Chapter 3: Shrine Hunting

Just as Master Kohga had said, the hypnosis had tempered the nightmares. Though Link no longer saw Impa's frightening dead corpse, he still had some troubling dreams, albeit less often than before, and they were far less vivid. Which still was a significant improvement, so Link asked Kohga to follow up with a few more sessions. It surprised Link how easily he took to hypnosis; with every session he was brought into trance more quickly and with little effort.

"Nine, ten, wake."

Link opened his eyes, having finished another session. Master Kohga would take him so deep that when it was over Link would forget that he was in his room laying on his bed; with Kohga seated in a wooden chair next to him.

"Good morning sleepy head. Feeling good?" Kohga gave Link a warm smile.

"Mmm hmmm." Link replied, still drowsy from the session. Kohga got up from his chair and brought Link a glass of water.

"Maaaaybe it would've been better to wait till nightfall to have taken you under. You look ready to sleep till tomorrow." He handed Link the glass.

"When did you learn to do this stuff?" the curious boy asked while he accepted the glass from his master.

"Uh, don't remember when exactly, I learned it when I was young." Kohga scratched his head, a little embarrassed by the question, "Younger than you definitely."

"Is that why you're so good at it?"

"You could say that. And I've had a lot of practice." He paused for a moment then rubbed his chin thoughtfully and arched his eyebrow high, "Although, I've never had someone make clucking noises when they're in trance. Are you sure you're not a cucco?"

"Shut up, I do not." Link said, unable to hide a grin.

"That's what you think. Come on, get your lazy butt out of bed, I wanna show you something."

Link finished his water and followed Kohga out of his room with renewed vigor.

These past few days Link had been spending a lot more time with the head of the Yiga clan. After he collapsed, he was bedridden for two days. Besides giving him a hypnosis session each day, Kohga had stayed with Link in the infirmary to keep him company. He brought him playing cards, taught him a few games, and even showed him how to gamble. Endai and Ridah also visited him, but there was something about Kohga's visits that just made them different. Link couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew the air around his master differed from when he was amongst his comrades.
After being officially released from the infirmary, Kohga had accompanied Link to the Kara Kara Bazaar. Even though Link had made the quick trip many times before, Kohga insisted he'd accompany him. His master must've been worried he'd collapse again, the young blonde thought. Why else would he be acting so nice towards him?

"Where are we going?" Link asked with a sparkle of curiosity in his eyes once they set foot outside the camp.

"Not too far, you'll see."

Link's heart pounded with excitement. Just what did Master Kohga have in store for him? It didn't take long for Link to figure out where they were headed. They kept to the left of the valley instead of following down the path to the right, which led further down the valley. He picked up a good idea of what Kohga had in mind. There just a short walk from the forked path stood a Sheikah shrine, its mysterious orange and blue glow beckoning to them.

"See this right here?" Kohga pointed to a small stone slab with old writing that by some miracle remained legible despite the corrosion of untold years.

Link read the scripture out loud, "If you seek power untold, offer a shining blue stone?"

"Right, that part was simple enough to figure out." Kohga gestured to the four rocks that surrounded the stone plate that laid on the ground preceding the shrine's entrance. "We took the luminous stone and placed it on this plate. And when we did, this shrine came out of the ground. Crazy, right?!"

It flabbergasted Link, a shrine emerging from underground. How was that possible? The only shrines he'd seen before had always seemed like they had always been sitting on the surface of Hyrule. It was incredible that the Sheikah had developed such edifices so far back, and yet they still predated any of the technology they had now.

"Now, check this out." Kohga pulled out something from his back pocket and handed it to Link. It resembled the Sheikah shrines, but it was only a small stone rectangular tablet. It had a screen that lit up and appeared to be displaying what Link guessed was supposed to be a map.

"Sho Dantu? Is that what this place is called? What is this thing?"

"I call it a Sheikah slate. I recovered it on my mission, and I have a hunch it's the key to getting these shrines open." Kohga walked to the shrine's entrance and gestured to the small ornate structure that stood to the right of the shrine's terrace. "Try holding it close to that pedestal."

Unsure of himself, Link carefully hovered the slate over the pedestal. When nothing happened, he placed it on top of the stone. A blue light flared up immediately on the etchings of the pedestal in response to the slate. He then heard a low rumbling coming from within the shrine. What appeared to be a wall blocking the shrine's entrance elegantly gave way, several stone pavers folded back into the shrine revealing another circular pattern on the floor of the shrine.

"Fascinating." Kohga approached the inside of the shrine, "Let's go inside." He beckoned Link to follow. They stood together on the glowing circle and just when they thought something was off, the floor beneath them moved, lowering them down below the earth's surface.

The inside of the shrine was breath-taking. Link had never seen anything like it. The walls were impossibly smooth and there were several stone torches with small blue crystals that lit the spacious room, which was immaculate. He never would've thought this place was ancient by any stretch of the imagination. Upon entering, they heard a low echo of a voice.

"To you who sets foot in this shrine … I am Sho Dantu. In the name of the Goddess Hylia, I offer this trial."

Kohga looked around, wondering where the voice emanated from, "A trial hu? This should be interesting."

Link noted straight ahead there was a sealed passage and another to the right of him. On his left, however, between two of the blue torches were four crates within the wall. Link approached the wall of crates and tried pushing them, but he wasn't able to make them budge.

"Oh! Link try using one of the runes on the Sheikah slate." Kohga prompted.

"Runes?" He turned to the device and after some fiddling, he found what Kohga was talking about. A remote bomb. That seems helpful. He selected the rune then, as if by magic a glowing blue ball was produced into his hands.

"Oh, so I can just chuck this hu?" He threw the glowing sphere to the crates, but it simply fell to the floor.

"I think you gotta use the slate." Kohga observed.

"Oh, right, that makes sense." Link grabbed the slate again and pressed the rune again.

"Link wait!"

But it was too late the moment the boy tapped the rune the ball detonated, and the explosion hit Link, throwing him several feet away from where he once stood.

Kohga rushed over to the boy checking his vitals, "For Ganon's sake Link think first!"

"Ugh, sor-ry" The boy groaned. Well, at least I'm not dead. He grabbed two palm fruits from his pouch and gobbled them up. This wasn't the first time Link had done something stupid that put his life in danger. He'd since learned it was best to carry provisions for the likely scenario in which he'd do something stupid. He tried using the bomb again. This time making sure he was a safe distance away before detonating it. Sure enough, the bomb obliterated the crates, revealing a hidden room.

Link wasn't sure of what to make of this new discovery. There was a tall pillar which appeared to have an enclosure at the top. Right before that there was a much smaller stone pillar with a blue square on its top surface that kept popping out and back into the ground every few seconds. Link looked back towards Kohga who just shrugged at him equally confused. Link stood on the small pillar, not knowing what else to do. When it popped up, it launched him sky high into the air and he caught a glimpse of an orange crystal inside the enclosure and blasting barrels on opposite sides of the crystal.

He stepped off the pillar and pondered for a moment. This is some sort of test, right? So is it like a puzzle? He opened up the Sheikah slate once more, looking at the other runes. There was a second remote bomb that was square shaped, a magnesis rune that apparently would give him the ability to manipulate metal objects, a stasis rune and a cryonis rune. The latter three didn't seem very useful at the moment, but with the blasting barrels up top Link figured the bombs were most likely his best bet. He selected the cubed shaped bomb and placed it on the face of the jutting pillar.

"Huh, curious." Kohga commented.

He's really just going to stand there and make me do all the work isn't he?

Link waited for when the pillar shot the bomb up into the air. The moment it reached near the enclosure; he detonated the bomb. Upon doing so, he heard a thunk coming from the other room he came from. He peered over and saw that the sealed passage on his right had opened up to another room.

"Brilliant!" Kohga beamed. "On to the next one."

"Hold on Master." Link ran to the large pillar towards the back where he found a lone chest. Yes! He opened it up and found a silver rupee laying inside. Leave no stone unturned. Link's personal philosophy as a natural explorer once again paid off.

"I'll take that." He pocketed the money and ran back to Kohga, who was waiting for him.

"Found something nice, I take it?"

"Yup, silver rupee. Finders keepers."

"Oh, ho! Maybe now you can buy yourself something nice to wear beside that old tunic."

"What's wrong with my red tunic?" he frowned defensively.

"Nothing, it's fine. It's just a bit … dull."

"Well, excuuuuuse me Master, but you could use less frills on your armor." The boy sneered.

"Oh my, the cucco has claws!" Kohga teased unabashedly.

Link ran ahead of Kohga to avoid further jesting.

The second hidden room was like the first, except this time Link had to use both bombs to solve the puzzle. After that he opened up a third passage. This third room had another crystal enclosed at the top of another pillar unsurprisingly. Except unlike before, there were small pillars jutting out of the ground on opposite sides of the crystal. Once Link had activated the crystal his goal became clear. After some trial-and-error, Link successfully made his way up and through to the last gate. Kohga never offered him the slightest bit of help, which struck Link as odd. He couldn't remember the last time Master Kohga had gone over ten minutes without saying anything. The man simply followed Link into the next room.

What Link found on the other side left him with his mouth ajar. A small stairway led to a blue wall of light that surrounded two stone plinths. Atop them sat what remained of an ancient Sheikah monk. He was practically skin and bones with tattered brown pants and the Sheikah symbol tattooed on his forehead, and yet he bore a peaceful expression.

Link looked back at Kohga, as if to ask for permission to approach the monk. Kohga who had his arms crossed wore a slight grin on his face. He gestured with his hand towards Link as if to say, "go ahead". Link felt unsure of himself but walked up the stairs. He approached the mysterious blue veil and without thinking he reached out and touched it. Suddenly the energy burst into hundreds of needle-like fragments. Link took a step back and shifted into a defensive stance, but then he heard that same strange voice again.

"Your resourcefulness in overcoming this trial speaks to the promise of a hero . . ."

Link relaxed again realizing he wasn't in danger, however just as quickly and inexplicably something evanescent flowed out of the monk's chest and into his.

"In the name of Goddess Hylia, I bestow upon you this spirit orb ."

Link went from suddenly alarmed that something unknown had gone inside him to utterly confused when realizing that he didn't feel any different.

"May the Goddess smile upon you ."

Link couldn't believe his eyes as the monk dissipated into countless green particles that then scattered like flower petals and faded into the ether. It was so sudden Link didn't know what to make of what he had just witnessed. He turned to his master, hoping he had some insight to offer.

"What was that just now?"

Kohga uncrossed his arms and placed them on his hips, "That I believe was the 'power untold' we were seeking."

"But I mean, what is that stuff that went inside me?" Link still had his brows furrowed in worry. "And what was that stuff about a hero? And how did he just disappear like that?"

Kohga chuckled at how worked up Link was, "Well, my guess is that they built these shrines to test the legendary hero of Hyrule. As for what went inside you, it looked to be some sort of spiritual energy. Most likely the reward for completing the trial. Hmmm." He walked around the plinths studying the architecture, "It could be that the energy surrounding that old geezer is what was keeping him in one piece."

"So it was like a part of his spirit or something? But why would he give that to me? I'm no hero of legend."

"Hmm, perhaps because under normal circumstances only the hero would have been able to access these shrines. But since we got a hold of the Sheikah slate and you completed the trail, then the spoils went to you." He said with a smile on his face.

"I guess they didn't have a backup plan then." Link looked at the slate, feeling a twinge of pity.

"We're lucky they didn't. Could you imagine all that power going to waste?"

"Auuhh! Then you should've been the one to receive it, Master!"

Kohga couldn't help but laugh at Link's anguished face.

Is there nothing he takes seriously? Link's eye twitched in annoyance.

Kohga walked back to Link and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, "Link, this worked out better than I had hoped!"

"What do you mean?"

"There's been something I'd been wanting to ask you for a long time."

Kohga's hands were weighing heavily on Link. The last time he and Kohga were this close in proximity was when … Link cursed himself for remembering that stupid dream. He couldn't move, and he was staring into Kohga's golden eyes. The black of his pupils were like dark whirlpools drawing him in while the radiance of his irises made him feel both intimidated and mesmerized by their luminescence. This warmth, again?

"I want you to be my successor."

"Hu, what?" Link shook himself out of his daze.

"Walk with me." Kohga enigmatically turned and made his way towards whence they came. "I've been giving it a lot of thought, and after our success at Kakariko, I knew you'd be the perfect choice."

"But Master I'm hardly suitable to be a leader and you're still young shouldn't you wait-"

"No one has their life guaranteed Link. It's best to plan ahead and train you properly so that when the time comes, you'll be ready."

Those words hung heavily on Link. Perhaps because Link had almost died, it had caused Kohga to see his own mortality just as fleeting. When they returned to where they first entered, Kohga stopped and turned to Link, "You see all of this?" He raised his arms gesturing to the whole grandeur of the shrine. "This is our chance to become stronger than we've ever been." He returned his gaze towards Link and held the sides of the boy's arms. "You are our future Link. If we keep on this path, we may even become strong enough to free our Lord Ganon. But of course, the choice is yours."

Link clenched his fists into balls. Well, when you say it like that, how can I refuse? "Master I-"

"You don't need to give me your answer now. Think it over. Take all the time you need but, in the meantime, I would like you to continue taking on more shrines. Regardless of your decision, I believe you are the most worthy of this power."

"But Master, surely-"

"And that's the final word on that." He turned towards and stepped onto the platform to exit the shrine, "Let's go complete one more trial before we call it a day, shall we?"

Link wasn't sure about Kohga's proposition to become the next clan leader; even though he'd given him time to mull it over he was doubtful, he'd change his mind. In the meantime, Link looked forward to taking on another trial. He had found the challenge invigorating and exceptionally satisfying. He joined Kohga on the platform and nodded.

Link and Kohga embarked on their mission with due haste. They donned their traveler disguises and made their way through Karusa valley, then traveled along the sides of the Gerudo Highlands, taking advantage of the shadows cast by the towering mountain range to keep themselves cool from the arid desert heat. They were headed to Gerudo town, the largest and only metropolis in the whole Gerudo desert. There was a shrine just outside of the bustling city, where unlike the Kara Kara Bazaar Link didn't make the habit of frequently visiting. Unfortunately for him, the town has a strict tradition of forbidding entry to all males. It was a cruel twist of fate; he deduced.

About three quarters of the way, Kohga and Link left the cover of the highlands and crossed into the sweltering dunes. Link provided Kohga with a chilly elixir, a concoction of bugs and monster parts that kept them both from otherwise dying from the extreme heat. The effects of the elixir were only temporary, so they treaded carefully to avoid the many monsters that made their home in the already hostile wasteland, but luckily the concoction lasted them long enough to reach their destination.

This second shrine was called Daqo Chisay, and once again Link couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scope of everything within the shrine. He didn't think it was possible, but the room of this shrine was bigger than the last. He could see the ceiling of the temple was supported by large stone arches and the ceiling itself almost seemed to resemble the sky with just the faint tint of blue that showed the light was in fact artificial. The design of the architecture was the same as the last, but this one had a crystal that generated electricity right in the center of the room with several electrical currents branching off throughout the room. Several of which remained inactive. Link never would have guessed he had a knack for these cryptic challenges. He quickly assessed that with his magnesis rune, and several metal objects placed in the shrine, he could complete the electrical currents and unlock several doors. Several of which held more metal crates and barrels behind them to solve the next puzzle. One of them however had a treasure chest that gifted Link with a Thunderblade, an incredible magical sword that shined with the vibrancy of a lightning storm. Kohga was content to hang back and watch as Link completed his tasks with ease. In a short amount of time, Link reached the monk who just like the previous one bestowed him another spirit orb. Then like clockwork the monk's physical body scattered like dust in the wind right before their eyes.

When they got out of the shrine, it was just before sunset and already the desert heat was being replaced by the fierce nipping cold. Link was always prepared to face the harsh trials of nature by providing himself and Master Kohga with some spicy elixirs to stave off the freezing temperature.

"Wanna do one more?" Link looked at Kohga with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes. Who knew solving ancient puzzles would be so much fun?

"Sure. There's one near the stable, if I recall correctly."

"Yeah, we can make it there before nightfall if we hurry."

"By all means lead the way."

Link made a mad dash for the Gerudo Canyon stable, with Kohga following close behind. The Kay Noh shrine was just on the cliff side opposite of the stable. This shrine was similar to the previous with a focus on electricity centered puzzles. However, unlike the previous two, Link encountered an unexpected foe within the shrine. He recognized the mechanical tactile body of a guardian although; he'd never seen one that was so small, no bigger than a goat.

"It's kind of adorable isn't it?" Link asked, looking at Kohga.

"Don't underestimate it just because it's cute." Kohga chuckled while he readied his bow.

"You've fought these before?" Link unsheathed his new Thunderblade.

Kohga looked at Link directly with a smirk, "No. I just have experience fighting against opponents who are just as small and adorable."

Link felt himself blush. Had Kohga not been holding his gaze, he would've thought the man was just teasing him as per usual. Is he flirting with me?

"Look sharp." Kohga pointed with his bow at the small robot that had noticed them and was fast approaching Link. To his surprise, the little guy went down with just one hit.

"Huh, that was easy." Link said somewhat disappointed.

"That's one heck of a blade you got there."

"Ha-ha yeah, I'm sure it's nothing compared to yours."

Kohga's low rumble of a laugh was just barely audible, "Are we still talking about swords?"

Link's face turned bright red, "M-master!"

"I'm kidding." He said unconvincingly with an undeniable smugness in his eyes.

Link quickly returned his focus to the puzzle. If he spent one more minute talking with Master Kohga, he'd surely melt and turn into a puddle of embarrassment. The rest of the puzzles were simple. They fought another small guardian with relative ease, and Link received his third spirit orb. By the time they got out of the shrine, the sun had gone and the moon was slowly creeping over the horizon.

"Let's stay at the stable tonight and then continue looking for more shrines tomorrow. Sound good?" Kohga said, stretching his back.

"Yeah, sounds good."

The stable had plenty of beds to accommodate the many travelers that stopped by or on their way to the Gerudo desert. Once they paid for their beds Kohga took a seat by the outdoor cooking pot where Link had taken residence to whip up some supper. The downside to living in a desert was that ingredients for food were not only scarce, but it was difficult to get a wide variety to make anything remotely special. And though they were just out on mission like any other night, Link couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was a bit special. So he was a little more than peeved that his supply of ingredients was a little more lackluster than usual. He'd mostly only prepared for making elixirs to survive the wilderness. Had he known he would've been spending the night with Master Kohga away from the hideout, he would've packed a few more things to have made a proper meal.

Kohga could tell Link was overthinking it by how much the boy kept digging through his items, "It doesn't have to be fancy Link, I'll eat anything you make."

"Hmf!" Link pouted, "I wanted to make something extra nice though."

"There's always next time." Kohga reassured.

"It won't be the same though."

Link decided his best option was to use some raw prime meat and his only courser bee honey. Using a clean knife, Link sliced the meat into medium chunks, then whisked in the honey and the meat together in the pot. The smell gave Kohga goosebumps; the air was filled with the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the meat all at once. It took a few minutes for the food to be ready, but it was well worth the wait. In just one bite, Kohga's mouth tasted heaven. He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten something so delicious.

"This is incredible." He said with his eye's half closed.

"You think so?" Link fidgeted with the fabric of his shirt.

"If I'm lying, may the Goddess strike me down. Come on, quit standing."

Link took a seat next to Kohga and dug into his own bowl. He enjoyed his own cooking, but he seldom cooked for others since he thought they'd find his cooking a bit too base. He appreciated Kohga's compliment, even if he thought he was exaggerating.

"How did you get so good at cooking?"

"Just trial and error, I guess."

"Is that right? You've never asked Golen for lessons or recipes?"

"I've seen his recipe book, but they're a bit too complicated for me to follow and he's usually busy, so I've never asked him to teach me."

"You're just all sorts of talented, aren't ya?"

"I guess. I just enjoy cooking."

"Is that's why you always go to the Kara Kara Bazaar?"

"Yeah, it's the only place that's close where I can meet with a lot of merchants." He took another big bite of meat.

"Why don't you go to Gerudo town, don't they have an enormous market there?"

"Don't you know? No men are allowed." Link sighed dejectedly.

Kohga shrugged, "So. Just sneak in."

"I've tried. Those Gerudo guards are no pushovers, they have eyes everywhere."

"Hmm. So even the great Link can't get past them, I guess they really are sharp."

"I'm not giving up yet, I'll find a way in there." Link had a determined smile on his face. "And then I can make something really amazing. Just you wait."

"I look forward to it."

Kohga loved seeing Link talk excitedly about something he loved. The boy was often too serious, trying to hold himself to an impossible standard, so it made him smile to see him relax more. Kohga then noticed Link had a bit of honey glaze smeared onto his cheek, "Hey Link, you got something on ya." He pointed at his own face to clue the boy in.

"Huh?" Link wiped his cheek with his arm, but the smear was still there.

"Let me get it." Kohga licked his thumb and rubbed the side of Link's cheek.

Link froze, he found himself locked in Kohga's gaze while he felt the warmth of Kohga's thumb caress his cheek with an intimate measure of care.

"There." Kohga licked his thumb, savoring the taste of the glaze.

"Um, th-thanks." Link held his cheek. Am I blushing? Oh Goddess, I hope I'm not blushing!

Kohga stretched out his arms and yawned like a sand seal, "Well, I think I'm ready to hit the sack. Thanks for the meal, it really was excellent." He stood up, taking the bowl out of the dazed looking boy's hands, "You should probably get some rest too."

"Uh, y-yeah." Link got up, shaking his head.

"Sleep tight." Kohga said with a wink.

"You too." Link said shyly, hesitant to let his eyes meet with his master's once more.

They made their way to their beds when they heard a woman cry out in distress. Link looked over to see a couple who had just arrived at the stable. A dark-haired woman clutched her waist heavy with child and at her side was her frantic looking husband who held her by the arm. Her brow was laden with beads of sweat, indicative of the woman's terrible pain. She was just barely able to stand on her two feet.

"I need one bed for my wife tonight." The man spoke urgently to the owner of the stable.
Piaffe, a rather effeminate looking fellow, addressed the couple regrettably, "I'm sorry sir, but we're all booked for tonight."

"Please! Won't you make an exception, she's suffering from awful contractions, she just needs to rest."

"I'm sorry sir, truly I am but I have nothing that could-"

"She can take my bed." Kohga's voice rang loudly across the room.

The pleading man turned to Kohga immediately, "Oh! Thank you! Thank you, sir, I'll repay you for this!"

"No need." Kohga helped the man bring his wife over to the bed.

Link looked over at Kohga, who now had nowhere to sleep. "Uh, master, you could have my bed."

"Nah, it's fine. It's not like I've never slept on the floor before." Kohga slumped down next to Link's bed.

Piaffe came up to Kohga with a handful of rupees, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience sir, here your charge for the bed."

"Keep it, I'll cover it for them."

"Are you certain, sir?"

"Absolutely." Kohga waved away the proprietor.

"Well, if your mind's made up."

"It is."

"Very well sir, thank you. The next time you spend a night here, the bed will be on us; I promise you that!"

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

Piaffe slinked off to discuss the new arrangement with the couple.

"That was very kind of you, master."

"Anyone else would've done the same." He shrugged.

"You sure you don't want to switch-"

"I'm not going to let my pupil sleep on the floor for me. What kind of man do you think I am?"

I guess I should know better than to argue with him. "Ok then, goodnight Master."

"Goodnight Link."

Link laid down on his side and pulled the blankets over him. He closed his eyes, ready to drift to sleep when suddenly a heavy weight planted itself next to him on the bed. His eyes flung open to see Master Kohga laying right next to him on the bed, "Hey! I thought you said-"

"Well, thinking it over and seeing as you're so small, there's plenty of room for both of us." Kohga said without batting an eye.

Link tried to protest but didn't know what to say. Technically, he was right. They both fit on the bed, albeit if either of them moved in their sleep someone might end up on the floor, anyway. Link noticed that Kohga's breathing became slow and deep. Did he fall asleep already? "Master Kohga?" he whispered. No response except a slight nasally snore. Link could smell the hint of honey from Kohga's breath. He was becoming very aware of how close he was to the man's face.
Kohga's features were mostly sharp, he had a strong jaw, a hooked nose and smooth dark skin. Link wondered, had Kohga always been this handsome? He felt as if he was seeing him for the first time. How had he not noticed before, he wondered? One thing that was always apparent was the abundant body heat that he always seemed to radiate. The man was like a living campfire, thermal and inviting. Link wanted to move closer to him. But he wouldn't just be content with being closer to his master. He wanted to feel the touch of his skin. Link felt his spine shiver at the anticipation of his thoughts. Am I really . . .?

Since waking up from his brush with death, dealing with emotions had been difficult. Everything was new, and it was frightening. Somehow Link had found the courage to face most of it head on, but this was different. He felt uncertain of himself. He was worried, but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly made him anxious. He knew he yearned for something, but he was scared. Afraid that if he reached out to connect to that warmth, he would only get burned. It would be better to pretend those feelings didn't exist, he told himself. This is enough. I don't need more.

Link closed his eyes and tried relaxing his body, hoping he'd be able to fall asleep, eventually. He waited a couple minutes but then in typical teenage contrarian fashion; he ignored his own reasoning and carefully scooted closer to Kohga. Allowing himself to be enveloped in the warmth and scent of his master.

It was early dawn when Kohga awoke to the lovely sight of Link's cherubic face mere inches away from his. Link's hair was smothered, and his pillow had a small puddle of drool seeped into it. He couldn't bring himself to wake the boy, he was even mumbling in his sleep. It'd be rude to disrupt his dream after all.

"M-master," Link muttered in his sleep.

Kohga chuckled, the sound roused Link to open his eyes. He looked slightly confused, as though he'd forgotten where they were. Then when his eyes met with Kohga's the boy immediately burned bright red.

"Were you dreaming of me?" Kohga said with a cocky smile on his face.

"N-no! Of course not!" He tried to deny, quickly sitting upright and turning away, obviously trying to hide his face, "What do you want for breakfast?" He said, attempting to distract Kohga.

"I'm old-fashioned. Got any eggs?"

"Yeah, with some fried rice?" Link added while he hastily put on his boots.

"Sounds perfect." Kohga followed suit.

They set off on horseback and followed the trail that went through the Gerudo Canyon. The morning wind of the canyon was light and crisp, a pleasant change of pace from the dry desert air. Their next shrine would just be a quick ride away, passing Mount Nabooru. Link recalled passing by it on their way back from Kakariko. They sped past a few travelers and dodged some debris that fell from the cliff sides. When they came close to one of the old archways that once fortified where the walls of the canyon connected, Link noticed a familiar airborne green and red target that was just barely noticeable within the cleft of the archway.

"Master Kohga, hold on!"

Kohga reigned in his stead just in time to see Link flip off the back of his horse and shoot an arrow towards the cleft while mid jump. When he rejoined the boy beneath the archway, he saw that he was holding something in the palm of his hand and had a small satisfied grin.

"What's that about?"

"Uh nothing." The boy said with a little awkwardness.

"Reeeeeally? So you just practice your acrobatics and archery at any given time and then smile at your hand just for kicks?"

Link remounted his horse, "No, it… you wouldn't believe me."

"Try me."

Link spurred his mare to a trot, "Um, ever heard of the children of the forest?"

"Hmm," Kohga held his chin inquisitively, "Forest spirits? I've heard tales."

"Well," Link hesitated gripping the reins of his horse tightly wary of how Kohga's reaction. "I can see them. I've found them hidden all over the place. Under rocks, among trees and other places. It's sort of like a game. When I find them, they give me one of these." Link showed Kohga a tiny oblong cream-colored seed.

For once Kohga looked truly dumbfounded, "You really are something else."

"Uh, in what way?"

"In a good way." He assured with a grin. "What do you do with those?"

"Nothing. I just keep them." He tucked away the seed in his pouch.

"So what do they look like, the spirits?"

"They kinda look like," Link furrowed his brow, he found it difficult to describe the creatures given their unusual appearance, "Like little tree stumps with thin arms and legs. And they wear masks made of leaves." Link saw that Kohga was staring at him with wide eyes.

"I sound crazy, don't I?"

"A bit, but I still believe you."

The boy looked at him incredulously, "You do?"

Kohga nodded, "Just because I don't understand it, doesn't mean it isn't true."

Link's mouth hung open in total surprise. He'd expected Kohga to make some joke at his expense, but he just had a gentle, serious look about him that Link couldn't recall he'd ever seen before.

"I uh, thanks… The first time I saw them, and I tried telling someone, well… Ridah called me a liar, and I'm pretty sure Endai thought I was delusional."

"Heh, honestly, I'm not surprised. Most people can't accept a reality that contradicts their own."

"Hmn." Link looked sadly at the trail ahead of him. The memory of his comrades had reminded him of how disheartening their reaction towards him had made him feel. After that, Link figured telling anyone else would garner similar results. Though he enjoyed finding the little koroks it left as sourness in his mind that he wouldn't be able to share that joy with anyone until now.

"It gets overwhelming doesn't it? The loneliness."

Link looked at Kohga in awe. He hadn't even allowed himself to acknowledge those feelings himself up until now.

"Y-yeah." Link held Kohga's gaze as if trying to ask him with his eyes how he'd known?

"Honestly, I don't think I ever get used to it, but I've found it helps when you have someone who understands. When you have someone who can listen, the burden doesn't feel as heavy as it used to."

"You? But you always seem ... "

"Happy? I am, mostly. I do my best to make sure everything is running smoothly. But being a leader means I have to take care of everyone, and that makes me see a lot of things very differently." Kohga turned to look towards the horizon, "Even when things are going well, I can't get too comfortable. So it often feels like I'm just on the outside looking in."

Link felt anguish for his master, "I never would've guessed."

"Of course not. It's part of the job. As long as I look alright, they know they have nothing to fear. That's the most important part about being a leader, giving your people the strength to always carry on."

"I can't even imagine how hard that must be." Though he couldn't fathom how the entire clan's hopes and expectations weighed on his master, he could understand how the burden would make someone feel isolated. The clan also looked up to Link, albeit in a different light, but in the end, it had the same effect. Perhaps he shared more in common with Kohga than he realized.

"It's not easy but I've always had people around me to give me strength. My father, Borhan, Mito, Golen, Ridah, Endai and especially you Link."

"Me?"

"Yeah you."

"How?"

Kohga shrugged casually, "By just being you, you've always inspired me to become stronger."

Link was lost for words. I'v e been an inspiration to him? Link couldn't believe it. How could someone like him be an inspiration to the leader of the Yiga clan? He was just a foot soldier. Link shook his head in dismay, "Everyone keeps saying that I'm so great, but I don't get it. I'm not that different from everyone else."

"But you admit you are different."

Link couldn't deny that; he knew he didn't quite fit in. He felt offbeat from the others, but not because he was better than them. He just felt like the odd man out, probably because of the amnesia he suspected. It must've changed how they interacted with him, an unavoidable consequence perhaps.

"You're exceptional Link, there's no doubt about that and humble to boot. A rather rare combo, don't you think?"

"What exactly makes you think I'm so special though?"

"Well, for starters-"

Kohga was cut off by a frantic scream in the distance. Two young travelers found themselves in close quarters to a mob of bokoblins. Without hesitation, Link spurred his horse into a gallop.
Kohga looked on with a smirk, "Figures."

One of the young travelers had her wooden shield held up while a blue bokoblin dove and slammed its club into the terrified girl. Link acted quickly as soon as he was within a few meters of the fray, he shot an arrow right on the monster's horn stopping the feral creature from landing another hit. Link continued to push his steed into a higher gait rushing to the aid of the other young Hylian girl being chased by two more blue ugly beasts. He jumped off his horse's back like before and sniped a second bokoblin.

"Gyah!" The young girl scurried behind Link as fast as her staggering legs could carry her, "Please! Help us!"

"Stand back." Link warned the young girl. With broad sword in hand Link timed his spin attack perfectly, knocking the monsters off their balance. He followed up with several swift sword strikers and made quick work of the fiends. Afterwards, he promptly collected their remains for later use. The two girls came running up to Link, the terror in their eyes now replaced by pure adoration, "That was amazing!"

"You saved us, please take this as a token of our gratitude." The girl handed him a tough elixir, then subsequently the two giggled at each other before running off. Neither gave Link the chance to return the thanks.
Shortly after Kohga rode up next to the speechless boy, "And you still wonder why."

"Helping people isn't anything that special." Link insisted.

"That's not it." Kohga shook his head, "Few people would put their own lives at risk just to help a random stranger." Kohga stated straightforwardly.

"Is that really it?"

"It's more rare than you think, having that kind of courage to face any danger head on."

Link fiddled with his arm braces. His unwillingness to speak told Kohga that he remained unconvinced.

"Look, there's the shrine!" Link pointed, eager to change the subject.

Kohga shrugged, "It sure is."

They proceeded to the Jee Noh shrine where Link made use of the stasis rune to complete the monk's challenges. It wasn't even noon by the time they were done with the shrine.

"You're getting the hang of that slate." Kohga remarked.

"Thanks, it's surprisingly versatile." Link said, securing the artifact onto his hip, "Where to next?"

"Hmm." Kohga studied the landscape of the canyon with a pensive look on his face. "Well, as far as shrines go, there aren't any more that are close by. We'd have to venture pretty far for another."

"Should we head back then?" Link guessed his leader would rather not be away from camp for a prolonged amount of time.

"Not yet. There's something we could check out that is close." Kohga turned around, facing the lofty canyon walls. He pointed towards them, "There's a tower on Spectacle Rock. I'm certain it's Sheikah, it has the same architecture as the shrines."

"Think there's loot at the top?"

"Dunno for sure but knowing our sister tribe there's sure to be something worth finding up there."

"Then let's go!" Link leapt onto his horse, waiting eagerly for Master Kohga to mount his own.

They headed back whence they came, riding southwest in the direction towards the stable. Just before they reached it, they veered left going up a slope leading them to one of many old scaffoldings that allowed them to reach the upper parts of the canyon.

"It's too bad we'll have to leave the horses here." Kohga lamented as he dismounted.

"There's no other way up to the tower?"

"More like, this is the only path where we don't have to waste effort climbing steep cliffs."

"Ah. So what's the tradeoff?"

"It's nothing we can't handle. Just a few monsters on the way up."

Link smirked, "This'll be easy then."

The hike up the canyon was littered with moblins and electric chuchus, however they were no match for the lethal duo. With Link's fighting tenacity and Master Kohga providing backup, the two made it up the canyon with just a few minor scrapes. Along the way, Kohga had to wait several times for Link while he went off to collect a mushroom or bug that had caught his eye. Link had also discovered he could use his bomb rune to blast both monsters and ore deposits, saving himself arrows and wear of his weapons.

"Are we rich?" Kohga asked when he saw Link returning with three large rocks in his arms.

"Probably not in a few more years." the boy chuckled.

"Oh, good! We should make it to the tower by then." Kohga jeered.

"Ok, I can take the hint."

"Do you always have to pick up every little thing that you come across?"

"Yes." Link said with a self-satisfied smile. "Fine, no more detours. Are we almost there?"

"Just about."

They pushed forward up the trail little more than another mile. When they finally reached the top Link felt a rush of wonder when his eyes met the enormous stone tower.

"Whoa." He marveled at the soaring architecture that seemed to touch the sky itself. He'd never seen anything so tall and elegantly built, "It's amazing." Link walked closer to the magnificent Sheikah tower, completely awestruck.

"Watch your step." Kohga warned.

Link tore his eyes away from the tower and just noticed that a murky quagmire surrounded it. He stepped carefully around the bog hoping to find a bridge but alas there was nothing of the sort.

"Now how do you suppose we can get up there?" Kohga thought aloud.

Link looked around. He spotted several metal crates just lying about, "Maybe we could build our own bridge." He used the magnesis rune to levitate one of the large metal crates and pulled it over to the edge of the bog. Unfortunately, as soon as he let go of the crate it sank down into the depths of the brown sludge.

"Maybe a different rune could be of use?" Kohga suggested.

"Hmm." Link reassessed his surroundings. There were three stone slabs close to the base of the tower. He pulled out a bomb and tried throwing it close to the stone slabs, but the explosion came short of impacting the stone. "If I could just knock down those stones, maybe I could form a bridge from them."

"That could work." Kohga pondered, "Maybe you can stasis one of those crates and use it to knock them down?"

"Worth a shot." After several dozen hits, the buildup of the momentum launched the metal cube straight towards its intended target and hit the stone hard enough causing a domino effect to occur.

"Hell yeah! Now how are we going to get over there?"

"Maybe we could launch ourselves with the crates?" Link suggested undecidedly.

"Ah, of course, that way we can give ourselves a great chance of taking a swim in the bog." Kohga snarked while crossing his arms.

"Only if you're slow." Link returned cheekily.

Kohga lightly scoffed. He was enjoying Link's blooming sass. "Fair point, but how do you plan to get back afterwards?"

"Oh, right." The boy's expression suddenly wilted at the realization that his idea would leave them stranded.

"Didn't think that far ahead huh, big shot?"

"Guess that's why you're our leader." he said with an abashed grin.

"Damn right. Now hang on lemme see the slate."

Link handed Kohga the Sheikah slate, wondering what thought had crossed his mind. Kohga looked over the runes, reading the descriptions of their functions once more. The only rune they hadn't tried using was cryonis, "Create a pillar of ice from a water surface. I wonder?" Kohga held out the slate, and to his surprise he formed a block of ice atop the mire.

"Master that's it! We can get across with the ice pillars!"

"Well, what do you know?"

Forming three pillars at a time, the two leaped their way to the stone slabs and could finally climb up the tower. It was a bit of an endurance test, but they made their way up without a hitch. There wasn't much at the top of the tower, just a pedestal like the ones outside of the shrine entrances. This one however had a rectangular groove indented in its center. Link pulled out the Sheikah slate, seeing that it matched the space on the pedestal and carefully placed it in. He heard a soft click, then the slate was flipped, and the surface of the pedestal rotated counterclockwise. The slate then prompted a new message: Sheikah Tower activated. The tower suddenly flared up with a blue glow momentarily before another message appeared. Scanning area.

Just above the pedestal a stalagmite-like part of the tower lit up with blue ancient text and as if it were water, they flowed down the stone. A single drop of blue energy fell onto the slate, which seemed to have been instantly absorbed by the slate without wetting it. The screen flashed blue and revealed a detailed geographic map of the region. Regional map extracted. The pedestal automatically returned the slate, to which Link eagerly retrieved to study the new section of the map.

"Ah so that's how it works." Kohga exclaimed while looking over Link's shoulder.

"But it doesn't show us any new shrine locations."

"Hmm, looks like you'll just have to find them on your own." Kohga gave Link an encouraging slap on the back before turning to look towards the view from the tower, "But man, get a load of this view!"

Link walked over to where Kohga was standing, just at the tower's edge. They were so high up the temperature was chill enough for him to see his breath. As if the sight from the tower was enough to give him chills all on its own. Link had no words that could properly express what he felt as he let his eyes absorb the beauty and magnificence of the expanse of Hyrule. From the daunting embers of Death Mountain to the lush fields of central Hyrule, to the distant snow caps and everything in between. There laid the majesty of the land all for Link to see. Even though he couldn't see them, Link felt as if he could sense all the living things in Hyrule were down there, breathing as one. The animals bustling across the land were little more than ants on the natural terrain. It reminded Link how he himself was also a part of it, small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This wasn't disconcerting though. Surprisingly, there was a sense of peace brought on by this epiphany.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Kohga mused while eyeing Link.

The young Hylian oblivious to Kohga's gaze could only respond in awe, "Yeah."

"You can even see Hyrule castle."

Link could make out the shadowy gleam of the dark energy that surrounded the gloomy castle in the distance. He had never been there, but even from this distance he could tell the place was massive and by the accounts of others, crawling with monsters. It was where Calamity Ganon remained confined by the power of the vile princess of Hyrule. A sense of worry crept its way into Link's heart.

"Don't worry, I'm not suggesting we go there, yet." Kohga patted Link's shoulder reassuringly.

"Do you really think we can free him?" He looked to his master with an apprehensive expression.

"I have absolute faith in your potential Link. Together there won't be anything we can't accomplish."

Kohga's assertion turned Link's worries into rubble. His master believed in him more than he even believed in himself. How could he just say something like that with no hesitation? Here Link was standing at the top of the tower just moments ago contemplating his insignificance in the universe, and now Kohga had done away with all that and placed him right at the center of it. His words had no trace of doubt. His eyes fell on Link with nothing but esteem.

"Together?" Link mumbled without thinking.

"Of course." Kohga beamed.

Link was transfixed in the warmness of Kohga's gaze. Together. It was a promise. An affirmation of the future. A vow that he wouldn't be alone. He had been longing for this feeling so fiercely that he hadn't noticed his hand was reaching towards Kohga's arm. While keeping his eyes on him, Kohga took a step closer to Link and closed the gap between them. Link felt like he should've said something but before he could a sharp gust blew over them sending a shiver up Link's spine. With Kohga so close, he had forgotten how cold it actually was up on the tower. The sun had dipped below the horizon and with it the temperature too. Link reflexively chattered his teeth and hugged his sides, "Shit its cold!"

"Looks like we better go before you freeze to death."

They made their way down the tower and back to the stable with haste. Still chilled to the bone, Link hoped he could find some spicy peppers around so he could use them to make an extra cozy dish.

"I'll make us some dinner." The boy offered.

"Anything I could do to help?"

"Ah well, I'm looking for some peppers."

"No problem. Hmm, I think I remember seeing some back here." Kohga pointed to the back end of the stable. Link followed Kohga and lo-and-behold there was a small stalk of spicy peppers. Link bent down to pick the peppers. Looks like there was just enough for the two of them.

"What are you gonna whip up this time?"

"I think I can-" Before he could finish, Kohga tackled Link to the ground. He heard a feral inhuman hiss come from behind Kohga, and then a moment later a scaly tail darted into the underbrush.

"Fuck that was close."

Link was confused. What just happened? Kohga removed himself, allowing Link to sit upright. It was then he noticed the way Kohga was holding the left side of his arm, "Master? What was that?"

"Nothing much, just a Gerudo sidewinder. You should be more careful though; those little bastards don't have rattles, so they're easy to miss."

"You were bit?!" It was all coming together, Kohga had saved him from a deadly snakebite, "No, no!" Link had gone into full panic mode, "Master you're going to die, because of me!" The dread of the situation flooded Link's eyes with tears while his mind spiraled.

Kohga shakily stood up and waved his hand nonchalantly, "What? Nah I'll be fine." He took a step back and lost his footing, but Link caught him just in time. "Not gonna lie though, it still hurts like a bitch."

However, Link wasn't listening; his mind was racing, "We have to get you help! A doctor! We need to find a doctor."

"Link I swear, I'll be-" Kohga's breathing became heavy, making it difficult to argue with the boy. "I just need… to lie down … for a bit."

Link helped Kohga walk to the stable, he asked Piaffe for a bed, "Hey how about that free bed you owe us?" Piaffe arranged their accommodations immediately and assisted Link with moving Kohga onto the soft mattress. Meanwhile Kohga was breaking out into a feverish sweat, while Link scoured through his inventory hoping to find something to help keep his master from succumbing to the venom.

"Link." Kohga groaned weakly.

Link retrieved a hearty potion and gave it to Kohga, "Please Master drink this! You can't die now, you just can't!"

Kohga removed the cork from the vial with his teeth and downed the potion, "Ah! That's actually quite good." The effects of the potion worked almost immediately, allowing Kohga's breathing to become stable once more. Though it didn't cure him it seemed to have significantly lessened the pain.

Link was tugging frantically at Kohga's hands, "Master, please don't die. I-I" His voice trailed off when Kohga's hand cupped Link's cheek unexpectedly.

"Link calm down. I'm not going to die."

"B-but the snake, its venom, it's deadly."

"It's fine. I trained my body to resist all kinds of deadly poisons."

"Wha? You're not joking, are you?" Link's panic was finally starting to subside.

"I am completely serious. I'm not gonna die from the venom. My grandad used to inject me with stuff like this since I was a kid. I've been through way worse, believe me." Not having much energy, Kohga had to let his hand drop to his side.

Link let out a startled gasp.

"It's ok. I'm just tired." Kohga reassured.

Link got up from the bed thinking it'd be best to let Master Kohga rest undisturbed, but Kohga had latched onto his hand keeping him from leaving.

"Could you? That is if it's not too much to ask. Would you stay?" Kohga pleaded softly.

Perhaps it would have been prudent to ask why, perhaps it would have been rude to question his master. However, none of that mattered to Link, Kohga needed him and that was enough for Link to oblige, "Of course Master." Link nestled himself next to Kohga, apprehensive but pleased for the chance to be close to him once more.
"So your Granddad, he taught you a lot of things, hu?" Link hoped talking would help Kohga keep his mind off the pain.

"Yeah..." Kohga stared hard at the cover above them, "He'd stick a needle in me and use a weaker form of the venom or poison to teach my body how to deal with it."
"How old were you when he started training you?"
"The first time? I think I was six."

As Kohga spoke, Link noticed a slight fluctuation in Kohga's voice. It was as though he were parched, and the words were giving Kohga more difficulty to form, "I thought I was gonna die. I couldn't move and every part of my body felt like it was shot. Sometimes it was like being burned alive on the inside for days. Other times it was like freezing but without being cold, I guess it's like… what I imagine it feels like when your body loses the life inside it." Kohga kept his eyes fixed above. It was plain to see that these weren't fond memories for his master.

Link felt himself wince. To be put through such harrowing training at a young age it must've been beyond awful, "Was it necessary to do all that? You were still just a kid."

"The sooner the better is what he'd always say. Typically, most Yiga only train in taking life, but I had to be prepared to have my life taken from me. It takes a few years to build a significant resistance to the many venoms and poisons that might be used for an assassination attempt. Back when my grandad was a kid, the Sheikah made several attempts to kill us off, so it just made sense to him to train my father and I the same way."

"But didn't Calamity Ganon weaken their forces significantly during the war?" Link pondered.

"Yeah, they mellowed out after that, but my grandad sure didn't."

"He sounds like he was pretty intense."

Kohga was silent for a moment, as if he were remembering something particularly upsetting, "… he was."

"So does this mean I'm going to get injected with poison too?" Link said with a bit of worry.

Kohga ruffled Link's blonde hair playfully, "Nah, there's no need for that anymore, as long as you promise to be more careful."

Link felt a lump form in his throat, "I'm sorry Master, I will be." He sat up, looking at the small but swollen wounds on Kohga's arm, "Let me take care of you this time."

The sudden adamant look in Link's eyes took Kohga aback. The boy left the bed and went to the stable's counter, then came back with a handful of supplies. He left the stable once more and returned with a small bowl of boiling water. Using a small swab of cotton, he dipped it into the bowl and then applied the soaked cotton onto Kohga's wound. He felt a slight sting as he realized that Link must've made a solution of salt water. The boy worked quietly and diligently as he then took some bandages and wrapped Kohga's arm with them.

"I'm lucky to have such a good nursemaid." Kohga grinned smugly.

"I'm lucky you were there with me. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead." Link said in a serious tone.

"I guess having a quasi-poison immunity was worth all those years of training." He said lightheartedly, but Link's serious expression remained. Kohga gave a dismayed sigh, "What's the matter now? Are you still worrying about me?"

Link looked Kohga in the eyes, "Obviously!" He looked away, feeling regretful of his tone. He breathed deeply before he spoke once again, "Master. You protect everyone else, but who's taking care of you?"

Kohga sat up, bringing himself closer to Link's face, "Are you saying you want to be the one who protects me?"

Link tried holding Kohga's stare, "I-I, that is…" the boy's eyes nervously shifted, "Isn't it natural that I would? You're the head of the clan."

"Well naturally, but is that really the only reason?"

Link felt something tugging from inside of him. Was this the other reason he wondered? All this time he'd spent with Master Kohga seeking treasures, training, fighting by his side, having their hypnosis sessions and the more time they spent the more there was something definitely growing between them. Link twisted the fabric of his tunic, "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me Master, I want…" He wasn't entirely sure of what it was he wanted and if it was something that his master could or would reciprocate, "I just want you to know that. And I'd," Link looked Kohga in the eyes once more, "I'd do anything to repay you for it."

"You've already done more than enough for me." Kohga said while placing the empty potion flask in Link's hands, "I don't want you overworking yourself for my account, alright?"

"Alright." Link replied, looking down at the flask.

"But if there's anything you need, anything at all don't hesitate to ask, ok?"

Link gave him a small nod. He got up to leave, but as he looked around, he noticed that all the beds had been filled while they had been talking.

Kohga followed Link's gaze, "Looks like we'll have to share again tonight."

"Ah no, it's ok you should get some rest-"

Kohga cocked an eyebrow, "Link."

"Ok."

"Attah boy. Get over here." Kohga grinned.

Even though he had just done this, Kohga's insistence made Link joining his master on the bed again unnecessarily embarrassing.

"Do you get cold easily?" Kohga asked while pulling up the blanket to tuck both of them in.

"No, not with you around." Link blushed at his own words. Ah, why did I add that last part? Was it weird that I said that? Why am I overthinking this so much?

"You seem tense."

"Do I?"

"Are you having nightmares again?"

"No, no nightmares thankfully."

"Hmm. Is there something else on your mind?"

"No." It was hard avoiding Kohga's gaze with his face literally right next to him, "Well actually. . ."

"Yes?"

Since Kohga mentioned nightmares it reminded Link of something he'd been wondering for a while since he started doing their semi-regular sessions, "Do you ever get asked to hypnotize someone for something besides um, you called it hypnotherapy?"

"Like what exactly?"

"Oh uh, I dunno, I just wondered if anyone has ever wanted you to hypnotize them just cuz?"

"Hmm. Is that what you want?"

"I umm. . ."

Kohga placed his hand on one of Link's and began tracing a small circle on the boy's open palm with his index finger, "You enjoy being hypnotized?" His voice was deep and calm, a question without surprise.

"Well uh, yeah, I guess I do." Link admitted. He watched Kohga's finger continuously move in a circular motion. It was like a feather gliding smoothly on his skin, just a light touch that was barely perceivable, "Is that weird? That I like this sort of thing?"

"Not really. Its relaxing. Its pretty normal to enjoy something that relaxes you."

"That's good." He replied heedlessly, "I don't want you to think I'm weird." He said with an airy voice.

"I've no judgment to pass onto you, Link. You can be open and honest with me about anything, as much as you like."

"Thank you Master, that's really nice of you."

Kohga watched as Link's eyelids began to droop, "Perhaps you've noticed." He continued to glide his finger along Link's palm.

"Hmm?" The sensation of the repetitive touch was oddly soothing. Link didn't even think it strange that he found himself fixated on the seemingly innocuous gesture.

"Every time you return to a tranced state it makes you happier. Is that right?" Kohga intoned pleasantly.

"Yeah." A placid smile formed on Link's face carelessly.

"Hmm. I wonder why that is?"

"I don't know." The boy said while he blinked slowly.

"Perhaps there's something in it that provides a certain need you may lack in your every day to day."

"Maybe."

"Is there anything that comes to mind?" He probed casually.

"Mmhmm."

"Can you name one for me?"

"Free… I feel more free." Link responded with a drowsy quality to his voice.

A smug grin sprawled itself across Kohga's face, "Ah yes, freedom. It's only natural to feel a greater sense of freedom as you go deeper and deeper into trance."

"Yeah."

"To go deeper into trance is to experience more of that freedom. And to have freedom is to let go completely."

"Uh huh."

Pleased with how easily Link was being induced, Kohga continued with briskness, "Giving in deeper and deeper. Letting go of all thoughts, freeing your mind and giving in to my words."

"Umhmmm." Link replied with his eyes half closed.

"Perhaps you'll be tempted to go deeper for me. Deeper and deeper, so you may be free of all thoughts."

"Yes." the boy sighed happily.

"Yes, it feels so good to go deeper for me. You'll keep dropping deeper and ever so much deeper until your mind is completely blank."

"Y-yes." Link's eyes were nearly closed.

"Drop. Free of all thoughts.

Drop. Focused on my words.

Drop. Happily empty."

Link let out a deep sigh.

"Very good Link. Now that you're wonderfully empty wouldn't it be nice to play with other parts of your mind?"

"Yes." The boy whispered dreamily.

"There's something you'd like, isn't there? Tell me, Link, what's something you wish for right now?"

"I want you close... closer to me Master."

Kohga finally removes his finger from Link's palm, but the soothing sensation remained as if he hadn't. Kohga wrapped his arm around Link's waist and pulled the boy closer to him, bringing their bodies flush against one another. "Like this?" He purred softly into Link's ear.

A coquettish sigh escaped from Link's lips, " Yes. "

"Something tells me you'd like to feel even more."

"Yes, please Master." he almost moaned.

"Alright, the sensation on your palm. Wouldn't it be fun to feel that somewhere else?"

"Mmhmm."

"When I count down from five, the feeling will jump to the place that your body yearns for touch the most. Five. Four. Three. Two. One."

"Ahhhh!" Link's back arched as suddenly he felt the sensation transfer to one of his nipples. His eyes shut tightly as the circling touch continued to tease him.

"Oh my, did you pick someplace naughty?" Kohga discerned from the boy's rose-colored face, "Then perhaps, we should allow it to multiply. Five. Four. Three. Two. One."

"Uuuhhhh!" His sensitive glands tingled with the sensation of being rubbed so enticingly he was quickly becoming enamored with arousal. It was torturous, but at the same time, the last thing Link wanted was for it to stop.

With both nipples being thoroughly teased, another part of Link responded. With their bodies so close together, Kohga instantly noticed when Link's nether region had hardened.

"My, my Link," Kohga brought his hand to Link's face to caress the side of the boy's cheek. The boy whimpered from the man's touch, needing more. Kohga let his hand reach to the back of the boy's head and messaged his scalp, "So this is what you wanted? You're such a lewd boy, lusting for your Master? I would have never imagined."

"Yes, yes please Master," Link clutched onto the fabric of Kohga's shirt, the teasing of his nipples and the sensual touch on his scalp both driving him mad with pleasure, "I need, I need . . ."

"Tell me, Link. Tell me what you desire." Kohga used his other arm to wrap around the boy's waist as he had done so earlier.

Link's moans came like huffs of pleasure, "C-come. I need it."

Kohga chuckled at how helpless Link was to his own lust, "I'll see what I can do for such a shameless boy."

"Please Master Kohga, please."

"You're so close now, aren't you? You just need that feeling to multiply once more. You know where you want it. Let it ravish you. In five. Four. One."

Link couldn't believe what was happening to his body. The same tantalizing sensation had spread to his cock, sending boundless waves of pleasure. He moaned loudly. Being effectively free of his inhibitions, he couldn't stop himself from filling the stable with his lewd voice. And despite the obscenity of the situation, no one had the guts to say anything to the two men.

"Good boy, now let it take you to the edge of ecstasy."

Link's toes curled as he shrieked in pleasure. He was flooded with a sensation of pure bliss. He didn't know if it would ever stop and truthfully; he wasn't sure if he wanted it to.

Kohga whispered ever so quietly into Link's ear, "Come."

Link's voice hitched as he finally climaxed in his trousers. Kohga held Link tightly as the boy bucked wildly into Kohga's embrace, spreading some of the moisture onto his pants. Which didn't bother Kohga in the least, as he enjoyed the perverseness of it as Link continued to tremble with elation.

"How was that?" Kohga asked, already knowing the answer.

"A-amazing." Link managed breathlessly from the affair.

"It's time to wind down. My touch fading. You need some rest, now don't you?"

"Mmhmm."

"Let that wonderful wave of pleasure stay with you and lull you to sleep."

Just like with every other suggestion Link was given, his mind quickly took it in and made it so. The tingling sensation faded, and the glow of his climax made quick work of his remaining consciousness.