A gentle breeze wafted through the valley as Col rode along with Link on his horse. When he was on his own, he mostly stuck to travelling around on foot, using a wild horse every now and then if he needed to travel far, but since he avoided using the main paths and roads, on foot was much easier. However, it was nice to be able to be off his feet. Of course, the positioning of two people on a horse didn't help with certain...feelings. He sat in the back with his arms wrapped around Link's torso to keep from falling off. He was glad to be behind him so he couldn't see how much he was blushing right now. According to Link, they were heading for the Gerudo desert next which only worsened Col's nerves.

"Great. I'm sure it'll be fun." He had responded, faking a smile.

In all his travels, that had been the one place he had actively avoided for fear of running into old friends or even the master himself. For now, he distracted himself by staring at the scenery. It was around midday as the sun shone directly above them, casting light upon the mountains and valley. The birds and animals peeked out from the shade of the trees, wanting to catch some of its warmth.

He glanced over when he felt the horse slow down and eventually stop. His ears perked up at the sound of running water, seeing a clear pool that a waterfall cascading down a cliff face was running into.

"Let's take a break. It doesn't feel too good to sit on a saddle for too long," Link said, hopping off the horse.

"R-right, a break does sound nice." Luckily the horse seemed content with staying in the same area as them. He smiled softly as he pet her mane. "Oh, I didn't ask yet, bur does this horse have a name?"

"Yeah, it's Epona. She's my most loyal horse."

Col looked over for a moment at the sound of his voice, humming to himself at how nice it always sounded. However, he turned away a split second after. Link had completely taken off all his clothes. The resounding splash afterwards indicated he had jumped into the pond. Well, he supposed there wasn't much of a point in getting their clothes wet after all. The heat on his face only grew as his mind wandered. No, no, they were just two guys swimming together. That's all. Hearing encouragements from Link, Col began to take his clothes off at a painstakingly slow pace. His pants were last. The cool breeze from the mountains made him shiver as it swept past his bare skin. With a deep breath and digging down deep to find some courage, he finally turned around, taking a running start and jumping right in. If he were to simply walk in, it would take just as long as taking his clothes off. There was no point in delaying this any longer. He was met by a giggle from Link as the splash had caught him off guard. Now that he was promptly soaked, he pulled his hair out of its usual ponytail.

"I'll get you back for that," he challenged, swimming up to him and sending a splash his way. Even in his embarrassed state, Col wasn't about to back down from a challenge. In a quick reaction, he teleported out of the way, ending up a little bit to the right yet still getting some of the water in his face.

"Well, you got me a little bit, so I suppose that's fair."

"Aw, come on. Teleporting isn't fair." Link pouted but still looked as determined as ever. Col always appreciated that hopeful gleam in his eyes. He hoped that he'd never see that gleam leave his eyes..ever.

"Think of it as an added challenge. It'll help you fight active Yiga clan members more efficiently, yeah? I mean, I know their fighting style better than anyone since I used to be one. You can think of me as your coach in a way."

With a nod from Link, the two of them counted down and began their game. Link's aim fell a bit short in the beginning as Col started a teleporting pattern, mixing it up every now and then. However, he took notice of just how fast Link picked up on things and learned. In a few minutes, he had learned one of Col's patterns, getting him a few times with the water. Gritting his teeth, Col found himself having to constantly be on guard and mix things up, diving underwater sometimes.

They both decided to stop when neither of them could hardly stand, panting heavily. Damn, Col supposed he wasn't the hero of legend for no reason. Of course, he had tamed a Divine Beast all on his own. Link held a hand out as a sign of a truce. In the middle of leaning in to take it, Col made a noise as his foot came in contact with a large rock underwater, his momentum making him fall right towards Link.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no.." He thought to himself. There was no way he could stop this without twisting his ankle. He watched in dread as his face came closer and closer to Link's until he fell on top of him, sending them both toppling into the water. He was prepared to get up right away, but he froze as he felt two arms wrap around him, most likely to help steady him or maybe reassure..but STILL. Col used his own arms to prop himself up some. He could only pant and look down at Link who was pinned underneath him. And they..oh gods..they were both completely nude too. Col felt like he was about to die right there as his face heated up in an instant. Link merely stared up at him with those sparkling eyes and smile like this was a completely normal thing, though he could've sworn he saw a hint of blush on his cheeks.

"You alright, Col?" Link asked, cocking his head to the side. "You should be careful of the rocks on the bottom. I wouldn't want you to get injured by accident."

Col shivered as felt his hands rub soothingly along his back. He gave a quick nod and got off of him as soon as he could. He wasn't sure how much more of that he could stand.

"I'm okay. Sorry for falling on you like that. Good thing we're both pretty tough, right?" Col cleared his throat and offered his hand to Link, pulling him back up on his feet.

"No worries. I didn't mind at all." Col backed up a few steps when Link followed that with a wink. "Well, let's get dressed and head out."

As Col got his clothes back on, he kept grimacing at just how much Link's little gestures affected him so much. He couldn't tell if he was actually flirting or if he was just being friendly. And man, he hated not being able to figure someone out.

The ride to the next village went as it usually did with casual chit chat here and there. Once they arrived, they found the nearest inn, setting their stuff up in a room.

"I'm just going to chill outside for a bit. I'll be back soon," Col said as he slipped his coat back on. Link nodded sleepily and settled back down in his bed, utterly exhausted.

Col chuckled to himself, admiring him for a few moments before going outside. A crescent moon loomed overhead with stars speckling the dark sky. The air about the village was peaceful. There wasn't even a hint of a breeze. It was almost enough to make one forget about the Calamity looming in the distance. Sometimes, Col wished time could just stand still, and it could always be like this. Everyone would have time to rebuild and live peaceful lives, but of course, this world wasn't so forgiving. He walked a little ways to the outskirts of the village, taking a seat on a rock that overlooked some rolling hills. If any monsters appeared, he could use them as practice, having brought his sword with him as well.

It was quiet for a while, leaving Col to his thoughts as he meditated. However, the hair on the back of his neck bristled when he felt a presence coming closer and closer. There wasn't an intent to kill, but it was intimidating all the same. Yet, it was also familiar..another Yiga clan member? He knew this presence.

With a hand on the hilt of his sword, Col whipped around, suddenly on his feet. His breath caught in his throat as he saw someone all too familiar and a reminder of his past, a past he had wanted to run from.

"K-Kai?" The name came out in exasperated breaths. A sense of panic kept him still. It seemed his fight or flight instincts weren't sure what to do. "How..how did you find me?" he asked once he found his voice.

"It was easy. We have a bond after all even if you want it broken."