#donoma

~

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.”

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622288999627833344/the-rising-sun-ch-1-dawn-of-the-gerudo

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622482284480774144/the-rising-sun-ch-3-test-your-might

"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.”

________________________________________________________________

Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622375165476618240/the-rising-sun-ch-2-taiyo-town

Next Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622576982282141697/the-rising-sun-ch-4-uncertain-future

Asakonigei looked up from her list of possible names. "They're both being brats, that's what." Asakonigei sounded irritated. "Revan thinks Donoma is your favorite child, Donoma thinks Revan is too full of himself because of that tournament, Revan is sore because we didn't come to the tournament and he doesn't feel 'Gerudo' enough to be here, Donoma told Revan to stop following Luimaya around like a lovesick puppy because it's never going to happen, and Revan thinks I'm mental because I want to have this baby even though it may possibly kill me." She then took a breath. "And... I think that summarizes it."

"He thinks I undervalue him?" That was what hurt Malik the most to hear.

"Either that, or he's just upset that Donoma was brought along to your 'golden city' and he was not." Asakonigei ran a hand down her face. "He's just being moody, I swear..."

"No... no I suppose there is truth to that. I'll have a sit down with him later."

"Well, perhaps some of the fault is mine." Asakonigei sighed as she set aside her paper list. "We haven't been at home in months. I feel like I sort of left him there by himself. And good spirits, when we get back, there will be a load of things to catch up on. I miss being able to work in my forge, I miss our house, I miss Nubi'ahlus, my uncles, my cousins, our friends there... heh, I even miss that little pastry shop you and I frequent to get some cinnamon rolls." She smiled. "It's still there after all these years. Remember when we'd take Revan and Donoma there when they were little? Revan was always eating his so fast and Donoma would savor hers... and when Revan would try to steal some of hers, we'd have to each hold one." She chuckled. "Good memories."

Malik stood tall, grasping the bed railing with both hands tightly. "I'm not coming back to Hyrule."

"...?!" Asakonigei's expression said it all for him. "... what?!"

"I'm not going back to Hyrule. I'm going to stay here. This is my home Asa."

"And you just decided this? Without talking to me?!" Asakonigei was absolutely furious. She managed to swing her legs to the side of the bed and slowly stand. "Without even asking how I'd feel about this?!"

"I've built it up to you, haven't I? Steadily letting you know my responsibilities lie here. This is a choice I'm cementing now.”

"You never said this would be a permanent home, Malik. You said you were rebuilding Taiyo Town for your people." Asakonigei stated, not budging. "You never said anything about uprooting our life in Hyrule. My business is there, my relatives, our friends, our queen for crying out loud! Your best friend!"

"My spirit is here. I feel alive here. Aren't we old enough to stay here? You can retire, raise our child here with all the women able to support you. I can support you with my supervision focused here and not all of Hyrule." Malik remained calm, wanting to be as diplomatic as he could. "Nubi'ahlus can live in the desert nearby, and after you have this child, how dedicated can you be to your business regardless?"

"That's not the point, the point is you just assumed! You didn't even ask me!" Asakonigei was still angry. "A husband and wife talk through these things together and they---...!!!!!!" The Kovina stared at Malik's hand. Very intensely. "What. Is. That?"

Malik looked down, his hand glowing lightly at the front most triangle. "This? This is the Triforce of Power."

"... and why do you have it?" Asakonigei had a feeling that she really was not going to like the answer.

"Ganondorf entrusted it to me." Malik spoke softly, his hand tightening and loosing with a grip.

"... you're going to rule here, aren't you?" Asakonigei asked point blank.

"I'm going to be a king, yes. I'm going to use this godly power as a source of hope, inspiration and protection for Taiyo Town."

Asakonigei's anger was suddenly replaced with sadness. She looked... really hurt. Waddling over to the chair, she slowly sat down, one hand on her belly. "... I need to think for a little while."

"I understand." Malik sat beside her, his voice matching his sadness. He knew there was a good chance he might lose her, yet his heart was set steady in the sands. "I lived hundreds of years waiting for this moment again since I was a child. To live among Gerudo who could feel safe and welcome in the world. I want to give that to them, to provide that safety. I want the chance to live my dream."

"Your dream didn't include me then." Asakonigei motioned to the tent flaps. "It didn't include our kids, our friends, our family, other responsibilities... I just... I can't right now, Malik." The Kovina put a hand over her face.

"Our children are grown adults, our responsibilities can be taken care of here, and our family and friends can visit us. I-" Malik stopped, realizing his wife wanted time to conclude her thoughts on her own. "I'm going to talk with Donoma and Revan."

"... you do that." Asakonigei replied quietly. ~ Donoma was in the middle of trying her best to Tebanam's camel, Loogie, to behave. He kept trying to make his way over to the females and was protesting every time Donoma cut him off. With a frustrated groan, the young girl firmly shook her finger at the animal. "Listen, the ladies are nice and all, but you have to stay over here. Is that clear?"

"Would a sand seal be a better mount for you in the future?" Her father asked from behind, catching her off guard. "Even the males listen to commands well."

Donoma was a little too comfortable in Taiyo Town and had let her guard drop. She jumped slightly and then gestured to the camel. "I think I rather have one of those sand rays that Skyla has waiting for her in the Garai outskirts. Now that... is some serious transportation."

"There are many interesting creatures that could reside in our desert home, eh?" He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'm not mad, but I want to talk to you and your brother."

"Yes, there are plenty. I'm almost envious of Skyla seemingly being able to communicate with them in her own special way." Donoma's shoulder slumped. "I'll apologize for snapping in front of Mom but I'm not going to apologize for stating the truth. Revan was acting stupid in that tournament and really could have gotten hurt just to impress Luimaya."

"Was it really her he wanted to impress though." Malik tilted his head, wanting his daughter to think.

"Yeah. I think it was. I mean, Dad, you've got to be blind if you haven't seen how he looks at her." Donoma held Loogie's snout and blinked her eyelashes, mimicking her brother. "You're so awesome, your mom and my dad are best friends, let's get married and make powerful babies."

"I know who he likes. Trust me. It's not Luimaya he has eyes of love for." He patted her lightly on the back for assurance.

"If that's true, then why does he still follow her?" Donoma asked, simply using logic. "He didn't even respect her wishes. Personally, I'd kick his ass, but Luimaya has more of rep to uphold than me."

“The future Queen is stubborn. Like it or not, she needs protection. It’s easier to follow a career then go after the heart for a Gerudo man.”

"Luimaya is stubborn, but she doesn't want to see Revan get hurt." Donoma had a slight frown on her face. "I don't want to see my brother get hurt."

"It's the nature of the world we live in my daughter. Danger can try to take us down at any moment. We have to be ready for it. You have to believe your brother is."

"I believe my brother is. That's the problem, Dad." Donoma looked at her father. "I know Revan is a great fighter, but when he's focused on someone else, protecting someone else, he gets sloppy sometimes. That's what I'm worried about. I love Lui like a sister, but... to me, she's hotter than Vatra's own fire. There's something..." The young Gerudo woman sighed in frustration and gave a small shudder. The children did not know of the prophecy, but the parents did. There was something that was being hidden from them. "There's just something off about her power. I know it, Revan knows it, hell, even her cousins and siblings have admitted it. She's strong. Incredibly strong. Stronger than her Mother, and Queen Zarazu is magic incarnate as the leader of the Lorleidians. I mean, is there something I'm missing here?"

"No. You're not." Malik gently rubbed the back of his daughter’s hair to calm her down. "I think Revan is afraid of becoming sloppy himself."

"... maybe I'm just becoming paranoid." Donoma felt out of place in this conversation. Like a piece of missing. "I feel foolish."

"Don't be. You are still young Donoma. In time you will find all the knowledge you seek, and fit every piece of the puzzle you so desire." It was if Malik plucked the wording from her inner thoughts and applied it to help ease her mind. "Have faith in yourself and others."

"... I understand." Donoma then had to ask her father, rather bluntly, but trying to be nice about it. "Have you talked to Mom about your plan to stay here?"

"I have. I'd love more than anything for you both to stay here by my side... but I know I can't force you to accept this as your residence if you choose not to."

"I wouldn't mind staying here some of the time, Dad, but... all my friends are back in Hyrule." Donoma did not want to hurt her father's feelings. "Taiyo Town is great. I'm learning so much and it's absolutely beautiful, but I don't want to leave behind all the people I care about just yet. And Revan's going to be in Hyrule too, and you know if I leave him by himself for too long, he's going to do something stupid."

"I understand. I love you my sunshine." Malik knelt to hug his daughter close.

"I love you too, Dad." Donoma hugged her father tightly. "Just... just go easy on Mom too, okay? I know that you really want her here but..." She gently suggested. "Maybe work out a deal with her like Zizi and Kahli do? Summer months in Hyrule, winter months in Taiyo Town? Just a suggestion. She doesn't want to leave with our great-uncles so old now."

"If that's what it takes..." Malik rose up, taking in the desert air. "Do you know where your brother is?"

"If I had to guess, he's sneakily following around Luimaya while she's trying to avoid him."

"Can't be hard to track him down." As Malik made his way through the town, he found his son. But at a place he wasn't expecting. Revan was at one of the bars, taking a drink of raspberry margarita. He seemed stiff as he washed down the drink. "Son?"

Revan turned to look at his dad, a look of surprise, then slight humour. "Oh. Hey there King Dad. How's the kingdom going?"

"I see it didn't take you long to find a bar. Your sister thought you'd be quietly stalking Luimaya."

Revan snickered at that statement. "The princess is safer than ever, and she's more than happy among her cousins she hasn't seen in eons and all the giggly cacophony of Gerudo around here."

Malik sat down beside his son, noticing this was his second drink. "A cacophony eh? I take it you aren't enjoying yourself?"

"If I get one more brat telling me where I can penetrate my sword, I'm gonna lose my mind. And who says I'm not enjoying myself? I'm away from the rest of you with the best drink I've ever had. Nice job finding decent margaritas dad."

"Why are you mad at me? At your mother?"

"Oh, hmmm, let's think about that. Could you be that you are power driven? That you care more about this backwater desert town rather then staying in Hyrule with your own family? Or maybe its the fact you never even asked me if I wanted to come here and learn about the other half of my cultural background. That can certainly piss off a child." Revan clenched his drink tightly, coming close to shattering it with a flex of his hand. "But I think the thing that makes me the angriest, more than that, more than Luimaya's family making fun of me, is that you knocked up mom again! That you convinced her to keep a baby that will most likely kill her!" Revan sneered at his dad, finishing his second drink in a quick gulp, purely out of bitterness. "You were right. Gerudo Men are cursed have those they most care about come into harm."

Malik was stunned by that. "When did I---!!!" A memory came back to him, nearly a decade ago. Malik's fears and stress on the job lead him to drink himself into a stupor one night. Revan training by himself in the backyard while Asakonigei and Donoma where out flying their dragons. Malik realized it was the eve of his and Cipher's death long, long ago. With alcohol and worry clouding his judgement, he left a warning to Revan that stuck with the boy for years.

'Revan. You can't slack off. You have to push yourself harder if you want to succeed in this world. The gods have it out for us Gerudo. And no Gerudo man has lived in this world without some form of suffering. Fate will hurt us in so many ways. And it can hurt the ones we love the most. Remember that.'

Watching his son drink himself into a bitter corner made Malik see himself clearly in the young man. "Son... I'm not going to let your mother die. And you can't be so hard on yourself. Damn fate or anything else from stopping you from being happy."

"So what? I should be like you and take what you want right? You certainly have the power for it now don't you." Revan coldly looked at the mark on his father's hand. "You might want to cover that up. But I imagine you're going to etch that symbol into every gauntlet and glove of yours now. I get it. Best to show off the goal you were working for."

"Revan..."

"Honestly dad, I am happy for you. Really. You worked who knows how long to achieve all this. Just... just don't succumb to that power and ego. I want to remember you as my dad... and not kill the monster Klinge." Revan got up, heading out to find a bed. "I'm going to go to bed early. Maybe I'll return for a family gathering in the morning. If Luimaya orders it."

Malik sat completely still, saddened to see his son so bitter and angry. Like father, like son. And he was seeing the uglier sides.

~

When Malik finally returned to the tent, Asakonigei was still upset with him. She was not angry about the fact of him wanting to stay in Taiyo Town, what upset her was he did not even ask her. Not being part of the decision really hurt her feelings. Though, the Kovina was smart enough to know that stress was not good for the baby. So, she was quietly trying to ready a few things that the baby would need. A diaper changing station, a basinet, a few loose clothes, and doing her absolute best to knit a blanket to starve off boredom, but miserably failing at knitting.

Yet, at the look on her husband's face, she knew something else was bothering him. So, she chose to let the issue of excluding her in the decision slide for now and asked what was wrong. Then came the story of what Revan had said to him. And there was nothing scarier on the planet than a pregnant woman in that moment. So, in the morning, Asakonigei managed to waddle to her son's tent with two of the biggest pots she could find. And promptly clanged them together with a loud... POW!!!

The gong had been banged, and Revan fell out of bed. His head was ringing, and not just from the pots. The margaritas had given him the biggest hangover in years. “What the hell?!”

"Now that you're awake, we're going to talk." Asakonigei set down the pots and plopped down on the now vacant mattress to rest.

“No. I’m going back to bed.” Revan did his best to crawl back into bed.

"Do you want me to clang the pots again? Cause I will keep at it with a snap of my fingers until you suck it up and talk."

“Talk then.”

"First off, you're going to tell me what in the world possessed you to think that your father prefers Donoma over you."

“He brought her here. That’s evidence enough.”

"And? This is a Gerudo community of women. Don't you think he did it for your sister's benefit?" Asakonigei then said. "He wanted her to meet other women like her, not because he prefers her over you. He's never thought that."

"What about the fact I wanted to learn about Gerudo culture. He didn't take me because a Gerudo man is cursed by being born."

"That's not the reason he didn't take you, Revan. He didn't take you because you had other events occurring." Asakonigei explained to her son. "Gerudo men are not cursed. Look at King Covarog, Prince Ralnor, and Tebanam. And eve your friends, Turagor, Zahirog, Kerugan, Kuredor... all of them have Gerudo in their veins."

“Give them time. That’s what dad said....” Revan sounded so defeated, pulling a blanket closer over him. “Covarog watched his kingdom been torn apart. Tebanam had his heart broken. Uncle Ralnor has the darkness Klinge and Ganondorf held. Give it time. We hurt those we care about the most, or others...”

"Covarog did have to watch Vul'kar destroy Hyrule. But you know what happened after that?" Asakonigei asked her son, a lightness in her voice. "He rebuilt it with the help of his loved ones. Tebanam did have his heart broken. Then he found true love with Faris, and now even has a lovely little daughter, Skyla. Ralnor may have this darkness your father speaks of. However, he has kept his family and friends safe... and even he is happy with Cass and his three beautiful girls. For each part of strife in their lives... they've had a bigger spark of light."

"And father? Does him having the Triforce of Power not speak an omen to come?"

"Ganondorf trusts him. Queen Zarazu trusts him. And... I noticed markings of her magic upon his wrist." Asakonigei admitted to her son. "I do believe our queen has bound him to his word that he will use the Tri-Force for good. She is the wise one, after all."

Revan paused, unsure how to proceed with that. "I don't want dad to become Klinge again... I don't want to be Klinge."

"He won't be. You won't be. You promised to protect Luimaya, did you not?" Asakonigei shifted on the bed, pulling her son's head onto her lap. She carefully stroked his hair. "She's your good friend and I know you care about her a great deal. She is going to succeed King Covarog and Queen Zarazu one day. It may not seem like it now, but Luimaya is very important for Hyrule, for international relationships... she is not only Hylian, not only Gerudo, but Lorleidian as well. Our nation is getting more diverse."

"It's not Luimaya I'm worried about. She doesn't even need a bodyguard. I don't want to Nakeso getting killed because of me. Luimaya is fine on her own."

"... then why did you take the job to protect Luimaya if you're worried for Nakeso?" Asakonigei asked her boy. "What makes you think she will be in danger because of you?"

“Because fate is cruel. If I keep myself as far away from Nakeso without ruining our friendship, she can be safe.”

"What makes you so sure, Revan?"

Revan turned to his mom, a bitter look on his face. “Because it’s what happened to dad’s first wife. It’s what happens to everyone in this crazy extended family. They go through horrible trials, and those closest to them are hurt or killed.”

"What happened to Cipher was not your father's fault; it was a fight. She died due to a battle wound." Asakonigei assured her son. "Then he was reborn thanks to our queen's magic. You're here. Your sister's here. I'm still here." She questioned him then. "Life will always have trials, Revan. The only thing we can do is look forward to the future to try for a better tomorrow. If you want to view it as a curse, you may, but... I believe that if you talk to Nakeso, tell her your fears and how you truly feel... she'll want to stand beside you no matter what. Just like I have for your father."

"She died because the Zelda of that era stabbed her sword through her skull."

"And do you think Cipher faults your father for that?"

"She's dead. You think I want to live with that guilt like dad did? Hell no."

"If you're so worried about Nakeso being with you, then why don't you consult the goddesses for an answer?"

“What? Kovani? She wouldn’t listen.” Revan rose, taking a deep sigh. “And the Hylian gods aren’t exactly... fair.”

"The Golden Goddesses are never fair according to your father." Asakonigei gave a small snort. "It wouldn't hurt to ask Kovina. She's not as bad as Vatra."

"I doubt she can control fate." Her son sighed as he ran a hand down his face. "Anything else you want to talk about? I'm going to get water and take care of this hangover."

"Yes, I do. You need to apologize to your father and your sister." Asakonigei was not going to take no for an answer. "And you need to talk to Nakeso."

“I’ll think about it.”

"You'll do it." Asakonigei held up the pots. "Or do I have to clang these again?"

"Fine. God you are stubborn."

"You didn't get all your stubborn genes from your father, you know. Some of them, you got from me." Asakonigei kissed Revan's forehead and then hefted herself to her feet. "I'm going to walk back to my tent now. If your father finds out that I've snuck out, he'll raise hell again."

"Ah let him." Revan watched her walk off and sighed. "Better find my sister to start..."

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Previous Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622677305470402560/the-rising-sun-ch-5-power-exchanged

Final Ch. https://mrneighbourlove.tumblr.com/post/622856589528989696/the-rising-sun-ch-7-hail-the-king