A\N: Uh, horse death? ): Sorry

The trip up towards Akkala was a tense, quiet one.

Ganondorf lead the group and didn't say anything even as they neared the Akkala Citadel, a stronghold that housed several Hyrulean soldiers. They passed without incident, the bord soldiers barely glancing at them.

Zelda glanced at Link, not wanting to break the silence, once she had gotten the blond's attention, she signed Does he even know where we're going?

Link gave a shrug before replying Maybe he's waiting for Astrid?

Astrid had yet to return after going on he trip to find the last temple.

Zelda idly nodded, looking back at Ganondorf. While she knew that was an easy explanation, she also knew that Ganondorf was probably lost in his thoughts, blaming himself for what happened to Lurelin.

The Zora were also quiet, aware of the tension Ganondorf emanated and not wanting to risk getting their heads bitten off by asking where they were going.

The sun was beginning to set, making the already orange leaves on the trees surrounding them look like they were on fire. They had been traveling nonstop the past four days, only stopping to eat and sleep. Of course, sleeping outside had its dangers and Zelda longed for a bed.

Approaching them was Tarrey Town, a small merchant town that catered to travelers and the town they had wanted to go to when they first started their journey. It had to have an inn.

Ganondorf appeared not to notice the town, steering Helltrotter towards the path that branched upwards.

Zelda quickly spurred Bluebell faster, cutting in front of Helltrotter's path.

Helltrotter stopped and Ganondorf blinked out of whatever stupor he was in, looking down at Zelda.

"You're passing Tarrey Town," Zelda said.

Ganondorf glanced over his shoulder to stare back at Tarrey Town. He then shook his head.

Before he could say anything though, Zelda moved Bluebell to Ganondorf's side, reaching up to touch his leg. "Gan, please. We need actual beds."

Ganondorf looked at the others, noticing how exhausted they seemed.

The Stalmonsters had been a nuisance while they slept, forcing the group to either take turns or continue walking, limiting their amount of sleep.

Taking a breath, Ganondorf nodded. "All right. We'll stay the night there."

Zelda gave a relieved smile, squeezing Ganondorf's leg.

The group turned around and headed back towards Tarrey Town. The Zora appeared excited at the water surrounding the town, running off to get their scales wet. While Zelda went to get them some beds, Ganondorf moved the horses to the side of the inn.

Link gave the horses an apple each, kissing Epona's nose.

Ganondorf rubbed his knuckles against Helltrotter's snout. "You keep those two in line."

Helltrotter snorted, tossing his head.

Patting Helltrotter's neck, Ganondorf followed Link.

Link glanced at Ganondorf, tapping his fingers against his thigh, before he poked Ganondorf's arm.

Ganondorf glanced down at him with a quiet grunt.

You all right?

"I'm fine."

Link gave him a doubtful look.

At the look, Ganondorf sighed. "Ah, I'm easy to read, huh?"

You don't mope quietly.

"I wasn't…moping."

Link snorted loudly.

"Okay, fine. I was."

Because of what happened in Lurelin?

"I could have killed people, Link."

But you didn't, Link countered.

"I could have though. It was bad enough I burned their houses."

Link grabbed Ganondorf's arm, halting the redhead, and stood in front of him. Not you. Malice.

"Malice, me. What's the difference?"

Link scowled at Ganondorf. Because you have a heart and a conscience. This doesn't.

"But the Malice and I—"

Are two different beings. Just like you and your past selves are different.

Ganondorf gave a quiet laugh. "You're giving me the benefit of the doubt, huh?"

I know who you are. What happened wasn't your fault. The Malice was using you.

Ganondorf sighed, his shoulders relaxing as the tension left him. "Thanks."

Link moved forward to wrap his arms around Ganondorf's waist, squeezing him as tight as possible.

With a chuckle, Ganondorf hugged him back. "You're such a huge sap."

Link leaned back so he could sign You love me.

"Actually, I'm supposed to hate you."

Link pouted. Mean.

Ganondorf grinned, shoving Link's head down as he ruffled Link's hair. "Not my fault you're so wimpy."

Link swatted Ganondorf's hand away, sticking his tongue out at him. No dinner for you tonight.

"Ah, come on, I was kidding!"

Zelda smiled as she approached during the middle of their playful arguing, glad to see Ganondorf back to normal.

The town had a Goron trader specializing in selling gemstones. He also sold some Goron spice which Link bought.

A Rito trader sold a variety of arrows as well as some Hylian rice and Tabantha wheat. Link bought a few arrows to add to his quiver as well as some of the rice and wheat.

While Link was gathering items to make dinner and what appeared to be dessert, the Zora returned from their swim, appearing satisfied.

A small cooking pot sat outside the inn and the group sat around it as Link began to cook.

Sidon, always eager to assist, helped Link with the meat curry.

While they all ate, Link began to make the dessert which appeared to be apple pie.

Everything returned to normal with the good food and the company shared.

Zelda snuck a glance at Ganondorf and was relieved to see that he appeared to be back to his normal self.

Before they left town the next morning, Ganondorf looked over the map to see if there was anything of interest in Akkala or if they were wasting their time.

After a bit of scanning, he pointed to a spot on the map near the top right corner. "Looks like a maze here."

Link and Zelda looked at where he was pointing and saw a structure with squiggles.

"It does look like a maze," Zelda admitted.

Link pointed to a building just below the maze.

Ganondorf looked at it, humming. "It says 'Akkala Ancient Tech Lab'."

"What does that mean?" Zelda asked.

"Guess we'll find out when we get there." Ganondorf folded the map up. "Looks like a stable is near it so we can stop there for the night."

It sounded all right to everyone. The trip at least wasn't in vain.

The group began their trek towards East Akkala Plains, the Zora amazed at how different the landscape was from Faron. It was mostly open plains with long grass and rolling hills. The trip remained quiet until Ganondorf paused, holding Helltrotter's reins tightly.

Zelda looked to where his eyes were locked, spotting five horses coming towards them. She hoped they were merely a wild herd or a group of travelers much like themselves.

That was hoping too much.

Atop the horse's backs were Bokoblins, lead by a silver one.

"They want a fight, huh?" Ganondorf mumbled, taking out one of his swords.

Link and Zelda withdrew their swords while the Zora also grabbed their weapons.

Before they could even charge at the oncoming Bokoblins, several Lizalfos leapt out from either side of the group, startling them.

"An ambush?!" Zelda gasped, swiping at one of the Lizalfos attempting to get on Bluebell's back.

A black Lizalfos hopped onto Helltrotter's haunches, screeching at Ganondorf.

With an annoyed grunt, Ganondorf stabbed the Lizalfos through the mouth then threw it on the ground. "Scatter!"

Everyone split up. The Zora began to take care of the Lizalfos while the other three took care of the Bokoblins riding the horses.

Ganondorf charged at one of the blue Bokoblin archers that was aiming towards the distracted Zora, slicing into its back with his sword.

It screeched and fell off its mount, the horse galloping off.

Helltrotter stomped the Bokoblin's head in as Ganondorf scanned for his next target.

Zelda was holding her own against a black Bokoblin wielding a spear.

Link was outnumbered by the rest of the Bokoblins.

Two were keeping Link busy while the silver Bokoblin looped around behind the blond, bow drawn.

The arrow didn't hit Link, instead burying itself into Epona's haunch.

Epona reared up sharply at the pain, bucking Link off her back.

Ganondorf raced over to Link as the two Bokoblin chased after Epona, knocking the silver Bokoblin off its horse.

Link stabbed the Bokoblin through the chest while Ganondorf pierced its head.

Link then looked around quickly, searching for Epona and finding her several feet away.

She had knocked the two Bokoblin off their mounts and was currently stomping one to death.

Ganondorf grabbed Link by the back of the shirt, tossing him onto the saddle as he spurred Helltrotter towards Epona.

Epona set her sights on the other Bokoblin and reared up, ready to bludgeon it as well.

An arrow came from the side, piercing Epona's skull.

The rage from Link was immediate the death of the Lizalfos by Zelda's arrow even more so.

Ganondorf didn't even have time to stop before Link leapt off Helltrotter to stab the Bokoblin, the last monster left from the ambush.

Even though it hadn't been the one to fire the arrow, Link repeatedly stabbed the Bokoblin with furious grunts.

Ganondorf hopped down from Helltrotter, grabbing Link's arm harshly to stop him. "It's gone! You've killed it!"

Link stared at the space where the Bokoblin had been before he looked towards the motionless Epona, dropping the Master Sword.

"Oh, no," Zelda whispered as she came to Ganondorf's side. "Not Epona."

Ganondorf was well aware of Link's bond with Epona, the horse a constant companion through every cycle. The death had to be an excruciating lance through the heart.

Link gently patted Epona's neck before he suddenly perked up, looking towards Mipha. He got up, grabbing her arm and pointing at Epona.

Mipha shook her head helplessly. "I'm sorry. I can't….I can only heal wounds."

Link deflated at that, ears drooping as he looked back at Epona.

Sidon hated seeing Link so desperate and in pain.

"We should keep moving," Ganondorf murmured. "There could be more coming."

Good! Link signed angrily. I'll get revenge!

"There isn't any point in you dying as well, Link," Zelda said. "I'm sorry, but Gan is right. We can't handle another fight."

Link looked torn between begin annoyed and upset. After a bit, he nodded.

The group slowly continued towards the stable, Link sitting behind Zelda on Bluebell.

The trip was silent, remaining so even as Zelda got beds for them and as Ganondorf got the two horses settle in for the night.

Since Link didn't appear to be in the mood to make dinner, Sidon did it for him, making something that was easy.

The dinner was a quiet one until Bazz muttered, "What the heck is that thing?"

Everyone looked to see some small balloon-like thing perched on a hill nearby, glowing eerily against the night sky.

They all glanced at each other before standing and deciding to go check the strange thing out.

As they got closer, Ganondorf could see a peculiar being standing behind a counter and grabbed the hilt of his sword.

It looked like it was a monster but not one he was familiar with. Wait, one of its eyes looked like a button.

Whatever the being was sniffed and began muttering under its breath, "What is that smell? A Lynel? No…"

They turned around, startling both themselves and the group.

"Ahh! Oh….it's just customers…"

"Customers?" Zelda asked, staring at the small man.

He looked Hylian but his skin was purple and he was too short.

The man bobbed his head eagerly. "Of course! I am Kilton, the proprietor of Fang and Bone."

"Oh, you're a merchant," Mipha said, appearing relieved.

"Indeed! I just love monsters! I've dedicated my life to studying them."

"What exactly do you sell?" Bazz asked suspiciously.

Kilton rubbed his hands together gleefully. "I'm glad you asked! I sell masks and monster extract."

"Masks?" Sidon repeated, confused.

What did that have to do with monsters?

"Haven't you ever wanted to be among monsters without them attacking you?"

The group looked at each other before muttering disagreements.

"Wrong!" Kilton slapped the counter, pointing at the group. "You have wanted to! That's why I made these!"

Kilton ducked under the counter before plopping three masks onto it.

Ganondorf picked on up, staring at it skeptically.

It was a poorly sewn mask imitating a Bokoblin with buttons for eyes.

"I've tested them myself," Kilton said proudly. "They work perfectly."

He mumbled under his breath about still working on a Lynel mask.

"You don't have a Hinox mask," Sidon pointed out. "How come?"

"We don't speak of the Hinox mask," Kilton replied quickly. "No Hinox mask."

"They're quite adorable," Mipha chuckled, inspecting the Lizalfos mask and squeezing it, amused when it squeaked like a Lizalfos. "How much are they?"

"299 Mon."

"Huh?"

"Mon?" Zelda asked. "What's that?"

"Currency that I created."

Bazz tilted his head. "Aren't Rupees good enough? Why create your own money?"

"To bring down the establishment and stick it to the man!" Kilton screeched, leaping onto the counter and throwing his hands into the air.

While the group all glanced at each other, Kilton flapped a hand.

"I just wanted to do it." Kilton paused, suddenly zeroing in on Ganondorf as if he just noticed the redhead. He squinted then gasped, eyes widening. "In all my years! I didn't think I'd be so honored to be in the presence of the mighty boar beast!"

"Huh?" Ganondorf muttered.

Before he could ask how Kilton recognized him, Kilton had already hopped down from the counter and was circling Ganondorf.

"Yes, yes, I see…"

Ganondorf squeaked as Kilton leaped onto his chest, grabbing his jaw and prying it open.

"No fangs?" Kilton clucked his tongue before grabbing Ganondorf's hand. "No claws? Disappointing."

Ganondorf growled at Kilton as the strange man jumped to the ground, offended.

He was disappointing? He would show that stuck up little—

Zelda grabbed Ganondorf's arm, squeezing it slightly.

Ganondorf sighed, relaxing a bit. Oh well. Kilton wasn't worth getting upset over.

"Even Malanya was more intimidating than you…" Kilton mumbled under his breath.

Ganondorf gave a low growl but ignored the slight.

"Malanya?" Sidon asked. "Is that a monster?"

"Oh, no. They're a great fairy and said to have the power to revive any dead horse."

Link perked up slightly.

"Never saw the power for myself though as I don't have a horse."

Zelda glanced up at the sky. "We should get going. It's getting late."

Kilton deflated a bit but he waved at the group as they walked away. "I'll see you on another mysterious night, friends!"

Link hung back while the others left then turned his attention to Kilton. Where is Malanya?

"You want to meet them?"

Link nodded seriously.

Kilton hummed, rubbing his chin. "Let me think…"

The next morning, breakfast was quick. They were about a two hour walk from the maze.

Everything was peaceful, sitting outside in the early morning with the birds chirping.

I want to go see Malanya.

Ganondorf raised an eyebrow at the sudden statement. "The horse fairy? I suppose we can drop by if they're close. Where are they?"

Kilton said below Guchini Plain.

With a hum, Ganondorf pulled out his map and scanned it, finding the location of Guchini Plain. He scoffed, closing the map. "We're not going there."

Link appeared offended, rapidly signing Why not?!

"It's all the way back in Faron is why! That trip will take days!"

But they can bring back Epona!

"I don't care if they can bring back the Great Sea! We're not wasting a trip to see some fairy."

Link hopped to his feet. Then I'll go on my own!

"Then go! See if I care!"

Link kicked some dirt onto Ganondorf's omelet before stomping over to the stable to borrow a horse.

Ganondorf sighed as he set his plate down.

Sidon appeared conflicted on whether he should follow Link or remain with the others.

"That wasn't nice, Gan," Zelda said, shooting the redhead a withering look. "He wants Epona back."

"I know. But we're too close to the maze to turn back now."

"He'll be fine on his own," Bazz said. "He's an excellent fighter."

"Should we wait for his return?" Sidon asked. "Surely the maze won't take several days."

"We hope not," Ganondorf grumbled. "Anyway, we should get going."

Zelda watched as Link galloped off on his borrowed steed before she nodded with a sigh.

She hoped Link got what he wanted and that Malanya truly existed outside a strange man's mind.

The building situated at the top of the hill appeared to have at one point been a light house. The top of the lighthouse had been destroyed, a telescope set atop it, pointing towards the ocean. The light from the lighthouse was on the ground.

"This is the lab?" Sidon asked while Bazz stared at what appeared to be a furnace situated just outside the front of the door emblazoned with a Sheikah symbol.

While the Zora inspected the strange place, Ganondorf and Zelda moved closer to the cliffside.

In the distance stood the last maze, jutting out of the ocean.

Zelda glanced over the cliff's edge then at the maze. "How do we get there?"

"We could climb it."

"That would take forever. If only we could fly."

Ganondorf hummed, crossing his arms as he glanced back at the lab. "Perhaps whoever owns this lab could help us?"

"You think?" Zelda asked, following Ganondorf back to the lab.

"I said perhaps." Ganondorf knocked on the door. He stared at the Sheikah symbol but hoped that if a Sheikah did live there they wouldn't recognize him.

After a few minutes of waiting, the door finally opened, revealing a man in his early thirties. The man had the typical white hair of the Sheikah, cut into strange wing shapes. Goggles covered his eyes.

The man stared at the five before him with a low hum, pushing his goggles up slightly. "What do you want?"

"We were wondering if you could help us?" Zelda asked hopefully. "That maze across the way, we'd like to go there."

The man sniffed before he moved aside to allow them in. "Been working on a way to get there but Cherry's on the fritz."

"Cherry?" Ganondorf mumbled as he glanced around.

Along the walls were blueprints and diagrams of various things. Bookshelves and a desk were along another wall. In the middle of the room was a strange device that looked like some sort of being, rings attached to the side of its head rotating slowly.

"This is Cherry." The man patted the device. "She uses resources to create new things, like a glider."

"A glider?" Sidon asked.

"A device that can make even a Hylian fly like a Rito! Well, glide. But same difference. Name's Robbie."

Robbie? Zelda wondered. Why does that name sound familiar?

"Anyway, the furnace outside decided to die and I haven't gotten around to getting the Blue Flame." Robbie scratched his neck before he perked up. "Ah, you could do it! We both want the glider so it's a win-win."

"We just get the flame and bring it back here?" Ganondorf asked.

Robbie nodded. "Yes."

"Seems easy enough," Bazz admitted. "We could do it."

"I don't see why not," Zelda said.

It wasn't like it would take long anyway. So, the group headed down to the main furnace where a Blue Flame sat. Using a torch to hold the flame, they returned to Robbie's place to light the furnace. With the flame as its power source, Cherry was back up and running.

Shoving several items into Cherry's mouth rewarded Robbie with pieces of the glider which he put together. Once he was done, he held it up. "There we go! One glider for you."

"I think we need two," Ganondorf muttered. "That can't support two people."
"How do you know if you don't try?"

I'd rather not plummet to my death, Ganondorf and Zelda thought at the same time.

They took the glider though and while the Zora hung back, figured out the easiest way to get to the maze.

Ganondorf held onto the glider's handles while Zelda was on his back.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Zelda asked.

"If it fails, I'll change to Ganon to cushion our fall," Ganondorf muttered as he backed up.

None of what they were about to do screamed safe. They had no other choice though.

Ganondorf ran forward and jumped off the cliff.

Instead of collapsing under their weight, the glider supported them with ease and the maze slowly came closer.

Zelda held onto Ganondorf tightly but dug her nails into his shoulders when she noticed something. "Gan…"

"I see it too."

Nearing the maze they saw the red lights of four flying machines hovering above the maze. Several spots were guarded by stationary machines. The style revealed them as Sheikah machines and Ganondorf wondered why there were there.

When they touched down at the maze's entrance, the glider folded in on itself until it became a single stick.

Ganondorf set the stick against the entrance.

It didn't take long before a huge dragon shot up from the ground outside the maze. Zmaj's scales were pale green, golden swirls marking them. A curved horn like a crescent moon sat atop their head as the serpentine dragon perched on the top of the maze.

"You are lacking a member," Zmaj rumbled, staring down at the two.

"He's busy," Ganondorf said. "Do we need him for this maze?"

"Hrm…no. the prize will find its way to him." Zmaj held out a claw and Ganondorf set Farosh's scale on it. "Good luck, young ones."