Klinge has had two great loves in his life. Cipher Billen and Asakonigei Tablitha. As Mablung, he was in love with Cipher the moment he laid eyes on her. The two grew up together in the Gerudo Valley, finding joys in daily living, fighting one another, and exploring the dunes with one another. Their bond only grew stronger when they became one of three Gerudo left alive after the massacre on their village. Getting married in the middle of a war, they had plans to build a family together, but this was cut short.
Asakonigei, on the other hand, needed to warm the cold heart of Klinge. Their relationship needed building up, but over time, the two found common interest in the others spirit, and found a kindred connection to one another. Asakonigei was one of the few to stick by Klinge, even at his lowest points. With her love, Klinge found motivation to become human again. Once he did, the two became married, having three beautiful children over the years.
Klinge, for a long portion of his life, didn’t think he’d ever have a family. Losing Cipher and his unborn daughter hit hard for most of his time as an undead. However, after Ganondorf and Zelda married and sired their own children, Klinge found himself taking on a gruff, serious, but highly protective Uncle role for the royal Gerudo kids.
After falling in love with Asakonigei, regaining his life, and marrying her, the two had two children together. A son named Revan and a daughter named Donoma. Decades later, the couple would have a late bloomer with another son by the name of Takunova. Malik cherishes the chance he has at being a father.
"Alright. Smile for the camera. Three, two, one." The light of the lens flashed, capturing the image of the family company. The photographer shook his head, raising a brow at the lead woman. "Ms. Tablitha. Please straighten your back. You're the shining new star. I swear wild animals follow the rules better."
"Okay, if it's so easy, you try sitting straight in this dress." Asakonigei huffed, trying to adjust a bit more comfortably on the chair in a so-called 'graceful' pose. "In heels, a dress, a push-up bra, and ten pounds of jewelry to be exact."
"Come on, dear, it's not that bad, is it?" Ragulul asked his niece. "We need you as our star for the new column in the magazine."
"Yes, there's too many pictures of old farts anyhow." Valeken assured her. "A pretty lady is exactly what we need."
"Dad, I'm sure I can put on a dress and look ten times better." Bodacin snickered, teasing his cousin. "What do you think, Asa? I could rock it."
"And those heels." Marmosel laughed, nudging Asa in the shoulder.
"Oh, shut it." Asa punched her cousin in the arm.
Kahli adjusted his camera, trying his best to tune out the immaturity. "Let's go again. Three. Two. One." He took another photo, looking unimpressed. "Adequate. Don't quit your day job for a career as a model. Mr. Tablitha. I'll take this down to the print shop and have her photo ready."
"Oh, come on, I just know you want me in a dress like Marilyn Monroe standing over a grate." Bodacin threw an arm around Kahli's shoulders. "I'd be an overnight sensation."
"There'd be overnight reports of sudden blindness." Marmosel joked, earning a giggle from Asakonigei.
Kahli shoved the man off him, gathering up his equipment. "Childish."
Outside, a tall man with red hair, gruff cut facial hair and a black suit waited sitting outside a limo. Smoking a cigarette, he silently watched Kahli walk out the building. This new client of his told him to wait outside the building. "Tablitha industries, huh?"
The brothers shared a laugh while the uncles paid Kahli for his services. Once the photos were finished, Asakonigei went to change back into her business attire instead of the dress that screamed 'millionaire desperate housewife' as she so eloquently put it. Not far behind Kahli was Ragulul, the elder of the two uncles. "Ah, you must be Mister Dragmire, yes?"
"Malik Dragmire. Limo service. I was told you may have wanted an ongoing service."
"Yes, please, follow me to my office." Ragulul motioned for the man to come along into the building. "I require a limo for my niece. She's the quote on quote, 'face of the company', and responsible for bringing in new clients. Yet, while I understand that she is very capable of taking care of herself, one can never be too careful."
Malik did so, slowly walking behind the man. His presence was immediately intimating, casting an aura of menace. Least, that was the expression on his face. "You're a rich company. Rich face needs a rich ride."
"Indeed, though despite our 'richness' as you put it, one also requires safety." As the two men rode the elevator up to Ragulul's office, he then stated, "On your resume, I noted that you were a fighter of mixed martial arts. You served three years before released early on good behavior. Yet, all charges against you were dropped due to newfound evidence. You drive the limo for parties, proms, and other clients in the area." He then asked, "What would it take for you to be exclusive for my niece's appointments throughout the week?"
Malik eyes narrowed down on the man. "You look into my background? Best you keep it spoken at that." Looking over some papers, Malik looked up. $1,500 dollars a day. $500 for gas and repairs on the limo. $1000 for my service. Doesn't matter how little I drive the client."
"Would you hire some random stranger, who may or may not be trustworthy, to drive your niece everywhere, everyday, before looking into him?" Ragulul seemed unfazed by Malik's tone or price. "Very well. That is agreeable. You will be here at 7:30 in the morning to await my niece. If she is not being driven, you follow her into appointments. If she works late, you wait with her. If she calls you in the middle of the night to be driven to the airport, you go. Any location, you drive. Understood?"
"Understood." Malik grabbed the papers, signing his work contract.
~
Cleaning the blood off his knuckles, Malik flipped his out from his pocket. Seemed Ms. Tablitha finally wanted his service. Good timing too. After texting he'd be there in 15 minutes, Malik wrapped cleaned up, got in his limo, and drove up the highway to pick her up. Sitting in the front, he unlocked the back door as he saw her coming out of the building.
Asakonigei had her huge tote pocketbook over her shoulder and heels in the other hand as she hurried to the limo. She was dressed in business attire, consisting of a white blouse, black skirt, transparent tights, and her hair pulled back into a long tail with hoop earrings dangling to her shoulders. In one ear was a bluetooth device, walking as she spoke to the client. She was currently doing damage control, the client fussing over supposedly a less than appealing set of doors for the custom-made car he ordered. Holding onto Malik's arm, she balanced herself while slipping on the heels.
"No, Mister Kiys, I understand, I'm heading that way now to personally inspect the doors myself." Asakonigei assured the picky man. "I'll be there within a half hour." Once the phone call was over, the petite woman then cleared her throat and quickly put on the other heel. "Thank you."
Malik nodded, leading her to the back door. "I have some water bottles in the back if you need to drink."
"You're a lifesaver, though I may need a beer after this." Asakonigei slid into the limo and then slumped into the seat with an audible sigh. "I'm hoping this is just a fluke and the old man is going senile."
Malik got into the front, turned on the limo, tapped in the coordinates into the GPS, and started driving. As they were heading down the road, he resumed his playlist, playing, "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
"... you know, I wouldn't have guessed you enjoyed country music." Asakonigei tried to keep a straight face, but with all the memes surrounding that particular song, it was impossible not to snicker. "Don't forget to take the ten second inhale before screaming 'West Virginia'."
Malik didn't sing along to the song, even as said 'West Virginia' beat played on. Turning onto the highway, the neon city light shined down on them. The next song that turned on was "Somebody That I Used to Know", only it had a synth edge to it.
"... You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness ..." He mumbled as the bar passed by.
As soon as the limo pulled up to the destination, Asakonigei barely had time to pull Mister Kiys' file before trouble started. The old man was out there waiting for her, arms crossed and foot tapping. Taking a breath, she put on her best smile and told herself this was nothing new. This particular client was picky and very selective.
Malik put on his shades, turned the limo off and got out. “You prefer me at the car or at your side miss?”
"You can come with me if you like." Asakonigei sighed and started to ask Mister Kiys how he was, but his tirade started before she could even start.
"The doors! What kind of work did you send me?" The old man huffed at the woman, shaking a finger. "You shouldn't hire ex-cons to do an honest man's work! They're costing you time and money." He gestured to her to follow him to the warehouse where the materials he bought to make cars were stored. "Look at all the warps in the metal!"
Malik chose to follow, glancing around at the cars. His shades hid his eyes from looking directly on Asakonigei. He was curious what kind of woman she was under pressure.
"Mister Kiys, I assure you, if there was a problem on my end of the work, then it will most assuredly be fixed." Asakonigei inspected the doors. What Mister Kiys said was true, there were warps. It looked like whoever was working on this model of door frame was doing a half-assed job. Great. If this pair was bad, she could only imagine what the others might look like. "It seems you are correct, MIster Kiys. This is not the greatest of work, yet we will send you new doors, free of charge. I will personally inspect the doors before the pairs are shipped here."
"Hmph." Mister Kiys still did not look too impressed. "When you find the man who did this, you should fire him. You need someone trustworthy and someone who does decent work."
"I do agree the individual who did this needs a lecture."
"How fast can I get new doors?"
"I'll see to it that you have them by the end of the week."
Seems she was able to keep her cool and analyze the problem in front of her quickly. Grabbing a paper cup, Malik poured himself a drink to parch his lips.
"I don't understand why you insist upon hiring these people..." Mister Kiys grumbled under his breath. "I'm surprised they haven't stolen from you."
"If they do steal from us, it's a straight, one-way ticket back to prison." Asakonigei reminded her client patiently. "We're trying to do a good thing."
"It's more like they're simply taking advantage of your good nature."
Malik casually nodded to the cute front desk girl eying and smiling at him. Green hair wasn’t his thing, but he appreciated the nod. Grabbing a paper, he flipped through the local news as Asakonigei continued talking. With a chuckle, he laughed at the Calvin and Hobbes comic.
Once Asakonigei was done with Mister Kiys, the face of Tablitha Industries was ready to throttle someone. Once Malik escorted her back to the limo, she then instructed, "Mister Dragmire, take me to the factory, please. I need to speak with my employees about this subpar work."
“Of course.” Driving down the road, he couldn’t help but smile rubbing the wheel. “You know, this limo is a Kikai Industries Model. Good company.”
"I've heard a great many things about Kikai." Asakonigei nodded. "We used to work with them until the scandal was exposed about embezzling money."
“Scandal? That was dismissed in court.”
"While it was dismissed in court, it still doesn't explain where all the money went. It hurt our company and several others." Asakonigei shook her head. "My uncles lost nearly 30 million dollars with Kikai."
“Well, Onaga Kikai was forced to step down. Maybe you’d do better with his successors. Heard they’re a close family of siblings now.” Smooth Criminal was about to play, but Malik switched the song to Poker Face. “Eh, bad taste.”
"Perhaps. Yet, it has to be a joint decision." Asakonigei did not sound too keen on trying to go back into business with someone who had hurt her family's lifelong work of building up an empire from the ground. "My uncles and cousins might not want to try to rebuild that bridge that someone else burned."
“Well, can’t fault you there.” Pulling up back at the factory, Malik followed Asakonigei closely behind.
"Wear this." Asakonigei handed Malik a mandated safety hat and a pair of protective glasses. "Each time you go into the factory, you need to wear these. You never know when something might fall or you could get a face full of welding sparks. Understand?"
“Uuuh, sure.” Malik complied, awkwardly putting the helmet and goggles on.
"... your hat is backwards." Asakonigei noticed the man was such a hulk, he had to hold the safety glasses in-between a thumb and index finger. "Bend down here and I'll help you."
Malik frowned, turning it around. “I’m fine.”
"Stay on the walkway and don't wander off." Asakonigei slid her card to open the factory door. "Don't touch anything. Just stay with me. A lot of this equipment can be dangerous."
“You got it.”
Once inside the entryway, Asakonigei power walked down the designated area for walking, outlined by two yellow lines, streaked through with white. As she continued through the factory, a lot of the workers paused in their task to greet her or politely waved. However, she was a woman on a mission. Each employee had a serial number for the work produced. And a certain employee was about to get a royal chewing out for his crappy craftsmanship.
Malik walked behind her, actually recognizing a couple people in the assembly line.
"Mister Urgo!!!" Asakonigei's voice was so stern and loud that a few of the other employees nearly jumped out of their skin. Several of them were either grimacing or muttering a soft prayer for Urgo's job because he was in serious trouble.
Mister Urgo nearly dropped his welding torch. "Damn it---sorry for the language, Miss Tablitha." Urgo apologized for the foul words. "What can I do for you?"
"Did you sign off on the shipment to Mister Kiys?" Asakonigei had her hands on her hips, a dark scowl on her face. "I... might have."
"Did you or did you not? It's a yes or no answer, Mister Urgo."
"Yes, yes, I signed off on the doors! Why? What's the matter?"
"Those so-called doors were warped, Mister Urgo. What happened?"
Malik took out a note book, charting his work schedule so far for the day.
Excuses. That's what Urgo said. All she heard were excuses. It only made Asakonigei madder. "Mister Urgo, when I gave you this job, I expected exemplary work. What you signed off on not only made me look bad to Mister Kiys, it made the entire company look faulty, lazy, and worst of all, cheap." Asakonigei's scolding could be heard from the other side of the factory due to the echo. "You have two choices. You can take a demotion, or you can quit."
"But---!"
"Which will it be, Mister Urgo?"
Malik glanced down at the man; his eyes cold. He hoped he had the common sense to take the demotion.
"The... the demotion, Miss Tablitha." Urgo gulped when the newest addition to the company glared at him with eyes of hell. "I'll take that, please."
"... you're back on janitor duty starting tomorrow. Go home." Asakonigei instructed the ex-con with a frown. "I'm disappointed in you, Mister Urgo. I expected better."
As Asa gleamed over the others, Malik watched the ex-con walk by. Least he still had a job.
"Everyone, back to work." Asakonigei instructed. "Due to Mister Urgo's negligence, you will have to pick up his orders as well. I trust you can do this? I will be happy to pay you overtime."
"Yes, yes, Miss Tablitha."
"Good. Don't forget about the mandatory check ins with your parole officers coming up at the end of the month." She reminded the employees. "Also, this Friday is the company picnic. Bring your families."
Malik checked his watch. 9PM. “Anything else you need Ms. Tablitha?”
"Drive me home, please." Asakonigei reminded Malik. "I have to be in downtown tomorrow for an appointment at 9am."
Getting in the car, Malik played some light music as they drove off. “So I can take Friday off then if you’ll be sticking around for the family picnic?”
"Mister Dragmire, you are an employee of Tablitha Industries, correct?"
“I’m on a week’s contract to start. That hardly qualifies me for company picnic status.”
"Regardless of your status, it would be bad taste to refuse." Asakonigei looked at his face from using the rear-view mirror. "Not to mention, it's free food."
He appeared to be a man who thought it was amusing, but ultimately below him. “The amount of money you’re paying me I can have all the food I want at home.”
"Suit yourself then." Asakonigei then said in a most sly tone. "I'd just... hate to call you in on your day off. For work related purposes, of course. Never know when you might run out of ice for the cooler."
Stopping at a red light, Malik took a look back at Asakonigei, studying her in the blink of an eye. “Sometimes a man needs his time off to be alone.” A light smile, he caught something. “That ring on your finger? Shouldn’t you be happy with your family instead of worrying about the help?”
"A man alone is always up to something, usually no good. At least, that's what my uncles say." Asakonigei knew that he was thinking about her, wondering what was going through her head. "I can tell just from looking at you that you've been in too many fights. Those knuckles have seen better days. Besides, what could it hurt to mingle?" When he remarked on the ring, she laughed. "Just because I'm getting married doesn't mean I'm going to stop working."
Turning back to the green light, his shoulders dropped. “Maybe I rather fight to break a sweat then go around mingling with complete strangers. Besides. I don’t have any family to bring.”
"It doesn't matter if you don't have anyone to bring, a lot of the men don't. It's just for good measure." Asakonigei reminded him. "And fighting won't solve everything in life, Mister Dragmire."
“Makes me money and it’s a fun activity.” Pulling up to her house, he turned back to her. “Pick you up at 9AM?”
"Yes, you'll be taking me around downtown to do some errands." Asakonigei started gathering her things. "Bring a book. You'll be doing a lot of 'hurry up and wait' tomorrow."
“Fine by me. Need me to walk you up the stairs little girl?”
"Little? I'm by no means little, Mister Dragmire." Asakonigei then shrugged, totally jesting. "Though you could just carry me up to my apartment. My feet are very sore."
“Your lover won’t protest?”
"My fiance is working late tonight. Besides, he doesn't live with me yet." Asakonigei shook her head as she took down her hair and removed her earrings, placing the jewelry into her bag. "We're looking for a new place together."
“Ms. Tablitha. What would the neighbours think?” Malik had a cheeky tone to him.
"And what makes you think I care what they think of me?"
“Rumours spread. Sometimes, people think what they want. And what they think puts you into trouble, regardless either or not they are true.” Unlocking the door for her, he waved her off. “See you in the morning.”
"Have a good night, Mister Dragmire." Asakonigei gave him a light smile. "I hope you sleep well. Get plenty of rest."
Donoma did not know who was worse for presentation; her brother or her father. Both of them had a flare for the dramatics. With a huge sigh, Donoma asked again, "Dad, I'm telling you, you look fine, can we go now?"
“I have to look absolutely flawless.” Malik took the cucumber off his face, moving over to his selection of robes and armour. “Which one do you concur?”
"You're as bad as Ganondorf and he's the one who has to look pretty all the time. Even more so than Zelda did." Donoma rolled her eyes and then she gestured to the golden armor her mother had made all those years ago. "I know this one is your favorite. Mom made it for you. I'd say either wear that one or just walk out in nothing but underwear. That'd make a statement. You know, like Revan did when he got drunk for the first time."
“I just want this to go right.”
"It's going to go fine, I mean, all you got to do is strut out there, say some fancy stuff, and they'll cheer, and be happy." Donoma held up a black robe for him to wear underneath the armor. "I mean, unless you fart really loud, I doubt it could go wrong."
“Donoma...” Malik gave her a look as he got dressed.
"What? Just trying to lighten the mood." Donoma shrugged her shoulders. "You look and sound so serious. Everything you've helped with concerning the town, the people already love you, so just... chill."
“You sure you aren’t deflecting your own feelings on becoming a middle child?”
"Nah, more so worried about you and Mom becoming like... parents again when you should be grandparents in a few years." Donoma admitted. "Though it will work out for the best."
“Oh?” Malik jumped on that immediately. “Found someone have you?”
"Not me, but Mom swears that Nakeso and Revan will get hitched soon."
“Really now? That seems...” Malik decided not to finish that thought. “Well, you’re right. We should be going.” To complete his set, Malik placed a royal helmet atop his head. “No more distractions. Let us be off.”
"That's what she said, I have no idea where she developed the ability to see the future." Donoma stood from the chair. "All right, let's go."
The whole Town was in celebration, watching in anticipation for Malik to enter the spiritual grounds of the temple. The statue of the Sand Goddess smiled down upon them all as Malik made his way through the crowd. They didn’t cheer out of respect for the grounds, but smiled in happiness for the event at hand.
An older shaman stood at the end as Malik stood on a sun carpet. “Lord Malik. You have dedicated your entire life to the restoration of the Gerudo people. You have lived, died, and lived again for all of us. No other man is worthy of the title of King of the Gerudo. Do you, the people, accept Malik as our King?”
The entire chamber echoed. “We do. With all our hearts.”
“And do you, Malik, promise to put the Gerudo people first.”
“I do.”
“Then take off your helmet so I may place upon you the crown jewel.”
Malik did so, taking his head gear off. The shaman then carefully took off his Gerudo jewel, placing it in her pocket for safe keeping. Walking to a box, she took out a perfect diamond. Placing it on Malik’s head, she nodded. “This diamond was taken from the heart of a Kryat Dragon native to the desert, an apex predator long ago. It is a symbol of might and mastery. With this, I dub you King Malik!”
Asakonigei wanted to attend the celebration, but now, both Doctor Boveir and some of the midwives had agreed that she be on strict bedrest. So, she patiently waited for her husband to come visit after his grand moment. She was still miffed about his apparent decision without her. As much as she tried, the Kovina could not imagine life out here in the desert. Her relatives were not here. Her friends were not here. There was hardly any metal for her to morph. It seemed insane to Asakonigei, to move away from all they had built as a family in Hyrule. Yet, she also wanted her husband to be happy. It was a nuisance, all this planning. He said he wanted more time with her. Now, as a 'ruler' of these Gerudo women, he'd have less time than he thought he would. It still did not make sense to her.
Though she had little time to think of sense. Her sheets were wet. Lifting up the blanket, she saw that her water had broke. Taking a nervous breath, she informed her attendant. "Please... go get my husband. Tell him his child is about to be born."
As if fate got its jollies out of cruelty, a wave of pain filled Asa’s being. This baby would be anything but easy.
Asakonigei knew she could not panic, but she was afraid. Though, it would not do her any good here. She managed to slide off the bed, 'sitting' on her knees. Holding the sheets, she gripped the fabric tightly as contractions came with a vengeance. Removing her decorative leather tie, she bit on the material and groaned loudly, her eyes watering. It was hard to breathe through such pain.
As she struggled, the baby struggled, stretching and hurting their mother in its journey to escape. Meanwhile, as Malik was ready to address the townsfolk, Gali pushed her way through the crowd to make her way to the King. “King Malik. It’s your wife!” Malik’s eyes expanded with a golden ferocity at the interruption. He knew Gali wouldn’t alert him unless the baby was coming.
Shouting an order in Gerudo, every woman scattered at his command. They would not celebrate until his wife was safe and sound with his child healthy in her arms.
Donoma had rushed to help her mother. She fetched warm water, blankets, anything necessary that the women told her to obtain. Even a few of the midwives were already there, trying to coach Asakonigei into breathing properly and making her as comfortable as possible. The women had heard her cries of pain and knew what was happening. As soon as Malik entered the tent, a few of the women tried to get him to wait outside.
“No. I’m not abandoning her now.” Malik made his way beside Asa, holding her hand. When he looked down, his stomach churned. “She’s bleeding.”
Gali had her hands rolled up, scrambling with the other nurse maids. “I know.”
Asakonigei was half-dazed with pain, but she recognized Gali. Grabbing the woman's hand with a crunching grip, she managed to pant, "Remember... what I asked... of you."
“I know. I’ll keep it.”
Malik looked at Asa, watching the colour slowly drain from her face. “No. You can’t give up.”
"I won't..." Asakonigei closed her eyes and tried to choke back a whimper. Blood was freely flowing now. Dear spirits, it was agony, but she managed to steel her nerves but gripping the sheets, nearly ripping the fabric. "... let my baby die..."
“No. I will not allow it.”
“King Malik, there are some things-!”
Malik didn’t let Gali defy his will. Slowly, he put one hand on Asakonigei’s womb. The other he raised to the heavens. If he held the power of a god, then he was fit to wield it as he saw fit. And he would not lose a second wife. The Triforce of Power glowed, and taking from the cosmos Malik willed life into Asa. This baby would survive, and she would live to see it. Although the energy was warm, the Gerudo were astonished and fearful to see the light flow through Malik and into his wife.
Zarazu was in the process of packing a care bag for her friend. Hearing that Asakonigei was pregnant again certainly was shocking at their age, but nonetheless, every woman would appreciate some fresh diapers and blankets. The queen was checking their closet for the missing breast sling when she heard her husband suddenly yell. Rushing back to the sleeping chamber, she found Covarog on his side, grasping at his chest. His face looked ashen and he was struggling to breath. "I... m-my..." The king gasped, tears rolling down his cheeks from the sudden pain. "M-My heart..."
"COVAROG!!!" Zarazu flung herself down beside her husband and held his face. She was barely holding onto common sense. "What's... what's going on?! Is your chest tight? Can you not breathe?! Tell me!"
"Mom!" Luimaya poked her head into tent and her eyes went wide at the sight of her father on the ground. "Dad?!?! What's going on?!"
"Your father suddenly fell, I don't know what could be causing---...!!!!!" Zarazu had a horrible realization. What if... the Tri-Force was connected to Ganondorf's blood... including her husband? His siblings? If Malik would use the magic, spend it all... "Go get Malik!"
"But Asa is---!!!"
"NOW!!!"
Revan watched in horror at the King collapsing. Snapping out of it enough, he looked around and shouted to the staff. “King Covarog needs medical attention! Go!!!”
While Zarazu was trying to calm her husband, Asakonigei was still in discomfort but at least now, it was manageable. She felt light-headed, but tried her hardest to focus. Was it the blood loss? The voices were drowning in and out of her ears, like an echo. Gali was demanding that she push with all she had. Malik was... glowing. That was odd. Maybe she really was starting to see things. The Kovina did not even realize she was screaming so loud, but finally, the baby was born... a baby boy.
Gali caught the baby, and the Gerudo quickly and surgically cut the cords connecting the two. Malik looked down at the baby, stunned by the gender of the baby. A boy? Did will a son into existence? “Asa. Are you alright?”
Asakonigei was half-conscious. While the magic saved her, she still experienced blood loss and excruciating pain. She could barely understand what was going on around her. Still, she managed to formulate a response. "I th-think... I'm going to f-faint..."
“Our son Asa. We have a son.” Malik looked to Donoma, his hand still glowing as he kept his hand on Asa with a smile. “You have a baby brother now.”
Donoma was keeping a rag on her mother's head, trying to help her stay conscious. She was not expecting a baby brother, that was for sure. Usually Gerudos were predominantly female. "He is... anogite..." Asakonigei was having a hard time remembering Hylian for a moment. "Gifted to us... by the spirits, with love..."
Yet, before the moment could be cherished, Luimaya busted into the tent. "Malik!!! M-My dad... my dad collapsed!!! Mom's trying to help him, he can't breathe!!! H-H-He keeps saying his-" She had to take an inhale through the tears. "His heart!!!"
“Princess, calm yourself around my wife and baby! What are you talking about? How did you even get here?” With a snap of his finger, he pointed Donoma to the princess. “Donoma, help her.” Malik walked over to his son, carefully cradling him. A name. He needed to think of a name.
"It all started just a few minutes ago!" Luimaya was rambling, her emotions high and she was clearly afraid for her father. "I heard Dad yell, and then I saw him on the floor with Mom! She screamed at me to get you and to tell you to 'stop using it'!"
"Stop using what?" Donoma took over her friend's care as soon as Gali had her mother situated.
"I don't know!"
Gali was slowly feeding Asa water to regain her strength. “Minutes ago? Princess, that’s so far away.”
"I don't give a shit how far away it was, it seemed like minutes maybe it was seconds, I don't know, my father is in trouble, please, please, please my mother needs you!!!" Luimaya was a sobbing mess.
Malik noticed his son start to grow distraught as Luimaya’s emotions flared. Good. He was already connected with the emotions of others. Still, he should not be sad on his first day of life. “Luimaya. I will join you, but you have to give me time here first. You came at a closed window of opportunity.”
"Go with her." Asakonigei finally managed to regain some of her rational thought. Thanks to Gali and the water in her body, the Kovina felt slightly better. She was sore, but very worried at Luimaya's obvious distress. "Our queen needs you. I'm all right. Your son is all right. Gali will take care of me."
“Your Queen.” Malik looked down at his son, watching the light glisten off his red hair. He had his hair. Everyone watched in anticipation at what Malik would do next. Carefully brushing his hair, looked to Luimaya. Her tears were still falling down her face as he decided on his next course of action. “Asa... look after… Takunova. I won’t be long.”
"I'll tell her she said that, and... she'll kick your butt." Asakonigei said in her old sense of dry humor. "Takunova will be fine with me and Gali. I trust these women to help me. Go. Our family needs you."
"Th-Thank you..." Luimaya managed to speak shakily, her nerves shot. She didn't want to lose her father.
Malik held her shoulders gently, massaging them to calm her nerves. “Now. How do we get to him quickly?”
"H-He's with M-Mom in their tent." Luimaya swallowed hard. "Carca'sec flew me here. He n-never leaves my side."
“Then we’ll fly back to Hyrule. Calm your emotions, and hope Carca’sec can complete the greatest sprint of his life. Let us be off.”
~
Revan never got a chance to accompany Luimaya back to Hyrule. She left too quickly as he was helping Castle staff help Zarazu and Covarog with the crisis. Worried out of his mind, all Revan could do was pace outside the king’s room.
Covarog was sweating profusely while lying in bed. Doctor Boveir along with several Dusas were in the room, trying their best to keep the king stable. Not even the magic of the healing Dusas was working. Zarazu had never seen anything like it. The Dusas were known for being able to fix several ailments, even heart attacks, but nothing was working.
"Revan!!!" Luimaya ran down the hallway, nearly colliding with her friend as she awaited his news. "What's going on? Is Dad okay?! Where's Mom?!"
“They’re both here! Luimaya, where did-” When he saw his father stroll in, he stopped in his tracks. He had dried blood on his hands and the most serious look on his face. “Father?”
“Where is King Covarog?”
"I went to fetch your father on Carsa'sec." Luimaya hurriedly explained to Revan. "Mom ordered me to get him."
Malik paused before the door, taking one last look at Revan before entering. “You have a baby brother now and your mother is still alive.” With that revelation hanging, Malik entered the chamber of Hyrule’s royalty, where Covarog was resting bedside.
Zarazu looked stricken with worry. It was evident she had been crying at one point, but was trying to hold it together for the sake of her children. There, she sat in a chair beside of Covarog's bed. He was unconscious, wheezing with each breath. As soon as Malik entered the room, the Lorleidian queen looked slightly relieved.
“What happened you...” Malik watched Covarog wheeze and gasp for air. Repeating the question, he looked to his wife. “What happened to him?”
"This happened... as soon as one of the Gerudo women, Gali, I believe, used the Water Mirror I lent her to message me about Asa's labor." Zarazu spoke softly, trying not to start her tears again. "I believe... the curse that has haunted Ganondorf, Zelda, and Rinku for ages is now trying to harm my husband. It is tied to Ganondorf's blood..." She took a breath and shakily said, "His bloodline."
“Cosmic fate can be cruel Zarazu.” Malik carefully walked over to Covarog’s bedside, looking down at the man he considered a nephew. Carefully, he whispered into his ear. “Covarog. Can you hear me?”
There was no response from the king. He was heavily medicated by Doctor Boveir and the healers trying to keep his discomfort to a minimum. His skin was paling and there were dark circles forming under his eyes. It was so unusual to see the mighty king brought to this state. "Cosmic fate be damned, he doesn't deserve this." Zarazu held her husband's hand tightly. "He hasn't done anything to deserve this."
“Cosmic fate?” Malik slowly trailed his hand over Covarog’s heart, the Triforce of Power glowing. He wanted to desperately heal the man, but something knocked at him not to try, least he cause more damage. “Is he stable?”
"For now." Zarazu nodded. "I'm just... trying to figure out how these pieces work." She looked at her hand, seeing the Wisdom triangle glowing at her. "Now I'm afraid to even use my piece. What if I hurt Kanisa? Or Orana? One of their children? Ralnor?"
“Why would you hurt them? That’s a choice on your part.”
"Not intentionally, but Zelda is... was..." Zarazu corrected her words. "Linked to the Wisdom piece of the Tri-Force. What if... when I use it, it has a negative impact on Kanisa or Orana? If they were supposed to get the piece and not me?"
“Where are you going with this? The goddesses... I’m certain they don’t act like that. If you weren’t worthy of the piece, I doubt it’d stay with you for long.”
"That's exactly my point, Malik." Zarazu turned to look at her friend, taking her eyes of her husband only for a moment. "What if the goddesses are still trying to find a way to punish Ganondorf, Zelda, and Rinku after all this time? If the piece falls into someone's hands that is not them, what will it do? What if it still haunts their descendants even after all this time of peace?"
“There have been others in our history who have wielded the Triforce with peace and prosperity. King Daphnes of Hyrule, The Fabled Time Witches, the Sages. I’m certain we are chosen for this. We are the keepers of the Triforce until Ganondorf and Zelda rise again. I know we can only do good with them; we can save lives.”
"... what if... Ganondorf and Zelda are not going to rise again?" Zarazu questioned Malik. "The same for Rinku. That is why the Tri-Force could be doing this."
“That’s paranoia. I thought the same once. Waiting for Ganondorf for so long made me question my views.” Malik looked down to Covarog, sighing. “I can’t help him more than the doctors here or you can.”
"Paranoia... or intuition." Zarazu squeezed Covarog's hand, kissing his knuckles. "Doctor Boveir told me there's nothing else he can do. My Dusas', their magic isn't working upon him. It has to be part of the curse. The only way to stop a curse is... a sacrifice."
Malik looked up to the glass stain sealing, taking a deep breath of regret. Ganondorf often got what he wanted with the Triforce of Power by sacrificing others. The sacrifice of the self could work, but was rare. “You’re right... there is a way, but your family would hate me for it.”
"... not you, Malik." Zarazu carefully summoned the piece of Wisdom and... set it on the nightstand. She was not going to take a chance of the Tri-Force piece influencing the magic she was born with from birth. "Long ago, people came to Lorleidi to seek help with curses. Even though a lot of the spells have been lost to history, there are a few still known."
“Zarazu... I could do it for you. I could cipher the life you have into Covarog. You don’t need to do that for-!!!” The moment Malik saw Zarazu separated her piece from herself and put it on the nightstand, his hand burn with light. There was a hunger to become whole. Grasping his hand, he hid it behind his cape. “I saved Asa, I could save Covarog. Don’t take the risk yourself.”
"I... I think what you did to save Asa somehow hurt Covarog. I... I can't risk using my piece. I don't want you to use your piece either unless it is necessary." Zarazu stood from her seat and asked Malik. "Please... leave me with him."
“No. How can you say that of me?” That stunned Malik that Zarazu could even think of accusing him of hurting the King. “You didn’t bring me all this way to throw accusations at me. You called me to help him. If you are willing to part some of your life energy, I can do that.”
"I am not accusing you, Malik. I know you would never, ever do such a thing intentionally to hurt Covarog." Zarazu said softly. "He is your family. Yet, I can't shake the feeling that these Tri-Force pieces... something is wrong." She then said. "Life energy will not fix this. The Dusas already tried." She started summoning the ancient runes from her wrists. "Yet tying his life to mine... just might."
“If you will not let me help, then you’ve wasted my time. My wife needs me. My baby needs me.”
"Damn it, Malik, I did not summon you here to waste your time!" Zarazu lost her composure for a moment and snapped. "I asked you here for your support! To warn you of using the pieces of the Tri-Force, to show you what happened. Something is wrong and I know it! I don't want anyone else getting hurt. I don't want you getting hurt either!"
“I know that overly using the Triforce is dangerous! I’m practically a historian on the subject! But these are tools that we can’t be afraid of using, because if we are, they will use us. Or worse, we will lose them to those who have more malicious intents in their hearts.” Malik pointed to the Triforce of Wisdom on the table. “Are you afraid of the responsibility? Because I will carry it if you can’t.” Malik then aggressively pointed at himself. “A mortal gets consumed by the power and you think that of me? I am the power. I am the one who saves innocents and destroys enemies.”
The Gerudo King paused, taking a moment to choose his words. “If I did this to Covarog... I’m so sorry. But... I did it to save my wife and child. A wife who I barely managed to save. Now you want my support? Then let me save him.”
“Luimaya needs her mother to guide her for her destiny. I can’t allow you take what time you have left with her away.” Malik clenched his fist, ready to take action if need be. “Make the wise choice on your own and have me ciphen life into him. Ba’Puu. Myself. I can always restore my own life. But if you can’t make that choice for yourself, I’ll make it for you. It’ll be quicker, easier.”
"... you said yourself once that power was addictive. Like a drug. Once, you even said you feared if you had another dose of such power, you would revert to your old self. The 'Blade of the Gerudo'. Klinge." Zarazu froze the runes in midair. "I gave you your new life. I won't be responsible for you risking yourself."
“... Don’t you dare disturb me again.” Malik released his grip and turned to walk out the door. He could feel the near future; see the path that lied before him. Zarazu wasn’t the face of Hyrule anymore. “I can’t change your mind. It seems you’ve replaced wisdom with foolishness on this matter. But I have nothing more to say. As King of the Gerudo, I’ll have to work directly with your successor.”
"... still so angry after all this time, my old friend. When will you learn?" Zarazu sounded... sad. "Maybe one day, you too, will be able to find peace." Activating the runes, the Lorleidian queen said, "This spell will not kill me. It will only give half of my remaining years to my husband. When he dies... I will die too."
“I’m past angry. I’m just tired. Now. I have a child to see.” Malik opened the door, not looking back as he shut it closed behind him. Waste of his time. Coming out of his thoughts and back into reality, he didn’t realize the rest of the family had gathered to wait on them. “Luimaya. Your mother is going to cut her life in half to save your father. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t convince her to see another path.”
"....?!?!?! It's... it's that bad?" Luimaya looked grief stricken. She was squeezing Revan's hand so hard for comfortable. Biting her lip, the princess took a moment to collect her thoughts. The princess did not want to lose either of her parents. Though, she knew that her mother would not live long without her father either. Dying of heartbreak was real. "Mom loves Dad. She'd do anything for him. I... understand why she's doing this."
Malik sighed deeply, reflecting on his thoughts. “I’d have done the same. I’ll have to teach you when she’s gone....”
“Dad?”
“Nothing. Care for those you love. Tell them how you feel. You might never get the chance again. I’m going to go home now.”
"... you shouldn't have yelled at her." Turagor was there with his sister. He had been listening in on the conversation between Malik and his mother. Something was going on that the heirs to the crown did not know about, and he did not like it. It seemed Luimaya's twin had picked up some sneaky habits from his dear old uncle. "You wouldn't try to stop Mom from doing this unless there was a good reason. What aren't you telling us?"
"...? Turagor?" Luimaya looked at her brother, confused. "What do you mean?"
"They're hiding something." Turagor stated simply to his sister, wanting an answer from the old friend of the family. "Malik and Mom spoke of 'your destiny'. I've heard rumors from Uncle Ralnor's office and Leere talking to something in the walls about a prophecy concerning you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you, and from what little I know, I don't like it." Turagor gave Malik a hard look. "Ganonpa giving the Tri-Force piece to you and not Dad. Grandmama giving the Tri-Force piece to Mom and not Orana or Kanisa. Rinku not having any big and bad foe to fight in all these years. Something isn't right and I want to know what's going on, especially if it concerns our family."
"Turagor, now isn't the time---"
"It is the time!" He insisted. "Dad's dying! Mom's trying to save him! She's insisting something is wrong with the Tri-Force pieces! Said she feels it with her own magic. Like... like the Tri-Force is decaying! There's an unbalance. That's what she said!"
“Boy. Sit. Down.” Every word that left Malik escalated into more powerful, cold shade that commanded Turagor to be silent. “I am the keeper of Power because I am more worthy of it then anyone else. Your mother is the keeper of Wisdom because she makes the hardest choices no one else will... and you do not speak of destiny unless you wish to provoke the gods into granting us all a terrible threat. It is not the time because I say it’s not the time.”
“Dad, we-”
Revan grew quiet when Malik raised a hand to silence the room. After a few moments, he continued. “If the Triforce is “decaying” then that is an illusion. The Triforce itself acts as a beacon of life, holding our world together. And there has been imbalance since the dawn of time. It’s how the world is. Now, you will compose yourselves. You will all take a deep breath. And in ten minutes, when your mother is done her work, you will go see your father. Now answer me, do I make myself clear? Do you understand? Can I get a yes from you?”
Turagor continued to glare at Malik. He was not afraid of the man. The young prince was angry about the whole situation. If his fearful grandfather was so worried of the past repeating itself, then he should have given the Tri-Force of Power to another family member besides Covarog to keep it within Hyrule walls. Knowing of Malik's past, Klinge's past, he thought the decision was a bad one. He agreed with his Aunt Rinku and his mother. The magic felt different. There was discord in the world. Why did no one else seem to sense it?
"You're the keeper of power because my grandfather is daft in his age. I believe my mother. Something is wrong with the Tri-Force. If you're trying to get me to believe it's an illusion, then tough luck." Turagor stated with gritted teeth. "And if you try to use it again, something worse will happen. Don't speak to me like I'm a child."
"Turagor! Please!" Luimaya was not in the right frame of mind for arguing. "Whatever secret is being held can be discussed another time. We need to support Mom."
"I'm done." Turagor threw up his hands and tromped in the direction of the medical bay. "I'm going to get Doctor Boveir in case some other shit is stirred up by those damnable relics. If anything, the man can at least restart a heart."
"Turagor, come back---"
"I need a minute, Luimaya. I'll be back." Down the hallway, Turagor was gone.
"... Malik... I know you don't believe Mom, but... what if she is right..." Luimaya had no energy to argue, but simply speculated. "The ruler of the Lorleidians is magic incarnate. If she says something is wrong, maybe... it's best to exercise caution. Not only for you, but Rinku and Mom as well. If..." She swallowed, not wanting to make Malik upset, but had to state her honest thoughts. "If the magic is unstable... it could end up hurting not only you, but those around you. The Tri-Force of power is not only magic, but a weapon. Please... be careful."
Malik looked at her with almost dead eyes, yet still had a light smile. Turning to an open area free of people, Malik reached a hand out. With the Triforce of Power, he created a portal back to the desert. Everyone could feel the heat as the hot wind blew his cap back. "Luimaya. The Triforce of Power is a part of me. If it is a weapon, so am I. But know that when you become Queen, I will watch over you in your time of need." Reaching down, he pulled her in for a hug. Letting go, he patted his stunned son on the shoulder and walked through back into his home.
Revan couldn't move. He didn't know what to say.
When Malik opened the portal, Covarog released a piercing scream. Zarazu was working hard with her magic, but the entire process was fighting her. Battling a curse was a difficult feat that few could master. Luimaya nearly jumped out of her skin and felt her heart sink. Was her mother... correct? As Malik said his goodbyes, the princess stood there in shock. There were so many unanswered questions. She was upset, she was afraid, but most of all... she was furious. "Revan..." Luimaya had a stoic expression upon her visage. "We need to talk to Uncle Ralnor."
"I- I don't-" Revan couldn't find the words to express his emotion he was feeling as his stomach churned inside. Quickly, though, he found himself sitting back down.
"Your father says he will watch over me... but he's not giving me the answers I require. I am tired of my own family hiding whatever this secret is from me." Luimaya knew in her heart that her parents were not returning to the throne after this incident. Her father would be weakened. Her mother would have few remaining years. It was her time. The coronation would have to take place firstly, but for now, she had to handle issues while her parents were occupied. "My first order as your queen-in-waiting," She commanded. "Find out what they are hiding from me. Whether it be my own family, friends... even your father. Then take your dragon, As'wana, to the desert to check on your mother."
"I... as you command." Revan got up, taking a deep breath. "I think your first bet is to seek out the sages. They aren't necessarily bounded to the crown, but to the greater good of Hyrule."
"... do you think my Aunt Zizi would have answers?"
"Perhaps. Or Lady Leere or Rinku." Revan finished gathering his spirit, and stood tall. "I will gather what I can. But I think you should see your father first."
"I'll wait until Mom is finished." Luimaya looked at the closed doors. "I can sense her working still. The curse is strong."
“The Triforce is holy in nature. And the curse of Demise shouldn’t affect your father. I fear something far more sinister and twisted is at work here...”
"Even holy objects can still cause death. Holy magic causes the death of darkness. But this... this is something else." Luimaya did not know how else to say it. "While the curse of Demise is not with my father, perhaps there is another one upon the Tri-Force. To drain the life of those connected to Ganondorf and Zelda. If I have a destiny, and this destiny is so important that I cannot know it," She stated her conclusion, "Then if my father was gone, the next person to be affected would be me. If I was gone, then this destiny of mine could not be fulfilled. I believe... something or someone... is going to come after me for a reason. And I need to know why."
~
Malik stepped through the portal and back onto Gerudo land. It appears he didn’t startle anyone with his appearance. Immediately, he looked at the Golden Triforce on his arm. Was he responsible for Covarog’s pain? No. He couldn’t be. There was something else at work trying to divide the keepers of the Triforce. And, in time, he’d find out what. When his people saw them, they were all worried and confused as to why he left, and how he returned so quickly. “My people. King Covarog suffered a heart attack. I wish to inform you he is stable though. Despite this, today is a day of celebration. But keep the King of Hyrule in your hearts.”
With that announcement, Malik marched his way to see his wife, daughter, and now newborn son.
"This is quite a new look for you, Mom." Donoma had stayed with her mother, trying to help with Takunova. "To tell you the truth, I didn't really expect... well, this." The young woman held up a strand of her mothers formerly black hair. There was one, long streak of gold there now. Solid gold. "Do you think it's the influence of the magic?"
"Either way, I'm not digging the blonde." Asakonigei was resting in bed, holding Takunova against her breast. The little boy was suckling, content to be warm and fed. "I might cut it off."
"What if grows back blonde?"
"... then I suppose I'll dye it."
Malik entered the bedroom, patting Gali on the back for a job well done looking after them. “Asa... blonde isn’t a bad look you know.”
"I look like I'm trying to be a teenager again. You do remember when your own son had the brilliant idea to dye his hair red and it turned purple?"
"Oh spirits, that was hilarious." Donoma giggled. "He sulked for days."
“Indeed.” Malik pulled a chair close, looking at his son fondly. “Is he safe? Are you both alright?”
"Takunova is doing fine." Asakonigei patted her newborn's back gently as he fed. "He hasn't cried. It's a little odd to me, both Revan and Donoma cried. But he's been really quiet and seems to just look at everyone and everything with his beautiful blue eyes. I think he at least got that from me." She chuckled. "Taku, say hello to your father."
"And Mom is fine as well." Donoma added. "So far, she's just a little sore."
“That’s good. Can I hold him?”
"Support his head." Asakonigei reminded her husband as she carefully handed Taku to him. "Isn't he a handsome boy?"
“He is. He has my look.” Malik looked to his daughter, smiling. “Yours too.”
"You mean the red hair?" Donoma asked with a grin. "Revan's going to be jealous."
"Hey now, there's nothing wrong with black hair."
"And blonde now."
"Oh hush."
“I’m just happy you are all fine and well.”
"He's healthy, I'm fine, we're all good." Asakonigei assured her husband. "Is our queen all right? Her husband?"
“Covarog... Covarog has suffered a heart attack.”
"....?!?! What?!" Asakonigei sat up straighter in bed. "Is he all right? How did this happen?! What about Zarazu?!"
“He is alive. That’s what matters. As for Zarazu and her family, of course they are distraught.”
"What did our queen say? She summoned you for a reason."
“She wanted to see if I could save him. I couldn’t.”
"Covarog has always been in great health. This could not have happened randomly..."
“No. Zarazu believes that by me saving your life, I took from his unknowingly.” Malik let Takunova play with his finger, telling himself that he’d have done it again.
"... because... of the Tri-Force?"
“That’s what she believes. I think it’s only made to appear so... which is far more frightening to me.”
"It's possible." Asakonigei stated. "You told me a long time ago that the curse from the Golden Goddesses has haunted Gnaondorf, Zelda, and Rinku for centuries. What if now, some sort of curse is being passed to their children? It's the first time this has happened."
“No. Absolutely not. The Golden Goddesses have never cursed the Gerudo. That has always been from Ganon- no, Demise. And any dark being before or after.” Malik was very adamant on that fact. “As much as I cursed the Gods for favouring the Hylians, that... that came from my own hate of feeling the Gerudo have always struggled. No thanks to Ganon over the millennias.”
"... what if they did curse them now?" Asakonigei felt horrible for her queen. She had to be absolutely terrified of losing Covarog. "The Seven Siblings, our spirits, warned the first queen of our people long ago not to let the Sacred Relics fall into evil's hand. Ganondorf took them. You saw what happened to Lorleidi."
“The Spirits of Hyrule added us during the battle against Vul’kar. They liberated the Hasai to align with Hyrule. The Gods are not angry with us.” Malik almost hissed. “We’ve been nothing but loyal to them.” Malik gently rocked his newborn son gently to ease his own stress. “We have enemies Asa. Enemies that’d love to see our faith shaken.”
"You once cursed the goddesses. Sometimes, even deities have their reasoning... if it's not the deities, then who?"
“We have plenty of devils lying in the shadows.”
"If you're referring to that snake, I highly doubt he's an enemy."
“No. No I’m not.” Malik held his child close. He had his suspicions, but he dared not speak any names.
"Keeping me in the dark is not going to make me feel any better, Malik." Asakonigei stated and then gave him a look. "You've done that before and you know I don't like it. If you have a gut feeling, you best share it now. This enemy could be influencing the Tri-Force for all we know."
“I won’t say names... but it could be what the snake refers to as a Destroyer... or the being that nearly killed us before any of our children were born Asakonigei.”
"Destroyer... why does that sound so familiar?" Asakonigei thought long and hard. "There was a tell that my grandfather used to say. Aguguq the Maker and Malsumis the Destroyer. Together, they served... the Mother Goddess; Amotkena."
"Lorleidians have always believed in several deities. The Seven Siblings. The Goddess of Death and God of Life. The Golden Goddesses. Yet, we never spoke much of the Mother Goddess and the Two Brothers." Asakonigei almost gave a shudder. "Usually because... where Mother Goddess is concerned, I remember my grandfather said there was always discord which hid in her shadow."
“As long as you all stay by my side, I promise death won’t reach you before your time.”
"I know, Malik, I trust you, I'm simply just... a little concerned for the future." Asakonigei carefully brushed Takunova's cheek. "More now than ever. Even I can sense there is something amiss in the world. Our magic, Lorleidian magic... is aware."
“Just have faith in the right people.” He looked to his family, smiling. “Can you stand Asa?”
"My legs are still a little wobbly." Asakonigei admitted to her husband. "I feel fine, just... tired, if that makes sense. It's an odd feeling for me. Before, I was exhausted for weeks." She slowly swung her legs to the side and tested her strength. Her knees were shaky but she said, "I'll try. I might need some help."
“Donoma, can you hold your mother up?”
"Of course." Donoma allowed her mother to lean on her, supporting her weight.
"Don't hurt yourself, I know I'm heavy."
"Psh, no heavier than my brother.”
“Tell me Donoma, are you excited to be an older sibling?”, Malik asked his daughter.
"Yes, he's a cute little brother." Donoma nodded her head. "I uh... don't really know what to think of the age gap though."
“Be a guide. Someone he can feel that understands him.”
"That I can do."
“Good. I wish your older brother could be here, but his place is at Luimaya’s side.”
"Oh, he'll come visit. I'm sure. Mom will give him hell if he doesn't."
"That's for sure."
That wasn’t what Malik meant. But for now, he felt no reason to burden them with the strife of the Castle. It didn’t take long when he saw Gali and asked her to gather the townsfolk that his request was addressed. Taking his family to a balcony overlooking the centre of town, he lifted a hand to the sun. “Gerudo! I know that there is concern about the well being of Covarog of Hyrule. I wish to confirm that he still breaths! And while he breaths, we cannot fall into despair. As your new King, I wish to inspire nothing but hope to you. The first steps towards that is building the future. On that not, I wish to introduce you to my newborn son. Takunova!!!”
The people cheered, and despite the horror of Covarog’s heart attack on his mind, Malik felt his soul at ease. Today would be a day of celebration, not strife. And as King of the Gerudo, he would lead them all into a brighter future. Even if that meant burning out darker days.
"I thought we'd never hear the prattle end from your grandfather about his glory days."
"Give him a break, he's old and just wants to give an impression that he can still kick ass."
"Can he still kick ass?"
"I... think so? To a degree? If you're close enough to hit with his cane, perhaps."
"Or his farts, those are lethal."
“Oh, hush the lot of you.” Ganondorf, former King of Hyrule, had grown older with age. Man was just over a century of age. Even kept his build up over all the decades. Up until Zelda passed away. His wife’s death shook him to the core, and over the last few years since her passing, he lost muscle mass. No need to work out, but also a loss of spirit. Still, he held joy for his family: children, grandchildren, friends. And this day was one of the most joyous he’d ever have in a long time.
With all his children and grandchildren finally gathered, with their significant others, they were traveling to Taiyo Town in a large caravan.
"We would have been here sooner if you didn't have to stop to pee ten times."
"Shut it, you were the one that kept complaining about being hungry."
"I was hungry! What's wrong with being hungry?"
"Ganonpa," Luimaya sighed in annoyance, listening to her siblings and cousins’ bicker. "How did you do it with Dad and his siblings?"
“To be honest, it was your grand mother that was the level headed one. I often encouraged some healthy bickering. Was also easy to haul you all by the scruffs when you’ve been misbehaving. Also helped to have Rinku and Leere step in once in a while.” The Mortuus had a nice cloak to protect her skin from the sun. Sunny was letting little Joy play with Skyla. “Well that became difficult when all our younger siblings become rebellious giants.”
"Hmph, when you could catch us by the scruff, old man."
"Remember that time when we pranked him with the stink bomb with Skull Kid?"
"He chased us through the halls for hours before giving up."
"I told you it wasn't a good idea at the time."
"What do you mean, Lui? It was your idea."
"Yes, my idea, just not at that time. He was in a mood that day and we set it off."
"What are we even doing here, anyway? I thought the future queen couldn't leave the castle unless it was for diplomatic reasons."
"It is." Luimaya clarified. "I'm here to meet the leaders of Taiyo Town."
"But you're going to be the queen, and you're Gerudo. So, doesn't that make you their leader?"
Revan cleared his throat, sitting next to Nakeso and Luimaya. There were so many grandkids he’d barely known here now. Not to mention, he was finally about to enter the town his father put so much time and attention into. The whole feeling was daunting, but he did his best to relax. Heck, Kanisa’s kids didn’t even look like Gerudo. “Well, yes and no. All the tribes of Hyrule ha e either sworn fealty to the crown of Hyrule or formed alliances. So technically, my father and anyone else who’s in charge here could lead without outright obeying Covarog and later Luimaya.”
Luimaya and Ganondorf both shot Revan a glare at his words. Like grandfather, like granddaughter, it seemed. She definitely inherited his scowl. Evidently, the two of them agreed on the premise that the Gerudo of Taiyo Town should still hold some respect for the original King, his son, and granddaughter. "We don't want a repeat of the past, Revan. We're going to ensure it stays peaceful, but there has to be some grounds of respect." Luimaya told her bodyguard. "Your father or another leader, it matters not."
“I never suggested that.” Revan drew closer to Nakeso, freezing when his thigh touched hers. “And I’m sure my dad isn’t a fool. Just stubborn. Something I’ve heard and know you two can have in common.”
The cart laughed as Ganondorf merely smiled lightly in agreement. It wasn’t something he could deny.
"That's right, you're the fool and he's just stubborn." Luimaya teased, earning another round of snickers from everyone in the caravan. "You've nearly gotten yourself killed numerous times, not counting the times you were trying to watch my back."
"I don't know who is the worst, Revan or you."
"Revan." The grandkids all responded in unisons.
"He has more tallies." Nakeso held up a notebook. "Revan has nearly gotten killed 158 times while Luimaya is only at 37."
"What? Really? I thought she'd have more."
"She's reckless, but she's not stupid enough to put herself in situations to die."
"True."
"Hey! Your future queen is hearing all this!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you know it's true."
Revan was bright red in the face. “It hasn’t even been a year since- Wait, how long have you kept that book around for?”
"Since you were five and almost stuck your head into a forge to prove you were fireproof like your sister." Nakeso remarked, earning a snort from Donoma. "I still can't believe you did that."
"He was just jealous that I could walk in fire without getting burned." Donoma giggled. "And pouted when I held fire in my hands like a ball. Insisted he could do it too. I don't think I've ever seen Mama scold him like that for an hour."
Revan was growing uncomfortable. Pretty much every grandchild was not only older than him, Ralnor’s children themselves being in their mid thirties to cap the height of age, but they were all together on his misery. Even Donoma seemed to be more suited with them. “Yeah. Sure.” When he saw Skyla looking at him, he sighed, secretly signing to her. “ Least I’m not afraid of spiders.”
"You in trouble. A lot." Skyla signed in return with a small smile. She was still shy, like she was when a tiny girl, but had opened up to her cousins and was flourishing in her studies to be a veterinarian. "But good fighter. Luimaya lucky to have you. Don't worry. Everyone loves you. Just tease you cause love you."
“Could fool me.”
“Hey ya’ll!” Rinku shouted from the front of the horse cart. “We’re here. You all behaving back there? Hate to turn this ride around~”
"Hey, if we're not behaving, it's only because we learned it from you." Covarog snickered.
Orana jested with him. "Yeah, you tell her."
“Well, you got me there.” They could hear the putter patter of her feet walking on the sand to the doors. Opening them, sunlight poured inside. “To those unaccustomed by desert heat, please apply sunscreen that’s been provided. This mostly applies to my gothic sister pale as a vampire and Kanisa’s one eyed, blue skinned, always a pleasurable attitude husband and my adorable nephew and niece from Uskar. My sister in law Sunny has provided sun hats for those who prefer them.”
"Is your sister always this cheery?" Vidar grumbled in Uskarian to Kanisa. He absolutely loathed the desert and the heat. The poor man looked miserable. "I don't see how it's possible with all this sand and sun."
"Just deal with it a little while longer please, love." Kanisa assured her husband. "We'll be back in Uskar soon enough."
"If I don't melt first."
Leere addressed Skyla and Joy together with Tebanem. “Since you’re both the youngest, I’d like you both to stay together at all times. Stay within eyeshot of an adult.”
"Hey! I'm not a kid." Tebanam huffed. "I'm an adult!"
"She means Skyla and Joy, Teb." Faris clarified, amused, to his husband. "She doesn't want them wandering off."
"Oh."
The shit eating grin on Leere’s face filled up until she couldn’t help but keel over in laughter. “If you need the advice of the oldest siblings, talk to me or Luimaya, Tebby. I’m sure Kanny will love to be your pair buddy~”
"Oh shut it, I knew what you meant, I was just joking." Tebanam refused to look her in the eye, crossing his arms.
Once all the others had stepped outside, Ganondorf made his way out of the cart. It had been too long since he breathed desert air and tasted life upon the winds. With light robes he turned to the massive walls of the town. Was like a fortress. “Impressive.” The gates opened as Revan and Donoma handed out passes to the men that their father had given them in advance. What awaited inside amazed the old king. Gerudo of all shapes and sizes interacting as a community. Everyone of them shouted out one big greeting when they saw the family gathering. “VASAAQ!!! SAV’AAQ!!!”
Revan himself blinked, surprised by how many red headed women there were. He looked at his sister surprised. “You’ve been coming here?”
"Yeah, what of it?" Donoma was taken aback by her brother's surprise. "I've learned a lot about our history. Mama taught me all I needed to know of what we had of Lorleidian history. Dad taught us what he knew of Gerudo history, but there's only so much he can teach. The rest of it needs to be experienced. Besides," She waved at a few of her friends. "I've made a lot of progress in my studies and I have friends here. It's nice to have a second home."
“Must be nice.” Revan couldn’t help but let his bitterness out. Was he not Gerudo enough to belong here? The man of the hour appeared. Malik opted for stylized, yet comfortable robes. Beside him, Gali was wearing a nice Vai dress. The Lord of Taiyo Town smiled to Zarazu before addressing the group as a whole. “My extended family, and royal family of Hyrule. I am honoured that you can finally see the hard work all of our generations have worked towards. The Gerudo people prosperous once again. I welcome you to Taiyo town.”
Each family member extended their greeting politely before the King spoke. "I am impressed by the amount of work here, and absolutely delighted that we finally are able to see the restoration of our people." Covarog then noted Gali. "Please let me to express my thanks in allowing Lord Malik to help you oversee the construction of Taiyo Town. May I present my wife, Queen Zarazu of the Lorleidians," He gestured to his lover. "And my children. Marena and Syrena are the youngest twins, then Zahirog, then Turagor and Luimaya are my eldest. My Luimaya is next in line to rule our kingdom."
Gali bowed her head politely to Luimaya. “It is a privilege to learn the next high Queen will be a Gerudo Woman on the throne. Strong, and fiery from what Donoma has told me in her studies. You will make a remarkable queen, I’m sure. We encourage you to explore Taiyo Town on your own. We want to be an organic experience for all of you.”
"It is a privilege to be here in your town, to learn more of my history and to walk with the fierce warriors that I have read so much about in books. I feel like this is something out of a fairy tale, even though I know it's simply history." Luimaya returned a respectful nod of her head to Gali. "I ask that you teach me, my siblings, and cousins all that you know and anything you wish for us to learn; whether it be ways of combat or simple knowledge." Then the future queen gestured to Skyla. "I ask you have patience with my family, but especially my cousin, Skyla. She is deaf and reads lips. I don't suppose any of you know sign? She can write in Gerudo, but that takes a time." "Hi!" Skyla signed to Gali with a bright smile. "I do read lips, but accents make lips move odd. Please talk slowly for me." Luimaya then translated, "She is greeting you and asking for you and the other members of the town to speak slower for her, to give her time to read your lips."
Gali nodded, addressing the town in Gerudo to look out for the little one. Turning to Skyla, she got on a knee to kneel down to her and speak in Sign. “Hello Skyla. I am Gali. I think I’ve met you and your father’s people on my travels before. Hard to forget a tribe as pretty as you.”
"You tall lady." Skyla motioned to the women surrounding Gali. "All tall. Garai women like me, not so tall. Sister tribe, you come visit sometime." She then stomped the sand with her foot and made a sailing wave with her arm. "Ride Sand Rays! Learn of Gerudo now. You learn of Garai too. Too much time pass without sister tribe. Sand here. Stone there. Much to know." "Skyla, don't sign so fast, she might not get it all." Tebanam hopped down from his camel, Loogie, and signed to his daughter. "They go slow for you, you go slow for them. Not too fast." Skyla blushed and sheepishly signed, "Sorry. Excited!"
"That's more than fine Skyla. We'll get to learning about each others culture very quickly." Gali patted Skyla on the shoulder as she stood up. "We have tour guides in green patched shoulders who'd love to take you around our markets, bars, training grounds, schools, saunas, spas, and the rest of the joyous spots in Taiyo Town. If you'd like to explore on your own that's fine too. I hope you all enjoy the joys Taiyo Town can bring!"
Ganondorf was lost in thought as he looked around the town. While Gali was addressing the crowd, he watched small Gerudo children kick a ball back and forth. A woman was beating an old styled blanket he used to wrap himself in previous lives from her balcony. And there was a Hylian in the background laughing with a Gerudo. A union he had been working hard since with his wife to normalized. A view he knew his cousin had struggled to come to grips with. Yet here they were.
~
Donoma was struggling to pull her brother through the throng of women. This was a headache. She kept politely asking for the ladies to step aside, but they were more interested in talking to Revan. "Girls... girls, for fuck's sake!!!" Donoma shouted over the crowd. "You can feel his pecs later, we're going to see my mom now."
“Come on Donoma! This is the virgin brother you have! Can’t we just, you know, kiss him. For homework purposes?” Her roommate asked in a little sexy voice for her brother.
Revan wasn’t expecting so many of the girls around Donoma’s age to be so horny. This wasn’t the type of attention he wanted. “I have someone else...”
"No. At least, not now. Later." Donoma yanked Revan into the tent that her mother and father shared. Finally, maybe the crowd would go away. "Damn vultures, I swear..."
"Revan!" Asakonigei was on bed rest, currently trying her hand at knitting and failing miserably. Although, her face lit up when she saw her son and daughter. "Donoma! I'm so happy you're both here!"
“Mom!” Revan ran forward, hugging her close. “Are you ok? I can’t believe Dad got you pregnant again.”
"I'm fine, Revan, just a little uncomfortable with all this extra weight." Asakonigei hugged her son tightly. "We were not exactly planning this, but nonetheless, it happened. I've been very well cared for while I've been here."
"Do you know what the baby is now?" Donoma asked her mother. "I've been wanting to know for so long!"
"Yes, actually, I do know the baby is going to be." Asakonigei smiled widely. "You're both going to have a little brother."
"Queen Zarazu birthed three Gerudo boys and now, I suppose I'm lucky to have a second one." Asakonigei then added. "Though your father and I have been at odds about a name."
“You have?” Revan sat beside her, wanting to not leave her side. Been months since he saw his mother.
"Get a load of this," Donoma plopped onto the bed, opposite to Revan, their mother in the middle. "Dad says he wants another Gerudo name, but Mom is insisting on a combination between Gerudo and Lorleidian since my name is Lorleidian and yours is Gerudo."
"It's only fair." Asakonigei defended her point. "I doubt I'm having another baby, so half it, right?"
“Well knowing father, he most likely doesn’t want a Frankenstein name put together.”
"It's not that bad, I don't think." Donoma shrugged her shoulders. "Mufratir is all right, isn't it?" Asakonigei asked her son.
Revan couldn’t hide his displeasure at the name as his face contorted at the corners. “Keep it simple?”
"Or she could go all out like Zarazu and Covarog did with Zahirog and name the kid Malikonigei." Donoma snorted.
"Oh, hush you!" Asakonigei gently shoved at Donoma's shoulder.
“Could call him Dad’s first name?” Revan pondered on the possibilities.
"One Malik in the world is enough, the world has enough stubbornness." Asakonigei laughed.
"The world didn't need even more with Revan, what have you done, Mom?"
"Your brother is not that bad."
"He went into a match without magic."
"That's just his ego."
“Excuse me?!” The comment of the world not needing him stung Revan to his core. “I’m sorry I tried to prove that I had value in the skills I crafted for myself. I’m sorry I’m not daddies favourite child!”
"Oh, stop being a brat." Donoma snapped at Revan. "You know that's not what I meant. I implied the world doesn't need more of your 'I'm-undefeatable' attitude." She then scoffed and said, "Favorite? Dad doesn't choose favorites, but if you really believe that's true, it's only because I actually listen and behave."
"Hush, you two, stop fighting." Asakonigei scolded both of her children. "I shall not have you two fighting in front of me or your father. He has enough to worry about as it is."
“Oh you know what, fuck dad too. Too important with all of this to give a damn about me.” Revan gestured all around the village with wide arms. “Skipping dinners, celebrations, and ceremonies to be here. Except while I’m stuck out busting my ass, he chooses you to live here with him. You’re probably aware he’s never once invited me here.”
"He didn't choose me to live with him here, you dumbass! I'm a woman, for starters, and at least I look Gerudo!!!" Donoma spat back at Revan. "He's trying his best to rebuild some semblance of what our ancestors lost! If you're so upset about not receiving a personal invitation, it's not Dad's fault! The Gerudo women here don't trust men! The only reason they trust Dad is because he is Gerudo!"
"ENOUGH!!!" Asakonigei shouted so loud that Revan's ears and Donoma's rang something fierce. "If the both of you are going to squabble like children, then you can do so elsewhere! I do not need the stress of seeing you two fight and neither does your little sibling! Out! Right now!"
"But Mom---"
"I said, OUT!!!"
“You hit the nail exactly on the head. In his eyes I’m not Gerudo. And if I am, I’ll only carry the worst aspects. So how about you go crawl back to your sisterhood like the good little girl you are.” Revan looked to his mom, daring to glare at her something fierce. “A baby will kill you. Why would you risk putting us through something like that?”
"At least I don't follow around a girl who doesn't love me!" Donoma shot back. "Luimaya will never like you in that aspect and you think being her bodyguard will make her view you as some romantic hero? You're an ass." With that, Donoma tromped out of the tent.
Asakonigei gave Revan a hard stare. "I had complications with you, I lost too much blood with Donoma, and yet, both of you are still here and alive." Asakonigei said very sternly. "Your father and I didn't plan this. I did not even think I could get pregnant again with the trauma my body suffered. Yet, this baby is growing within me and will need you and your sister. I would gladly die for you and Donoma, and this baby. It's part of me and part of your father, and will be your sibling. Don't you dare patronize me, son."
“Is this because you want to give father his large family. You really think it’ll be fair to the baby to grow up in a world without a mother?” Revan sat down next to her, disbelief wrapped around his face. “You think that’s fair to me and Donoma to lose you for another one of father’s grand dreams? Honestly, are you even thinking properly here?”
"No, I don't think it's fair. Not for me, not for you, not for your sister or father, and certainly not the baby." Asakonigei stated as her son sat beside of her. "As I said previously, your father nor I planned this. It simply happened. And I am thinking very clearly. I am a mother. You will not be able to understand until you have children of your own, Revan. I want this baby to be born surrounded by love regardless of what happens to me. I may or may not survive... but at least this time, I will have more help."
“How? What makes you believe that? Your body will kill you. Dr. Bovier made that perfectly clear.”
"Yes, Doctor Boveir did. Yet, these women believe differently. So now, the only thing I have left is faith."
“Faith? Are you out of your mind?” Revan sneered at the very thought. “We should just get on our hands and knees and pray? Or perhaps we should get some shaman to throw flowers on top of you.”
"Don't. Patronize. Me." Asakonigei yanked her son forward by the collar of his armor. She was pregnant, but still strong enough to get Revan's attention. "I prayed to Kovina for you. You are here. If you are going to be like this, then you can leave. I will not have your attitude around myself or your new sibling-to-be when the time comes. Either you can support me, or go. What is it going to be?"
“I’ll leave when her royal highness deems it ready to go.” He held her hand, his fingers gentle, yet firm on her. His eyes were angry, but his lips trembled small hesitation. “I don’t want Klinge’s ego to take you away from me.”
"... you know I'll fight the Goddess of Death to stay here with you." Asakonigei held the side of his face with a small sigh. "If you don't have faith in the deities, at least have faith in me. Your mother is a tough old woman."
Revan’s eyes were heavy as he slowly nodded in agreement. “Alright...” Careful to not hurt her, he hugged his mother closely. “I don’t trust Father to look after you. So you have to be strong enough to look after yourself.”
As Revan hugged her, Asakonigei slowly stroked the back of his hair, trying her best to soothe him. "I have a lot of women here ready to help me. I'll have help, Revan. And if you decide to stay for a little while, then you can help me too."
Revan choose to ignore that last part. “I hope they can help you...”
~
The first day of the royal family visit was going smoothly. Malik was incredibly proud of his people. Seeing Luimaya, he waved the girl and her siblings over. “Young princess. Princes and princess’. How are you this afternoon?”
Luimaya had been exploring the town with her siblings and cousins. All of them were currently enjoying a recipe of the Gerudo heritage. Poor Turagor was coughing from the spiciness, the younger twins barely batted an eye, and Zahirog merely nibbled on his, trying to save face. "This is... a different experience for sure. It's not exactly what I've read in books." Zahirog admitted to Malik.
"I guess history left out a few parts." Turagor said in-between sputters from the spicy chicken leg.
"I really enjoyed seeing such beautiful custom clothes!" Marena smiled.
"And hearing the music!" Syrena added.
Luimaya stayed silent for a while, thinking. "Though... Ganonpa won't stay here to lead them." She then asked. "So I suppose Gail is going to?"
“Ganondorf is too old to lead. The man has lived long enough for this lifetime to be a ruler. Gali certainly makes a qualified Chieftain in my absence.”
The siblings exchanged glances.
"... you?" Zahirog appeared to be confused. "You're a man. I thought the Gerudo wanted a female leader like Nabooru in the old days?"
“There have been Kings and Queens in our past too.”
"Yeah, though Zahi and Turagor needed a pass just to come in here." Marena noted. "So... it's safe to assume they're not too trusting of men." Syrena pointed out to her uncle.
"I know Mom and Dad will probably want to talk to them about keeping good ties with Hyrule." Luimaya told Malik. "I know Dad is King and a descendant of Ganondorf, so surely there will be peace from here on out."
“That’s something we are working out. I just don’t want these people to be taken advantage of.” Malik smiled softly, speaking gently to them all. “Just how I didn’t want your father, uncles, aunts and all of you taken advantage. History can sometimes be tricky and like to repeat itself.”
"Do you think they'll allow Lorleidians here too? Maybe some Hylian civilians?" Luimaya inquired. "For trading purposes?"
“Yes. It’s what I want. It’s what we are already trying to integrate. Look closely, and you’ll be able to spot one or two amongst the town even now.”
"As long as there is prosperity and peace, that's what matters the most." Luimaya stated.
"Though, I really wish you wouldn't stay here."
"Yeah, the castle would fall apart without you." Turagor remarked as he chugged down some water, trying to wash away some of the spiciness of the chicken. "I mean, you did keep our aunts and uncles from arguing all the time. Sort of."
"I think what he's trying to say is you're a peacemaker and we don't want anymore food fight incidents between Uncle Corsaire and his crew against the Hylian guards." Zahirog blanched. "I was pulling noodles out of my hair for weeks."
“Children...” Malik tried to sound soft to counteract how tired he was of this particular conversation. “I’ve been a peacemaker before your parents were even born. If you still need to rely on my guidance, I fear for the stability of Hyrule.”
"What they're trying to say is, they're going to miss you if you stay here." Marena clarified.
"Yeah. It would suck, cause we wouldn't get to see you as often." Syrena added to her twin's statement.
“Your Aunt Kanisa lives a whole ocean away. I’m still less then a days travel away. Besides, distance makes the heart grow fonder.” He gently patted Syrena on the shoulder.
"Yeah, but at least she has a dragon to bring her here to see us." Syrena sulked slightly. "If you move away, you might not come back cause Uncle Ralnor annoys you."
"We all know that Uncle Ralnor can annoy anyone with his 'proper-ness'." Marena snickered. "I hold my pinky finger out when I sip tea, look at me, I'm so proper." The siblings did exchange giggles at that mentioning.
“What? You can’t travel here to see me?”
"We can but who knows when we'll be able to." Luimaya admitted with a heavy sigh. "Come on, Uncle Malik. Even Mom and Dad don't get out of the palace that much. You know that."
"And when Lui becomes queen, it will be harder for to do so." Turagor frowned slightly. "Maybe for us if we have to stay at home too."
"At least we have each other." Zahirog noted. "That's what counts."
"But on a lighter note, Mama told us that Aunt Asa is pregnant again." Marena smiled. "What are you going to name the baby?"
"Is it a boy or a girl?" Syrena asked.
“I don’t know yet.” Malik didn’t want to know, least, not quite yet. Sighing, he figured out how to approach their worries. “The same way home will keep you busy in central Hyrule, my home here will keep me busy. This is simply part of life though children.”
"We know." Zahirog shrugged, holding his siblings together with his arms around their shoulders. "Though you better find the time to visit if we do."
“I-“ Malik saw Ganondorf from afar. The man held an expression of light urgency, waving the Lord with the wrist of a hand. “If you will excuse me children.”
Reaching Ganondorf’s side, Malik still felt slightly humbled in his presence. “Is something the matter?”
“No. Not at all. However, there is something of great importance I wish to discuss with you.”
“I understand.”
“I think privately will be best.”
Privately? This intrigued Malik. “Very well. Inside the eyes of the goddess statue then?” Ganondorf looked to the edge of the town where a giant woman of stone observed the town.
“You can go inside?”
“Yes. I made it a place of pray and to chronicle our people.”
“How spiritual of you. Let’s not waste time. Still a night of celebration to share.” The two Gerudo men reminisced on their shared past as they made their way to the temple. Inside, Ganondorf and Malik took their seat in front of a mural of great Gerudo’s past. “Cousin, don’t think me rude, but I invited two others.”
"I swear, if Malik wanted me to drag my ass in here for another stupid test of his, I'mma choke him. Getting too old for that."
"Now, now, Rinku, I'm sure he just wants to talk without a ton of eyes upon us."
"I'm serious, I'm so over these tests of his, Zarazu! At least he learned his lesson with you."
"How so?"
"... you took the man's arm; he should be grateful you didn't take his dick." Rinku and Zarazu had no idea that the words in the temple could... echo.
Ganondorf turned to daughter as she made herself visible with Zarazu. “Colourful vocabulary.” Malik was surprised to see Zarazu and Rinku together. “I didn’t expect you both to be here.”
"You invited us?" Zarazu held a tone of questioning to her voice. "Unless I misunderstood, you wanted to meet with the holders of the Tri-Force?"
"Hey, I've heard worse from you, Ganondad." Rinku pointed a finger at Ganondorf.
“I did.”
“What is this all about?” Malik stiffened, uncertainty filling his being. His words said otherwise, but deep down his heart knew why they were all gathered now.
Ganondorf changed his gaze over to Malik, a deep and heavy look falling on him. “We are here to talk about The Triforce of Power’s new owner.”
Silence was cast over the room, and a shocking realization hit Malik now it was in the open air. “Me?”
"...?! WHAT?!" Rinku shook her head. "Wait, I thought Covarog was supposed to get the Tri-Force? He's next in line, no offense, Malik."
"I am... surprised myself." Zarazu stated slowly, not expecting this. "Might I ask why?"
“Rinku...” Ganondorf waiter until his eldest daughter was a little calmer before continuing. “Every child of mine, with the exception of you, carries a seed of darkness that I share. I fear the Triforce might corrupt them as it corrupted me.”
"Corrupt them?!" Rinku took offense to that. "All your kids are the best of you and Mom. Do you truly think that if you give the Tri-Force to Covarog that he'll turn dark?" She then said, "If you don't want to trust Covarog with it, then give it to Ralnor. Hell, give it to Orana or Kanisa, even Teb! They're not going to be corrupted! None of them are part of this curse that you, Mom, and I have repeated!"
“No. They both struggle with darkness in their choices. And I won’t expose Orana, Kanisa, or Tebanem to temptation of abuse. I need someone who’s motives are incorruptible. That knows the weight of true magic and power.”
"You have so little faith in them! Look at how much they all have overcome!" Rinku frowned and gestured to Zarazu. "They're married. They have families. They're happy! And not once ounce of lust for power within them! And you think Malik is the one? Good goddesses, look at what you both have done in the past!" Rinku exclaimed. "Look at how much bloodshed both of you have on your hands! He's a carbon copy of you, Ganondorf! This is not a good idea!"
“Have we not redeemed ourselves? Has he not suffered enough under my hands as much as any of my other past victims? He rose from being my tool to regaining his humanity.” Ganondorf sent a penetrating look at his daughter. “What’s more, he has never broken my trust. Even in the deepest depths of depravity he was always honest with his intentions.”
"Yeah, he regained his humanity, but not due to you." Rinku remarked with a glare of her own. "Due to her," She motioned to Zarazu, and then added, "And his wife. What do you think will happen if they're no longer around to keep him in check? Do you want me to have to strike him down like I had to do you in our past lives if he loses control?"
“I regained it due to me wanting my humanity back. I worked hard for it. I earned it.” Malik was about done with the hero talking down on him. “You speak as though you aren’t without blood on your hands. So many of your past lives ended entire bloodlines due and the ramifications can still be felt today. We keep each other in check. I was kept around to keep you in check since you were a child. So don’t patronize me.”
"I know I have blood on my hands and I regret my actions. Yet, I've never been influenced by power. That's your lot. You still seek it today, and you're blind to it." Rinku shook her head. "I don't agree with this. When Chaos comes, he'll use it against you to turn you to his side and you'll end up fighting with Luimaya instead of with her. I'm out of here." The heroine tromped out of the cave, steaming. Zarazu, on the other hand, had remained silent the entire time. Thinking.
Malik couldn’t help but laugh at the old Princess. Even now, she still had a young spirit. “You’re going down to a dead end.”
As she stomped around, Ganondorf was less amused. “Rinku. You aren’t being fair here. As Zelda trusted Zarazu, I trust Malik. Please... sit.” The old king was also tired. He didn’t want to argue this point.
Rinku was done with this conversation and refused to be a part of it further. She turned around, found another tunnel, and exited the cave to prove her point and kept walking.
"Maybe we should give her some space to think as well." Zarazu suggested, trying to keep Rinku and Ganondorf from arguing again as her sister-in-law left the temple.
“She’ll have to accept it.” With Rinku gone, Ganondorf sighed. “She’s in the dark, but I know you’re no fool to Ralnor’s darker actions in protecting Hyrule, even now. And for my eldest, I wasn’t completely sure until I heard Malik show Zannah respect where Covarog couldn’t let go of it his hatred of the Hasai. That is ultimately why I choose Malik over your husband Zarazu. Malik has shed his hate.”
Malik looked softly at Zarazu, wondering what she was thinking. “Rupee for your thoughts?”
"I can understand Rinku's view and your view, because I'm trying to be fair from a standpoint." Zarazu admitted to the men. "I'm well aware that my husband has flaws. Everyone does, we're human. However, I do think you should tell Covarog why he is not getting the Tri-Force of power. I won't lie, I'm sure it will hurt him. He has been looking forward to succeeding you in being a carrier because he wants to make you proud." She then continued, "Though, if Malik has the Tri-Force, I know you trust him and I know that he has more respect for the Hasai than my husband. I cannot help but wonder if you too will be immune to the temptation of power, my oldest friend." The queen was wise, for sure, though still cautious. "Many times in history, power has corrupted... are you sure that it's temptation will not affect you like it has Ganondorf?"
“I don’t know for sure. That’s why I want my friends and family to keep me honest. To use a seat and source of power for the betterment of all people.” Malik glanced over to Ganondorf, a sudden frown on his face. “If you give me your greatest source of power, you will lose your immortality. You might not live for long.”
“Who wants to live forever? No. Not me. As for Covarog, he knows how plenty proud I am of him.”
Finally, Ganondorf stood up from his bench. “Zarazu. I want your support on this. Do you think Malik is a good man? Do you think he can wield power in the name of peace?”
"... I do believe Malik is a good man. I do believe he sincerely wants the best for our people, for the Gerudo as well. Though, as said previously, there is always temptation." Zarazu looked at her own hand. There she saw the slight glow of the Tri-Force piece of Wisdom, reminding her there were always two sides to every tale. Those years ago before Zelda's death, she entrusted the Lorleidian queen with the Tri-Force of Wisdom. She did not want her daughters to carry the burden and trusted Zarazu to keep it safe. "Though we are only human, Ganondorf. Sometimes, even I feel the slight pull of the Tri-Force, calling me to use it. To dip into that magical essence that is so pure and addictive, that I have to be careful. I resist it for the sake of my family, my friends, and my kingdom." She held up her fingers glowing with magic. "If you want my support, and my utmost trust... then I must ask that we form a bind. This way, no matter where these pieces may end up... we will not let them fight against one another again." The queen then stated. "We'll revoke this curse."
“I can agree to that. If the pieces of the Triforce, ever, ever need to come together, then it will be for a wish of healing to the people.” Malik’s breath didn’t hitch as he reached a hand out to Zarazu to shake on this sacred pact.
"Not to destroy, but for peace." Zarazu took Malik's hand. "No longer destruction, but healing."
“For love, not hatred.”
"Agreed." Zarazu used her magic to implement the contract of the binding. A ring of runes in the Lorleidian language formed on her wrist and Malik's, identical in nature. "And if we break it... we die."
Malik nodded. When finished, he seemed almost somber when he spoke. Perhaps now was the time to tell his friend. “You should know that I’m not coming back to Hyrule. This is my home. With my people. They want to elect me to the position of Gerudo King. The sworn guardian. I’ve waited to be here again since I was a boy.”
"... I know." Zarazu simply replied to her friend. "I want you to be happy. Though I must be blunt with my next question." She took a small breath and said, "When the time comes... you will still remain loyal to my daughter?"
“I will be a friend that she can rely on.”
"She will need you." Zarazu actually looked... concerned. "As much as that snake gives me the creeps, I cannot deny his magic or his status. He said it will be soon... and I am worried."
“The Triforce bearers and the sages will need to protect the world.” Ganondorf stretched out, taking a deep breath. “Are you both prepared for that?”
"I am prepared for that. I am ready to give my life if it means my family will be safe." Zarazu clasped her hands together, her gaze downcast. "I am not ready to... to sacrifice my daughter. If what Bonegrinder says is true, and... his prophecy is correct..." It was hard for her to speak the words. "I've seen what has happened to Bonegrinder's mind. It is warped. He shares two souls in one body. He is a host for a deity and no longer his original self... if that happens to my Luimaya..."
“Bonegrinder is a freak. I won’t let him or anyone else hurt your daughter Zarazu.”
"... I trust you." Zarazu sighed, still thinking of what the future could hold. "I do think you need to check on Asa, Malik. From what Nakeso overheard when she went to take your wife some food from Gail, Revan and Donoma were... disagreeing."
“It is.” Ganondorf took a few sound breaths. Opening his right palm, a feint and soft glow emerged as a small golden triangle appeared. There was no celebration of grand ceremony behind it. The earth didn’t shake, and the sky didn’t change colour. It simply appeared. Ganondorf gently handed it to Malik to hold with both hands. “Take it.”
Zarazu simply waited in slight apprehension. She did not know what would occur once Malik took the piece.
Ganondorf stepped back as his cousin held the Triforce. Malik didn’t expect it to feel so warm, like a campfire. But with a squeeze of his right fist around it, he felt his heart light in a blaze of might. The Triforce connected to him physically, mentally, and spiritually. His breath felt freer, and he felt more alive then ever. One his palm, the triangle of the Triforce emerged from nothing, looking like tattoo. The top triangle lightly glowed, signifying the merger was a success. Malik, son of the desert and blade of the Gerudo, was now the weirder of Power.
"... Malik?" Zarazu finally spoke. "Are you all right?"
"I can relate." Zarazu took a slow inhale. It seemed he was still himself... for now. Maybe the fail-safe spell was keeping everything in check. Maybe Rinku was wrong and Malik would not be corrupted. Yet, personally, though she might not admit it, Zarazu was not willing to take that chance when it came to her daughter. If he tried to use it for evil... no, it was best not to think about it.
Malik took a few moments to self reflect. With the Triforce, he felt connected to life and magic on a deeper level in a near instant. To be truthful, it suddenly became overbearing. “I think I need to sit down.”
Zarazu formed a chair of ice for him to sit upon in the cave. "... the magic is overwhelming for a new holder." The queen then offered. "I can help you channel it for a bit to get you used to it."
“Give me a moment. I just need to adjust.”
"Close your eyes and try to imagine the flow of the magic." Zarazu instructed Malik, trying to make it easier for him. "You feel it within you, within your surroundings, and others... let it talk to you."
“Cousin, imagine the Triforce as a heart within you. It beats within you as a generator of life and magic. Ease into it. Should be similar to the magic you know.”
Malik nodded, feeling deep within and focusing on himself. Over the course of five minutes the man finally felt he had control over the new weight of his soul. “I’ll be fine now.”
"All right... let's just walk slow then. We'll need to help Ganondorf."
Malik took another breath, looking down at the yellow triangle burned upon his hand. He knew in his heart of hearts this was the key to bringing glory to the Gerudo and all of Hyrule.
A month had passed and Malik’s town was finally in its final phase. Elite guards had been trained to protect the city, and a trading system with men had been set up. If you weren’t a Gerudo male, you needed a special pass to come into the town walls. Trading tents were set outside to have trade to those who couldn’t afford a pass.
Asakonigei was growing rather tired of the constant trips back and forth to the Gerudo town. She did not want to get behind in her work for Queen Zarazu and wanted to keep her family home upkept. Yet, at the same time, she wanted to be a good wife and honor Malik's request for some new weapons for the elite guards in the newly restored city. So, it was difficult, trying to manage the two lives. She felt exhausted, too tired to even eat the food in front of it... and not to mention, it smelled absolutely vile. The roasted chicken and spices had a rancid scent. The vegetables were too bland. Strawberry cake with whipped cream was her favorite dessert and she could not bring herself to take a bite. Pushing her plate away, Asakonigei wondered if she had worked herself into a state of sickness.
Malik finished addressing safety protocols with Gali to the Gerudo people on safe trade when he returned to his chambers with his wife. Seeing she didn’t even touch the bowl of soup, he frowned. “Don’t even like my own simple cooking? I’m worried about you.”
"It's nothing against you, Malik, I think maybe I'm just too tired to function." Asakonigei admitted to her husband. "There has been a lot of work lately and perhaps, my body is just telling me I need a break. Even my magic feels a little off." She held up the fork, watching it twist and contort into a various shape before returning to normal.
“Then rest. Zarazu and your cousins can sustain themselves for now, and you’ve done enough marvellous work for me in the time being.”
"Are you going to join me?" Asakonigei took the cozy spot on the bedding. "You've been working a lot as well lately."
“I can spare some time.” Malik took off his armour, setting it on a Manikin. Settling beside his wife, he rested a hand on her hand. “You eat anything off?”
"Not that I can think of." Asakonigei thought of the meals of the previous few days. "Maybe it's just the heat of the desert and the combination of working in the forge. It's possible that I'm dehydrated."
“You don’t seem to have any signs, but I can look into it. Would you like to see a doctor here?”
"Perhaps I should... but later, I'd like to rest a little first. I'm tired." Asakonigei sighed as she snuggled into Malik. "Just hold me and keep me company."
Malik held her closer, breathing slowly. “You think Revan is still mad at us? Donoma didn’t paint a bright picture.”
"I think Revan knows we're proud of him, but I do wish we could have been there to support him." Asakonigei tried to imagine her son in the arena. Knowing him, he would be too stubborn and get hurt a few times. Not to mention, he'd do something stupid just to prove a point. That was how he had always been. "We'll make it up to him and celebrate his new position when we are both home."
“I think how he fought is doing wonders for his reputation.”
"Doing wonders for his ego you mean." Asakonigei chuckled. "Just like his father."
“No offence to you or Zarazu, but a warrior is much grander than a wizard. Besides a letter from Tulilad wanting me to chip in his children’s medical fee, I see no downsides from Revan’s experience. He can’t have us around to coddle him for every ceremony he attends.”
"That has nothing to do with ego. Even you liked to show off during your younger days and even before that." Asakonigei had to tease her husband, just a little. "Then again, you still do show off."
“Alright. Maybe I can admit it’s in our blood.” Malik rested a hand on his wife’s stomach.
"In your blood, you mean." Asakonigei closed her eyes. "Just... wake me up in a little bit." She yawned, getting comfortable.
“It’s the middle of the day Asa.” Malik squeezed her hand lightly. “I’m worried about you. Why are you so tired?”
"I'm not sure, but it's nothing serious." Asakonigei mumbled, already dozing. "I'd tell you if I felt sick."
Malik let her settle into his chest as a pillow while he silently thought about the possible situations. When his mind went to sicknesses shared by women, his heart skipped a beat. Without moving, he recollected his thoughts. He had unprotected sex with his wife to rejuvenate their relationship and fill her needs. Did Asakonigei stop using the leaf? Did she feel that it was no longer necessary? With tension rising, he remembered how sick she could get before. Worse, how she her body nearly killed her after the last pregnancy. Not wanting to wake her, he let seeds of fear plant themselves within his mind.
Asakonigei slept for nearly three full hours. She was disoriented when she fully roused from slumber. The Kovina was certainly surprised to see her husband still at her side. This was odd. Usually, he was the one up and about, making sure everything was ready and perfect. She figured he had work to do. It seemed there was still a little daylight left. Maybe now she could try eating something... but what? Something plain... salty maybe? No, she was dehydrated, salt might make it worse. Maybe a rice cake would be tasty... but she hated rice cakes. When was the last time she ate one? Goodness, was too much work making her system shot?
Malik spooned her close, one hand tenderly playing with a lock of her hair. “Need water my flower?”
"Water would be nice." Asakonigei blinked sleepily, then slowly sat up on the bedding. "And maybe a rice cake. Do we have any of those?"
“I can get you one.” Malik cupped his hands around her after reaching over to grab a glass of readied water.
Sipping on the water, Asakonigei downed the glass slowly to make sure she did not feel too out of sorts. "Don't know why I want one of those, I detest the taste. Maybe because they're sort of bland to me."
“It’s because you’re pregnant.”
"...? What?" Asakonigei gave her husband an incredulous look. "Malik, I can't be pregnant. I'm five years away from fifty!" The Kovina shook her head. "Besides, Doctor Boveir told me it was probably near impossible for me to get pregnant again after Donoma."
“No. He said it was not recommended or that you might die. He never said that it wasn’t possible.”
"... you're being serious, aren't you?" Asakonigei kept telling herself it just... could not be. She had hoped that her body would be strong enough after Donoma. How many nights had she prayed for more children? Malik deserved a big family, she wanted to give him many sons and daughters. Appointment after appointment with Doctor Boveir said it just was not so.
“I am.” Malik’s hands flexed around her, the tension cutting the air.
"... I..." Asakonigei was too stunned to formulate a proper response. "But... I..."
Malik turned her around, kissing her lightly. “We’ll get through this. I’ll figure something out. I won’t let you die from this Asa.”
Asakonigei felt excited... and absolutely terrified at the same time. A child was a blessing, but... in this case, was it her death sentence? With Revan, she tore. With Donoma, she hemorrhaged. With this baby... a shudder ran throughout her body, the panic evident in her eyes. She was not ready to die yet, she did not want to leave her family. "Oh spirits..." Asakonigei trembled slightly, "I... I don't even know if I can... if I can give birth safely."
“What do you want to do with... it.” Malik was unsure if he should be referring to the baby as an it, but he wanted to reassure his wife.
"I can't... I don't want to get rid of the baby." Asakonigei shook her head. "It's part of me, part of you. I always wanted to have more children, to give you the big family you deserved but..." She held tightly to his hand. "I'm scared..."
“I...” Malik lowered his head, taking slow and deep breaths. He needed to assure his wife’s safety. “Stay here. No more jobs. No more working for Zarazu. No more traveling. You will stay where it is safe under my watchful eye. If anyone can help me find the power to deliver our third child safely it will be in a city full of women.” To ease his own worries, Malik carrressed a cheek of Asakonigei. “I’ll find any power I need to keep you safe. I promise.”
"I believe you..." Asakonigei took a shaky breath. While she was afraid, the Kovina had to take moment to calm her nerves. It would do her nor the baby good if she was too stressed. She had to be very careful, even more so than with Revan and Donoma. "I'll have a message delivered to the queen. Muso has been my apprentice for a long while and I'm sure he can handle things for now. We'll... we'll need a few things from home if you wish for me to stay here."
“My people and I will take care of you. If you need anything, don’t feel afraid to call for me, Gali, or anyone else.” Malik slowly left the embrace of his wife. It pained him, but he too had duties to attend to still. “I’ll make a prayer to the goddesses. Perhaps Zelda’s soul will bless you.”
"We need to let Donoma and Revan know too." Asakonigei was tempted to pull him back, but she knew there were other responsibilities for her husband besides her well being. "I'll... pray to Kovina."
“Yes. I’ll ask them to come here with Ganondorf... It’s time they all see what I’ve built here.” Malik spoke last sentence softly to himself as he looked up at the setting summer sun.
~
Five months had passed, and Asakonigei was now showing a bit of a belly. She mainly stayed on bedrest to lessen the stress on her body. Yet, she still insisted on short daily walks to stretch her legs and for healthy exercise. The morning sickness was not as severe as it was with Revan and Donoma, but she still could not stand the smell of meat. To cure herself of boredom, Asakonigei took on small projects, like fixing jewelry or cracked weapons, jobs that did not take much magic at all. She was grateful for any visitors, yet still worried about the impending birth of her child. Hopefully, Doctor Boveir could visit soon and at least tell her if a C-section was an option. Supposedly, there were more dependable tests and methods nowadays. That, and she really, really wanted to know if the baby was a boy or girl. He could deliver a Lorleidian test to tell her the gender of her little one.
The Gerudo around Taiyo Town seemed to be hospitable around Asakonigei, though she did hear soft whispers behind her back. She couldn’t tell if they were comments of sympathy or pity. One day, however, she was interrupted by Gali when the Lorliedian was on a walk from the market. “Dear me. Should you be carrying that water melon by yourself?”
"The one in my belly or the one in my arms?" Asakonigei asked with a tone of humor. "Either way, the weight is pressing."
“Will you allow me to relieve some of that weight?”
"You can take the actual melon." Asakonigei was a touch surprised and then carefully handed Gail the large fruit. "I figured you'd be helping my husband."
“I have more jobs then helping Lord Malik. Studies for the uneducated and helping the townsfolk personally come to mind.” Gali graciously took the water melon and lugged it to Asakonigei’s kitchen back at the small palace. “Tell me, your daughter has returned, but your son has yet to visit. He too busy with his new job as a babysitter to see his momma? Perhaps you should exaggerate your condition in your next letter.”
"Donoma has more of a flexible schedule than Revan." Asakonigei had to admit to Gail. "I do understand why he has not come to visit. Protecting the future queen is an honorable job, but a demanding one as well. My husband used to guard Queen Zarazu herself, so I'm not surprised that he has not come here yet." The Kovina did not sound too upset about the fact that her son had not visited. Keeping Luimaya safe was difficult and he did not need the added stress of worrying about his mother being pregnant in her forties. "Perhaps when the future queen decides to come here, I will see him then."
“I heard the Royal family has not arrived here yet because the Old One himself wishes for all his children to be present before coming to see Malik’s grand creation of Taiyo Town.”
"If that is true, then I wish Ganondorf all the luck in the world." Asakonigei tried not to laugh. "King Covarog and Queen have five children, Prince Ralnor and his wife have three, Princess Orana and her husband have three, Princess Kanisa and her husband have two, and Prince Tebanam and his husband only have one."
“Well. We await their arrival in anticipation. Tell me Asakonigei, what do you hope for next? A boy? Or a girl?”
"If I'm being honest, Donoma was a lot easier to take care of as a baby. She didn't cry too much unless she was hungry or wet. She only caught my hair on fire once when she burped." Asakonigei recalled when her children were little. "Revan peed everywhere. He was always getting into something. I just about had a heart attack when he used his magical abilities to move some sharp weapons, to juggle them. Not to mention, he's is very stubborn like his father."
“So indeed, another girl.” Gali chuckled as she reached their destination. Setting the water melon down, she took a breath to relax. “Asa? Can I call you Asa? How’d you like to relax at a spot that even Lord Malik won’t step in?”
"Girls are so much easier because boys piss like a hose. Yet, either way, I just want the child to be healthy, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl." Asakonigei ran a hand back through her hair. "Asa is fine, though I am curious about this spot that my husband avoids."
“Women’s only Hot Spring. You interested?”
"That... sounds absolutely delightful." Asakonigei thought about the heat melting into her back muscles. The pressure of pregnancy would hopefully fade away after a little bit of relaxation.
“Then please, follow me.” Gali smiled tenderly as lead the Lorliedian to the East side of the village. Giant walls to divide sections for privacy were made out of stone and wood. Gali paid a front desk receptionist and headed to the the left hallway. “We have a women’s, men’s, and a small mixed side. So far, our biggest side, and only used at the moment, is women’s. Towel?”
Along the way, Asakonigei had to stop and take several small breaks. It was difficult for her to keep up with the added weight of the pregnancy. Once at the hot springs, Asakonigei was impressed by the outlay and the design. It was beautiful and private. "Yes, please." Asakonigei took the fluffy towel. "This is going to do wonders for my back."
“Hope you’re not modest.” When Gali opened the doors to the hot spring, every woman was buck naked. The inside of the springs was made of natural resources and mechanical engineering. Pools of water pouring into one another, single person sized pots to melt into, and a room the shape of a dragon egg. When a Gerudo walked out, thick steam poured out before the door sealed it back in as it swung close. This particular woman headed to a clear pool of cold water to cool off. There was one or two women who weren’t Gerudo, but most were filled with the red headed giant women. Behind Asa, Gali finished folding all her clothes. “You feeling ready to go in?”
"Um..." Asakonigei turned slightly red in the cheeks. "Not around my husband, but... uh..." There were a lot of women in there. She did not mind other women seeing her naked, but these were buff, strong, extremely ripped women. She felt rather... small.
“Shy?” Gali laughed lightly. “Don’t worry about the nerves. Take a few deep breaths.”
"Not... exactly. You're just all..." Asakonigei gestured to one extremely tall Gerudo lady walking by with a shredded eight pack. "That."
“Hahaha!” That really got a laugh out of Gali. She walked in front of Asa, fairly comfortable with being naked and her chest so close to the woman. “Asa, most of us might be built a little mightier than what you’re used to seeing, but we are still people. But if it makes your ego more at ease, Gerudo come in all sizes. Koyta over there is as thin as a Deku, all because she insists on a fruit only diet. Holly is as mighty as Goron because she eats whatever she desires.” Both of the Gerudo mentioned waved as Gali pointed them out. “What I’m saying is we come in all shapes and sizes, yet we are a tribe non the less. Besides, we aren’t going to crush you.”
"Aren't going to crush me? That I don't believe, you could sit on me and crush me if you wanted to." Asakonigei said in good humor. "Though, I think I'm just a bit intimidated. My family always joke that they don't know how my own husband didn't break me."
“Then become as naked and vulnerable as we are Asakonigei. Become a sister with us.”
"... I..." Asakonigei was not sure exactly how she felt being naked in front of all the women. The scar from the lightning, the stretch marks from her pregnancies, and a few scars over the years... it did make her feel self-conscious. Yet, there were women here who shared similar marks. "All right." She carefully removed the towel and took slow steps into the hot springs.
“You look wonderful Asa. That’s it. Make yourself comfortable.” Gali sat beside her, sighing in content as she felt the heat of the water seek into her pours.
"Oooooh.... this feels so good..." Asakonigei sunk into the water with a heavy, contented sigh. "I need Malik to build me one of these right outside our home."
“You don’t consider the town yet a home?”
"It's a second home. I hope you understand," Asakonigei told Gail. "I can't just up and leave my uncles, cousins, and their children back in Hyrule. I really miss them. They're all I have besides Malik, Revan, and Donoma."
“And your unborn child.” Gali slowly pointed a finger towards Asa, trailing a finger over the water to the Kovani’s stomach.
"Yes..." Asakonigei rested her hands on her ever-growing belly. "I've been thinking of names, but... Malik seems more so worried than excited. Not saying I'm not concerned either, just... I don't want him to have contempt for the child if..." She took a small inhale. "If I don't make it."
“We’d do our best to help look after the child. In the mean time, we will do our best to look after you.”
"... I do appreciate it. I really do." Asakonigei smiled softly. "Either way... my baby will be in good hands." She then shifted slightly, "I know the kid will be strong. Already kicking my bladder."
“Asa. Do I sense worry in your tone that your words do not match? Every turn you seem to have worry.” Gali carefully lifted a single leg out of the water, watching the droplets fall and drip off her skin.
"I do have worries, some about the baby, mainly about Malik." Asakonigei had no reason to lie. "Though I have made my peace with the possibility that I may not live through this birth. I nearly died with Donoma, lost too much blood. Malik... I don't think he has."
“No. He told me of his contingency plan, but he has more fear than hope.” Gali swam a little closer to Asa, taking deep breaths due to the heat. “Tell me Asa. Do you fear your husband in any way?”
"Fear Malik?" Asakonigei shook her head. "I have no reason to fear him. I do, however, think he's very stubborn, impatient, and has a horrible habit of thinking he knows better when sometimes he doesn't... but no, I don't fear him. I've never feared him."
Good.... he asked me to kill him if that after he becomes King, if he might someday turn fall down the path of a Tyrant he be taken out.” Gali let the words hang in the air, sighing deeply.
"...!!!" This was news to Asakonigei. Malik said nothing of becoming king. Nothing of Gail making a promise to kill him if he became like Ganondorf was in the past. "I... I see..."
“There’s been so many Gerudo who have taken a dark path. Twinrova, Adda, Ganondorf... he wishes to not end up a part of that toxic history.”
"I understand that, I just don't understand why he wouldn't..." Asakonigei furrowed her brow, angry but too tired to care at the moment. "Wouldn't tell me."
“Perhaps he didn’t want to burden you Asa. Strife like that need not be shared by his worried lips during such a delicate time for you right now.” Gali turned to Asa, her eyes heavy with knowledge. “I can relate to his worry of becoming another Ganon due to his blood connection with the Old One.”
"I'm his wife, I want to support him, despite whatever else is going on." Asakonigei sounded more frustrated than actually upset. "Malik isn't Ganon but... I know there have been times in his past that holds regret for him."
“He told me that long ago he might have been Ganon. That both he and the Gerudo who would become that era’s Ganon were born at the same time. You think he was robbed of that destiny, or spared?”
"I think destiny can kiss my ass. Any soul can make their own or change their fate." Asakonigei had absolute faith. "My husband was not, and will never be Ganon. While he held onto hate in his past, he is human now. He loves me, his family, and wants to do the best he can."
“But it’s funny how fate sometimes lulls us along a path. Temptation is funny that way.” Gali stood up, stretching out close to Asa. “Care to follow me to the cooling pool?”
"Yes... if I can get up." Asakonigei had to heft her weight forward a few times. The belly always got in the way.
Gali gently lifted Asa out of the water, letting her body be a crutch. “You ever have bad apples in your family?”
"Not that I know of." Asakonigei groaned softly, standing still for a moment. "Still kicking me. You'd think the kid would have some manners, but no, has to kick Mama whenever."
Gali winced as she tapped a toe in the cold water. “I’m going to carefully place you in the water.”
"Sure we can't find a cool one of these for my husband? Might help with his hot-headness." Asakonigei joked as the cold water immersed her. "Though enough about my husband. Tell me of you."
“Well, how about-AHH!” Gali gasped as the cold water made her body harden to the touch. Soon though, she relaxed after a few gasps. “Can’t stand the cold.”
Asakonigei tried to hold back a few giggles. "Well, it seems that no matter where, all Gerudos do not like cold."
“True. Where was I? Oh yes. Myself.” Gali played with the water, a sad smile on her lips. “I probably haven’t shared that the infamous Captain Adda is my half-sister.”
"...?! You're related to that bitch---sorry." Asakonigei could not contain the surprise on her face. "I... don't imagine that's been easy for you."
“Truth is, I don’t know much about her. We’ve only met a handful of times. My mother made a deal with her. Any Gerudo that didn’t want to live the life of the Caravans would go live with Adda.”
"I see. I never met her personally but I heard all the stories." Asakonigei frowned, thinking of all the times that the women caused her friends grief. "She killed one of Admiral Corsaire's crew. Young man by the name of Bogdan Toma Vali. His nickname was Bomba." She then paused and said. "Well, technically, her dragon did... but still..."
“I heard. The last we spoke in person I visited her in prison. She told me much about how her life crumbled around her. She even told me the identity of two nieces I have.”
"Yes, Alexandria and Elizabeth." Asakonigei knew the two young girls from their encounters over the years. "I think they're both married now with kids."
“I’ve sent out invitations before hoping to meet them, but they’ve proven allusive.”
"I'm sorry the twins haven't reached out. Perhaps you need a mediator between you and them?" Asakonigei suggested to Gail. "I'm sure that they have their reasons, and are probably very hurt still by their mother. Though, I do think they should at least give you a chance. To prove you're not Adda."
“That’d be nice. But trying to convince two mid thirties women just travel across the world is difficult task. Stubborn like their mother.” Gali sighed as she relaxed further into the cool water.
"You could go to them? I'd ask Orana if you could have passage on one ship of her husbands?"
“Can’t. Too much to do here. Practically Chieftain here if Malik wasn’t concerned.”
"Well, you know, you can always have an assistant. Muso is mine; he helps me watch after things when I'm gone form the forge."
“For now, I’m Malik’s assistant. Can’t have an assistant to an assistant. Could take care of your needs to you know? You’re only going to get bigger and bigger.”
"... unfortunately, you do have a point." Asakonigei did have to admit that Gail was right. Soon enough, she'd have to be on strict bedrest. No more moving unless absolutely necessary. "I... won't lie. I am afraid."
“Good. Fear makes you human. I’d be weary of you if you weren’t afraid.”
"The only person I've ever met that never shows her fear is Zolori, the queen's sister. That woman is made of steel, I tell you." Asakonigei then jolted in the water, gasping, "Oh wow!!! That was a big kick!!! Here, feel." She took Gail's hand and placed it on her belly. "Really moving today. That makes me feel a little better. The baby's healthy."
“I never had children. Too afraid of bringing them into the world. But you.” Gali placed a hand on the mother to be’s stomach. “You feel strong Asa.”
"I have to be strong. Look who I put up with." Asakonigei said dryly, indicting her husband. "I was raised by my uncles who each had a son. I grew up around all men. When you have to avoid your cousins who like to wrestle and put you in headlocks, you learn a thing or two. Besides," She patted her belly. "Childbirth wasn't necessarily the hardest thing I ever had to do. Learning to be patient, learning to love, learning to let go... that's harder."
“For the sake of your child and safety, you might have to let go of much.” Gali kissed Asa lightly on the forehead in a kind gesture. “I don’t say this as a home wrecker, hopefully as a friend, but if anything did happen to you, we’d look after Malik, but more importantly your children. However, we are determined to not have that happen. You’re going to be one of us Asakonigei.”
"It's going to be nice to have some sisters when I grew up with all boys." Asakonigei appreciated the heartfelt words. "I know my family will be in good hands if I do not survive the birth. My Revan and Donoma are strong, and I know this child will be as well. I just... want to be here."
“That is the beauty of motherhood and life.” Gali closely hugged Asa close, feeling no shame. “You’ll be alive to enjoy those moments, I swear it.”
Asakonigei turned a little red when her face was that close to Gail's cleavage. "I need you to promise me something though, Gail..."
Gali moved away, nodding down towards her. “Yes?”
"There... might come a choice when it's either me or the baby." Asakonigei steadied her nerves and then said. "... Malik will choose to save me. Don't let him. Save the baby... please."
Revan placed his name down as Sheik, mysterious warrior of the Sheikah tribe, ready to win the side of Luimaya’s bodyguard. In the bleachers, he didn’t know if any of his family would be here to see him, but at least he had his friends. Both Turarog and Nakeso were with him as he waited to be called out for his first fight. “You think Luimaya will be so stunned she can’t speak when I reveal myself, or burn cinders of her hair off?”
"I think this is a very, very, very," Nakeso took a breath. "Stupid idea."
"I second that, Nakeso is the smart one of her siblings." Turagor snorted. "Salen and Kuredor get into enough trouble. And you? You're diving head first into a pile of shit so deep you're never going to make it out."
“Eh. What’s life without taking crazy risks. When I win, I’ll be able to save up money so quickly protecting her royal pain in the ass.”
"You know you'll have to follow her everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. Even when she takes a dump, you got to stand outside the door." Nakeso said bluntly.
"Smell the roses, Revan."
"And she stinks, I know my sister." Turagor waved his hand around his nose. "Her farts are even deadly."
“Well, I’m pretty sure you smell like vanilla Nakeso, so no roses in site.” Revan very lightly smiled to her, tilting his head to the direction of the stage when he heard the name Sheik called out. “Got to go.” Placing his mask on, he walked backwards, gesturing at himself to his friends. “Does the mask and suit look good?”
"You look like you're going to the Night of Daourfel festival---OW! Nakeso! What was that for?"
"You're being a jerk."
"I'm telling the truth."
Out in the stage, Revan waved to the crowd. No family in sight. His feelings weren’t helped any better when he saw his first opponent. “Oh great.”
Jill was one of the three children of Kelly and Tulilad. Despite them being super old parents themselves by now, they trained their children to be near super soldiers to carry on their family legacies. The Hylian woman was decked out in a tight suit of plate armour. “Nice mask. You can use it to hide your pain from the royalty.”
“KICK THIS TWINKS ASS JILL!”, Kelly shouted from the stands.
Donoma had rushed from the Gerudo town to Hyrule. Thankfully, she made it just in time due to her dragon. Kharto'sum really was a lifesaver. Even though he cared not for the desert, he would come fetch her if she asked. Huffing and puffing, Donoma quickly took a seat beside Nakeso and Revan's uncles. Turagor had to go sit with his family and he waved when he saw Donoma rushing into the stands. His twin, on the other hand, was much less enthused. Luimaya drummed her fingers on the armrest, looking rather bored.
"Something tells me that Lui isn't too happy about this contest?" Donoma asked Nakeso. "Did I miss something?"
"Let's just say Luimaya is under the impression that she doesn't need a," Nakeso paused, making quotation marks with her fingers. "Glorified babysitter."
The bell rang, and Jill tried to crush Revan’s ribs with a war hammer. The masked warrior was nimble enough to dodge the mighty blows. Small dirt craters were made as Jill brought her weapon down. “I see you like to dance. Maybe you should be Luimaya’s Jester instead.”
Revan watched as Jill easily walked around with her hammer in a suit of armour. She had years of experience being older than Revan. And although she was mostly human, Revan wondered what part of her strength was sheer training or her Zora lineage from her mother. Speaking of, she would not stop shouting. “Good! Don’t wind yourself out! Break Sheik’s kneecaps!”
Revan drew his steel broadsword, not wanting to rely on magic, but still needing a way to parry attacks. As Jill came down on him, he dodged to his left, nimbly cutting at the side of her armour.
The shouting of instructions did not bother Tulilad. He was used to it by now, after all this time. He could even recall how ferocious Kelly was when his triplets were in school, playing on sports teams. She would have her megaphone, yelling from the bleachers. Needless to say, she was kicked out more than once. Perhaps it was a good thing that he had Biggestgoron dispose of the megaphone and play dumb when she looked for it.
"You're doing great, sweetie!" Tulilad, of course, was known as the cheesy father, holding up a poster with glittery letters reading "My daughter is kick ass". "You got this!"
Jill used the end of her war hammer to get a quick jab into Revan’s stomach. With a low swing, she sweeped him off his feet and onto his back. One foot was planted tight on his foot so he couldn’t run away. There was a no killing rule of course, but that didn’t mean that contestants could bloody each other up. Raising her war hammer, Jill decided a shattered arm would end this fight. “A clown like you doesn’t belong here. Looks like you had no real tricks.”
“Oh. I’m full of surprises.”
Taking a handle Revan quickly put it to her kneecap. With the press of a button, a blue shimmering edge of a guardian sword shot outwards, stabbing through the woman’s armour, flesh, and bone. Through one end and out the other, Revan pulled out as Jill dropped her hammer, screaming in agony. With her off his body, Revan stood tall, giving her a round house kick to the head. Her helmet flew off and Jill fell to her knees. Taking both the broadsword and guardian blade to her neck, Revan took a few deep breaths through his mask. “Yield.”
To her shame, Jill simply nodded, conceding the match to the victor.
"You don't seem too worried about Revan trying to win this thing," Nakeso was making small talk with Donoma. "I mean, I know he's a great fighter and all, but... this job is more dangerous than he thinks it is. Remember what all happened with Queen Zarazu."
"I think he sort of wants to follow in Dad's footsteps." Donoma said with a slight smile. "He's always idolized the way that our father used to be a 'guardian' of sorts. Dad and Queen Zarazu have always been very good friends, even if they did argue sometimes. Maybe he just wants to ensure his friend is going to be okay."
"You don't think Lui can watch after herself?" Nakeso arched an eyebrow.
"Oh, no! I know that Lui can fight very well too, it's just..." Donoma sighed. "Lui doesn't want to put anyone at risk. Not her friends, not her family, not even some random guard. She doesn't want to be the cause of someone getting hurt for her sake. That's one reason she really protested against this."
"Yeah, that sounds like her. But... she's got to also realize that she's the heir to the throne." Nakeso made a valid point. "Would it be better to have someone you trust watching your back?"
The rest of the tournament went rather well for Revan. A few scraps here and there, but nothing too serious. But it would be the finale would test his limit. Kelly was furious at the damage and pain he caused Jill. More so, was his final opponent, her son, John.
The man wielded two short swords, stalking back and forth on the arena. He was absolutely livid with how this Sheik beat his sister. They all knew the risks, but if the healers weren’t absolutely precise, she might never walk on that leg again.
Both waited for the King and Princess to announce the final match.
"Lui-Lui, would it kill you to smile for the citizens?"
"I'm not going to smile if I'm not happy about it."
"This is not negotiable. Your mother had a guard, and so will you."
"Uncle Malik was undead at one point."
"Then he was alive."
"Still! That man is like... made of stone or something, you can't hurt him."
"I know why you don't want a guard, and I understand, though you are the future queen of our nation. We have to ensure your safety."
"I still don't see why I can't just have Carsa'sec follow---"
"Luimaya. This is final. There is no point in arguing further."
"Urgh! Fine!" Luimaya crossed her arms and huffed, not looking at her father.
Covarog stood from his seat, addressing the crowd.
"My citizens, I thank you for your presence here today. It is a historical event and one that will continue into the future for generations to come." Covarog gestured to the two finalists. "Today marks the first contest to see who is worthy of being the future queen's bodyguard. Our final contestants are Sheik and Big John. I expect a fair and clean fight, gentlemen. May the best warrior win."
“You’ll be anything but clean after what you did to my sister.”
Revan shrugged, trying to be pleasant. “A drink on me for your family?”
“I don’t think so.”
John, like his sister, was in a full suit of armour. Only his was a black ebony. Rushing forward, he engaged Revan, as both warriors used duel weapons to spar against one another.
Revan was surprised how fast John was, given his size and armour. Were his whole family made up of super soldiers?
As both of them made another engagement, John head butted Revan so hard, it sent him flying backwards. His head slammed against the ground and he felt his world spin.
“Oh... don’t throw up.”
Revan needed to rely on feeling the metal around him as he felt his eyes flutter. Even with his head spinning, wasn’t hard to sense John out. His movements were swift and agile, letting go of his worries and simply being in the moment. John was getting aggravated. He managed to make a few cuts against him, but his opponent would lie down.
Kelly herself shouted from the stands, vocalizing the silent fury her son felt. “Gut him just once! You can do this! Avenge your sister!!!”
"Sweetie, our baby is fine, she knew what she was getting into---" Tulilad stopped when Kelly gave him a glare. "I'll shut up now."
Donoma watched her brother and winced when John gained the upper hand for a moment. Head butts were not the best choice of tactic, but could stun an opponent enough to gain a chance of surprise. It made her forehead hurt just thinking about it. She tried it once during a spar with her father and knocked herself out cold. Thankfully, Revan inherited their father's thick skull.
"Why isn't the idiot using his magic?" Nakeso scoffed. "He doesn't have anything to prove!"
"That's my brother." Donoma said dryly. "He always thinks he has something to prove."
Revan deactivated his guardian blade, surprising everyone witnessing the fight.
John didn’t ask any questions, running to taking him out.
Holding his breath, Revan focused on every step that John took towards him. The man made a clank that drowned out all other sounds with every foot step he took rushing towards him.
With a quick hurl, Revan threw his steel blade at John. The warrior simply powered on through, deflecting the weapon with a right hook of his own. And this was exactly what Revan wanted.
With his opponents’ right side open, Revan ducked low and rushed in. Activating his sword, his unsheathed his guardian blade with an uppercut. This slice made a lean cut, slicing a few fingers off John’s hand. Revan danced behind him, slicing a cut through his opponents’ backside on the lighter side of the armour. John stood still, until Revan slowly raised a fist over the hilt of blade and punched downwards. With that sound echoing, John fell downwards, moaning on the ground in pain. “Best get your stitch, least you find yourself in a ditch. Because victory is mine.”
Revan gave a playful bow to the king as the crowd cheered for his victory. He did it. Disguised and no magic.
"And he won." Nakeso blinked. "Huh. He's better than I thought."
"Revan trained with Dad all those years and it finally paid off. I hope." Donoma still sounded a little... uneasy. "I just... hope he knows what he's doing. Lui still isn't going to change her mind."
"Heh, she's stubborn just like her father and resilient like her mother."
"How do you think she's going to take this?"
"... well, I don't know about you, but I'm not sticking around to see Revan get swallowed by a volcano that appears from thin air."
‘Sheik’ made his way to bow directly in front of Luimaya and Covarog, awaiting their congratulations.
"Champion!" Covarog addressed the winner. "You have displayed excellent skills in the combat arena. Though, I must ask, why did you seek this position?"
“To protect her royal highness so that she might not stub her royal toes.”
When Luimaya raised an eyebrow, and finally clued in, Revan took his mask off. Sweat was dripping down his face, but that didn’t stop him from smiling broadly. “Hello there Princess."
Before Covarog could even speak, Luimaya launched off her chair and started her spout of rage, "I AM GOING TO FUCKING WIPE THAT SMIRK OFF OF YOUR FACE---MMMHNRRRNMHM?!?!?!"
Covarog had to hold his daughter back, putting a hand on top of her mouth.
"Would you excuse---OW stop biting me!!! Us for a moment?"
“Full disclosure, we could have saved a lot of time not doing the tournament. But hey, was a blast pushing my limits as it turns out. Oh. Luiy?” Revan shot a finger gun at her. “Look forward to working with you.”
"Revan, have you ever heard the saying of 'don't poke the Goron'? You're really poking right now." Covarog was struggling to keep his furious daughter in hold. "Why don't we continue this conversation later before Lui bites my fingers off?"
“As you wish.” Revan respectfully bowed, followed by a deep sigh. Slowly, he made his way down to the arena. Doctors were furiously fixing up John’s hand.
“You ok?”
“How about we talk when I’m not in a mood to tear your head off.”
“Fair enough.”
Revan headed to the throne room with his sister and Luimaya’s brother so the princess couldn’t outright murder him with an audience present. Revan promised the others he’d try his best to not be a total smartass.
"That was really stupid of you to show off that way. No one cares about if you used magic or not!" Donoma scoffed at Revan. "If Mom was here, she'd chew your ass out for not using magic. You really could have gotten hurt!" "You know my sister is going to definitely yell at you. Possibly set your ass on fire." Turagor reminded Revan dryly. "This isn't going to be pretty."
“Well guess what. Mom and Dad decided to not show up, so frankly sister, they’re opinion on the matter can stuff it. I did it to prove I’m more of a warrior than a wizard.” Revan took a long, deep breath after that confession. “Luimaya needs to realize that I’m her best bet for protection. Already been doing it for a year. Time to make it official. Least for a little while.”
"They're both stuck in the Gerudo town thanks to Dad." Donoma rolled her eyes. "Mom has to make sure that the women don't elect Dad as a king and have us stuck in the desert forever."
"Yikes, anti-desert much?" Nakeso asked.
"It's fine, but I have to agree with Mom. This is home. Where are family and friends are."
“Wait? King?” Before Revan could push the matter forward, King Covarog and Luimaya entered the room.
"Donoma, Turagor, please give use a moment with Revan?"
"Of course, Father. Follow me Donoma, we'll wait outside in the courtyard."
After the two exited the room, Luimaya shot Revan a dark glare, her arms crossed. Yet, she said nothing yet. "Your fight was most impressive, Revan, though I do have my daughter's assurance that you will not be a steaming pile of ash after you two discuss your new occupation as her bodyguard." Covarog gave Revan a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck. You're going to need it." He murmured in his ear before leaving the room.
"... I told you no."
“You did. I disagreed. Your father disagreed.”
"I said no for a reason, Revan!" Luimaya insisted as she poked him harshly in the chest. "I don't want you getting hurt because of me!!!"
Revan poked her back. “You or I could pull this macho crap of “I work alone” all we want, but the matter of fact is that we’re both pretty damn resilient together. We don’t have to worry about long term damage when we’re a team. There isn’t some damsel either of us has to overly worry about when we got each other’s backs. So as your bodyguard, I can look after you effectively when my client is a fire fueled tank, and as my future Queen, you don’t have to worry about replacing me due to a mortality issue when your bodyguard can take beatings most can’t.”
"I’m not queen now, Revan! When I do become queen, then I will have even more targets on my back! There's no telling what will happen!" Luimaya poked harder. "Mom and Dad are so secretive about why I need so much protection and my siblings don't. Obviously, there's something going on, or either they're that worried about me producing an heir in the future, I don't know. Still! What if they target you to get to me? Did that even go through your thick skull?!" She nearly shook him. "You're a great warrior, and I know we make a great team, but I don't want you to get killed because I can't keep an eye on everyone around me, waiting to stab me in the back!"
“So you’re ok with others lining up to die for you? It’s an inevitability Luimaya. People will get hurt serving under you. I’m just the most likely to avoid a large majority of pain while protecting your life.”
"Why does it have to be you?!"
“Well it sure as hell ain’t going to be your Aunt Rinku. Luimaya, it has so be me because I’m the best.” Revan sighed, turning his head to look out the window. Somewhere, behind all the mountains lied the desert where his father lived. “Because if I protect anyone else they’ll get hurt. But like me, I know you can take it too. It has to be me because this is all I know.”
"... you're the stubbornest person I know. More so than me." Luimaya still did not like this situation. "You better not get yourself killed. I don't want to have to be responsible for your eulogy."
Revan laughed, releasing tension from his body. “Think you can stop yourself from getting into needless fights?”
"Needless fights? For sure. Getting into fights because of your bullheadedness? That's impossible to avoid." Luimaya snickered.
“Well excuuuuuuuse me princess. Better I beat them with fists and metal than your volcano top blowing off.”
"Least I make sure my opponents can't get back up."
"Urgh, did you have to remind me?" Luimaya groaned aloud. "I don't see why Grandmama Zelda insisted on a new dress fitting every single month! Now she's got Mom doing it."
“Let’s hope you can make the old Queen proud. Come on! Can’t wait to see you complain about your hip lines.”
Malik and Asakonigei rode through the valley and into the desert for an additional three hours. They were exhausted, and every bump made the woman ache. True to his word, they fucked hard. However, Malik kept his wife close with a blanket around her the whole way, planting the odd kiss on her forehead. “Still awake my dear? We’re almost there. I’m sure you feel warm.”
Sore and tired, Asakonigei was grateful for the huge blanket of warmth. The desert at night was cold, and she was not a fan of the chilly temperatures. Yet, the constant bouncing on the horse was not doing her nether regions any favors. Malik was rough and she adored how he loved her, though the achiness she could deal without.
"Hmm-hmm." The Kovina snuggled closer to her husband. "I'm toasty as can be, love, though in-between my legs feels like I did too much on weight day."
“Hehehe, I’m sure. Just close your eyes and I’ll carry us in.”
Eventually they arrived at a massive gate. The guard was laxed tonight, with few on lookout for monster. Upon seeing Lord Malik they opened the gate to the town. It was much of a haze for Asa, but she next found herself being laid to rest in a the silkiest sheets of her life.
"Goodnight my metal Queen. I'll see you at the rise of the desert sun."
~
The next morning, Asa woke from a restful sleep. She was not expecting such a luxurious bedding in the middle of the desert. Then again, Malik had been working on this project for a long while. Who knew what else there was here?
Malik was still asleep, his naked body lying amongst the pillows and sleeping next to her. His muscles were at peak form, and he had matured newer battle scars over his new years of life. It was still only early morning, the sound of a wind chandelier blowing gently outside to slightly stir him.
Seeing this rare opportunity with her husband, Asakonigei slinked over his body, laying flat on top of him. Her chin rested on her hands atop his chest. As he slowly started to rouse, she had an impish grin on her face.
"Good morning, handsome..."
“Oh. Good morning my rose.” Malik nuzzled his beard to her neck, breathing her in. A hand ran down gently upon the scar on her back. “You sleep well?”
"Indeed I did," Asakonigei lounged on him like a cat, then kissed his lips gently. "It was nice to have you sleeping beside of me for once."
“It was. Do you like the silk?”
"I do like the silk." Asakonigei admitted as she traced a hand over the material. "Though, I think I like laying on top of you better. Much more comfortable, wouldn't you agree?"
“I do. Though, I think we should wait before wrestling around in these sheets.” Malik played with her hair gently.
"Would be a shame to rip such finery." Asakonigei sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, resting. "What all do you have to do today?"
“Train the guard more effectively and show you around. But first...” Malik rose up, his body on full display in the sunlight coming down through a window. “We should go wake our daughter. I’m sure she’ll be excited to see you here.”
"... sure we can't just stay in bed all day?" Asakonigei playfully smacked his ass as he got off the bed. "That's plenty of exercise in your 'training' book..."
“And have all the women in town, including Domana hear you scream to god all day? I don’t think so.” Malik smiled down at his perky wife. Carefully going through a cabinet, he selected some very light, but stylish clothing for her. “You’ll want to put these on to counter the heat.”
"They'd just be jealous... though, Donoma hearing us isn't exactly a good thought." Asakonigei walked over to her husband and took the clothes. This was very different than what she was used to wearing. It almost felt... fancy. This material, this chamber... she felt like he was spoiling her. "This feels so soft..."
“Vai clothing custom of my people. Shared the colour scheme of your dragon companion. Try it on.”
"You're doting on me, I know it." Asakonigei carefully dressed in the new clothing and then stared at herself in the mirror. The array of red, oranges, and gold were beautiful, floating through the fabric like a rising sun. She twirled around, watching it flow. "This is gorgeous material... I love it!"
“It’s only gorgeous because you are.” Malik got dressed into a light plate suit of red armour. It held material that helped with heat resistance. “Let’s go surprise our little girl.”
On the walk to Donoma’s residence, Malik nodded hello to some of the Gerudo women who kept upkeep on the palace. They looked Asakonigei up and down, giggling at her lightly.
When they reached Donoma’s room, she was sleeping in a bunk bed with another Gerudo girl sleeping on the bottom bunk. Looking to the top, Malik nudged his daughter awake. “Rise awake my little sunlight.”
"Five more minutes..." Donoma groaned, opening her eyes to see her father... and mother? "Mom?! What are you doing here?"
"Your father finally decided to bring me along for a visit." Asakonigei thought it was adorable how Donoma looked so surprised to see her... that, and her hair was so frazzled, going every which direction. "I missed you, sweetie."
The Gerudo bellow her, a girl named Sandra, took a stick a poked upwards, groggily snarling from lack of sleep. “Don. Shut. Up.”
"Sandra, my parents are here." Donoma said through gritted teeth. "Quit poking me."
"Sounds like you're not the only one who isn't a morning person, sweetheart." Asakonigei had to stifle a laugh.
Sandra jumped, hitting her head on the bunk when she saw Lord Malik. “Lord Ma- OW! Donoma! This is why I want the top bunk!”
"You lost it fair and square in an arm wrestling match, so stop being a sore loser." Donoma hopped off the top bunk and gave her mother a hug. "How long are you staying with us, Mom?"
"Well, I think I'm here until your father decides to return me home." Asakonigei smiled at her daughter. "I can't leave the forge unattended forever."
“You could if you moved here, but that’s another discussion.” Malik ruffled his daughters hair, addressing all the younger Gerudo in the room. “Everyone get changed and have your hair fixed. Time for a full day ahead in the greatest town in the world.”
“Yes Lord Malik!”
“You got it!”
Sandra decided to make Donoma angry, jumping up to kiss Malik on the cheek as she ran out to get changed. “On it my Lordship!”
Malik brushed his cheek, shrugging his shoulders. “Teenagers.”
"Hey!!! That was uncalled for, get back here!" Donoma chased after Sandra with an angry huff. "I told you, my father is off limits!!!"
Asakonigei, on the other hand, blinked and then crossed her arms with a quirked eyebrow. "What was that all about?"
“I suppose some of the girls have crushes on me. Nothing harmful my dear.”
"Crushes or not, I don't like them being too touchy with you." Asakonigei stated. "I rather you cease that kind of behavior."
"What? Does it make you jealous Asa?" Malik chuckled, patting her on the back as he lead her outside. "Trust me. You have nothing to fear."
Leading her out the palace, Asa was greeted to the site of a fully functioning market. Many Gerudo were trading and selling wears. Asakonigei could spot a few different races interacting with the Gerudo, all other women. Some Rito having flown in rather easily over the winds, a couple Vatra who dared the desert heat, a Hylian couple, and a single Goron selling ores. From the center, Gerudo were taking bucket of water from the well and carrying it back to their homes. "It's beautiful, isn't it Asa?"
"Don't have to be jealous when I know you're already mine." Asakonigei huffed at him. "Besides, you never know what these women might be thinking. Don't let them fool you." As Malik showed her the town, the Kovina was already making a metal list of possible improvements. There was a need for a plumbing system, a way to grow more crops, perhaps a school... and of course, ideas of how she could help the infrastructures. "It is lovely, Malik. Maybe you could bring Queen Zarazu out here sometime with her husband? I'm sure she'd love an introduction to Gerudo culture."
Malik brushed his beard, something obviously deep on his mind. "Eventually. I don't want to overwhelm the people too much with such figures. Perhaps Luimaya first. Ease them with someone younger." His cape blowing lightly, he took his wife through some the alleys that eventually led to a courtyard where a group of middle aged Gerudo women were waiting for him. He raised his arm to get them on their feet and saluting him on the spot.
"Lord Malik!"
"At ease. As you know, the attack Kissandra received concerned me. Once, long ago, their was an elite group of Gerudo warriors known as the Iron Knuckles. They were lost to the blades of an archaic Hyrule. Now, you will learn their ways." Malik set down instructions of old fighting styles and techniques. "Take these papers around and study them. I will then test you in a practical use. In time, you will learn to craft your own armour and fight with the weight of a tortoise on your back."
One of the Gerudo eyed Asakonigei, snickering to herself. "Oh? Who's this?"
"Luimaya is a little... hotheaded sometimes." Asakonigei knew the princess was notorious for being a touch reckless. Though, she was a sweet girl, and truly did have the best interest at heart. She had watched the young queen-to-be grow up into a fine young woman. As Malik instructed the new group of women training to be elites, the Kovina felt... very small. Why were Gerudos, both the men and women, so tall? So big? Covarog dwarfed his wife and Malik did the same to her, but being around these new women just confirmed exactly how strong these people were. When one of the women inquired as to who she was, the Kovina politely replied, "I am Asakonigei, Malik's wife. It is very nice to meet all of you."
"You're Lord Malik's wife? But you're so... tiny!" This particular woman, named Ellie, tapped her feet and laughed. She was standing tall at 6.4ft tall. No where near Lord Malik's height, but still enough to tower over his wife. "Why'd he want to marry a runt like you? Your hair is black, you're short, and you don't even have any real abs. You got less meat on your bones then a Stalfos."
"Yes, I am small compared to---" Asakonigei was interrupted by the barrage of insults thrown her way. She had to bite the inside of her jaw to keep from snapping at the woman. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin Malik's hard work. "... despite being 'tiny' as you so delicately put it, I am still able to hold my own and fight if necessary. Size isn't everything."
"HA! You have milk drinker written right here on your face." The armoured Gerudo tapped Asakonigei on the noggen. "How about we see if someone like you is really worth some as special as Lord Malik's time. Use any tool you can to knock me down. I know you can't."
Malik said nothing, going to let his wife teach the soldiers a lesson. Best they learned to be humbled now and to never judge by appearances.
"... very well." Asakonigei took a deep breath. The Kovina was not too happy about this type of welcome. She had dealt with enough bias in her life. A female forge master? Preposterous. A woman fighting in a war? Unlikely. Uncultured magical witch? Very much so, that's what the kingdom used to think of Lorleidians. Sometimes, the best way to win a fight was not by brute force, but simple humiliation. Malik taught her that long ago. So, she was going to use precisely that tactic. "I do not require a weapon." She stood opposite the woman, placing her feet into the correct position. "Are you ready?"
"Oh? Hand to hand eh? I promise I won't break anything, you milk drinking, twig legged, brimstone smelling, fancy dancing, tiny child looking, long haired hussy!"
The armor the woman wore was minimal. Yet, it was still attached to her body just like any other protective wear. There were traces of rust in it, a touch of iron, maybe a little copper. Metal was metal, and she could already feel the magic at her fingertips. Normally, this situation would be over with in a moment. All it would take is a simple movement to pin her to the ground. This time, however, Asakonigei had another idea.
Yanking her hand forward, her grip on the metal caused Ellie to trip over her own feet until she was being dragged by the unseen force. Forcing the woman to bow on her knees, Asakonigei had increased the weight tenfold on the metal with her magic and was holding her in place. Now eye-to-eye with Ellie, the Kovina bent down and hissed, "I can defeat an arrogant bitch like you easily with one stroke of my pinky finger. Want to watch what happens if I squeeze the armor around your midsection? Or perhaps, I could just drain you of all the iron in your body, leaving you unable to move. You really, really shouldn't piss off a Kovina when you're wearing metal."
"You can do WHAT TO MY BLOOD?" Ellie was in total shock. The other Gerudo gathered around were murmuring shocked observations to one another.
Malik clapped his hands together, getting their attention. "This is an example of magic. Some of our enemies will use it against you. There are ways to counter even a Kovina's magic, but like all combat situations, you must be prepared. Or you will die. Everyone thank Ellie and Asakonigei for this demonstration."
The other Gerudo immediately thanked Asa for humiliating Ellie.
Asakonigei pinned the woman to the ground before stepping over her like a defeated foe. With a flick of her black hair, the Kovina muttered as she returned to her husband's side. "Demonstration my ass, next time, I'll toss her halfway through the desert if she speaks to me like that."
Malik nodded to his wife as he addressed the other Gerudo. What Asakonigei didn't expect would be her hand suddenly being grabbed by Ellie's. The Gerudo was on her knee's looking up at the Kovina. "You were magnificent. Are you and Lord Malik going to be a swingers couple? I would be honoured to be made yours." The Gerudo woman went from salty insults to heart eyes for Asa within the span of a minute.
Asakonigei turned blood red in the cheeks, flabbergasted.
"WH-WHAT?!?!" She yanked her hand out of Ellie's grasp. "The hell you talking about?!" Her face was steaming, even her ears were burning. It was then she was able to put two and two together. A village of women. All women. There had to be some way to relieve sexual urges. Shaking her head furiously, Asakonigei exclaimed, embarrassed, "No, no, no, we certainly do not do this 'swing' thing!"
“But you’re so powerful. And cool. And hot~” Ellie stood up, playing with the pigtails in her hair. “I’d love to have you by my bed side. Maybe you could even use your magic on me again.”
"Malik, will you control your horny guards?!" Asakonigei hid behind her husband, gesturing for him to make Ellie go away. She kept inching out of sight. "That one is almost as bad as Kelly!"
“What?”
Ellie went back to training, waving with fondness at Asakonigei. “Think about it.”
The Gerudo man didn’t catch a whiff of that exchange. For the next 6 hours, he tirelessly trained the guards in all matters of survival and combat. “Asa, you can explore the village if you like, find Donama perhaps. Should tell her about her brother’s tournament. I’ll be here a while.”
~
Asakonigei took her time to explore the village. Malik had done a lot of good work here. It would be a thriving place soon enough, and hopefully, the culture would start to rebuild itself. She wondered if Revan could learn here with his sister? Growing up, she had taught her children all she could about their Lorleidian heritage but Malik only had limited information to share about the Gerudo.
Amongst various Gerudo she saw, Gali was teaching Donoma and other girls ancient Gerudo history. “With the help of the hero, Nabooru became the Sage of Spirit. She’s one of the first examples of Gerudo heroism, having stood up to tyranny. Can anyone tell me what famous Gerudo figure had her brainwashed before being liberated by Link?”
Donoma loved to learn of her Gerudo side of the family. While there were texts in Castle Hyrule and stories her father had told her, there was something rare about learning from an actual Gerudo woman. She thought it silly, of course, knowing she was half Gerudo, though this seemed special to the girl.
"Was it Ganondorf?"
“Yes and no Donoma. While Ganondorf was the King of Evil and ultimately ruled over her, Nabooru was brainwashed by his witch mothers, Koume and Kotake, also known as Twinrova. What do you know of Twinrova?”
"One was of ice and one was of fire. They could fuse into one woman... and..." Donoma paused for a moment. "They... worshipped the twin sand and stone goddesses?"
“That they did. As do most Gerudo. Although they are incredibly rare in our people’s history, there have been a set of twins found in the country of Uskar that fit the description of Twinrova.”
"I wonder if there will be another Gerudo sage at some point?"
“There is always a possibility. Although you lack a sister of ice Donoma, you might be able to learn further Gerudo magic if you train further. I believe, just like the old hero Urbosa from the age of calamity, there is another Gerudo in Uskar who knows the magic of lightning. There is a possibility you might be able to meet these Gerudo women someday.” Gali saw Asakonigei peering in, giving her a nod. “Before we end class, can anyone give their opinions on boys and men, the topic of next class?”
"Every gal could use could deep dicking."
The comment from the back of the class earned a snicker from all the women, including Donoma.
“Felix. That’s not the exact term I’d use, but yes, reproduction is a strong reason. We also need to learn about the dangers of strangers and the history of how Gerudo have been sought after, some aspects terrible for our people. Class dismissed.”
One of the other Gerudo poked Donoma to get the twenty year old’s attention. “Donoma, you grew up in Hyrule. You get any “good dicking” there?”
"Um..." Donoma's face turned red. "There's plenty of men if that's what you're asking. But I don't have a Voe. Haven't really been looking for one, been focused on studies and improving my magic."
“Have you been with one before?” Sandra asked.
"No." Donoma was not going to lie. "I want to do like my parents did. Meet, fall in love, take things a little slow... get to know each other better. My mother waited on my father for nearly five years."
“Boooo. Hey, you have a brother right! Is he single?”
"Well, yes and no. He does have someone he likes." Donoma thought of Luimaya and then shrugged. "But I don't know how that will turn out."
“So, can I have your blessing to suck his di-”
"Ew, I don't want to think about my brother's dick." Donoma made a disgusted face. "You can try to pounce on him if you want. He's hard to catch."
“We’ll see~”
Some of the girls giggled with each other as all the younger Gerudo left Gali to clean up class. She tilted her head at Asa, curious about her behaviour in observing from afar. “Can I help you with something?”
Donoma left with the girls and did not realize her mother was listening in on the class.
When Gail approached Asakonigei, the Kovina said, "Oh... oh no, I was just interested in what you had to say about Gerudo culture."
“I’ve gathered a great deal of knowledge over my family’s generations. I work very closely with Malik on the prosperity of the town.”
"I'm glad that Donoma is learning from you. We could only tell her so much... and after a while, she grew tired of hearing the same stories." Asakonigei then asked, "Malik told me he had several very reliable friends to help him."
“He’s a handsome, intelligent, wise and powerful man. I think he’ll make a good king should he ever choose to take that role.” Gali finished gathering up old papers and rolling them into bags.
"... wait, what?" Asakonigei was not sure if she heard right. "King? We have a king. Covarog, the son of Ganondorf and Zelda."
“Yes. But Covarog is King of Hyrule.” Gali perked up; happier to speak history then address any concern in Asakonigei’s voice. “Long ago, even if there was a princess, queen, or king on the throne of Hyrule, there have been Gerudo Kings. Now this King usually turned out to be Ganondorf. The Gerudo of Hyrule have often been led by either a Chieftain or a Monarch. Kings in our society are mostly figure heads, but serve in the protection of the Gerudo people. Even the Termina Gerudo abid by this model, although being pirates, it’s usually a fleet captain. Take the ex pirate, Captain Adda, Queen of the seas. But she’s not important. What is important is that your husband has righter than anyone to be King of the Gerudo.”
Asakonigei then wondered if Malik had been rebuilding the entire community for the sole purpose of intending to rule it. He had never mentioned such an idea. She felt a little conflicted. Her loyalty was to the queen, the ruler of the Lorleidians. Zarazu's husband was Covarog, therefore she was also loyal to him. The Kovina currently was not fond of the idea of being a queen herself. She had no intention to rule, did not want to rule over anyone. All she wanted was for her children to mature, to find love, to have families of their own one day and grow old with her husband.
"That... may well be true, though I don't think..." Asakonigei chose her words carefully. "I'm not sure if that's his intention."
“Does it matter? He’s the man with a vision. He has more passion than any man I’ve ever met. People love him. They look up to him. This is your first day here, but if you stay longer, you’ll see it yourself.”
"I do agree with you, this is a wonderful place, but we have friends and family back in Hyrule." Asakonigei was not going to uproot her entire business and leave behind her uncles and cousins. Revan and Donoma were grown and could make their own decisions, though moving was never part of the plan. Not to mention, all her clients, her status as forge master, all of that work took years, and she would be a fool to leave it behind. Zarazu needed her, her family needed her... these were all strangers. "We couldn't leave them."
“You couldn’t you mean.” Gali leaned against her desk, crossing her arms gently. “You ever think Malik deserves to be king?”
"He has family there too." Asakonigei frowned at the woman. "Does he deserve to be treated like royalty? With all that has happened to him, I believe he deserves a good life. Yet, being a king, it would be too much. He already does enough and spends so much time away from his family."
“Asakonigei. That is your name right? Asakonigei, Gerudo have always been brought down by the central powers of Hyrule, because we are the biggest threat to their ruling ship. We have too much passion and independence. The Zora are too fanatic in serving the Hylian throne, the Goron are nearly indestructible, the Sheikah are bound to the will of the Zelda lineage, the Rito need trade desperately from Hyrule, and the Koroki are considered too weak to be a threat. Malik is a man who’s always served titles under Hyrule. Captain, Commander, Lord. To be king would to be his own title. He’s very happy here. You can see the light in his eyes being here. Tell me, are you happy with him? Could you be happy enough to follow him as a Queen when his heart travels here?” Gali raised a curious brow, her question pressing hard on the woman. She didn’t blow steam like the previous Gerudo that challenged Asa. The historian nearly wanted the truth out of Asa, calm and forwardly.
"... I am not Hylian. Whatever qualms you have with Hyrule, I am not a part of it." She clarified to Gail. "I am a Lorleidian, and I follow my queen. I cannot leave her and I won't leave her as long as she has need of me." Asakonigei told the woman. "There is nothing wrong with Malik wanting more. I want him to be happy. If he wishes to be king here, then that's him. I would support him because I love him. Yet, I would not want him to be king if it meant more strife between us. More tension. More loneliness." She then stated. "Malik deserves a good life. Yet a life here? ... being king here would mean more serving as you put it. For once, I'd like him to be free of such duties. Free... for once."
“I think he’s been freer here cultivating a new land then he has been all his life. Isn’t happiness and following your passion true freedom after all? I think he deserves to be the King of a free Gerudo people. And a man like him deserves a queen who’d stand by him here.” Gali gathered her lecture notes and gently made her way out. “If you excuse me, I need to lock up.”
"Freedom is not having chains. Hyrule or here, Malik will always have something or someone he believes he will have to save." Asakonigei retorted firmly. "He's done enough. If you truly want a leader that bad, then cast a vote with all the Gerudo women here. A king isn't needed for a realm ruled by women. Nominate a queen." She then watched as Gail exited the tent. "He's already my husband and I am his wife. Nothing will change that."
Gali lead Asa outside, and looking her in the eye, she shut the lock on the door. “The present is never hundred percent certain. But we’ll see, won’t we.”
