Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Of all the various races that inhabit the wide lands of Hyrule, the Wizzrobes are without a doubt the most mysterious. Even after centuries of study, Hylian scientists are continuously baffled by the creatures. They don’t bleed, they don’t excrete waste, they don’t even have internal organs. It seems their bodies are composed of a solid substance that only has room for its face and throat - while any food they ingest is instantly converted into energy. The bodies of the fire and ice variants are especially volatile - exploding into a fine mist if even touched by the opposite element. Wizzrobes are also uniquely able to cast magical spells without the use of external artifacts. They can defy gravity, vanish out of sight, and even change the very climate around them. It’s agreed upon that their rods simply act as amplification for their magical abilities, and that is what makes them truly deadly.

Due to their defiance of the natural world, a vast amount of folklore surrounds the Wizzrobes. Hylian scholars have theorized that while some Wizzrobe are resurrected every Blood Moon, they originate from vengeful nature spirits that have made an alliance with Calamity Ganon. Through generations, it was passed on that Wizzrobes are born from the roots of a tree split down the middle by a natural disaster. Fire Wizzrobes, unsurprisingly, come from the terrifying wildfires that decimate the grasslands during the dry season. There are recorded accounts of juvenile-looking Wizzrobes climbing out of split pines in the aftermath - the intense heat causing the trees to practically explode through the trunk. Ice Wizzrobes supposedly appear in droves when a nasty early frost takes the forests by surprise - as extreme cold can also rip trees in half. That leaves Electric Wizzrobes. This is the kind a wandering traveler is most likely to come across - as Fire and Ice Wizzrobes tend to camp out in their extreme climates. These masters of thunder can spring from the ground when lightning obliterates the tallest and hardiest trees. Because of the inherent cause-effect with lightning and forest fires, Electric and Fire Wizzrobes often go hand-in-hand. Both born from extreme heat and pressure, the kindred spirits get along naturally unlike most other types of monsters.

While unknown to Hylians, the ruined Hyrule Castle has become a training ground for the Fire and Electric Wizzrobes. While the Wizzrobes have allied with Ganon and put themselves under the Malice, they still feel their primal ties to the earth. Using this innate ability, they can sense when a new Wizzrobe is born. It is imperative to Calamity Ganon that any new Wizzrobes are brought back to Hyrule Castle before they mature - in order to prevent any outside influence. Before the Calamity, this was done in a master-apprentice style. The sheer convenience of taking them to the center of Malice meant faster training, easier subjugation, and less defection. The volatility of a Wizzrobe’s soul meant that not even Calamity Ganon could resurrect them sometimes - so it needed a conveyor belt of bodies. After all, the Wizzrobes are one of Ganon’s most essential divisions - second only to the fearsome Lynel.

But Ganon had no way of accounting for Frifer and Rezek.

Before Rezek knew itself as Rezek, it was simply called “Electric-14”. 14 was the number burned on the wall to its chambers. The barracks for the Hylian Soldiers had long been converted to housing the many Wizzrobes that had yet to fall into Malice. There, in Hyrule Castle, their minds would be melded and their skills honed to suit The Calamity. In a sense, the master-apprentice hierarchy remained. The two oldest and most ruthless Wizzrobes, Elder of Fire and Elder of Lightning, would teach the new blood en masse. Meanwhile, all the Ice Wizzrobes were sent to a hidden location in the Hebra region. Electric-14 was supposed to be assigned a Fire Wiizzrobe roommate, but due to a wet year they were short of the expected numbers. It solitarily holed itself in its room between training, alone with its thoughts, all the way until it was about to reach the adult stage of Wizzrobes. That was when it met Frifer.

The day was winding down as any other. Electric-14 was lying on the top bunk - floating a few inches above the bed itself. The door loudly opened and it turned to see a tall Fire Wizzrobe thrown in. E-14 saw the two elders staring at it from the doorframe, and they did not look happy. Scowls stretched across their scarred faces - their teeth also looking sharper than usual. Their long brightly colored robes fluttered in some “wind” despite the lack of a draft.

“It appears we have made an egregious error that The Calamity is not pleased to hear,” said the Elder of Fire. Even though Wizzrobe spoke in an almost whimsical high pitch, the elder still managed to sound intimidating and gruff.

The Elder of Lightning nodded and pointed to the new Wizzrobe. “This one managed to slip through our grasp and has lived outside these walls since it was birthed in fire,” it said, then pointed to E-14. “It has become tainted with the wretched ideas that Lord Ganon opposes. We have much to work on for this one. It shall be housed with you. Keep it out of trouble, or punishment will come to you as well.”

A long exhale came from E-14’s nose, but it silently nodded in understanding. The elders brought their attention back to the Fire Wizzrobe.

“Your title is Fire-14. You will respond to that, and that alone. Using any other designation will result in punishment. You serve The Calamity now.”

A small crackle of lightning landed near the Fire Wizzrobe’s feet, causing it to yelp and jump up. It was floating, but not like any other Wizzrobe E-14 had seen. The tips of its feet were gently touching the ground as it gently swayed back and forth. It was seen as unsanitary for Wizzrobes to make any contact with the filthy earth. The door to the chambers was slammed shut, leaving the two younger Wizzrobes alone. E-14 rolled its eyes and went back to lazily staring at the ceiling - hands stretched behind its head. It didn’t get to relax for long as the Fire Wizzrobe practically leapt up to where E-14 was floating.

“Hello!” it said with a wide toothy smile and a tone so cheerful it was almost squeaky. “Forget what they said, I’m Frifer! This sure is a big place, huh? A lot bigger than the grasslands I was at before they brought me here.”

E-14 groaned and leaned in close. It stared right into the orange eyes of the Fire Wizzrobe - its own grimace getting bigger and Frifer’s smile fading.

“I am only saying this because my fate is tied to yours, but you have to call yourself Fire-14. You do not know punishment like what the elders give. If your own shortcomings bring that to me, then I promise you I will fill your body with lightning until you go numb. That is my first and only warning,” it said before haughtily rolling over to face away.

The sharp smile on Frifer diminished to a puzzled frown - its fingers tapping on the bed. It slowly lowered itself down from the top bunk, giving E-14 a moment of respite before it immediately popped back up on the other side.

“Haha! You sure are just as much of a wet fire as they are, huh? Don’t worry, I’m good at being sneaky. I’m not sure why they even want us here, anyway…”

E-14 scoffed. Looks like it would be making chit chat with the new Wizzrobe whether it wanted to or not.

“You must not have been paying attention to the elders. We were brought here to serve Lord Ganon.”

The Fire Wizzrobe moved back a bit in apprehension. “Well I get that,” Frifer said, waving its hand, “but they didn’t give me a reason why . If you ask me, I think this whole thing-”

Before the rest could be said, E-14 leapt forward and covered Frifer’s mouth. It wasn’t sure why it suddenly felt compelled to stop the Wizzrobe from whatever blasphemy it was about to utter. Perhaps E14 didn’t want to immediately lose its new roommate after many solitudinous nights - or perhaps it was Frifer’s almost child-like innocence. Wherever the Fire Wizzrobe was before, it sure was secluded from the rest of Hyrule. Frifer squirmed in the air and let out muffled complaints before E-14 got much closer - looking directly in its eyes. There was no Malice in the Electric Wizzrobe’s pupils. Not yet. But they still shined with a shocking intensity that seared right through the naive Frifer.

“I don’t think you understand where you are,” it quietly hissed. “We are in the heart of the Calamity. Malice seeps through every nook and cranny. The walls listen. The other monsters listen. The very air listens. If you want to survive here longer than a day, you ought to keep that big mouth of yours shut.”

Frifer was limp, lazily hovering in the air by E-14’s hand, but it absorbed every word. When the Electric Wizzrobe pulled away, Frifer slowly floated back to the stone ground - landing on the tips of its feet. It then meekly crawled into its space on the bottom bunk. The Wizzrobe’s scrawny hands ran across the unkempt sheets on the bed. It was clear they had never been changed since Hyrule Castle was under new management. Looks like it would have to float completely to sleep. It lamented the loss of its soft brush bed in the Faron Grasslands before it was taken here. Not wanting to give up yet, Frifer curiously poked the pillow near its head. While it was just as old as the sheets, the soft Cucco feathers had managed to maintain their plush form. Frifer gleefully rested its head, floating the shoulders-down part of its body above the bed. While it looked very comical, it was more than suitable.

“Thanks for the tip,” Frifer whispered to E-14. The Electric Wizzrobe pretended not to hear, but the comment caused more conflicting thoughts to swirl around. Why did it stop Frifer from outing itself to the whole castle? If it really did feel negatively towards The Calamity, then that would make it an enemy? It reasoned with itself that it only did that to keep punishment away from itself. Yes, that was the only reason. It would look bad if its new roommate turned on Ganon immediately. This was just self-preservation, nothing more. Such cunning and quick-thinking would make itself a fitting soldier for Lord Ganon, it thought.

Neither Wizzrobe got much sleep that night.

For the next few weeks Frifer did not learn magic. It had the magic beaten out of it. On the first day, it found itself in hot water when it refused to use the Fire Rod it had been assigned. Instead, it tried to show that it didn’t need such a crude device and created some cinders from the tips of its fingers. This made the elders even angrier and it was promptly dragged off for the day. When E-14 saw Frifer enter their chambers at the end of the day, its normally infectious smile was replaced with a blank face. It didn’t have any physical injuries, but its thousand-yard stare sent a chill down E-14’s spine. Frifer bounced back quickly - at least when it was not forced to cast from the Fire Rod. Once the glowing red weapon was placed in its hands, the wide toothy grin contorted to a small frown as it let loose balls of fire more intense than any of its peers. The elders were impressed, but there was still work to be done.

One night, E-14 awoke to a soft glow emanating from the bottom bunk. It slowly peeked its head under to see Frifer creating its own light show out of small conjurations of fire. For a brief moment, E-14 completely forgot where it was and simply gazed in awe at the brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange fluttering around. They looked almost like miniature figures moving in pairs - locked in rhythm. There was a Hylian word for this, but it escaped the Wizzrobe.

“You’re…not supposed to do that,” E-14 softly muttered. The words came out, but they were not earnest.

“If you are given an order,” Frifer said, gazing at its magical creation, “is it what you should do, or what they want you to do?”

E-14 went back to bed, for it did not have an answer.

This routine carried on for several days. E-14 often found itself admiring the little displays of fire Frifer would create every night. It knew this was risky and it should berate the Fire Wizzrobe, but every time it tried it found itself transfixed on the lights. That is, until one evening when the two elders barged into their room without warning. Frifer did not have enough time to extinguish its little flames, and was swiftly grabbed by the hand and dragged outside. Through the high-pitched protests, the Elder of Lightning shot a heated glare at E-14.

“You have a lot to answer to, Electric-14,” the old Thunder Wizzrobe growled. “Mostly why you let this continue rather than prod your blundering peer in the right direction.”

The lesser Wizzrobe feigned aloofness. “This is the first I heard of this. It seems like Fr- Fire-14 does this while I am sleeping,” it lied through its sharp teeth. “I have been keeping it in shape, but I cannot watch it all night.”

The Elder narrowed its eyes, but ultimately decided to drop it. “If this is a repeat problem, we will enact correctional courses for you as well. I am sure you know what that entails,” it said with a slam of the door.

E-14 floated aimlessly around its room for the next few hours. As the time passed by, it felt its concern growing. However, any time the feeling arose, it quickly pushed it away in favor of annoyance. Why should it be concerned? Because of that Wizzrobe, it almost got thrown through the wringer! When the door finally opened and Frifer stumbled out, E-14 swooped down and grabbed it by the robe collar.

“You are awfully lucky I was able to cover for myself! What were you thinking ? Do you have any idea how…bad…”

The Electric Wizzrobe trailed off as Frifer stared back with no emotion whatsoever. Its blank stare was much worse than the last time this happened. E-14 looked down to see that the robes clutched in its fists were tattered and singed - some parts hanging on by a thread. It slowly lowered its hand and stepped back. Covering Frifer’s body were various small cuts that had a reddish orange substance slowly floating out into the air and dissipating. Its left eye also had a yellowish tint around the lid as if it was a bruise. While Wizzrobes do not bleed, the magic essence that is stored inside them will leak out if they are cut or bludgeoned. Frifer slowly skirted around E-14 and floated to the bed - as if the other Wizzrobe didn’t even speak to it. 

That was the last day Frifer cast any magic in its quarters. 

The next few days were a living hell for the Fire Wizzrobe. The Elders seemed to get more ruthless with each passing moment. Despite its magic being well above its peers, Frifer continued to get chastised for the slightest thing. It was not uncommon for the Fire Wizzrobe to end the day with bruised spots and leaking cuts in new places. It spent the midnight hours stitching its wounds back together with whatever threads it could get a hand on - usually from its own robes. 

Meanwhile, E-14 felt stressed out from having to watch this ordeal daily. Not to mention the Elders were tightening the bolts on the rest of the Wizzrobes, too. Apparently there had not been a Blood Moon in quite some time - and now that the apprentices had fully matured one was needed to complete their training. Patience was wearing thin for everyone. This led to the other Wizzrobes ganging up on Frifer for causing the Elders to harshen. Granted, they were always hard on Frifer for outperforming them while barely trying. But it only got worse and E-14 felt like it was stuck in the middle of this conflict. The Electric Wizzrobe spent many a night sleeplessly floating on its back - feeling sick regardless if it chose sympathy or resentment.

On one particular night, it thought back to the beautiful lights that Frifer had created and almost lamented their absence. It then tried to remember the last time it had used electric magic without holding a crackling rod in its hand. The past was hazy, but it had to be a few days after climbing out of that tree stump. That’s all the time it had before it was whisked away to Hyrule Castle. Slowly, E-14 brought its fingertips together and took a deep breath. Electrifying magic flowed down its arms and arced across its fingertips. A muffled zzt was heard only by the Wizzrobe. A wave of nostalgia hit E-14 like a cannonball. It was more than a nostalgia of its own past, it could feel something inside it yearn for an era long gone.

A few days later, the Elder of Lightning pulled E-14 aside. As usual, it did not look happy at all.

“This is the third time we have caught Fire-14, your rebellious ‘friend’, skulking the halls after curfew,” it said, leering down at its apprentice.

E-14 blinked. “This is the first time I have heard about this,” it said - actually telling the truth this time.

“That was your only warning, then. It is clear you are not taking your responsibilities seriously. The next time Fire-14 is caught, you will be given the same punishment - regardless if you had a hand in it or not.”

E-14 glanced behind it to see Frifer with some fresh wounds. The Electric Wizzrobe shrunk and silently nodded at the Elder.

That night, E-14 was once again having trouble falling asleep. The vision of Frifer’s dejected, gray face kept appearing in its mind. Thinking about how Hyrule Castle had changed the Fire Wizzrobe made E-14 wince. It rolled over to the other side of the bed, facing the door, and caught a fleeting glimpse. A bright red coattail was exiting the door as it shut without a sound. E-14 looked under the top bunk to see that Frifer was nowhere to be found. It seemed the Fire Wizzrobe was going on another late-night stroll.

E-14 considered its options. If it left to get Frifer back in the room and was caught, then it would surely be punished. But If it ignored this and went back to bed, and Frifer was caught, then it would be punished regardless. Now that E-14 caught Frifer in the act, the Elders would see right through any lie it had. From the looks of things, nearly every path would result in harsh reprimanding. E-14 thought about the wounds that marred Frifer and shivered. Yet, it had an insatiable curiosity now for what exactly the Fire Wizzrobe was doing when it snuck out. If it would be punished no matter what, then it had nothing to lose if it followed Frifer.

At least, that was its reasoning as it slowly opened the door and followed the nimble Fire Wizzrobe down the halls of Hyrule Castle.

Chapter Text

It was hard enough for E-14 to keep pace with Frifer, but doing so while staying hidden from the monsters and Guardians roaming the castle was beyond stressful. Several times the Electric Wizzrobe almost lost sight of its Fire counterpart - only to see the tail end of its robes round a corner. The further they both got from their room, the more E-14 questioned just what exactly Frifer was doing. The chase came to an end as it was led to one of the more secluded curtain walls of Hyrule Castle. It was one of the inner southern walls. No Guardian Turrets, no roaming monsters, just Frifer sitting on the ledge and looking at the stars. There was an ambient light surrounding the Fire Wizzrobe - caused by the small wisps of fire magic that it had been scorned for. E-14 silently watched as Frifer gently twirled its finger around and around; and the wisps moved with it. If someone came by this would not look good. Despite being the roommate of the most problematic Wizzrobe, E-14 still managed a spotless record. It was determined to keep that. Yet, it had been so long since it had seen that elegant magic coming from Frifer’s fingertips. The spell wasn’t boulder-breakingly powerful, but gazing upon it sure gave E-14 that same exhilarating rush.

Before E-14 could make a move, Frifer turned half-way around.

“Are you going to report me?” it said quietly - its eyes duller and more jaded than they’ve ever been.

The Electric Wizzrobe jerked back a bit - hesitant to be in this situation at all. Trying to salvage the composure it usually had, E-14 put its hands behind its back and lazily drifted forwards.

“If I did, I would also be reprimanded for leaving our quarters past curfew. It is within my best interest to bring you back and never speak of this again.”

“So it’s only to save your own cloak. I think I would have preferred you turn us in” Frifer said with a small laugh and continued to twirl its fingers. “Then again…it seems like you finally have answered my question.”

“Wh-what?”

“A good Wizzrobe in the eyes of the Elders would turn themselves in, despite the threat of mutual punishment, because that is what they were instructed. But you, you’re not doing that because you know that makes no sense. That means you are admitting there is a difference between what you should do, and what the Elders want us to do.”

E-14 hissed, baring its teeth, but it could not find a rebuttal.

“You know deep down that this is wrong.”

The Electric Wizzrobe laughed at the accusation. “I think you have the wrong impression about me. You assume I am denying the truth that the Elders are misleading us, when I know full well they are. I am aware that they are merely preparing us to be soldiers of Malice. I simply play along because I want that power. If following Calamity Ganon grants me storms of lightning from my fingertips, then so be it” E-14 said, now pointing an accusatory finger at Frifer. 

“Besides, who made you the arbiter of right and wrong?”

“No one did. I am simply acting on the feelings that come to me, rather than pushing them away.”

“Mmhmm, and look where that has gotten you.”

A resentful silence filled the air. Frifer instinctively pulled up its robes and began twirling its finger around a loose thread.

“Don’t pretend you aren’t drawn to the allure of magic. I’ve felt the air get dry many a night when you were supposedly asleep - and then hear the soft crackling of static.”

E-14 grunted, but tried to keep its composure after being caught red-handed.

“Casting tiny sparks hardly puts me on the same ground as you. Your points mean little. Besides, I get more enjoyment blasting away with a Thunder Rod - rather than whatever you’re doing.”

“If it was no big deal, then why did you hide it like I do?” Frifer said, now gesturing to its small conjurations of flames. “This is what you are missing - what you are all missing. Your crude rods have dulled your natural attunements. You are being taught how to be a weapon - rather than a Wizzrobe.”

“Tch, you could hardly call those dinky cinders of yours magic.”

Frifer’s face went stern and it countered not with words, but with a giant flame cast directly from the palm of its hands. E-14 felt the immediate heat and staggered back. The intense flame threatened to swallow up the Electric Wizzrobe at any time until Frifer extinguished it as quickly as it came.

“This is what they are whipping out of you.”

E-14 felt genuine fear. It had heard stories of Wizzrobes that could cast magic without the need for a magical rod, but it was now frowned upon and seen as a waste of resources. Yet, the light from the flame lingered in E-14’s eyes a long time after the fire had gone out. What was this Wizzrobe?

“Come on, sit on the ledge with me. We can talk more about this."

E-14 jumped back on the defensive after being thoroughly embarrassed.

“And sit on the earth and sully my robes? Like the lesser monsters that mindlessly roam these halls?”

Frifer slowly shook its head and let out a sigh of certain disappointment.

“But that is where we came from. We were born from the earth we desperately try to escape. You would deny your own upbringing?”

Something stirred deep with E-14. Without thinking, it let its feet fall slowly and touch the hard stone below. Another part of its mind told itself to forget this whole thing and go back to bed - but it had too many questions.

“Please, sit with me. Not as Wizzrobes, but as children of the land.”

E-14 was emotionally drawn to the strange and cryptic creature. It felt its body moving on its own as it slowly floated over to Frifer and lowered itself to sitting on the castle wall. The ground was cool, refreshing. It traced a finger on the stone. It felt smooth and oddly satisfying. For the first time, it could feel gravity take control of its legs as it let them dangle. Unconsciously, it lazily swung them back and forth. It looked Frifer in the eye, who now had a cheery and warm smile - causing E-14 to quickly snap its head away to look at the night sky. It had secretly missed that happy-go-lucky attitude since the punishments got especially bad, but it did not know how to react to that smile directed at itself.

“I don’t know what’s weirder: your words or your attitude” E-14 deflected.

Frifer responded with a high pitched giggle. “You would understand both if you just listened.”

“Tch, I’ve heard all I need to know that you’re a bad influence.”

“I meant to yourself…”

“What?”

“Have you listened to yourself? Genuinely drown out the noise around you and hear what your inner self has to say?”

“In that case I already have, and I’ve told you the answer already.”

“Is that what you really want? There is more to this life than power.”

“Maybe to you, but the way I see it, only the strong survive.”

“Do you honestly believe yourself when you say that?”

E-14 shrugged, still averting eye-contact. “I don’t see where that matters. If it is a delusion, then there’s not much I could do about it anyways. Might as well enjoy it.”

“I have been here a fraction of the time, and I have reached a conclusion no one else has. Ganon is not fond of sharing power. You said you were aware that you are simply a tool in this scheme, but I don’t think you understand the full extent.”

“How did you learn all this, anyways? According to the Elders, you were living in the Faron Grasslands like an animal until they came along.”

“There is so much that has been lost because of this…blight” Frifer said. It wasn’t directed at E-14, though.

“You’re still not making sense”

“Think. Do you remember your first moments of consciousness? When the light was the brightest? You were not scared, you were not naive, but you were capable. You knew to find food. You knew to find shelter. You knew you could cast magic from your fingertips. Almost like you had done it all before.”

Several ancient memories rushed through E-14’s mind all at once.

 “But then the Elders whisked you away before you could develop any further. I know what happens when Wizzrobe are left to their devices in the wilds of Hyrule. You say I was living like a beast of the wilderness, but the fact I can speak full sentences disproves that. Yes, I know Malician - at least what we call Malician. You were taught that language, but I created it. Yet, our language is the same.”

E-14 gripped its robes - scared at what Frifer was going to say next.

“I even gave myself a name. You need to have some way to refer to yourself when you’re all alone, right? But you were stripped of any identity. You were taught magic in stuffy hallways and in fields tainted with Malice - forced to use rudimentary staves. My magic came to me slowly like a ravine remembers being a river. I had no mentor. I struggled alone. And once again, I am stronger than the rest”

To make a point, Frifer shot a small bolt of fire from two fingers that quickly dissipated into the night.

“And you: You say power is all you desire, but is power through The Calamity the only way? Perhaps you don’t desire power by itself, but the magic that comes from it. From what it seems, real magic is squashed and stifled here. You might as well give a Bokoblin an Electric Rod.”

E-14 felt such a wide range of emotions it felt sick. It knew every word Frifer spoke was true, but still couldn’t bring itself to admit it. Its hands were clenched in anger, but it did not know who the anger was directed at. The two sat in silence for such a long time that they expected the sun to rise any second. Through the quiet humming ambience of Hyrule Castle, E-14 spoke up.

“Why Frifer?”

The Fire Wizzrobe turned to it and tilted its head sideways.”Hmm?”

“Why did you name yourself Frifer? How did you come up with it? All I know is Electric-14 because that is what I was given.”

Frifer’s face lit up like fresh coals were placed on a fire.

“I was never expecting you to ask! I actually put a lot of thought into it while I was alone. The ‘fer’ you can probably guess came from fernae [Malician for burning], but the ‘Fri’ comes from friffe ” it said, making a harsh exhale with the last word for dramatic effect.

“It’s one of those words that doubles as a sound! Pretty neat, huh? Friffe is when you poke a fire just about to go out and the logs collapse in on themselves - creating a cloud of ashy cinders.”

“I…I have never heard a word like that before.”

“I doubt they taught you. They would only teach you how to say ‘yes’ if they could.”

There was another long silence before E-14 spoke up again.

“Would…I be able to do that, myself?”

The pure glee that popped up in Frifer’s eye gave E-14 another feeling it couldn’t put into words.

“Yes! Yes, of course you can! Although… they certainly wouldn’t like it.”

E-14 shrugged. “We’re already in so much trouble if we’re caught. Might as well keep going.”

“You get it! Well you can do what I did and mesh some words together, or you can just make a new word your name! That is what I love about language.”

“Hmmm…is there one of those…sound words for when lightning strikes the ground?”

“Heh, that is not really my area of expertise. I am more in-tune with fire than anything.”

E-14 then drew back on itself and pondered. The Electric Wizzrobe closed its eyes and envisioned a powerful storm. Bolts of lightning soared across its mind. It imagined each one making its mark on the ground and shaking the very earth. Its eyes shot open with a flash of inspiration.

“Rezek” it said with quiet deliberation.

Frifer clapped its hands with excitement. “I like it, I like it! How did you come up with it? I can take a guess, but I’ll let you do the talking.”

“I wanted something that puts the very nature of lightning in your mouth. ‘Zek’ has that energy. Speaking it sounds like electricity itself. And then for ‘Rez’, that comes from reseak [Malician for ‘to smell’]. You know how there’s that sharp smell in the air after a storm?”

Rezek looked down at its tightened fist.

“I want my lightning to be so powerful the lingering scent persists hours after I strike.”

“Well, Rezek , you sure find every chance you can to be vain” the Fire Wizzrobe said, doing its best to hold in a chortle from the dramatics.

“We are Wizzrobes. If we cannot find pride in our magic, then what can we be proud of?”

Frifer did not contest Rezek’s rebuttal, for it partially agreed with the Electric Wizzrobe. To make a point, it opened its hand and blew into it - sending hundreds of small cinders floating in the breeze.

“You are correct, but not for the reasons you think.”

Rezek rolled its eyes. The odd Wizzrobe continued to make little sense. It was quickly distracted by all of the cinders Frifer had conjured. It thought back to the time it first saw them in its chambers. The cinders seemed to be forming distinct shapes - moving in time with one another back and forth…back and forth. The lack of a word to describe this act continued to vex Rezek, and now it had the guts to ask.

“Do we have a word for what you’re making those cinders do?”

Frifer softly chuckled, rather uncharacteristically as its laugh usually drowns out other sounds, and it looked to the moon.

“We do not. I wish we did, but even I cannot come up with a word for what these elegant figures are engaged in” it said before turning to Rezek. “However, I do know that this is known to some as dance .”

Rezek recoiled so much it almost fell backwards off the castle wall.

“That is Hylian tongue!” it hissed with a distinct bitterness. “You would utter such poisonous words?”

Frifer remained calm, expecting this exact reaction.

“Did you expect anything different? I am no friend of the Hylians, but there is much that can be learned from them.”

The instinctual shock subsided and Rezek went back to its hunched posture - looking again at the dancing cinders.

“Habits are hard to break, but speaking Hylian here is more dangerous than what we’re doing now. I have no use for a word that came from them, anyways.”

“I have more of a reason than anyone to resent the Hylians, yet this does not bother me.”

Frifer pulled down its robe to show a giant scar starting from its left shoulder and disappearing out of sight. Somehow the Fire Wizzrobe had managed to keep it covered despite its clothes being in tatters. The scar did not look like the ones it had received from its time here. Veins of gray tissue spread outward from the scar - resembling a burn. Rezek felt a wave of sickness come across it.

“Do you fear a word so much you refuse to even say it? Yes, I said fear. Even through all the Malice, I can feel this lingering terror towards the race we have hanging by a thread. We all fear the Hylians - and we have every right to. Just as they have every right to fear us. Yet there is a mutual neglect of this fear - as we all see it as some sort of ‘weakness’.”

Rezek could feel Frifer’s gaze pierce beyond the eyes. The usually-docile Wizzrobe suddenly showing red-hot vigor shook Rezek to its core.

“Well in that case, why don’t you tell me more of this ‘dancing’” it said with a defeated sigh. It had walked right into Frifer’s ploy, and it had no choice but to humor the Wizzrobe for the sake of its own pride.

Instead of reverting back to its cheery status-quo like Rezek expected, Frifer slowly turned and gave a melancholic stare at the starry sky.

“It is a ritual that many Hylians partake in. As I watch them and feel my own feet call to me, it makes me think this is a shared experience among all walks of life. First, they create sounds out of strange contraptions - sometimes their own voices. Then, they move in time with the sounds. I cannot explain it, but these sounds have a certain…pattern. If you hear it long enough you start tapping your finger one, two, three, four and repeat.”

As if on instinct, Rezek repeated the steady beats with its own fingers on the cold stone it was sitting on.

“At first, I thought it was some sort of spell. It is magic, in a sense, but it goes beyond that. These sounds could come from anywhere, and they would still compel you to ‘dance’: those devices, voices, wind through an oddly-shaped rock, your own imagination. All of it gives you this feeling of happiness. You want to move your feet in-time with the sounds. Maybe alone, maybe with others, all are considered ‘dance’ to the Hylians.”

A sharp chill ran down Rezek’s back. Even through all of its inhibitions that were drilled into the Wizzrobe by the Elders, it could hear the whispers of a melody echoing in the back of its mind.

 “So that’s what these figures are doing,” it said, pointing to the floating cinders, “they’re dancing.”

Frifer nodded. “The Hylians also have words associated with this entire ritual. Words like music and song for the sounds they make to entice the dancing.”

The two Wizzrobes stared at the cinder figures dancing in the starlight. Frifer blew into its hand to create more - littering the air around them with dancing shapes. Minutes passed without a word uttered. Rezek tried to find something in its head to match the dancing fire - some song as the Hylians called it. It was so transfixed, that it did not see Frifer stand up until the Fire Wizzrobe’s hand passed in front of its eyes.

“Would you like to try dancing?” it said with an endearing spark in its eyes.

Rezek recoiled yet again. “Wha- now? Don’t you need some… song or music for that? Besides, we really should head back to our chambers before we’re really in trouble and…”

Frifer casually shook its head - causing Rezek to trail off.

“We can make our own music . I have a feeling this will be our only opportunity for something like this anyways.”

The skinny and slightly cut hand reached closer to the Wizzrobe.

“Please, Rezek, dance with me.”

For a fleeting moment, Rezek felt something that could only be described as intimate trust. It felt like, if it took Frifer’s hand, nothing could go wrong. It grasped its hand around Frifer’s. It felt like it stuck its fingers in a furnace - yet there was no pain, only warmth. The Fire Wizzrobe tugged and Rezek found itself on its feet, still gripping Frifer’s hand. Slowly, Frifer reached over with its other hand and held Rezek’s free hand. This time, their fingers interlocked and Rezek felt an even more intense heat welling up in its face. Frifer’s elated smile did not help.

“Just pick something, anything, for a song . I will count in threes if it helps” Frifer said, then started whispering a soft ‘one, two, three, one, two, three’.

Rezek closed its eyes and thought harder than it ever had in its life. While it just learned what music was today, the whisperings of a melody had always lingered in its consciousness. It had never been able to fully pick up on them until now. A peculiar instrument sounded off in its head. Rezek did not know what it was, but to a Hylian it would’ve sounded like a piano. Using its voice, it closed its mouth and tried to imitate the sounds. It could not recreate the individual notes, but it could hum the long chords that comprised this wistful song. After a few measures, Frifer stopped counting and began singing with the Electric Wizzrobe. The rhythm was set in their heads, and they could now dance.

Without even looking at their feet, Rezek and Frifer took one step forwards, then one step backwards, then one step to the side. Any other creature would have fallen off the castle wall to their doom, but the two Wizzrobe’s simply hovered in midair and kept dancing. Frifer’s singing perfectly harmonized with each hum Rezek made. The melody was almost exactly what was in Rezek’s mind. They were perfectly in tune - beautifully in sync. Somehow, this song had endured with the Wizzrobes on the wind’s breath until now. If the castle was less occupied they would be louder, but for now they stuck to muffled hums and soft singing. Perhaps if the other Wizzrobes in Rezek and Frifer’s group were in this situation, they would conjure the same melody. 

The cinder figures danced with the magical pair as they continued to create music heard by no one but themselves. Their subtle steps became grandiose leaps as they hovered further and further off the ground. They would pull away, holding onto each other by the tips of their fingers, only to yank each other close once again. Robes fluttered in the crisp night air as the pair moved with unseen gracefulness - all while humming their personal melody. The heat from the Fire Wizzrobe was still flowing through Rezek’s hands, but it really felt like they were a complete whole. The surrounding distractions melted away in their euphoria of song. There was no Calamity, there were no Elders. No expectations, no rules, no gravity. Just Frifer and Rezek.

Rezek softly rubbed its thumb on Frifer’s and winced as it remembered where they were. It trailed off on the song and Frifer immediately picked up on it. They stopped moving and were left lazily floating a few feet off the ground - the remaining cinders slowly snuffing themselves out.

“You know it can’t stay like this” Rezek whispered as wisps of magical impurities flowed from the corners of its eyes. “We are both going to wake up tomorrow and pretend none of this ever happened.”

“There is always another option,” Frifer said, averting eye contact.

Rezek immediately picked up on what it meant and winced harder. “I…I can’t. I’ve come too far to give up now.”

“Perhaps you’re too afraid of what will happen if you leave.”

“I would be angry, but I’ve been angry too many times today from you telling me the truth.”

“So you’re staying?”

“I have to…working under Ganon is the safest path. If this wasn’t about the power, then it was about the security.”

“Heh, looks like you figured it out.”

“But not enough to please you, of course.”

“That…is yet to be determined” Frifer said with a playful wink.

“Then why are you staying?”

“Heh. If you asked me that yesterday, I would not have a good answer.”

Frifer’s words made Rezek squeeze its hands even harder.

“I just wish I could do more to help your…current predicament.”

“Rezek…you’ve already done more than enough.”

“If that is the case, then why does it not feel that way?”

“It rarely does.”

The Fire Wizzrobe pressed its forehead against the Electric Wizzrobe’s. They would stay that way for a very long time - knowing that when they separated they would have to let things go back to normal.

Just as Rezek predicted, the pair left their quarters the next morning without a word. Routine fell back into place as usual. Frifer continued to endure the barrage of harassment from both its superiors and its peers. Tempers rose higher as the days continued to pass without a Blood Moon. Many took out their frustration of Frifer. However, things didn’t entirely go back to the status quo. Nightly, after hobbling into its room, the Fire Wizzrobe would notice a lump under its pillow. Underneath it would find numerous items that had no business being there: extra food that had to have been swiped from the Moblins’ stash, spare cloth and thread it could use as patchwork, and Chu-Chu jelly that acted like a healing salve to Fire Wizzrobes. 

While the two Wizzrobes did not risk talking with each other, they had their own form of communication. Passing glances came with a deep understanding in each other’s eyes. Rezek would find any opportunity it could to pass something to Frifer - and each time its fingers would brush against the other’s. The split second of warmth was more than enough to carry each other through the day. 

When night fell and everyone retreated to their chambers, sometimes a faint melody would come from one of the two Wizzrobes. It was soft enough that only the other could hear - and it would pick up where the other left off. Their duet would last between a few minutes to seemingly hours. They were never caught, but the slightest noise would immediately silence them. Yet, their nightly duet became the most coveted part of the day.

Between the isolation, the brutal training, and the hazing, what truly helped the Wizzrobes get by was each other.

At long last, a Blood Moon was forecasted one fateful night. All of the juvenile Wizzrobes’ training would accumulate here for this final test. That day the Elders scrambled for preparations. All throughout the hectic day, Rezek could not shake off this feeling of apprehension. This is what it had wanted, right? So why did it have this nagging anxiety? Occasional glances at Frifer heightened this feeling. The Fire Wizzrobe was still here, and still outperforming its peers despite every hindrance thrown at it. It would make an absolutely fearsome Wizzrobe under Ganon, but it was yearning for something more. This was only known to Rezek - as the Elders had assumed they had beaten all individuality out of Frifer long ago.

When dusk began to fall and the moon was looking pinkish, all the Wizzrobes were gathered outside Hyrule Castle in the Town Square. Malice hung from many of the decrepit remains of houses and stone structures, Guardians were on their regular patrol, and the moon was turning deeper and deeper red. Each Wizzrobe was separated by their designation - putting Frifer and Rezek side-by-side. The clouds turned a sinister shade and swirled menacingly around the moon. At last, the Elder of Fire took out a sharp dagger and dipped it in the malice pool by the Town Fountain. It did not need to dip the knife far in - as the Malice reacted and crawled up the blade like a slug. Soon enough the entire edge was coated with the red and black goop, glowing menacingly.

“This will be the final test to determine whether you are worthy of serving The Calamity” the Elder of Lightning said, the Malice’s glow reflecting in its eyes.

“One-by-one, you will use this dagger and let the Malice consume your body. Then, and only if Lord Ganon deems you worthwhile, will you be reborn under the Blood Moon. You will come back stronger, wiser, and unkillable. For if you continue to please The Calamity, you will continue to be reborn if you so happen to perish” said the Elder of Fire.

The ritual started at the end of the line with Fire-1 and Electric-1. It would take some time for Rezek to get to its turn - which only worsened its nerves. Each Wizzrobe had their own methods of getting the Malice into their body. Some stabbed their own legs, some nicked their hands with little fanfare, one of the meaner ones dragged its tongue along the blade and ingested the Malice. Still, they all fell the same. Slowly the Malice corrupted their body and they went limp before exploding in a cloud of red smoke. 

Every so often, Rezek would quickly glance over at Frifer, but the Fire Wizzrobe kept an iron gaze straight ahead. In the corner of Rezek’s eye, it could see Frifer’s hands trembling ever so slightly. Perhaps nerves were also getting to it as well. Trying to be reassuring, Rezek whispered to Frifer for the first time since their fateful meeting.

“You’ll do fine. I have never seen a Wizzrobe more capable than you.”

Frifer bit its bottom lip and closed its eyes - exhaling deeply. As the line progressed and the number of Wizzrobes dwindled, Rezek could almost see hints of red magic appearing in the corners of Frifer’s eyes. By now, the Fire Wizzrobe’s grip on its robes was so fierce it was white-knuckled. 

At last, the Electric Wizzrobe to Frifer’s left vanished into Malice like the others - and it was now its turn. One of the Elders unceremoniously dropped the dagger into Frifer’s hands. It could feel an immense energy simply holding the handle. To get the Malice in its body, Firfer chose a rather reserved method. It simply pricked the tip of its index finger with the dagger and handed it back to the Elder of Fire. Then, it finally turned to face Rezek - looking the Electric Wizzrobe in the eye. Its once-stoic expression was gone, and replaced with a smile. However, this was not the warm smile Rezek was used to seeing. Frifer’s eyes showed the heaviest sorrow Rezek had ever seen as the Malice slowly broke down its body. The corners of its eyes were now freely floating with that odd wispy magic. Yet, its smile still had a certain…smugness? Like it knew something sneaky and was purposely hiding it. Rezek only had mere seconds to take it all in as Frifer quickly turned back to face forward. Frifer did not even fall to the ground like the others - it was still floating high and mighty when its body disintegrated into a fine mist.

The Malice-infested dagger was placed in Rezek’s hands - and almost immediately dropped from how surprisingly heavy it was. It could feel a pulse like a heartbeat that coursed through the hilt. It was now or never. Frifer was brave enough to go through with this, so it should muster up the courage too. Rezek quickly sliced the blade across its open palm. The initial cut stung, but that was nothing compared to the Malice entering its body. It clutched its wrist as it felt the sensation of thousands of tiny needles running through its arm and into its chest. The pain was amplified beyond comprehension as it spread to every limb, and then inside its head. It could almost hear the sound of screeching metal as the tingling worsened and worsened. Please, make it stop. Rezek pleaded in its head.

The pain abruptly ceased, and the Electric Wizzrobe’s world turned to black.

Chapter Text

Darkness.

For Rezek, all it could see, all it could touch, was darkness. It wasn’t sure it even had a body anymore. The Wizzrobe could “feel” itself drifting, but there were no hands to reach out nor legs to stretch. This sensation did not last long as it soon came into contact with a blinding red light. Rezek tried to squint, but there was nothing to move. If it still had eyes, the sheer heat would have melted them out of their sockets. The light took a more defined shape as wisps collided with the red streams. Slowly, it began to resemble the head of a mighty boar with murderous red eyes. This was undoubtedly the entity known by many names, but most known as Calamity Ganon - the very harbinger of Hyrule’s ruin.

To say the Electric Wizzrobe was terrified was an understatement. The energy it basked in was beyond intense - yet Rezek could still feel the uncaring cold of the abyss engulfing it. The glowing eyes zeroed in on where the tiny imp would be. Rezek felt as if its mind was being pried open.

“ There is much promise in this one as well ” boomed a voice inside the Wizzrobe’s head. The Calamity’s presence found itself within Rezek’s very psyche. While it had no physical form, it could feel Ganon comb through its thoughts, its aspirations, and its memories. All of its doubts, and the many slights against the Calamity would surely be seen. That included the forbidden conversation it had with Frifer. This gave the Wizzrobe much to panic about, but it refused to let a single anxiety through. The Calamity would surely sense resistance. Instead, it focused any shred of magic it could muster into concealing its true self. Even without a body, it sent electric magic coursing through its “head”. Rather than fight the Malice in this domain of ethereal nothingness, Rezek simply guided it to exactly where it wanted. Through the Wizzrobe’s consciousness, Calamity Ganon was shown ambition, power, and the willingness to step on anyone to get there. Rezek pushed those intense feelings to conquer and destroy to be front-and-center.

“This one will serve The Calamity well” roared the voice even louder, “ you have earned the right to be reborn under the blood-soaked moon!”

The Malice began merging with the Electric Wizzrobe - infesting every last free thought. The magic buffer held, or at least Rezek assumed it did, but nearly every memory of the past few days was forced deep into the recesses of its mind.

“ Arise, whelp of the land! Be given flesh once more and rend the land of the accursed Hylians asunder! ”

This was for its own survival. As Rezek’s body painfully stitched itself back together, it had to repress everything that made the Wizzrobe itself. It would not remember that night with Frifer, it would not remember its new name. This had to be done. The Malice must not see what it really was.

“ AWAKEN ”

The Electric Wizzrobe’s eyes shot open. It was lazily floating just a few feet off the ground. Wisps of red and black Malice dissipated around its field of view. It was still night out, but the once blood-red moon was now glowing its usual pearl hue. The Wizzrobe gently dropped to a reasonable height and looked around. It saw many more of its fellow Wizzrobes squabbling amongst each other or trying out their new Malice-infused power. Instinctively, it reached down and picked up its Lightning Rod that was still on the ground and pointed it towards the sky. An immediate rush filled its veins as the Malice flowed from its fingertips to the magic rod. The Wizzrobe was almost blown back from the sheer power of the lightning bolt that was cast. Murderous temptations began to fill its head, but something still seemed off. That’s right, its roommate - the peculiar Fire Wizzrobe. The one that arrived much later than the rest. It looked for a Wizzrobe adorned in scars, before realizing those probably would have been fixed thanks to the Malice. Still, none of the Fire Wizzrobes were ones that it recognized. Before it could get an answer, the two Elders walked up to it.

“Ahh, Electric-14. The Calamity is very pleased with what it saw. The same, however, could not be said about Fire-14.”

They all turned to see a lone Fire Rod sticking cleanly out of the dirt, pointing to the heavens.

“Did Calamity Ganon reject it?” Electric-14 asked, feeling an unknown twang in the back of its head - but it could not reason why.

The Elder of Fire growled. “The opposite, actually. Fire-14 rejected The Calamity.”

A stunned silence filled the air. The rest of the Wizzrobes even stopped their antics to eavesdrop. 

“Wh-what?”

“Just as Lord Ganon was about to grant Fire-14 its incredible gift…the ungrateful imp refused the Malice and let its spirit leave this realm.”

“And to think we wasted our time with that one.”

The air became a cacophony of jeers and shouts - all directed at the Fire Rod planted into the soft ground.

“It was too weak! It didn’t deserve Lord Ganon’s grace at the start!”

“Good riddance to that showoff!”

“We should have hit it more while we had the chance!”

Every Wizzrobe around E-14 was hollering while it stayed silent. All it did was look at the makeshift grave in disbelief. That Fire Wizzrobe was leagues above the rest of its peers, yet it rejected the greatest source of power it could have found in all of Hyrule. And then there was that nagging feeling in the back of the Electric Wizzrobe’s head. It felt…sad somehow - like it should be mourning this loss of a monster. A knee jerk response immediately whipped in from the opposite direction.

“ This creature deserves neither pity nor thought. ” whispered a voice engulfing its mind, “ It did not recognize the true superiority of The Calamity, and for that it is worth less than the ground. ”

E-14’s chest grew heavy. It felt like these were its own thoughts, yet something else was behind the wheel. The Wizzrobe pried a little deeper on itself. Why did this other Wizzrobe make it feel these things? Didn’t it use some other designation than Fire-14, too?

Before Rezek could dwell on this any longer, it felt an immediate splitting pain right on its temple. It dropped its rod in shock and clutched its forehead. The sharp and piercing twinge spread fast.

“No…this wretched thing does not deserve any more thought!” it shouted into its mind, and the pains suddenly stopped.

After the initiation, all of the Wizzrobes returned to their respective chambers - leaving Rezek by itself for the first time since that peculiar Fire Wizzrobe showed up. It hated to be alone with its thoughts again, but its brain didn’t want to think in the first place. All that went through its head that night was all the destructive magic it could cast with its newfound power. The Malice rushing through its veins felt exhilarating, yet it wondered when it would be given the clear head needed to rest. That moment never came, and the Wizzrobe was left tossing and turning as visions of grand thunderbolts streaked through its mind. Any time it tried to let its mind go to a different place, it felt that familiar sting in its head. At first it was subtle, but the more Rezek had thoughts that weren’t about magic or The Calamity, the pains would increase until the Wizzrobe writhed in agony - sending sparks across the room.

The night was long, and it was agonizing. But apparently Rezek was not alone. The rest of its peers had the same sleepless night. They were all greeted by the two Elders as they exited their chambers.

“If there were any troubles sleeping last night, get used to it. This has been the first showcase of the power you all now wield. The Malice that now flows within you completely eliminates any need for rest. We Wizzrobes are truly blessed as the lesser monsters are still bound to the archaic requirements of sleep.” one of the Elders said to an eager audience.

There was much excitement upon this revelation. Several Wizzrobes let out bolts of fire or lightning in jubilance. Yet, E-14 still couldn’t find the will to celebrate. No need to sleep? Sure the prospect sounded nice, but it was not keen on being active 24/7. Plus, wouldn’t that mean being under the call of Ganon’s will at any time? Perhaps it would grow to miss the times it was alone with its thoughts. Once again that painful ringing in its head stopped it from thinking any further. 

Before the young group of Wizzrobes could go further with their new power, they were interrupted by a booming voice that seemed to fill every nook and cranny of thought. The nearby Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos also flinched in terror.

“ THERE HAS BEEN A SURGE OF ACTIVITY NEAR THE GREAT PLATEAU. THE ACCURSED CHAMPION OF HYLIA MAY HAVE RETURNED. YOU WILL REPORT TO A DESIGNATED STATION THIS EVENING. YOU WILL MOVE UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT. WE MUST NOT LET THE BLIGHT OF THE CALAMITY FIND AID.”

Once the voice subsided, a vision was thrust into E-14’s mind. Like the path of a lighting bolt, it was shown the route it would take upon leaving Hyrule Castle - and where it would be stationed. The route made a quick divergence into the southwest and nearing Gerudo Territory. It seemed like Ganon was attempting to cast a wide net around the Great Plateau to intercept this Champion of Hylia. E-14 nodded to itself and began preparations - anything to stop this incessant ringing.

…

Night had almost covered the land enough for the Wizzrobes to move, but E-14 could not stop pacing around the Castle. Something kept drawing it to a certain stretch of the castle wall. As the sun set agonizingly slow, E-14 would pass that portion, gaze upon a certain spot with a haunting sense of familiarity, the ringing would come back, and it would move on. This went on for several cycles until the Wizzrobe couldn’t handle it any more. Headache be damned, it would investigate why it felt so nostalgic over that spot. As it slowly floated toward the stone curtain, it powered through the ceaseless ringing with gritted teeth. There was still a sliver of sunlight - just disappearing over the horizon. The soft orange glow immediately struck a chord within E-14. Why did so much seem so familiar, yet it was as if its brain was actively hindering it? And then there was that one Fire Wizzrobe. As much as it tried to ignore its fallen roommate, it couldn’t get its face out of its head. But why?

“Are we simply disappointed in its wasted potential?”

“Yes. The whelp was ungrateful of The Calamity’s immense power.”

“We were housed together for months. Yet, I do not remember anything.”

“There is no need. Fire-14 is dead and deserves to be forgotten.”

Was it talking to itself…or was there something else in its head? It could not reason why, but the other’s voice made E-14 clench its fist in an unknown rage.

“Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” it shouted as itself and released two bolts of lighting directly at the ground beneath it. This voice had been plaguing its mind for long enough. In retaliation, E-14 could feel its muscles contract violently as it was brought to the stone floor - clutching its knees in pain.

“Without me, we are nothing! Do you hear? Nothing! Only I know what is best for us! Now get back on your feet and get ready for deployment before things get worse.”

The battered Wizzrobe tried to get back on its feet, but its own magic seemed to fight against it. E-14’s face was planted right where one of the stray bolts struck - the shattered brick still smoldering. Gasping for breath, the distinct and crisp smell of lightning filled its senses. Smell…Lighting…

Rezek .

All the missing pieces in its mind were filled in an instant. It was as if a dam burst within its memory banks.  Frifer, their conversations, the dancing, the music, the time in the malice. It was all there. Its weak arms and legs almost gave out, but it somehow found the strength to stand. The ringing inside its head grew to deafening levels, but that did not stop the clarity within.

“I remember everything” Rezek said quietly, only for its body to clench once again and force it back down. Through the doorway to the castle, the Elder of Lightning and a few other Wizzrobes hastily got into formation - their faces contorted into a snarling hatred. Rezek was now surrounded with its back to the ledge. This little stunt apparently drew some attention.

“YOU DARE GO AGAINST THE CALAMITY?” the Elder, its fellow Wizzrobes, and the voice inside its head all shouted in unison, “ YOU DARE CONSPIRE WITH THAT HERETIC?”

A newfound power flowed through Rezek’s veins. It was alive. It was awake. The sight of a smiling Frifer beamed bright in its mind - immediately followed by that last somber look its kindred Wizzrobe gave Rezek. Frifer knew. It had planned all this from the start. It went to the Blood Moon ritual knowing full well it would die that night. And Rezek had almost thrown those short but beautiful memories it had for this…curse. It did not know whether to feel extreme grief or rage. It settled on both.

“I REMEMBER EVERYTHING” it shouted as loud as it possibly could. The other Wizzrobes drew their rods - ready to exterminate Rezek with extreme prejudice. Before a single shot could be fired, the lone Wizzrobe released an enormous burst of electricity. The field expanded outwards and high voltage arced to each magical rod. The other Wizzrobes were blown off their feet as Rezek clutched its head in agony.

“GET OUT OF MY HEAD GET OUT OF MY HEAD GETOUTOFMYHEAD” Rezek shrieked and painfully raised its own Lightning Rod high in the air. The Malice within its body worked double-time to keep the Wizzrobe at bay, but the magic channeled by its rage could not be contained. Its other hand was clutching onto its scalp - sharp nails digging into its flesh. Slowly, it dragged out a pulsing black and red substance from its head. By now the entire castle was zeroing in on Rezek’s location, with even the Bokoblins and Moblins mobilizing.

Just as reinforcements made their way onto the outside wall, Rezek stood tall and let loose the largest bolt of lightning Hyrule had ever seen directly at the ground. The weather-eroded stone was obliterated alongside any of the monsters standing on it as Rezek was sent flying through the air like a rocket. The momentum carried the light Wizzrobe across the castle’s moat - all the way to the ruins of the Royal Ancient Lab. The arc of electricity lit up the twilight sky and could be seen from miles away.

Rezek’s magic could only cushion its fall so much, and it hit the ground with a soft paff and rolled several times. Floating in its hands was the gigantic wad of black and red goop that had been poisoning its mind - but the job was not yet complete. The Electric Wizzrobe forced itself to its feet and let out another piercing wail. It could feel control returning to its body as the Malice was drawn like venom from a wound. The sinister substance squirmed as it tried to search for any entrance back into its host, but the innumerable volts of lightning coursing through Rezek’s fingers kept it at bay. At last, the final strand was yanked from the Wizzrobe’s forehead. It felt as if the hook on the end of a very long fishing line was finally pulled out. The sensation was exhilarating, and Rezek let out a laugh as electricity bounded around it. As sparks arced through its clothes, the colors of its robe changed from a bleached white to a diamond-pattern of grays and yellows. Its Lightning Rod had also contorted into an upgraded Thunderstorm Rod. Rezek had turned itself into a Thunder Wizzrobe through sheer willpower.

A momentary silence lingered before Rezek immediately set its sights on the writhing mass suspended in its hand. With its Thunderstorm Rod, it made a sweeping slash at the ground in front of it - kicking up dust and rubble from the ruins. The pile of Malice was thrown into the debris cloud with bolts of lightning following it. The immense heat caused the Malice to stretch like spaghetti and form into a mass that resembled a tangled ball of yarn. Sand clung to the Malice and catalyzed into glass - encasing it in a crystal prison. Rezek wasn’t done. It then lifted its hands up high and formed a giant electrical field that got smaller and smaller - with the ball of Malice at its focal point. Swiftly, the essence of The Calamity was compressed into a small glass sphere that could fit into the palm of the Wizzrobe’s hand. Triumphantly, Rezek held it up to its beady eyes and let out a maniacal laugh.

“How does it feel to be the one imprisoned, for once? Huh!”

The compacted Malice weakly flickered red in an S.O.S pattern.

“You can call your master all you like. The Calamity cannot hear you” Rezek said with a sharp toothy grin that nearly stretched to its shoulders. “We are going to have so much fun together! I do hope ‘Lord’ Ganon won’t mind that I will be borrowing some of its power.”

The smooth Malice Orb was promptly slotted into Rezek’s rod and it could immediately feel the raw energy emanating through the handle. It pointed at a nearby tree and let a streak of lightning fly. The formidable trunk was immediately split in half and the very ground it was buried in was torn asunder. Almost on queue a sizable cloud above began to drizzle down on the Wizzrobe. Rezek looked at the carnage it had caused and started to laugh. At first it was a light giggle, but it descended into full-on cackling at its newfound power. Water from the skies above streamed down its face, and wisps of magic floated out from its eyes.

“Can you see me now, Frifer!?” it bellowed to the heavens, “I did it! Just like I said! The very skies are now mine to command!”

The Wizzrobe’s laugh echoed through the Ancient Lab Ruins. It continued to call out to Frifer by name, demanding an answer, but soon enough its voice became strained. Reality set in as there was no one to answer Rezek’s calls. The boisterous laughter descended into heavy uncontrollable sobs as more magical wisps flowed from its eyes. As the last bit of sun faded, Rezek was left kneeling on the cold wet ground, clutching some leftover cloth and string it had forgotten were still in its pockets. Softly, it could be heard singing the whisperings of a melody that was once shared with a most unlikely and precious companion. Except this time, there were words.

Take my hand and we’ll bound through the starry blue night

Take my hand and we’ll surely make do

And while the sun will soon rise

And we must say our goodbyes

I’ll hold on to what I found in you.

Back in Central Square of Hyrule Castle, the lone Fire Rod that once belonged to a peculiar Wizzrobe remained firmly lodged into the ground. Although the magic should have long left the device, soft cinders continued to flow from the top. Defying the nature of the wind, the cinders floated to the Northwest - getting gradually weaker before fizzling out in the morning.