A Shade Reborn

To think me some warlock’s doppelgänger would be an error. I have evolved into something more and in my own right I have become worthy of the name Ganon. You may address me as Phantom, Phantom Ganon, Ganondorf, my Lord, or Dark Lord.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

Oh pooey– as the Phantom scolds him, Airin crawls under his fort. Because hiding totally means he's free of punishment. Once Phantom is finished though, he peeks his head back out.

" I'll put them back… but what if I made all those people forts too? They're extra warm inside! Like an igloo! "

Those you have stolen from need an apology. You will personally do so, is that understood? -I growl with frustration and close my eyes, massaging the bridge of my nose.-  I will not allow theft in this kingdom. Especially since it is so bountiful, as you have pointed out. As far as forts for all, I do believe it to be overkill in Hyrule itself. You only need return what you stole. 

[ask-phantom-ganon]

Visit Original Link

Fine. If he troubles us again, we will handle it. -I do not wait for a response, turning immediately and take my leave of you.-  

[ask-phantom-ganon]

" Well, I'm friends with the Wolfos, so I wouldn't mind it. " He gleams. " Blankets are bountiful, but if I have to. You're missing out on being super comfy though. "

Visit Original Link

-I growl unamused.- Even if I wished to behave like a child, do you expect me to fit inside that? -I walk towards your fort, reaching a hand out to take it down, but stop myself with a sigh.- Either way, I have no need of this sort of comfort. -I step a couple paces back turning my head to you.- But I know some who do.

-I breath out and aim a serious look at you.- While others suffer, I refuse to play around. And it would not hurt for you to not take luxuries like this for granted. I would also ask that you return these to where you found them when you are done. The warmth of a blanket can be crucial to mortal creatures. I would rather not lose subjects to your strange need to make a nest in my quarters.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

You said the blights are only machinery and malice. Would they not also use the dead bodies of the champions? I feel like that was a rumor floating around. I mean look at them. They all have hair. There would have to be something organic inside them.

Visit Original Link

Hmm... Even if the Zora princess and Rito warrior somehow gave their blight scales and feathers, it would not develop into hair. That seems more a manifestation of malice attempting to take its master's form. Besides. The champion's fought the blights before they died and they already had their full form then.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

What do you mean corpse?

Visit Original Link

What exactly were you expecting me to be made of? -I scoff.- Slime and snails, or puppy dog tails? - I let out a long breath.- No... but perhaps corpse is a strong word.

I am alive. Yet, I am something more spectral. I was pulled directly from my creator's shadow itself. But, that is not all that is required to form what I am. There is a small bit of organic components also required. I have never been given privy to the knowledge of its origin, but it is there. Hence my... referral. -I give one last sigh of agitation before I leave you to ponder my answer.-

[ask-phantom-ganon]

Is that supposed to be your voice? It sounds robotic and strained.

Visit Original Link

I am trying out recordings on a personal whim. And do remember, Hyrule is not exactly a hub of technology. Any recording made here is going to sound off. Though if you have picked up on any strain in my voice, well... you try speaking with the vocal cords of a corpse. You might find it much harder than you believe.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

He guides you to your room– which is now has a big blanket fort in it! None of your other items are touched. Not even your bed. Where did he get these other blankets from?

Visit Original Link

-I follow silently behind and upon seeing your work, I fold my arms and shake my head.-

Just how many have you left to shiver in the cold, to pay for this monument of extravagance? Better put it back pup, or you will find yourself in the pens with the wolfos.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

Why would any call you dark lord when we already have the real thing?

Visit Original Link

Listen here worm. I have no patience for the ignorant. I have absorbed one dimension's version of my creator, and he will not be the last.

-My fist clenches.-

In absorbing his very essence, I have evolved past a simple phantom. Not only that, but I was gifted with my creator's memories and life experiences. I am essentially Ganondorf in every respect. I have achieved more than my, quote unquote, "master" even knows. More than you will ever know. By all rights, I have earned the title of Dark Lord. But that is not the only nomenclature to which I will respond. I still respond, fondly enough to Phantom. You have certain minions to thank for this. But remember to use my older title with respect.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

What are the Blight Ganons to you exactly? Brothers? Other phantom like beings? What do you think of them?

Brothers? -The bridge of my nose wrinkles as I feel revulsion for the word you have placed in my mouth.- Those brainless automatons are nothing but ancient machinery mixed with malice. We are not even remotely the same and they are certainly not my brothers. I tolerate their presence at best.

[askganon]

Strange to hear those words uttered from your mouth. -I straighten to my full height, tilting my head back as I regard you with a sneer.- But as novel as it is to receive what I am sure you believe is a compliment, I have a useless duty to perform.

-I sigh discontentedly as I begin my report.- For the most part, everything seems quiet within the lost woods. Yet there has been a uptick in strange activity within the temple itself. It doesn't seem much different from the usual work of mischievous poe and sprites, but there is something that makes it stand out more than their usual activity. It is more a feeling than an abundance of evidence but if there is something to all this, it will be taken care of in time.

Other than that, I have driven most populations away from the forest edge and any too stubborn to go have become part of the stalfos population. -I cross my arms across my chest, my distaste for your company eventually fading into boredom as I rattle off events.- There has also been sightings of a rather strange owl. I have not seen it personally, and usually I would not feel the need to mention the wildlife, but it has been reported attacking those I have sent on patrol. It also shall be dealt with in time.

-I look down and allow a half-amused grin to crawl over my lips-

Back again then ey, old fool?

-My eyes flash back to you, noting your scowl and attitude-

If the owl is what I believe it to be, then it should pose little threat to you yourself. I doubt he could even pose any true threat to anything above basic minions.

If anything, it is attempting to stall or annoy you while it awaits an actually threatening force. I would recommend either ignoring it, or attempting to kill it. Your choice

[ask-phantom-ganon]

So you think you know this particular creature? I can safely assume its attacks are more than some animal’s territorial dispute then. -I stroke my beard as I weigh my options.- I have no interest in loosing any underlings or collecting the components to create more, but I hardly have time to preform a hunt myself. Perhaps there is no choice.

If there are no qualms in a small depletion of forces within the woods, I have an idea. But I suppose I am compelled to ask you permission first. -I quirk a brow at you, annoyance clear upon my face.-

[ask-phantom-ganon]

" Whaaat... you don't like pillow forts? I made this one extra spacious! "

-I shrug you off as I stand back up.- Pillow forts are for young children. It makes no difference on how spacious you have made it pup.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

He rolls onto his belly, and crawls onto your shoulders. " I made it into a pillow fort! "

-I look disappointed. Almost aggravated. But at the same time you can tell your behavior was to be expected.- … Your lucky I learned to tolerate these bad habits of yours. Any other creature under my banner would be learning a grave lesson on the violation of my property.

[ask-phantom-ganon]

" Do you see anything out of place? I'd say I've defended it pretty well! " He does a little snort of confidence. Yep, yep– everyone is safe!

Such conviction for a formal vandal. Your right. I see not a thing or person out of place. -I smirk.- Yet. Indulge me. What would I find if I were to make a trip to my quarters?

[thread-and-thrum]

@ask-phantom-ganon said:

-I enter quietly behind you and find I am unable to help myself. I peer down, taking in the sight of you.- Hello, little librarian. -I smirk, awaiting my scolding for being away so long.-

There’s no scolding this time. Just a kiss on the chin.

“Welcome back, my lord~”

[thread-and-thrum]

“I already told you actually,” Keirin returned saucily. “Goods from Gerudo desert. For all the gems and heavy metals Gorons have access to, they have trouble selling goods they’ve made because they’re usually too big and heavy for other races to use. At best they can only export raw materials, which are then made into various items and sold higher than the raw material itself- rupees they never get back.”

“As you know, Gerudo are experts when it comes to crafting with metals and jewels. So the Goron outsource smaller detailed work to the Gerudo. Part of the material goes to making Gerudo goods, and part is made into goods that go back to Goron who can sell it at full price themselves. Since this arrangement, we’ve been on better terms, and because of this even learned they like Gerudo spices- which only means more trade options.” 

“They might not care for you. But by comparison, I’m a small Hylian Queen with a Zora daughter, who hardly seems able to pose a threat to them.” The Queen looks a bit smug in sharing this, as it is something only she could manage. “It did take some time for all this to happen. But now as long as I treat them better than previous rulers, there’s little to object to.”

[ask-phantom-ganon]

-My eyes narrow at your teasing.- I remember no mention of the Goron till just now, but perhaps you did. I suppose I should be happy that you play the part of unassuming so well. It has worked out to be a useful tool for you. If only they knew just how crafty you have been. -I chuckle deeply.-

-At your mention of Hibiki I glance around curiously.- Where is her royal highness by the by? Has she been thriving well in this environment?

[thread-and-thrum]

@ask-phantom-ganon said:

-I enter quietly behind you and find I am unable to help myself. I peer down, taking in the sight of you.- Hello, little librarian. -I smirk, awaiting my scolding for being away so long.-

There’s no scolding this time. Just a kiss on the chin.

“Welcome back, my lord~”

[thread-and-thrum]

It’s her turn to comfort, taking hold of the strong hand.  “Of course, I’m a good leader,” she gently teased. “It’s why you made me your second after all.”

“I also know you and our people well enough to understand certain needs. Even the ones that keep us apart. But as long as you’re okay, keeping this watch is never a burden.”

“Being here also means I can help us get stronger,” she explained proudly. “Part of our trade with the Gorons is for volcanic loam. So hopefully with time the desert will be more hospitable.”

[ask-phantom-ganon]

-Your touch brings my attention back to the conversation and I find myself breathing out heavily. A pained look flashes over me, but it is gone in the blink of an eye.- I take comfort in your strength and skill but I will be making more of an effort to be here as well as fulfill my duties to the temple. -It is only after I make this vow that I address the rest of your news.-

-Taking my finger, I tilt your face up to mine and give you a curious smile.- Tell me, dear second. Just how did you manage this deal with the Goron? They do not exactly take kindly to my presence. What could you possibly trade for them to consider such a valuable deal? 

[ask-phantom-ganon]

How often is the temple cleaned? Is it done magically? Do you have a maid?

The forest temple is no more than a crumbling ruin. Only monsters reside within and we do not care about the cobwebs. In fact, they are encouraged. Why? Are you offering your services?

[thread-and-thrum]

@ask-phantom-ganon said:

-I enter quietly behind you and find I am unable to help myself. I peer down, taking in the sight of you.- Hello, little librarian. -I smirk, awaiting my scolding for being away so long.-

There’s no scolding this time. Just a kiss on the chin.

“Welcome back, my lord~”

[thread-and-thrum]

Keirin sighed. Responsibilities never ended for rulers, but damned if she didn’t want a few more moments of respite with her husband.

“There continues to be a population boom amongst our people- all thanks to having reliable resources, as well as a healthy male population nearby. While we’ve had to extend the castle grounds somewhat, for those that want to stay protected on its grounds; some have chosen to move into homes within Castle town. There’s much less animosity between Hylians and Gerudo compared to when we first moved it, especially since marriages between the two has become more common.” The veteran storyteller words flowed easily, as she as still proficient in memorization. 

“However there have been some Gerudo that returned to their homes in the desert. After living some years in Castle Town, they… ” Here she had to pause, to think of a diplomatic way to convey what happened. “…they began to desire ‘a more traditional way of life’. Amongst other things, they never felt comfortable with the ‘Hylian way of doing things’.”  The queen couldn’t help, but make a face that implied she had been included in this association. “But it is not without its benefits. As the mountains have more gold and silver hidden in them than any where else; having our people there means it’s acquired more easily and that helps facilitate trade with the rest of Hyrule. They also continue to swear allegiance to you.”

[ask-phantom-ganon]

-I listen intently, and smile when hearing some of my sisters had chosen to return to their roots. I then place a hand to your face to soothe away the expression you had let take hold.- Do not take offense that some did not stay. Though I do wish for a better way of living for my people, I have always worried that the luxury of Hylian life would only weaken them. I would like to find ways of improving the environment there instead of fully relying on this land. The desert has become a part of who my people are. When exiled all those years ago, it became our mother. Our protector. Even when the Hylians found and stripped it of what ever value they could, it remained our home. I have never wished to fully abandon it, Keirin.

Know I am pleased you did not try and stop them in returning. Perhaps even impressed you had the foresight to use the situation as an advantage for all. I am very pleased with the progress you have made in my absence, and it saddens me that the burden was left to you alone. Sadly I still need to return to the forest Temple and often. I thought I had the strength to just leave, but a part of me is bound to it. I will find a way to break my creator’s spell and make a more permanent home for us. -It is now my turn to make a face. A scowl deepens the lines in my weathered face and you can tell there is more to what I mean than just break.-