Link looked at himself, and just felt weird. He was in a sky blue shirt that billowed out to his elbows. He still had on his boots, but he had a pair of, what Lena called jeans, on as well. His cap was gone and his hair was tied back into a low ponytail. He even had dangle style amber gems in his ears. The biggest insult was his sword and shield. They had given him a circular style shield, and wrapped his sword hilt in what looked like tattered rags. They had to take everything away that defined him as a Hero.
Kai on the other hand, was wearing a pair of boots as well (he hated them because he wore sandals normally) he had the jeans on as well, but his were tight and more form fitting, unlike Link's which were baggy. He had on a button up dark blue shirt, worn open with a red tank top on underneath. His hair was left the same except a type of ornamental jewelry was placed at the end of it. He hadn't worn his holsters, but let him wrap his arms to slip daggers into. His short blade was replaced with a regular sword and strapped to his back. They let him keep his Lyre, since it made him look like an artist. He was also without his cowl, and his face was obviously displeased.
"You guys look amazing!" Lena said, she stepped back to admire them "you both are going to definitely break some hearts as well. Remember to ease up on the proper speech. People here have a much more easy going type of speech."
"I feel naked without my hat." Link whined.
"Everyone knows about the Hero's cap. You can't wear it. Plus, I think you look way cuter without it."
Kai mumbled in Sheikahn under his breath, obviously upset, but knowing he couldn't really do anything about it.
"So, let's go over it again, what's the cover story?" Lena asked.
Their cover story was basically what they would say about themselves if anyone was to ask.
"My name is Ravio, and Kai is Sheik. We are adopted...brothers from the small town of Necluda out east. We decided to head towards Okoku to see something new, and find somewhere to settle down." Link said, his face bright red. After the moment he and Kai had, saying brothers was just uncomfortable.
"You really have a hard time spitting out that brother's part, Link, oh I mean Ravio. We can't just openly declare he's a Sheikah guide or something. If you want, we can say you're both lovers. Try that! Now, let's see you two hold hands." Lena said with a wicked smile.
Kai walked over and grabbed Link's hand, lacing their fingers together.
Lena counted down in her head 3...2...1 and both boy's faces turned completely red, and they couldn't even look at eachother. She laughed loudly "either you two actually like each other, or absolutely despise each other to get that red. No way you could pass as lovers. Unless, you're in your honeymoon stage!" She laughed loudly.
Link let Kai's hand go "I don't know. I'm pretty sure we were plotting each other's deaths before we got here. I think we have a healthy amount of hate for each other."
"I wouldn't say hate per se, Link. More like, healthy amount between respect and animosity." Kai said.
"Right, right. Anyways, let's take to the streets. I'm your best friend you made here in town, Claire. Don't forget, ok!" Lena said, poking her cheeks with a smile.
"May I ask one question before we go?" Kai asked.
"Shoot."
"What exactly do you plan to do with the branch strapped to your back?"
"Don't insult my branch. This is a family heirloom. Passed down from my great great grandma. My mom said it was from an ancient being called the Great Deku Tree."
"The Great Deku Tree? That's in Hyrule. I knew him. He raised me." Link said.
"Are you serious? Wow! That's why I've never heard of it before. I'm going to make you tell me all about him later. As for what I can do with it." She tapped on the ground with it, and a tiny plant popped up flinging a seed, and hitting Kai in the forehead.
"Oww! What the hell." Kai said, clutching his head, while Link tried desperately to hold in his laugh.
"Now imagine that but bigger. Using my magical energy I can harness nature and create a destructive force. Also, well done on easing up on proper speech." She said with a laugh. "Now, to the streets. What's Necluda like boys?"
As they made their way past all the gates and into town, the boys told her what Necluda was like. She nodded her head, listening to them talk. They made it to the regular streets, and just walked and talked. Now, Link really looked around. Everybody was dressed similar to the 3 of them. Apparently, they had let go of the "traditional" (as Lena called them) clothes, and embraced a more modern style. Okoku was known for focusing more on modernity and technology, while Hyrule was more traditional and magical. It was a stark contrast to what they were used to. Link felt completely out of his element here. He felt Kai hold his hand, and lace their fingers together. He looked over and saw the boy doing the same thing as him, they both felt very out of place. Plus the streets were rather crowded and Kai was trying very hard to hold it togethrr. For some reason, Link made him feel more safe. They turned to go through an alley, and Lena stopped them. She went over to the wall where a piece of paper was tacked up
"Join the Revolution and take back your town." She read "Hey, this must be our first clue. It says here there's a meeting two days from now in a nearby tea shop. Cool! Let's go there right now. Maybe, we can get started on finding some stuff out."
"This all seems a little too convenient. Why would they hang up fliers? Are they not afraid someone will find them?" Kai said
"Well, the royals hardly leave the castle. To be completely honest, Nathan wants nothing more than to disband the monarchy, and turn Okoku into a democracy. But we can't if people are going to go for blood. That's why we have to deal with those who are trying to spill that blood." Lena said.
"If I know anything, I have a feeling there's something much larger at work here. We thought Ganon was trying to overthrow the King, and it turned into a giant war." Link said.
"Well that feels foreboding. Let's hope that's not what it is then."
But when are things ever that simple?
Enter, Yuga, the mastermind behind the Revolution. Yuga was an effeminate boy with red hair. Everyone recognized him by his diamond earrings, seeing as diamonds were a rare jewel. When he spoke, people couldn't help but listen. He told the people because of the king, their country was relying too heavily on technology. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the simplicity of magic. Magic would help more against forces of nature. The Goddesses were angry they weren't using the gifts they were blessed with, and were punishing them. To hell with the monarchy. Let the people govern themselves, and be free to embrace magic. Of course, it wasn't like magic was banned, but it was needed less and less as technology found a way to replace things people used to do. That meant, more people being forced into the street from lack of work. The slums were packed with magic users. And those were the ones who listened the most to Yuga. The biggest part of the revolution. The death of the previous king had been a victory, until his son had taken his place. It was known that Nathaniel had no heirs, and his death would completely end the monarchy. But they had to stay organized. Yuga would accept nothing less than perfection. A clearly laid detailed plan of how, when, and what they would do after the end of the regime. They had fliers up all over town, to gather more and more members. More skilled magic users, more people adept at blades, and bows, more canon fodder as it were. There was no way the current king would be coming out of his castle, so they needed a way to get in. And that's what the next meeting was about.
Link, Kai, and Lena made it to the tea shop, and sat down in a booth. They looked around, because every inch of the shop was covered in pictures.
"Welcome to my tea shop. You all are some new faces. What can I get you?" There was a very tall boy with braided red hair, and diamond earrings, standing beside the booth.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was captivated by all these pictures. They are really beautiful and almost seem...alive." Lena said.
"Oh, thank you. These are all mine. I really like to...capture the very essence of something in the pictures I take." The shop keeper said.
"Well, you are very talented, Mr..?"
"Oh, you can call me Yuga."
"Oh, Yuga then. I'm Claire. I'm from the Eastern end of town. I've never really been over this way before, but I was showing my new friends around."
"Oh well, I hope my tea making skills get you all coming back for more." Yuga said with a laugh. "So who are you two then?" Yuga finally actually looked at the boys, and had to do a double take. Yuga always considered himself to be the most attractive man in the world. These two boys were like looking at perfection itself. He forced himself to listen.
"Oh I'm Ravio, and this is Sheik. We're from Necluda." Link answered
"Oh, I've been to Necluda. Lovely people. I'm sure it's still the same as when I saw it a few years ago. Unfortunately, the hilly area and plains have gotten so dangerous lately. It's not an easy trip to make anymore. You two must be skilled fighters to make it on your own. Anyway, listen to me going on here. What can I get for you?"
They gave Yuga their order, and when he left, they began to talk.
"He screams bad guy." Kai said.
Link gave him a confused look "How does one scream bad guy?"
Kai pointed in the direction Yuga went "Like that."
Lena laughed "I don't know he seems so friendly and maybe a bit too...effeminate to be a bad guy."
"I've come to learn never underestimate anyone. My biggest ass kicking came at the hands of female Gerudo's." Link said.
They stopped talking when Yuga came over with their tea "Here you go! What do you think?"
Link took a sip "Sweet Nayru's love! This is the best tea I've ever had."
Yuga tilted his head with a smile "I've never heard someone so openly use the Goddesses names. Tell me, do you support using magic?"
Kai scoffed "Of course. I fight using magic all the time "
Lena nodded in agreement "So do I."
"Then you are just the kind of people who should join the Revolution."
The whole shop whooped loudly proclaiming "Revolution!"
"Come back here in two days. You can learn more about it. I think you 3 are exactly what we need to move our plan forward." Yuga said.
"Are you the one organizing this? I've heard about this Revolution. I just never knew where to go, or who to talk to." Lena said sweetly.
Yuga nodded "You're looking at him. Like I said, in 2 days we can talk more. I've even got a big surprise for everyone. You guys showed up at the right time. See you then." Yuga walked away.
The 3 shared a look, and quietly finished their tea. They left quickly.
"We should get our things from the inn so we can bring them to the castle." Kai said after they left.
"This is bad. That whole tea shop seems to be just a small part of people who are all about this Revolution. We need to go to that meeting. And Nathaniel can not leave the safety of the castle." Lena said, frantic.
"Told you he screamed bad guy."
Link glared at Kai "Don't worry Lena. We will do everything in our power to help."
"Thank you so much."
They grabbed their gear and packs out of the inn, and began the trip back to the castle.
"Well the King is probably planning a big dinner for you two. And he's completely helpless without me around, so let's get moving." Lena said.
Link nudged Kai "Seems to me, someone is in love with the King."
Lena stopped walking and turned to look at Link, her face a deep scarlet "I...well...I am. I would do anything to keep Nathan safe. And when this is all over, I'm going to tell him. I've been his attendant since we were both very small. But he's always treated me like, something more. And even now...I think, something is there."
"I was just teasing. I had no idea. I'm sorry Lena."
"No. It's fine. Best to be honest." She turned around and resumed walking "At least I don't deny it, like some people."
Kai and Link looked at each other, they both blushed, looked away from each other, and followed behind Lena to the castle.
