A/N: It's super nice to be writing again, lemme tell you.

Thanks to everyone who sent me messages of encouragement and all around good vibes. It means a lot that you understand, and I just wish I could give everyone really big hugs.

Anyway, getting back into the swing of things is kind of stressful, but still satisfying and super fun nonetheless! This chapter had been 3/4 written before I signed off for so long. I've revised some of it, but the end may seem kind of rushed just because I have no idea where I was going with this chapter. But now looking back at the story as a whole, I know what I want to do with it and how I want it all to play out. Having a plan is much more gratifying than just winging it. Seriously.

Think of this chapter as a filler, I guess. The story will pick back up soon, I promise. I've just got to gather my bearings and have the next two to three chapters written out for publication. Thank you all so much for your immeasurable patience with me. :)

But seriously, once again, thank you all for the continuous, loving support. It means the world to me. You mean the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Without further ado, here's Chapter Twenty.

Chapter XX

An Unexpected Confrontation

It's been three days since I was officially released from the hospital. After another extensive long day of check-ups and IV drips, I received the okay from the attending physician. The nurse, Luda, was especially attentive, making sure that my vein wasn't damaged from when the IV was ripped from my arm, and checking on the fast-healing scar that stretched across my abdomen. She had given me a smile and a pat on the back, saying, "You're definitely a fast healer!"

To be honest, I wish she had been right about that. Physical healing is nothing. The scar on my stomach? Nothing.

The scars that Hilda left, however, are something else entirely. The vivid memory of my cousin, whom I had done so much for, pressing a blade to my throat isn't exactly the sort of thing I'd love to keep on reliving in my dreams.

Link had promised he would help me search for her, and save her from whatever stupid organization has manipulated her into joining them. I'm grateful, to say the least, for his resilience. He's been softer towards me, more acknowledging. We haven't bickered over anything once.

And the thought that he and Hilda collaborated together to keep me from whatever Hilda's true intentions were was overwhelmingly valiant. It's alien to me, for sure, but nonetheless, I'm going to accept whatever kindness he has to bring to me from now on.

Oh, I'm sure you're wondering about the housing situation. Well, I am happy to inform you that my dad and I have officially reinstated our welcome at the Ordonia household! It wasn't that hard to convince him, actually—it turns out he missed living with his best bud as well. Explaining the Hilda situation, however, was more difficult than I had hoped.

But with Link's help, we managed to cover her tracks. Link smoothly relayed to Dad that Hilda had received an urgent phone call and was required to move back to Holodrum immediately. Dad, surprisingly, did not question the holes in our story, or how when we arrived back at the remodeled home that her family had generously paid for, was void of any of Hilda's possessions.

Seems like Dad wasn't too fond of her, either.

Uli was more than ecstatic, and so was Aryll. Rusl was happy to have his friend back under the same roof. Colin was indifferent—as to be expected. Though, I'm surprised he didn't complain about having to give up his room again, so I guess you could say we're not exactly enemies anymore but not friends either?

Who knows.

Now, Link's reaction …was surprising, to say the least. Ever since Hilda's escape, he's been next to me nonstop. He's always asking how we can manage to wriggle out the secrets of the group that's got Hilda—and Vaati—doing their dirty work. We both agreed that they probably won't be the last members we see.

However, we haven't been able to come up with a cohesive plan, but hopefully, as we discover more and more about this stupid organization that's after the Triforce Code—which I'm still partially clueless about—and why they're planning to use it to dominate the world (which is a dumb idea), we'll be able to get close to formulating a plan that will end their game once and for all.

For now, however, we're back at the school routine. It's my first day back, and I've gotten some words of sympathy from other students who apparently heard about my fiasco in the classroom before I blacked out. Even Ms. Shades asked how I was doing when I walked into her classroom. Which is nice, yeah, I appreciate it all. At least it's not unwanted attention like it was before when my house burned down.

But it doesn't really help make me feel better about everything else that's happened.

Anyways, we're back at the start. Square one. I'm in the back of the class, watching Link focus intensely on the government test on his desk, while Midna is begging to be filled in on what's transpired the last three days. It's kind of like nothing happened, while at the same time, everything happened. We're gossiping and talking, but not exactly about the stuff we used to talk about—which actually makes me really sad. It's amazing how fast we've matured after everything that's happened.

"You're killing me here," she pleads in a hushed whisper, latching onto my arm. "I'm dying."

I hold back a snicker. "First of all, you're not dying. Second, Dad and I have moved back in with the Ordonia's."

Midna's eyes widen. "Seriously. No joke?"

I shake my head.

"Okay, weird, but not totally surprising." She pauses. "What happened to your insane cousin? Did she miss being treated like a princess?"

My brows wrinkle. I can't think of how to tell her in short detail about Hilda's true intentions, or how both Vaati and Hilda are both involved in some kind of group that has a hellbent desire on taking over Hyrule through digital means aka the Triforce Code. In fact, Link hasn't even cleared me on being able to tell her anything related to that, and to be completely honest, I don't want her to have to be involved in all of that bullshit anyway. She doesn't need that.

"Zelda?"

Then again, maybe she does know, and I'm just being paranoid.

But she needs to know about Vaati nonetheless. At least, part of it. It's better to be safe than sorry. "Turns out, she's in league with Vaati."

Midna remains silent, but she's become immediately rigid. I watch as her hands grip the desk tightly, restraining herself from throwing it in the middle of Ms. Shades' class. Her breathing is hard, staggered. Goddesses, maybe even telling her that was too much for her.

I place a hand atop hers. "Calm down."

"How can I calm down? He's gotten to your damn family," she seethes. It's too loud, and Ms. Shades' sends us a sharp glare, before cautiously resuming her paper grading. A few students give us quizzical looks, and return to their tests. Link glances back softly at me for a mere second.

It's nice to know that he's still being gentle towards me, even through eye contact. No way do I want to ruin the good vibes we've got going on so far. If we keep this up, maybe…

Oh, goddesses, no focus on Midna right now. Not Link.

In a quieter voice, Midna asks, "Did Vaati manipulate her into working for his employer, or what? Was he pulling the strings while she was here?"

"I'm not sure." I cross my arms, leaning forward on the desk. "From what I can guess, I don't think so. She'd talk to this…not-so-nice guy on the phone from time to time. He didn't sound like Vaati." Suddenly, I remember a crucial part of Hilda's phone call. "When I was in the hospital, she was talking to man on the phone about Vaati. Maybe that was the employer?"

"What was said?"

"Looks like he was punished for failing the mission he said he was here for."

Midna begins to relax, but her hands are still clenched. "Do you think he'll be back?"

It's a loaded question, and I'm not sure how well I can answer it except by giving a simple shrug. With no information on Hilda's whereabouts, or what this stupid cult she's caught herself up in even is, I can't really say for sure if Vaati will even return.

But what I do know, is that they'll send more people. With every failure to retrieve the Triforce, the people sent our way only get stronger. Hilda was certainly a step up, and she's my own cousin, for Din's sake.

To be honest, I've been trying to wrack my brain for answers as to why they'd send my own cousin, or why they'd even recruit her in the first place. The Triforce Code has been under the Ordonia's possession for longer than I've been staying with them.

Now, I'm not the smartest person in the world—like a certain someone. Wink. But I can't shake the feeling that whoever is running this whole shindig somehow knows about me and my dad living with them, and thought they could get what they desired through my own family.

Which is seriously, really sick.

In a random attempt to get me—and Midna—to cheer up from all the gloom, I rustle in my bag and pull out a familiar envelope I received from Uli during the sports festival a month back. With Midna casting a curious eye, I extract the treasured photo from the white folds and hold it out for our pure entertainment.

Midna swiftly places a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. "Oh my Din, I forgot this existed," she snickers, her shoulders shaking up and down.

I can barely contain my own giggles the longer I stare at the photo of a young Link adorned in a beautiful pink dress. "You wouldn't believe it, but Uli has a million of pics just like these. I can always ask for more if you're interested."

"Oh, hell yes." A pause. "Thanks for this. Well—for everything, I guess."

I crack a smile. "What're friends for?"

She grins back. "Have you ever wondered what Link would look like in stockings?"

We can't help it after that, and we howl with laughter, filling up the entire room. I'm pretty sure it's vibrating along with us, we can't stop. Let's just say it was a much needed hysterics fest.

"Ms. Harkinian. Ms. Twili."

The sharp cracking tone of Ms. Shades' voice brings us back to full attention. Everyone in the class is now looking back at us. Link is, too.

He's looking at me, somewhat annoyed.

God dammit, not this crap again.

"Is there something humorous you two would like to share with the class?" Ms. Shades has her arms crossed and her pencil skirt stretched out as her legs stand tall and apart in a superior stance. Her poorly painted nails drum her arm expectantly, awaiting an answer.

Panicked, I swipe the photo behind my back. "Nope, nothing at all." Totally not suspicious whatsoever! Way to go Zelda!

I give Midna a thumbs up.

She groans.

"Ms. Harkinian, could you please bring whatever's behind your back to the front of the class?"

My body freezes. So much for my brilliant attempt at subterfuge.

"And why don't you, Ms. Harkinian, go ahead and share what's so funny that you just had to take away from my students' testing period?"

Shit.

Link's annoyance has shifted over into what seems to be almost genuine concern for my impending punishment. His eyes have become so much kinder towards me, it's hard not to melt on the spot.

Oh, goddesses, he's going to really hate me. Once this gets out, he's actually going to murder me. No, even worse.

Ruin me.

Midna gives me a slight pat on the back. "Good luck," she mutters under breath. Her eyes are glued to her desk, and I can tell she wants me to go up there alone.

She knows the dangers of that photo being released to the awaiting public. She's full aware that if she involves herself, she'll reap the repercussions just as much as I will!

Be strong, Zelda. Be. Strong.

With what little bravery I can muster, I shakily approach the front of the classroom. Thankfully, Link hasn't caught onto what was so funny. Too bad that's not going to help my case any.

Ms. Shades gestures to the empty space next to her, and taps her foot impatiently. I scurry to her side, clutching the photo in my hands. "U-Um," I stutter in a panic, "is this really necessary? We're really sorry about laugh—"

"Was it necessary for you and Ms. Twili to rudely disrupt these students?"

All I can do is smile weakly in attempt at gaining resolution. I fail.

"That's what I thought." Her glaring red eyes stay locked on me, and it's so unsettling I think she can actually see me shivering in cold fear. "Go ahead. Tell the class what was so funny."

I sigh, and make a successful attempt at catching Link's gaze with mine.

In a desperate last attempt, I apologize with my eyes, and mentally prepare myself for the maiming of my life.

And it's only first block.

So, let's just say that Link isn't pissed off at me.

Nah, he's full on enraged. Like, so enraged, that he won't even acknowledge me—not that that wasn't an issue before. This time, though, it's different. He's actually acting like I don't even exist. Anytime during the day that I attempted to catch him in the hallway or at lunch to profusely apologize for my mistake, he just gave me a blind stare, like he was seeing through me, not directly at me.

And the cherry on top? He then said after the fact, "Wonder what that annoying buzzing noise is," and proceeds to ignore me.

He's literally treating me like a gnat. A freaking gnat.

But I guess I really don't have it as bad as he does. The entirety of the school day, he'd get so many snickers and catcalls that it was actually incredible how word about how Link was basically a girl for the first four years of his life traveled so fast. I didn't realize word of mouth was so efficient, but now I'm enlightened.

Even Groose strode up to him with a newfound confidence and blatantly asked him if he could borrow a few hair ribbons sometime soon. It was a pretty ballsy move, and I'm kind of proud?

Anyways.

The gossip didn't cease—rather it increased with every passing second of the day. I'm pretty sure that while we were walking home after school gets out, towards the train station, random strangers would give him weird glances. Amazing, the rate at which rumors spread. I'm still in awe.

If I'd have realized just how powerful this picture has proven to be over the student body's interpretation of Link, I'd have used it as soon as I opened the envelope and gotten my sweet, sweet revenge before I could fall even more in love with him.

Now I'm seriously regretting not going through with the photo revenge scheme. I'm just too nice sometimes, it's so annoying.

Well, you get the gist of it.

We make it to the train station, and still, not a single sign of acknowledgement has even been thrown my way. Not even a pathetic toss. Nothing.

"Look on the bright side of all this." I'm really pushing him here, but I can't help it. I'm desperate. "Uli told me that sooner or later, she was going to be showing your pics to everyone. I think she said at your wedding?"

I can practically see the anger radiating off of his body right now. He ignores me further.

It kind of hurts, you know. He was so nice to me—maybe even starting to like me as something more—and now, he's Mr. Stoic all over again. How long can he go without talking?

Apparently, long enough to drive me crazy.

I know it's really not silent, with all the other train passengers waiting to board their respective rides, but it feels like I've gone deaf, because Link has made it clear that he doesn't wish to speak to me, so I guess it's like I'm just waiting for his voice, so I've tuned everyone else out. Which is sort of pathetic.

He stands a good five feet away from me, ensuring that distance is kept at all possible times. The slightest move I make towards him, he inches back.

When I attempt to tap his shoulder, he shrugs it off.

"Seriously?" I mutter, inaudible to the rest of the world. To test a reaction, I state a bit louder, "Looks like you're back to being a class-A douchebag to me again. Congrats on that one!"

Still, nothing. His cobalt eyes are glued to the platform across the way, over the railing. His posture is straight but his muscles are completely relaxed. Damn, he's really good at this.

"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" I attempt at an apology, but again—no response. "Link, please. I was just trying to cheer Midna up. It didn't have anything to do with sabotaging your precious ego, I swear." I take a moment to consider my next sentences, and decide to add, "If I did plan something like that, it'd be much more…grandiose believe me."

This time, I do get something, but not in the form of speech—more in the form of a sideways glare that practically speaks words in itself.

Leave me alone.

Okay, I'm getting really angry. "Glad to know you're fragile reputation is more important than saving my cousin from an insane cult. That's a good call on your part."

He's receded into going back to completely ignoring me. I've become invisible and inaudible to him once again.

Prick.

Train A speeds down in front of the station, and the refreshing breeze it brings with it has me feeling some sort of way. As the doors open, I watch Link board as I plant my feet firmly to the ground. Not waiting for him to even turn around or look for me—which I doubt he even would—I call out above the noise and say, "Hey, jerk, I'm going to walk alone for a while in Castle Town!" Quickly, I add, "Don't follow me, either!"

Maybe it would've been wise to wait and just see if that got a rise out of him, but at the present time I don't really care anymore. His vain concerns of his ruined rep are something I don't have to share in. If he wants to act like a child about all of this, so be it. I can too.

I can dig up information on this stupid cult and Hilda just as fast as he can anyways.

Turning hotly on my heel, I exit the train station back onto the streets of Castle Town. With no set destination in mind, I blindly wander around town, trying to clear my head of all my previous misgivings. That turns out to be impossible, because my constant worry over Hilda just won't disappear. That, and the fact that Link's kindness has almost completely shattered upon returning the real world.

It was nice while it lasted, I guess. My thoughts drift back to the morning we embraced each other, which was probably result of the adrenaline pumping in our veins after Hilda's hasty escape, and I can feel my cheeks begin to flush. One minute I had been his arms, the next I was waking up to brand new day where I'd be released.

The time spent in his arms was fleeting, but I'm going to cherish it nonetheless. Maybe somewhere in his stubbornness, he cherishes too. But that may be all wishful thinking, so I won't dwell too much on the thought.

Without warning, a vivid image of Hilda's sorrow ridden face flashes in my mind again. I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I walk slowly down main street amongst the bustling afternoon rush.

Despite the manipulation and the lies, Hilda's sincere expression struck something in me. I didn't want her to suffer anymore—goddesses, no. I had decided that long before I discovered why she really came to Hyrule. She of all people deserves at least a little bit of sanity in her life. She deserves to be saved, to have a happy ending.

And that's exactly what I want to do. I want to give her a happy ending that's not filled with doctors' notes and silent ridicule, but with the warmth I feel with my new family every single day (save Link, because he's being an asshole right now). But then dangerous thoughts lurk in the back of my mind. What if she doesn't want to be saved? Then what would I do? Just let her run around with these freaks who think dominating Hyrule with a file that may or may not even work is the best idea since sliced bread?

No. I couldn't let her do that. Hilda—and maybe even Vaati, too, deserve better than what they've been given. So, maybe with a little determination and careful planning, I can save both of them.

Except I'm extremely incapable of doing almost anything right. Sure, I got lucky with getting Vaati out of Castle Town, but that was just that: sheer luck. And besides, I have no idea where to even begin. If I knew how to hack, I'd get Hilda's cellphone records—but I don't. And as much as the genius he is, I don't exactly think Link is as tech savvy as he may seem.

But…if I did get someone to retrieve her phone records, then maybe I'd at least have a good place to start!

Except I don't know anyone who's good with computers. Damn.

Deflated, I continue to wander aimlessly through the streets. The sun's setting fast, and I'm not sure how long I've been walking. However, the area I come across is strikingly familiar, and the dim incandescence of an old street oil lamp burns at the end of the cobblestone street. As twilight ascends and the lamp's light burns brighter, I can make out a nearby sign.

My heart almost leaps for joy at the recognition.

Wasting no time, I bound towards Agitha's in a fit of excitement, not wasting anytime knocking to see if she's even there.

Fortunately, she is. With infamous parasol in hand, Agitha the bug princess is kneeling on the ground, in front of the immense tree that houses her golden bugs, watching her loyal "subjects" with fond, loving eyes. A golden ladybug gingerly crawls across her offered index finger as she rises from the ground.

"It's been a while, butterfly," she greets with warm acceptance. Amethyst eyes gleam against the bugs' golden light, and a smile stretches her lips. "I was almost afraid we would not meet after our first encounter!"

"Honestly, me either," I say with an eager grin. "I was kind of just walking around when I came across your shop again."

"It's a good thing you've come, then!" With a quick twirl of her parasol, she glides over to the corner of the room, where two very inviting chairs sit in wait. She takes a seat, and gives me an expectant look. Joining her, she says, "How have you been?"

"Things could be…better." For some reason, I don't really feel like holding anything back from Agitha, despite knowing her for such a short time. There's a lot of wisdom in this girl, despite the fact that she's only a few years older than Colin. She's the type of person you just kind of look at and realize that they'll understand anything and everything.

Agitha plays with the ladybug on her gloved hand. "Care to share?"

"Well, for starters I was in the hospital a few days ago for—"

"You having to stay in a hospital had nothing to do with the black widow, correct?" she intercedes hastily, while keeping her focus on the bug that explored her hand.

Upon remembering her nickname for Hilda, I reply with a shake of the head.

"That's a relief. I was afraid she'd catch you in her web."

"Actually, she almost did," I admittedly reply.

Agitha's eyes widened slightly. "Could you please explain?" At sight of my hesitation, she gently places her lady-bug free hand atop mine, and gently adds, "If it will bring you comfort to tell me."

And with that, I tell her everything. And I do mean, everything.

Well, okay scratch that. Everything except mentioning the Triforce Code, because I can't afford to have Link even more pissed at me this week.

Words spill out of me, none left without emotion to back them up. Hilda's betrayal, Vaati Ventus, Midna, my feelings for Link and my increasing frustration with all of his mood swings—everything just flows off my tongue, words like water finally being released from a fortified dam. I can't fathom as to my infatuation with this girl or why it's so easy to just talk and have her listen to everything that's been on my mind, but it doesn't prove to be useless.

She listens intently, nodding every so often at a certain action I may have done somewhat right, or shaping her mouth into the form of an "o" when something didn't go right. She never interrupted, or chastised me or anyone else mentioned in my stories. No, Agitha just listened. Patient, and unwavering, she listened.

That's enough for me.

When I'm finished and almost out of breath to even add anything else, Agitha removes her hand and clasps them tightly, the ladybug scuffling onto new territory. "It seems you have seen and experienced an entirely new world than most have in Hyrule. No wonder these thoughts have been tormenting you!"

I can only nod in solid agreement.

"I wish there was a way I could help your black widow and this other character—Vaati? I'm afraid, as you can tell, I'm no good with technology. I believe it to be a hassle." She takes a long, thoughtful pause, and then, "As for your grasshopper, however, I may be able to shed some light on the subject."

That piques my interest. "Really?"

She nods. "I believe him to be quite taken with you, and holds you in very high regard."

I sigh, slumping in my chair. "Very funny."

"No, I do!" I huff defiantly, which causes her to rebuff. "I suppose, however, it would be difficult to explain, since he does seem the type to mask his emotions extremely well. But trust me when I say, butterfly, that I am never wrong. I'm extremely perceptive."

"We'll see I guess, though I'm sure you're wrong on this one, Agitha." In saying her name aloud, I come to a sudden realization. "Oh, goddesses, I've never properly introduced myself to you, have I? I feel so rude, you don't even know my name! I'm Zelda, Zelda Harkinian. Oh, Nayru, I'm so inconsiderate and you offered me food the first time and now you're giving me relationship advice and I don't even know—"

Agitha's twinkling laugh breaks my concentration. "No need to fret, dear butterfly. Though you possess a lovely name, I'm more accustomed to calling you butterfly. It does suit you to a t, after all."

With a faint blush, I say, "T-Thank you."

"I wish there was some sort of way I could help you in finding your cousin's location, but I'm afraid even if I knew how, I'm somewhat…preoccupied with my own problems of a completely different nature."

"Really?" I lean forward in my chair, grasping her ladybug-less hand. "If there's anything I can help you with, just say the word!" Before she can protest, I state, "I won't take no for an answer, either, so don't even try."

A small smile curls at her lips. "You're very kind, but I'm unsure of how you could. You see, the number of customers and observers who wander into my shop has been fleeting these past few weeks, and if my predictions are correct, then I'm afraid I won't be here for much longer."

I frown. "Surely a few lost customers isn't that damaging, is it?"

"You would think so," she sighs. "But I'm afraid my area of business is already on the verge of collapsing, so it's not a shock that I'd be forced out of my own shop before the month is over. This sort of establishment lives off of donations and observation fees, along with a small lunch charge. When you have a cause that so many people are unaware of, it's hard to stay afloat." With another hefty sigh, she adds, "It was only a matter of time before this all went to waste."

Seeing Agitha in such a distraught state makes me throb with empathy. She has worked so hard for all the things she cares about, and now she can only watch the fruits of her work burn to the ground. "But…but what if you were able to get your sales back up? A little advertisement never hurt anyone."

"I'm afraid that even if I were to meet proper standards by the end of the month, my premonitions would not be changed, just delayed." She further explains, "You see, someone has been interested in purchasing this small strip of town for a large sum. Most of the businesses in the area of succumbed to the offers made, but mine and a few others remain under true ownership."

"What?" I'm disgusted that someone as evil as to buy out people's homes and livelihoods even exists in this world. "Why on earth would someone do something like that?"

Agitha gives a sombre smile. "Sadly, butterfly…because they can."

That's when it clicks. If it's who I'm thinking of, my already sullied opinion of the person of interest has sunk to an incredible new low, which I honestly didn't think was possible for anyone I held in low disregard—and trust me, there are few.

Hesitantly, I offer her a name. "This wouldn't happen to be G—"

As if by some trick of fate, the bell at the front of Agitha's shop chimes with a subtle, foreboding ring. The both of us have locked up in the chairs, not daring to make a move. By the expression she wears, I can tell that Agitha knew that someone other than me would be stopping by sometime soon.

Heavy footsteps press into the creaking floorboards, sounding closer and closer towards our little corner in the far back. A figure stalks around the tree—broad and immense in stature, as if they were challenging the tree's in matters of posture and superiority. The shadows conceal this person pretty well, I'll admit, but as the sky gets darker, Agitha's lamps burn brighter.

The additional party steps into view, and as the lamps glow stronger than ever, filling the store with light, I can only do so much as inwardly brace myself as I stare back into the unsettling golden eyes of Ganondorf Dragmire, the wealthiest man in all of Hyrule and beyond.

The guy who screwed my dad over at Zant Corp.

So, he's a lot taller in person. Like, a foot and five inches taller than I expected him to be. But now that he's here, in front of me, leering down at Agitha and her golden bugs, I can only feel myself start to hate him so much more.

The TV really does add ten pounds.

Ganondorf doesn't really take any notice of me, which I am more than fine with. However, I'm not to keen on his intentions towards Agitha. I can already guess as to why he's come to visit such a small little shop like this, but I can't fathom his reasons for having such an interest in it.

As his lips curl into a vicious, greedy sneer, my hands grip the edge of my seat.

"Good evening, your highness." His voice is deep, and hollow. Void of any sincerity. It's horrifying.

"Ganondorf," she replies, giving him a stout nod in reluctant greeting.

Golden eyes shift onto me with a vague intrigue. "Yet another insect you've added to your collection?" he snorts.

WOW, okay, that was extremely rude.

Agitha shakes her head subtly in warning. It's a silent plea not to stir up trouble, and I get that, but seriously, this guy has been on my nerves forever, and now that I'm finally meeting him in person, it's taking every single fiber of my being not to lash out and scream at him for being such an idiot.

But I remain complacent, allowing Agitha to speak without interruption. "What did I deserve to receive such a pleasant surprise?" she says, her voice dripping with childish sarcasm. "Truly, it's an honor to have you."

Ganondorf only smiles. "It would seem to me that fate has brought us together once again, your highness. I've received word that you've been having some trouble keeping your precious parasite haven afloat."

"Bugs," she firmly corrects him. "They are bugs. And they will be treated as how I see fit, do you understand?"

He writes her off with a dismissive, powerful hand. Thank goddesses he's still ignoring me.

"Shall we get straight down to business then?" Ganondorf suggests, walking around the shop with an observant eye.

Agitha's gaze narrows. "I've already given you your answer. You're not getting ownership of my shop. Ever."

Oh, Din, is he serious?

A booming laugh erupts, filling the space with heavy ringing. "Always so naive," he chides. "To think you would have learned by now. Going against me is the last thing you ever want to do, your highness."

"I have no qualms with it," she says, shrugging. "I merely wish to keep my shop under my own supervision without any added 'benefits' that I may so graciously receive from you."

However, Ganondorf continues to smile. "You're making a horrible business mistake. If you'd sell your store to me now, it'd still be here, under your own ownership and name. I'd just be paying for it."

"And I humbly decline your assistance."

"Still playing hard to get I see." He extracts a wallet from his coat pocket, and begins licking at stacks of rupees. "Five million, on the table."

I almost vomit. Who just throws money away like that?

"I'll pass," Agitha replies with an endearing smile of her own.

"Ten," he presses onward.

"I kindly refuse."

Okay, so other than that Ganondorf is loaded and Agitha is the saintliest girl ever, why in hell does he want to buy her out? It's a bug haven, he has no use for it. Sure, he destroys businesses and replaces them with his own, but those were major corporations—places with a large amount of space and a plethora of possibilities. Not once on the news have I seen stories about Hyrule's wealthiest man attempting to claim every small self-owned businesses in the Castle Town area. Especially ones that are used as bug havens.

It's bizarre, and I can't help but feel—no, know, that there's some bigger reason behind all of it. Lustfully greedy men like Ganondorf don't just put offers down just because they can.

No, there's a higher plan in all of this; I refuse to let it be carried out.

I rise from my seat. Ganondorf shoots an annoyed glare. "Sorry to interrupt," I apologize with all the kindness I can muster for the man in front of me, "but I'm pretty sure my friend here has made it clear that she doesn't want your money."

He raises a careful brow my way. "And you are…?"

"Just a friend." No way in hell is this guy getting my name. I've learned not to give out by now.

Agitha shoots me a wary look.

I give her a wave of the hand to silently tell her I've got this.

"You look strangely familiar," he comments, eyes scanning my person from head to toe. It sends chills down my spine. "Have we met before?"

"No, I don't believe so."

Ganondorf contemplates this for a few seconds, calculating and cold. Then, "If you're truly this girl's friend, you'll advise her to accept my offer."

I raise a hand up. "Sorry, but I'm going to have to stop you there. I know your type, and frankly, accepting your offer would be the worst idea, like, ever."

"I beg your pardon?" The collected tone of voice he had taken begins to disintegrate into sincere irritation. "This shop is liable to shut down without my financial aid and social recognition supporting it. You have no claims as to why it would even succeed within the next two weeks all by itself."

And that's when a lightbulb goes off.

"Actually, she already has backers supporting her shop."

This time, both Agitha's and Ganondorf's expression go blank.

With a powerful smirk, I walk towards the door and hold it open. Ganondorf only stares in disbelief. Before he can even utter a word of rebuttal, I swiftly refute him. "We'll be seeing you out, now sir. Please don't bother my friend ever again."

A painfully silent minute passes, with Ganondorf stunned and Agitha beaming with a mixture of relief and confusion. I'll have to figure out a way to help her, but right now, getting rid of the epitome of all greed out the door is top priority.

Finally, Ganondorf releases a dark chuckle. "It seems to me I've been outbid. For now."

Well, that was sort of easy.

"However." Spoke too soon. "Once this abysmal excuse of a business collapses, do not come crawling back to me, your highness. Second chances are not taken for granted."

Agitha only shook her head.

"And you."

I stiffen.

"I shall not forget you."

With that, Ganondorf Dragmire swept out of the store, the bell chiming in celebration of his leave. I turn back to my friend, who seems a bit winded at the unexpected encounter. "You okay?" I ask as I join her side. "That was sort of…weird."

"I wish you hadn't seen that," she murmured, acting more her age now than ever before. Her lips formed an impressive pout. "You must understand that you've put yourself on his radar."

"Radar? Me? How so?"

"Ganondorf is ruthless. Once he sets his sights on something, he stops at nothing to obtain it—even a tiny bug haven on the edge of the city." She plays with the ladybug that has been resting on her hand for quite some time. "How do you even intend to back your own words up, butterfly?"

I smile. "I have friends in places just as high as Ganondork's. If you give me a few days, I can get you the help you need in no time."

"But what if it's not enough?"

With a newfound determination, I say, "I won't give up on you!"

Agitha adorns a gentle smile, and rises out of her seat. "I believe in you," she whispers as she pulls me into a soothing hug.

I return it with equal fervor. Thinking on it, maybe I shouldn't have been so brash with Ganondorf. But seeing a man like that practically try to put a friend in the corner sickened me—men like that shouldn't be allowed to exist.

Perhaps through all of this, I can gain Agitha's help. In what way, I'm still unsure of. But maybe, if through experience, I can finally figure out just who and why the organization Hilda and Vaati are apart of exist, and why they want so badly to obtain the Triforce Code.

Agitha and I pull away. Placing encouraging hands on her shoulders, I give her my biggest smile. "Now, it's time to initiate our awesome plan!"

"And what would that be?" she inquires.

Though it's sort of a stretch, the only person who can truly help Agitha is the one whom I need to gain favor from in the fastest way imaginable. And though it will take groveling and a shit ton of pleading, I am willing to go as far as that to help her.

"Step one. Enlist Link Ordonia as our man made of money!"

A/N: Leave your thoughts and critiques in the review section! Also, I've got another exciting project in store, but it will not be released nor discussed until after the conclusion of Strange Occurrences.

It's good to be back :)

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