PART FOURTEEN - THE HERO OF HATINO

The air still reeked of rotten eggs even after Gus and Andie threw their shirts out. Neither one of them spoke about their imprisonment nor did anyone ask. Link could see it on their pallid face, the bright colors of their bruises to know well enough. Ilia made them all a big meal and it was Andie and Gus who showed their voracity the most. Did Gorge even bother feeding them? Did he just throw them in a cage like animals?

This was unacceptable. Link will not let Gorge get away with this. He didn't share this idea with anyone and decided that as soon as his wounds heal up, he'll knock on Gorge's door and spent a lovely afternoon with him.

The storm had left behind murky smell of wet earth. The sky was now clear and brightly blue with the sun's brilliant rays shinning down at them.

Hank was at his desk in the middle of marking up a blueprint. Link sat down on the couch with a bottle of sake. He had made it quite clear that he will not stay in bed for the rest of the day. The wound wasn't even all bad, just itchy. If the blade had been any sharper it would've been a problem. Ilia and Andie keep making a show out of it but he won't have it. He's not some delicate creature that is expected to lie around all day. He can suffer a few wounds.

Gus put his book down and sighed. The only sound that accommodated them was the furious scratching sound of Hank's pen. He was working on something again, with eyebrows fixed in concentration, his back hunched and head down, sweat glistening in the morning light. His air gun leaned against the wall and there were also a few strange looking cubes on his desk. He was the only one out of all of them that resumed back to his normal routine.

Things were more or less still in ruins. Yesterday was the near execution of Andie and Gus, Quill leaving for good and the battle of leadership. It's pretty hard to swallow. It was dubiousness, Link knew, to believe that everything would go exactly like the way it was.

They were trying to make an effort though but it was a bit pitiful to watch. Dyer skipped breakfast and remained in the dirt, on his knees and his head down. He was unresponsive to everything and everyone around him. How long has he been that way?

Ilia had been spending her time with Andie. The kid couldn't sleep in his own bed, still haunted by the events of yesterday. She mentioned that she would take him out on walks, hoping that nature would ease his mind. Right now Link didn't know where they were.

Link sipped on his sake, trying in vain to let the alcohol influence his mind. It was this feeling of unease that had him up early which was abnormal as he was well known to sleep in. It might be the notes in his pocket, the Master Sword on his back, or something else.

"I still can't believe what happened with Quill," Gus said suddenly and Hank stopped his pen. "I wish I could understand him better."

"I don't," Hank replied dryly, handling his tools harshly. "Hope that bastard drops dead."

Gus glanced down at his book but Link doubts that he's actually reading the words. His flaming red hair was nice and clean, framing his thin face and falling on his shoulder. Despite his dejected expression, he looked a lot healthier and color was returning on his face. "Is he serious about killing Gorge?" Gus seemed troubled. "Look, I'm mad as you but I don't want him to do something drastic. What if he gets hurt?"

"Who cares?" Hank snapped, his eyes glared from behind his goggles. "Who bloody cares what happens to him? He deserves everything that's coming to him."

Link felt a monstrous headache by the conversation. Quill was one complicated guy that's for sure. He really had no clue what goes on his mind but he sure knew that the Sheikah was serious about killing the new chief. He was, after all, more than capable of killing the previous one.

In fact Link just had a similar conversation with Gus this morning. He hadn't been the only one to wake up at dawn. It seemed like it would take awhile for Gus to sleep normally again. He had been dusting his books and nearly had a heart attack when he saw Link. After a they exchanged a few words, Link told him that perhaps Quill making away with Gorge might make up for everything he's done. Gorge won't be a problem anymore. They would be safe and the villagers would celebrate.

Gus shook his head. "Look at Dyer and tell me that killing someone, even if they deserve it, is the best thing for Quill to do right now."

Link sighed and tried to close his eyes. Wherever the Sheikah was, he better not make any more problems. Link already had enough on his plate. Such as how will he get to the Zoras? What should he do with these notes? Throwing them away just feels erroneous.

The door swung open and heavy footsteps creaked the floorboards. The scribbling from Hank's pen halted and Gus paused. "Good morning," Gus replied.

Link opened his eyes to see Dyer, languid and miserable. "Good morning," Dyer croaked out half-heartedly. From his tone, it was anything but a good morning for him. He slumped down on a chair and heaved out a breath. His pants were caked in mud, dirtying the floor.

Link really didn't understand the big deal was. Dyer had protected them against a lunatic, that's laudable work. "Dyer, listen—"

It was the years of friendship that Dyer was able to know exactly what Link planned to say. "I don't want to listen to anything," he said quickly and harshly.

Too bad. He's gonna listening anyways. "You need to stop beating yourself," Link said.

"Yeah, man," Hank said awkwardly.

Dyer laughed dryly and even as he tried to look sarcastic the disquietude was clear in his eyes. "Yeah, thanks, guys. I feel sooo much better."

"Dyer—"

"No, I mean it's not like anyone would care that I killed someone!" He suddenly shouted, making them all jump. He rarely ever raised his voice. Realizing this, he slumped down and his hand rubbed the side of his head. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell." He took in a deep breath. "I just…I know you guys are trying to make me feel better but I don't…I don't want that…"

"Then what do you want?" Link asked him. Now this was getting ridiculous. He really hated when someone blamed themselves over something they had no control over. All this self-pitying and penitent was just a waste of time. "Rolling in the dirt all day?"

"Link," Gus hissed.

"You want us dead instead then? Just get over it already."

"Get over it?" Dyer gritted slowly.

Link rolled his eyes. "I can offer you some sake. What else do you want then?"

Dyer got up. "Goddesses help us all, how can you ever say something like that?!" He put a hand to his chest. "I killed someone!"

Even Hank was tired of Dyer. "No one will tell on you."

Dyer snapped his eyes on him. "You killed someone too if I remember right! You don't feel guilty at all?"

Hank didn't look up from his work and his hands clenched. "He had it coming. Damn bastard would have killed me and if he did that then we all would've been dead."

The air left Dyer and he spoke as if someone punched him. "How can you be so heartless?"

Link got up as well and pushed him back. "Hey, relax!"

Dyer shoved him back with much more force and it nearly took Link off balence. "Don't tell me to relax! You may all have no problem with murder but I don't!"

The sound of a book slamming shut caught all their attentions. "No, Dyer, none of us are happy with murder," Gus spoke quietly. "The only ones that are is Gorge. The same bastard that tried to hang a little boy and myself. He had all those bastards of thugs shoot anyone in his way and treat us like shit. You're not a murderer old chum. You're a saint for getting rid of one bastard from this world."

Dyer glowered. "He could've had a family."

Gus laughed at the absurdity of the statement. "Everyone has a family, big boy. Those merchants that Gorge shot, they had families. The poor villagers that rose against Gorge I bet they have tons of children that had to bury them." He took in a deep breath and his angry calmed. "Listen to me, if you hadn't done what you did then none of us would have reached this hideout. We would've all been goners. You're not a murderer. I've seen Gorge and trust me when I say that you are far from murder." He turned to hank. "You're not a murderer either."

Hank didn't even say anything and his back was turned to them. The thing that betrayed him was his trembling hands. Link was baffled by how sincere and thoughtful Gus was. He's good at starting fights but to dispel one? This entire mess was really doing something to them.

"Now can we please just clam down and try to settle things?"

This was a pretty tall order and they all knew it. Dyer didn't say anything and only nodded, sitting back down. Link acquiesced when Dyer took his sake and drowned a quarter of it.

It was comforting to hear Hank scribbling again and Gus actually reading his book this time with his lips moving and his eyes scrutinizing the words. Dyer left them and went outside at the back of the base. He wasn't going to pray since he carried along with him a jug of water and garden gloves.

Link was trying to let his mind swim in sake. The anxiety over his gang and the future was too much of a headache right now.

An unsettling, pessimistic feeling came on his pit as he sat up, opening his eyes. Something didn't seem right. Link felt his guts twist and the Master Sword grew heavy. Link tried to ignore it by talking in a big gulp but it came in loud volumes, alarms going off in his head and red flags everywhere. His heart beating fast and he sat up straight, knocking the bottle of sake to the ground.

His friends stopped and looked at him. "What is it?" Gus sounded bothered and closed his book. "Link—"

"Shut it," Link snapped, his heart was pounding much more and the warning in his head was too loud. "Get down." Link ducked down by the window.

Gus needed to help Hank move and Link told him to find Dyer quick. Something wasn't right. He didn't know what it was but his instincts were never wrong. Everyone knew that.

He peered up from the window cautiously. The grass wavered gently, the birds chirped, squirrels running about, sun shinning, nothing was out of place save for the group of bloodthirsty, angry mob with torches and weapons in front of the tree house. Hank was about to curse when Link put his hand on his mouth.

"Keep it down," Link whispered. Dyer and Gus crouched at his side, gaping at him.

"How bad is it?" Gus's voice was barely audible. His eyes widen with fear.

Link peered up. "Well, they all have guns and swords. A lot of them with torches and I think that one's holding a machete."

"Shit," Hank muttered.

"Ilia and Andie are out there." Dyer ran his fingers through his hair. "Dammit, how'd they find us?"

Hank's eyes darkened. "Quill," he growled darkly. "That son of a—"

"He could've told them our hideout long ago," Gus explained, rubbing his chin. "This doesn't make any sense."

"Maybe they followed us?" Dyer suggested.

Link told them to shut up once more and peeked out. There was a one man stand out from the small crowd. He knew who it was by the bandage on the man's nose and his wealthy robe.

"Link, I know you're in there!" Gorge shouted, as the men behind them got their weapons ready. "I order you to stand down and surrender yourself. No one needs to die here today! This can be all resolved peacefully."

"Peace my ass," Link muttered and turned to his friends. They were looking at him, ready to be told what to do. He didn't have a plan in mind though. Ilia and Andie were out there and they were stuck here. He's injured, Hank can't walk without help, and Gus was still a mess. They don't stand a chance against them. "We're leaving this place."

Gus immediately disagreed. "This is our home, Link," he argued. "You weren't here when we made it so you don't know what it means to us."

"It's a home for thieves," he snapped, feeling penitent when their gazes dropped with shame. He took in a deep breath. They've been through enough as it was. There's no use to pinning them down even deeper. "I can't fight them when I'm like this." He showed them his shoulder with the red tinted bandage. "We need to leave now or we can all die here."

Outside, Gorge was still yelling out a jabberwocky and around him were dogs barking. "I have your friend right here, sonny."

With his heart leaped out of his chest, Link peered up only to see it was Quill. He may have hated the guy, but when he saw his face, Link cringed. Quill's face was unrecognizable. The only thing that stood out was his slivery hair, reflecting the light. It was a miracle itself that he was still alive with a face of mashed potatoes.

"Did they get Ilia?" Hank asked, about to find out for himself by looking out but Dyer kept him in his place.

Link sat back. "It's Quill," he answered, thinking pensively. He ignored Hank's protest that Quill did lead them here but Gus didn't seem convinced and neither did Dyer. Quill had tried to do what he promised but ended up caught. It would make sense that Gorge made him cough up the information but Link wasn't convinced either. To have that many bruises on Quill's face, it showed that Quill remained quiet. Besides, it's not like Quill would betray them for a second time. If he had wanted to kill them he would've done so from the very beginning.

No, Gorge got their location elsewhere and Link tried to rack his brain on it. The shouting from outside was starting to irritate him and he wanted nothing more than to drown Gorge in his own blood.

"This is good," Hank said. "We can just leave him and scram."

Link didn't like that look on Hank's eyes. Link didn't think that getting Quill dead would make him feel better. He knew that getting someone else killed would only bury his friends deeper. "We're saving him," Link said, looking up to see someone kick the Sheikah to his knees.

"He betrayed us!" Hank clenched his jaw, dragging his fingers on his scar. "Look at what he did to me."

"Aw boo hoo. You got a fancy scar. Am I supposed to feel bad for you?" Link mocked. Hank's eyes sharpened. "That's all you got but what I got was a bullet near my head, the whole town on my ass and my fairy dead." He clenched his fists. It surprised him that he still felt sore about Katie being tossed away like that. Only he was allowed to do that. "I have more reason to be mad at Quill than any of you. Getting him killed so we can save ourselves would just make things worse."

Hank pursed his lips and turned away but Link won his other two friends. Gus and Dyer both nodded to his plan with perseverance. Quill was one lucky guy to have people caring for him after stabbing them in the back. Link honestly couldn't care about the Sheikah but he found himself fired up to save that cheeky bastard.

"If you don't come out, Link, I'll burn this tree to the ground!" Gorge threatened from outside. "Your friends will be arrested and put to trail."

Gus snorted. "He never bothered to give us a trail," he commented and turned to Link. "Well, are we going to do something or are we going to have him barking like a dog on our doorstep?"

"Calling him a dog is an insult to all dogs," Dyer muttered, gritting his teeth. That was something Link strongly agreed on.

"I have an idea," Hank said, looking detested. "I'm doing this to save us and not that traitor. You can do that part but I thought of something that might work."

"You can't go out there. You can barely walk!" Gus frowned when he saw something glint in Hank's eyes. "Uh uh. No way in hell. I know what your thinking and they're not going to fall for it."

Link asked what it was and Gus elucidated it to him. When he finished, Link felt a grin grow on his lips, saying that's an insane idea and it might just work. Good old Hank. You could scar his face, or break his leg but you could never get rid of his insane, reckless ideas. They may have a chance after all.

Gorge sighed disappointedly. "They're not coming out," he said with a sigh, putting his frustration in one kick to Quill's stomach. The boy folded over on the ground and someone forced him on his feet. His face twisted in pain and he swallowed as someone grabbed his hair to force him to look up.

The chief thought of barging into the tree house but they might be falling into a trap. It was their hideout after all. He didn't like the idea of moving to their dirty tree house.

The smelly egg rotten shirts were a wonderful idea. They were his brilliant idea after all. It was a backup plan in case his ambush fail and his two prisoners escaped. Gorge had one scout follow them with a dog just before the storm occurred. He kept his idea to himself and was glad of it.

To think that little Quill was a traitor all along, it was kind of disappointing. He saw potential in him.

After the riot, Gorge was left to recover at the inn. His head, as the doctor put it, suffered through another concussion and if Gorge wanted to live longer he had better be careful. A crushing pain had kept him up most of the night and would only disappear after a number of medicine and a large bottle of sake. The doctor expressed that Gorge was lucky to be alive since a blow to his head could have been the end of him.

Everything had been crumpling until the scout returned with incredibly good news. Unfortunately, the storm was what saved Link's life as it put a screeching halt in Gorge's part. The dogs were too afraid to go out in the thundering night and the rain made it impossible to travel.

At least they knew where the hideout was. That much was important. So Gorge sat in his his office, trying to treat himself to sake when a shurkin pierced on the cushion of his seat just inches away from his face.

Quill would have killed him right there if Gorge hasn't set up guards at his door. After the villagers' dissidence, he took extra precaution in making his guards as his shadow. The guards messed Quill's face and Gorge would have killed him but decided to use him as bait. If he really was working with Link then Gorge should use that. He did lose two of the captives.

How long had he been with them?

His absences, the half excuses, it all made sense now that Gorge thinks about it.

It doesn't matter anymore. He'll have Link if it's the last thing he did. The villagers would string him up after what happened yesterday with the bombs and the firing. More people died than he predicted and if he doesn't fulfill his promises he'll lose a lot more than his office.

He gave specific orders to keep Link alive, so he could show his people that it was this young man that nearly destroyed their home, this wretched bastard that brought nothing but disaster and calamity. The people would direct their anger on him rather than the chief and praise Gorge for everything he has done. They would worship him and even make a show of puppets of his bravery.

But he needed Link. Gods, that boy would pay for the pain he caused him. His nose was shattered and took an awful angle. Even the town's doctor cringed at the sight of it. It may never be the same but that's all right. He'll pay Link back in full price.

By doctor's orders, Gorge shouldn't even be out here in the sun and sweating in his thick robe. There was this insurmountable headache that caged his head and it should be treated by putting a bag of ice. He should be in bed and let his men do all the dirty work but he wouldn't allow it. His entire career was on the line and so was his life. He can't very well trust it with anyone.

Link seemed to take Gorge's threat as a joke since he didn't come out. Gorge wasn't joking about killing Quill and brought out his pistol. It was a bit sad since he shared some memories with the kid but it had to be done. This was treason and Gorge needed to show what happens to those who refused to obey him. Quill cringed at the touch but didn't say anything. He closed his eyes and let out a breath. Possibly his last.

A door squeaked open and stopped his finger from the trigger. The dogs stood up and growled at the stranger. It was a boy in haggy clothing, wearing odd goggles with tinted orange glass and limping his way to them with a walking stick. His forearms were in bandages and a large, jagged scar ran from the bottom of his left eye until his jaw line. He had spiky hair that looked as if a porcupine settled on his head. It gave him a wilder look and Gorge knew that this was one of the crazy kids.

"Good morning," he said, surprising Gorge a bit since he didn't expect anything civilized from these kids.

The men behind him started to move but stopped at Gorge's hand. He scrutinized the boy more closely. The boy was practically harmless and might as well be a cripple. He did seem like a fighter with lean muscles and an austere face but he was armless and alone.

Gorge studied him skeptically. "You're not Link."

Link was taller than this boy and hard to forget with a handsome face and muscular body. Gorge could still remember his cold eyes and that devilish smile before the boy broke his nose.

"I'm not," the boy replied polity, leaning on his stick for support. His wild looks didn't represent him as he remained composed and surprisingly rectitude. This seemed suspicious. "Link's inside and he kind of doesn't want to come out, sir."

"We'll burn everything we see," Gorge warned, one of his men raised a torch to emphasize his point.

The boy raised his free hand as his other leaned on the stick. "How about a wager?" He offered, making Gorge frowned. He was bringing something from his pocket but stopped when Gorge's men pointed their guns at him. "Easy, guys. I'm not suicidal."

"Check his pockets," Gorge ordered and a man with blond hair nodded. From the boys pocket he brought out a small, grey cube the size of an apple and handed it to Gorge. "What is this?" The edges were smooth like polished metal and reflected on the sun.

The boy grinned and that did give him a more untamed personality. "I made it myself," he said, something glinting in his eyes. "It's a small, cubical weapon made to destroy your enemies in one swoop. In exchange for Link's life, I'll give you a dozen of those."

Gorge stared at it for a moment and felt a spark of irritation. "How about I kill you and take it all?" He spat, his men drew closer and he threw the cube on the ground. "Did you think I came all the way out here just to—" As soon as it hit the ground, smoke started to squeeze out from the sides of the cube. The boy with the goggles grinned widely with eyes brighting up.

Soon the air began to fog and Gorge was yelling angrily, moving with his hands blindly and fired multiple shots from the place the boy was. He couldn't see a damn thing. This was a trap and like a damn fool he fell for it. Those pesky kids will die for this. All of them. He heard the door of the tree house opened and more footsteps approached them. Every time he yelled or even moved his head, pain radiated through his mind, making him angrier by the minute.

"They're coming out!" Gorge yell and coughed, his eyes tear up from the fog and his throat was dry. The air was too thick to breath in and smelled like dust. He tried to run and finally made it out of the cloud of fog. He was the only one that made it out and looked back to see his men still trapped in there like blinded fools. Useless. Does he have to do everything?

Near the bushes, he could see them. The boy with the goggles, that blasted red guy, Gus was his name, another one that was large, and there he was, Link. Gorge saw with fury that they even got Quill from him. Everything was falling apart. His plan and his career. He can't come back empty handed after the promises he filled their heads.

Turning at the tree house, he lit his own torch. They thought he wasn't serious when he said he'd burn everything? They're about to have a bonfire.

The flames touched the base of the house and he could see his men helping him after the fog cleared up. They dumped oil and brought the flames alive. The fire licked and flickered as they rose up, engulfing up everything in their way. They need to come here. Surely, they wouldn't let their own house destroyed?

A shrieking scream erupted from the tree house and he saw that not all of them have escaped. He wasn't the only one who heard it but Link, who was just about to escape, turned around with his eyes alert. At the second house located on a branch was that girl with the braids. The flames were inching closer as she debated on whether to jump.

He grinned at this. They couldn't possibly leave on of their own. After all, they blew up the fountain and killed some of his men. The other kids were screaming at Link as he turned around and was heading right to Gorge.

Gorge smiled broadened despite the throbbing in his head. They're going to come to him after all. Link was a good-looking fellow and seemed confident in his skills. He brought out a Hylian shield, deflecting all the bullets at him. Gorge's men tried to attack him as he dashed right through them, dodging each of their weapons and bullets.

Someone even gashed him on the arm and impressively the kid still kept going. He was moving a lot slower and Gorge would guess that it has to do with the bullet he gave him yesterday. Yet, Link went on with no sword and only a shield with impeccable reflexes.

He came in front of Gorge and grinned at him. "That's a nice look on you," he complimented and dropped something.

Another damn cube.

Gorge tried to shoot a fire but his vision was fogged once more. He cursed and tried running after Link blindly. He got out of the fog and saw that the kid was having his arms stretched out for the girl in the window. Now the unfettered flames have began to leave out heavy smoke and crumple their home. The girl seemed hesitant and Link yelled at her to hurry up.

Kids these days really are insane.

There was no time for a debate. She jumped just as the house she was at caved in. The tree house in front of them soon crumbled, blackening as smokes puffed out.

Link had fallen flat on his back once the girl was safely in his arms. His body arched up like a fish out of water as a painful shriek wracked throughout his body. Gorge was smiling as he inched closer and the girl saw him coming and tried to get Link up.

"Come on," she said, stopping when Gorge came in front of her.

They really scared him. For a minute there he thought that his entire life was over. He pointed his pistol on her forehead and Link was gritting his teeth, seemingly in too much pain to move.

Instead of firing, he hit her with the back of his gun, sending her to the ground. It pleased him to see that he was not the only one to suffer a head injury as blood began to ooze from the girl's forehead. Gorge planted his boot on Link's chest to keep him in place and grabbed the girl by her braid. She was a pretty little thing with big eyes and a lovely body. He could see why Link would bother saving her.

"Any last words?" He asked her, tightly pressing his gun at the side of her face. She cringed at the metal's touch and weakly struggled against him.

He was about to pull the trigger until an excruciating pain exploded on his head. The blow wasn't enough to kill him but it staggered him back, making him yelp in shock. When he turned, he realized it was that little boy.

He remembered Andie well. How the guards always complained that his crying was giving them a headache that got them to gag him. He remembered how this kid came to him begging for forgiveness. But he does not remember seeing bravery. The kid's eyes were fierce and furious and he held on the wooden sword.

"Leave my friends alone, you big bully!" He shouted.

Gorge felt a surge of rage and would've put a hole through the kid's brain if the girl behind him didn't strike at the head. He fell to the ground withering in pain and agony. His head felt like it was about to explode. He watched as the girl and the kid help Link help and moved away.

The fog cleared and Gorge would've screamed at his men to get them if only he wasn't a prionser of his own head. Pain would throb so violently on his head that he wondered how his skull hasn't cracked open yet.

The criminals were moving excruciatingly slow because of Link who moaned with pain. It's over for them.

Two of his strongest men chased after Link and one of them got their hands on the girl. She slapped one of them and they returned it, forcing her to the ground. A spark of hope ignited in Gorge. They just need Link and only him. They can take the girl and do what they want with her just as long as he takes that green boy and show his head to the people.

The fog renewed when that goddamn, blasted, little rat goggles boy threw his goddamn, forsaken, cursed cubes. Gorge struggled on his feet and moved blindly through the thick fogs. His vision blurred and he felt light on his feet. It took immense willpower to keep from fainting. Those kids would get thrice the pain they caused him when he get his hands on them.

The men were shouting and complaining that they couldn't see one thing. The kids couldn't have gone far. They have that goggles boy, Link and the Gus that were all injured. The distance between here and them couldn't be that far.

However, once the fog has settled, there was no one there but Gorge and his men. The tree house behind them was utterly devoured by the hungry flames and now they greedily began to feed on the grass and nearby trees. The flames were close to Hatino and he cursed out loud, kicking a nearby rock. He had to control his anger since it was taking a toll on his aching mind. He breathed in and out, holding his head in his hands.

"Boss, we need to put out the fire," one of the men said nervously, as the grass lit up. "The villagers would have your head if they see this."

Gorge was struggling with his thoughts and the urge to shoot this man. He then came up with a wonderful idea that might calm the villagers for a while. "Not my head but theirs," he said and felt pleased with this. He'll show his people just how dangerous Link truly was and that they would never be safe without their beloved chief's help.

"But that's not true though," one man dared to say and from the looks of it this man was young. "I mean, you started the fire, sir."

His words stopped when a bullet dug into his stomach and the men around him jumped back in surprise. Gorge waved his gun around at his group. "They caused the fire and they killed the chief." Both were lies but no one needed to know that. "And they will be punished unless any of you are willing to betray me again. How about it boys? Want the ropes for treason?"

No one said anything more as the injured man was tended to and the fire was being tamed. Gorge looked at the bushes from where they disappeared. He had no clue what they're planning but they wouldn't survive in the woods. They can run all they want to but in the end, Gorge will see to it that the last thing they ever see will be his face smiling down at them.

"He needs medicine!"

"He doesn't need anything!"

Hank and Ilia were both arguing until Dyer told them to shut it. They escaped on the skin of their teeth and getting attention now would be fatal for them. He was tending to Link's wounds and honestly this was getting ridiculous. Just when Link gets better he runs off to get himself hurt. But if it weren't for him, Ilia would be a crisp right about now.

Quill was the worst out of all of them. His left eye was sealed in shut, his lips were split and his nose took an odd angle. Bruises swelled on his face so bad that it made him look unrecognizable.

Yet despite his condition, Quill managed to lead them to this shed that him and Gorge used to share. It was on the far side of the town and it might as well be considered outside of Hatino.

It was a bloviated place with cobwebs and spiders, shelves with rusted tools. Dyer had to move it all the shelves to make some room. The wood groaned under their weight and dust settled off the ceiling. A large foggy window allowed some light to enter, shining down on Link's face as he lay there grunting.

"We can't stay here much longer," Quill grunted, sitting up against the wall. "Gorge might figure out that we're here."

If Gorge does then they're all screwed. The gang is in no condition to fight. Hank's wound on his leg opened when he ran back to save Link and Ilia. Dyer had to lend him his shoulder while his other carried Quill. Gus was struggling since his wounds from his days of imprisonments still were fresh and so was Andie. Still they pushed forward and helped carry Link with them.

If the villagers found out that they were here in town, they're finished.

There were some supplies in the shed and limited medicine. Gus was no doctor but tried to do his best from what he read in his books and Dyer helped him. First, they had to stitch up Hank's leg again before it gets infected. Then supplies thinned down until they was enough for one person. They had to decide between Link and Quill. Link was querulously insisting that he's fine but Dyer knew it was about his back. On the other hand, there was Quill who tried very hard not to show that his chest was in pain.

"Quill brought them here," Hank hissed at Ilia. "Link was the one that saved your ass."

Link clenched his jaw, annoyed by the chatter. "Just give it to the damn guy. He looks like he's been run over by a carriage."

"I'm fine," Quill insisted but was shot down by Ilia who took it upon herself to tidy him off. He was uncomfortable by her touch and turned away.

Hank's eyes widen as he shook his head. "He led them here! What is wrong with you?!"

"Keep quiet!" Gus hissed, peering out the window. It was his turn to stay on watch. Next to his feet was Andie who had his face buried into his knees.

Andie didn't say anything since they came here and Dyer only wished they did a better job at protecting him. He nearly lost his life because of them, spent days of imprisonment malnourished and beaten, then watched his home burn in front of him. But then there was that incredible moment when he stood against Gorge armed with nothing more than a wooden sword. He didn't cringe when Gorge nearly took him by the bullet but only stayed on his ground, determined to save his friends.

He's braver than Dyer took him for. Much braver than him anyways, who had hesitated. The sound of that guard's skull cracking still haunted in his head.

Quill clenched his jaw "I didn't bring them here. Gorge's mutts did." Ilia moved away so that he could look at them properly. "The shirts that they gave you smelled for a reason. He had a backup plan that I was not aware of and if the storm wasn't a setback, he would've killed you all on that day."

Dyer found himself thanking the goddesses for that. If that chief actually chased them when they were vulnerable…he didn't want to think about it. He remembered how the smell of rotten eggs lingered in the hideout. It was a pretty solid plan and it almost worked.

Hank chuckled dryly. "So what's next then?" He asked. "Become beggars? I can't steal so what can I do?" He was speaking hysterically then the fear cracked his voice, "What the hell are we going to do?!"

"Keep it down!" Snapped Gus, his hair spiked down his face. "We'll figure something out."

"What are we going to do?!" The panic now took him and he was hyperventilating. "We don't have any supplies," he said, emanating on his shaking fingers. "No food, supplies, medicine and heck, no more sake!"

Link groaned at that part and Ilia gave him a soft kick.

"And our tree house." His eyes were heartbroken. Dyer bit back a curse. It was one of his most prized work and now it's utterly destroyed. Hank bit his bottom lip and swallowed, there was nothing but grief. "I put my heart and soul into that thing and now—" He heaved out a quick breath and covered his eyes.

Ilia's eyes soften. "It's better we lose our house instead of someone, Hank."

He nodded, understanding. It was still hard on him to lose all of his work, his crazy invention, and blast it, he even lost his air gun. He spent about a year on that. He had his hands on his eyes and sniffed, fingers were trembling. The goggles were the only survivors, resting on his messy hair, glinting in the light. The wound on his leg was swelled with a tight bandage around it.

The thought then sunk in and everyone dropped their gaze. They were homeless now. They have nothing left.

The house that they were so proud off and kept them safe from villagers was gone. All the gold and the pictures that they took were utterly gone. The flowers that he was so proud of, the weapons they all stole, the books Gus had adored…everything.

Dyer tried not to think too much what he lost: his flowers, his treasured journal from his boyhood, the pictures of his late parents. It was better, even a blessing that he lost that rather than a friend.

Anything could've happened to them, he tried to convince himself when his heart panged at thought of losing the portrait of his parents. Ilia could've died at the fire or Gorge would've gotten her, they could've gotten Link, Hank could've been killed if Gorge hadn't thrown that cube aside just as planned, Andie was too close to Gorge's gun.

They made it out somehow. Against all odds, against a group of strong, armed men, they got away, bruised and injured but alive and together. He thanked the goddesses for this and felt a bit better. His parents lived in him after all, not on a piece of paper.

He clasped Hank on the shoulder and gave him a little shake. The handy man didn't move his hands from his eyes but he nodded, trying so hard not to show his tears but a small sob escaped him.

Quill seemed more recognizable after Ilia fixed him up. Even with the color of blue and purple, after clearing all the blood away, he did look a bit better. Dyer noticed that a tooth had been knocked out of him.

It was hard to hold a grudge against Quill. Yes, he may have screwed them over and Dyer couldn't sleep for days, thinking that Dobbin died by his hands, but Quill tried to make things better. He may act like killing Dobbin was no issue but Dyer knew from his thin face and bony figure that he's regretting what he's done. It's really not up to Dyer to say whether Quill deserves forgiveness or not.

Then there was curiosity on how he had came to know of Gorge. From what Dyer could conjure up, it seemed like they had known each other for a while. But he decided not to ask.

"Guess you need to quit the beauty contest," Dyer told him with a little smile.

Quill seemed a bit taken back that someone is speaking to him normally and returned a little smirk. "Not today, old boy. I might even have a chance this year."

"Can you guys please shut up?" Hank asked quietly, voice quivering.

They both apologized and let depression once more take over. Poor Hank. Everything that has ever happened to them so far it was Hank that took the most beatings. Aside from Link of course. Dyer risked a glance and saw Link shading his eyes from the rays of light. What was in his mind? Was he thinking about the fairy?

"I can kill him," Quill said quietly, looking up at Dyer. "I was close and made a mistake. I won't do it again."

Ilia was absolutely not fine with that. "You are not going anywhere near that man." She looked at him with disbelief. "Look at what he's done to you."

Quill shook his head. "It doesn't matter to you anymore so it's fine." He looked down. "I'll kill him so that he won't be after you anymore and—"

"No, just stop." Her eyes were heartbroken. She took his hand and inhaled deeply. "Look I don't want anything bad to happen to you, okay? If I forgive you, will you stay away from Gorge?"

He held her hands. His face was beginning to fall. "He's after you because of me. I did this to all of you so let me do it."

Hank took in a deep breath still covering his eyes. "Quill, my idiot, you got yourself caught and Gorge colored your face black and blue so how's trying the second time going to help?" He dropped his hands and now they can see his red eyes. "What? Because you killed Dobbin you think you have a knack for killing chiefs? Is that it?" Quill didn't reply and winced. "Do me a favor and go die out there, would you?"

"No one is dying unless I say so," Link said with a grunt. "Hank, how about you do us a favor and get over it?" He put his hand down and stared at the ceiling. "I get you guys lost your home but be a little thankful that you didn't lose your life so stop crying like a little boy and grow up."

Ah, Link, heartless as always.

Hank would've gotten up and spark a pugnacious argument but his leg prevented him. Instead he decided to throw his shoe, anything to pour his anger. The shoe hit Link's head but he didn't react to it much. "Look, I got stabbed and shot at so let me rest."

"Damn you," Hank muttered, then his eyes burned at Quill. He breathed in a sharp breath and his nose flared. "Why did you bother coming back? Why didn't Gorge just finish you off?"

There was no one to defend Quill from the verbal attack. Dyer just didn't know if he should stop Hank. He had more of a reason to pick at Quill. Gus was crossing his arms and his fingers were digging into his skin as his eyes stayed plastered to the window. He was torn between saying something and leaving them alone.

Ilia was about to stop this but someone else took the reins and took charge. Someone that no one even thought would speak up.

"Can you just stop that?" Andie said. His voice surprised them all and even woke up Link and brought Quill's gaze up. Andie stood protectively in front of Quill. "I know he was working with that maniac but he saved our lives, doesn't that mean anything to you?" Unlike all the other times he got mad, this time he seemed more in control since he was hesitant. "I mean, he tried to kill Gorge for us and look what happened to him. I know everything is a mess but we can't hold it against him forever. It won't change anything."

Quill's eyes closed and his face was pained. Dyer saw that there were tears in those red eyes. "It's okay, Andie," he said, trying for a weak smile. There was a strain in his voice. "They have the right to be angry. I did things that are unforgiveable."

"That doesn't mean you have to die for them!" Andie turned to Hank who just stared at him dully. "We all did mistakes that killed Dobbin not just Quill, so stop acting like he's the one that messed everything up." Andie rubbed his forearm awkwardly, an act that everyone always considered to be adorable. "If we should've listened to Link than none of this would've happened so it's our fault from the beginning."

They waited for Hank to say something and Andie seemed to be growing uncomfortable by the minute. Much like Dyer he wasn't used to an argument.

"Whatever," he muttered bitterly, lying on his side and turning his face away from them all.

Ilia patted Andie on the back, almost proudly. "Get some rest," she told him then turned to Dyer. "We'll figure out what to do tomorrow."

He nodded, lying down to look at the wooden ceiling. His mind ran like a marathon. A wave of guilt washed over him but this time it didn't suffocate him like before. He still remembered how that man grabbed Andie and put a gun to his forehead, the anger that followed just watching Andie, red-faced, too horrified and traumatized to even move.

It had been that which got Dyer to lose his mind. No one gets away with hurting Andie like that. No one.

It will take time for them to heal. He's just not ready to forgive himself yet for this.

As he lay down on the wooden floor, he found himself missing his bed and his things but that feeling was small compared to the great relief that all his friends were here, sharing this small shed with him. Gus said he'd stay awake while they all try to rest. The sun was still burning and it was early yet they all went to a deep sleep on the rough ground.

Hands were in each other's faces, hairs were tangled and sweat poured out from all of them in this dampy shed.

Although the shelf was poorly ventilated and could barely fit them all in, in his eyes it was a sanctuary. He would do anything to protect these people from Gorge. That's why it was easy to forgive Quill for what he's done.