ganondorf to protect you from harm’s way!”

“Yes…” Koume said appearing at her sister’s side. “You are being silly, my dear; to think of one little girl in such a way, that could rupture your entire scheme?! HA!” She grinned at Nabooru, eying the Spirit Medallion in her hand. “You need not worry my Queen. We are the surrogate mothers of Ganondorf himself! We are here for a reason!”

Nabooru nodded, looking down at the medallion, brushing her lip with a bony finger. “You’re right…” She enjoyed having the two sisters with her to give her company and advice. Under the prying eyes of her people, she had nowhere to go for advice without seeming weak. A leader was supposed to know what they were doing, but having Koume and Kotake as her mentors made her feel a little more secure.

“But whether you are afraid or not… that should never stop you from having fun… right?” Nabooru said, looking at the two in the corner of her eye.

“Yes, of course!!” the twins shrieked in unison.

Koume’s eyes widened. “What, are you planning something, Nabooru?!”

“Yes, do tell us!” Kotake said, very interested as well.

Nabooru pocketed the Spirit Medallion and stood from the sofa, a wide grin peeling itself across her face. “There is one person who, when she came to the fortress, has ever since been on my mind; Kat’s little friend, Rin, a Hylian girl who came to the fortress some months ago, claiming she could not remember anything that had happened to her, let alone about her. That girl’s had it easy since she’s been here, and I want to put an impression in her that coming to the Gerudo Fortress was the biggest mistake she’s ever made.”

“Ooooooh!!” squealed the witches, now flying around wildly.

They amused Nabooru. “Ganondorf’s newest assistant, Seth, has taken a liking to the little blonde, and… well, I should be polite and make sure they are always together, correct?”

“Of course! Of course!!”

Nabooru chuckled softly to herself. “Well then… I figured I should send her into the Dark Realm…” Of course, courtesy was not Nabooru’s motive for doing this; she figured that if Kat found out that Rin had been taken away and would never return, she would break down even more and maybe even be pushed over the edge. That was what Nabooru loved to do with Kat, toy with her and push her more and more to see just how far she would go before she lost it.

The witches gasped with excitement. “But it would only be a matter of time before she would be bound to the Dark Realm forever!!”

“Yes…” Nabooru said professionally, crossing her arms and craning her neck, as if the matter was not important. “If exposed to the Dark Realm for a long enough amount of time, she will not be able to return to the real world. However, she will not willingly go to the Dark Realm; so, she will have to be weakened first…” She looked at the witches, eyes flaming. “This is where the fun part comes in.”

-------

Kat arrived back at the fortress an empty shell. She had lost her chance. She couldn’t even think or comprehend what just happened. Sure, Dark Link wasn’t there, but what did it matter now? It didn’t. Her eyes were hollow, her mind absent, and her vision blurred as her brain did jumping jacks inside her head as she bounced lightly on the saber.

She entered the openness of the fortress grounds and looked around aimlessly. She had nothing to look for anymore, nowhere to go, no one to see. She rode over slowly, down the small hill, to the entrance to the desert. No one stood guard here anymore; there was nothing left for the Gerudos to be afraid of.

Kat gazed out into the desert, the winds violent and insane, the Spirit Temple on the edge of the horizon, looming there proudly, mocking her. Should she venture out to the temple on her own? She knew the passages; she could find Nabooru first, kill her quickly, take back her powers, and then kill the guardian beast on her own with ease. Then she could come back, somehow find Link, give him the medallion, and he would kill Ganondorf.

With all confidence lost in herself, Kat kicked the saber hard in the side and it took off into the stormy sands.

She really didn’t care about anything anymore; Link had been an asshole. If the Hero of Time wouldn’t help her, then there was nothing left to do but try pathetically on her own. Her main goal had always been to kill Nabooru, whatever the consequence. Although regaining her powers and living on would be unexplainably amazing, as long as Kat had the honour of killing Auntie Nabooru, she could rest in peace.

Kat looked over her shoulder, seeing the wooden gate to the fortress disappearing into the winds behind her. Good, she thought, seeing no one in sight. She looked back and focused on her destination, when something out of place caught her eye up ahead, a lump on the horizon. Kat tried hard to see what it was, but the raging sands were too much and obstructed her vision. She urged the saber into a faster run as they headed towards it.

Kat was still about a hundred yards away when she realised that the thing was a person: Rin!

“Rin!!” she yelled, only feeling her voice being sucked up by the wind. What the hell was Rin doing out here? On foot?! Kat kicked the saber again although she knew it could go no faster; she could feel its body straining. This was all too suspicious; was Rin going to see Nabooru??

“RIN!!” Kat screamed again, angry now, angry with everything that had happened to her.

The wind picked up suddenly and Rin vanished. Kat squinted hard, the wind blowing in her face. But then Kat saw something far overheard, above the wind; a massive tunnel of sand was forming right above where Rin had been. Kat gasped foolishly, sucking in a mouthful of sand at the same time. She coughed harshly, tugging hard on the saber’s mane, feeling it stop suddenly beneath her. Kat closed her eyes completely now, putting a hand over her mouth so she could cough without breathing in more sand.

The storm became too much for both Kat and her saber; she felt the beast lose its footing on the ground and she was flung into the air with frightful ease. She screamed, and although felt her throat muscles tighten, her voice was sucked away from the howling winds. Kat lost all sense of direction completely as she landed who knows how far away and felt herself begin to roll down a steep incline. She felt her arms light on fire from the burning sand. Not much was going through her mind at this point; she could only hope that she would stop sometime soon.

When she finally did stop come to a stop Kat was still coughing, unsuccessfully actually, as she only kept breathing more sand into her throat. Eventually, Kat’s lungs were too tired to try anymore, and she passed out.

-------

The silence of the desert was what awakened Kat. She opened her eyes, seeing a bright blue sky above her. The storm was over. Suddenly realising her throat was still clogged, she sat up quickly and began hacking brutally, the sand now moist within her mouth. After clearing that out, Kat spat out the rest of the sand from between her gums and stood to her feet.

Remembering what happened, Kat saw that she indeed had rolled down a hill. She could almost make out her path in the sand, but most of it had been blown away. So, she saw only one way to go now.

She trudged up the hill, losing her footing a few times in the loose sand, but eventually she made it up.

Kat realised that the wind was completely gone now, and the hot afternoon sun was burning into her dark hair. What had happened to Rin? She looked around, surprisingly seeing something off in the distance. Guessing that it was Rin’s body, Kat took off towards her as fast as she could, which wasn’t very fast at this point, seeing as how she’d just been put through a harsh beating. Her bare arms were still burning; her left shoulder was particularly scorched, blood seeping out from the flaming wound.

She ignored the pain as she approached what she now could tell was Rin’s body. “Rin!!!”

Kat froze in her tracks a few feet away as she saw Rin’s body begin to glow with a blackened hue; her hair, skin, clothing, everything was turning black. Then, the sand beneath her body began to turn black as well, and she began to sink!

“RIN!!” Kat jumped down to the ground and grabbed her by the arm, attempting to pull her out. “Rin, wake up!! WAKE UP!” Kat had no idea what was going on, but she knew it couldn’t be in Rin’s favour. But the Hylian was still being sucked under no matter how hard Kat pulled; which was when Kat decided that she was going with her, wherever that was. Kat even knew that there was no way she could take on the Spirit Temple alone; she had nothing more to lose.

Kat released her hold on Rin's arm and felt herself sinking in after her; first her feet, up her legs, then her torso, and then her neck. Kat was sure to close her mouth this time. She thought to herself, "Never did I think this day would end like this," and she was sucked into the depths of the sands.