Chapter Text
As Zelda stood waiting outside of Akkala Analytics CEO’s private office, dread began to overtake her. Heart pounding, she glanced at the flash drive clutched in her hand. How did it come down to this? Her career, her reputation, her dreams—hanging in the balance over a stupid, tiny piece of metal and plastic.
“The one thing I absolutely cannot lose,” she muttered under her breath, swallowing anxiously. She shoved it deep inside the inner pocket of her blue blazer. Definitely couldn’t lose it, and definitely couldn’t let Ganon know it even existed, or she could kiss everything goodbye.
“He’s ready to see you now, Zelda,” chirped the secretary as she slowly opened the massive oak door to Bela Ganon’s office. Zelda buttoned her blazer, briefly pressing her hand over the place where her inner pocket was. Inside was information that could ruin the most powerful and influential man in all of Hyrule.
For the very first time since she began working for the company, Zelda stepped inside the CEO’s spacious, cold office. She took a look around the room. Huge, glass-paned walls offered a spectacular view of downtown Akkala, the second largest city in Hyrule. Skyscrapers cut through the skyline all around as the entire office was encased in glass, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful city. Glass stairs in the back corner led up to a second level, and there were sleek gray and white couches and lounge chairs scattered around the room.
In the center of the room was the largest desk she had ever seen. A deep mahogany, it was pristinely laid out with organized cabinets, an ornate, modern chandelier above the workspace area, and a very, very large, plush office chair. The office was at least twice as large as her apartment. Zelda took in a measured breath.
“Excuse me,” a low, rich baritone interrupted her observations. “Are you just going to gape, or are you going to come in?” Zelda startled at the tone and turned to look.
Standing by one of the far windows with a glass of water in his hand stood a formidable looking man. She’d only ever seen him up close once or twice, as he rarely exited his office during normal business hours. People always went to Ganon for meetings, not the other way around. His fiery, red hair was coiffed into a flawless pompadour and was accompanied by a well-groomed, thin beard. His startlingly emerald eyes flashed as he took a step toward his desk. He towered above the large piece of furniture.
“My apologies, Mr. Ganon,” Zelda replied, her tone forced. “I was just admiring your beautiful office.”
“Call me Bela.” His tone changed, and his scowl was replaced with a slight smile as he took a seat in his executive office chair. He set down his glass on an intricately carved wooden coaster and motioned to the seat across from him.
“Please. Have a seat.”
Nervous—but poised, she took her seat across from her employer. His gaze lingered briefly on her golden hair, which draped in loose curls around her shoulders, then met her eyes directly.
“It has been brought to my attention that—through no fault of your own—you have witnessed some…concerning behavior at my company. Is this true?” His green eyes bore into her.
Zelda swallowed calmly. Now was not the time to flinch.
“Yes, sir. It seems to be so.”
“And this… incident …you are about to describe to me…you are the only one besides the offending parties that have been privy to this information?” His voice slowed to a hypnotic cadence.
“Well…I…um…I’m not sure about that,” Zelda’s voice began to waver. This was not how this was supposed to go. Her gut began to roil with a building terror. She swallowed again and took a deep breath. “The incident I witnessed could very likely have been brought to the attention of others, sir, but I am unaware of others who may have knowledge of the particulars.” She held his gaze despite panic rising in her chest.
“I see. Well. In that case…” Ganon shifted slightly in his chair, his gaze resting briefly on Zelda’s hair again before returning to her bright green eyes. “I have a proposition for you.”
He stood up and motioned her toward the far side of the room by one of the large windows. She followed behind him cautiously. Where was he going with this? She felt increasingly uneasy.
Once at the window, he took a step closer so that his arms were mere inches from her shoulder.
“You’ve been here for about six months, is that correct?” His tone was silky smooth and he turned his frame slightly to look at her directly in the eye. As she slowly looked up to meet his piercing gaze, his expression changed. She tried to read it but couldn’t.
“Yes, that’s right,” she shifted her weight uneasily. He was close. Too close. But she didn’t dare flinch.
“You have been one of my most accomplished developers, Zelda. In the short time you have been here, I have watched you consistently outperform my senior development staff. Even Ghirahim can’t hold a candle to your abilities.”
He shifted closer. His hand lightly brushed against her arm, sending a shiver through her, making the hair on her neck prickle with fear. She stood rooted to the spot, unwavering, while he continued.
“This company—this team—means the world to me. Akkala—Hyrule even—needs this company. I need this company. Anything or anyone that would jeopardize the reputation and well-being of what I— we have built cannot stand. I don’t–” he hesitated, looking intently at her. “No. I want you …to be a part of its success.” As he spoke, he gently took a section of her hair and twirled it around his fingers. With his other hand he traced Zelda’s face and lifted her chin to make his point. “I want you to be a part of my success. I want you to forget what you saw and partner with me to achieve your dreams. Zelda, I want you .” As he leaned in, Zelda gasped and jumped back, no longer able to remain calm. Adrenaline surging, she felt her fight-or-flight response kick in.
“Mr. Ganon, I–!”
“Bela. Please.” He stepped forward to close the distance between them, but Zelda stepped back again.
“No! I cannot. I… will not! ” She cried out. Frantically looking around, she added, “This isn’t how it was supposed to work!” She took another step back, her voice choking. “This isn’t how any of this was supposed to work! I wanted this job so badly–!” The tears began to fall and Ganon’s face turned from soft and pleading to a cold, menacing stare.
“I’m really sad to hear you say that, Zelda.” He let out a breath that whispered a growl. “If your interests no longer align with this company, I’m afraid I’ll have to…” he paused. “...let you go.” The tone of his voice was quiet and threatening. He began to slowly walk toward his desk and Zelda’s adrenaline rushed.
She chose flight.
She could barely think as she crashed through the giant office door, fled down the hall, almost tripping over her feet as she ran like her life—quite literally—depended on it.