A/N: Hmm? Why are you still here? Thought I scared you off with my last chapter :P. Either... I'm really bored, or I really feel like writing lately because I wrote the last chapter a few hours ago. I'm going to try to take longer on the chapters, see if it makes them any better (probably not). This chapter will definitely be longer than chapter 3. So... be warned ;).


Chapter 5: Xino


Rian opened his eyes slowly, the sun barely rising up into the sky. It cast bright pink and orange colors into the sky, making the clouds change colors. His arms reached up above his head, resting his head against his hands. He yawned, his mouth stretching open wide, oxygen filling his lungs.

Finally, he slowly sat up, his eyes falling onto Aiana again. She was sleeping peacefully on the ground, with both of her hands placed gently on her stomach, that was rising and falling each breath she took. Reluctantly, he shook her, feeling guilty that he had to bring her back to her painful reality.

Her eyes flickered open and she sat up silently. She muttered hoarsely, running her hand though her golden brown hair, making it fall back neatly to her shoulders.

Rian managed a smile. He repeated softly, carefully standing standing up on his left leg and brushing the dirt and grass off of his ragged clothing. Aiana eyed his faded black shirt, a look of disgust crossing her face.

How long have you had that thing? She asked, her nose wrinkled. Rian frowned, Hey... this is my favorite shirt. It looks fine to me! He exclaimed protectively, brushing his hand against it, smearing the dirt more.

Looks like your only shirt to me... She mumbled, standing up and grasping the horse's reins again. Rian eyed her angrily, So what if it is? He snapped.

She turned to look at him again, I didn't mean to... She started, but was interrupted by him. You wouldn't last one day on your own! He continued ignoring her apology.

She said softly, in a pleading voice. I've never had the things you have... so I'm sorry if I look dirty or whatever but people don't just leave they're baths out in the middle of the street to bathe in!

She screamed loudly, he shut up, watching her. She repeated again, hoping to calm him down. I was just trying to make small talk, I really didn't mean to upset you.

I'm not upset! He shouted, but then stopped, mumbling to himself he hopped over to the horse, climbing onto the back. Aiana followed him and climbed on the front. She snapped the reins and the horse galloped farther to the north, leaving Aiana's home far behind.


***

It seemed like two days had gone by of just riding, but Rian knew that it wasn't. For the moon hadn't yet risen into the sky, and the sun was still high in the sky.

Sweat dripped down his face, he was sure he was going to be baked to a crisp by the time they got to the castle. Aiana's head drooped and bobbed as the horse moved. A few times Rian had to nudge Aiana in the ribs to keep her from falling asleep, but they never had said anything since sunrise.

It seemed like a competition between the two, and whoever spoke first lost. The horse gave a sudden move upwards, making Rian look down. There was a big rock, with some soft springy grass behind it that seemed a bit rumpled. It seemed so familiar...

Rian shrugged it off and they continued, the horse moving lazily along the dirt path.

Suddenly, it came to him. They had slept by a that big rock! It was the same place they started at!

He groaned aloud, making Aiana jump, her head snapping up. She asked looking at him confused.

Your making us go around in circles! He rasped, his throat dry. She stopped the horse and Rian pointed back at the rock a little behind him. That rock is the one we slept by... He said a little angrily. You haven't noticed you've been making us go around in circles for hours?

She blushed and bit her lip. she said softly. It dawned on him. You've been sleeping!?! Aiana dumbly nodded. He could feel anger bubbling up inside of him.

You... you... you little!

It might have been the hot sun beating down on him, or maybe it was just building up of anger over the years, but he swung his arm fast and hard at her. He hit her hard in the stomach and she slid of the side of the horse, grabbing onto his leg.

She fell back onto the ground, pulling Rian with her. He landed next to her, the wind knocked out of both of them.

Aiana clutched onto her stomach, gasping for air. She got a little air, and managed a kick at his broken ankle.

He closed his eyes tight in pain, still gasping for air. Aiana started to crawl away, trying to catch the stamping and scared horse. As she approached it, she just frightened it more, making it barely miss her face with her hoof. She reached out weakly as it ran away, snorting.

Now... look.... what you've... done! She gasped, looking back at Rian who was clutching his stomach and glaring at her. What... I've done? He rasped. If you... could have stayed awake... for... awhile... this... wouldn't have... happened!

Your... fist magically rammed into... my stomach!?! She snarled, getting onto her knees. I'm sorry... He started, catching his breath. Can you stand up by yourself? Or is that too much trouble... I'm sure after your fifteen hour nap you'd be way to tired to do anything yourself! He shouted, picking himself up and balancing himself.

Aiana quickly stood up, her eyes glaring directly into his. You know what? I can do this on my own! I don't need a stuck up little boy like you telling me what to do! I'm sure you know the way so much better than I do, since you stopped at the house right next to the lake. Oh... did I mention that the castle is on the other side of Hyrule? Hmm... She turned her back quickly on him and ran quickly off, before he could follow her.

He watched her get farther and farther away, until he could no longer see her. Don't need a lazy ass like her around anyway. He muttered to himself, hopping towards a nearby tree. He gripped onto it's trunk and reached up into the branches, grasping a medium sized one. He put all of his weight on the branch and it snapped easily off the tree.

His left hand gripped tightly around it and he started to hobble in the direction that Aiana went, but the stick rubbed against his hand, sliding a sliver into his thumb. He murmured, sticking his thumb into his mouth, trying to pull it out with his teeth.

He stuck it under his armpit, grasping onto the lower part of it, using it to support himself. He found that it dug into his armpit, splintering him there too. Stupid thing! He shouted, throwing it down onto the ground. As he did so, he lost all his balance and fell backwards, lying flat on his back again.

Having troubles? Said a soothing voice from behind him. Rian looked behind him, sitting up a little.

An older man with gray hair was watching him with a pair of deep sea blue eyes. Are you crippled, boy? He asked, watching him intently. Rian started, not really knowing what to think of the man that came out of nowhere. Do you speak english? the man asked, his eyes sparkling.

Rian nodded. Yes... erm... I just broke my leg that's all. The man nodded and smiled. I assume you'd like to come in and rest then? The boy nodded dumbly, looking around for a house. He didn't see any.

Don't be silly boy, do you think I'd put a house right in the middle of Hyrule Field where all the fiends could get me? The man grinned, approaching Rian and putting his left arm over his neck, surprisingly putting all of Rian's weight onto him. Any more weight and the old man would have picked Rian off the ground.

He nearly carried Rian over to some nearby bushes. The man picked Rian up totally, carrying him on his back, he walked between two and entered a hole in the middle of all of them.

The man whistled merrily as he quickly climbed down the ladder and hopped off, moving Rian over to the table. He sat in the chair across from him and put his hands together on the table top.

The man said smiling. What brings you to the field in the hottest part of the day? Rian watched the man for a moment, finding him stranger and stranger by the second. He was only about five feet tall but he could still carry Rian (who was around five feet, ten inches) like he weighed nothing down a rickety ladder. He looked about eighty years old.

Err... well I was on my way to Hyrule Castle. He murmured, moving his leg uncomfterably. The man raised his eyebrows. Hyrule Castle? Why would a boy... like you ... be going there for?

This man sure asks quite a few questions...' Rian thought to himself before answering. Well... you see... sir... I am an orphan and I thought that going to the castle would tell me who my parents were.

Don't call me sir... My name is Xino. The man said quickly, crossing his legs under the table. An orphan hrm? He asked, looking Rian in the face. Well... I'm not going to let you go there in that condition! Xino stood and lead Rian over to a bed by the fire.

Stay here... I'll go get some medicine for your leg. Xino said, before hurrying off. Rian had just enough time to lie down before the old man was back, examining Rian's ankle. Hmm... only fractured it you did... He said slowly, wrapping it in some cloth and using a board to keep it straight.

I'm afraid it will take a couple months to heal... He started, but was interrupted rudely, Rian exclaimed, gawking at Xino.

The man nodded sadly. Yes, yes about two and a half months I'd say. How did you break it? Rian looked away, remembering the Wolfo... I was... it was a Wolfo... he said softly, looking into the fire.

You fought a Wolfo? Xino asked, watching him. No... I was... I uh... The man's eyebrows raised. Did it bite you? Xino asked, full of questions. Rian paused for a second, he didn't want to seem weak to the man. Yes... it did, I only had a stick to fight it off with.

Oh... I see, why didn't you have a sword? Xino asked, not seeming to care that he was the only one asking questions. I... can't aff.... I lost mine. He lied. Hmmm you are careless then? Xino studied him again, his eyes seemed to Rian as if they were looking for lies. I... no... it was stolen.

The man started to laugh uproariously. So... so... hehe... your an orphan with a sword, who learned swordsman ship, had his sword stolen, and was stupid enough to go out into Hyrule Field without a sword? He continued to laugh again. Rian could feel color rising to his cheeks, even after Xino's laughter had died down.

Boy... tell me the real story. Xino said grinning. Rian blinked, wondering if he will ever be as wise as to know when someone is lying. He sighed, I'm sorry... I never did have a sword. I broke my leg when I tripped on a rock when I ran from a Wolfo... but I had a girl with me... He paused, remembering Aiana. He shook his head and continued, I really don't know anything about the sword... I don't even know if I've ever touched one.

Xino was still smiling, But you were attacked by a Wolfo and still lived, unless you are lying again? Rian shook his head. The man nodded, That is fairly impressive and I am willing to help you if you feel you want to learn how to use a sword correctly.

Rian couldn't help beaming, he had always wanted to learn how to use one.... but why was this man being so nice to him. What do you want from me? He asked, eyeing Xino.

Xino chuckled, I have been very lonely for these past few years and I would like you to stay with me for the two and a half months your leg heals. You see... my house has become rather messy. He motioned behind him to the mess of papers and furniture, with large pieces of junk scattered around the room. I need somebody to fix it up, for if I grow any older I'm afraid I cannot live in a place that could collapse on me at any moment.

Xino coughed a little. The walls need new paper and the ceiling needs new beams, but you would get trained of the sword. I must warn you about the training, it may be more difficult than you think. Being a swordsman is not just cutting things up. It has much to do with discipline, patience, and knowing when is a good time to use your weapon.

Xino eyed him, his smile gone from his face. Rian nodded. The old man nodded, So... is it a deal? This is completely up to you. Rian looked into the fire again, thinking. If he could use a sword, he could protect himself, nobody would want to bother him. Maybe he could even go back to the orphanage and tourment the Mistress, free all the children.

Rian nodded. Alright... when do we start?


A/N: Phew!! *yawn* You better like this chappie! *shakes her fist at you* I've been working on this... *counts fingers* five hours! So review plz? lol, I tried to add more detail, I think I slacked off at the end. Can you tell? Sorry... you might not see Aiana for awhile. Depends on who's side your on. Well g'night folks, gotta get my beauty rest.