Author's Note: Woo! Second chapter! Anyways, I believe that 'hakana' is the proper term… You know, those 'skirts' that Kuja (FFIX) wears? Anyway… Please, don't mind if I've spelt any names wrong. It has been a while since I've played Zelda. If you find any normal errors, then sure as heck, let me know! ^_~

Orange light entered through the series of windows in Lady Kumo Seppun's chamber, within the Gerudo Fortress. The elegant woman presently sat before a vanity, slowly styling her hair into more exotic styles, not unlike the previous day. Just as she finished a braid, a small knock came to her door, and Matahome entered, bowing slightly.

"Your ladyship," she began, "Master Tora is ready to speak with you."

"Good." Kumo sighed, "Send him in."

Matahome was suddenly pushed aside as the man with no manners made his presence known. "Morning." Was his glum greeting.

"And a pleasant morning it is." She confirmed, never once looking at him. "I hope you slept well."

"Not really." He admitted. "Those beds are hard." A small smirk played on his lips as he saw Matahome in the corner, fuming silently.

"I see." Kumo said, no detect of anything in her tone. "You are somewhat like a freelance missionary, if I'm not mistaken…?"

"Sorta."

"Well, my daughter (Din love her.), she's decided that she would rather practice with magic then with sword." She chuckled slightly. "She takes after her father."

"Don't you use magic too?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, yes, but, more or less, the elemental kind. Her father was a Sheikiah."

"Right." He eyed her weird hair for lack of anything better to do.

"Anyway, she will be traveling around much, leaning from other races and what not." Sighing, she stood to face him. "I am hiring you to be her bodyguard. A… protector of sorts."

"Whatever." He sighed heavily. "How much is in it for me?"

"Oh, of course." She gestured to a treasure chest on the floor, which opened to reveal gold and jewels and what not. "You shall be paid at weekly intervals. Is that fine?"

"Hell yeah." He nodded, grinning for once. "So, who's the brat I'm guarding?"

"Well… I suppose she's getting ready now, although she was not exactly thrilled with the idea." She looked out the window, almost sadly. "I suppose I don't have to ask that you will protect her from everything…?"

"Duh. It's part of the job."

"Good." She sighed once more. "Matahome, would you take Master Tora to the stables?"

"Yes, your ladyship." The warrior bowed, and left the chamber. "This way." She motioned to Toranpu, eyeing him evilly. He followed, eyeing her right back.

"Good luck on your journey." She called after them, moving to stand in the doorway. "Tell Yume I love her!"

"Her name is Yume…?"

---

Toranpu had to grin – what an awesome horse. It was pure black, and had piercing steel eyes. It looked tough, like it wouldn't let anyone get in its way. Kinda like him. He wondered if it had covered up feelings too.

"This is the only horse we can spare." Matahome said, having just finished saddling it up. "He's pretty easy to control, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Good." Toranpu rolled his eyes.

"And another thing." She eyed him again. "Don't you dare try anything with Lady Yume. If you do, I'll have your head on a silver platter with lettuce."

He burst out laughing, sarcastically. "Come on! Me? Try anything? And she's like what, twelve years old?"

"Actually, I'm sixteen." A voice came from behind him. "Seventeen next month."

Toranpu blinked, and turned around. Standing in the entrance to the Fortress was, obviously, Lady Yume. She was very pretty, to say the least. Unlike her mother, Yume had a fair complexion, unlike the other Gerudos. She had long, blond hair that was drawn up in a jeweled clip. For a top, it was a small transparent tube-top-ish top with many designs to prevent you from seeing more then you want to. Her pants were the traditional low-rising pink poofy pants, only not as poofy. Small pointed red shoes cover her feet, and she wore other articles of small jewelry. Covering her forearms were a gauntlet type of wear, only made of silk.

"Do you like it?" she giggled, picking up a small shoulder bag and walked towards them. "I heard it's just like what the Spirit Sage used to wear!"

"It's very pretty, your highness." Matahome smiled warmly. Toranpu rolled his eyes. This was gonna be a long trip.

Groaning slightly, Toranpu jumped up on the back of the horse, Matahome steadying the animal while Yume climbed on behind him. "Pleased to meet you." He heard Yume say from behind him. "I'm Yume."

"Whatever." Then as an after thought, "Name's Toranpu. Call me Tora."

"Ooh." She giggled. "You're more friendly then I thought."

"Are not." He chuckled. "I prefer Tora to Toranpu. It sounds better."

"If you say so, Master Tora."

"Have a safe journey, Your Highne—HEY! WAIT!" Matahome's sudden cries were in vain, however, as Toranpu (who was tired of waiting) dug his heels into the horse's sides, causing the animal to take off.

Yume giggled slightly, slipping her bag over her shoulder. She gasped as the ground below her suddenly vanished – Toranpu had jumped the canyon.

"YEE-HAW!" he shrieked, feeling pure adrenaline as the horse landed, galloping on towards Hyrule Field. Yume, not quite feeling like giggling anymore, simply wrapped her arms around the stomach of this daredevil that was her new guardian.

"What are you doing?" he blinked, raising an eyebrow.

"Trying not to fall off, silly." She poked his shoulder.

"Whatever." He focused ahead, slowing the horse down to a trot.

Yume yawned – she had to get up extra early that morning, so she was sill somewhat tired. Seeing as this man's apparently cold soul didn't scare her off, she (after moving his long hair to the side, it no longer blew uncontrollably at this speed.) rested her head on his bare shoulder, and instantly fell asleep.