A/N: Sorry for the long wait! School, work, etc.

In this chapter, we Find Link, Zelda, Sarah, and Ruo seeking out the Thunderrock. During the search, Link has busted a door to a houseopen.


Chapter Nine – Busting Through

"Well, that's one way to enter a place. And not one I like, mind you," a voice said as Link and crew entered. "If you continue to break into people's homes, may I tell you that it is wise to make sure no one's home." Link just stared.

In front of him stood a child of about twelve giving him advice on how to rob houses. He laughed. "Who are you and where am I?"

The child smiled. "You are in the Hall of Heroes. I am the caretaker, Rau. Yeah, I know, strange name, but you can blame my mum. I'd invite you in, but you seem to have already taken care of that. Seat?" he asked, gesturing to a table near the other side of the room. Link's jaw dropped. There was food covering every bit of that table, and the steam was rising off of choice dishes. Crispy-looking chicken, fluffy creamed potatoes, pizza, stews, pies, and various other delectable food items. With a nod from the host, Link, Ruo, Zelda, and Sarah rushed over and dug in, happy to have something other than burnt marshmallows and stale crackers to fill their stomachs.

After about an hour, Rau stood up and cleared his throat. Link, happily munching on some chicken, instantly stopped halfway through a bite. Sarah leaned over and informed him that it was okay to finish what was in his mouth. He gulped down his last bite and set the remaining chicken on his plate. Everyone laughed.

"Alright, now, down to business. Why are you four here? It's not everyday that a guy and three girls just show up in my house. Actually, this is the first time."

Link was about to start on the story when Zelda glared at him. "You see," she said, "we were looking for some rocks that my friend here collects. He got a little carried away at the prospect of one being here."

Rau nodded. "I see. And what is so important about these rocks?"

"If you hold them just right-" Link started, but then Zelda jumped in.

"He means to say that he likes their color under the light."

"I did?"

"You did," she replied.

Rau stared for a moment, the shook his head. "Anyways, what makes you think I have one of these, um, rocks?"

"There used to be a whole pile of the rocks we're after around here. We figured you might either have one or know where one is," Zelda said.

"All in all, a lucky guess. I do have one lying around here, but I am currently using it. Strangely, the stone's a good conductor. I'm not going to give it away eagerly."

Ruo leaned over and whispered something into Link's ear. He quickly shook his head and whispered, "No way! That's bad, immoral, illegal, horrid, and a few other words like that. I won't let you do that."

Rau's became suddenly interested in Ruo and Link's conversation. "Illegal? What are you two planning?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing."

Rau shrugged. "Suit yourselves. It's almost midnight and I have business to attend to tomorrow, so if you will excuse me..." He stood up. "Oh! You are welcome to stay here for tonight. Third door on the right." He walked down some steps as Link and Crew followed, splitting up at the third door on the right.