A/N: HERE IT IS

"And this is where you two will be staying," the stout woman said as she unlocked a rickety door. "It's not much, but a few people came to call this home."

"I'm sure it'll do just fine," a young woman with long, pure white hair and sharp red eyes replied. "We're pretty used to sparse living quarters." She and the squire just behind her filed into the room, setting down their luggage.

"A squire and his translator? Yes, I suppose you would," Telma, the purveyor of the bar on the ground floor and their new landlady chuckled. "So, tell me, what brings a young squire like you all the way out here?"

Link remained silent as ever, watching his new landlady with a blank expression.

Telma sighed as she set her hands on her hips. "I know you're mute, young man, not deaf."

Link considered her words a moment before sharing a rueful smile with Impa. Making sure the Sheikah was watching, he began signing to her. Normally, he was content to allow her to speak for him entirely; however, he had a feeling the bartender wouldn't accept any answer unless he made some attempt to communicate.

"We're-"

"Roderick, huh?" Telma asked, cutting Impa off.

Link frowned at her tone and lack of addressing the knight by his proper title. His personal differences with the man aside, Sir Roderick was still a knight in service to the King, and that demanded a certain level of respect.

"You can understand him?"

"Yes, I can understand him," Telma replied with her hands. "Your friend here isn't the only one in Hyrule that is overcoming that particular struggle," she finished vocally. Her hands went back to her hips as she eyed the two with a slight frown. "Being a bartender in a town like this, you hear some things. Things about some prominent figures in Castle Town. And sometimes, those things aren't good."

Link kept his face perfectly neutral at her words. He was certain he knew of what rumors she spoke of and though he had been training under Roderick for a few short months, he had seen enough to believe that they held some kernel of truth. Even so, he had a duty as the man's squire, and, so long as he wasn't truly a threat to anyone, then Link would continue to serve under the man for as long as he was required to become a knight in his own right.

"We're still new in Sir Roderick's service," Impa explained carefully. Link's eyes flicked over to her as he heard a slight tonal shift in her voice that he only ever heard when something had upset her and she was trying to hide it.

"I thought as much. I've seen a number of squires take after the knights they served under but… neither of you resemble him in the slightest."

"Thank you."

Telma laughed at that. "Yes, I thought you might take that as a compliment. And you, young man?"

"… I'm not offended." Though he knew that word of this conversation likely wouldn't reach Roderick, he was still hesitant to say anything that he could be made to regret. Thankfully, Impa managed to keep her disdain for the man largely subdued when around others.

"Good. I'm not sure I would be willing to house you if you were."

Link allowed a small smile to breakthrough. Telma was growing on him rather quickly, especially with her straightforwardness. He didn't have to waste time guessing what she was trying to get out of him or searching for the hidden meaning of her words. It was quite refreshing after interacting with so many members of the upper class in Castle Town. He could only hope that the rest of the town was as easy to get along with. Of course, he would likely only spend small amounts of time interacting with the townsfolk. Considering what of the King's orders had been conveyed to him, he found it highly unlikely that he would be allowed to interact with the townsfolk any more than was absolutely necessary.

Then again, the knight he was serving under likely wouldn't care. Roderick seemed to think that Impa was making up the majority of what she said and, after a certain incident, he had convinced the Sheikah to remain silent unless they were directly addressed. The knight seemed to take pride in having a silent squire who didn't "whine and complain constantly" or "ask stupid questions" regularly. The sting of such comments had long since abated; however, he and Impa would have to prepare for the typical response to such things. They would have to explain at length that it was a physical condition rather than whatever other explanation they would come up with, most of which left Impa offended on his behalf.

His smile grew as he considered how lucky he was to have a friend such as herself.

"Look at that," Telma whistled. "What a pleasant smile. You wear it well."

Link rubbed his head, feeling mildly abashed as she winked at him, somehow making an innocuous gesture suggestive.

"Don't mind him. He just gets flustered every time a woman… what?" she asked as he waved at her. Once having her attention, he began signing furiously. "Uh-huh, yeah." Impa watched him bemusedly for a moment before saying a single word. "Malon."

At the sound of the redhead's name, the squire's hands lost all their vigor. Of course, she would go for the throat right then.

"Oh? Now that does sound like a story. You'll have to share it with me over a drink sometime."

Link shook his head.

"We'd love to."

Impa only laughed as he glared at her sullenly. She loved the Malon story.

"We'll wait 'til he's ready," Telma said with another wink, this one directed at the Sheikah. "Wouldn't want him melting into a puddle just yet, would we?"

"I suppose not. It might be hard to find another job."

Link turned away, pointedly ignoring the two women as he began exploring what would be his home for the next few months at least. As he completed his first round of the tiny abode, he decided he rather liked it. It was far more spacious than their previous quarters, meaning that he and Impa would have more space to themselves, rather than trying to squeeze into a single, tiny area. They'd still have to throw their curtains up, but at least they'd have something resembling rooms. Besides, the aged appearance of the wood and peeling, red wallpaper gave it a rather homely feel. Yes, this would do nicely indeed.

With a nod, the squire began a more thorough inspection of the area. Inch by inch, he scoured the rooms, looking for any signs of a hidden room, hidey-hole, or anything else that might reveal something that was otherwise out of sight. He even patted down what furniture there was and got down on his hands and knees to explore the carpets and wooden floors.

"What is he up to?"

"He's exploring," Impa replied. "It's just something he does, even if there's nothing to find."

"Well, if you find anything, let me know," Telma replied. "All right, I've been away from the bar long enough. You two get settled in and I'll see you for dinner."

"Thank you."

"Yes, thank you," Impa agreed.

Telma left them alone, shutting the door behind her.

"So, are you done exploring this corner?"

Link grinned as he nodded at her; however, he held up a single finger, asking for a moment longer. Jumping to his feet, he returned to his bags and opened one, pulling out a large, white curtain. The Hylian handed it to her, watching with anticipation as she took it with a curious frown. Unfolding it, she gasped as she saw a large, purple eye with three triangles acting as eyelashes.

"This is…"

Link nodded.

"Where did you find it?"

"Weird merchant. His name is Beedle."

"It's perfect."

"Thanks for coming with me and being my friend."

"Oh, don't get all sappy on me!" she snapped as she slugged him in the arm. "Now, shut up and finish your inspection, inquisitor."

Link feigned a hurt frown, laughing silently as she grabbed a loose pillow and chucked it at him.

"You're here? Good." Link saluted his mentor, who stepped around him. "Come on, boy. We have much to discuss."

Link exchanged a glance with Impa, who, simply glared at the man's back subtlely. He gave a single, small shake of his head, trying to talk her down from whatever jab she was considering. It wasn't worth the trouble, even if it would be somewhat entertaining for a few seconds. The Sheikah merely rolled her eyes, groaning silently as they turned to follow the knight.

"How much do you know?" as he sent Impa a look over his shoulder.

"Nothing."

"Nothing, sir," He corrected sternly.

Impa pursed her lips, scarlet eyes flashing dangerously. "I don't know anything, sir ."

"Good." Thankfully, the knight chose to ignore the tone she had taken with him. "The less you know, the better. Can't have loose lips spreading rumors. And you, boy? What do you know?"

" Nothing, sir. "

"What's he saying?"

"He says he knows nothing, sir."

"I'm not surprised. He is, well…"

Link looked over to his companion, telling her silently to calm down. Whether or not he was used to such implications was beside the point. Roderick had been hesitant to allow Impa to come at all. Link had been forced to find another translator and have them explain that the Sheikah was essential for him to complete his work. While it wasn't exactly true by what the order of knights would define as essential, Impa was not only an experienced translator but also an important lifeline for him. Whether anyone really understood it or not, Link knew that he needed to keep his best friend around. Someone who didn't actually pity him and was actually knowledgeable when it came to his 'disability.'

She also accommodated his quirks, just as he did hers. He really didn't want her to be sent away because of a knight's thin skin.

Impa took a deep breath and relaxed.

"Now listen closely, you two. Due to current circumstances, the lab is to be guarded overnight."

" Lab? " Link signed behind Roderick's back.

"All I know is that my baby sister is training here," Impa replied silently.

"Unfortunately, the secrecy and security required for research mean there are some gaps in the watch. So, boy, you'll be standing watch through the night."

The squire frowned. It wasn't unusual for squires to be on guard duty; however, it was always in the company of a veteran and it was never on something that was as sensitive as Roderick was conveying. Either the man's ego had convinced him their assignment was more important than it really was or they were both in way over their heads. Granted, he was willing to entertain the knight's paranoia. His predecessor, the last man overseeing whatever mission they were on, had died. According to a few hushed whispers he and Impa had heard, this place served as some sort of prison for a monster. From what he had pieced together, the conclusion had been reached after witnessing how closely the place was guarded as well as a drunk and traumatized knight revealing that the last Lord Commander had been killed gruesomely.

But that still begged the question of why.

"Why us… sir?" Impa asked.

"Not you, woman" the knight answered. "You'll be guarding the entrance to the lab if you think you can handle it."

Link had to stop himself from snorting. Not only had Impa trained with a kodachi for years but she had also developed a number of skills and techniques handed down through the Sheikah tribe. If anyone knew how to properly guard a place, it was her.

"Link will be guarding the lab by himself."

The Hylian frowned thoughtfully for a moment until it hit him why he had been chosen. It was because Roderick thought he would be incapable of understanding what he saw and, even if he did, the odds of anyone understanding and believing what he said were slim. Not to mention that, by most standards within the order, he was more expendable than most. If he died, they wouldn't lose much of anything.

"Now, I assume you know what that means, boy."

Link nodded as his mentor gave him a pointed look.

"So, you know that you'll still be taking care of my weapons and armor, cleaning the area and-" he turned to Impa, "make sure he understands."

"Of course, sir."

Link had to bite back a smile as he saw a rather devilish gleam in her eye. Since the knight they served under had never bothered to learn how to sign, Impa never wasted an opportunity to let loose just a little.

"As I was saying -"

"One of these days, I'm going to take a sharp stick -"

"- weapons and armor -"

" - and I'm gonna stick it in his eye."

Roderick paused as he noticed that Link tilted his head and started signing himself. "A sharp stick?"

"The sharpest."

Feigning a sudden revelation, Link nodded vigorously.

"He's getting it?"

"Yep."

"Good." Roderick then continued explaining; however, Impa was far from done.

"I also plan to switch the labels on his sugar and salt."

Link's mouth twitched.

"And I want to spread a rumor about his -"

"How much longer will this take?"

"Just a moment. I just need to make sure he understands." Impa then proceeded to briefly explain the rumor she intended to spread. Though Link rarely found such crass humor funny, he found himself fighting to not laugh as the knight in question watched them both.

"You get me?"

Link nodded, keeping a straight face by the grace of Hylia herself.

"He understands what's expected of him."

"Excellent. Then -"

"Sir Roderick." They all turned to find a man with messy white hair walking toward them. He wore a plain Sheikah garb over his lanky form, however, he supplemented them with a large pair of ostentatious goggles. They made what would often be considered a generic-looking man stand out. In his right hand, he carried a pen between his thumb and index finger. Beside him was a younger Sheikah girl, this one with a red streak in her hair. Unlike the man, there were no goggles, allowing her sparkling red eyes to shine as though she had heard something particularly humorous. It was counterbalanced by her well-groomed hair, lending her a professional, albeit relaxed appearance.

"What is it Robbie and… er-"

"Purah!" the girl chirped. "Hey, sis!"

"Do they not teach you lot respect?"

"You must forgive my assistant," Robbie stated, not looking apologetic in the slightest. "Purah is simply excitable."

Roderick huffed to himself as the scientist turned his attention to Link, adjusting his goggles as he leaned forward. "Is this the squire you were referring to?"

"Yes, this is the boy," Roderick replied curtly. "You'll have to take it slowly with him. He's not the sharpest blade."

"And you trust someone you believe to be mentally inhibited to keep an eye on the creature?" Robbie asked incredulously.

"Well," the knight answered, sounding like he was trying to be as considerate as possible, "even if he is capable of grasping what's going on here-"

"I thought you said he was mute, not stupid."

"He is mute."

"…"

"…"

"… He'll do," Robbie said, breaking the awkward silence. "Now, if you will excuse us, Purah and I have to begin instructing him on his duties at once."

"I've already given him a run down."

"And if he is as helpless as you imply, then we will need even more time to make sure that he is able to complete his tasks competently and safely. Wouldn't want another incident, would we?" Robbie asked as he pointed the pen directly at Roderick.

"… I suppose you have a point," the knight sighed. "And I would have to hate to take another squire. Especially one who asks questions endlessly."

"Yes, what a shame. Now then, Link, you will come with me. Purah, I trust you can show your sister around, and please," the man said pleadingly, "I know you're excited to see your sister but don't cause a scene."

"You got it!" his assistant responded with a sharp snap of her fingers. She then rushed forward, taking a hold of Impa's arm and dragging her away. Impa cast a glance at Link over her shoulder but the squire gave her a small smile, telling her to enjoy herself for a bit.

"This way. I'll be sure to give you a full report once I'm finished," Robbie said to Roderick, dismissing the knight as he guided Link down a hallway. Once the knight was out of sight, Robbie handed Link the pen he had been holding. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a notebook, tearing out a single page which he handed to Link as well. "Sorry, I never learned how to sign, so this will have to do."

The sound of clinking chains drew the squire's attention yet again, causing him to tense up as his eyes darted toward the source. The "specimen tank," as Robbie had called it, took up a rather significant portion of the room, nearly a quarter of which was submerged to allow whatever this 'specimen' was to remain underwater while not being studied.

Studied. What an absolutely awful word. Link could think of few words he hated more than studied. Every time he heard it, he was reminded of being poked and prodded with people he was unfamiliar with uncomfortably close, speaking like he couldn't understand their words and their tones. And what had all of it amounted to?

That he couldn't speak like most others.

Funnily enough, he might have been able to tell them that himself, considering how many hours he had spent trying to produce any sounds using his vocal chords.

No, apparently a study was "necessary."

He quashed the line of thought, knowing that it wouldn't lead to anything productive. He sighed, having completely forgotten what had drawn his attention away from polishing his mentor's armor, to begin with. Looking back down, he set to work, trying to buff out any imperfections in the metal plating. He lost himself in the simplicity of his task. It was a neat trick he'd learned in his youth, the ability to drown his thoughts in physical activity. It was something that had frustrated Impa to no end but she usually left him alone concerning the habit. He had made it clear that he didn't appreciate prying, no matter the intent, and it would only make their time together more unpleasant. And so, the Sheikah translator left him alone about it by and large. Unless of course, she deemed it a situation in which he had to take thoughtful action. Such occasions weren't his favorite but he appreciated it nonetheless.

Eyebrows furrowed in concentration, Link wiped away the section he had been working on, completely oblivious as the chains clinked once again.

The squire clenched his jaw as he saw a particularly stubborn smudge still stained Roderick's armor. He was going to remove it if it was the last thing he did. It wasn't often that the Hylian made himself sore from his cleaning duties, but the effort he put into polishing the spot made his arm cry out in protest. Even so, he continued pouring in the elbow grease he believed necessary to eliminate such a formidable opponent.

Once again wiping away the residue, Link held the plating. He let out a happy sigh, happy that he had managed to buff the troublesome portion properly. His personal issues with Roderick aside, the squire still took pride in his work. No matter what sort of assumptions people made about him and his intelligence, his work spoke far louder than their words, at least to him. Maybe it wasn't the healthiest coping mechanism, but such thoughts weren't of interest to him. Being able to see a task through (and see it done well) was something that he saw value in. So, he would carry on so that maybe, when his day came just as it had for his mother and father, he could at least look back and believe that he had done something of note.

He shook his head. There he went, losing himself in thought again.

Feeling a tingle travel up his spine, Link fought the urge to reach for his weapon as the hair on the nape of his neck stood on end. Setting the armor down, he straightened, scanning every inch of the room methodically. Nothing was out of the ordinary so far as he could tell, though that meant very little. Even if this wasn't his first night in the lab, he still wouldn't have had much of an understanding of what any of the instruments were used for. He'd never had an opportunity to study science or technology and he didn't find himself caring much in his brief stint so far.

Though, he certainly did find Robbie and Purah interesting. Though neither could understand him (something that surprised him considering Purah and Impa were close), they had treated him the same as anyone else so far. Robbie had even taken time to give Link a brief rundown on the measurements the machines measured and what part they played in the overall research; however, Link had really only paid attention to what he should pay attention to when checking the equipment.

No, nothing was wrong with the readings the machines were giving out.

Turning around, he found the door still closed, and the wall behind him devoid of any life.

Then where…

Feeling his spine stiffen, Link turned toward the fountain, freezing as his eyes fell on bright red scales bobbing in the water. Following them down, he discovered a pair of large, amber eyes gazing at him. He stared at whatever was inhabiting the tank for a moment before it retreated, disappearing below the surface of the water in a flash.

He stared at where the eyes had disappeared, trying to calm his racing heart. Internally kicking himself for freezing, he returned to his task.

Unfortunately, he found himself unable to focus.

He had heard whispers that the lab was harboring a monster. One that had killed the previous knight overseeing the lab. Even the other knights and researchers seemed on edge where their study was concerned. And Robbie had been quite specific that Link needed to keep his interactions with the creature to a minimum.

So much danger, so many warnings, and so many precautions.

Yet, as Link finished polishing his mentor's armor and turned next to his weapons, there was only one question on his mind.

How could a monster's eyes look so human?