Chapter Text

Chapter 1

"I'm so glad you're here," Mrs. Shell, a middle aged Hylian woman called up to Link, "calling the fire department to get her out of the tree would've been expensive all the way out here."

"There's no need!" The young man called out, bundling the cat under his arm. Link slowly descended from the ladder, gently holding the furry feline. 

“You are so kind, Link,” Mrs. Shell exclaimed, beaming at the young man, “this afternoon, you aren’t leaving without one of my wildberry pies.” 

Link tried to object but the Hylian woman insisted, “It’s the least I can do. Stay put. Don’t you dare leave.” 

As the woman ran into her house, Link sighed, holding the squirming cat. The door to the neighboring house opened. An elderly Hylian man exited the home, his eyes widening when his eyes rested on Link. 

“Hey, young man. My horse has gotten out again. Do you mind getting the silly creature back for me?” The man exclaimed, "it fled into the woods behind my home".

"Of course." The young man said, rushing over to the neighbor. 

"Oh, when you're done, Link, can you help me again?" Mrs. Shell called out behind him, frowning, "I'm sorry, the other cat got caught in the tree just now." 

Link nodded, sighing.

–

Ganondorf placed two sets of silverware on the table before re-entering the kitchen. Smells of Gerudo saffron, warm safflina, and spices made his mouth water. Thunder boomed outside the apartment building. Droplets of rain pelted the city from the dark heavens above. 

“Where is he?” He muttered, “Goddesses know, he's gotten hurt helping those country ingrates." 

After a jiggle of the front doorknob, a soaking Hylian entered the apartment. The sandy-brown pants that were a mainstay of his wardrobe were darkened from the weight of the pouring rain. 

"Sorry, those errands took longer than I expected." Link said, reflexively rubbing the back of his neck. 

Gan looked heated enough to dry off the young man sheepishly standing across from him. His vermillion-toned hair seemed even redder that evening.

"You mean those people took advantage of your kindness longer than you anticipated," the older man walked past Link into the kitchen to stir the bubbling red sauce on the stove. 

"Look, I know you aren't a fan of my service around the village. Goddesses know Mrs. Shell needs a lot of help especially," Link spoke, "but haven't you ever asked for help and not received it? These folks know that feeling all too well."

"Don't try to act as though I've never needed help. Of course I know that feeling," Ganondorf put a lid over the pot, "my problem is that they take advantage of your kindness frequently. They prioritize their need for "help" over your well-being, like tonight." 

"A walk in the rain usually clears my head," Link shook his head, his brows furrowed over cool blue eyes, "my well-being is fine, Gan. I'm not some sickly person. Besides that, it's the least I can do." 

"The least you can do?" Gan asked incredulously.

"Yes!" The younger man shot back, "now that I have more opportunity, more resources, greater strength, the least I can do is help the people who practically raised me." 

Thunder continued to boom outside, the walls vibrated. 

"I’m not having this argument with you,” Ganondorf went into the kitchen, “sit down and eat. At the very least this meal will warm you up. You could have caught your death out there."

"I'm not hungry. I'll just lay down." Link said quietly before trudging past the man to the bedroom. 

Ganondorf growled and went back to the kitchen, turning off the stove with a jerk of his wrist. 

–

The next morning was dreary, the opaque sky a warning of more rain to come that evening. 

There was a knock on the solid wooden door. Ganondorf beckoned the visitor to enter. 

"Is there anything else you would like me to grab for you, Mr. Dragmire?"

It was the new office assistant, donning a pair of spectacles that did not suit him. 

"No, Kuro, you’ve gone above and beyond. The Hyrule herb omelet you got me was a nice surprise this morning. All I asked for was another cup of tea.” The older man replied.

“Of course. I’m here to serve you. Especially since you have a busy day ahead," The younger, bespeckled man nodded, "it’s also great to hear that you’re up for a big promotion.”  

“Yeah, well you know how much of a slog these meetings are.” Ganondorf grumbled, “Speaking of which, I’d better be leaving. Need to make sure I stay in the running, don’t I?” He stood up, groaning. 

“Where’s my–” Gan started, before his assistant held out his jacket. 

“Right here.” Kuro held out the jacket as Ganondorf stuck his arms in the sleeves, “Good luck.” 

Ganondorf turned and looked down at his assistant. The young man smiled, his sapphire-blue eyes sparkled behind the thick glasses. He frequently reminded Gan of a taller, lighter-haired, nerdier Link. It was absurd, considering that Link had also been one of his former assistants.

His previous subordinate, a middle-aged Goron man, had abruptly abandoned the job with no notice. With the sudden retirement of another executive, Kuro was ordered to fill the role of Ganondorf’s new assistant for the time being. It seemed to be a good arrangement, as the two got along swimmingly. 

“Excellent. I’ll see you on the other side of this snoozefest.” The older man smirked. Kuro chuckled, handing Gan his cup of coffee. 

And a snoozefest it was. The meeting consisted of several VPs, executives, and business partners discussing quarterly trends. Once the session looked as though it was ending, Ganondorf perked up, finishing the last of his coffee. 

“Before we adjourn, this is a reminder to RSVP to the business gala before the end of the week. Individuals are not required to go, but it would be greatly appreciated. Our CEO Zelda Nohansen will be at this gala looking to mingle with those who attend.” The VP presenting spoke in a stilted tone. 

After the meeting concluded, Ganondorf went back to his office to continue working.

Kuro knocked on the office door before the Gerudo man called him in. “Sorry to bother you, sir. But were you planning on going to the business gala?” 

“Of course. And I plan on speaking with the CEO first. Can’t let that brown-noser Ghirahim get to her before I do,” Gan chuckled, “plus, the free wine doesn’t hurt either. Why do you ask?” 

“Well,” The young, bespeckled Hylian fidgeted, “my previous manager, Mr. Khoga planned on going to the gala as well. He was gonna bring me as his plus one. I just wondered if you planned on bringing anybody.” 

Ganondorf frowned, “It would have been great to have you as a plus one, Kuro, but I’m bringing my partner. He’s pretty excited about the event.” 

Kuro’s smile faltered, “Oh, yeah, I heard that you were with someone. I wasn’t sure though. Good to know.” 

“I bet someone else on the team can bring you. Lots of single, lonely people here.” The older man replied. 

“You’re right. I should ask around,” Kuro said, dejectedly, “was there anything you needed, sir?” 

“Not right now, Kuro. Thank you.” Gan replied as the assistant left the office. His cell phone rang before the Gerudo man answered. 

“Hey, how are you, peach?” He purred over the phone. 

“Feeling a bit feverish. Ugh, you were right. I shouldnt’ve been out in the rain so late.” Link spoke over the phone, coughing, “Can you grab some medicine for me on the way home?” 

“Of course. I’ll be happy to play doctor.” The older man responded before saying goodbye and hanging up. He called the assistant back into his office as the young man turned to leave.

“Kuro, I need you to grab some medicine for me at the market. Specifically for a fever,” Ganondorf handed him a purple rupee. After looking down at his sad face, he said, “And, uh, keep the change. Get yourself a snack or something.” 

“Yes, Mr. Dragmire.” Kuro nodded before leaving the office. As the assistant got on the elevator, Kuro forced his glum face into a smile. 

“Remember what you’re here for.” He muttered before stepping off the elevator and exiting the building.

Remember what you’re here for…