Queen of the Banished

A hooded figure made their way through the empty streets of Kakariko Village. It was late, hours past the curfew Ganondorf had instated. There were moblins on every corner of every street, watching… A moblin glanced toward them, and they ducked into the shadows with bated breath. Finally, finally, they ran up the walkway to the house. They opened the door and was immediately met by a blade to the throat. They held their hands up in surrender.

“Hey, it’s just me,” he said, yanking back his hood.

“Oh, Gunner,” Kaikoura breathed. Sheik sheathed his blade and stepped back, gesturing for him to come into the room. “Sorry,” she said. “You just… can’t be too careful, right now.”

“It’s fine,” he gave her a wan smile. “Are you… having a party?” he asked, glancing around the room. Sheik’s brother, Tet, was also there, as well as Kaikoura’s friend Nasty, and Rabia’s older brother, Rob. Kaikoura shook her head.

“No, it’s just…” she bit her lip. “We should sit down.” The group looked between each other uneasily as Kaikoura led them to the couches. Once everyone was settled, she took a deep breath.

“So… we got word from Rabia,” Kaikoura said. Rob sat up straight, suddenly much more interested.

“Rabia? Is she okay?” Gunner asked anxiously. “She isn’t hurt, is she?”

“She’s fine,” Kaikoura said. Gunner let out a breath and Nasty pat him on the back.

“Don’t worry, your lady love is in good hands,” he grinned. Gunner rolled his eyes.

“She’s with Vaati,” Kaikoura shrugged. “She’s not in Hyrule Castle right now, thankfully. They sent word, though, that Princess Zelda isn’t actually on vacation.”

“And… is anyone surprised by this?” Nasty asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No. No one is surprised by that,” Rob answered.

“Where is she? Where’s my sister?” Tet demanded.

“Okay, WOW, rude much?” Kaikoura gave Tet a look. “Zelda is… unharmed,” Kaikoura said. She squinted at the piece of paper. “Goddesses, Rabia needs to work on her penmenship… but she’s locked in the dungeon. Ganondorf is keeping her prisoner.” Tet swore and Sheik hung his head. “Rabia almost always has someone else with her and can’t get away long enough to do anything substantial. She was hoping maybe we could help.”

“She wants us… to free Zelda?” Gunner asked. “Isn’t that Link’s job? Where is he, anyway?” Sheik’s shoulders tightened.

“We don’t know. But our sister is locked away in her own Castle. We can’t wait for Link to come back,” Sheik said. Kaikoura nodded.

“We asked you guys to come here to help us,” she stated. “Are any of you in?” Nasty hummed thoughtfully and stroked his chin.

“For you, Kaik? Sure,” he grinned.

“I don’t agree with what my sister’s husband is doing,” Rob said. “But I can’t directly oppose him, either.”

“That’s alright, you can be on lookout with me,” Kaikoura said. Rob nodded.

“Then I’m in.” They all looked at Gunner expectantly.

“...For Rabia,” he said with a nod.

“Okay, great,” Kaikoura said. “Sheik and I have come up with a plan…”