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...

...

...

Link's eyes flung open. He felt the pillow under his head and the soft mattress of the stable bed. He was hesitant to get up, to face the new day. Someone was missing from the opposite side of the bed. Did he want to see them? Call out to them? Hide from them?

Link didn't know. Everything inside him felt jumbled up. He was scared. Scared at what would happen next.

Reluctantly he sat up. He looked around but Master Kohga was nowhere to be found. That wasn't a dream. Link remembered everything. Vividly.

Master Kohga and I … we … Link replayed the scene of events over and over in his mind:

What's something you wish for right now?

I want you close… Ahhhhh!

Oh my, did you pick someplace naughty? … So, this is what you wanted?

He held his chest tightly afraid its contents would overwhelm him. But I did … ask for this? He worded his thoughts slowly as if to postpone making them any more real. He had asked Kohga to hypnotize him, but he hadn't imagined that it would have led to, well, sex.

The blood rushed to his cheeks while his heart felt like it was tinged with grime. How could I be so stupid? What's going to happen now? … Where is he?

He made his way to the reception desk to ask Piaffe if he had seen his master.

"Hey."

"Mr. Lee! Good morning sir!" Piaffe yelped uncharacteristically jumpy. The man's eyes darted nervously avoiding Link's at all cost.

"Have you?" he began, but Piaffe's nervousness proved more distracting, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing, sir. It's just, ah this may sound rude, but" the man leaned over the counter to whisper to Link, "Could you and your partner keep it down next time?"

The embarrassment burned brightly on Link's face. Link now understood Piaffe's awkwardness; he felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner.

"I uh, I'm so sorry about that. I-t won't happen again, I promise!" Link bowed deeply before making a hasty retreat outside the stable.

Some of the patrons from last night were still here and they looked at Link with awkward if not downright judgmental stares. As he walked past them, he could hear them whisper behind him most assuredly commenting on his indecency. He could feel their eyes on him as his skin began to prickle in shame and discomfort. He quickly scanned the area and found Master Kohga by the outdoor cooking pot. He rushed over to him desperate to get out of the line of sight of the stable folk.

"Link! Good morning." Kohga stood up greeting Link with a broad smile.

The worry Link thought he would feel when he met eyes with Kohga dissipated instantly. There was only a warm fluttering in his chest and something about it made Link feel just a little embarrassed.

"Ah, good morning." Link replied timidly.

"I tried making us some breakfast." Kohga handed Link a plate of nearly blackened rice and extra crispy eggs. "Sorry. I think I overdid them a bit."

"It's fine." Though the food didn't look very appetizing the gesture warmed his heart.

Kohga placed his hand on the boy's back and Link allowed himself to be guided to sit next to his master. He took a couple of spoonfuls, then realizing how hungry he was he promptly scarfed down the whole plate. Link looked over at Master Kohga who was still eating.

"So, um about last night?" Link spoke softly.

Upon finishing his plate Kohga returned Link's gaze.

"I …" Link was trying to find the words but he couldn't decide how to begin. So much had happened and all too quickly. It was too much, his heart felt like a knot of emotion.

Kohga patiently waited for Link to speak. His expression was unreadable. It was somewhat unnerving.

Link recalled his conversation with Piaffe. His behavior had been shameful, but it wasn't his fault, right?

I was hypnotized. If it wasn't because of that, I wouldn't have been so loud. What am saying? I wouldn't have been humiliated in front of all those people last night!

Link stood up suddenly his voice was a shaky shout, "You shouldn't have done that!"

Kohga leaned back, "What are you referring to exactly?"

Now it was hitting him, fervid anger. The fact that he had to spell it out was even more humiliating.

"I …" Link had to consciously will himself to keep from trembling out of rage, "I trusted you and you had sex with me."

Kohga crossed his arms, "Hold on. First of all, we did not have sex. You had an orgasm and I never even touched you. And secondly who is the one who asked to be hypnotized?"

"I-I did, but I didn't want-"

"You did want it. I only asked you what you wanted during the session. I know you remember. Or are you going to deny that too?"

"I'm not denying anything!"

"Then explain why you asked me to hypnotize you last night?"

"I-I don't know. I just."

"You don't know?" He chided with a slight timbre of mockery in his voice.

Kohga stood up. He took two steps towards where Link stood, "You accuse me of betraying your trust but it's you Link." Kohga loomed over Link while the deepness of his voice commanded his undivided attention, "You're the one lying to yourself. Once you were under trance your subconscious desires spoke freely and truthfully."

Kohga held Link's arms. The boy tried shoving them away but Kohga's grip remained firm, "You remember what I told you don't you? If there was ever anything you needed, you needn't hesitate to ask. I meant what I said Link. You asked this of me, and I took care of you. It didn't matter what it was, because that is my vow as a leader."

Link wanted to object, he still hated how he felt about the whole ordeal but Kohga's stare was near impossible to break free from. Without even realizing it he was already losing the battle. Those radiant golden eyes dominated him, quelling his ability to fight back, like a fire being smothered.

Seeing the boy's struggle die down, Kohga loosened his grip on Link's arms, "What are you afraid of?"

Afraid? Link thought he was angry with Kohga. He was angry, wasn't he? Except now he felt something like fear vexing the back of his mind. The more Link looked into Kohga's eyes the more ashamed he felt rendering his voice no louder than a whisper, "Why didn't you stop me? I was, in front of all those people."

Kohga's voice shifted to a gentler tone, "Are you upset with how much you enjoyed it?"

"I didn't enjoy it."

"Link, what did I just say about being honest? It's alright if you did."

The boy shook his head, "No. That can't be. I-I'm not like that."

Kohga let go of Link's arms, "So you say, yet you still asked for it despite being aware of all the people around you. In fact, because you were under hypnosis, you were actually hyperconscious. So you definitely weren't opposed to having an audience."

Link covered his mouth with his hands, reeling with contempt for himself. He remembered how he felt. He still didn't want to believe it, but he couldn't refute Kohga's words.

"Link," Kohga gently pulled Link's chin upward to look up at him again, "If there's something you can't face then perhaps, we should hold off on any further sessions."

Sudden panic hit Link, "What? Why?"

"If you're not ready to take responsibility for your own unconscious desires or otherwise then it'd be best to avoid putting you in that position. I'm your leader, not your ward. I can't protect you from yourself."

"But-" Link was cut off by another voice that was fast approaching.

"Master Kohga!"

The freckled-faced young man took a moment to catch his breath, "Thank goodness I found you!" He looked as though he'd just ran a marathon.

"Jinsai, what's the matter?" Kohga spoke with tangible concern.

"It's back. A Lynel has been spotted close to the hideout."

Kohga's face turned grim, "I appreciate you coming out here to notify me Jin. I'll see the two of you back at camp."

Without waiting for a response from either of them, Kohga blurred out of existence. Only a plume of dust lay in his wake.

"Sweet Farosh! He sure is fast when he needs to be!" the young man exclaimed while he removed the sweat from his brow.

Link cursed to himself, the timing was terrible. There was still more he wanted to say to Kohga but alas he was gone.

"Come on let's catch up to him." Link said.

"Wait, give me a sec. Do you have some water?"

Link fetched a cup of water for the lithe man. Out of their scouts, Jinsai was one of their best. Fast and nimble with an impressive talent for tracking.

"Here, drink up." Link handed his comrade the refreshing drink.

"Thanks, champ." Jinsai took the cup and chugged with zeal. "Phew! I needed that. Hey, why don't we take our time heading back, there's no way we'd catch up to Master Kohga. That man is a speed demon compared to us."

"If you need to rest it's fine Jin, I can go on my own." Link wanted to get back to the hideout as soon as possible but didn't want his friend to overexert himself for his sake.

Jinsai pouted before shaking off some of his weariness, "No, it's ok." He leaned down stretching out both legs, "Ok! Ready to haul ass when you are!"

The two Yiga departed the Gerudo stable and ran towards the hideout as quickly as they could. On the way, Jinsai explained to Link how every blue moon a Lynel would wander close to the camp's grounds and so as a precaution Master Kohga and a team of foot soldiers would work together to lure the beast further up the Gerudo Highlands.

After about a mile into the desert, a high-pitched ringing noise startled Link to a halt.

"What the heck is that?" Jinsai asked looking all around in bewilderment.

The ringing had stopped just as they had. Link took a few steps forward assuming it was his movement that had caused the ringing to go off. And sure enough, the resounding noise continued to emanate from his Sheikah slate. He opened the screen and saw a small blue icon blinking indicating a shrine was nearby.

"It's a sensor for the shrines." He explained to his freckled-faced companion.

"Oh, that stuff you and Master Kohga were looking into? Should we look for it?"

Link shook his head, "No. It can wait, we need to get back to camp first."

They carried at a determined pace. Nor sun, nor sandstorm could slow them down. Thanks to Jinsai navigating through the blinding sandstorms was a breeze. The man knew the desert like the back of his hand. They avoided monster camps without having to take detours and skill Link wished he had for it made traversing back and forth from camp much faster.

The Sheikah sensor went off a few more times as they continued through the desert but there was no time to check. The safety of the clan came first, though it excited Link that the desert still had many secrets yet to be discovered.

When they reached camp, they were greeted by a tiny pair of hands that waved at them enthusiastically.

"Daddy! Daddy! You're home!"

Jinsai picked up the small black-haired girl that was jumping eagerly at their feet, "See didn't I tell you I'd be fast?"

"Super-fast!" the little girl chimed.

Jinsai nuzzled his nose against his daughter's cheek, causing her to giggle, "Hey Mila honey, where's mama? Shouldn't you be with her?"

Mila shrugged innocently.

"She's fast, like her father." A tired voice said from a distance.

Link watched as Kohma, dragged her feet over to meet with her husband and daughter. Knowing how fleetfooted Jinsai was, there was no doubt that Mila must be a challenge for both parents to keep tabs on at all times.

Kohma suddenly turned to Link, "Oh, Link! Master Kohga asked me to relay a message to you. He said …" The long black-haired woman brought her fist to her forehead momentarily losing her train of thought. "Oh, that's right! He said to go to his office, he left something for you there."

"Oh, thanks Kohma. Thanks, Jin."

"Ah, think nothing of it champ. We'll catch you later then?"

"Yeah see ya. Bye Mila."

"Bye Link!" she waved her tiny hand vivaciously.

Link hurried to Master Kohga's room which doubled as his "office". There on his desk lay a sophisticated artifact with a note attached to it saying: "A paraglider to help you on your mission."

"I take it you're all set then?"

Link was startled to see Teru waiting at the door, "Teru what're you?"

"Master Kohga asked me to assist you in finding more shrines." He said flatly with his arms crossed.

"Oh. Well, thanks but I was actually going to go help with the Lynel."

"Yeah, about that, Kohga's orders were for you to stay focused on the shrines. So you won't be joining them."

"Oh. Ok then." Link looked back at the paraglider dejected. Compared to a Lynel the shrines didn't feel like a crucial mission to be on at the moment.

"Do you need to restock on items? Because I'd rather we get going as soon as we can."

"Uh, yeah. Just give me a few minutes."

"Sure. I'll be waiting at the entrance." Teru turned and left.

Link changed out of his soiled clothing and into his Yiga armor. He then grabbed provisions from the kitchen before meeting Teru at the camp's entrance. Link was grateful he wouldn't need his traveler disguise since he was paired with Teru for today. His comrade preferred to work fast and avoid civilians whenever possible.

Link suggested that they head east towards where the Sheikah sensor had alerted him earlier of a shrine's presence. Teru without question obliged. He seemed intrigued by the Sheikah slate, even asking Link to allow him to examine it. Though Link couldn't help feeling there was some sort of distance between them that hadn't been there before.

"So, did I do something that upset you?" Link inquired cautiously.

"Why do you ask?" Teru looked at Link with a stern face.

"Because you're acting like you were forced to do this."

"I was."

"Right but, it feels like you kinda hate me now."

"I hate everyone, you know that."

"I know but-"

"You're being stupid. Now, where is this shrine anyway?"

Link sighed in defeat.

They continued their trek through the harsh wasteland when finally they came to a pass near the Great Cliffs when the sensor began to chime. They could see another Sheikah tower up ahead of them, though the sensor seemed to indicate the shrine was not quite in the same direction as the tower.

"That ringing is starting to get annoying." Teru grumbled.

"I know but bear with it there's a sandstorm up ahead, so it'll help us get through-" Just as they reached one of the archways of the Great Cliffs they were engulfed in the sandstorm and the Sheikah slate went silent.

"Uh." Link opened the slate to see his map had become static.

"What's the matter?"

"I uh. I think the sandstorm is messing with the slate."

"Great, so now what?"

"It's gotta be around here. Maybe we're close?"

"Suuuure, maybe we could just waste our time wandering aimlessly hoping to just stumble across it, or maybe it's still miles away from us."

Link clenched his fist this was becoming more a test of patience than anything else. It always was with Teru. He took a deep breath determined to keep his cool, "Please, can we just try?"

Teru sighed obnoxiously, "Fine, only because I know you'll get lost if I leave you out here on your own."

Unsure of where to go Link decided to just walk north. He followed the side of the cliff, at least that way he wouldn't end up walking in circles. The sandstorm was quite dense only allowing a couple of feet ahead of visibility. Beyond that everything became an ominously darkened blur. They found some ore deposits as the wall of the cliffs began to bend. Using his bombs Link procured several salt and amber deposits, and even some opal and ruby too.

"Teru, some rare ore! See it's not a total waste of time." Link exclaimed cheerfully.

Teru merely rolled his eyes.

Jeez, what's his deal?

Link decided to circle back. Due to the thickness of the sandstorm, it was possible the shrine might be closer to them than they'd be capable of perceiving, so it seemed prudent to retread the area. Link just hoped he'd find the shrine sooner rather than later. Luckily on his way back, he saw the silhouette of a shrine that stood atop a rather large and imposing rock.

"There!" Link dashed towards the shrine. With newfound urgency, Link climbed up to where the shrine lay.

Though Link didn't see it, Teru was visibly impressed with Link's agility to scale the rock. However, what Link did see was Teru struggling to reach him. Link lent him a hand, to which Teru was silently grateful that the boy didn't take the chance to ridicule him for his lack of athletic ability.

One short elevator trip down and Teru was floored by what he saw.

"Goddesses in the heavens!"

"If you think this is impressive wait till you see what's at the end of it." Link smiled smugly.

"Are you kidding me," Teru quickly made himself personally acquainted with one of the lamp pillars, "This straw rope style of sculpting, the symmetry and arrangement of this room is incredible!"

Link gawked in response, never expecting to see the man so keen on anything. Teru stood up seeming self-conscious due to his sudden one-eighty.

"I mean, it's not like I expect a lout like you to understand."

Link just smiled, this new side of Teru was far more intriguing than his usual unfriendly front.

As he made his way through the temple, he noticed Teru jotting down notes on a small pad. From the corner of his eye, he saw several rough sketches of the various objects that resided in the shrine.

"What's with all the scribbling?" Link inquired curiously.

"Did you actually think I came here just to watch you dick around." Teru responded flatly.

"No, of course not. I just expected you to be an asshole for the whole mission."

For just a moment Link thought he saw Teru's lips crack a smile.

"Its research. I've been studying the remains of the Sheikah for a few years now."

"Really, what for?"

Teru sighed, while he looked straight ahead, "Don't you ever wonder how things ended up this way?"

"What do you mean exactly?"

"The Sheikah were the most technologically advanced society how did they even make all this stuff in the first place? And why would they just give it all up?"

"Because of the royal family, right?"

"Still, they could've overthrown them. Why would they just resign to living like peasants for a bunch of privileged snobs?"

Teru's chestnut eyes looked pained. Link wondered what would've become of their clan if they hadn't split from the Sheikah. No doubt that Teru had meditated on this same line of thought many times before. Perhaps he could fathom some prosperous future that could've been theirs had history taken a different route.

To arrive at the monk's enclosure Link and Teru took one final ride on a moving platform. When they hopped off onto their destination Teru froze upon seeing the monk. Link went on as usual and received the spirit orb. As the monk began to disappear Link heard the soft plop of Teru's notepad falling onto the floor. Link picked it up and returned it to the wide-eyed Yiga.

"Are you going to be ok?" Link asked seeing his comrade was staring past him.

Teru drew in a deep breath, regaining his composure. He retrieved his notepad from Link and spoke softly, "Yeah. I'm just…"

Link remained silent waiting for Teru to complete his sentence, but the young man simply remained silent, his eyes stuck on the cover of his notebook. Teru looked back at where the monk was, drinking in the details with his eyes.

"Um, we should go soon Teru." Link awkwardly moved past Teru. He didn't know what to make of him in this state. Teru just nodded and followed Link back out.

When they emerged from the shrine, they were pleasantly surprised to see the sandstorm had passed. Link looked out to the dunes and cliffs mesmerized in its beauty once again.

"So, where to next?" Teru asked.

Link scratched his head, "Well, I guess we could go back home now. I don't have any other leads."

Teru slumped in disappointment, "Oh, alright then."

Over the past months of reacquainting himself with the young man, Link came to expect Teru's unsociable personality, and never found his quiet demeanor off-putting. However, as they walked through the sand Link felt himself being suffocated by the silence. He supposed it was normal to be surprised to see another side of his brother in arms but even so, he felt compelled to break the silence.

"I don't suppose you'd have any ideas where to find more shrines?"

Teru continued his pace seemingly unconcerned.

"Uh, Teru?"

"I heard you. I'm just thinking." Teru's brow slowly creased as he held his chin with one hand, "The Sheikah were above all other things very secretive. So it stands to reason that there should be other shrines that remain hidden."

"Like how the last one was hidden by the sandstorm?" Link discerned.

"Precisely. The one near camp was initially underground so, there are probably others like it."

"I haven't seen any other pedestals like the one it had. We probably should start searching beyond the desert."

"That's a given, so sure. But if every hidden shrine was marked by the same feature it wouldn't be much of a secret now would it?"

Link could only look to Teru with a perplexed expression. He'd never given the presentation of the shrines much thought.

"Ok. Let's suppose you're right. How would we know we've found a feature or clue to tell us there's another hidden shrine around?"

"To tell you the truth, I don't know. But most likely there'd be something Sheikah related to clue us in. I think."

"But didn't you just say if they were all the same- "

"Yes, I know what I said."

"So then what you're actually saying is that it could be anything?" Link said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes."

"Well, glad that narrows it down."

"I never said it would be easy."

"Well, I guess all we can do is keep an eye out for anything unusual." The blonde shrugged.

"There may be something I can cross-reference with what I gathered today. I might be able to find us some kind of lead or guiding principle."

"Could you really?"

"I can try, at least."

Link looked at Teru with big and bright eyes.

"Wipe that stupid grin off your face. I wouldn't be much of a researcher if I couldn't do something as simple as that."

"Admit it, you do like helping." Link jabbed playfully.

"Shut up." He pouted.

By the time the two young men returned to the mouth of the Karasu Valley the sun had reached its zenith. The slender sandstone pillars greeted them with their long shadows. An optimal zone of shelter where Link took the chance to snag a bird for lunch. He steadied his bow ready to strike when unexpectedly he saw a blinding light glint from beyond his target.

"Hey, Teru!" Link called out, forgetting the bird altogether.

"What?"

"I'm gonna go check something out. I'll be right back."

"What for?" Teru said sounding annoyed.

Link hardly wanted to explain the concept of Koroks to his grouchy companion, so he ran off pretending he hadn't heard him. Teru reluctantly followed the blonde further out into the barren land.

Link followed the blinking light towards an archway that seemed quite out of place. As he got closer, he found himself faced to face with a statue of what looked like a Gerudo warrior holding out a real sword in her dominant hand. He looked around the statue and what was left of the archway, but to his disappointment, the Korok's signature wood-like tinkling was nowhere to be heard.

"What do you think you're-" Teru lost his train of thought once he saw the statue.

"I thought maybe it was something but never mind. Let's go."

"No, hold on." Teru inspected the stone closely, "This could be." He ran his fingers across the effigy. His eyes rapidly switching from the arches to the warrior, and to the sand surrounding them, "The sword remains."

Link tilted his head.

"The sword remains!" he repeated enthusiastically.

"What are you talking about?" Link asked.

"See that?" Teru pointed at the eroded engravings on the sides of the archway.

"Yeah?"

"I can't make out what it says but, I'm sure it's ancient Sheikah writing."

"Ok." Link stared back a Teru who had a zealous look about him.

"Don't you get it? This wasn't made by the Gerudo. The style of the sculpt, its placement it doesn't match the Gerudo's architecture ancient or otherwise. And most damning of all the writing is in Sheikah. This statue was made by the Sheikah!"

Link's eyes lit up, "Which means it's a sign. For a shrine!"

"Exactly! The writing has been worn by the sandstorms but that's why the Sheikah left the sword. Because even if the statue lost most of its form the sword would still remain to point us towards the shrine."

"Teru, you're amazing!"

Teru shrugged shyly, "Like I said, what good would all those years of studying be if I couldn't do this much."

Link grabbed Teru's hands, "No really, I would've never figured it out without your help."

Link was such a bleeding heart that even Teru couldn't help becoming embarrassed by the young Hylian's charm, "Agh, you're such sap." He shook away Link's hold on his hands. "Come on we've got a shrine to find."

The two ran in a straight line in the direction of the silent swordswoman's pointing blade. A few minutes later they were in the thick of another sandstorm. Link looked back, trying to see if he could still spot the statue but to his dismay, the sandstorm had obscured their only guide.

"Don't worry just keep moving." Teru urged.

Teru's unusual optimism didn't bode well with Link. Usually, it was the other way around. Now Link was more worried about the possibility that they were truly off base and diving straight into oblivion. Teru however, remained determined and sure enough, they found another statue like their first one, with sword in hand signaling to them to keep moving forward. The two young men looked at each other relieved to have some assurance that they weren't just shooting arrows in the dark.

"We just gotta keep going right?" Link asked rhetorically, now more confidant in his comrade's deductions. Teru nodded encouragingly.

They pushed forward into the unknown. They passed in between some large rock formations; the details of their surroundings remained largely obscured from them. Unease gripped Link as he continued to move forward since anything could potentially jump out at him at any given moment and he wouldn't see it coming. Now more than ever he couldn't afford to let his guard down. And with good reason as there were several clicking and monstrous gurgling that indicated that they were close to a Lizalfos camp. Thankfully since the storm was obscuring so much around them it was safe to say that the monsters were also not privy to Link and Teru's presence. They slowed their pace momentarily just until they were certain they had passed the camp. Though the fiends may not have good eyesight they'd surely hear them if they treaded carelessly.

After what felt like a rather long stretch, they met once again with another Gerudo swordswoman. This one guiding them to veer towards the right. Link wasn't sure but it felt like the further they walked the hasher the storm felt. To his surprise a short while later he saw a couple of odd pillars just ahead of him. But as he and Teru drew closer he realized they weren't stone pillars. No, they were the remains of some bygone beast. And there he saw it. Within the hollow of the enormous skeleton was a shrine, and without a second thought, Link ran towards it with newfound excitement.

"We did it!" He exclaimed with a triumphant smile.

Teru only managed to return Link's enthusiasm with a small smile, "Come on then, let's go inside."

Without further ado, Link activated the shrine and they both went in. Teru once again marveled at the shrine's interior while Link quickly fulfilled the shrine's simple task. When they got out of the shrine, the sandstorm had conveniently subsided and the sun was showing its last traces of light on the horizon. Teru expressed his desire to head home, but Link managed to convince him to wait while he climbed the top of the skeleton. When asked why Link only gave Teru a vague answer doubtful the logic-driven scholar would consider the existence of his little forest friends to be anything more than a myth even with his Korok seed as proof. After that, though not a single second of time was wasted on getting back to the hideout.

Link scrubbed the dirt and grime from his body. Washed his hair and rinsed it thoroughly before entering the hot spring. He sat in the shallow end of the onsen, which was still deep enough for him to soak his whole body comfortably in the near-boiling water. He closed his eyes, listening to the harmonious chips of the crickets nearby, his only companions in the spring.

He was alone.

Link had invited Teru to join him, but Teru declined due to being too excited to look over his notes. Endai and Ridah were still on mission with Master Kohga dealing with the Lynel. Given how late it was, everyone else was most likely asleep or getting ready to. It was inevitable he'd sooner or later find himself without company. It shouldn't have been a big deal, after months without his memories he should've gotten used to this by now. But for Link it was in these moments, when there was nothing to do and no one around, that he found it was harder to feel at ease. The silence was like a reminder of the emptiness. Of what remained missing.

He tucked his legs into his chest and held them there. During the day, it was easier to stay distracted but here in the ambiance of the onsen, his thoughts came bubbling to the surface.

Master Kohga.

'If there's something you can't face... If you're not ready... perhaps, we should hold off…'

A frown formed on Link's brow.

It's fine, I don't need more sessions.

It's not though.

It's not like I won't see him anymore.

That's not the point.

It doesn't matter.

Yes it does! I want to be close to him.

No! Shut up!

Link wrangled his fingers into his hair.

I'm happy when he's around when we're together.

No, stop it! It's never going to happen!

But why?

Because!

Because what?

BECAUSE I'M SCARED!

"I'm…" Link's reflection in the water stared back at him with a few tears escaping from his eyes.

Link retreated to his room, ready for bed. Except he couldn't sleep. He was wide awake. Still thinking. He lay there on his bed for several minutes until he finally decided enough was enough and got up. He went to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. It didn't make him anymore sleepy, but it was something at least. He was just about to leave when Mito came in. She greeted him with her usual good-humored voice as she pushed her glasses further up the bridge of her nose, "Oh, Link fancy seeing you here at this hour."

Mito was a stout middle-aged woman with big curly hair. Most of her head was grey except for the singed curls that bordered her face; that made her look like a cat with frizzed black whiskers.

"Experimenting with pyrotechnics again?" Link guessed.

"Oh! This, well yes. Can't blame a gal for trying now right?"

She inched closer to Link's mug, sniffing curiously, "What are you drinking there dear?"

"Tea."

"Tea?! Move over hon, I need a fresh cup of coffee."

Link scooted over; Mito was short but quite the firecracker.

"I'm in the middle of revising some tests and I don't plan on taking any breaks." She pulled up a stool to elevate herself above the stove. Then with a sort of frenetic but precise energy Mito grounded herself some beans and began to prepare her brew for the long night. While she waited for the water to boil, she turned back to look at Link.

"Are you alright dear? Shouldn't you be headed for bed?"

"Uh, I'm having trouble sleeping. Again. You wouldn't happen to have something that could help me with that would you?"

"Hmm." Her eyes scrunched up, studying Link's face carefully. She grabbed her pot of coffee then gestured towards Link, "Come with me."

Link followed Mito to her study. A room that looked too small for the huge stacks of papers and books that covered every inch between the desks they laid on and the walls that enclosed the space around them. In its center was a large table littered with a wide assortment of flasks and test tubes most of which were filled with unknown substances.

"Here. Drink this."

Link looked at the small cup of strange dark liquid that Mito handed him. He hesitated for a moment sloshing it around in its cup; then downed it in one gulp. He grimaced from the taste that was partly sour and partly bitter.

"It should take effect in a few moments."

"Uh, shouldn't I get going before I fall asleep?"

"No need. It won't cause you any drowsiness." Mito pulled out a small handbook and flipped through several pages of her chicken scratch.

"Wait, it's not? Then what did I just drink?"

"Just something I'm currently working on. I figured you'd make a good test subject. Now let's see." She got onto a stool and examined Link's eyes and mouth pulling and tugging him in several directions to get a good look at him. She made several annotations in her booklet then finally gave Link a pat on his head, "Everything looks normal, though if you get some itchiness in your throat later come see me right away. As for your problem, I have some tranquilizers you can help yourself to."

"Uhhhh."

"I'm joking darling. If you can't sleep, there must be something on your mind. Sometimes talking is the best cure for these things you know."

Link laughed nervously. He was relieved that Mito had been joking about the tranquilizers while at the same time he wasn't sure he wanted to go into detail about what happened between him and Master Kohga the other night with Mito or anyone for that matter.

"Um, I don't know if I can."

"Just talk about how you're feeling now dear, no need to explain the details to me."

"Well." Link looked to the ground, avoiding Mito's eyes. "If I'm being honest. I'm feeling a bit scared."

"I see. If I may ask, is it someone or something, you're afraid of?"

Link took his time answering the question, still unsure of the answer himself, "It's kind of both or neither? I'm not really sure."

"Hmmmm. All I can tell you is sooner or later we all have to face our fears. If we don't, they'll keep us frozen in place, or in your case they won't let you get any sleep."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

"It's ok to feel fear my dear. Just don't let it stop you from living your life the way you want to live it."

Link remained silent for a while. Evaluating Mito's words in his mind. He thought again about his conversation with Kohga. 'What are you afraid of?' Then suddenly another fear snuck upon him, "Mito, what if… I never regain my memories?"

Mito sighed heavily, "Oh Link. I'm no expert on the matter, but don't lose hope. There's still a chance you could get some of your memories back." She took the cup from his hands, "But even if you don't..." She paused upon, seeing Link's glum expression, "For now just think of it as a chance to start anew. Don't think of who you were, just do what makes you happy and who knows. Life may still surprise you."

Link simply nodded in silence. There really didn't seem much else he could do but try to "move on" whatever that meant. He bid Mito a good night and thanked her for lending him her ear, and finally returned to his room.

The next morning Link met with Teru in the dining hall and they discussed his findings. Teru assessed from his research the Toruma Dunes had some auspicious vestiges. Link eager to work on something to keep his mind busy advocated for their immediate departure.

"Hold on, it won't be that simple." Teru warned.

"Why?"

"It'll be extremely dangerous. That area is within the territory of a Molduga."

"What's that? Some kind of monster?"

"It's not just a monster. It's a behemoth that'll swallow you like a gnat in its gigantic jaws."

"Well, we've got no other leads, right? So let's just check it out and if this monster is as bad as you say it is then we'll head back."

Teru stared at Link bewildered. Link's lack of worry made him feel more troubled than the thought of coming face to face with the actual monster. Did he actually think he could take on the beast by himself? Alas, he'd have to accompany Link regardless of his judgment.

After a long trek through the desert, they reached a cliff and saw their destination a few meters below them. The place of interest was a sparse expanse, except for four torches spaced apart from one another. Link recognized the style of torches to be the same as the ones he'd seen within the shrines which meant Teru's research was right on track. Before they even got close to the torches, they felt the earth beneath them rumble and within minutes the sand began to shift into large dunes that rose and fell as though the ground was alive and breathing. The Molduga was there just waiting for them to get close.

Link pulled out his paraglider ready to just glide down to the area and face the beast head-on but Teru held him back.

"Wait! That thing will sense the moment you touch the ground."

Link studied the environment. He noticed the torches stood on a sizeable mass of stone, possibly large enough to provide him cover from an attack.

"Then I just need to run fast enough to get onto solid ground where it won't sense me right?"

"Yes, but-"

Without a second thought, Link took off descending to the area below where his foe awaited him.

Teru felt his breath come to a stop as Link's superior marksmanship and raw moxie allowed him to prevail against his colossal adversary. With quick thinking and careful timing Link found that he could lure the Molduga above the sand with his bombs and stun the beast upon contact. Giving him a chance to wail on the creature before it retreated back under the sand. The ugly bastard though large was clearly not so clever and fell for this trap over and over again. Soon enough Link was triumphant and had collected the beast's guts.

It was no wonder Master Kohga was obsessed with him, Teru thought with a pang of jealousy.

Link figured the torches needed to be lit and once they were the shrine came forth to the surface and another orb was obtained.

"Should we call it a day or look around a bit?" Link asked.

"Are you actually not tired after all that?" Teru gapped in drained horror.

"Not really. Why are you so tired? You didn't even fight the Molduga."

"We've been walking for miles through the desert what do you mean why am I tired?!"

"You should train with us more. It'll really help you build your stamina."

"Oh of course, I'm so stupid why didn't I ever think of that?"

Link was taken aback by the grimacing youth.

"Sorry."

Teru hung his head low, "Agh, stupid amnesia. Look even if I wanted to train with you guys I can't."

Link chose his words carefully, hoping he wouldn't elicit more animosity, "Is there something preventing you?"

Teru gave a despondent sigh, "I have a bad knee. Two years ago. Mito said if I wanted to keep my ability to walk, I had to give up being a foot-solider."

Link winced at the newfound realization, "Teru, I'm so sorry I had-"

"I know, I know, it's fine. I shouldn't have snapped at you in the first place. So stop apologizing."

Link looked downcast at the ground beneath him, "Do I, I mean does this happen a lot with me?"

"Does what?"

"This. Talking about things without knowing."

"Without knowing you're stomping over someone's metaphorical knee caps?"

Link looked back at Teru with creased eyebrows.

"Sorry, bad joke." He sighed again, "Sometimes it happens though I can't speak for everyone on the severity of the insult."

Link's face wrinkled with more anguish.

"God damn it Link, I'm sure they know you didn't mean any harm. It probably wasn't even that bad."

"Thanks for telling me." Link said somberly.

"Uhg, you're not gonna get all mopey, now are you?"

"I mean it. I really appreciate you being so honest with me. Even if it kinda hurts sometimes."

"Ok, sure." He said rolling his eyes.

"Can I ask you something?"

"It's not like I can stop you."

"The night of the banquet, why did you call me a 'pet'?"

Teru came close to choking on his own saliva.

"Did I say something else that was…?"

At that moment Teru spoke with all the affectation he could muster to hide the fact that internally he was screaming, "You really don't know? I would think it's so obvious."

Link's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"It's because you're always following after Master Kohga like a dotting puppy. It's really pathetic if I'm being completely honest."

Link narrowed his eyes defensively, "Excuse me?"

"You wanted the truth, so there."

Link's hands balled into fists, "I am not pathetic."

"You wait on him constantly, and you're always doing everything he tells you to."

"He's our leader I have to listen to him. These past two months I've been training with him because I've been recovering from a coma. How is any of that 'dotting'?!"

Teru kept walking, refusing to look back.

"Why are you such an asshole?"

"You're such a baby. Poor little Link, everyone tiptoe around him because he's lost his memories."

Link was about to beat the snot out of Teru, but the words had already done their damage and the pain of them held him back.

Neither one of them spoke another word the rest of the way home. While he walked Link reflected on this and many other turn of events. As loathe he was to admit it, Teru had hit the nail on the head. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he'd been afraid of that very notion for the past two months. It was like Mito said, fear held him back. And because of it he had created a barrier between himself and his clan because of it. He'd run away from the truth and all it did was leave him just as lonely.

Once they came back to the hideout, they split off immediately. Link took a quick bath and returned to his room where he found a note on his bed: Meet me at my napping spot. It wasn't signed but it wasn't hard to guess who it was from.

The usually empty arena had a couple of large cushions laid out on a large red rug. In its center was a spread of various fruits and a tray of meaty croquets. Surrounding the assortment was an array of wide pitted apricot-colored candles. The heated wax filled the room with an ambrosial scent leaving Link pleasantly light-headed.

"Have you been a good boy?" a sultry voice cooed behind him.

Link whipped his head around to find Master Kohga standing behind him holding in one hand two mugs and in another an old kettle.

"Master Kohga!" Already Link's heart was racing despite having expected to meet his master here.

"Go ahead and make yourself comfortable while I make us some tea." He suggested while walking past Link to set down the ceramic he held in his hands. He began making a small fire where he settled the kettle on and started to boil the water.

Link was about to follow him when he realized something. Teru had been right. He really did do everything Kohga asked of him with hardly any question it seemed.

"Is something the matter?" Kohga looked over at Link curiously.

Link shook his head, "No. It's nothing."

He ceased his hesitation and took a seat on one of the large fleecy cushions and grabbed a couple of croquettes. For now, he decided it he was genuinely interested in what Kohga had going on here and wasn't just blindly following orders. Or so he told himself. Although in all honesty Link could never turn down a plate full of food.

"I asked Golen to make them for me. I knew you'd like them." Kohga informed as he began to add a handful of dried herbs into an infuser. "I wanted to make up for my breakfast fiasco."

Link remained silent part of him was still upset with his master, though Kohga didn't seem to notice.

"I may not be able to cook but I can fix a damn fine cup of tea." He handed Link a mug of the freshly brewed drink.

Link carefully blew on the piping drink. It had a strong somewhat piney smell. He took a sip; it was slightly bitter but extremely smooth with a slight hint of something floral. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was surprisingly delicious, "Wow."

"Pretty good right?"

"Mmmhmm." Link smiled shyly.

Kohga poured himself a cup and enjoyed its aroma while he watched Link continue to take careful sips.

"Oh, I'd almost forgotten. I brought you something." Kohga handed over a small pouch.

Link peered into the small bag and saw several blue mushrooms, "Chillshrooms!"

Link's excited reaction brought a smile to Kohga's face, "I thought you might need of them. You were running low right?"

Link held onto the bag, he felt a small pang of guilt for still being cross with his master, "Yeah, thank you."

"We didn't get to finish talking last time." Kohga started.

Link gave a small nod while putting the pouch aside, "I was … upset … with you." Despite having just said those words, Link felt like the thought was already distant from his mind. Master Kohga was always so kind to him. It was obvious how much he cared for him, why was he upset with his master again exactly? It couldn't have been anything that bad right? It was just a … misunderstanding or something?

"Have you given it some thought?"

Link took another sip of tea. He had given it a lot of thought, the entire trip back from the Toruma Dunes in fact. After his quarrel with Teru, Link thought about the many ways this conversation could go and, in the end, he decided he wouldn't run away anymore.

"I," Link had expected to feel more nervous but surprisingly he was able to remain calm, "I don't just think of you as my leader. I think of you like …" the boy bit his lip.

Kohga listened intently as Link spoke. His eyes shown with a hint of sympathy, "Link what is it?"

Link shook his head, "I can't. I can't say it."

"Why not?" Kohga's brows furrowed with concern.

"Because if I say it, I can't take it back."

"Why would you want to take it back?" Kohga asked leaning in and trying to follow Link's cryptic words.

"Because things won't be the same. I-," Link's voice cracked, "I don't want things to change between us."

Link looked down to his hands which were tightly gripping onto the satchel of mushrooms. He was teetering on the edge of no return.

"When the sidewinder bit you, I thought you were going to die. I was so scared because…" Tears were welling up in his blue eyes, "Because, I thought I was going to lose you." He looked up at Kohga hoping he'd said enough but the other's golden gaze still looked somewhat perplexed.

Link brought the satchel closer to his chest, clinging to it for dear life, "I can't… I don't want to lose you. I want to be able to be close to you even if," his voice became a choked whisper, "Even you don't feel the same way about me."

"Oh Link," Kohga murmured. He leaned closer to Link's side, wiping the streams that had fallen down his cheeks. He raised Link's chin to have the tearful boy's gaze returned to his. His voice deep and seductive, "My sweet boy, I've been thinking. How can I make it more obvious to you?"

Time seemed to stand still when suddenly Link felt a pair of lips gently meeting his. His mouth caved in surprise and before he knew it Link was melting into the embrace. Was this a dream? This couldn't be real. How could it? It couldn't be possible to feel this happy, but with every second that passed every touch imprinted itself in his mind scorching him with a new reality.

Link felt Kohga's tongue slide over his, prodding and dancing around as if asking for more. But he had to push back for air, he lay on the pillows looking dazed at Kohga.

"Do you understand now?" Kohga settled closer to the boy's face and tangled his fingers into the back of Link's soft scalp, "I love you too."

Link's heart flipped in his chest as he lay there stunned. He'd spoken those words, and there was no going back now.

Kohga pressed in for another kiss, a soft whine escaped from Link's lips as he did. Kohga then let his other hand drift up to Link's chest.

"W-wait." Link broke away from Kohga, his face fully flushed, "We can't do this."

"Why not?" Kohga chuckled.

Link's eyes raced between his master's hand and his eyes, "B-because, you're the head of the clan. It wouldn't be appropriate."

"According to who?" Kohga played with Link's blonde locks, immensely amused by Link's bashfulness.

"To, uh s-society?" He was overjoyed but a nagging feeling kept him from being swept off his feet. His affections had been returned and that was dizzying in its own right, but now Kohga looked like a wolf ready to eat him up.

"Last I checked I make the rules around here so, I say it's fine." Kohga slid his hand down to Link's thigh and caressed it sensually.

Link grabbed Kohga's hand, preventing it from going any further, "N-no!"

Kohga halted all movement.

Link's lip trembled slightly, "I mean… I can't"

Kohga's eyes studied the boy's panicked face then nodded calmly, "You're not ready."

Link's brows creased with worry, "Is that, ok?"

"Of course," the man assured, "We don't have to do anything you're not ready for." Kohga reached back for his mug that he'd left to the side and took a large gulp. He set it down and then looked at Link with a sly smirk, "But you at least have to let me kiss you." He laid back down next to Link and kissed him on his cheek. "And hold you." He curled his arm around Link's waist. "Is that ok?"

Link nodded, accepting another kiss from Kohga. He felt a huge wave of relief, thankful for Kohga's accord. He was able to relax again in his mater's arms, "Tell me about your mission."

"Well…"

The two lay next to one another the rest of the night. Talking and sharing more than a few pecks of affection. The time seemed to fly by, and at some point, Link fell asleep. Kohga brought over a large fur throw to shield them from the cold and the two slept soundly like a pair of artic doves in their roost. Amidst the sandstone and moonlight, everything seemed to be at peace.

Kohga woke just before dawn. The valley was deathly silent at this hour. No birds or even the chirps of crickets could be heard and both sky and earth remained cloaked in indigo velvet.

Something in Kohga's body would will him to awaken without fail. It was almost certain he was the only living thing up at this hour. Even so, he dared not move. He remained in their makeshift bed as still as stone, as so not to disturb his precious champion. He watched him sleep, as he often did. For Kohga, Link was particularly entertaining to watch while he slept. Whether he slept soundly with his face serene like a percaline doll or agitated like a pup, he relished every moment of it. He never grew tired of his expressions, though he had to admit he hadn't seen his favorites for some time now, several months ago in truth.

The cold hard slam of stone against Link's bones as he was dropped onto the floor made his groggy consciousness invert to wary alertness in less than a second. He gritted his teeth in agony. To be honest, he'd felt worse forms of pain, but the unexpectedness of the fall made it a tad more unbearable to adjust to the newfound pain coursing through his body.

The first thing he noticed aside from the pain was the fact he was unable to scream. Or rather that he did but no significant sound made it out of his mouth. There was only a muddled huff. Something was in his mouth. A thick wad of cloth secured by what was most likely a leather gag. No matter how hard he pushed his tongue or tried to move his lips he gained no slack. Secondly, he couldn't see anything. Whatever was obscuring his vision was bound so tightly to his head that when he stubbornly tried to open his eyes they burned from the intrusive touch. Causing him to produce another useless scream. Only able to rely on his sense of hearing and touch Link slowly began to understand the nature of his circumstance.

As the initial pain subsided, he began to notice that he couldn't move several parts of his body. His legs were bound tightly together, while his arms were tied behind his back. Except for his drawers, he was stripped of all his clothes. The air smelled dank and damp. Wherever he was it must've been someplace that didn't get any sunlight.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions." A sardonic voice rang out, startling Link. Of course, there was someone else in the room with him. After all tied-up bodies don't just drop to the floor by themselves. However, the reason for his fright was because prior to hearing the man's voice he hadn't heard anything to tip him off of his presence. Nothing. Not even footsteps. It was as if he'd been captured by a ghost.

"I'd be more than happy to answer a few of them."

Link struggled in his bonds. The fact he couldn't tell where the voice would come from next made it all the more unnerving.

"Let's see, where should I start? Where are you? Who am I? Puh, so boooooring but I can tell you're just dying to know right?"

Link was suddenly yanked by his hair and he made a muffled sob.

"Are you scared, little savage? You should be. You're in my personal playground and I'm going to enjoy thoroughly toying with you."

Link recognized the dreadfully rhapsodic voice. It was the masked man he had fought with just before he lost consciousness.

"Why don't you make yourself more comfortable? Please by all means take a seat."

Link was shoved back into a corner where he was more or less placed into a sitting position. The force at which he had been flung left him disoriented and doubled over with pain.

"Now that I've answered some of your questions it's only fair for you to answer some of mine."

A hard blow struck Link in his abdomen. The boy lurched, screaming in unheard agony.

"Don't worry though they're simple questions, and I'll give you all the time you need to answer."

Link stiffened when he felt a hand brush a lock of hair behind his ear.

"In fact I encourage you," Two more strikes were landed on his stomach leaving him convulsing with pain, "To think long and hard on your answers, because if I suspect you're lying to me," His fingers traced Link's torso.

"Well, let's just say you don't want to know what'll happen if I do."

The pummeling stopped for a moment and then Link heard the sound of metal scraping stone from a distance gradually growing louder.

"Now let's see if you were paying attention."

Link's gag was removed abruptly.

"What color is grass?"

Link hesitated to answer. If this was the same asshole who he had just met at the bridge he should be trying to fight him. But for some reason he couldn't. He was scared of what the man might do to him with no way of defending himself.

"G-green." He stuttered.

"Good! Very good little savage, you understand how this works. Alright, next question. Who are you?"

Link gritted his teeth. He wasn't sure how to answer however, he suspected hesitating too long would garner unpleasant results.

"L-link" he whimpered.

"Link who?" the voice was low and threatening.

"I-I don't know." Link sobbed meekly.

He felt cold metal cinch a small portion of the skin and twisting it severely. Link's scream filled the room. Now that he could hear himself the pain seemed much more intense than before.

"Let's try again. You must know who you are, or do you take me for a fool?"

"N-no, I swear. I only know w-what the old man told me, but I don't know if it's true."

"What old man?" he growled.

"I don't know."

The man clicked his tongue disapprovingly, "You started out so well my sweet boy, but you've forced me to take more drastic measures."

Link heard something metal being set down on the floor next to him, followed by the thwip of what was most likely a weapon being unsheathed.

"Oh, how silly of me. You'll want to see this."

Without delay, Link's vision had been restored. His suspicions had been confirmed. The same masked man was there holding a small thin blade. The room appeared to be a dungeon unsurprisingly. The cell was scarcely lit by only two small torches of blue flame. Further behind the masked man there seemed to be a table and further yet tucked in the darkness Link could just make out the glint of several metal tools hung on the wall. No doubt they were all torture devices that Link wanted to avoid becoming familiar with.

If he could only loosen the bonds on his arms maybe he could fight back but all thoughts of escape ceased when he felt his stomach being sliced open. The blade was rather dull, so it made tearing his skin all the more agonizing. Link responded by trying to move his body away from the affliction, but the man's powerful hand kept him in place.

"Here's the deal. You have to tell me the whole truth if you want this little game of ours to end sooner. No holding out on me, alright?" As he spoke, he deliberately dug his fingers into the fresh wound, stirring the tender bleeding flesh as though it were a delectable dish. The boy screamed, louder and longer than before, straining his vocal cords. The man ceased his cruelty just as tears rolled from Link's eyes. Though there was no way of telling, Link swore he could feel the vicious smile behind the man's mask.

It was enough for Link to mustered one more scream of contempt, "I swear," he heaved hoarsely, "I'll fucking kill you!"

Threatening the man who currently had him restrained was certainly not the wisest use of his words, but Link had lost his composure long ago. Alas, his threat was only met with a sinister laugh, as though he had been looking forward to Link's obstinance. Before Link could get his labored breathing under control he was grabbed by his scalp and dragged across the room towards the table. He wailed pitifully in-between throwing more curses at his captor.

Link was tossed onto the wooden table and to his surprise, his arms and writs were set free. Summoning what strength he had left he attempted to take a swing at his aggressor, only to be easily blocked and have his diaphragm crushed by the other's fist. Link couldn't breathe, he tried inhaling, but it was as if he was being suffocated. It made it easy for his assailant to forcibly recline him to the table and secure each of his arms to the sides of the table with thick leather belts. Several more belts were used to fasten his head, shoulders, and ankles to the platform, rendering him practically immobile. Only his toes and fingers remained free which he doubted he could get much use out of.

"Now then, it would be such a shame to cut this beautiful body of yours into ribbons." He said coyly as he put away his knife.

"I have just the thing for pretty toys like you."

He walked back to where Link had just been moments ago and returned with what he could now see was a pair of pliers. He placed them at the foot of the table next to Link's ankles, then walked over to his arsenal of tools and picked out a small mallet.

"Are we ready to try again?"

"Fuck you!"

Link still didn't know what this man wanted nor did he have a real reason to withhold the information he was asking for. However, he'd stubbornly refuse to give it up, even if it wasn't the retaliation he'd hope to give.

"I was hoping you'd say that."

In one swift move, he planted Link's foot against the table and smashed his right toe. Turning Link once again into a vile fountain of screams. Using the pliers he secured a grip on link's damaged nail, "Who was the old man you spoke with?"

"I don't know." The boy wailed.

Link felt his nail slowly being tugged away. Every minuscule tug was more horrible than anything he'd ever experienced.

"No! Please stop! Please just, just stop! Stop! Stop!" Link begged.

Part of Link wished his nail would just get torn off, just so the pain would come to an end. But it didn't. It kept worsening every second and each moment felt like it was draining years of his life. He dug his nails into the board beneath him, he couldn't stand it anymore.

"H-he said h-his name was King Bospho-something!"

The pulling came to a stop, "Oh? That almost sounds plausible for the hero of Hyrule. That is, if it weren't for the fact that the King's been dead for several years."

Link saw the man retake his tool ready to yank off his nail.

"No, n-no! I swear it's true! He was a ghost, but he spoke to me! He told me who I was."

"And you would believe him just like that? With no way of confirming what he said was true?"

Link averted his eyes, "Y-yes."

His captor shook his head, "You are a very bad liar. Haven't you realized who you're dealing with?"

Link closed his eyes and dug his nails into the table, bracing for punishment… but it didn't come. Instead, he felt something odd but pleasant. Followed by a gloved hand tracing the contours of his chest.

"I bet a boy like you hasn't had the chance to experience the many delights of this world hmm?" The man said shifting the tone of voice to a seductive timbre.

Link looked down to see the man's other hand stroking his clothed pelvis and he became wracked with shame from the arousal that was overcoming him.

"It's so easy to overwhelm the body with nothing but pain. Give it too much of the same thing over and over again, and it becomes dull. That's why it's better to mix things up a little."

Link didn't think it'd be possible but in little time the new stimulus became undeniable. The strokes gradually became slower, expertly teasing him to madness, to the point he couldn't help but let out a soft moan.

"S-stop, please. D-don't." Link whimpered desperately. He was so confused. He was feeling pleasure but somehow, he felt worse than when he was being tortured.

"That's a good face." He caressed the boy's face who's eyes were already glazed over with pleasure.

He chuckled utterly bemused, "Have you already forgotten how it feels to be without pain that you've fallen to lust so easily?"

The boy whined as if to protest, but no coherent words came out.

"If you want to keep feeling this good, you'll tell me, won't you?" He gave Link a few sudden fast strokes sending him over the moon, evident by the sound of his moaning.

"What is it you're trying to hide?"

Every stroke made Link huff with euphoria. It was hard for him to concentrate but something in his gut told him it would be grave to mention the voice he'd heard in his head. He had to lie he wasn't sure why but perhaps his life depended on it.

"H-he showed me a-a statue."

"A statue?"

Link tried nodding through his restraints, "Y-yes it had an engraving on it."

"With your name?"

"Yes."

"Like a tomb?"

"Y-yes." Link's eyes rolled back, the arousal flooding his mind.

Kohga laughed, "Now why would the King show you a grave for someone who never died?"

"B-because people thought I did?"

He laughed again, "People like who?"

"People like…"

In an instant, the feeling of pleasure was replaced with excruciating agony. It was sharp and growing with intensity as his nail was yanked at a harrowing rate. Link was no more than an animal screeching till his throat was sore and he couldn't scream anymore.

"Do you really want to keep this up? I don't mind but I think you've reached your limit."

Sweat and tears drenched Link's face. The man was right. He couldn't hold out any longer. What point was there to suffering more at the hands of this madman?

"Tell me everything."

In a hoarse voice Link whimpered, "A voice… spoke to me when I w-woke up."

"Go on."

"She said, sh-she said I need to stop the beast from destroying Hyrule."

"Do you know the identity of this voice?"

"I-I'm not sure, they sounded familiar but I… I don't know. I can't remember… B-but the King said it was his daughter."

"Princess Zelda."

"Yes, that's what he said."

"And you don't know anything else?" He pointed the bloody pliers towards Link's face.

"I don't r-remember anything. All I know is h-he said that… her power was fading and th-that I needed to hurry… that I need to meet someone named Impa."

Link's tears were wiped by the man's hand, "Good boy, see that wasn't so hard."

Link wept. He'd given this man everything he wanted.

Everything.

Even so, he had a feeling this was far from over.

The man caressed the boy's face once more, savoring how the boy flinched at his touch. He left the room without another word.

Borhan stood guard outside the cell, he turned to Master Kohga as soon as the door had been closed.

"Shall I begin preparations for his disposal sir?"

Kohga leaned against the wall ruminating in silence.

"No. I'm not done with him."

"If I may sir, I think it would be wise to get rid of the boy now rather than indulge in whatever it is you're planning."

Kohga smirked, "Borhan, you heard how easily he broke." He turned towards the cell door and rested his hand on it. He sighed, "If he knew who he was he would've been determined to hold out much longer, perhaps even for a few days." His hand curled into a fist, "That is the champion that I want, and I will not be denied. I've waited too long for this."

Borhan sighed he knew there was no changing Kohga's mind now, "Very well then. Your orders?"

Kohga stared at the door, silently weighing his options.

"Prepare the White Room."

Borhan exhaled once more in displeasure, "It shall be done."

Kohga returned to the room to clean and bandage the boy's toe. Once he was done, he prepared a syringe with a clear fluid.

"What are you going to do to me?" The boy's face contorted with worry.

"Many things, but don't worry this won't hurt."

Link winced from the sharp needle being poked into his arm.

"As much."

Kohga began to undo the restraints, starting with his legs and ending with his wrists. Now free from his bonds Link made one last attempt to strike his captor. But to his dismay his arm swung slow and low, completely missing its target.

"You should save that energy for later. You're going to need it." He chuckled while hoisting Link from the table.

Link realized he was rapidly losing sensation in his limbs and it was becoming difficult to keep his eyes open.

"What did… you do to me?"

"Shhhhh. You're going to take a nice long nap. Enjoy it. It'll be a while until your next one." Kohga carried Link in his arms out of the room and down a dark hallway.

"Please… let me g-" Link's efforts to fight the drug's effects were valiant but in vain.

If it weren't for the dried tears and sweat on the boy's face, he'd almost look peacefully adrift. Those screams and tears, oh how Kohga had missed them.

Link's eyes fluttered open as the cool morning breeze stirred him awake.

"Good morning." Kohga hummed into Link's ear.

Link gasped in response to Kohga nuzzling his neck.

"Did you sleep well?" he murmured in Link's ear.

"Mmmhmm." Was all the boy could manage as his master pulled him closer into his embrace.

"Shall we stay in bed today?" Kohga said while pressing his groin into Link's behind.

"We can't, someone will see us." The boy blushed.

"Then let them see."

Kohga's words sent a shiver down Link's spine and he cursed himself for getting hard so soon.

"We should go before today's training group arrives." Link squirmed out of Kohga's grasp hurriedly and made his way to exit the arena.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

Link had just made it halfway across the area when he came to a stop. Kohga brought Link the bag of Chillshrooms he was leaving behind. Link half turned to receive the bag but Kohga didn't let go and instead pulled the unsuspecting Hylian into a deep kiss. Link's cock rubbed up against Kohga's thigh and he moaned helplessly from the accidental titillation.

"Morning wood?" Kohga chuckled.

"Yeah." Link admitted through abundant blushing.

"Want me to help you with that?"

"I can take care of it." Link said while tugging the bag out of Kohga's hand.

"No need to be embarrassed, it happens to all of us."

Only now Link noticed Master Kohga's erect cock, the sight of which made him sweat.

"W-we really should hurry."

Link ran out as quickly as he could, his heart racing with the thought of what might have happened had he accepted his master's salacious proposal.

He stealthily made his way to the baths and took a cold shower after which he readied himself for training; donning his scarlet Yiga armor. Thankfully Master Kohga was not leading this day's training session. Link was able to put all his energy and focus on his combat practice. Exercising his muscles to their limit helped clear his head which he sorely needed. It seemed when he was around his Master, he'd too often become enthralled by his charm. Forgetting what to say or just not knowing how to put his words together. This must be what is referred to as being "lovesick" he thought. It was quite annoying considering he needed to have a serious talk with Kohga about setting some boundaries.

Link first looked for Master Kohga in his room, but he wasn't there, so he went to the dining hall. There had to be someone who knew of his whereabouts. He saw Ridah and Endai eating rice and curry together. Before he could approach their table a pair of arms grabbed him from behind and hugged him possessively.

"I heard you did an excellent job with your training today." Kohga uttered sweetly into Link's ear.

Link jumped in his skin, if it weren't for Kohga's hold he would've lept several feet off the ground.

"M-master, don't sneak up on me like that."

"How should I sneak up on you then?" He teased.

"I mean don't sneak up on me at all!"

"But is it true what Jinsai told me, though?"

"Yes, I finished first on every regiment today."

"That's my good boy." Kohga turned Link's head to the side to kiss him. Consequently, Link felt a tingling in his chest and the hairs on his neck stood on their ends.

"Not in front of everyone." The boy bemoaned as he tried to break free from Kohga's embrace.

"I can't help it, you're so cute when you're embarrassed."

A high-pitched shriek echoed throughout the hall directing Link and Kohga's attention towards the origin of the shrill sound. It was none other than Ridah who now approached them like a bolt of lightning.

"Oh my gosh! It's official! You two are so together now! So? Who confessed first?" Her eyes were wide with glee. It made Link wish his master wasn't so forthright with his affection in front of others.

"Link did." Kohga answered her smugly.

She turned around and pointed to Endai in a dramatic fashion, "Ha! In your face Endai! Pay up!" She scurried over to the table where he sat and held out her open palm to him. Endai groaned and handed her twenty rupees after which she giddily stuffed them in her pocket.

Link was exasperated by what had just happened, he made his way to the table and Kohga followed.

"Uhg, Link why'd you let me down man?" Endai sighed as a result of the wound on his pride.

"Why were you betting in the first place?" Link scorned.

"Duh! Because it was super obvious you have a crush on Master Kohga, so we thought it would be fun to see if we could guess who'd spill their guts first. Of course, I knew it'd be you, Link." Ridah explained presumptuously.

Link held back expressing how uncomfortable he felt from Ridah enjoying using his love life as a spectacle.

Endai scratched his forehead, "I honestly expected you to hold out longer, guess I overestimated you man."

"When it comes to matters of the heart, you're still just an amateur. It doesn't take a genius to see that with a crush that big Link never stood a chance against the wiles of-"

"Alright don't you think you've embarrassed him enough you two?" Kohga interjected.

Link had just about enough of those two, he turned around to face Kohga remembering why he'd been looking for him in the first place, "Hey, could I speak to you, in private?"

"Oooooooooo!" Ridah crooned. Endai jabbed her side to cease her juvenile mockery.

"Of course, let's go to my office."

Kohga sat on his bed looking up at Link who seemed a bit nervous, "So? What's got my precious cucco all wound up?"

Link took a deep breath before he spoke, "I want to set some ground rules."

"Oh? On what?" He held out his hand to Link. Without thinking Link took it and Kohga pulled him onto his lap.

"I uh," Link avoided his master's eyes, afraid he'd lose his nerve. Why did he feel so nervous in the first place? Kohga's thumb gently stroking his side brought him back to the present. "No sex in public!" He blurted out.

"Hmm?" Kohga crooked his eyebrows at him. "We haven't even had sex and you've already decided you want to set restrictions?"

Link felt his cheeks redden, was he getting ahead of himself? "I just thought because this morning you wanted to-"

"Oh, I was just teasing you Link. You already told me last night you weren't ready. Did you think I'd forget already?" Kohga's hands continued massaging Link as they slowly made their way to his back.

"No, sorry I thought-"

"You thought, 'Master Kohga can't keep his hands off me because I'm so cute and sexy' right?" He took the chance to kissed Link's neck while the boy had his head turned away from him.

"N-no, I didn't think that."

"Really? You think I don't notice the way you look at me? With those beautiful eyes just begging me to take you."

"I-I don't do that." He meekly insisted.

"If that were true, you'd be able to look at me right now. But you can't, can you?"

Link thought he could prove Kohga wrong but as soon as he locked eyes with him, he became worried that perhaps his master was right. Kohga rolled Link onto the bed and laid kiss after kiss onto him. Link moaned softly. He brought his hands to Kohga's chest and pulled on his suit to bring him closer to him. Kohga resisted Link's pull and gazed upon the boy's lust filled eyes.

"You're so beautiful."

Link felt his heart swoon, he sat back up to kiss Kohga. Kohga embraced him and laid him back onto the bed. The two were ravenous until they heard a knock on the door. Kohga got up and waited till Link had recomposed himself before inviting their visitor.

"Master Kohga? We're ready to go is there anything else you needed before we-" Jinsai paused once he saw Link readjusting his hair. "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to intrude." The young man blushed, clearly having heard the news of the new couple.

"No, no, we were just talking." Kohga assured him.

Jinsai laughed awkwardly, "Well if you're all done then maybe we could tell the others you're ready to go?"

"Right, give us ten minutes and we'll meet you at the entrance."

"Sure thing boss!" Jinsai quipped and eagerly left the room.

Kohga looked back towards Link who had gotten up from the bed, "There's something I forgot to mention earlier."

"What is it?"

"I thought you might like to join us we're going to Lake Floria."

"Oh! Um yeah, I would. It'll be a good chance to find some shrines."

"I thought as much. Do you need to grab anything before we go?"

"Yeah, I'll be quick."

"Ok, I'll wait for you with the others." Kohga gave Link a peck on the cheek and then left.

Link quickly ran to his room to fetch his slate, his paraglider, and a change of clothes. He made a quick stop at the kitchen pantry for some extra ingredients as well. Lucky for him the Sheikah slate had an abundant capacity for storage. The prospect of going somewhere new was exciting enough but the fact he'd be there with Master Kohga made his chest flutter with matchless exhilaration. He arrived at the entrance in less than ten minutes where he found Master Kohga, Jinsai, Ridah, Endai, and Teru waiting for him. The group set off for the misty palms of Lake Floria.