Anna
*As the miles passed, Link slowly began to realize how much of a toll the trip had taken on them. Their magic was seemingly dampened, likely the portal stealing some of their magic to keep itself sustained. A dense collection of shrubbery and trees the size of Hinoxes filled the landscape before them, which only further added to the anxiety. Not only did they have no idea where they were going, save for the few semblances of old trails, but the monsters here seemed to be... Varied. Some were more powerful than others. They wondered if-*
*A snarl broke them from their thoughts. A Lizalfos, coated in a thick, dark red substance, leapt out from the foliage and brought down a greatsword. Link's eyes widened as they narrowly dodged the attack. Pupils dialating, they held out a hand and snapped their fingers, sending sparks throughout their arm and into the creature's head. It wasn't enough to put it down, but it was enough to make it drop the weapon. Link, siezing the opportunity, grabbed the blade and hoisted it over their head, bringing it down with enough force to cleave the head and a small bit of the torso in two.*
*A sigh escaped them as they stepped back, acknowledging the monster as dead. For now. But their arms suddenly felt weak. Their chest felt tight. They needed to find somewhere to eat and rest, and soon.*
Ricky
Evening, the perfect time to hunt for mushrooms. Not enough light to keep most travelers out, just enough that Ganondorf's vision could allow him to see through his one functional eye. His pig stood to his right, guiding him and allowing for him to remain steady. *Curse these old bones,* He thought.

An alert, the sound of a monster nearby. The old man wanted to keep rooting, but unfortunately for him, his pig was already excitable. He felt her weigh shift away, and as he turned his head to see her better, he watched her disappear into the thick brush.

"Dammit, Vorka, why must you do this every time..." He muttered, drawing one of his long blades. He was not going to go fighting a creature without being prepared, especially with the Eclipse having screwed so much over. As he quickly approached the source of the noise, though, the Gerudo's eyes fell upon a Hylian, who had just dispatched the creature. 

Vorka was still running towards the stranger, and unfortunately he had to blow his cover. Not that it mattered much when you're nine feet tall.

"Vorka, down!"
Anna
*The moment that the pig bursted forth from the shrubbery, they aimed a finger towards the creature and snapped their fingers. A small burst of electricity leapt from his fingers and towards the pig's neck, causing the creature to have its movement at least somewhat incapacitated. They were jumpy. And hearing the sound of what they recognized as the former Demon King himself didn't quite help that excitement.*
*Link twirled around and held out a hand to their side, semblances of magic gathering in their hand. The energy extended outward, forming the figment of a blade, not entirely unlike the Master Sword. It stabilized and solidified, revealing the Manabane. The blade reeked of magic, although not specifically that of light magic, nor was it as potent as the blade of evil's bane.*
*They brought the blade foreword and in front, ready at a moment's notice to jump into action and fight what they assumed to be a still very cursed version of the man he'd come to know as a friend.*
Ricky
He hissed as Vorka took a tumble at the person's side. She was still alive, thank the Sands, but... That was *His pig*.

He drew his sword forward and flicked a bit, calling down a lightning crack that ignited his blade with a crackle of electricity. "It takes a great deal of bravery, or perhaps *Stupidity*, to be hurting my truffle pig. What sort of a coward dares to harm an innocent creature?"

He did not want to fight. His joints ached from the walk and he was about ready to turn in to the stable nearby for the night. But nobody hurts Vorka. It was one of the few good reminders of home, and of the friend who'd been so kind to him despite the warnings on Outset.
Anna
*Their breathing was heavy. Clearly they didn't have a lot of fight in them, and as long as Ganon didn't move much, neither did they. But considering that one of their hands was preoccupied, they would be hard pressed to communicate. So, instead, they took a risk.*
*Ever so slowly, they lowered their blade and let it fade into a magical mist, evaporating into the nothingness. As their hands freed, they began to sign.*
Ricky
Hylian sign. Familiar. The Hero of Time had been one to engage due to his difficulty getting his point across in anything but Deku. He nodded and tapped his blade on the ground, discharging the electricity before placing the blade back in its sheath. He smirked and walked around them, as it was clear they were still jumpy. He sidled until he got move in and check Vorka's pulse before smirking.

"A Sorcerer Hero, hm? Haven't seen that quite yet," He said. He grabbed his rope and carefully tied a harness before pulling her over his shoulder. "This world continues to surprise me."

"There's a stable over this way," He said. He began to walk and he gestured towards the nearby bend. "As long as Vorka wakes up, I'll be a happy man. Though please don't do it again, I really would rather not end up slipping a disk."
Anna
*They stepped back, assuming that Ganondorf also wanted some space. The rumble of their stomach and the creaking of their joints didn't help make them feel any more capable of fighting.*

*They held their hands over their stomach and let their cloak drape over them for a moment before glancing back towards Ganon.*
Ricky
"Your stomach is loud, young'un." He had no reason to continue with a kingly charade. "You're lucky I came out here hunting truffles, I should have plenty for us both. If you're... Interested in joining, I mean."

He smiled at their offer. "If you feel it's necessary to check her, then I'd be happy to make sure she's okay. I have little healing magic of my own, and even if I did, I doubt it would have any use on swine."

Another Link who has set down their blade. Good. With everything going on and that crazy kid surely willing to cut his head off on any given day, Ganondorf was glad to have found someone willing to show restraint.

"What's your name, kid?" He asked.
Anna
*Seeing someone who shared the same face with the Ganondorf that they knew was strange enough. But seeing how very similar yet different they were was another affair entirely.*

*They felt as though they owed him something. Attacking his pig was one thing, but seeing that scar, and knowing the history of the kingdom, knowing what might've happened...*

*Link began the trek towards the stable, trying to focus their mind on the here and now.*
Ricky
"Ganondorf," He said. "But I've come to be called Gramps."

As they trekked towards the stable, he spoke up again. "Where you're from? So I take it you got dropped into this place as well. Right now, it's been a bit of a mess. Everyone seems to be running around like cuccos with their heads cut off, no discernible goal in mind despite the threats ahead."

He sighed. "Ah, but look at that, an old codger like me, complaining on an empty stomach."
Helen
`Vorka snorts. She forgives you.`
Anna
*Link almost snorted at the nickname. Never once in their life would they consider calling the Ganondorf they knew 'Gramps'. That was almost as bad as someone calling him 'unc'. Which, they honestly didn't doubt someone would.*

*They glanced towards Vorka and slowly reached over, petting the back of her neck.*
Ricky
Gramps nodded. "Well, according to the chatterboxes on parchment, the Calamity seems to have been dispatched not too long ago. Some of us were flung here, but others made a decision to go out of curiosity."

He smiled as they grew closer to the stables. "If you've been brought here from the future, I can't imagine that it's been easy to adjust. Technology is... Different here. I would know— this is a fling forward for me."

He felt Vorka squirm a bit on his back. "Easy girl, we're almost there."
Helen
`Vorka accepts pets, snuffling happily at the thought.`
Anna
*As they recalled, they were in the Era of Wilds. But when the question of technological comparisons came up, the hero hummed. Memories of their mildly capable technologies coming to mind.*

*They let out a small sigh as the stable came into view. Thoughts of a warm bath and food came to mind, spurring Link to walk a bit faster.*
Ricky
Gramps hummed. He could see how eager they were to get to safety. Whatever they'd been through getting here, the boon of a warmer place beckoned. He shifted, and his back popped a bit. *Rest sounds lovely right now. And I can use the cooking pot.*

"My era?" He asked. He thought for a moment as he listened. "My era was... Complicated. I was born far back, in a time where there was a Hero of Time. Then I was locked in the Sacred Realm for Sands knows how long. And once I escaped, the world was flooded. Once I got my wish and took Hyrule for my own, though... Conquest was never more bitter. 20 years of ruling over a Kingdom with no Gerudo to give it to puts things into... Perspective."

A golden paper butterfly flits from beneath his robes as he walked. The voices of parchment were quiet today. "Have you found your parchment yet?"
Anna
*The realization of just how old Ganondorf was hit them. The way that he spoke insinuated a wisdom which had come from his tragedy, as though his victory had only been a loss in disguise.*

*They wondered just how much each version of Ganondorf might've gone through. Were there more? What stories might they hold?*
Ricky
"Hyrule's leadership is in safer hands than it's even been where I'm from. Chancellor Tetra was once a fearsome pirate captain, so she knows the value of democracy and knows when it is time for another to lead." He huffed. "Believe me, the politics of the ruling class are nothing short of monotonous bitching sessions."

As they closed in on the stable, he slowly lowered Vorka to the ground and set her by the cooking pot, where the fire could keep her warm. He extended one of his hands and allowed the paper butterfly to rest. 

"There's a piece of strange paper that speaks in the voices of the others who have been caught up in this storm. It's not for casting spells, though— it's a communications device. I folded mine up into this shape as I speak more than I write."
Anna
*They somewhat smiled at Ganondorf's assessment of politics. It really wasn't that far from the truth, even in their time. Thankfully, things had begun to change once their adventure was over.*

*Their face seemed to drop a bit, but the feeling smoothed out, especially once they began looking for ingredients to purchase. They would need them, even if not now.*

*They placed down a silver rupee and took a few fish, Goron seasoning, salt, and fruit.*
Ricky
"The Slate seems to be the choice for a lot of people here— it's native to this time period. But the parchment... Nobody truly knows where it came from. Honestly, wouldn't be surprised if Nayru dropped her book of law and the leaves within scattered."

As he glanced over the ingredients, he pulled out his haul of mushrooms. "Do you think these will help any? They're hearty truffles, *Very* Good for staying healthy." He also pulled out his teapot. "And of course I can't avoid treating a mysterious stranger with some tea, even if Vorka took a slug for it."
Anna
*They snickered. It suddenly came to their mind how comfortable they were around this variation of Ganon. Whereas they'd always felt a kind of pity for the man they'd spend so much time travelling with, this version seemed a bit more at peace with himself. Content. It was nice to see him so laid back, even if they started out on the wrong foot.*

*They were delighted to have something which would restore them to full. The truffles in their time were even harder to come by, only once before had they tasted them. The offer of tea as well had them excited, as it was one of their favorites.*
Ricky
The glint of glee in their face was something he hadn't seen since... *Ah*, he thought. *I miss her still.*

"Plenty. Vorka is a very good hunter and knows where the strongest truffles tend to be. I think I gathered... Hm, 13 today?" He bent down and gave the pig one of the truffles in his hands. "Well, there's 12 now."

He got out his tea set and got to work with his herbs, taking a mortar and pestle to them. He'd learned how to have a delicate hand with the tool, as too many a time they'd break under his sheer strength. The pestle was tiny in his fingers, yes, but a small amount of pressure was all that was needed. 

"So tell me more about where you're from, Mythos. What sort of world is it?"
Anna
*They stepped over to the well, drawing a bucket up and washing the ingredients before taking their gauntlets and arm wrappings off. From the back of their belt, they unsheathed a small knife with a sapphire imbedded on the very end of the hilt. Between moments of preparing, they continued signing.*

*Step by step, they cut off the heads of each individual fish, cutting the center open and removing slabs of the meat within that they knew was safe to consume. They coated them in a thin layer of spice and salt, although they were clearly a fan of it since they practically lathered their portion it the stuff.*

*They didn't exactly look like they took pride in the title.*
Ricky
"So yours broke free of the curse as well. That's... It's good to know there's someone out there who has. Are they well, those two?"

He pet Vorka for a little bit as she shakily pulled herself up. She slinked over to Mythos and gently poked her nose against their leg. Gramps put the tea on to boil before getting to work prepping mushrooms.

"She warms up fast to Heroes. Always has. My Link was no exception, though I'm sure if she was smart enough she would've been at least a little more cautious." He hissed and took out his glass eye for a moment. "Sorry, it gets a bit irritated sometimes."
Anna
*They tapped their foot, bringing up small bits of stone and iron, weaving it into a pattern of crosses. Now, they would have to wait for the fire to be open to actually cook the fish. As they finished, they felt the bump against the side of their leg, bending down to gingerly stroke the pig's back.*

*They motioned towards their face.*
Ricky
Gramps took his teapot off as it boiled and poured it into the tea steeping pot he'd had as well. "Are you alright? Certainly they aren't too painful, are they?"

He opened the glass eye and took out a ring before popping it back in. As he examined the ring, he smiled. "Sometimes people need to be apart in order to put themselves together. Had I been in your Ganondorf's position, I likely would've done the same. Hell... I'm pretty sure I did the same when I put myself in exile."
Helen
`Vorka is happy for the scritches and has flopped over.`
Anna
*They placed the newly made rack over the flames and gingerly laid each piece over it, sure to keep it just the right height above the fire. Once they were done, they shook their head.*

*Their eyes drifted towards the ring, their mind wondering what it could mean to him. If anything at all.*
Ricky
"While it's true that there is still a level of pride involved in my desire, Chancellor Tetra told me she saw the same spark that lit up Link's eyes back when the Great Sea was still surging. The world around me had grown... Plain. Predictable. Any opponents were easily dispatched. Everything was so... *Boring*. And the kingdom festered under that inaction so... I stepped down, let her take the lead. And in exchange, she said I was still needed but at a later time... And gave me this." He held up the ring. "The amount of griping she must've put up with from her Link must've driven her mad to allow me this one blessing. But I refuse to avoid my end of the bargain."

He huffed. "I'm not worried about getting help from others. I'm quite sick of exile at this point. Only trouble is that not a lot of people are particularly trusting of those bearing my name. They certainly have good reason but... Still hurts to know there's a kid out there who heard one note of my voice and immediately threatened death."

He poured the tea, since it was ready at this point. First, he offered a cup to Mythos before pouring one for himself. "Sorry, perhaps there's still a bitter taste in my mouth from that."
Anna
*They nodded, listening well to the words of the Gerudo. They understood why so many people weren't exactly fond of his name, which was why they took great care to call him his full name as opposed to the... Other version. They found that it helped, if only a little. As the tea was offered, they gingerly accepted the cup. A flip of the meat, and they finally took a sip. It was wonderful. The aroma of the blend mixed perfectly with the smell of fried fish, and flavors danced on their tongue.*
Ricky
"Thank you. I... I try. You're wise for your age, it seems," He said. He sipped his tea and huffed. "Had I the sense like yours, or perhaps not the rage of Demise within me, perhaps I never would've gotten to learn from new voices like yours."

He paused, looking around at the darkening skies, before finishing his truffle prep. He gave the bowl to Mythos so they had more discernment with the cooking process. Meanwhile, he smirked and played with the little parchment butterfly, allowing her to dance along his fingers before landing. 

He leaned into the parchment and spoke, loud enough that hopefully someone who take heed.

"Just letting you know, because I do *Very* Much keep up to date on your antics, that there is another Link who has joined us." He paused and unfolded the page into a regular sheet of paper before handing it over.

"Since you don't really speak, writing works just as well. Just... Be aware the damned this is loud."
Anna
*They took the bowl and lightly seared each one, finally beginning the process of putting them all on skewers. They were usually far more patient with the cooking process, but they were awfully hungry. The tea had satiated their parched throat, but had only exacerbated the feeling of their hunger.*

*They looked down and took a moment before realizing they didn't have anything to write with. And so, they motioned towards a quill and tensed their fingers. Slowly, somewhat sloppily, the quill floated into their fingers and they began to write a message.*
Ricky
He noticed the cacophony of the parchment and smirked. "If it doesn't work, give them a second to calm down a bit and try again. They can get wrapped up in themselves from time to time." He paused. "Hopefully we can find yours soon, I'd hate to be down a paper but I don't mind sharing it for now."

He kept watch on the fish. "We're in the middle of a set of bizarre circumstances out here. According to those who have been keeping a pulse on the celestial bodies, it appears that the Blood Moons have become Eclipses, and the monsters have gotten stronger. A lot of people couldn't make it out of the situation without injuries. Some were even in the verge of death." He chuckled. "Perhaps your talents could prove useful to the cause. But even with all that going on, there's still some nonsense that has gone on. Apparently someone broke a sink by blasting it today."

He is old man rambling.
Anna
*Their eyes drifted to the skies as Ganon began to ramble on about the ongoing events of this new Hyrule. It seemed that plenty had changed, and even the dangers of their time were not unrivalled. This place seemed to have plenty of it's own.*
Ricky
"Well fortunately for you, there's plenty of people here who are in need of help, even if they don't want to admit it," Gramps replied. "Far too many people are searching for a solution, either for the new crisis at hand or just to go back home. So to lend a hand would prove you to be an invaluable ally. Just... Don't be dejected if they try to shove you off, it's how they cope."

He frowned. The fish was beginning to smoke a bit. He grabbed it with his bare hands and flipped it. Yes, it burned. No, he didn't care.

"One of my friends already went back. So I know it's possible." He slipped the ring on his left index and began aimlessly waving it around. "It seemed she had a better handle on the Waker Ring than I, so... I suppose I'll have to figure it out on my own. Sure as hell ain't gonna get any help from that kid on parchment..."
Anna
*They felt a quick pang as they watched Ganon do the job they were supposed to be paying attention for.*

*Finally, A moment or two more and Link couldn't wait. They took their knife and pricked the more heavily seasoned fish, quickly chopping and skewering each piece. At long last, they ate actual food. A look of content came over them. It was beautiful. Saltiness playing over a valley of spice and sweet. The mushrooms offered a wonderous counterbalance, more earthy in flavor but almost gooey in texture.*
Ricky
He smirked. A new adventure, and with a companion willing to listen before drawing a blade, emotional state willing. As he bit into the skewer and hummed, his eyes cast up to the stars that Mythos had been so entranced by. 

"Well, if you're looking for fond memories, I'd be happy to help you search. Been trying to find company myself, considering the years of exile were sort of... Well, I'm pretty sure I got a few screws loose up here from it." He chuckled. "In short, I think having company would be good for both of us."

He poured more of the tea and sipped. "Your cooking is phenomenal by the way. Where'd you learn to cook like this?"
Anna
*They nodded, taking another sip of tea before responding.*

*They glanced towards the fire, their mind flickering to moments in each lifetime they'd 'experienced'. The Great Burning. The death of their guardian Deku Tree. The passing of their uncle. Many more which they weren't entirely able to recall.*

*Their thoughts drifted the moment they were complemented. A small smile drew over their face.*
Ricky
"When you drop your guard, it can lead to all sorts of strikes. Some of which can teach you how surprising people are. Likewise, when we drop our biases, we embrace little blessings, not from the Goddess, but from the life blooming within us." He smiled. "Darbl must be an incredible Goron, I certainly wish I could meet him."

He looked at the parchment and how close Vorka was to grabbing it. "Vorka, sit."

After the pig flopped over, he sighed. "It seems she's in a better state now, but should something befall her... I may need to ask for your aid. If we're going to travel together, it's wise to know what you're looking for next. Any idea where you'd like to go?"
Anna
*They placed their chin in their hand, letting out a small sigh.*

*Their gaze drifted towards the Spring of Courage. Their experiences with the Goddesses were not none, but they certainly weren't many. Besides, their experiences with deities didn't exactly make them overjoyed to try asking them for help.*
Ricky
"Hmm... We could go to the Landing. It's a central hub for a lot of the operations here, at least it has been since the Eclipse happened. They've got just about everything— there's a medical area, a kitchen, someone said something about a storeroom, there's the research center..."

He paused and huffed. "If we go there, we may want to have someone ready to meet us there. Apparently another me decided to attack people and now some are on high alert over it. I don't blame them— their trauma is theirs— but it certainly means taking precaution would be... Wise."

He smoothed back his red hair, which was teeming with greys in odd spots, and wondered if putting himself in the crosshairs of the rest of the people was the best idea. If that kid ever found out he was there and still breathing, he'd make sure on his promise to "Correct" That. The Landing was no place to fight, though, and so perhaps safety in numbers was ideal.

"Do you mind if I ask the parchment something?" He said after taking another skewer. "I have to test something."
Anna
*They extended their hand and grasped the paper, which appeared in a swirl of blue smoke. After handing it over, they felt a moment of nausea wash over them. Perhaps not using their magic for a while would be wise. Even a simple spark felt almost impossible with the state they were in.*

*They stood and took a deep breath in to keep awake and steady.*
Ricky
"That'd be fine by me, Link. You ought not be obligated to listen to my ramblings so late at night. Get some rest, I'll pack things up and get supplies here, and then we can get ready to ship out as soon as you're in a better state."

This Link was... Quiet. Gentle. Noble. A far cry from the loud and brash one he'd known before arriving here, or the stoic and cold one he'd seen before that. No... Perhaps the third time was the charm. How fitting that surprises always came in threes. He patted his pig and smiled, probably the first genuine smile in a few weeks now.

"Rest well, Mythos. I'll do my best to be a fair companion. Vorka too."

He drew a symbol over the paper with his index and it folded back into a butterfly, resting on his finger and gently fluttering its gold wings. With a deep breath, he began.
Anna
*The hero stepped into the tavern and reserved a room with the rupee they'd been carrying on them. It was a fair amount, nothing to scoff at, but it would only last them so long out on the road, especially if they had to keep buying items to support the two. And so, given a moment of mediation, Link fell into a deep slumber which would last until the very early morning. They woke far before dawn, a moment in time where dew still dripped across blades of grass and a thin veil of fog lingered within the plains before them.*
*Without so much as a word, Link crept off into the forest, and was only back about 20 minutes later. With them, they carried chuchu jelly and what looked to be the organ of a monster. It slightly pulsed with a light. Link, although very used to this, was still not fond of doing this. It would make about two, maybe three potions. And so, while most others were sleeping, they got to work crushing the organ and mixing it with boiling chuchu jelly.*
Ricky
The first cracks of morning light bled through the trees of Faron, and it was soon becoming clear that he'd slept in longer than usual. The ground, in his older age, had become a kinder bed than any cot, a more relaxing cradle. The very soil that Din shaped was perfect.

He rolled over to notice Mythos cooking... Chu-chu jelly and organs? He'd seen his mothers do similar in the ancient past but... No, were elixirs still available form monster parts?! *Perhaps if I can jog my memory I can remember what mother Kotake taught me...*

"Morning, Mythos," He said. "Are you... Where did you get those?"

He'd remembered the incident at the Castle, remembered the way the monsters and how they weren't... Dissipating after dispatching. He still felt his skin crawl a bit at the cold eyes of the Lizalfos burned into his memory.

He shook Vorka, who had been soaking in his body heat and snoring... *Loud*. "Easy girl... Don't want to start a quake..."
Anna
*They practically jumped a mile in the air as their attention snapped towards Gramps. At this point, the liquid in the pot had come to a simmering boil, a bluish tint spreading throughout the mixture.*

*They reached out and grasped a rod which had suddenly appeared in his grasp. The lightning effect evidenced that it was, in fact, a magical rod, much like the ones that the electric wizrobes used.*
Ricky
His eyes are tired. He had a night last night. A lot of arguing, a lot of shouting. Not enough listening. Granted, the company on parchment was... *Not* A suitable audience. But he couldn't do anything about it.

"You're working your magic this early in the morning?" He asked. He meant it in earnest, but there was something off. "You're... Resourceful. A fellow survivalist perhaps?"

He pulled his legs in close as the parchment butterfly rested on his topknot. Near immediately, he took it and crunched it in his fist. The paper would be fine, would come back to its decidedly shape, but... 

"Mythos? How did... Your Ganondorf handle the grief? The innocents who died, the war crimes committed? Could it... How did he become... 'good'? Surely it took more than the lifting of the curse..."

Yep. Something is wrong.
Anna
*They hummed as they took the pan off of the fire and began pouring it into empty glasses, all of which were labelled with the symbol of Nayru. However, the moment that Ganon began questioning them about their own version of him, they stopped. A small sigh escaped them as they resumed their task.*

*...And it was almost as though their shadow began looking at you.*
Ricky
"While you may be right that I can become worthy, I fear my antics in parchment last night may have... Complicated things. I let my anger get the best of me, let that hatred simmer and bubble, allowed it to seep into biting words. And as a result, about... Five or six people are now at odds with me. And likely, this may make it harder for you, so... I apologize."

He huffed. "It's hard to admit your wrongdoings. I'm... Still coming to terms with them. But if I don't focus on the future, I'll live the rest of my days obsessing over the past, and it will make me a truly bitter old prune. I mean, obsessing over the past and having that lust for power was what got me into this mess." He scooted a bit closer to where Mythos was working. "What do I do if simply trying isn't enough for them? Is being born good, being taught good, being good all your life... Is it the only way to truly be worthy?"

He breathed in, then out. "Getting into the Landing is going to be hard for me, despite having already been there once. Luckily..." He paused, fishing out a Hyoi pear from his knapsack, "I have a few clever tricks up my sleeve. I may not have the Triforce of Power anymore, and I may never have heard Sacred Wisdom, but... Cunning I can do."
Anna
*Link had finally plugged each bottle and placed them within their cloak. They stood and took a long, deep breath in. As their cloak draped over their shoulders once more, they looked to Ganondorf, their gaze softening.*

*They stepped towards the Gerudo, offering a hand.*
Ricky
He allowed Mythos to help him up. His old bones creaked, but the sinew of his muscle itched for a fight. It made for an irksome combination, but that hand— that gentle, warm hand— it was enough to make him feel a little more at ease. This kid, however old they were... The wisdom imparted must've been great. He almost didn't have words.

Only almost. 

"Wisdom like that never comes for free, you know," He said. He bent over and got his knapsack before pulling his old robes over his frame. "What price were you made to pay to bear such knowledge, and at such a young age?"
Anna
*They hesitated, their eyes avoiding his. There was always a price to pay, and while they were more than happy to impart the knowledge passed onto them by those who came before, their own experiences were... A bit difficult to speak of. Every hero, princess, and demon. Every incarnation lost something.*
*While they couldn't speak for the other members of their cycle, they knew what they had was a suitable price to pay. At least, in their eyes. It was just what was meant to happen.*
*Right?*
Ricky
Gramps could tell. The way they signed, the rolled shoulders, the hesitation. 

The vague answer.

"If you aren't ready, then I won't push you. Heroes lose a lot. Usually at my hands. Both the Hero of Time and Wind would both have a reason to raise a weapon because I was a source of people and places and things getting lost. It could be a whole world, or it could be a little girl, or..."

He breathed. *Again, go back to them. Not now, don't let the bitterness rule your thoughts.*

"My point is that you have every reason to not tell others—it's nothing short of tragic no matter how great or small. For that reason, I won't press it further. When you're ready, I'll hopefully be there as an ear to listen."

He smirked. "There is a weird solace in knowing that generations down the line, the Link they became was willing to move forward and rebuild with someone who should be an enemy. With any hope, you'll get back to your world and you'll have some crazy stories to tell your Queen."
Anna
*A small smile crept over their face at that last part. They had already spend a long time without Zelda. Only at the very end were they finally able to reunite with her. Link's relationship with their Ganon was one thing, but Zelda... Well...*
*And that was when they noticed it was getting a bit warm underneath their cloak. They brushed it back past their shoulders and took a shuttering breath in, shaking their head.*

*They checked one last time to make sure that they had all they needed.*

*A moment passed before they looked towards Ganon once more.*
Ricky
"Indeed." He looked at his pig and smirked as he whipped out a small rope and tied a wide loop. "Vorka, leash."

This pig was obedient and immediately stepped her head and front feet through the leash. Meanwhile, Gramps pulled the rope tight— not enough to hurt her obviously, but enough to ensure she stayed harnessed. 

"Welp, it's time to get ourselves into a heap of trouble, isn't it?" He asked. He was still holding the Hyoi Pear in his hands. "Tell me, Mythos— do you have any memory, even vaguely, of what this is for?"
Anna
*They glanced towards the pear, and did a double take. It was such an oddly specific detail, something that they couldn't quite place their finger on. It had some kind of effect, didn't it?*

*They put a finger on their chin. This was going to bother them for the next twenty minutes if they didn't figure it out.*

*They started mumbling to themselves, trying to sort through their collage of memories that weren't quite theirs.*
Ricky
"Great Sea Era. Several lifetimes back. It's got some... *Quirky* Traits."

He'd used this fruit before, multiple times. Usually in order to make it easier to check in and ensure his old friend was okay. She'd come crying to his house in the midst of the night, at hours where frankly she shouldn't be out, mad at her mother for this thing or that. Never understanding that those little things were just rule to keep her safe.

Usually, it was more effective when used on seagulls and other birds, but with his unique connection to Vorka, Gramps had cultivated a trust enough to steer her as well. 

"Hyoi Pears are a fruit capable of imparting possession when an animal eats it from a person. I've practiced for a while now."
Anna
*They began the trek.*

*They thought for a few moments, wondering what Ganon might be up to. Was he thinking of possessing someone and using them as bait of some sort? Or was he planning on using his pig?*
Ricky
"Hardly. Unfortunately, when you try and tangle yourself with monsters, you risk the corrupting forces of the dark. And when it's people? You fight with them for space and often get shoved out faster than you came in. But Vorka... She and I have an established trust regarding this."

As he strode forward, his steps crunching in the dirt beneath him, he continued. "Vorka was gifted to me by a young girl who came to see me pretty often against her parents' wishes. She looked a lot like her mother, and at first I wasn't sure how to even respond to the door since she was a reminder of what would eventually be my downfall. But she trusted me with this pig and I raised her to be big and strong, all because she was kind enough to keep me company when the rest of the village had unspoken rules about avoiding me."

"If I can't go in looking like me, Vorka might allow me to today. She'll be getting extra mushrooms for her troubles."
Anna
*They thought for a moment, wondering who that little girl may have been. Perhaps a Zelda? Perhaps she was simply some little girl. Who knew? But one thing was for sure, they were glad that Ganon had a friend.*

*As the two walked, Mythos hardly left a trace of their presence. The ground beneath them left no footprint, and there was little sound coming from their steps. Many of the items on their person radiated magical enchantments, but it was their boots that were the more obvious ones.*
Ricky
"How difficult would it be to move with such a spell? If I need to get her away from danger, running may need to be an option. Though... Added physical protection would certainly reduce the risk of the psychic link being severed..."

He wondered what sort of magic Mythos was truly capable of. They looked powerful. They *Felt* Powerful. And all that power looked like both a great blessing... And yet, a curse of its own. "You... Are the only one who has to bear this burden... Aren't you?"
Anna
*It was a bit more complicated than that, but... That was the gist of it. There were too many inner workings to go into detail. If they tried, it would essentially turn into a seminar. That, and their hyperfixation on such arcane matters wouldn't help them be any less brief.*
*That last remark caught them by surprise. There were many to carry. Not always enough strength to do so.*
Ricky
He paused. He took a moment to think of what had said before continuing.

"You bear the burden of those memories, of those lives that were still trapped within the cycle, and yet... Your friends are broken from it. You have a great amount of power within you, yet you said you've been looking for travel, meaning you've itched for adventure as of late. You... Are carrying the same lust I did before I got here and yet..."

He thought again for a moment and sighed. "Promise me you'll ask for help. If not from me, then from friends you make here. You... This place has a bad habit of breaking lone wolves."
Anna
*They nodded and took in a deep breath, thinking about what that mask salesman told them.*

*A blade being driven into the pig demon's skull. A beam of light searing through their left shoulder, nearly taking his arm with it. Bones and flesh churning as the term human no longer applied to the beast of twilight. The burning of Demise's hatred as he began hollowing out his 'new vessel'. A lightning strike flowing through-*
*They shook their head vigorously to ground themselves in the here and now. Those memories didn't matter anymore. Most of them, anyways.*

*They forced a smile to try and reassure him. Everything would be fine. Probably.*
Ricky
He sighed. "You carry a lot of things, Mythos."

He saw the smile and could tell something was off but wasn't sure what. The way the corner of their lip twitched down, the way their eyes didn't crinkle, and yet... He was none the wiser.

"The Landing is across the expanse of land beyond the bridge of Lake Hylia," He said. "If we want to make it there soon, we will need to get to the other end of the bridge and over the ridge on the other side to see the giant and highly visible tower."

He thought about Vorka, and whether she could handle another spell from Mythos. They already shot her once, another one and she might need her own sort of piggy therapy. *Maybe they should be the one to feed her the mushrooms later. Just to build trust. Or perhaps possession comes first, and THEN the binding.*
Anna
*They simply nodded at the assessment, glancing towards the road ahead.*

*Their hand almost subconsciously drifted out from their cloak and began playing with magic. Sparks, flares, and droplets all swirling around in the palm of their hand, twisting between their fingers.*

*They cringed to themselves as soon as the words left their hands. That was a horrible way to ask that.*
Ricky
He stopped. It was an odd question to ask for certain, and to answer it would be... Complicated. His feelings on Hylia were relatively bare, as for the majority of his childhood and into his adolescence he'd worshipped the Goddess of the Sands. Still, the cycle that bound them together involved her.

But it also involved... Him. His stomach dropped as he remembered the almost preternatural feeling in his gut whenever he brought despair and shuddered. 

"It is said that Hylia and Demise were created together, bound in duality. They were twin spirits. Hylia, a representative of Light and Love, and Demise of Darkness and Hatred. For all she represents, she is not at all one who seems Loving on the surface. But deeper down, if one were to simply look at what the curse did, you can see that she was powerless to keep it from continuing."

He drew a tiny circle with his finger, whereby a ball of light appeared. He took it and threw it up and down like a children's toy, over and over. Something to stim with his hands as he began to walk again.

"I don't hate Her Grace. Not like I used to. Though many her servants bother me much for having the gall to insist that people cannot change, that people like me cannot feasibly, I know that is not her doing but theirs. Likewise... There's almost a strange... *Pity* For Demise. To be created for the sole purpose of failure, endlessly, for millions of years... Imagine the hatred that would fester in you if a parent did that to you? You'd be remised to feel at least a little sorry for yourself, angry for yourself, and possibly lash out."

He sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if the divines are just as much as a dysfunctional family as the ones in Hyrule..."
Anna
*They let the words an opinions seep into their mind, taking time to process how he felt. Compare and contrast his opinion from the Ganon they knew. From the opinion they expected. From, perhaps, the way they felt about the twin deities.*
*Hylia, supposedly the incarnation of all that was good in the world, unable or perhaps even unwilling to do more for the world she claimed to care for. Demise, a being who lived in hatred and suffering projecting it unto that world which he hated. What more was there? Was there a being who could truly do no wrong? What of the Golden Goddesses?*

*Maybe gods were simply mortals who knew nothing of how death truly felt.*
*It was at times like this that Link realized that Wisdom didn't exactly corelate with knowledge. Perhaps if it did, they wouldn't be stuck wondering how, why the gods would let such a cycle continue.*
Ricky
"If good isn't quantifiable, what of evil? If you commit a crime, and put you away, are you evil or is there more to it than that? A man who steals to feed his family, or an advisor who embezzles royal wealth to fuel an economy for his people because the ones in charge will not. And even in the case of the clearly guilty— the price of slaughtering one innocent person versus 100 is the same in some places but not others. So... How can we quantify good *Or* Evil in mankind?"

He paused. "I feel like I'm trying to justify my actions to you when I shouldn't have to. Last night... The rage was so intense that I took it out on a nearby tree and snapped it in half with my bare hands, I was... *So angry*. It felt like the curse was never broken, and may it isn't, but... Anger is not all I want to be. Not anymore. Not after... Not after my friend passed."

The anger that had taken that sweet little girl away wasn't even *His* Anger, but seeing what it could do to good people, or at least people who chose to act with righteous intent... He didn't want to be that.
Anna
*They thought of their time in the Sacred Realm. The moment in which the world became clear. Where the excess thought fell away from their mind and for the first time in their life, they felt almost beyond mortality. Life was so clear. Death was simply a point of change rather than the end.*
Ricky
"Righteous... Anger," He repeated. "What is the shape of righteous anger?"

He stopped for a moment and looked at a small cluster of trees. Carefully he raised his hand and thought for a second. When did he feel that righteous anger?

Julli. 

He carefully flicked the finger bearing the Waker Ring, thinking of the incident that day, how unjust the outcome was. How unjust the family was with him. How he had just... Accepted it.

And a breeze picked up, a hot breeze like the desert sun beating down on one's back, starting a single tree alight. His eyes grew wide with realization.
Anna
*They watched as Ganon's eyes began to change. The slow change in demeanor had them a bit worried. They slowly stepped towards Ganon, extending a hand towards the man. Maybe he needed an outlet for-*
*The flame sparked to life.*
*Their eyes flicked towards the tree. Suddenly they were back in the forest.*

```Flames writhed in every corner. The skin under their feet boiled from stepping upon fire and hot coals. The trees had turned to brimstone, collapsing pillars of a temple to destruction. Hate. Hate. Hate.```

*In an instant, their hand was in the air, twisting as it gathered energy. Moisture from the very air around them gathered until it was practically a pond's worth. Their arm flew downwards in a motion of command, and the pond rained down upon the flame with almost torrential force. Their breathing was quick and shallow. Their eyes dilated to slits. And as soon as the moment came? It passed.*
Ricky
As soon as he heard the shallow breathing, he turned to face them. Mythos, eyes wide, had thrown their hand up and dowsed the fire quickly. The look of the eyes too... What *Was* That?!

He frantically popped out his glass eye and stored the ring away. If the Waker Ring was going to give him the power to inflict trauma on a newfound friend, he was not gonna be wearing it. Not while his friend was nearby. He waved his arm in front of them and began to sign. His gestures were slow and careful as his eyes looked away, clearly frustrated with himself.

`Sorry, I didn't think it would work. I've been trying to use this ring for weeks with no luck and got a harebrained idea. Fuck... And that idea turned out to be right.`

He paused and looked at the tree. Most of the foliage was gone, with whatever was left barely clinging to the branches like cicadas in summer. His mind reeled as he attempted to fathom the power his anger held.

`I won't do that again, not without warning. You're triggered by the fire.` he signed. Then his sign got even slower as he grew ponderous. `So... Access to the wind is barred by my anger. The one emotion within myself that I've grown a hatred for. The universe has a VERY sick sense of humor...`
Anna
*They took a deep breath in, their eyes still focused on the tree. They took a moment to ground themselves. Zelda wasn't here to remind them. So they simply had to keep going on despite it. They squeezed their eyes shut for a moment before opening them again. There was no fire. Only the brisk air of the morning.*

*They fidgeted with the Ouroboros ring on their finger before continuing.*

*And with one last glance towards the tree, they continued on, eyes glued to the path ahead. It was shameful that they allowed their fear to slip out like that. Especially to someone who already had trouble with himself.*
Ricky
Another forest burning down? What did this Link see that would cause a reaction like... *That*? He watched over the Hero's face, noting the details of their expression, and sighed.

"I'm sorry," He said. "I know I had no way of knowing, but it has put you in a precarious situation. An awkward one, at least. So I apologize." He looked ahead.

They were getting closer to the Landing. It was only a matter of time before the man was going to need Vorka's aid. He was still concerned about whether or not it was the right thing to do, to show such cowardice rather than face then head on. But he had a duty to his world and he intended on ensuring that he made it home alive to be the Chancellor's vigilant sorcerer. So he had to stomach the indignity of a disguise. Or rather, a possession.

"So... Lookout Landing. There's a lot of people there and a lotta people who will likely be curious of you. Are you sure you can manage on your own? I know you're nonverbal so... It may prove tricky."
Anna
*They nodded, accepting the apology.*

*Everyone has their sore spots. And they were born to clash, with or without the curse. Not that such things would stop Link from trying their hardest to keep their alliance strong. Link wanted a friend to travel with. They never did well alone. And Ganondorf wanted someone who saw him for who he was.*
*As the road passed before them, they nodded.*
Ricky
"Are you... Sure that I should be staying behind then?" He asked. "I know it would be an enormous risk to take, but if you would rather I be physically present than prodding your side as a swine..."

He wasn't one to admit the fear in his heart over that boy or his friends. Yes, they had a right to despise him, they had a right to kill him, but... They *Did* Kill him. They killed *That* Him. The one who was so blinded by fury, by rage, by... *Hatred*. He clenched his fists, wondering if he was never truly free of the curse at all, especially after what he did to that tree...

"I can either risk it or offer you comfort through Vorka. Either way, I'll be there. I just know that for obvious reasons, I can't interpret for you if you choose the latter. There's also... If parchment behaves you could probably ask for someone who knows Hylian Sign out here."
Anna
*While there was no vocal tone, the expression they had was quite grim. That was not a future they wanted to envision. They saw that while the curse had poisoned Ganondorf in a way that would likely leave many scars, there was still humanity within him. There was much healing left to be done. For both of them.*

*They looked Ganon in the eyes, offering something along the lines of sympathy. Although perhaps it appeared more as pity. Myth didn't want to offend him, as they knew how seriously their Ganondorf took his pride. But it was still a feeling they had towards both other members of their tragic little trio.*
Ricky
He took in a deep breath. He knew that look, though it never had come from his Link. It wasn't pity, no— with pity the lips of the bearer were pressed firmly together, pressed as if they didn't want to say a word. No, this was certain to be sympathy.

He remembered that look when the Chancellor visited after Julli's passing. She could see the grief that had overtaken him, had seen the pain of losing a loved one, even if they weren't blood, and the same look appeared. Not because she felt sorry for him, but sorry with him— it's such an ugly way the experience a glimpse of what you'd inflicted on others.

He breathed in and nodded. "There's a nook right there for me to sit. Um... This might be some fun magic to show you." A smirk came back to his face. "I don't know how much you've studied, Link, but... If you don't know how to summon Phantoms, you're in for a show."

As he reached the outcropping nearby, he flicked out both of his swords from under his robes. A crackle of electricity danced across the blades. Following this, he muttered in Gerudo under his breath, drawing the air in through his nose and pushing the energy through his palms. As small dark clouds swarmed the handles, he flung the weapons up, allowing the dark to consume the weapons and form a pair of Phantom Ganons clad in dark armor and silent as they fell.

"Both of you, hear the call of your Master. This is an order of protection. The only ones who are safe to approach without issue are Vorka, and this Link here," He said, gesturing to Mythos. The softness of his voice seemed to disappear, replaced with the tone of a stately king commanding a knight. "You are to guard me with your existence. Do not fail me."

He shook his head. He hadn't done that in so long, and certainly he hadn't spoken commands aloud in at least a decade. So hearing his voice return to that harsh and cold chill was... A little unnerving to say the least.

He walked over to Link and held his hand open, showing the parchment butterfly

With its wing slightly bent. "Sorry, little one, gotta unfurl ya," He said softly. He pressed his finger against the center of the butterfly's back, and with a slight toss, the creature became a mere sheet of paper once more. "Alright Mythos. Your turn, I'm going to sit comfortably and get the Pear ready..."
Anna
*Phantoms? They'd been fairly extensive in his studying of magic and mythology, but phantoms were rare to come across, even in that sense. Historical tellings of such things were even more scarce. Illusions and such were far more common, but the creation of another being purely for puppetry? That was a spectacle, and a truly complicated kind of spell in it's own right.*
*It was in the moment that Ganon began commanding the two beings of arcane power that they saw the glimmer of the king Ganon used to be. The leader which swayed the masses not only with raw might, but the conviction to see such might put to use. It wasn't merely power of a physical kind that Ganon commanded, but rather a strength of heart. It showed.*
*When they heard that it was their turn, they hardly felt prepared. There was no texts, no manuscripts. Little in the way of mentoring other than the demonstration provided. And yet, instead of panicking...*

*Mythos took a deep, solumn breath in. First, it was a matter of form. They extended their hands, gathering magic in the center of their palms. They noted that Ganon had used his hands in the spell. As such, they began to shape the essance within their hands, as though molding a figure. Their eye scanned and detailed the thought of themselves, copying each particle of their being onto this clay mold. No, that wasn't where that went... And that was too large.*
*They struggled to recreate the more complex figment forms, weaving them together either too tightly or too loosely. Slowly, however, they began to come together. Although not perfect, they knew no more of how to adjust other than to proceed. It was then a matter of control, sense, and purpose. They instilled thought into the form, a system of basic motor function akin to a simple muscle.*
*Guard. Protect.*
*And yet, it felt off. There was no defining what that meant without going beyond the boarder of what they were capable of. Their magic was fluent, but only versed in the basics. Going bey

Ond that risked creating something they could not control. As such, they left it at that. Incomplete.*
*They looked upon their work, with a sense of... Discontent. While it was a step in the right direction, they knew they had much more to do before being capable of truly replicating such a spell.*
Ricky
"Mythos, this is... An excellent first attempt. Certainly better than my first." It truly was— his first ones had spluttered out in an instant when he was a boy. Yes, the figures Mythos made were fledgling in comparison, but these were a testament to Link's trust to try new things, to learn. *To grow.* And Gramps had no right to be unkind about new experiences when he had been doing this sort of magic for decades.

He sat down and sighed, holding the fruit in his hands as he solemnly scratched Vorka's chin. "Mythos, with the parchment in your hands now. I may not be able to speak, but I *Will* Bite anyone who tries to hurt you." *Or if they deserve it...* He groaned to himself.

He played with the pear in his hands a bit longer. "I'll admit, it's been a while since I did this... I don't remember the experience being too pleasant the first few minutes. But... Like all humans I will adjust."

He took a deep breath in as he lowered his hand. His pig came close and sniffed it for a few moments. He watched her take a moment to recognize what it was before carefully leaning forward to take a bite.

And all at once, the world disappeared. His very body felt as though it were unraveling twine, his existence disappearing as his body straightened and sat, eyes closed and in what could be described as "Half-meditation, half-surprise". He felt his digits disappearing, his body curling in, his vision blurring before the heat of Hyrule Field overtook him again, and...

It was done. Gramps carefully picked up the rope in his mouth and wandered towards Mythos. Though he felt Vorka resting somewhere within this vessel, he could tell she was less than pleased. `I know, Vorka, I know. I promise you mushrooms.`
Anna
*They held the parchment given to them, looking at it with a look of concern. They wondered if the people they were going to meet would even bother wanting to help them. They'd experienced such things before, but there were times when people changed their minds. And times they didn't.*

*They nodded, watching as the transfer of consciousness took place. While they weren't the one experiencing the feeling, they still sensed the... Odd complexities of such a spell. Something still beyond them, but not going unnoticed. They picked the rope in their right hand, sure to leave their more dominant one free in case something needed to happen.*
*And with that, they nodded at Vorka, leading them towards the promised land ahead. For better or for worse. It was time to find answers.*