Okay. Next chapter.

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P.O.E: Rowan's Return

Chapter 21: Trust (Link)

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The phone rang.

Link jumped off his couch after putting on his shoes and ran to his nightstand where his cell phone vibrated across the top. Already aware of the caller, Link picked up the phone and placed it to his ear.

"Hey Fox."

"Hey Link. I'm just now leaving my house, so I'll be over shortly."

Link nodded. "Okay. See you then."

"Bye." Click.

Link hung up and stuffed his cell into his pockets. After turning off the TV, he departed his room and was ready to head downstairs. Today Link was planning to take a ride to the dealership where his car is located. He would be able to see his damaged vehicle plus get an estimate on how much money is going to be burned from his pockets. Luckily, his mom had agreed to pay half.

Before heading downstairs Link stopped at the small mirror hanging on the wall. He checked his reflection fixing his hair before smelling the delicious pancakes and bacon his mother had cooked in the kitchen. Link took a big whiff as he hurried downstairs jumping once he reached the bottom. He wasn't going to let the incident that occurred last night ruin his day. The Donavons had gotten the lead, but the Elementals would stand true eventually. Link wasn't going to hesitate if he encounters the enemy. He was just going to go about his usual routine. Besides, being an elemental was his life. He had already gotten use to it.

"Morning ma." Link greeted once stepping into the kitchen.

He found Paris sitting at the table reading the newspaper. She didn't even glance away at the sound of her son, but yet to continued to read the article that had caught her attention. "More like good afternoon." She corrected.

Link sheepishly smiled. 12:40. It wasn't a surprise Link had woken up late. He did endure a rough night. "Okay. You win on that one." Link snatched three pieces of bacon from the counter and stuffed them into his mouth. He turned leaning back as he looked over at his mother. The house sat in silence. "Where's the munchkin?"

"He's known as you're brother, Link." Paris lowered the newspaper to give a glare at her son. "And he's with Ness for the day."

Link frowned as he swallowed the last piece. Ness. The Donavon recruit. It wasn't good, and Link knew it. Ness was up to no good and was going to try to get Young Link to side with him.

"Where did they go?"

"To do what boys do." Paris replied. "And Link, I'm worried about this Elemental thing."

Link shrugged. "Why?"

"Last night, I was up all night waiting for you to come home." Paris looked up at her son staring right into his azure eyes. "You should inform me on what you're doing."

Link sighed. "Like, I'm going to be able to stop during a match to call you." He walked over toward the door peeking out at the driveway.

"Sweetie…"

Link turned back to his mother. "Ma, I'm going to be fine okay. I promise I won't let anything bad happen. I'll be smart." A car honked from the driveway. It was Link's cue to escape. "That's my ride. Later ma."

Paris smiled and waved. "Bye Link."

Link nodded and left through the side door, but not before noticing the sudden frown plastered upon his mother's face. He steadily closed the door and jogged toward Fox's car getting in on the passenger's side.

Fox smiled as he switched the gear to reverse rolling back out of Link's driveway. Link remained silent in the seat looking out the side window at the neighbor's house. Once the two were on the road, Fox had engaged in conversation.

"What's got you down?"

"Life." Link joked. "Life sucks ass."

Fox laughed. "Tell me about it."

"It's nothing really." Link explained. "So how much you think it's going to cost?"

Fox shrugged as they pulled onto the main street. "I really don't know. My uncle will hook you up though. Trust me."

"Yeah, but in the mean time I might have to get a rental or steal one of my parents."

Fox laughed. "Beats the hell out of walking."

Link nodded. For most of the car ride, the two friends were silent. Fox was busy driving while Link tended to his thoughts. He couldn't believe his brother was with Ness. Despite the fact that Ness was still an ordinary kid, the other Donavons were ones to also worry about. Link wouldn't know what to do if Young Link did side with the enemy. He would have to continue to fight to get people back. People like Roy and his brother.

Already things were hell. Young Link was just making it worse.

It had taken about ten minutes, but the two finally reached the dealership. McCloud Dealers was the name of the place and belonged in Fox's family. It was both a repair shop and dealership receiving enough money to give Fox the popularity as the rich kid. Though, Fox didn't consider himself rich just lucky to have a rich uncle.

"So your uncle works at a dealership and yet you drive around in a 1998 van." Link laughed.

Fox shook his head. "Patience is a virtue."

Link chuckled, looking out the side window. "Where have I heard that before?" He joked.

"Once I have this car for a year I can upgrade."

"You're driving a car not a phone." Link reminded.

Fox shrugged. "Parents orders."

The teenaged kitsune parked his car near the repair shop. Link stepped out and glanced at the couple of damaged vehicles before finally spotting his. His face scrunched up as he was reminded of how bad the accident had turned out. His front hood was smashed revealing parts of the engine. His front windows and airbags were missing, plus his driver door could barely shut.

It could have been worse. Hopefully, Link's car can still be repaired.

Fox walked up to Link placing his hands into his pockets. Link shook his head as briefly turned his head to the shop watching Fox's uncle head over toward him. "Devon kicked my ass on this."

"You should have him pay for it." Fox remarked.

Link chuckled shaking his head. "Like that would ever happen. Technically…" Link paused for a moment. Memories of the incident returned. "It was my fault."

Fox shook his head. "If Devon was never chasing you this wouldn't have happened."

"I guess you're right."

"Nephew!" Fox's uncle called. "About time you arrived."

Link turned watching as Fox walked over toward his uncle. Fox's uncle had almost shared the same appearance as him. The only difference Link recognized was that his uncle was much larger in size with his fur being a bit darker. Fox's uncle was dressed in a dark gray business suit with dark sunglasses and polished shoes.

"Uncle Nel, this is Link." Fox introduced.

"Ho, so you're the owner of the car." Nel explained. Link nodded as they both shook hands. "I was just looking at this last night."

"So is it repairable?" Link questioned as they both glanced at it once more.

"Hmm," Nel began to think as he paced himself around the car checking out every inch of damage present. He took out a cigarette placing it in his mouth. "Yes, I've seen cars in worse conditions. It can be fixed!" He replied with enthusiasm.

Link let out a sigh of relief. He didn't have to give up his ride, but now it was time for something more serious. The pricing. "So how much you think?"

Nel lit his cigarette as he took a drag. He exhaled letting the smoke escape his mouth before replying to Link's question. "I'd say about…hmm…$3000-3500 dollars worth of damage." Link's eyes widened. "But I'll help you out since you're Fox's friend and all. 2000."

Link nearly choked at the offer. Was he being seriously? $2000 dollars? A smile appeared across the Elemental's face. "Really?"

Nel nodded. "I wouldn't lie to you."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Nel." Link abruptly shook his hand once more expressing his gratitude.

"No problem, Link." Nel smiled. "You go get them now, you hear?" He grinned and winked before walking back to the shop.

He left Link dumbfounded by wondering what he had meant, but then things started to make sense. He turned sternly to the anxious Fox, who nervously chuckled before walking back to his van. Link followed close behind.

"Did you tell him?"

"It was going to help you get lower deal if he understood what truly happened. Nel wouldn't tell a soul, I promise." Fox explained.

Link crossed his arms as if a time bomb inside of him was about to explode. Instead though, he merely smiled and jokingly punched Fox in the arm. "Thanks man."

Fox nodded in response. "No problem."

Link turned his head to the busy street and spotted a certain car that stood out to him. In the backseat of the gray Ford were two boys who looked very similar to Ness and Young Link. Link felt his heart quicken its pace as he watched the car disappear down the street. His mind had once again returned to his brother. His brother who could very well be in danger.

"Fox."

Link blinked turning his head in the direction of the noise. Cameron was seen running toward them dressed in the dealership's uniform. Fox smiled and waved as Link remained silent waiting for the teen to join up with them.

"Hey Cameron." Fox greeted.

Cameron nodded and smiled at Link. "Hello."

Link just nodded before turning his attention back to the street. Link knew about Cameron understanding the war. Just like Fox had told his uncle, he also told Cameron and Krystal. Link knew the people Fox told could be trusted. He wasn't anxious the slightest bit. He had other problems to tend to.

"Link, are you okay?" Fox questioned.

"My brother is with Ness." Link explained. "Ness is a recruit for the Donavons, but is still an ordinary kid."

"You worried that Ness is planning something?" Fox inquired raising an eyebrow.

Link nodded. "They're up to no good."

"Do you think he will join Ness?" Cameron questioned calmly as he entered the conversation.

Link shrugged. "He said he won't, but you never know. Over time, he might…or be forced."

"You should trust your brother, Link." Cameron stated.

"What?" Link replied.

Cameron nodded. "A sibling relationship is strong. Your brother understands. The best thing you can do is trust."

"Cam's right." Fox agreed. "Your bro has got your back."

Link nodded. "Trust." He turned his attention to the road. "I do trust him, but I swear if Ness tries anything funny…" Link's anxious attitude had suddenly changed as anger made its way in. "I will not hold back on that kid. He better not do anything to my brother."

"Yeah!" Fox cheered while Cameron silently nodded.

Above in the sky sudden low clouds made their way in. The three teens had noticed this as everything around them had suddenly gotten dark. Thunder rumbled in the sky above causing Cameron to return to work and Fox and Link to retreat to the van.

Once they were safely inside, Fox started the car as Link gazed out the window. A storm was on its way even though rain wasn't part of the forecast for the day's weather.

Trust in your friends and they will trust in you.

Link smiled and nodded.

The rain was soon going to fall.

And much like the forecast, the Donavons were going to end up with the same concept.

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Author's Notes:

Okay. Another chapter done and over with. There are some importance's in this chapter along with a big one that I cannot say. If this chapter felt rushed I'm sorry, I had a somewhat busy weekend.

Please let me know if you spotted any mistakes I'd love to fix them.

The next chapter is Zelda.

Until Next Time!!