(Pre-Show) The Lobby

[Illidan Stormrage]

What had Link gotten himself into?

Ganondorf's flowing mane rustled as he turned his back to him. He was offering him an alliance? After everything they'd been through? After Link destroyed his empire and locked him in a nigh unbreakable magic void? After Link jammed the Master Sword through Ganondorf's gut? What possible angle was he playing?

Link scanned the crowd again. Still no sign of Syla, and Ganondorf made no mention of her either. If she had intended to sell the relic to him, surely their paths should've crossed by now. But if she wasn't in the lobby, then there was only one thing that made sense. Link slapped his forehead as the realisation came to him.

Syla tricked him.

Syla wasn't here at all. She knew about this Dante's Abyss, left the note knowing Link would instantly pursue, and then went her own way. Getting Link into Dante's Abyss was a perfect way to stall him while she did whatever she planned to do with the Triforce of Courage.

Of course! It made so much sense! Syla couldn't risk capturing Link; the last time she tried that, he summoned the Phantom Sword and freed himself. Killing Link meant he would resurrect again, if Link believed the rumours. If true, the process must be too short a time for Syla's plan. Yet sticking him in a contest, letting him fight his way out ... even if he lost straight away, she still had more time than any of her other options. And there was always the chance Link would go further than last place.

So, what was Link's plan? No Syla, no Triforce of Courage, about to enter a competitive tournament, and his only ally was his greatest enemy? Link sucked in a deep breath, held it, and released.

Anything he assumed about Syla was only conjecture. If he couldn't leave, the only other way out of here was to win the competition. He was a strong warrior; maybe he stood a chance. He glanced about the room and noticed a number of threatening figures, some talking among themselves, forming alliances, talking strategy. Just how was this game played? How many foes would he have to face off against?

Link frowned as his best hope sauntered away from him. "Wait!"

Ganondorf stopped in place, shooting a glance and a grin over his shoulder. "Yes?"

Could Link really trust him? He felt nerves lighting up in his stomach. He needed the Triforce of Courage back, but to get it, he had to get out of this thing. Plus Ganondorf had mentioned prizes; power, omnilium. Perhaps Link could turn those against the Gerudo king once they were finished here.

"I'm not saying I trust you, because I don't." Link cleared his throat. "But ... what do you know of this ... game?"

Ganondorf chuckled, a deep and booming sound. If it had come from a colleague, it would have been endearing. Coming from Ganondorf, it set Link on edge. "You really don't know? You just entered without asking any questions?"

Link looked away, feeling a redness in his cheeks. Dammit, not in front of Ganondorf!

Ganondorf's smile climbed up his cheeks. "Don't be embarrassed." The grin reduced, like he was smiling at a discouraged friend. "You can keep your secret for now." He spread his thick arms wide, gesturing to the lobby. "This is Dante's Abyss. A fight to the death. People sign up and compete against each other for prizes and glory."

Ganondorf's words echoed in his head. A fight to the death. He would have to kill to get out of this alive. Link didn't like the idea. It sat bitter on his tongue, but he needed the Triforce of Courage back, and to get it he had to live. Sure, he had heard that Primes resurrect upon death, but Link had no confidence or desire to test it. Yet if the Triforce recombined and fell into the wrong hands, an untold number of lives could be forfeit anyway. Sacrifices had to be made.

"Figures you would enter," Link said, the heat gone from his face. "Death and personal gain. Your two favourite pastimes."

The Gerudo's eyes narrowed but his immaculately practiced smile did not. "Now now, let's be civil. After all, you are asking for my help, aren't you?"

Link breathed out of his nose sharply. "OK. Get on with it."

"Now as you can clearly see, there are a number of fearsome individuals gathered here." Ganondorf pointed to a space in the lobby. Parts of the ground had been blown apart. "Who knows what sort of wizardry that turtle was using."

Link nodded absently. Now that he thought about it, what were those things it wielded? It was unlike anything Link had seen before.

"If powerful and swarthy individuals like yourself and I are here, who knows what sort of competitors we will face?" Ganondorf continued, folding his arms over his chest. "If you want to win, and I assume you do, you need someone watching your back."

The very suggestion sent tingles down Link's spine. Ganondorf watching his back? How long would it take for the desert king to thrust a knife into it?

Ganondorf humphed. Link quickly scoured the emotion from his face, but it was too late. "I've changed, Link. Just look at me. I'm not the same man I was before."

That certainly was true. New clothes and armour, new headwear, even a flowing cape of red hair down his back. What had happened to him since they battled the Rathalos?

"Besides," he added, "like I said, if we stick together, you can observe me. You can see the veracity of my claims. And you know first hand of my power." His voice grew low. "This isn't a battle for Hyrule, Link. That world is gone. This is a battle for survival. I'm not gullible enough to think you'll trust me. But I'm not asking for your trust. Just your assistance."

Link didn't like this at all. Could Ganondorf have changed? He did battle against a pair of ferocious dragons to save Camelot. Maybe while he was sealed away he realised the error of his ways?

Was Link just telling himself this to make an impossibly terrifying decision easier? If so, it wasn't working.

But he could watch the Gerudo king. If he hadn't changed, perhaps another contestant would provide the opportunity to stop Ganondorf once and for all.

Yes. An opening to kill Ganondorf. Staying with him meant the danger was ever present, but always within view. Keep your friends close and enemies closer.

"OK," Link said. "OK. We have an alliance."

Ganondorf's eyebrows arched. "That's all it took?"

Link's eyes sharpened. "I still don't trust you. And if you give me reason, this time, I'll stick the Master Sword straight through your skull."